Author's Note: So here is the next chapter to our thrilling story which I had hope to post a while back but apparently the server had been down for a while so I made do with reworking and rehashing it until I felt it was good to be post and hope you will enjoy this tasty tidbit so please read and review.

Also I created a Dropbox account and have a picture of Ashi and Toshi so you guys have an idea of what they look like, I figure these might help so go to my Ao3 fic and the link is there because something is wonky over here but there I have posted it.

Disclaimer: Blue Kitsune does not own Fairy Tail or Pokemon

Chapter 3 - Bringing The House Down with a Whoosh!

The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon as Ashi, Sora, Toshi, and Pikachu trudged along the path towards Viridian City. Exhaustion weighed heavily on their shoulders, slowing their progress despite their determination to reach their destination. Ashi, having used a considerable amount of mana in their previous battle against the Spearows, now drained her reserves even further by using her powers to heal her brother and Pikachu's injuries. Though not severe, Toshi's injured ankle still caused him pain with every step, forcing him to limp and slowing their pace.

As they neared a mileage sign indicating the remaining distance to Viridian City, Ashi suggested setting up camp for the night, knowing they needed rest to continue safely. However, Toshi refused to lose any ground they had gained and insisted on pushing forward. "I can keep going, sis. We're almost there, please!" Toshi pleaded.

Reluctantly but understanding her brother's determination and their desire to reach their destination before nightfall, Ashi agreed to press on. The thought of a warm shower and a comfortable bed after their grueling ordeal was too tempting. "Okay, but if your leg gets worse, we stop. Deal?" Ashi said determinedly.

Toshi agreed confidently, certain he could push through any pain without much trouble. After another fifteen minutes of walking, the sound of an approaching vehicle caught their attention from behind. Turning to look, they saw a motorbike slowing down and pulling up beside them. "Do you think they'll give us a ride?" Toshi asked hopefully.

Ashi remained cautious as they waited for a better look at the driver who had noticed them on the roadside. The woman riding the motorbike appeared to be in her late twenties with piercing sienna eyes that stood out against her fair complexion and dark teal hair pulled back into a low ponytail that spiked out behind her. She wore a police uniform similar to the one worn by Officer Jenny in their hometown, but something about her was different. Ashi's instincts told her they were related, perhaps twins or cousins, but there was an odd uncanniness about this woman. The officer adjusted her purple cap before addressing the two trainers she had spotted on the path. "Good afternoon, you two. I didn't expect to find anyone out here at this time of day."

She dismounted her bike and approached them, taking in their bruised and battered appearance and the Pokémon lying atop Ashi's Litten. "May I ask what happened to you? Did you encounter any suspicious individuals on your way here?" Her tone was friendly but concerned.

Toshi furrowed his brow, confused by the officer's question. They hadn't come across anyone suspicious during their journey on Route One, and they didn't think to mention the campsite since they didn't see the people who had assisted them before. But were those people the ones the officer was referring to?

The officer smoothly pulled a flyer from her bike's knapsack, the word 'Wanted' printed in bold letters beneath two photos of individuals she was searching for. Ashi and Toshi leaned in to examine it closely. Though the faces were concealed, they could make out the bottom halves - one of a possible man, the other possibly a woman or two women - wearing uniforms with a bright red R emblazoned on their chests.

The siblings shook their heads in unison. "No, unfortunately we haven't come across anyone like that. However, we did encounter some unexpected trouble on our journey from Pallet Town to here," Ashi said.

"I see. Could you provide more details?" Officer Jenny asked, pulling out her notepad and pen from her pocket, ready to jot down any information for a potential report. As she scribbled down their names - Ashi Ketchum and Toshi Ketchum - she listened attentively as Ashi recounted the events that transpired since leaving their hometown that afternoon. She described their encounter with aggressive Spearow on Route One, their attempt to escape through the forest, and the sudden thunderstorm that eventually scared off the birds but left Toshi injured and their Pokémon exhausted. Officer Jenny's expression shifted from curiosity to concern as she took notes.

Finishing her story, Ashi noticed the change in Officer Jenny's demeanor - a mix of sympathy and determination in her soft gaze. "You've been through quite an ordeal. Spearow can be unpredictable and dangerous creatures, and trainers are often warned to steer clear of their flocks. You're lucky to have made it this far," she commented, her voice carrying a soothing reassurance. She then turned to Toshi, who seemed to be in worse condition and was gingerly keeping his left foot off the ground. "How is your ankle holding up? Can you put any weight on it?"

Toshi hesitated for a moment before cautiously testing his injury, wincing at the sharp pain that shot through his leg. "It's still pretty sore, but I think I can manage," he replied, trying to sound more confident than he felt. Ashi spoke up, her tone conveying both gratitude and urgency. "Would it be possible for you to give us a ride into town? We would greatly appreciate it if it's not too much trouble."

"Of course, but before we leave, could I see some form of identification from both of you? It's not that I don't believe your story, but it's standard procedure to verify the identities of those involved," Officer Jenny explained.

"We completely understand. You're just doing your job and our mother always reminds us to be cautious of strangers, especially now," Ashi acknowledged. She released her hold on Toshi, allowing him to step back as she reached for her backpack and pulled out her wallet from the side pocket. She handed over her driver's license and her Pokédex, knowing they would help speed up the verification process. Ashi motioned for Toshi to retrieve his Pokédex as well - another piece of evidence that would confirm their status as trainers.

"Here are our IDs," they said as they handed their licenses over to Officer Jenny. She took her time examining each document, making sure everything matched up with their statements. The Pokédex also proved their trainer status.

"Thank you for being cooperative," Officer Jenny said with a kind smile as she returned the licenses to their rightful owners. "You know, you're actually the third and fourth trainers from Pallet Town that I've encountered heading towards Viridian today."

She remembered a similar interaction earlier in the day when she had to pull over a flashy limo with a cocky young man and a bunch of cheerleaders who was not thrilled with the sudden stop. However, after explaining the reason for the stop - a broken taillight - she let him off with just a warning. "It's not unusual for kids to have means of transportation, but a limo seems a bit excessive," she mused aloud.

Toshi, however, was fixated on the fact that they were the last group, meaning Gary had already reached Viridian before them. "I can't believe that jerk got there first!" he grumbled, feeling frustrated by Gary's apparent lead.

Ashi gave him a sympathetic look, understanding his competitive nature. She planned to console him later, pointing out that had they done what Gary did, they might not have found and caught the Litleo(s) and Shinx(s) along their route. However, they may have also avoided the disaster with the aggressive Pokémon.

She intended to spin the situation positively, hoping Toshi would let it go. Besides, constant driving would aggravate their motion sickness, and they only had enough medicine for occasional travel. The rest would need to be delivered by Pelipper express, as their mother was the only one who could make it following their father's complicated recipe.

Clearing her throat to regain her brother's attention, Ashi turned to the officer. "Now that that's settled, would it be possible for you to assist us in reaching Viridian City? Unless you have other duties, we would greatly appreciate a ride as close to the city as possible."

Officer Jenny tilted her cap up slightly and proclaimed to the two, "It's no trouble. As an officer of the law, I'm here to help any citizen in dire need." She calmly added, "Besides, I just had to double-check this area for any clues to the culprits. Since you said you didn't see any sign of them, we can head straight back, and I can file my report for you at the station."

Ashi and Toshi were glad to hear that this would expedite the process. Although the ride might unsettle their stomachs a bit, it seemed a small price to pay to reach their destination sooner. Toshi climbed into the sidecar with Pikachu in his arms, while Ashi, with Litten perched on her head, got behind Jenny and wrapped her arms around the officer's waist. Jenny ensured the teen had a secure grip before turning the ignition on and revving the engine a few times.

"Okay, everyone, hang on tight. Here we go!" With a roar, the motorbike sprang to life, its powerful engine filling the air with a deafening hum. Officer Jenny expertly navigated the vehicle onto the road as Ashi and Toshi held on tightly, feeling the wind whip past their faces as they raced towards Viridian City. Toshi sat in the sidecar, a mix of excitement and discomfort contorting his features, while Pikachu clung to him for dear life.

As they sped down the road at an accelerated pace, Ashi tried to ignore the queasiness gnawing at her stomach, hoping she wouldn't get sick on the ride. Toshi seemed to share her discomfort, his normally tan face turning a pale shade of green. But both gritted their teeth and pushed through as they approached the entrance to Viridian City. Instead of slowing down, Officer Jenny revved up the bike, taking them off-road onto a gravel path that jostled and shook them violently. Sora, perched atop Ashi's head, clung on for dear life while Pikachu buried its face in Toshi's jacket.

Ashi silently prayed for the bumpy ride to end before she lost her lunch, hoping her brother wouldn't beat her to it. "We're almost there!" Officer Jenny called out over the rumble of the motorbike's engine. Her focus was solely on getting them to the nearby Pokémon Center for an emergency. She had no idea of her two passengers' growing discomfort.

(For what?!) Ashi and Toshi thought in unison, gripping onto the bike for dear life. Toshi regretted not listening to his sister's suggestion earlier. Suddenly, without warning, Officer Jenny brought the bike to a sudden halt - not outside the pristine Pokémon Center as expected, but inside its lobby! The motorbike skidded across the freshly waxed floor, leaving behind marks that would be quite difficult to remove.

A young woman with vibrant pink hair styled in two loops stood at the reception desk, dressed in a pastel pink outfit with a crisp white apron. She scowled at the unexpected intrusion and leaned over the counter to express her displeasure. "That's what the driveway is for!" she exclaimed, exasperated by Officer Jenny's reckless actions and the potential damage to the recently polished floors. Those skid marks would be a nightmare to clean.

"Sorry for barging in, but we have an emergency!" Officer Jenny gestured towards Ashi and Toshi, who both looked worse for wear from the wild ride.

"Oh my, are you both alright?" the nurse asked with concern etched on her face as she rushed over to help. Ashi was on her hands and knees, taking deep breaths in an attempt to calm her stomach, while Toshi stumbled out of the sidecar and collapsed onto the floor, his eyes spinning like whirlpools.

"Ugh... please get me off this crazy ride..." he groaned weakly. Seeing how bad it was and that the two adults move to help them up and leading them towards chairs in the open lobby to catch their breath. With Officer Jenny's support, Toshi managed to sit up, still looking queasy but at least the world stopped spinning before his eyes.

"Th-thank you," he muttered weakly, grateful for the assistance. Ashi also was seated next to him and looking to the officer who brought them here so quickly but mentally swore to never accept a ride from her again in the future.

"We really appreciate your help getting us here, even if it was a bit... rough," she said sheepishly, rubbing her stomach. Officer Jenny chuckled, "It was my pleasure, though next time I'll make sure to take it a little easier on you two."

Both Ashi and Toshi paled at the thought of a second round before Nurse Joy intervened, "Please stop teasing them. If you don't mind, could you please take your bike outside while I attend to these two before you make matters worse?"

"Sure, no problem!" She grabbed the handlebars and led the bike out of the building, leaving the trainers in the care of the professional. With that taken care of, the nurse turned to the duo, "I honestly don't know what she was thinking, but is there anything I can do to help you?" As a Pokemon Center, some staff members held doctorates in human medicine and could prescribe medications like painkillers or anti-nausea remedies. Ashi and Toshi exchanged a glance before Ashi spoke up, "Um, do you have anything for motion sickness? That ride left us feeling a bit queasy."

Nurse Joy nodded empathetically, "Of course, I'll fetch something for you right away." She swiftly vanished into the back room, returning moments later with two small pills and two glasses of water.

"Here you go, these should help settle your stomachs," Nurse Joy said kindly as she handed the pills to Ashi and Toshi. They gratefully accepted the medication, washing it down with the water. Gradually, the queasiness began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of relief. "Thank you so much, Nurse Joy," Toshi said sincerely, immensely grateful for her assistance.

"It's my pleasure to help trainers and their Pokemon in any way I can," Nurse Joy replied with a warm smile.

"Speaking of which, we actually need to have our Pokemon looked at," Ashi managed to say, having regained her composure now that her stomach had settled. She indicated to both Sora and Pikachu that were next to her and also explain how they had recently caught four newly-hatched Pokemon and would like them to receive the necessary check-up, including vaccinations and other neccessaties for their upkeep.

The Nurse nodded, "Of course, leave everything to us. Chansey!" She called out, and from behind the door, two pink, ovoid Pokemon approached them. They had tiny eyes, three hair-like growths on each side of their head, and a dark pink pouch on their belly containing a single white egg. Their stubby arms ended in dark pink feet, and they had a short tail. Each wore a tiny nurse cap and pushed a stretcher with a tray for Pokeballs.

"Chansey! Chansey!" The Pokemon approached Ashi and Toshi, who placed the Poke Balls on its stretcher. They also helped the exhausted Pikachu and Litten onto the provided stretchers, which the Chansey gently wheeled towards the medical bay, their round bodies swaying as they disappeared into the back of the Pokemon Center.

"Please give us a moment to take care of your Pokemon. You can stay here or visit the cafeteria. We close at eight, and we have rooms available if you need to rest," she informed them.

"Thank you, Nurse Joy," they replied, watching as she went to check on other patients and continue her rounds. Ashi and Toshi took a moment to process the overwhelming day, their exhaustion catching up to them. Toshi slumped forward, his head resting near his knees, and let out a deep sigh. Ashi joined him, a mix of relief and weariness washing over her.

"You know, today didn't go as planned at all," Toshi remarked, running a hand through his disheveled hair. Ashi chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. "Definitely not. But at least we made it here in one piece—mostly."

Toshi grinned weakly at her attempt at humor. "Yeah, I guess that's something to be grateful for."

As they sat in comfortable silence, their thoughts drifted to their Pokemon being cared for by the medical team, hoping for the best. Ashi knew Sora was a trooper and believed the same could be said for Pikachu, who had managed to hold off most of the attackers. Still, the suspense of waiting was hard to bear.

To distract themselves, Toshi pulled out the manga he was reading, "That time I was reincarnated as a Ditto," but found himself unable to focus past the next chapter, his mind still on their Pokemon. Ashi understood his concern but believed everything would be fine. She reached out to touch his shoulder, consoling him. As her fingers felt the torn material, she realized the damage must have been from the Spearow's claws during the attack. Glancing at her brother, Ashi's mind flashed back to that moment—him lying on the ground, being attacked by the flying types, his scream, the heavy scent of copper in the air. (No, I mustn't think that!)

Ashi breathed a sigh of relief. (Thank Arceus I was there. I can't imagine what might've happened if he had gone off by himself…) A chill crept down her spine as she contemplated the potential outcomes. Pushing these dark thoughts aside, she focused on the fact that they had made it to Viridian and could now relax. However, Ashi felt she should contact the Professor and their mom to give them an update. "I'm going to make some calls. I'll be back, just stay where you are," she said.

"Okay, say hi for me," her brother replied. Ashi promised she would and headed into the lobby once more. She searched for the video phone booths and moved to use one of the available consoles. She decided to talk with the Professor first, as she had important information to share. As she waited for him to pick up, she saw his back was to her. "Yes, hello. Who is this?"

"Hi Professor, it's Ashi, and you're looking in the wrong direction." The Professor immediately swiveled around to face her. "Ah, Ashi! Good to see you. I must admit, I didn't expect you to call so soon. And you're in Viridian City already? That's surprising." Normally, it would take a couple of days to get there by foot, but seeing where she was calling from, he had to admit it was unexpected.

"Actually, we ran into a bit of trouble…" Ashi explained their encounter with the wild Spearow, keeping it brief and using the same excuse she had given Officer Jenny about escaping during a sudden thunderstorm that scared the Pokémon away.

"I see. This is quite disconcerting," the Professor replied. "I had hoped they would've found another location to nest, but I'll contact the rangers to look into this and hopefully find a way to resolve the matter."

First the Greenes and now the Ketchum siblings—these Spearow were definitely becoming a nuisance. While he didn't want to be callous, as it was in a Pokémon's nature to protect their territory from outsiders, it would still be problematic if left unattended. The Professor decided to get some people on the phone and hopefully relocate the Spearow elsewhere for everyone's sake.

With their other concerns addressed, Ashi remembered a peculiar sighting and decided to seek the Professor's expertise. "Professor, on our way here, we briefly spotted a flying Pokémon that we couldn't identify."

"Can you describe what you saw?" the Professor inquired. Ashi provided a detailed account, ensuring the Professor captured every detail. "Hmm…based on your description, it sounds like you might have seen Ho-Oh."

The name rang a bell, but Ashi was still puzzled. "Who?" She found the Pokémon's name rather odd, but kept that thought to herself.

"Ho-Oh is a legendary Pokémon typically found in the Johto region," the Professor explained, unaware of Ashi's internal musings. "My colleagues have reported trainers catching fleeting glimpses of Ho-Oh, but rarely outside its native region. It's unusual, but not impossible."

The Professor knew Ashi was not one to exaggerate or fabricate stories, unlike Toshi who sometimes embellished his tales. If Ashi claimed to have seen a mythical bird flying with a rainbow, he had no reason to doubt her.

"Professor, why do you think Ho-Oh would venture so far from Johto?" Ashi asked, still grappling with the peculiar names given to the region and the Pokémon.

As the Professor pondered the question, the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of his pizza. "That's a very good question, Ashi. I'll have to look into it further. For now, I suggest you call your mother; she's probably eager to hear from you."

Ashi ended the call, and the Professor turned off the device to retrieve his food. As he collected the pizza, he reflected on the day's events, relieved that Ashi and Toshi had emerged unscathed from their encounter with the Spearow flock.

"It's fortunate I didn't mention the bet," he mused, knowing Ashi would have been displeased to learn he had wagered on their success in catching Pokémon before reaching town.

The Professor shuddered at the thought of Delia finding out about the incident. Despite her kind nature, he knew she could be fiercely protective of her children, like an Ursaluna thrashing those who threatened her cubs. As his father used to say, never underestimate a mother's wrath when her children are at risk.

Ashi let out a heavy sigh as she finished her conversation with the Professor. She braced herself for the next call she had to make. Taking a deep breath, she dialed her home number and waited, trying to keep calm. After three rings, her mother's face appeared on the screen, clad in a fluffy bathrobe, indicating that she had just finished a warm bath.

"Hey sweetie!" Delia exclaimed with a smile.

"Hi Mom, I just wanted to let you know we made it to Viridian City," Ashi said.

"That's fantastic! You both made it all the way there on your first day. I hope you didn't use your magic to get there because remember, there are no shortcuts when it comes to—" Delia's voice trailed off as she noticed her daughter's expression, immediately sensing that something was wrong.

"Ashi, is everything okay?" Her heart dropped at the sight of Ashi's disheveled appearance and her first thought was that something had happened to her kids.

"Honey, is Toshi okay? What happened? Are you both alright?" She could see Ashi's eyes darting away, a clear sign that something was troubling her.

"We're fine, but we encountered some trouble on our way here," Ashi explained, leaving nothing out. Delia listened intently, imagining what her two children had gone through. As Ashi reached the end of the story, her voice choked up as she struggled to hold back tears. "I'm so sorry. I promised I would keep him safe and yet he almost...I could've..."

The memory of the bloodcurdling scream, the Spearows pecking at Toshi's body, and the metallic smell of blood flooded Ashi's mind. "I was so enraged and I just wanted to..." Her breathing became erratic and Delia could hear the handset creaking under the pressure of her grip. Seeing her daughter in distress, Delia knew she had to snap her out of it.

"Asharia Rose Ketchum, listen to me. This is not your fault! No one could have predicted this would happen or known the outcome. I hate to imagine what could have happened if someone else had called me with bad news. I know you've always been strong and capable, but your brother is still coming to terms with everything. You and Toshi mean everything to me, and you have always shown that you will protect him no matter what. You did what you had to do! Your father would have done the same for both of you in a heartbeat. He would have fought off anyone who threatened your safety because you are the world to him."

Delia longed to be there in person, to comfort her daughter and ease her pain. But she decided it might be better to let them handle the situation on their own. "Don't be discouraged. This was just a minor setback. What matters most is that you both made it there together," she reassured, her words soothing Ashi's heavy heart and easing the tension.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. I know Toshi is okay, but it was still terrifying," Ashi admitted with a shaky breath.

"Give Toshi my love," Delia said, "and remind him to change his underwear daily, brush his teeth after each meal, and—"

"Eat his greens and not snack on too many sweets before bed, as they cause weird dreams," Ashi finished, smiling at her mother's predictability. "See? There's my smart little dragon, always knowing what I'm going to say," Delia beamed with pride.

Ashi's heart swelled with love as she spoke to her mother over the phone. "I promise I'll call again when we reach the next town," she said, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity. When she returned to the waiting room, Ashi found Toshi exactly where she had left him - exhausted and slumped in a nearby chair. She took a seat beside him, feeling a similar weariness after the day's tumultuous events.

"Okay, so what now?" Toshi asked, his fatigue apparent in his words. "How about a quick snack in the cafeteria? I'm famished," Ashi suggested, eager to replenish her energy after the long day.

"Sounds like a plan. Hopefully, they have something good to eat." Despite their exhaustion, they made their way to the cafeteria, grateful for the opportunity to rest and refuel. As they arrived at the nearly empty canteen, they realized they were likely the only patrons for the night.

With little hesitation, Ashi and Toshi selected their meals: six turkey and cheddar sandwiches on freshly baked bread, a large bag of sea salt chips perfect for sharing, four plump oranges bursting with sweet juice, two warm banana nut muffins that filled the air with a comforting aroma, a Pecha Cola for Toshi and a Cherri Blend Sprite for Ashi.

As they savored their meal and enjoyed each other's company, Ashi and Toshi debated whether they should return to the waiting area to check on their Pokémon's treatment progress. Suddenly, their thoughts were interrupted by a loud commotion heading in their direction.

"Whoever did that is gonna pay me back every red cent! You know how much it cost me to get that baby to perfection?" Even with few patrons in the canteen, Ashi couldn't help but overhear the argument approaching from the entryway. It seemed to involve two people, one of whom was significantly more vocal than the other.

"When I catch that no-good bike thief, they'll be paying through the nose plus interest," the voice thundered.

"Geez Rai, calm down," the other person tried to reason, but this only seemed to agitate Rai further. "Calm down? You calm down, Leo! Do you know how much it costs to fix and personalize a bike like that for someone like me? That bike was a work of art, and now it's a burnt, melted crisp."

Ashi and Toshi shared a quick glance, realizing they had completely forgotten about the bikes they 'borrowed' in their excitement to get to the Pokémon Center. "I think the one I destroyed might have belonged to that guy," Ashi whispered, recalling the extensive mana she had unleashed and devastated the entire area.

Toshi's face fell as he heard the person outside cursing up a storm. "What should we do? Mom would've said to do the right thing and confess, but..." He trailed off, feeling conflicted and unsure.

"I know, but there's nothing we can do about it now," Ashi replied with a sigh as the canteen door flew open, and the two men entered. In a panic, Ashi and Toshi quickly grabbed brochures about Pokémon hygiene and proper dental cleaning, using them to cover their faces as the men walked by without noticing them.

Once they passed, Ashi discreetly observed the men. They both appeared to be in their early twenties, tall with athletic builds that likely turned heads wherever they went. The man on the left caught her eye with his long violet hair cascading past his shoulders in soft waves. Small tufts stuck out on the sides of his head, giving him an endearingly messy look. He sported a stylish goatee that narrowly led from his ears to his chin, shaved in the middle, giving him a suave and ruggedly handsome appeal.

His attire was just as attention-grabbing - a black striped shirt adorned with a sword and shield, paired with white shorts and white tights featuring a black and gold diamond pattern along the side. A baseball cap sat atop his head, tilted upwards to showcase the crown design on the brim, hinting at something noteworthy about him.

The second male towered just a couple of inches above his comrade, with a compact yet lean physique. He was dressed in the signature black hoodie of the Dragon-type trainers, adorned with accents of dark blue, orange, and tan. Dark blue and orange shoes completed the uniform, along with an orange hairband keeping his thick locks in place. The collar of his hoodie resembled sharp teeth and the sleeves ended at his elbows, leaving orange cuffs extending to his forearms.

A strange band encircled his right wrist, adding to his enigmatic appearance. His hair was styled into jagged spikes, revealing an undercut beneath. But it was his intense cyan eyes that caught Ashi's attention as he grumbled about the "miscreants" who had damaged his beloved bike - which he affectionately called his "baby".

Toshi's heart leapt in recognition as he stole a quick glance at the pair. They were the ones who had rescued them from the river earlier. If their current situation wasn't so dire, he would have been thrilled to approach them for autographs. However, the horrifying thought that they had stolen and ruined one of their bikes filled him with despair, knowing they were in serious trouble.

"Ashi, psst," Toshi whispered urgently, trying to get his sister's attention. Ashi turned and quickly shushed him, worried that he might attract the strangers' notice. "What is it, Toshi?" she asked quietly, curious about what had gotten her usually calm brother so agitated.

"Don't you know who they are?" Toshi questioned her. Despite her efforts to stay informed about current events and popular figures in the region, Ashi found herself unable to identify these individuals before them. Her time was primarily spent working at the Ranch or honing her skills as a Dragonslayer, leaving her with little knowledge of these men. She shook her head in admission, confessing her lack of recognition.

"Can't say I have a clue, but you seem to know," she replied, knowing her brother - an avid follower of social media and Poketube - would eagerly fill her in.

"They're Raihan and Leon from the Master's Eight World Coronation Championship," Toshi revealed with excitement. He had watched their intense battles during the biennial Galar region event on television and Poketube, catching live-streamed recordings whenever possible. Seeing them in person was a dream come true for Toshi, if not for the fact that they were also the bike bandits being pursued by Raihan himself. Toshi inwardly flinched at the thought, realizing it might not be wise to approach them as their biggest fan.

Leon had reigned as champion for five consecutive years, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. His incredible performance in every match had solidified his position as one of the greatest trainers in the region.

Toshi gushed about Raihan, the Hammerlocke Gym Leader and Leon's chief rival. "That guy there with the orange headband and fierce expression? He's a master of Dragon-types and an unbeatable battler. He's come close to defeating Leon's team multiple times, especially when they unleash their strongest Pokémon - Raihan's Duraludon, a powerful Steel/Dragon-type, against Leon's iconic Charizard. But when that Charizard Gigantamaxes, it's truly a sight to behold! No wonder Leon is known as the Undefeated Champion!" Toshi had watched their battles countless times, dreaming of the opportunity to face such skilled trainers.

Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice caught them off guard. "I appreciate the kind words! We do indeed give our all in our matches," said Leon with a charming smile.

Turning towards the source of the voice, they realized it was indeed Leon and Raihan themselves. Raihan's intense gaze seemed to linger on the pair, as if recognizing them as the bike thieves he had been pursuing. Ashi tried to maintain a calm demeanour, knowing she had to be careful in handling this situation to avoid getting in over their heads.

"Is there something we can help you with?" Ashi tried to maintain a calm demeanor as the handsome stranger's piercing gaze bore into her. She couldn't help but feel flustered under his intense scrutiny.

Before he could speak, Raihan stepped in with a sharp tone, "Yeah, for starters, how about we discuss payment for my E-Bike that you both stole and nearly turned into charbroil metal?!" He was still seething over his customized bike, which had cost him over four thousand dollars to get tricked out now reduced to charred metal and rubber. He wasn't going to let it go until he received proper compensation.

Meanwhile, Ashi's brother Toshi looked down at the ground, feeling guilty since he was the one who had been riding the bike. Ashi bristled at the thought of this stranger harming her brother, ready to defend him if necessary. "Don't look at my brother like that," she stated firmly. "He had nothing to do with it!"

"Oh really? Then how do you explain this then?" Raihan pulled something out of his pocket and dangled it by its leather strap – a large, intricately carved ivory tooth with the initials S.K etched into it. Ashi recognized it immediately as one of the matching necklaces she and Toshi had received from their mother. It had belonged to their father and was a treasured heirloom in their family. While Ashi kept hers safely tucked away, Toshi had attached his to his keychain as a good luck charm. It must have fallen off during their escape and Raihan found it.

"Hey that's mine!" Seeing Toshi's reaction, Raihan tightened his grip on the necklace, unwilling to hand it back just yet. "That's what I thought," he said sternly. "We found this item near the scene of the crime, so care to try again."

Ashi knew they didn't have the money to pay Raihan back for his bike and had to try to negotiate with him. "It's not Toshi's fault," she insisted. "I was the one who convince him to take the bikes when we were being chased by Spearows. We didn't see any other alternative, so please don't blame my brother. He only did what I told him to do because I had to keep him safe."

Leon, who had been observing the situation, could see the determination in Ashi's eyes and believed her story. He thought about how he would have reacted if he had been in a similar situation with his younger brother Hop. "I understand where you're coming from," he said thoughtfully. "While I know you didn't have malicious intent, we should try to find a solution that satisfies everyone involved."

"Yeah but still—" Leon rested his hand on the taller man's shoulder, causing Raihan to turn to him. The gentle pressure of Leon's hand conveyed a sense of comfort and understanding between the two friends. "C'mon now, didn't we use to do crazy stuff too back in our younger days?" Leon said with a playful smile, trying to diffuse the tension between them. "Let's discuss this like civil people without flying off the handle. It's not like it's the end of the world so give them a break, will ya?"

Raihan tried not to snort, thinking easy for you to say since your bike is still intact and waiting outside the lobby. But he knew his friend meant well and decided to try and give the kids a break. Just this once. But then he would not rest until they paid up and made things right.

"Fine, then," Raihan stated firmly, before tossing the necklace back to the girl. She caught it easily before handing it back to her brother, who immediately put it in his pocket for safekeeping.

With the tension temporarily settled, both Leon and Raihan joined them at their booth. Leon slid in beside Ashi, while Raihan sat with the boy who looked like he had died and gone to heaven. Toshi tried to contain his excitement, but it was clear he was starstruck by the presence of his idols. Ashi, being the protective older sister, wanted to ensure they didn't take advantage of her brother's admiration. She knew Toshi was a good kid and wouldn't let anyone bully him, famous or not.

"So just to be clear, my name is Leon Jordan," Leon introduced himself with a warm smile. "And this is my companion, Raihan Tarsha."

"I'm Asharia Ketchum," Ashi introduced herself with a polite nod. "But those close to me call me Ashi. This is my little brother, Satoshi, or Toshi for short." After the introductions, Raihan, feeling parched, went to grab some drinks while Leon remained seated with the siblings.

Ashi noticed her brother's flushed face as he tried not to stare too long at his all-time hero sitting across from him. She could tell he wanted to say something but was unable to speak, still grasping the situation.

Taking the lead once more, Ashi said, "So, my brother tells me you're from the Galar region. I've heard a little bit about it, though I'm not all that familiar with it. He mentioned something about 'max'?"

Ashi recalled the Professor's lecture on certain regions having unique abilities that enhanced Pokémon battles. Her curiosity was piqued and she thought to ask someone from Galar about their perspective. She was particularly interested in this 'max' ability that Toshi seemed so fascinated by.

Leon chuckled, "Yes, Raihan and I are from Galar. It's a wonderful place with a rich history of Pokémon battles and competitions. As for the 'max,' it's an incredible phenomenon called Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing that we have in Galar. It allows Pokémon to grow to giant sizes and unleash powerful moves during battles. It's quite a sight to see!"

As Leon explained further details about Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing, Toshi listened eagerly, already aware of these concepts from watching battles on Poketube and past interviews with the Monarch. However, hearing it firsthand from Leon was an entirely different experience for him. He couldn't help but think how jealous Gary would be if he were there!

As Raihan returned with a tray full of beverages and snacks for himself and Leon, he caught the tail end of Leon's animated explanation. "—And it is absolutely exhilarating when a Pokemon Gigantamaxes. It's truly astounding how they can completely transform and unlock powerful G-Max Moves!"

Toshi chimed in, "Yeah, like your Charizard when it uses G-Max Wildfire! It's just like when my sister's Drago—" Ashi swiftly kicked him in the shins, causing him to yelp in pain. She gave him a warning glare, urging him to keep quiet. Intrigued by the sudden interruption, Leon asked, "What were you saying about your sister?"

Toshi stumbled over his words. "Uh, I was just saying how she can get really angry during her time of the month, kind of like a raging Gyarados – all moody and stuff!" He knew Ashi would make him pay for this later, but he had almost forgotten to keep their Dragonslayer magic a secret. Thank Arceus that Ashi was there to stop him, even if her kick was unnecessarily forceful.

Ashi quickly changed the subject, asking why they were in Kanto. Leon explained, "The World Coronation is happening in a year and eight months. My sponsor thought it would be good for me to take some time off from training and explore new places. Rai Rai here kindly agreed to join me on this little excursion. We've only been here a few days and haven't decided where to go next."

In reality, it was the chairman who had suggested the trip and insisted that Raihan accompany Leon, knowing of the champion's notorious lack of direction. It would have been scandalous if the five-time Undefeated Champion were to wander aimlessly on another continent. For Raihan, it felt more like a paid vacation than anything else – though he kept this sentiment to himself.

"So, what about you two? Are you planning to take on the big leagues yourselves?" Leon asked. Toshi eagerly nodded, confirming their plans to do just that.

"Heck yeah, we are! My sister and I are going to be the greatest Pokémon Masters ever. Tomorrow, I'm going to challenge the Viridian Gym and show them what we're made of! Just wait and see!"

Ashi spoke up, "I'm afraid that might not be possible, Toshi." Feeling all eyes on her, she quickly explained, "While it's true that the Viridian Gym is the closest one to where we came from, it's also the toughest in all of Kanto. You wouldn't be able to defeat him easily with the Pokemon we just caught. From what I've heard, his team is incredibly strong, so I advise you to reconsider challenging him first."

The elusive rumors that the Professor had shared with Ashi right before they left – warning her about taking on the Viridian Gym – had her worried. While one should always expect a challenge when trying to earn the Earth Badge, there were stories of trainers opting for a different gym because of how tough this leader's Pokémon were to beat. The Professor couldn't give her any more information since the gym leader preferred to keep things confidential. It was unsettling, but Ashi didn't want Toshi's confidence to be shattered by facing such a formidable opponent.

"It's better if we go to Pewter City and make our way around, saving Viridian for last. Unless we find other gyms, but those are a bit different from the top major ones that are most acknowledged. We can figure it out as we go along."

"Aw and here I was all hype for taking it on tomorrow." Toshi moaned, his excitement deflating at the thought of postponing his Viridian Gym challenge. Ashi reached out and ruffled her brother's hair affectionately, offering him a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry, Toshi. We'll make our way there eventually, but it's important to be prepared for such a tough battle. Building up our team and strategies along the way will make us even stronger when we finally face the Viridian Gym Leader," Ashi encouraged, trying to boost her brother's spirits.

Leon nodded in agreement. "Ashi is right. It's all about the journey and the experiences we gain from each challenge we face. And who knows, maybe we'll discover new places, meet interesting people, and form unbreakable bonds with our Pokémon."

Raihan sipped on his drink, idly listening to their conversation and chimed in, not wanting to be left out, "Yeah kid you got to also take into consideration of how you plan against your opponent. I mean, how's the training going with your Pokémon? Did you even think about what you're going to use if you had gone against that gym?"

"Um well you see, ah…" Toshi poked his index fingers together, realizing as he said it out loud that maybe his sister was right. He felt that he should probably rethink the whole matter and focus on getting his team up to speed if they wanted to get stronger. The two Galar trainers looked at the kid, each thinking differently about what Toshi had just said.

Raihan felt as if he were speaking to a miniature version of Leon who just kinda went with the flow but didn't plan things out, whereas Leon saw the determination in Toshi's eyes and sensed the potential within him. Leon leaned forward with a smile, "Don't be discouraged. It's alright to feel eager and excited about taking on challenges, Toshi. But remember, a true Trainer prepares not just their Pokémon but their strategies as well. It's crucial to be well-prepared before facing formidable opponents like the Viridian Gym Leader. If you'd like, I could offer some training strategies to help strengthen your team. With hard work and dedication, you'll be ready to conquer any gym in no time."

Toshi's face lit up like a firecracker, excitement sparking in his eyes at the mere mention of training with a champion like Leon. Ashi felt a swell of gratitude for Leon's kind offer to help her little brother improve. It was incredibly generous of him to go out of his way to assist Toshi, and she knew she would have to find a way to repay him.

"That would be absolutely amazing! Thank you so much!" Toshi burst out, barely able to contain his enthusiasm. Ashi could see that this was a turning point for her brother. He had always been determined, but now there was a newfound spark in his gaze, fueled by the prospect of training under Leon's guidance. She couldn't help but feel hopeful about their journey ahead, knowing that they had each other's support.

Ashi then took a quick glance at her watch and saw that it's been almost a hour since they sat down in the canteen and thinking their Pokemon must've finished their treatment by now.

"We better go and see how our Pokemon are doing so, if you don't mind." Ashi glancing towards Leon and requesting permission to pass through the booth. He stepped aside, accompanied by Raihan who scooted out on his side. Toshi eagerly followed his sister's lead since he also wanted to see how his team was fairing now. "We'll be back shortly."

"Take your time," both Galar trainers chimed in, watching them depart.

"They seem like nice kids, don't you think, Rai Rai?" Leon remarked casually. Raihan suppressed a snort. "Yeah, sure, really nice..." He couldn't help but notice how often the Monarch glanced over at Ashi. He had to admit, she was quite appealing and he could understand why Leon might be interested. If Leon wasn't going to make a move, Raihan figured he might as well try his luck.

After all, Ashi was easily a nine out of ten and he was sure she wouldn't mind giving him her number if he asked.

Leon seemed to catch on to Raihan's thoughts and blushed slightly. "Rai, it's not just about that. I truly believe these two have untapped potential, and since we have some free time, it would be beneficial to guide and encourage them. Who knows, they may even join us in the Coronation one day, and you'll witness their incredible strength firsthand."

"Alright, if you say so," Raihan replied, unsure if Leon was being genuine or just trying to convince himself.

Unaware of the two trainers discussing them, Ashi and Toshi made their way to the front desk where the nurse was waiting for them. "Oh good, you're here. I was just about to call you over the intercom," she greeted them with a warm smile.

"We have finished caring for your Pokemon and everything looks great. They received their shots and since they're still young, I recommend giving them heartworm tablets in about four weeks. We'll provide you with the prescription meds and I also suggest scheduling another check-up to monitor their progress if possible. All the necessary information has been recorded under both of your names, and we made sure to bathe and groom them after noticing their dirty state."

The nurse tried not to comment on how filthy the Pokemon had been before they were cleaned up. She had gone through three buckets of water to get them properly clean.

"Yeah, unfortunately, we only had wet naps, and I was hoping to give them a bath before arriving here," Ashi explained, though thinking that it had her and Toshi that gotten a bath instead when they jumped into the river earlier that day but glad to hear their Pokemon were squeaky clean now.

"I see. Well, in that case, there's no need to worry. If you'd like, I can recommend some waterless shampoo that works well for certain types and offer it at a reduced fee. We share this information with all trainers, but for the more popular brands, you'll need to visit a specialized groomer."

"Really? Thanks, we'd appreciate that." Ashi knew that alternatives to water were important for maintaining the appearance and health of fire-types, given their aversion to it.

"Just give me one moment, and I'll bring out your Pokemon." The nurse smiled reassuringly at Toshi and Ashi before disappearing into the back room to retrieve their Pokemon. The bright lights of the Pokemon Center glinted off the polished counters and floors, making the colors of the walls seem even more vibrant.

"Well, talk about a wild day," Ashi remarked, leaning against the counter. She couldn't help but feel grateful for the strange yet exciting events that had transpired. "Let's just hope we don't run into any more unexpected surprises."

Suddenly, a piercing alarm shattered the peaceful atmosphere, causing both Toshi and Ashi to flinch in surprise. The sound was so loud and jarring that it felt like their eardrums might burst. "What on earth!" Toshi exclaimed, wincing and covering his ears with his hands.

"Attention, please! Our Viridian City radar systems have detected an aircraft belonging to a gang of Pokémon thieves." Officer Jenny's voice boomed through the city, "If you have a Pokémon in your possession, exercise extreme caution."

Ashi groaned in frustration at the thought of another obstacle being thrown their way. But as if Fate wanted to challenge them even further, the glass roof above them suddenly shattered, raining down two Pokeballs onto the floor. The capsules split open, releasing two Pokemon into the air.

One was a sleek, purple serpent-like creature with three pairs of black stripes encircling its body and bright yellow eyes. Its long body writhed in anticipation as it surveyed its surroundings. The other was a round, floating creature with purple skin and several geyser-like protrusions dotting its surface. Its vacant eyes and sharp teeth gave it an intimidating appearance. A cream-colored skull-and-crossbones marking adorned its lower half.

"EKANS! KOFFING!" they hissed out in unison. The Koffing began to release smog into the room, forcing Ashi and Toshi to cover their mouths with their sleeves to avoid breathing in the toxic fumes. Ashi squinted through the haze, trying to make out the figures behind the Pokemon.

As the smog began to dissipate, two people came into view - a woman with magenta hair styled into comet tails and piercing blue eyes, and a man with lilac hair and green eyes holding a single rose.

They stood side by side, exuding an air of smug superiority. A feminine voice spoke first, "Don't be frightened, little boy," followed by a deeper male voice, "Allow us to introduce ourselves."

Once the smoke had cleared completely, their identities were revealed. The duo wore matching white uniforms and began to speak in unison, reciting an unusual poem:

"To protect the world from devastation!/To unite all peoples within our nation!

To denounce the evils of truth and love!/To extend our reach to the stars above!

Jessie!/James!

Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!/Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth that's right!" A Pokemon suddenly dropped from the broken skylight, completing their trio. It stood confidently with its claws raised and a self-satisfied smirk on its round face.

"What... is going on?" Ashi couldn't believe her eyes or ears as she tried to process everything that was happening. And this talking Meowth - it didn't emit any magical essence like Sora did, so how was it able to speak?

Toshi's confusion only grew as he watched the bizarre introduction and behavior of these strangers. They seemed like they had stepped out of a storybook, with their exaggerated gestures and dramatic poses.

Jessie's mocking tone and James' flamboyant attitude only added to their surreal appearance. "He's quite dense, isn't he?" sneered Jessie, her voice dripping with disdain.

"How am I supposed to understand when you're speaking in riddles?" Toshi retorted, perplexed by their strange behavior. These people seemed more like caricatures of villains rather than genuine threats. James joined his partner, still clutching his signature rose. "We're here for the Pokemon," he declared dramatically.

Ashi gently pushed her brother back, recalling Officer Jenny's warning. "Wait, aren't you the ones wanted by the police?" She pointed at the unmistakable red R on their uniforms. "You're those two, aren't you?"

"Ah, our reputation precedes us!" they exclaimed in unison, basking in their perceived notoriety. "We're the cream of the crop, and we're only interested in rare and valuable Pokemon. Hand them over," Jessie demanded.

Ashi couldn't contain her laughter. "I'm sorry, but do you honestly believe there are rare Pokemon here?" she scoffed.

She composed herself before continuing, "This is a hospital for sick and injured Pokemon. Targeting those in need of treatment? That's pathetic, even for wannabe thugs like you. And your motto? Not exactly impressive." Caught off guard, the trio glared at her. "How dare you!" they shouted, hurling insults. "You'll pay for this!"

"Pay for what? Calling you out on your pathetic actions?" Ashi retorted, shifting into a fighting stance and shielding her brother.

Jessie and James, now seething with rage, ordered their Pokemon to attack. "Enough! Ekans, Koffing, show these brats a lesson!"

As the Pokemon lunged forward, a familiar voice rang out, "Inteleon, use Snipe Shot!" A powerful blast of water struck Ekans, sending it crashing into Koffing and causing Team Rocket to stumble backward in shock. What the? Where did that come from?

Ashi and Toshi watched in awe as a sleek, sniper-like Water-type Pokemon, materialized before them. Its keen eyes locked on Team Rocket, ready to defend the siblings with its fingers still lock in position. "Oh, it's Inteleon!" Toshi exclaimed just as they heard running footsteps. Leon and Raihan approached them, with Leon asking, "Hey, you both okay?"

The two men had arrived in time to see the chaos unfolding in the Pokemon Center. When Leon saw that Ashi was facing up against two unfamiliar people and hearing them threatening the teens, Leon reacted by calling out his Pokemon. "Yeah, we're fine, thanks," Ashi said gratefully as the two men flanked her protectively.

"So, who are these two? Some weirdos that like to dress up or something?" Raihan asked with a raised eyebrow, sizing up their opponents. Toshi explained to the Galar trainers, "They said they're Team Rocket and want to steal the Pokemon here! They're the Pokemon thieves Officer Jenny warned us about!"

"Wow, seriously? Stealing sick Pokemon from a hospital? That's low even for petty criminals," remarked Raihan with disgust. "That's what sis said too!"

Jessie and James regained their composure but eyed the Water-type before them with greed. "Well now this is interesting. And here you said there weren't any rare Pokemon to steal." Jessie smirked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Indeed, this one would definitely make a fine prize for the boss," mused James.

"So what are we waiting for, Meow?" exclaimed the feline Pokemon with a wicked grin. Its sharp claws glinted dangerous as it crouched low, ready to pounce. Raihan's smirk widened as he surveyed the scene before him.

"Oh, you just don't know who you're messing with," he taunted. With a swift flick of his wrist, he released his Sandaconda from its Pokeball. The massive ground-type serpent emerged with a menacing hiss, standing tall beside Inteleon.

But Jessie and James were not intimidated. "Ekans, use wrap on that Inteleon! Koffing, tackle that snake over there!" they commanded their Pokemon with determined expressions.

Raihan chuckled at their feeble attempts to take down their team. "Seriously, you guys are making this too easy!" he exclaimed. "Sandaconda, use mud-slap on those two!" The Pokemon obeyed without hesitation, sending powerful blasts of muddy sludge towards its attackers. The impact threw them off balance and gave the group a chance to run towards the back of the building.

Ashi's heart raced as she followed her companions. Normally, she would stay and fight any threat to protect her beloved Pokemon, but this time their mission was different - they needed to warn Nurse Joy and help keep all the Pokemon safe from harm.

As they rushed through the narrowed corridors, Ashi's Litten and Pikachu came bounding towards them with joyful yelps when they saw the human heading their way. "Sora! Pikachu!" The Dragonslayer cried out in relief as she scooped them up in her arms while they nuzzled against her cheek.

"Are you two okay?" She asked, relief flooding through her as she felt their warmth and heard their reassuring purrs saying they were. Suddenly, Nurse Joy appeared, looking startled but relieved to find them after hearing the alarm and guessing what was happening.

"Oh my stars, is everyone alright?" she asked with concern evident in her voice. Before anyone had a chance to response, the power in the building was fluctuating erratically and guessing the thieves were cutting off the electricity and plunging them all into darkness. Thankfully Nurse Joy knew her way around here and quickly order the group to follow her.

"This way everyone!" the nurse commanded, leading them towards a room down the corridor. They managed to get inside just before Leon and Raihan pushed against the door, hearing the Ekans and Koffing go past them.

Once the immediate danger had passed, the group paused to catch their breath and assess the situation.

"Well, this day just keeps getting better," Raihan muttered sarcastically. Suddenly, the lights flickered on, accompanied by a chorus of happy "Pikas!" They found themselves in a brightly lit room filled with hundreds of Pokeballs - likely the recovery bay area. In the center of the room was a circular treadmill where a group of electric-type Pokemon ran tirelessly, generating energy to power the entire building. "Pika-Pika!"

A computerized voice beeped from overhead, announcing, "A crisis situation has arisen. Initiating emergency Pokeball transport sequence."

"We can't let those thieves get these Pokemon!" Nurse Joy exclaimed, moving towards a computer terminal to input the necessary commands. A robotic arm began reaching out, grabbing one Pokeball at a time and placing it on a conductor for transportation.

"This is the Viridian City Pokemon Center! We have an emergency situation. Transporting Pokeballs," Nurse Joy spoke into her radio. A response came from the other end of the line: "This is the Pewter City Pokemon Center. Downloader activated! Ready to receive Pokeballs!"

The machine whirred to life, transporting each Pokeball from one center to another in a matter of seconds. The others pitched in as well, grabbing balls off shelves and helping with the process. Leon and Raihan worked together to move a heavy metal cabinet against the door for added protection.

"Oh man this is crazy!" Toshi's panicked voice cut through the chaos as he and Ashi desperately gathered remaining Pokeballs. But Litten's loud meow drew everyone's attention to the overhead duct where they saw corrosive acid eating away at the metal. The sound of banging from outside made their hearts race as they quickly realized the two threats trying to enter.

Without hesitation, Raihan called out his Goodra from its Pokeball. "Quick, counter it with chilling water!" he commanded urgently. The goo covered dragon obeyed without question, releasing a freezing stream of water towards the acid. It neutralized the deadly substance, but Ekans was still determined to break through - launching another corrosive assault on a different area. Goodra continued to fight back with all its might, but the constant flow of water started to affect the equipment in the room - a potential problem if the teleporter short-circuited during the transfer.

Recognizing the imminent danger, Raihan called off the attack. "We can't keep this up much longer! The entire structure could collapse!"

"We're almost there! Just a little longer!" Ashi yelled over the commotion outside. Leon and Raihan strained against the heavy door, determined to hold it shut and protect their friends inside. The deafening pounding and slithering sounds just beyond their reach only fueled their determination to protect the Pokemon in the room.

As everyone worked feverishly to protect the Pokeballs and fortify the door, Pikachu and Sora realized they needed to act swiftly. A spark of inspiration struck Litten, who leaned in to whisper a plan to his companion.

"Pikachu, listen closely," he murmured as they huddled together. Pikachu's ears perked up as Litten outlined their daring scheme. With determined nods, they darted to a corner of the room where a ventilation shaft offered a potential escape route. The small opening was just big enough for them to squeeze through, and they knew it might be their only chance to turn the tide against Team Rocket.

Squeezing into the narrow passage, Pikachu's cheeks crackled with electricity, casting a faint glow that illuminated their path. Litten followed closely behind, his agile form navigating the twists and turns with feline grace. As they crept closer to the source of the disturbance, muffled voices and the scraping of metal grew louder.

Emerging from the ventilation shaft, Pikachu and Litten found themselves in a dimly lit hallway just outside the recovery bay. They could hear Ekans hissing menacingly and Koffing releasing toxic fumes in an attempt to breach the room where their friends were holding off the invaders. The two Pokemon then hurried off to go find their designated targets, each ready to give them a little something for all the trouble they put on their Trainer. No one messes with Team Ashi and gets away with it!

Outside, Koffing continued to relentlessly ram against the door while Meowth prodded it impatiently. "Put your back into it Meow, c'mon you overgrown soccer ball, just—" Suddenly, Meowth's gaze fell upon a mischievous-looking Pikachu standing nearby, waving and taunting them. "Hey, what's this little rodent-"

Pikachu contorted its face and stuck out its tongue, causing the feline to growl in irritation. "Pika pika pika~pi chu!" Meowth's anger flared at the insult. "Hey, keep my mother out of this! And I ain't no one's pet!"

"Piiii!" Pikachu turned around with sass, swatting its tail and hurling more insults at the feline. Enraged, Meowth snarled, "That's it! You're gonna pay for that! No one calls me a pussy and gets away with it!" It took off after the Pikachu, abandoning Koffing to make mincemeat out of the rodent.

Meanwhile, in the air shaft, Ekans was on the brink of breaking through the metal with one final spray of acid when a searing pain rippled through its body from its tail all the way to its head. Sora, seeing as the Pokémon was distracted, seized the moment and lunged forward, delivering a fiery bite onto its unsuspecting target with his Fire Fang attack. The serpent thrashed and writhed, desperately trying to shake off the fire cat, but Litten refused to let go, sinking his teeth deeper into its scaly hide and adding more flames to its already inflamed nerves.

Finally unable to take any more, Ekans frantically rushed towards the opening from which it had come, only to collide with the gas Pokemon Koffing that was underneath them. Both Pokemon tumbled backwards rapidly from the collision towards the main lobby and landed in an unconscious heap, swirling patterns appearing around their eyes.

Sora now floating since he manage to let go before the Ekans hit the gas ball and seeing to hover before moving down the corridor towards the grooming station. "Hehe let's see how they like getting a special body treatment from yours truly!" Sora saw that there plenty of the still warm goo inside it. A wicked grin spread across Sora's face as they thought about how those pesky intruders would enjoy what they had in store for them. Hopefully Pikachu was keeping that wannabe kitty busy while he turns up the heat on this bad boy!

(Hahah this is sooo much fun!) Pikachu was having a good laugh as he led Meowth on a frenzied chase through the corridors, their banter and taunts echoing off the walls. The electric rodent's insults fueled Meowth's desire to scratch and claw at their relentless opponent until they were shredded into ribbons. "Just you wait and see, I'm gonna turn you into a cat toy when I'm done with ya!" Meowth hissed.

"Pika~Pika!" Bring it on, you furball!

With a sense of urgency, they made their way towards Jessie and James in the adjoining room. The chaos and commotion could be heard long before they arrived, drawing them closer with every step. As they entered the room, they were met with a harrowing sight- their own beloved Pokemon lay unconscious on the ground, surrounded by debris from a gaping hole in the wall. And charging straight towards them with fierce determination was a defiant Pikachu.

As Jessie and James registered the scene before them, confusion turned to outrage. "What the- why is there a puny rodent headed our way?" Jessie exclaimed.

"And what is Meowth doing?" James added, his voice laced with disbelief. Before they could even react, Pikachu leaped into the air while Meowth lunged forward at the same time, Fury Swipes attack at the ready. With impeccable timing, Pikachu narrowly avoided hitting the duo and landed gracefully on their paws just a couple of feet away from them.

"Hey! Get off me, you stupid cat! What are you even-?" Jessie cried out in protest. But before she could finish her sentence, something hot and sticky came raining down on them. Sora had returned with a huge bucket full of scalding wax and hurled it at the trio as they shrieked in pain and flailed around. The wax stuck onto their skin, leaving red marks where they desperately tried to remove it while it hardened.

Pikachu and Sora seeing to stand before them with big smirks on their faces, knowing that it was time for the grand finale. "Are you ready for this?" Sora asked with an eerie tone. "Pika!" Pikachu replied confidently, hell yeah partner, let's show them what we're made of.

The two grasped each other's paws firmly as they glared determinedly at their foes. Sora's voice took on an otherworldly quality as he began to speak, stunning the trio who were still in shock from the revelation that another Pokemon could speak just like Meowth.

"Darkness blacker than black and darker than dark, I beseech thee, combined with my deep crimson fire. The time of awakening cometh."

"H-hey, what's going on? Whatever you're doing, stop it right now!" Jessie demanded. Sora simply smirked, his eyes glowing ominously as were Pikachu's.

"Justice, fallen upon the infallible boundary, appears now as an intangible distortion!" Sora continued.

"Hey now, can't we talk about this? I'm your fellow feline here!" Meowth pleaded as the wax was still keeping his fur in place and knew this was bad. Whatever these two had in mind, he was sure that it wasn't going to be pretty.

"O crucible which melts my soul, scream forth from the depths of the abyss and engulf my enemies in a crimson wave! Pierce through to perish the fangs of evil!" Sora chanted. "PIKACHU, NOW! Let's show them our true might!"

An eerie grin crept over their faces, the flickering lights casting shadows that made the two Pokémon look more intimidating. The shared mana between Sora and the electric mouse was fully charged, ready to unleash their full power.

"EXPLOSION! PI-KA-CHU!" With a thunderous roar from the now two charged Pokemon, the atmosphere around the three Team Rocket members transformed into a maelstrom of energy. Pikachu's fur stood on end, and Sora's eyes glowed with an intense fiery heat. The ground beneath them trembled, and the very air seemed to crackle with power.

The energy coalesced into a single, concentrated blast of immense power. With a deafening cry, it was unleashed and filled the air with a blinding flash of light. The sound of a thousand thunderclaps shook the entire building, causing those in the recovery room to stop and brace themselves as the floor trembled beneath their feet.

Toshi and Raihan quickly sought cover under the sturdy tables, while Nurse Joy scrambled under her desk. Ashi stumbled towards one of the tables, narrowly avoiding a collision as two strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her back into a protective embrace against a muscular chest. They braced themselves against the wall, holding on tightly as the earth shook violently beneath them.

As the tremors subsided, everyone cautiously rose to their feet, scanning the area for any signs of danger. But all they saw was the aftermath of one intense quake. Ashi slowly opened her eyes to find herself looking up into Leon's face, feeling her cheeks burn with embarrassment at how close they were. She hadn't even noticed that his heart was racing and that he was still holding onto her. Gently, the Galar trainer set her down as they all tried to process what had just happened.

"What in the world was that?!" Raihan exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief. He couldn't believe that such a powerful tremor could occur naturally in Kanto, but then again he was still unfamiliar with its unpredictable terrain.

"I'm not sure, but it feels like it came from the main lobby," Nurse Joy said, trying to make sense of the situation. The group moved as one towards the front of the building, bracing themselves for another quake if any yet once they made it to the waiting area, they found Pikachu and Litten standing amidst the rubble, exchanging high-fives with their tails. Taking in the sight of those two there and while it was still hard to wrap their heads around but coming to the conculsion that the Pokemon were somehow involved with this.

"Okay is it just me, or am I missing something here?" Raihan was sure that it shouldn't be possible for them to pull off such a move that could be on par with a G-max attack yet seeing the result of the destruction all around them was proof that they must've done it somehow. Leon was also thinking that as well even as Ashi was rushing over to her Pokemon and scooped them up in her arms, overcome with a mix of emotions. On one hand, she was relieved that they were safe and unharmed. On the other hand, she couldn't believe how reckless they had been in taking on such a dangerous situation without her knowledge.

"Sora! Pikachu! What were you thinking?!" She was holding them so close before Litten saw to lean forward and whispered in her ear, and Ashi listening to what he said. Even though she was still upset by them taking action on their own but saw that they had wanted to help and that both him and Pikachu did put their heads together and pull off a major accomplishment, she couldn't help but feel proud.

"You two are amazing, but don't ever do that again without telling me, okay?" Ashi scolded them gently, earning a nod and a tail wag from the duo. Leon saw to come join her and asking if they were all right. "Yeah Sora and Aratiri are fine, just need to have a little rest is all." All that combine mana had drain Sora and seeing even Pikachu had been super charged but after using it up all at once, felt like having a well deserved nap was in order.

Leon raised a brow, "Aratiri?" Ashi saw his confusion before turning to look at her Pokemon, "It's a name I was thinking to give to Pikachu here. I feel each Pokemon I have deserves something special that fits them personally. For him, I thought Aratiri was the one that makes him stand out, like a bolt of lightning across the sky. That is, if he doesn't mind it."

Pikachu blinked before letting out a content "Pi," indicating his approval at the moniker. Leon also had to agree since he saw it did sound like would be well suited for his character.

"It definitely does sounds like you pick a good one for him Ashi." Not that he didn't expect it to be anything less from her. The Galar Monarch couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for the bond between Ashi and her Pokémon.

Sometime later when daylight broke across the city and that after Officer Jenny came to survey the scene and write down the report, the foursome seeing to now continue onto their next destination towards Pewter City after saying their goodbye to Nurse Joy and wishing her well with the reconstruction of the Center.

"Are you absolutely certain that you guys don't mind tagging along with us?" Ashi asked for the second time when it became clear that both Galar trainers that decide to join her and Toshi on their journey, bringing their own bags with all their necessities on hand, "I mean I don't want to impose this on you but I just want to be sure is all." The two Dragonslayers were of two minds thinking how to keep their magic a low profile while having their new comrades accompanying them on their way.

Leon smiled reassuringly, "It's no trouble at all and honestly I think this will be more fun to go along with you two and be able to help you both train your team to get stronger as I did say I would and I always keep my promises." He thought hanging out with the Ketchum would be a thrilling experience than just him and Raihan on their own. But not one to feel left out, Raihan prompt in saying, "I'm only tagging along to make sure you two don't try to skip out on paying back for both our bikes that you manage to destroy!" They had discovered that Leon's had also been totally demolish amidst the explosive wreckage.

Ashi suppress the urge to groan as she didn't need to be reminded about that but still promise to make up for it somehow even though Leon said it wasn't necessary to do it but she would rather not have it hold over her head the whole time. "Don't worry, we'll make sure to pay you back for those bikes, you don't need to keep rehashing that all the time." Even if it takes a while but thought that they had to focus on the bigger picture and see to work on getting hers and Toshi's badges and then onto the leagues themselves. Raihan scowl and was about to make a retort when Leon step in.

"C'mon you guys, there's no need to dwell on that the whole way!" Leon seeing to step in between his rival and Ashi who were both staring each other down with determination, and he couldn't help but chuckle a little. "Come on, Ashi, Raihan. Let's put this behind us and focus on what truly matters and not sweat over the small stuff."

"Leon's right," Toshi chimed in, his voice brimming with excitement as they near the opening of the forest. From what his sister said, they just had to go through here to reach the next city over and then have his first gym battle over there. It should be easy enough to get through these woods and maybe if they're lucky enough, they'll find some more Pokemon to add to their team while on the way. (Look out Gary I'm gonna become the number one Pokemon Master, you just wait and see!)

"The next town is just right through here…so—" Toshi was grinning before zipping on straight toward Viridian forest yelling loudly to the others that were left standing, "Last one there is a rotten Exeggcute!" The young trainer exclaimed before the others saw to catch up with him, even Sora and Aratiri saw to join the rattata race as they all head into the woods everyone eagerly excited for whatever awaited them in the dense foliage of Viridian Forest.

Asharia 'Ashi' Ketchum - Age 18, Trainer (Beginner)

Team Ashi -

*Litten (m) - Sora

Pikachu (m) - Aratiri

Litleo (f)

Shinx (f)

Satoshi 'Toshi' Ketchum - Age 10, Trainer (Beginner)

Team Toshi -

Charmander (m)

Litleo (m)

Shinx (m)

Leon Jordan - Age 20, Trainer (Advance) Galar Champion x5

Team Leon -

Charizard (m)

Dragapult (m)

Rillaboom (m)

Cinderace (m)

Inteleon (m)

Mr. Rime (m)

Raihan Tarsha - Age 23, Trainer (Advance) Hammerlocke Gym Leader

Team Raihan -

Duraludon (m)

Sandaconda (m)

Goodra (m)

Flygon (m)

More to be added later on the way!

Omake: With Professor Oak at The Ranch

The Professor savored the last bite of his pizza, feeling a surge of energy as he checked on the progress of his students. With a few clicks on his computer, he pulled up the data from their Pokédex and marveled at Gary's impressive collection of multiple Pokémon in just a few short hours since leaving. As he worked on inputting the new Pokeballs into the system, he watched as the captured Pokémon were assessed and released into the back area with others. It was a time-consuming process, but it was worth it to see his grandson making such progress - Gary had caught fifteen Pokémon today alone.

"Now, let's see how Ashi and Toshi did," the Professor murmured, typing away at his keyboard to access their Pokédex files. To his pleasant surprise, he saw that they had both added a Litleo and Shinx to their teams. "Well, well, I didn't expect them to come across Sinnoh and Kalos types out here. Good job you two!" Upon closer inspection, he noticed that Ashi had caught two female Pokémon while Toshi had caught two males.

But then, a notification beeped on his computer screen, signaling new information from Viridian City. The Professor remembered that they often sent updates on trainers' Pokémon during their journey to assist with their comprehensive exam.

As he delicately thumbed through the thick file labeled "Toshi," Professor Oak's expression remained stoic and professional. However, as soon as his fingers flipped to the next file labeled "Ashi," his eyes widened in shock at the photos displayed next to her Shinx and Litleo's information - they were both shiny Pokémon, a rare sight that caused even seasoned trainers to gape in awe. Without hesitation, he grabbed the phone and dialed the Viridian Pokemon Center, eager to confirm this astonishing information.

After a brief yet intense conversation with the Nurse Joy on duty, who confidently assured him of the authenticity of the data and the excellent health of the two shiny Pokémon before they left with their trainers, Professor Oak hung up in disbelief. How had Ashi managed to capture not just one, but two shiny creatures? It was a feat that many trainers spend their entire lives striving for.

Meanwhile, Ashi strolled leisurely alongside her brother and friends, a feeling gnawing at the back of her mind like she had forgotten something important. But she dismissed it as trivial and continued chatting and laughing with her companions, completely unaware of the incredible accomplishment she had just achieved. Little did she know, her name would soon be known throughout the region as the trainer with the luckiest streak of catching certain Pokemon but that would be a tale for another time.