(Here's the next update y'all. I hope you all had a Happy Halloween and October. Hoping this story is going well.)

Rushstar32: Thanks. Hopefully it's really a fairly deep story so far.

Death Fury: Thanks.

H R C Stanley: Thanks.

4andr1: Is the dance really that bad? You'll see what happens.

Nobel Six: Thanks.

Episode 4: Behind the Former Champion

(Kanto, Viridian City, the next day)

Dakota found himself quiet as he entered the closest city to Pallet Town with his partner Rockruff and the former champion of Hoenn, Jason Sorenson. To say he was shocked that the former champion suggested he and his Pokémon could travel with him to Pewter City was an understatement. To cross paths with him in Kanto was one thing, traveling with him despite being temporary was a massive surprise.

There were so many things that blared in his mind that he wanted to ask Jason, one of them being how did he catch a Latios. Having a legendary Pokémon on one's team was incredibly rare, so Jason was even more rare of a trainer than even his former champion status suggested.

Jason though was surprised the boy hadn't really said much since yesterday. He expected to be bombarded with questions, not that he'd blame Dakota. This silence though was something that he hadn't expected of the boy who had publicly challenged Team Rocket with such fierce determination. So he thought he'd start the conversation off though he wasn't sure what to say.

"You haven't said much, is everything alright?"

"Oh, sorry…just not sure what to say."

Jason gave him a small smile.

"I have to admit, I'm a bit surprised at you being so quiet. Given what you did in Pallet Town."

"You think I did too much?"

"I've never been to Alola, to be honest. There's not much I know about the people and traditions there. Not to say I wouldn't ever go, just being in Hoenn as champion had me defending my title there. Though that dance you did was pretty cool. I see why Team Rocket was lost for words."

Dakota rubbed the back of his neck.

"My mother told me typically you needed the permission and support of the community and elders to do it…part of why I did it though was to distract them and buy time. Thankfully, Rockruff brought Ash Ketchum's Pokémon to save the day."

Rockruff barked at this, smiling. The boy rubbed his partner's head whilst Jason smiled.

"A fan of his?"

"Yeah."

"He's a great trainer. Even though I've never gotten the chance to meet him, I've heard good things. I also watched his matches in the World Cup with my family the year he became the new champion."

"It was awesome. I don't understand though why he didn't use some of his other Pokémon like his Charizard, Sceptile, Infernape, or any of his others."

"I imagine he came to bond with the ones he used close to that tournament and wanted to show how much they'd grown and he'd grown with them."

Dakota nodded though he didn't respond verbally. This made Jason raise an eyebrow at this, still a little surprised at the boy's silence.

"There's no need to be so quiet. I'm an open book, just ask."

"Oh, ok…um…how did you get the Latios?"

Jason laughed.

"Well, it's more accurate that he chose me. When I was traveling through Johto after I stepped down from champion I was enjoying some time camping with my team. I'd come across some Pokémon hunters going after a Dratini and took them down, with help from Latios. After that…he wouldn't leave my side. I knew then."

Dakota's eyes were a little wide and the beginnings of a smile appeared on his face.

"You hunt Pokémon hunters?"

"Me? No. I wouldn't know where to start. Those guys just got unlucky. What about you, kid? Kinda sounds like you could've become a Pokémon Ranger."

"I uh…I grew up watching Ash Ketchum's battles. The way he and his team fought…he's my hero. I want to be just like him."

A smile appeared on Jason's face.

"Can't say I blame you, especially when he became world champ."

"Speaking of that tournament…why didn't you enter?"

"I stepped down as champion."

"I know…I just…sorry if this comes across as rude…but I admittedly haven't followed your career like I have Mr. Ketchum's."

Jason chuckled.

"I understand and it's no issue. He's the pride of Pallet Town and has proven himself across the world along with having taken on some bad people from what my agent's told me. His bond with his Pokémon and their passion, he earned his victory in that tournament with his team. That what you aiming for?"

"I…I just hope to be like him."

"From what I saw on that recording, you're off to a good start. Though, I don't think I've ever heard of him doing a dance like that to scare Team Rocket."

"Have you ever met them?"

"Thankfully for them, no. Given what's happened though now that they're planning to heighten their plans and tactics, that might change."

"So only run-ins with Pokémon Hunters?"

A grim expression crossed Jason's face.

"Not exactly. In Hoenn there were two groups operating that I had some fights with: Team Aqua and Team Magma. It wasn't all the time though it was enough for me to keep my eye out and also to listen for any sign of them. This was at the start of my journey when I challenged the gyms in Hoenn. When I left for the other regions, I eventually heard they were finished because I believe your hero actually stepped in with some of his friends to stop them."

"Really?"

Jason nodded.

"One of them being a personal friend of mine who I met after I came back to Hoenn. Have you heard of the Princess of Hoenn?"

"M-May?!"

Dakota blushed madly at the mention of the iconic Pokémon Coordinator from Hoenn. Jason eyebrows rose at the boy's change in demeanor. A small amused smile appeared on his face.

"A fan of hers?"

"Y-Yeah."

Jason chuckled at the boy's nervous energy.

"Don't be ashamed. A crush is natural."

"O-Ok."

"I haven't seen her for a bit though. I heard she is currently spending some down time with the coordinator from Sinnoh, Dawn, in Hoenn now I believe."

"H-Her too?!"

Jason tried not to laugh.

"Oh, I see you have one on her as well. It's ok, just don't sweat."

"R-Right."

"Ruff?"

Rockruff looked up to the boy, a look of curiosity on its face. Dakota gasped as he turned to his partner then he rubbed the back of his neck with a total look of embarrassment on his face.

"S-Sorry buddy, it's a long story."

"Ruff."

Jason smiled.

"Oh I can't wait to hear it."

"U-Uh?! Uhh, I ummm-"

"It's ok, no rush. You just got my curiosity piqued. To tell the truth, there was a time I tried to tell May how I felt as well."

"You did?"

Jason sighed.

"I was too late though. By the time I tried to tell her, she'd left for the contests in the Galar region. Some say she and that coordinator Drew have something between them."

"O-Oh."

"It's ok, some things just aren't meant to be. Anyways, to other topics, tell me, how does it feel to have a new member of the team?"

"I'm still surprised Magikarp chose me. The other day Rockruff and I tried to catch some Pokémon…but it felt like I was going to be taking them away from their home and all they'd known. As much as I want to be a trainer, it just…didn't feel right."

Jason gasped under his breath before he rubbed his chin, contemplating.

"I have to admit, you do have a point. I did catch most of mine in the wild, some of the bonds took longer to build than others. We made them work. Still, you have a big heart to see things from the Pokémon's perspective in a way some trainers don't."

"Oh, thanks."

Jason smiled and nodded.

"Still, you may need to go out and I guess you could say 'recruit' some Pokémon to your team. It might not always be easy, but you may come to realize you and the Pokémon will come to accept and embrace the change."

Dakota nodded after a moment then turned to Rockruff. The rock type smiled at him, tail wagging slightly.

"Ruff. Ruff!"

"See, your partner agrees with me."

"Ruff."

Jason chuckled at this. Dakota turned from him to Rockruff back to him then held his gaze on the road ahead.

"Thanks again for helping us with those guys."

Jason's expression hardened though not at the boy.

"I'm sorry you've endured their bullying. I know all too well what that's like."

"Really?"

"Yeah…even though people considered me a prodigy in baseball and I was supported by friends and family…some of my teammates and other boys weren't…they hassled me about my ability…some even said I was cheating…they switched out my favorite bat for a old cruddy one or would dunk my old cap in water or mud."

Dakota's face shifted with rage.

"Shane and the others always would make mocking noises or gestures whenever they saw me. Remy laughed at me when I told another kid that I wanted to be like Ash. One time Ruckus kicked dirt on a drawing I did of my mom and her Incineroar when I was little. Shane also spread a rumor that Ash was coming to visit Pallet Town once and was heading to Professor Oak's lab first. I went there to meet him only to be pushed into the pond by him as he laughed and revealed his trick."

Jason gasped and his expression softened as he turned to the boy who had an angry tear at the corner of one eye.

"Don't worry, from what I saw yesterday they'd be lucky to be half the trainer you'll be."

Dakota gasped a little, then smiled slightly then nodded.

After a few minutes or so, Dakota had a question eating at his mind that he wanted to ask Jason though he felt it was a sore spot. Despite his attempt to hide it, Jason had no trouble telling there was something on the boy's mind.

"It's ok, you can ask."

"Do…Do you regret it?...You know…not telling May about how you felt earlier?"

Jason's eyes widened at this and he opened his mouth to respond yet nothing came out. He turned his gaze back into seemingly nothingness, a look of what Dakota believed to be regret was on his face. Guilt spread across Dakota's face.

"I didn't mean to-"

"Ha! That was too easy!"

Dakota, Rockruff, and Jason turned in the direction of the voice. To their surprise, they'd been so focused on their conversation that they hadn't noticed they were standing in front of the Viridian City Gym. A young man strutted out of the gym, a cocky smirk on his face. There was no hiding the pride radiating from him as he exited the building. Close to the entrance to the gym was another young man who had the exact opposite energy.

"Wait, what? You won on your first try? How? I was gonna go in for my second try."

"Ha! Then you must not be that great of a trainer! I had no problem!"

"None of your Pokémon were knocked out?"

The trainer's smirk receded for a moment at this then quickly switched to a frown.

"That's none of your business!"

"But you just said-"

"I know what I said! Don't just-"

Jason rolled his eyes at the trainer's hollering.

"That's just sad."

"He's a jerk."

Jason chuckled at Dakota's blunt comment.

"Agreed."

The cocky trainer then looked down the stairs and locked eyes with Jason. He gasped at recognizing the former champion then grinned. Jason sighed as the trainer rushed down the steps.

"Oh no."

"Is he really-?"

"You!"

The cocky trainer jumped in front of Jason, grinning eagerly.

"You're the former champion of Hoenn aren't you?"

Jason nodded after a moment, resigning himself for what was to come. The cocky trainer smirked.

"I think you'll be a good first warm up battle for the Indigo Plateau."

"You do know that isn't for a long while now, right?"

"I know, but I'm already preparing my victory speech."

Jason sighed and shook his head.

"Don't underestimate the other trainers, that's never a good strategy. Besides, you just got done with a Gym battle. Are your Pokémon really fresh enough for this?"

"You're avoiding my challenge, are you scared?"

Jason frowned.

"Remember: you chose this."

The trainer grinned.

"Let's do this."

The two took several steps away from one another to create space for the battle. Jason turned to Dakota.

"Dakota, could you act as the ref?"

"Me?"

"Sure, I don't see why not. That an issue with you, uh…what's your name?"

The trainer frowned.

"It's Adrian. And no, I don't care if this kid will…will…wait, are you the-?!"

"Hey! Focus!"

Adrian shook off the surprise at meeting both Dakota and Jason. His smile returned and nodded. Dakota and Rockruff walked to the side then turned to face both young men.

"How many Pokémon will be used in this battle?"

Jason rubbed his chin.

"How many of your Pokémon are able to battle?"

Adrian's smile faltered.

"3-3, but I don't see-"

"Then it'll be a 3 on 3 battle. That works with me."

Dakota nodded.

"Each trainer will use the said amount of Pokémon each. Substitutions are allowed. Ok, send out your first Pokémon!"

Jason and Adrian both threw a Poké Ball each and shouted.

"Let's go!"

From Adrian's Poké Ball emerged a Scyther and from Jason's came a Charmeleon.

"Scyther!"

"Charmeleon!"

"Begin!"

Adrian grumbled as he kept his gaze on the fire type.

"Of course he called a fire type against my bug type. Though it's still only a Charmeleon, so it shouldn't be that strong against my Scyther! Ok Scyther, use Cut!"

"Scyther!"

The bug type's bladed limbs appeared to shine for a moment before it lunged forward, slicing with one at the fire type.

"Charmeleon, counter with Slash!"

"Char!"

The fire type jumped forward, throwing one of its hands forward. Its claws clashed with the Scyther's blade midair, both grumbling and growling as their attacks struggled against one another. Adrian frowned at the sight.

"Use Cut again!"

"Scyther!"

The bug type moved with its other blade, slicing with the other limb that was aimed at its opponent.

"Counter with Slash again!"

"Meleon!"

Charmeleon blocked with its other claws, stopping the attack in mid air. Adrian frowned.

"Push it off, Scyther!"

"Scy…ther."

The bug type growled as it tried to shove the fire type, though Charmeleon's foot claws managed to help it hold its ground. Scyther gritted its teeth at this.

"Fine, jump up then use Quick Attack!"

The bug type jumped into the sky then surged back down at the fire type.

"Use Flamethrower!"

"Charrrr!"

Charmeleon opened its mouth and a stream of fire shot forward and towards the bug type. Adrian tried to call out to Scyther to pull back, but its Quick Attack had closed the gap as intended which allowed the Flamethrower to hit the bug type as it flew into it head first.

"Scy! Scy!"

Adrian gasped at this, eyes wide at this. The bug type dropped to the ground then just barely managed to pick itself off the ground.

"S-Scyther, use Cut!"

"Use Fire Fang!"

Charmeleon lunged forward, its mouth open and ablaze with flames. The fire type had jumped onto the bug type before it could try to launch its attack and bit it, the fire attack striking near Scyther's neck.

"Scyther!"

"Scyther, no!"

The bug type dropped onto the ground, knocked out, its body partially burned. Dakota raised one arm up then motioned it in the direction of Charmeleon and Jason as he spoke.

"Scyther is unable to battle, Charmeleon wins!"

"Nice work, Charmeleon."

"Charr!"

Adrian frowned and leveled the Poké Ball in its hand.

"Scyther return."

A red light surrounded Scyther then returned it back into the object. Adrian frowned and then put it away then pulled out another Poké Ball. He then tossed it and from it emerged a Hitmonchan.

"Hitmonchan!"

Jason leveled his Poké Ball at his Pokémon.

"Ok, Charmeleon, ret-"

"Char!"

His Charmeleon shook its head and motioned with one hand.

"Char, Char, Charmeleon!"

It then rested that one hand and clenched it into a fist in front of it. Jason nodded after a moment.

"Ok, let's do this. Charmeleon, use Slash!"

"Char!"

The fire type rushed forward, claws gleaming.

"Hitmonchan, use Mach Punch!"

"Monchan!"

One of the Pokémon's fists glowed bright white as it lunged forward and launched its attack. Charmeleon's eyes widened as its opponent's attack landed faster than it expected. The blow hit the fire type face first and sent it flying back. Charmeleon gritted its teeth as it picked itself back up. Adrian grinned.

"Faster than you thought?"

"Hitmonchan's attack speed is respectable, especially with the Mach Punch. But the fight isn't over yet. Charmeleon, use Flamethrower!"

"Charrr!"

Charmeleon opened its mouth and a stream of fire burst from within it and surged towards the fighting type.

"Hitmonchan, get in close and use Drain Punch!"

The fighting type raced forward, jumping around the attack then lunged forward. One of its fists was enveloped in swirling green energy as it closed the distance. The blow struck against Charmeleon, sending the fire type skidding back.

"Use Slash!"

"Char!"

"Mach Punch!"

Hitmonchan's fist glowed bright white again as the fire type raced forward.

"Now Charmeleon, switch it to Flamethrower!"

"Charrr!"

The fire type then blasted a stream of fire at the fighting type, striking it like it had Scyther before.

"Hitmo-"

"Use Drain Punch, punish them!"

"-chan!"

The fighting type gritted its teeth as it retaliated, the swirling green energy attack slammed against Charmeleon's face.

"Use Drain Punch back to back!"

"Hitmonnnn! Chan! Chan! Hitmon! Chan!"

The fighting type closed the distance, striking again and again with the same attack which hit the fire type's face repeatedly.

"Charmeleon, duck under the attack and use Fire Fang!"

"Char!"

The fire type ducked under the next attack and its mouth went ablaze with flames as it bit the fighting type's leg.

"Hitmonnn!"

"Counter, now!"

"Hitmon!"

The fighting type then slammed one fist against the back of Charmeleon's head and knocked it to the ground.

"Charrr!"

Dust rose up from the ground as the fire type hit it then eventually receded, revealing Charmeleon had been knocked out. Dakota gasped a little at this then sighed. He then raised his hand then moved it in the direction of Adrian and his Hitmonchan.

"Charmeleon is unable to battle, Hitmonchan is the winner!"

"Ha! Nice going, Hitmonchan!"

"Hitmonchan!"

Jason leveled the Poké Ball at his Pokémon which enveloped it and returned it back within the object.

"Good try, Charmeleon. Take a good rest. Gotta say, your Hitmonchan's damage output isn't half bad. Using Counter after a direct attack from Fire Fang doubled the damage and sent it right back. It can be risky yet still effective if timed correctly."

"Not so tough now, huh?"

"Remember, it's our Pokémon doing the fighting. Alright, now it's time for my next one! Go!"

Jason threw his next Poké Ball out and then it opened, from within the object and out of the red light emerged Aggron.

"Aggron!"

Rockruff's ears perked up at this.

"Ruff."

"Agg? Aggron."

The steel type turned to Rockruff then grinned at it before focusing back on its opponent. Adrian raised an eyebrow at this.

"An Aggron? Are you joking? My Hitmonchan has the type advantage over your Aggron."

"Type advantages don't always give you the win. If you've made it this far as a trainer, you should know that by now."

"Whatever, Hitmonchan use Mach Punch!"

"Hitmonchan!"

The fighting type lunged forward, its fist glowing as it closed the gap.

"Aggron, use Iron Tail!"

"Agggrrrrron!"

The steel type quickly turned, its large tail glowed bright white as it quickly blocked the Mach Punch. The clashing of blows caused sparks as their respective strengths struggled. Aggron grunted as it then pushed away Hitmonchan, its Iron Tail overpowering Hitmonchan's Mach Punch. The fighting type gritted its teeth as it skidded back.

"Don't lose ground, use Drain Punch!"

"Monchan!"

The fighting type charged forward, its fist was once again enveloped by swirling green energy.

"Metal Claw!"

"Aggron!"

Aggron rushed to meet its opponent, its claws shining bright white as they clashed with its opponent's attack. The steel and rock type and its fighting type opponent growled as they struggled to overpower one another.

"Aggron! Use Headbutt!"

"Aggron!"

"Hitmonchan, meet it with Mach Punch!"

"Agg!"

"Hitmonchan!"

The Pokémon clashed with their respective attacks though despite Aggron attacking first, the Mach Punch did manage to knock the larger Pokémon's head back slightly.

"Now use Drain Punch!"

"Monchan!"

The fighting type launched the attack which struck its opponent's chest dead center. Aggron growled as it skidded back then proceeded to slam its arms against its chest. Adrian gritted his teeth as he felt a bead of sweat roll down his forehead.

"Use Mach Punch!"

Hitmonchan rushed forward, readying its attack.

"Aggron, block it!"

"Aggron!"

The steel and rock type caught the attack with one hand, gritting its teeth as it locked eyes with the shocked Hitmonchan.

"Monchan?!"

Adrian gasped.

"What?!"

"Now Aggron, use Headbutt!"

"Agg!"

It quickly slammed its head against the fighting type's head, sending it reeling and groaning in pain.

"Finish it with Iron Tail!"

"Aggron!"

Aggron's tail then glowed bright white as it slammed against Hitmonchan, sending it flying. When it hit the ground, Hitmonchan groaned as it was knocked unconscious.

Dakota raised his hand up then moved it in the direction of Jason and Aggron.

"Hitmonchan is unable to battle, Aggron is the victor!"

Aggron bellowed as it struck a fierce pose. Adrian grumbled as he returned his Pokémon to its Poké Ball.

"Stronger than I thought."

"Like I said, type advantage doesn't always guarantee you victory."

By now a crowd had started to gather and watch the Pokémon battle before them. Many were taking photos and recording the fight as they gasped and cheered as they watched. Some whispered and others spoke loudly at the surprise at seeing who was fighting and who was acting as the referee.

"That's the former champion of Hoenn!"

"Yeah, Jason Sorenson! He's knocked out two of this guy's Pokémon and he's only lost one!"

"Hey, isn't that the kid we saw on TV?"

"Yeah, the one who scared Team Rocket?"

"They're both here?!"

Dakota felt a little unsure as he looked at the crowd, sweat starting to roll down his neck.

"Dakota."

Jason calling his name earned the boy's focus. The former champion had a calm poise about him despite the onlookers.

"It's ok, just focus on the battle. You're doing great."

"R-Right."

Adrian's frown then shifted into a smirk.

"I may have only one Pokémon left, but this one's my ace. Go!"

He threw the Poké Ball and from it emerged a Blastoise. The water type stood as tall as Aggron and bellowed once its feet were firm on the ground.

"Blastoise!"

Jason chuckled. Adrian's smirk shifted into a frown.

"What's so funny?"

"I'd faced a cocky trainer who had a Blastoise a couple of times before. He had some growing to do and now he's a friend. I'm not so sure you'll earn my respect like he eventually did."

Dakota gasped.

"He's talking about Gary."

Adrian scoffed.

"Don't distract me!"

"Ok, Aggron, get a good rest."

"Agg? Agg! Aggron!"

The steel type shook its massive head and slammed its tail onto the ground. Jason chuckled.

"Ok then. Let's do it."

Adrian rolled his eyes.

"Blastoise use Hydro Pump!"

"Blastoise!"

From each of its hydro cannons huge volumes of water blasted towards Aggron which growled at this display of aquatic power.

"Aggron, use Protect!"

"Aggron!"

A shining green spherical energy shield surrounded it just before the water type attack struck. The Hydro Pump smashed against Protect though after a few moments, it failed to break through. Adrian gritted his teeth.

"Fine, get in close to Blastoise and use Ice Punch!"

"Toise!"

The water type stomped forward, one hand clenched into a fist that was empowered by shining ice that covered it. Aggron smirked at this as it saw the look on Jason's face.

"Aggron, use Thunderbolt."

Adrian gasped.

"What?! Aggron can use Thunderbolt?!"

"Aggron!"

Aggron's bolt was suddenly surrounded by electricity that it shot forward that struck Blastoise head on.

"B-B-B-Blastoise!"

"Blastoise!"

"Aggron, use Iron Tail!"

Aggron rushed forward, its tail shined white. Adrian gritted his teeth.

"Blastoise, use Whirlpool!"

"Blast!"

Blastoise raised its hands in the air and a swirling vortex of water manifested above it. The water type then motioned with its hand in front of it as it threw the attack at Aggron. Aggron bellowed in surprise as the vortex of water hit dead on and enveloped it. Jason gasped a little at this.

"Aggron!"

"Now Blastoise, hit it with Hydro Pump!"

Blastoise fired its Hydro Pump again and this time it struck Aggron. The steel and rock type bellowed as it was sent flying back.

"Hydro Pump once more!"

"Blastoise!"

Blastoise fired the same attack again and the water surged forward and sent Aggron to the ground. Dust rose from where it had landed and once it faded, it revealed Aggron had been knocked out. Dakota raised his hand up then motioned it in the direction of Adrian and Blastoise.

"Aggron is unable to battle, Blastoise is the victor."

Adrian smirked.

"Way to go!"

"Blastoise!"

Jason recalled Aggron to its Poké Ball.

"Well done, old friend. Get a good rest."

He then turned back to Adrian.

"Your Blastoise is stronger than I thought."

"That was your mistake underestimating us."

"Well then, let's get to it then."

Jason then pulled out another Poké Ball and stared intensely at Adrian.

"Ready to face the champ?"

"FORMER champ."

"Are you ready?"

"What are you talking about?"

"I'll show you. Go!"

Jason then threw the Poké Ball and from it emerged an imposing Swampert.

"Swampert!"

Dakota gasped a little, his eyes glimmering at the sight of the Pokémon. Swampert held the gaze of the Blastoise, both water types sizing one another up. Jason smiled.

"Meet my partner. Swampert, let's show them what you got."

"Swampert!"

"Oh please, Blastoise use Ice Punch!"

Blastoise stomped forward, one fist focusing ice onto it. Swampert nodded to Jason who nodded back.

"Ok, Swampert use Mud Shot!"

"Swamp!"

Swampert opened its mouth and several blobs of mud fired out towards the Blastoise. Blastoise gritted its teeth as the projectiles struck and hammered its position. Adrian gritted his teeth.

"Blastoise use Rapid Spin!"

"Blast!"

Blastoise retreated into its shell then began spinning in the air which deflected the Mud Shot attack. Jason smiled.

"Use Hammer Arm!"

"Swamp!"

Swampert lunged forward, one of its arms glowed white as it slammed down on Blastoise. The blow stopped Rapid Spin instantly and slammed it onto the ground. Blastoise gasped and grunted as it emerged from its shield, the weight of the blow making it struggle to move.

"Ruff!"

Rockruff's eyes glimmered at this display of physical power. Swampert looked down at the Blastoise as it lowered its arms. Adrian gasped at this, sweating more now.

"B-Blastoise use Bite!"

Blastoise opened its mouth and attempted to bite one of Swampert's hands.

"Swampert use Brick Break!"

"Swampert!"

Swampert then raised the hand Blastoise attempted to bite then slammed it down on Blastoise's head. Dust rose from the force of the attack and once he receded, it revealed Blastoise was knocked out. Dakota gasped at this then focused his attention. He raised his hand then motioned it in the direction of Jason and Swampert as he spoke.

"Blastoise is unable to battle, Swampert is the victor and the win goes to Jason!"

Adrian dropped to his knees as he gasped in shock at his loss.

"I-I lost."

Swampert walked over to Jason, who gently rubbed his friend's chin.

"Great job, buddy."

"Swampert."

Dakota and Rockruff walked over to them. Jason smiled.

"You did a good job as ref, thank you for that."

"N-No problem."

"Dakota, Rockruff, meet Swampert, my partner. Swampert, meet Dakota and Rockruff. You saw them on the recording the other day with the rest of the gang."

"Swamp."

The water and ground type nodded to them, giving a small smile. Jason patted his partner's shoulder.

"I hope you and Rockruff can build a bond like the two of us have. The day I got this guy from Professor Birch changed my life."

"I feel the same about me and Rockruff."

"Ruff!"

Rockruff leapt into Dakota's arms and rubbed against the boy's face. Dakota laughed as he hugged his partner. Jason and Swampert shared a knowing smile.

"Mr. Sorenson! Mr. Sorenson!"

Jason and Swampert's smiles shifted into visages of slight panic.

"Oh no."

Dakota and Rockruff turned, seeing people with filming equipment rushing over to them. Some actually pushed past Adrian to get to Jason and Swampert. Reporters stood at the front of the group, mics in hand as they got up close to Jason and Swampert. Dakota and Rockruff visibly saw sweat on the two's faces as they were bombarded with questions.

"Are you going around challenging trainers to get a solid foothold in Kanto?"

"Did your acceptance of that trainer's challenge mean you're going to compete in the Indigo League?"

"In this battle have you actually hired your own personal ref? Is this young man a….wait…is that?"

The reporters gasped as they recognized Dakota and Rockruff, both of whom had perplexed expressions on their faces. One of the reporters jumped to question him.

"You're the one who beat Team Rocket in Pallet Town, right?!"

"Well…that was really the Pokémon who-"

"How did you meet Jason Sorenson, did he coordinate the defense of Professor Oak's Lab?"

"He-"

"Are you Jason's understudy?"

"Understudy?"

"Have you-"

"RUFF!"

Rockruff's bark silenced the reporters, glaring at them without amusement as it slightly bared its teeth. Swampert smiled a little at this.

"Swampert."

Jason sighed.

"Please, one at a time."

One of the reporters pushed forward.

"Are the two of you traveling together?"

"Yes, we're-"

"Is he your new apprentice?"

Jason chuckled a little.

"I can't confirm or deny that."

Dakota turned him, gasping a little though he turned back to the reporters as one of them directed a question at him.

"Young man, what's your name?"

"...Dakota…Dakota Mahina."

"Dakota, how does it feel to be traveling with the former champion of Hoenn?"

"Well it's temporary. We're just heading to the same place and he suggested I could go with him there."

"Very generous. So you're a new trainer?"

Dakota nodded as he gently rubbed Rockruff's head.

"This is my partner, Rockruff."

"Ruff."

"Are you here to challenge the gym?"

"Oh no, I still have a long ways away before challenging the Viridian City Gym."

"Have either of you heard about the controversies involving the Gym?"

"Controversies?"

"The former Gym leader has petitioned to regain leadership over the Gym, claiming it has been ineffective in comparison to when he ran it."

Jason raised an eyebrow at this.

"Really? What's the trouble?"

Another reporter took charge of the conversation.

"As the trainer you beat just said, the Gym hasn't been as challenging to trainers the past few years as different Gym leaders came and went. Now its former manager is trying to take charge over it again despite rumors and conspiracies about who he really is."

"Rumors and conspiracies?"

"Some have said online that he's part of an international criminal organization, some suspect maybe Team Rocket or Team Galactic.."

"Has there been any hard evidence that confirms this or sways it towards them being true?"

"People have investigated though no one has brought any. He's kept a private life after he left the Gym though he's come back."

Jason sighed.

"I can understand why people think this way, especially what was revealed in Kalos about Team Flare years ago. Still, we can't go about directly saying someone is guilty of illegal actions without hard evidence. The saying: innocent till proven guilty is the key here."

(Viridian City, specific location unknown, present)

A man in formal wear sat on a chair and flanked by people in similar attire stood in the room with their arms locked behind their backs. A Persian purred as it sat by the man's side and had its head rubbed. The man watched the current news report of Jason being interviewed and he smirked.

"Thank you, Mr. Sorenson, for your rational and considerate words."

He continued to chuckle until the cameras focused on Dakota and Rockruff to which he glowered.

"Little brat and mutt, you'll pay for ruining our assault on the lab."

(Viridian City, Outside of the Viridian Gym, present)

Dakota looked at Jason just as he spoke about the former Gym leader. He had a perplexed look on his face then his gaze went to focus into apparent nothingness. Despite what Jason had said, Dakota had this feeling that he believed told him things were more complex though he didn't seek to start a debate.

Then one of the reporters took the lead.

"On other possibilities, why are you here in Kanto? Are you here to challenge the current World Champion?"

Jason sighed.

"I already answered this question days ago."

"What about getting away from your challengers back in Hoenn?"

"Pardon?"

"When you were champion, there was a trainer who won the Hoenn League who challenged your title yet the battle never occurred."

Jason frowned a little at this.

"The battle didn't happen because one of my Pokémon had been seriously injured during a training accident."

"There's rumors that this was fabricated as a way to avoid the battle as some believe you were afraid to battle him."

"Those same people know I often trained with the Elite Four to keep my Pokémon in top shape to defend that title and show I was determined to continue proving we earned our spot. During one of those sessions my Pokémon had to be taken to a doctor and I refused to be anywhere other than by her side."

"People have stated though that these answers are rather heated and can't be confirmed by any of the known Pokémon Doctors in Hoenn. They say that this may give some weight to the rumors of you refusing to accept the challenge out of fear or-"

Suddenly one of Jason's Poké Balls opened and from it emerged Snivy standing on his shoulder. The look on her face was one of disgust.

"Snivy! Sni, Sni! Vy! Snivy!"

The reporter gulped lightly at this sudden appearance and scolding. Swampert took a step toward Snivy.

"Swampert, Swamp. Swampert."

"Sni?! Sni! Snivy, Sni!"

"Swam, Swampert. Swamp."

"Sni? Vy? Snivy, Snivy."

"Swamp."

Those present watched as the two Pokémon continued their conversation. Jason sighed.

"I did apologize to the trainer afterwards and I understand his frustration. He worked hard and won the Hoenn League after some tough battles and not to mention against our Elite Four. But my team's health and safety come first."

"Still, couldn't you have-"

"I think that's enough for today."

Jason and Swampert gently pushed past the news teams and the crowd, Dakota and Rockruff following them. The boy turned to Jason.

"That happen a lot?"

"Sometimes, unfortunately. You handled that well though, I am surprised they didn't ask you more questions though."

"Well you're a former champion."

"True though you have quite the reputation now too."

"Me? Oh no, that was the Pokémon and my mom."

"I think you did pretty well yourself."

"Thanks…so, uh, are we heading to the Pokémon Center?"

"Indeed, I'll contact my agent to get us some transportation to Pewter City after we're done there."

"I thought we were just walking?"

Jason chuckled.

"Well unfortunately I'm on a tight schedule to get there. Though we do have at least a few days till I have to be there. So let me get my team fixed up then we'll head off."

(Viridian City, Pokémon Center, several minutes later)

Jason was handed three Poké Balls by Nurse Joy.

"Your Pokémon are all healed up. Please come again, Mr. Sorenson."

"Thank you."

Dakota watched as the former champion walked over to where he and Rockruff sat.

"Ok, we're ready to go. I'm just glad there wasn't a crowd here."

"I'm surprised there wasn't."

"Agreed."

They heard a beeping and Jason pulled out his phone. He smiled slightly as he read the notification.

"Our ride's here."

"Ok."

They both exited the building and came upon their transportation with different reactions at the sight of the pristine limousine parked before them. Dakota and Rockruff stood a little wide eyed at the sight of the vehicle whereas Jason pinched the bridge of his nose.

"...No…he didn't…"

"Huh?"

"I told my agent I wanted to keep a low profile…but this-"

"Excuse me, Mr. Sorenson. I have a message for you."

They turned to see the driver exit the vehicle and walk over to Jason. He handed him a phone that had a message that read: You know you have to look the part of a former champion Jason. Enjoy your ride! Jason grumbled.

"His jokes aren't funny."

"Jokes?"

"My agent's a good guy, he's a friend that's really been there for me and my team more times than I can count. Unfortunately he enjoys teasing me and pulling these stunts of his. I'm gonna have to message him and say we need a different ride."

Suddenly the phone the driver held pinged with a new notification. Jason saw a new message had gone through that read: I know what you're about to send me, Jay. So I made sure that this limo was directly paid and scheduled to take you and your new friends to Pewter City with all the supplies you'll need. So no fuss please. I'll be in touch when you get there later this week. Have fun!

Jason groaned.

"Of course he pre planned this...Ok…let's go…"

(Viridian City, In Limo, a few minutes later)

Dakota scratched Rockruff's head as it laid contently on the boy's lap, napping. Jason looked at his phone, going over some notes he'd typed up.

"From what I'm seeing, we should have enough time to take it relatively easy on our way to Pewter City. Perhaps take some time in Viridian Forest to relax and train, you may catch some more Pokémon while you're there."

"I do need to work with both Rockruff and Magikarp, we need to prepare for the Gym."

"If you need any help, just let me know."

"Thanks."

Dakota was quiet for the next few minutes, a thought returning to his mind as he looked at Jason. Jason noticed this and turned to him.

"It's ok, you can tell me what's on your mind."

"Well, I don't want to touch a nerve or-"

"Please, be honest. I feel it's more of a sign of respect when you're honest with someone."

"Oh…ok…do you still regret…you know, not telling May?"

Jason's calm demeanor shifted into visible sadness and guilt.

"...I still think about that day, when I was going to tell her. She'd gotten onto that plane when I went to tell her…maybe if I'd been a little faster or left sooner…maybe things would have turned out differently. May's special, you know?"

"Yeah."

Jason started to chuckle a little.

"You may be a little young for her, Dakota."

"W-Well, I-I uh…it's…it's not like she'd even like me anyway."

"Huh?"

Dakota's head was cast down, his eyes shaking as tears started to take shape.

"Well…girls in Pallet Town were always weirded out by me…they often joined Shane and the others about me being…different…it's not like I'd be able to say anything to her, I just get so scared around pretty girls. And being around someone like May or Dawn or Serena, I'd be so frozen and they'd just probably walk away or something…not that I'd blame them."

Jason sighed slightly, a warm smile on his face.

"I think people know who you really are from what they saw that day. I haven't seen someone jump into the line of fire without hesitation like that before."

"Well I-"

"If there was ever a moment that deserved and earned respect, it was that whole time you stood your ground against Team Rocket and protected Rockruff. Still, fame isn't as glamorous as some make it out to be."

"Like being mobbed by the news?"

Jason chuckled.

"Well that and people sometimes don't always show you who they really are…it can be hard to tell who are really your friends and who aren't. There's a level of responsibility that comes with fame though some don't realize it."

Dakota nodded. Jason nodded in return.

"Any other questions?"

"So…why did you struggle to tell May? And what would you have done or said differently if you could go back to that moment?"

Jason was quiet for a few moments, his eyes shaking as his mind went back to that day. He sighed a shaking breath.

"I was afraid of how she might respond…given I didn't know what she would do or say…my fear prevented me from saying how I felt just long enough for me to be too late. I know people say she was with that jerk coordinator, Drew, but we were close enough that I knew that she wasn't with him. Regardless, I feared she would have rejected me because I was a friend and she didn't want anything more than that and she would've no longer wanted to be friends if I told her."

"Oh."

"We still talk sometimes…though I don't know if I'll ever tell her…she seems happy with her life and I don't want to possibly uproot that."

Dakota didn't respond verbally as he didn't know what to say. He continued to gently scratch Rockruff who slept still. Jason took another shaky breath.

"Perhaps another topic?"

"What about that scandal the news people mentioned?"

Jason almost laughed at this.

"You really are to the point when you're being honest. It's ok…I think you should know…I was training with Drake, the Dragon type trainer of the Hoenn Elite Four. I often battled with him to keep my team in top shape. He agreed to not hold back in our battles as he would clearly state a champion needed to stay sharp and never feel overconfident in their ability."

"What happened?"

"During our battle, his Salamence and my Flygon were going head to head in the air. His Salamence was relentless and kept using Flamethrower in our battle to push Flygon. Then it used Hyper Beam and Flygon tried her best to dodge, but one of her wings was hit hard and she couldn't fly once the attack hit."

Jason started to visibly cry a little.

"I've had her since she was a Trapinch…I was so scared when she fell back down and was crying out in pain. My agent was there watching and called in a doctor. They used an experimental form of physical therapy that hadn't been on the books yet. He healed her, but it took time though…I couldn't be anywhere else than with her as she was in the hospital."

Jason sniffled slightly.

"The challenger kept demanding me for a battle, but I knew I had to be by Flygon's side during that traumatic time…and on a side note, the challenger wouldn't have gotten the battle he deserved since I wouldn't be able to focus on anything else other than Flygon."

Dakota looked down at Rockruff as it slept.

"I don't know what I'd do if that happened to Rockruff."

Jason smiled slightly.

"I imagine you'd do nothing less than I did."

Dakota nodded after a moment. Jason sighed slightly.

"You know, I haven't been able to open up like this with anyone in a while…thank you, Dakota."

"B-But I didn't do anything."

"You listened, that's more than enough."

"Oh….you're welcome."

Jason smiled as he wiped away his tears.

"I think we should get some rest with your friend there. I imagine you'll want to get to training once we get into the forest."

"Right."

"Ok, till tomorrow then."

Dakota nodded. He laid down with his partner and drifted to sleep. Rockruff woke up momentarily to see Dakota resting beside him, holding him gently. The rock type smiled, and curled back up beside him then returned to sleep.

To be continued…

(I hope this was another good episode. This also ended up being longer than I originally expected though I am trying to take time with the story and these characters in their journeys. Hope you all enjoyed it.)