Omarnosian10: Three days… that might be a new record.

Georgia: You do know this chapter's around as short as the Sandile one, right?

Omarnosian10: Says the girl with the Pokémon this chapter is centered around.

Georgia: Touché.

Omarnosian10: Don't expect the same courtesy for the next one.

Ash: Right… my battle with Trip…

May: And the Luxuria Contest.

Dawn: Be honest; are you gonna try to make it extra special because it'll be the 10th chapter?

Omarnosian10: What can I say? 10's my favorite number.

Darwin: Because of Ben 10?

Omarnosian10: I have no regrets. ON WITH THE SHOW!

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon. If I did, it would've gone the Yu-Gi-Oh route, and had Ash succeeded by someone, given Ash a sensible harem, done Unova better (like anyone would), or a lot of other stuff. All descriptions of Pokémon and most of their moves belong to Bulbapedia. A portion of this chapter before being edited by me belonged to 19jchoi's Unova Journeys.

"Normal"

'Thought'

"Communicating through a medium"

"Possessed"

"Telepathy"

Flashback or Dream

"[Poké-Speech]"


Chapter 9: The Darkness Within Pawniard!

(Route 3, Afternoon)

"…Remind me again why you're having Pawniard battle Ash's Oshawott?" Around a 4th of a day passed since the gang left Ardentia Town for Luxuria Town with a lot of their Pokémon learning new Moves from a Zen Mode Darmanitan… the ones Darwin asked about dryly not included.

"I told you; Pawniard was in a funk since the Dreamyard incident and I figured a battle could help her out of it," explained Georgia.

"[Dreamyard?]" Primeape, having been teaching some of the gang's Pokémon Brick Break, glanced back curiously.

"[Long story.]" shrugged Pikachu, helping with the Move Tutoring.

"I get that part, but why Oshawott? Pawniard only has Steel-Type Moves and a one-hit knockout Move, and those always have low Accuracy," added Darwin, being the referee.

"What better way to boost her confidence?" shrugged Georgia. Groaning, Darwin cleared his throat.

"The battle between Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town and Georgia Langley of Iccirus City shall now begin! As agreed beforehand, each side can only use one Pokémon and the battle will be over when either or both sides are unable to battle! Also agreed beforehand, Georgia shall have the first move." droned Darwin.

"[B—bring it on!]" nodded Pawniard, brandishing her arms.

"[Don't worry, milady! (bows) I'll make sure this won't be too humiliating.]" smiled Oshawott flirtatiously.

'He does know they're from different Egg Groups right?' thought Georgia. One important thing to know about Oshawott is that the guy's a big flirt.

"You're ready to go, aren't you, Oshawott?" smiled Ash, used to 'ladies men'; Pokémon or human.

"[Yeah!]"

"[This might be interesting.]" hummed Pansage, sitting on top of one of many Rock Tomb boulders he made for the Brick Break training along with the leftover Pokémon and the other half of the gang.

"Let the battle… begin!"

Ash: Oshawott VS Georgia: Pawniard

"Alright, Pawniard! Use Metal Claw!" called Georgia. Rushing at Oshawott, Pawniard crosses her arms over her chest and the two white claws at the end of her arms turn into silver metal, starting from the base to the tip.

"Use Razor Shell, Oshawott!" called Ash.

"[Easy.]" Smirking, Oshawott grabs his scalchop, which produces a light blue aura, forming into an energy blade. Soon, the Steel, and Water Moves clash… resulting in the scalchop being sent flying into—

"[Hey, watch it!]" shouted Piplup, having ducked under the projectile.

"[AAAAAHHHHH!]" Screaming, Oshawott rushes over, shoves Piplup aside—

"[OW!]"

—and picked up his scalchop. Seeing no damage, the Unova Starter sighed in relief before returning to the battlefield.

"Note to self… make sure to keep an eye on that scalchop for Oshawott…" muttered Ash.

"I forgot to ask, but what was that Move Oshawott used?" questioned May, her and Dawn curious. Cilan looks at her before perking up.

"Right, neither of you is from Unova. Razor Shell's a Water-Type Move found in Unova with a 50% chance of lowering the target's Defense," explained Cilan.

"So, like a Water Iron Tail?" compared Dawn.

"Except for it being a fourth weaker, sure."

"Alright, let's switch to long-range. Oshawott, use Water Gun!" ordered Ash, resuming the battle.

"[Oh yeah~!]" Hollering, Oshawott exhaled the Move.

"Get over with Iron Head!" waved Georgia.

"[OK!]" Gulping, Pawniard lowers her head and the blade sticking out of the top of Pawniard's head turns into iron from the base to the tip. Jumping over Water Gun, Pawniard sailed towards Oshawott, slamming into her head first.

"[ACK!]" Rolling backward for a bit, Oshawott stopped himself, sitting up.

"Keep it up with Metal Claw!" smiled Georgia.

"[Yeah!]" Confidence boosting, Pawniard rushed at Oshawott, the Move gleaming. As the Dark/Steel-Type began slashing the Starter, Ash gritted his teeth.

'Here goes nothing!' "Go for Rock Smash!" fist-pumped Ash, surprising Pawniard.

'Did he just say—'

"[Sorry, milady.]" One of Oshawott's paws became shrouded in dark red energy before he punched Pawniard in the gut with it. Gasping, the Dark/Steel-Type got launched onto Georgia's side.

"Pawniard! (kneels) Are you alright?" asked Georgia.

"Hey, Georgia! Pawniard's part Dark-Type, right? Doesn't she know any Dark-type Moves?" asked Ash seriously. At the question, Pawniard stood, her eyes shadowed.

"[You want darkness?]" growled Pawniard, her voice echoey.

"[Uh…]" gulped Oshawott, stepping back.

"[I'll give you darkness!]" The next thing anyone knew, Pawniard vanished into thin air. Before anyone could process it— "[OW!]"

"[Oops!]" blinked Blaziken, looking down at the Dark/Steel-type that he accidentally struck down with Brick Break when she appeared between him and the boulder.

"Oh no, Pawniard!" gasped Georgia, running over to her battling Pokémon. Moving her a bit, Pawniard's revealed with her eyes swirled.

"Uh… Due to outside forces unintentionally interfering, Ash is the— oh screw it, the battle's over!" shouted Darwin, following his sister.

'Winner': Ash

"Was that supposed to be Faint Attack?" asked May.

"An unmastered one, but this doesn't make sense." hummed Cilan, the gang gathering around Pawniard with most of their Pokémon returning.

"How?" tilted Ash.

"Pawniard learns Faint Attack before Metal Claw, not the other way around," explained Cilan.

"So you're telling me that Pawniard skipped a Move?" asked Dawn. To their surprise, the Langley siblings exchange looks, as if having a silent conversation. Moments later, Georgia sighed.

"I guess you deserve to know. The thing is… Pawniard can't use Dark-Type Moves."

"…WHAT?!"

(Later…)

Refurnishing the rocks into makeshift seats, the gang sat while Georgia fed Pawniard some Pokémon food.

"[Thank you.]" Nodding, Pawniard ran off with Pikachu and Piplup. With her out of the way, the storytelling began.

"You see, Pawniard only knows Metal Claw, Iron Head, and Guillotine. The whole time I've seen Georgia battle with her, she's never learned any Dark-Types Moves…" started Darwin.

"It has to do with when I caught her… Are any of you familiar with how Pawniard lives in the wild?" asked Georgia. While the foreigners shook their heads, Cilan nodded.

"I've battled a few challengers with Pawniards of their own. They live in packs governed by Bisharp, right?" noted Cilan.

"Bisharp?" Curious, May took out her Pokédex. Bisharp is a bipedal, humanoid Pokémon. It has a round, red and black head, similar to a war helmet, topped with a golden, double-headed axe blade with white edges. Its face is primarily yellow with a black outline. The helmet shrouds most of its yellow-and-black face, although its triangular eyes are visible. Resembling shoulder pads, Bisharp's red shoulders project slightly over its arms and have a thin yellow line where they meet its black torso. It has white, metallic hands that resemble gloves, with retractable, blades attached. Encircling its torso are two blades, which create the impression of a ribcage. Its thighs are red and become progressively thinner as they connect to the knee. Both of its feet are metallic and split down the middle, resembling cloven hooves. These hooves are also similar to steel war boots or possibly leggings.

Bisharp, the Sword Blade Pokémon, and the evolved form of Pawniard. This pitiless Pokémon commands a group of Pawniard to hound prey into immobility. It then moves in to finish the prey off.

"What made my Pawniard special is that her pack's Pawniard… is also her mom," revealed Georgia.

"Not surprising. (nods) The leader of a Pokémon pack having an offspring or mate in it is not unheard of." noted Cilan.

"We 'met' Pawniard's pack a few years ago… around Route 9." started Darwin.

"We were coming back from Grandpa's birthday party when we caught the little girl getting gang upped on by a horde of… Hydreigon." sighed Georgia, Darwin freezing a bit.

"Hydreigon?" echoed Dawn, taking out her Pokédex. Hydreigon is a three-headed, draconic Pokémon with six thin, black wings that each end in two points on its back. It has a fuchsia-colored collar on its neck which surrounds its head. The main head is dark blue and has fuchsia eyes surrounded by a black area. Hydreigon's two hands are also black and each one harbors a head; these are similarly blue with black eyes with small fuchsia collars on the inside. Its abdomen has two fuchsia stripes and its feet appear atrophied, having no claws or defined soles and two or three small toes. Its tail also sports a fuchsia stripe and ends with a black tuft.

Hydreigon, the Brutal Pokémon, and the evolved form of Zweilous. Hydreigon uses its six wings to travel the skies. It will attack anything that moves, seeing it as an opponent.

"But why?!" asked May.

"I'll get to that soon. Anyway, given that it was a pack of Dragon-Types that were assaulting Pawniard, I had Beartic use Icicle Crash on them and scared them off." continued Georgia.

"It wasn't long before Pawniard's pack returned. When she ran up to her mom, instead of a happy reunion… she got a Night Slash that send her rocketing to a cliffside." scowled Darwin, getting gasps.

"From what I could understand back then, winning a battle against another pack formally initiates a Pawniard or Bisharp into theirs. Lose… and that's it, no second chances, rematches, or anything to give another shot. Basically; Pawniard got banished." frowned Georgia.

"How despicable!" frowned Cilan. From the implications, it seemed that this pack didn't care whether or not a would-be initiate survives.

"To do that to your own blood," growled May. She and Max may have their differences, but never once had their arguments turned violent.

"Goes to show that like there are good and bad humans… there are also good and bad Pokémon." frowned Dawn, thinking of all the bad Pokémon the Sinnoh gang dealt with.

"Ganged on and banished by the same Type… no wonder Pawniard can't use any Dark-Type Moves." realized Ash.

"We gave Pawniard some breathing room before I asked her to join me since we have similar goals… which I'm not telling." finished Georgia dryly.

"What an enchanting move! Welcoming Pawniard into your family was exceptional!" commented Cilan. The others smiled too, Ash's getting Georgia to blush.

"It's been slow going, but I know I can help Pawniard get his edge back. Right, Pawniard? …Pawniard?" The gang looks around, seeing not only Pawniard missing but Pikachu and Piplup. "Now, where could those three have gone?"

"I wouldn't worry about it. As long as Pawniard's with Pikachu, he's safe." smiled Ash, brightening Georgia's blush. Suddenly, a huge explosion is heard from the nearby forest.

"What was that?!" gasped Georgia. Alarmed, the gang rushed into the woods, soon running into…

"[HELP ME!]" Pikachu, who rammed into Ash's stomach and clung to him for dear life.

"[SAVE ME!]" Piplup, who did the same with Dawn. Bracing herself, Georgia frowned, not seeing Pawniard following.

"Pikachu/Piplup! Where's Pawniard? What's wrong?!" frowned Ash and Dawn.

"You three were together!" frowned Georgia. Freaking out, the Starters began pointing at the woods, chattering unintelligibly. Thankfully…

"[GET OFF ME, YOU WALKING CAN OPENER!]" Jumping out of a bush with Pawniard in his horns is a centipede-like Pokémon that usually stands with the front half of his body raised vertically off the ground. His segmented body is dark magenta, except for his smooth, dark gray underside. Long, slightly bent horns similar to antennae extend from his head, as well as an identical pair of horns on his rear. Purple bands decorate these horns, and teardrop-shaped rings of the same color mark each body segment, one on each side of his body. It possesses four pairs of short, purple fore-claws on the body segments that make up his neck, which is used to inject poison. The four hind legs are longer, thicker, and spaced farther apart. Each hind limb has curved dark gray bands around the middle.

"[NEVER!]" called Pawniard. Growling, the large Pokémon keeps swinging his head to shake her off.

"What's that?!" yelped Cilan.

"Pawniard, what are you doing up there?!" scolded Georgia.

"And who's that Pokémon?!" Quickly, Ash holds up his Pokédex.

Scolipede, the Megapede Pokémon. Scolipede catches its opponents with great speed and attacks using horns on its head. Scolipede is highly aggressive and will not give up until victorious.

"Here it comes!" warned Cilan, confusing the foreigners.

"Can't we battle—"

"There's a chance this Scolipede has the Ability Poison Point!" Cilan cuts off Ash's suggestion, starting to run.

"Poison Point?" echoed Dawn, she and the others following.

"It's an Ability that poisons whoever comes in contact with the user!" explained May, worrying those previously unaware. "I know because Drew's Roserade has that Ability."

"Fortunately, Pawniard's Steel-Type characteristics make her immune to such!" added Cilan.

"Darwin, how many Antidotes did Lillipup find with Pickup?!" asked Ash.

"A few, but not enough for our whole team!" frowned Darwin.

"Man! Let's just hope Scolipede doesn't know—" Ash ducks, avoiding a shot of purple liquid that struck a rock in his place… and melting it. "Tox… ic…"

"**—"

"LANGUAGE!"

"[You're not getting away!]" This time, a stream of purple liquid douses the gang's front, stopping them while it continues spraying, melting a line that's blocking them.

"Guess we don't have a choice!" scowled May, taking out a Poké Ball.

"Wait, Dawn! (girl perks) Togekiss' Safeguard! It can stop the poison!" reminded Ash. Dawn internally facepalmed, forgetting that.

'Note to self; have Togekiss use it more often so I won't forget again.' "Togekiss, Spotlight!" called Dawn, bringing out her Normal/Flying Type.

"[How may I— Oh dear!]" gasped Togekiss, evading some Toxic shots from the now stationary Bug/Poison-Type.

"Togekiss can't use Safeguard with Scolipede focused on her!" frowned Cilan.

"I can use that! Swablu, Take the Stage! (Hoenn Pokémon coos) Swablu, send this bug to sleep with Sing!" waved May. Sure, there's a chance it could strike Pawniard, but the Move's relatively harmless.

"[Yes, ma'am!]" Nodding and clearing her throat, Swablu started the Move, sending sonic pulses towards Scolipede. Scolipede, upon hearing the Move, stopped shooting Toxic, faces Swablu, and waves his horns repeatedly before—

"[SCREE~!]"

"AAAHHH!" The humans and Pikachu cover their ears while soundwaves come out of the horns, clashing with Swablu's Sing… before shattering through and striking the Hoenn Pokémon. In pain, Swablu follows the others' lead.

"That's Screech!" realized Cilan.

"It overpowered Swablu's Sing!" added Darwin. Seeing Togekiss descend to her Trainer, Scolipede stopped the Screech (much to everyone's relief) before firing Toxic twice, hitting not only her but—

"Swablu!" Gasping, May caught her Pokémon while Dawn returned Togekiss, the former seeing Swablu's ill, purple face.

"[It hurts…]" whined Swablu.

"Sorry, Swablu. (returns Pokémon) I'll give you an Antidote once we deal with this bug." frowned May. Seeing that they're not bothering him for the moment, Scolipede continues trying to shake Pawniard off.

"This is bad; Safeguard protects Pokémon from Poison, not cures them of it." mirrored Dawn.

"Oh great, and I'm guessing Scolipede could have a contingency for Yawn too." scowled Darwin.

"Plan C, then. (takes out Poké Ball) Pidove, I choose—"

"Wait, Ash! (puts a hand on his shoulder) Pawniard's my Pokémon, which means I have to save her!" frowned Georgia in determination. Seeing it, Ash backed down, putting away the Poké Ball.

"Alright, but don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it." smiled Ash softly. Nodding, Georgia takes out a Poké Ball.

"Beartic, let's save Pawniard!" called the dark pinkette, bringing out her Starter.

"[So the girl's in trouble again, huh? (chuckles) Just like old times.]" smiled Beartic.

"Be careful, Beartic. There's a chance this Scolipede has Poison Point, so you can't get close to it. (Ice-Type nods) With that over with, use Ice Beam!" waved Georgia.

"[Got it!]" Nodding, Beartic fired the Ice-Type Move, submerging the lower half of Scolipede's body in ice.

"[What the—]" Shivering, Scolipede fires a stream of Toxic over the ice, slowly melting it. Seeing him distract, Georgia glances at Cilan. Silent message received, the Connoseiur nodded.

"Pansage, use Vine Whip to get Pawniard to safety," ordered Cilan, bringing out his partner.

"[OK.]" nodded Pansage before two dark green vines come from his back and stretched over to Pawniard, wrapping around the Dark/Steel-Type. Gently lifting her off Scolipede's head, the vines then move her to Georgia's arms.

"Oh, Pawniard, are you alright?" asked Georgia gently, carefully hugging her.

"[Yes, thanks for the save.]" nodded Pawniard. Everyone smiled at this until…

"[I'M FREE!]" Bursting out of the ice, Scolipede rushes at Beartic, horns glowing light green and extending. Before anyone knew what happened, the Bug/Poison-Type rams Beartic, throws him into the air, then fires a glob of glowing purple liquid at the Ice-Type, which exploded on impact.

"BEARTIC!" Worried, the gang watches Beartic fall onto his stomach, struggling to rise with a purple face.

"That was Megahorn and Venoshock!" noted Cilan.

"I know what the first one is, but what's the second?" frowned May.

"A Poison-Type Move found in Unova that doubles in power if the target's poisoned," explained Cilan.

"But Beartic was never touched by Toxic, which means…" frowned Dawn.

"Poison Point kicked in when Megahorn made contact." realized Ash.

'No…' For Pawniard, time seemed to slow down as she watches Scolipede charge up a Venoshock, intent on finishing off Beartic. Her mind flashes to that fateful day; the day she met and joined the Langleys.

"Don't worry, Pawniard, I got ya!"

Lowering her head, Pawniard's eyes became shadowed.

"[What kind of sleuth leader banishes her own cub?!]"

Lifting his head, Beartic could do nothing else but stare at the charging Poison-Type Move.

"If there's anything my sister taught me, any Pokémon has the potential to grow strong."

Purple energy started crackling around Pawniard's body.

"Welcome to the family, Pawniard."

"[Say good—AAHH!]"

"What?!" In the blink of an eye, Pawniard appeared at Scolipede's side, ramming the Bug/Poison-Type and canceling the Venoshock.

"[Leave my pack alone!]" shouted Pawniard, surprising the gang.

"Pawniard?" smiled Georgia sadly.

"She pulled off that Faint Attack flawlessly!" awed Cilan.

"[You'll pay for that!]" Eyes narrowed, Scolipede used Megahorn and batted Pawniard away. Spinning, the Dark/Steel-Type caught herself with his feet onto a tree before launching a kick at Scolipede, foot crackling in purple energy.

"That was Assurance!" noted Georgia.

"Assurance?" echoed May.

"A Dark-Type Moves that doubles in power if the user took damage before it," explained Dawn.

"Pawniard, way to go!" yelled Ash.

"[Great work!]" cheered Pikachu.

"[Thanks… (jumps in front of Georgia) But I have one more trick up my sleeve.]" glared Pawniard, blades slowly glowing. Seeing it, Georgia then exchanges looks with Pawniard, smirking for the Dark/Steel-Type.

"Alright, Pawniard… end this with Night Slash!" waved Georgia.

"[Yes, Georgia!]" Purple energy blades cover Pawniard's arms. With a battle cry, the Dark/Steel-Type slashed at Scolipede's chest. Screeching, the Bug/Poison-Type fell onto his back, eyes swirling.

"Critical hit!" echoed Darwin dramatically.

"That was awesome!" complimented Ash.

"Congratulations on overcoming your difficulties, Pawniard." nodded Cilan happily.

"3 Dark-Type Moves in one go… I couldn't agree more." smiled May.

"I'm sure Togekiss and the others will be grateful for what you did," noted Dawn. Beartic groans, reminding everyone of his condition.

"Oh right; one Antidote coming up." pointed Darwin, taking it out of his bag before spraying Beartic with it. It didn't take long for the Ice-Type to recover, standing up before looking down at Pawniard, who looks up to him.

"[…Good job.]" smiled Beartic, giving her a thumbs up. As the gang continued congratulating/complimenting Pawniard, the Dark/Steel-Type gazed at her reflection on her arm blades.

'One day… I'll prove you wrong, mother. I'll protect my pack better than you ever could.'


Ash's Pokémon Team

Pikachu (M): Ability: Static. Moves: Agility, Thunder, Iron Tail, Quick Attack, Volt Tackle, Thunderbolt, Fusion Bolt, Brick Break, Strength

Primeape (M): Ability: Anger Point. Moves: Thrash, Mega Kick, Mega Punch, Seismic Toss, Cross Chop, Close Combat, Punishment, Dynamic Punch, Brick Break, Strength, Fire Punch

Deerling (M): Ability: Chlorophyll. Moves: Tackle, Camouflage, Growl, Agility, Double Kick, Sunny Day

Pidove (F): Ability: Super Luck. Moves: Gust, Quick Attack, Air Cutter, Leer, Steel Wing, Heat Wave

Oshawott (M): Ability: Torrent. Moves: Tackle, Water Gun, Razor Shell, Rock Smash

Tepig (M): Ability: Blaze. Moves: Tackle, Ember, Yawn, Sunny Day, Heat Wave

Darwin's Pokémon Team

Tepig (F): Ability: Blaze. Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Ember, Odor Sleuth, Incinerate, Sunny Day, Heat Wave

Purrloin (F): Ability: Limber. Moves: Scratch, Growl, Assist, Iron Tail, Fury Swipes

Lillipup (M): Ability: Pickup. Moves: Leer, Tackle, Odor Sleuth, Bite, Helping Hand, Fire Fang

Blitzle (M): Ability: Lightning Rod. Moves: Quick Attack, Charge, Shock Wave, Attract

Georgia's Pokémon Team

Beartic (M): Ability: Snow Cloak. Moves: Slash, Night Slash, Icicle Crash, Ice Beam, Rock Smash, Strength

Pawniard (F): Ability: Defiant. Moves: Metal Claw, Iron Head, Guillotine, Faint Attack, Assurance, Night Slash

Vanillite (F): Ability: Ice Body. Moves: Avalanche, Mist, Icicle Spear, Ice Beam

May's Pokémon Team

Blaziken (M): Ability: Blaze. Moves: Blaze Kick, Overheat, Flamethrower, Sky Uppercut, Fire Spin, Shadow Claw, Mega Kick, Sunny Day, Solar Beam, Heat Wave, Brick Break

Swablu (F): Ability: Natural Cure. Moves: Sing, Mist, Round, Double Team, Sunny Day, Solar Beam, Heat Wave

Dawn's Pokémon Team

Piplup (M): Ability: Torrent. Moves: Drill Peck, Ice Beam, Hydro Pump, Whirlpool, Mist

Togekiss (F): Ability: Serene Grace. Moves: Aura Sphere, Sky Attack, Air Slash, Safeguard, Sunny Day, Solar Beam, Heat Wave

Munna* (F): Ability: Synchronize. Moves: Psybeam, Yawn, Imprison, Barrier

Snivy (F): Ability: Overgrow. Moves: Attract, Vine Whip, Leaf Storm, Leaf Blade, Sunny Day, Solar Beam

Cilan's Pokémon Team

Pansage (M): Ability: Gluttony. Moves: Bullet Seed, Bite, Solar Beam, Dig, Rock Tomb, Vine Whip, Sunny Day


Omarnosian10: What do you guys think?

Georgia: It's a lot less filler than the original.

Ash: Right?! All it did was show off Axew's Moves and Excadrill!

Dawn: With little to no character growth.

Omarnosian10: Thank you. And before anyone asks, the reason why Pawniard hasn't evolved yet is not only because it's too early like canon, but she has two more spiritual obstacles to face.

Georgia: Her mother and the Hydreigon?

Omarnosian10: Yeah. I'm pretty sure that's all for now. SMOKEBOMB!