Ash: Is the author still playing Scarlet?

Georgia: No, he's saving that for the weekends.

Omarnosian10: I'm back. *arrives with streaks of sap-like substance down his cheeks*

Cilan: Were… were you crying?

Omarnosian10: Maybe… *wipes sap off* I'm guessing you all heard about Ash's upcoming departure from the anime?

Ash: Don't remind me.

*His harem got all teary-eyed*

Cilan: I thought that's what you would've done if you were in charge.

Omarnosian10: It's one thing to dream, it's another for it to be reality!

Darwin: Wise words.

Omarnosian10: Plus, according to some rumors I've heard, the new girl's gonna be Ash and Serena's daughter.

*Ash's present harem growls*

Cilan: So instead of Yu-Gi-Oh, they might be going with the JoJo route?

Omarnosian10: Maybe. Rumors are a mixed bag, after all. ON WITH THE SHOW AND NEW DISCLAIMER!

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon. If I did, it would've given Ash a sensible harem, done Unova better (like anyone would), or done 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 11: A Home for Dwebble!

(Route 3)

"Now, if I take some of my homemade potato salad, and add some freshly cracked pepper…" It's been hours since the gang left Luxuria Town the morning after May won the Contest. After a long time of trekking the rocky terrain, they took a break with Cilan prepping lunch. While he did so, the rest did some light training.

"[Again!]" At Primeape's command, Piplup, Togekiss, Beartic, and Pawniard lit their appendages up with dark red energy before chopping at the boulders in front of them. At once, the boulders shattered, leaving pebbles in their wake. "[Perfect!]"

"[Yes!]" fistpumped Beartic. Piplup and Pawniard shared a high-five.

"[FIRE!]" An orb of flames with black highlights struck an unoccupied tree, burning it to cinders.

"[Good work, my student.]" nodded F—Tepig, patting M—Tepig on the back. The male Fire-Type could only awe at the results of his training.

'I did that?'

"[Release!]" Many white hearts ascended toward the sky, bursting into sparkles once they reached a certain distance.

"[That… is embarrassing.]" blushed Oshawott, finding the Move unmanly. Deerling and Blaziken nod in agreement.

"[Suck it up.]" rolled Snivy and Blitzle.

"[Trust me, all Moves—except for Splash—have their uses.]" nodded Pikachu sagely.

"[I think the hearts are pretty!]" awed Munna.

"Sorry for the delay!" called Cilan, placing a tray of plates with sliced sandwiches on a table while Pansage did the same with Pokémon food.

"Oh wow! Thanks a lot!" In a matter of moments, Ash and May rushed to the table, chowing on their sandwiches. The others followed soon after.

"Man! You make some of the best sandwiches in the whole, wide world, Cilan!" complimented Ash once his mouth was empty.

"I think you can give Brock a run for his money!" added May.

"But, of course!" chuckled Cilan. 'Although who's this Brock they keep talking about?'

"So, Pikachu! What do you think of Cilan's cooking?" asked Ash.

"[It's delicious!]" exclaimed Pikachu.

"[Here-here!]" Several Pokémon raised their bowls in agreement.

"You too, Piplup?" smiled Dawn.

"[Of course!]" nodded the Penguin Pokémon. While the Pokémon were eating, Primeape and Lillipup perked and looked to the side. Finishing their bowls, the two began wondering.

"Where are you two going?" asked Darwin, everyone noticing the wandering Pokémon.

"[We hear something!]" called Lillipup.

"[Follow us!]" gestured Primeape. Curious, everyone finished their lunch before the Pokémon (except for Pikachu, Primeape, Lillipup, and Piplup) were returned, then the humans followed. Soon, they reached a barren area, finding the source.

"[Not perfect yet, not perfect yet…]" Carving onto a shell/rock is a small, orange, hermit crab-like Pokémon with large pincers. She has dark, oval-shaped eyes supported by eye stalks. She has a hook-like tail.

"Is that… a Dwebble?" noted Georgia.

"Of course! It IS a Dwebble! Although, of course, it's strange to see one without a rock on its back." pointed Cilan.

"A rock on its back?" echoed Ash. Curious, Dawn scanned with her Pokédex.

Dwebble, the Rock Inn Pokémon. After finding a suitable rock, Dwebble digs a hole in the rock's bottom to use as a protective shell.

"Wow, it has the same Type combination as Shuckle," noted Dawn.

"Shuckle?" echoed Darwin.

"A Johto Pokémon." simplified Ash.

"Shelving the Shuckle comment for later, if that's true, then we're about to see a rare occurrence! What luck!" chuckled Cilan. Everyone watched the Dwebble move the rock to another side, inspecting it before picking at it with her pincers. "And soon, that shell will become its home!"

"So, Dwebble builds its own house! Awesome!" exclaimed Ash.

"[With you on that…]" agreed Pikachu. As the group watched the wild Dwebble making her own home, she seemed to be shooting liquid from her mouth.

"Something is coming out of Dwebble's mouth!" pointed May.

"It's not Toxic, is it?" worried Darwin.

"The liquid's light brown, not any shade of purple." rolled Georgia. Dawn rechecked her Pokédex.

Dwebble can make rocks easier to carve by producing a liquid from its mouth. Studies have shown that the liquid only corrodes non-living, inorganic materials.

"So it doesn't work on skin, but on stuff like rocks and metals. Good to know…" sighed Dawn.

"How amazing is that!?" exclaimed Ash.

"[Very!]" As little time passed, the rock began to shrink, looking more like a Dwebble home.

"Looks like a lot of hard work!" guessed Georgia.

"Well, since the shell protects Dwebble, they have to do a really good job!" explained Cilan. Soon, Dwebble began to crawl back into her shell… only to frown and exit.

"Why didn't Dwebble stay inside? It looks light enough," asked Darwin.

"It's probably not satisfied with the interior just yet." guessed Cilan, watching Dwebble spray into her shell, the carving hidden from their view. As a few seconds passed, Dwebble was back in her shell, smiling this time.

"Now?" asked May.

"It's a perfect fit this time!" chuckled Cilan. As Dwebble danced around, happy with her shell…

"He looks just like a moving cream puff! He's so cute!" squealed Dawn.

"And adorable!" added May and Georgia. Before Dwebble could be on her way, the ground started to shake.

"Earthquake?" worried Ash.

"[No… We got company!]" barked Lillipup toward a direction. Looking, they see a trio of Dwebble arrive, their shells different, darker shades of brown and the middle being the largest.

"Man… Looks like the Dwebble has got company…" pointed Ash.

"Maybe they're friends!" guessed Darwin. Normally, Ash would agree, but given his experience, nothing is as it seems.

"I'm pretty sure you're about to eat your words… Look at what's happening!" replied Ash, pointing at the confrontation.

"[Get it, boys!]" ordered the largest Dwebble, pointing at the female Dwebble.

"[Faint Attack for the boss!]" At once, the two male Dwebble bashed at the female, causing her to tumble back.

"What's that all about?!" snapped Darwin. F—Dwebble got up, facing the three males.

"[Slash for the Boss!]" Pincers lighting up with white energy, the two henchmen lunge at the female. Frantic, F—Dwebble pulls her body into her shell and the whole shell flashes white. Then, a wave of turquoise energy starts from the top of Dwebble's shell and moves downwards. Once the energy moves downwards, it leaves behind a darker turquoise glow. Once the Slashes made contact, they could only bounce off harmlessly.

"I wonder what those two ********** are attacking Dwebble for!" frowned Darwin.

"LANGUAGE… and territory, maybe?" shrugged Georgia.

"We haven't seen any wild Pokémon aside from those 4 recently," noted May.

"I don't believe that's the case. (shakes head) Dwebble was just about to leave, so if it was, what was the point of keeping it here?" frowned Cilan thoughtfully. Concerned, they watched F—Dwebble put down Protect and fight back with a Slash.

"[Protect for the boss!]" At once, the henchmen performed Protect as well, their proximity expanding the turquoise energy into a dome.

"[ACK!]" Bouncing off, F—Dwebble lost her balance before being struck by the leader's Faint Attack, the Dark Move launching her away and forcefully separating her and her shell. "[Ugh…]"

"[What a beautiful thing… (caresses female's shell) How fortunate it belongs me now.]" sneered L—Dwebble, putting it on top. Before it could slide off, his henchmen sprayed the liquid onto it like glue, keeping it there.

"[NO!]"

"That's why?! They wanted Dwebble's newly made house?!" growled May.

"How much you wanna bet those three ******* were watching Dwebble too and waiting to steal it when it was finished?!" realized Darwin.

"I'll let that slide considering how accurate it is!" scowled Georgia. Before the Trainers could say anything, Primeape and Lillipup got between the sides.

"[Give her that shell back if you know what's good for you!]" warned Primeape, lighting up Fire Punch. Soon, they were joined by the rest of the gang, the Trainers reaching for their Poké Balls. Scowling at the odds, L—Dwebble looked at his henchmen.

"[Retreat!]" At once, the bullies burrowed away via Dig.

"[Cowards!]" growled Lillipup. Glaring at the holes, F—Dwebble used Dig herself in an attempt to follow.

"You go and get your house back!" cheered Ash.

"Now, Pansage! Come on out! (Grass-Type appears) Pansage, I want you to use Dig and go help Dwebble!" Cilan explained. Pansage nodded as he burrowed underground as well.

"Gible would've been really helpful right about now." groaned Ash. May and Dawn winced, feeling the same for Glaceon and Mamoswine respectively.

"Yeah… Hey Cilan, do you think after this whole thing is over, you can lend Pansage to teach our Pokémon Dig in case something like this happens again?" asked Darwin. Ash facepalmed again.

'Why do I keep forgetting the Move sharing thing?'

"I don't see a problem with that." nodded Cilan.

"Speaking of our Pokémon… I wonder how many can learn it?" hummed May, checking her Pokédex. Looking over her shoulder, Ash hums.

"Pikachu, Primeape, Deerling, Oshawott, Lillipup, Beartic, Pawniard, Blaziken, Piplup… 9 of them." counted Ash, May blushing at the proximity. Before Piplup could complain about getting dirty, Pansage burrowed back, startling them.

"Alright then. What happened, Pansage?" asked Cilan.

"[I think it's better that she explains it.]" sighed Pansage, looking at the ground beside him. Soon, F—Dwebble popped out, panting in exhaustion.

"That's the first Dwebble!" pointed Georgia.

"Still missing its home rock… ******!" swore Darwin, slamming a fist against a boulder.

"We saw everything! Sorry about your house!" apologized Cilan, stepping up and offering a hand to Dwebble. What he got was…

"[TRAINERS!]" Adrenaline pumping again, Dwebble yelled in fright as she ran off, trying to escape from the humans and other Pokémon.

"Where's Dwebble going?" asked Dawn, confused.

"Hey! Slow down!" called Ash, the gang running after the Pokémon. Dwebble scurried faster, seeing the ones pursuing her. Primeape leaped on the rocks before getting in front of Dwebble, shocking her.

"[Come on, now… You don't have to be afraid of us!]" assured Primeape, raising his hands peacefully. Still panicking, Dwebble tried to escape again… only to be blocked by the others.

"Just relax, Dwebble!" called Ash.

"We're not here to hurt you," assured Cilan.

"[What they said.]" nodded Pikachu. Refusing to listen, Dwebble lit up her pincers before swinging a Slash at Piplup.

"[WHOA!]" Piplup leaped to the side, letting the Normal Move shatter a wall… with pieces of iron ore heading straight for—

"[AH!]" Struck in the head, Pansage fell unconscious, a bruise visible.

"Oh no, Pansage!" At Cilan's cry, Dwebble snapped out of her panic-induced frenzy to see the damage she had caused.

"[What have I done…]"

(Minutes later)

"It doesn't look so serious!" assured Georgia, watching Cilan spray a Super Potion on Pansage's wound.

"I guess…" sighed Ash, having returned Primeape. Off to the side, Dwebble repeatedly bowed her head.

"[Sorry—Sorry—Sorry—Sorry—]"

"[It's alright…]" groaned Pansage, conscious.

"We all know that you didn't mean to hurt anyone, of course!" smiled Dawn.

"You were pretty startled about us and upset that your home was stolen by those three, right?" asked May. Dwebble nodded sadly.

"Can't you just make another home?" asked Darwin, having returned Lillipup.

"And risk it getting stolen again?" quirked Georgia.

"[No… I hadn't thought of that.]" hummed Dwebble, originally going to refuse for a different reason.

"Plus, it's his first home, and the first is always the most memorable." nodded Ash, thinking back to his first catches, Gym Battles, etc., in each region. The girls would've shared glared at his words, but it was not the time.

"Indeed! It obviously means the world to Dwebble!" pointed Cilan.

"Yeah! You can't just give up and walk away!" nodded Dawn.

"I know what! We'll help you get it back!" declared Ash.

"[Yeah we will!]" smiled Pikachu.

"[NO! (shakes head) This is my mess, I'll clean it up.]" glared Dwebble. Before anything else could be said, she burrowed away.

"Wait, Dwebble!" called Ash. Cilan frowned and looked at the others.

"No matter. I say we find those thieves!" ordered Cilan. Nodding, the group stood.

"Pidove, I choose you!"

"Swablu, take the stage!"

"Togekiss, spotlight!"

(Evening)

"[Everyone!]" Having been looking around even after the sun began setting, the gang looked up to see their Flying-Types return.

"Did any of you find anything?" asked Ash. Sadly, the three Flying Types shook their heads. At the same time, Pansage popped out from underground, shaking his head.

"How is this possible?" frowned Darwin, hiding his frustration at being unable to help. 'I really need a Flying-Type.'

"Best I could come up with, those three know this area enough to hide in caves or something out of sight." guessed Ash.

"Speaking of Dwebbles, how do you think ours is doing?" frowned Dawn. As if on cue, F—Dwebble popped up, surprised to see her new friends again… and without her shell.

"Empty-handed, huh…" frowned May. Looking at the orange sky, Cilan frowned.

"It's late. Why don't we have a nice dinner now?" suggested Cilan.

"I guess that wouldn't be so bad…" admitted Ash. The trained Pokémon cheered at that suggestion. Hungry as well, Dwebble prepared to wander off when…

"You too, Dwebble." pointed Cilan, getting Dwebble to look back.

"[Wait, what?]"

(Night)

"Well, what do you think, Dwebble? Doesn't Cilan make some awesome Pokémon food?" asked Ash after Cilan made dinner for everyone. Dwebble nodded happily as she munched more of her food, sitting by a fire that Blaziken made.

"[He's… a… splendid… cook…]" The next thing Pansage knew, he was on his back, his body feeling horrible.

"Pansage, what's wrong!?" called Cilan, holding his Pokémon.

"Is he OK?" asked Dawn, the gang huddling around them. Frowning, Cilan felt Pansage's head.

"Oh no… You're burning up!" answered Cilan.

"No… Could it be when that iron ore hit him?" frowned Ash. At the reminder, Dwebble blinked sadly, guilt in her eyes.

"I'm afraid that we don't have any more Potions…" sighed Cilan.

"But I know someone that can find some more. Let's Go, Lillipup!" called Darwin, bringing out his canine Pokémon.

"[Hey Ma—]"

"Playtime later, I need you to go out and find some Potions for Pansage," ordered Darwin, taking out an empty one for example. Nodding, Lillipup's nose glows white. Using Odor Sleuth, he sniffs the bottle before running off.

"And in case he doesn't find any… (takes out notebook) Pidove, can you get these herbs from that direction? They can lower fevers and can help Pansage," asked Ash, displaying the page while pointing. Nodding, Pidove memorized the contents before flying off.

"I never took you for the medical type." hummed Cilan.

"You have an old friend to thank for that."

(Later)

"One Energy Powder coming right up!" After Pidove returned with the herbs (and Ash got $5 richer since his Pokémon won the 'race'), Ash borrowed some of Cilan's kitchen tools to crush/mix them into medicine. Once finished, he presented a spoonful to Pansage.

"Careful though, it might be a little bitter…" warned Cilan gently. Weakly opening his eyes, Pansage's mouth slowly followed, letting the spoon's contents drop into it… and pull a face.

"Hate to tell ya, but that's not all the medicine you need to take." reminded Ash, bringing up another spoonful.

"[Oh… no…]" Unable to resist, Pansage took the rest of his medicine. Once he did, he closed his eyes and relaxed his body, going to sleep.

"Some good night's sleep will make Pansage all better by morning!" nodded Ash.

"Thanks so much, Ash." thanked Cilan.

"Looks like Brock's lessons didn't go to waste." smiled May.

"OK, I've had it with that mystery ****!" shouted Darwin.

"LAN—"

"Come on, sis, you're sick of it too!" retorted Darwin, surprising his sibling. "They've been talking about this Brock guy for over a week and neither of us knows who he is!"

"I am… also curious as to who this Brock is." nodded Cilan. One-half of the group stared at the other, a tense silence filling the air.

"Alright… it's not like I'm purposely keeping it secret." sighed Ash, sharing glances with May and Dawn.

"Brock's a Pokémon Breeder that's been traveling with Ash for the past… 4 years?" tilted Dawn.

"5; it would've been 6 if he hadn't taken a year to work under Professor Ivy." corrected Ash, his mind drifting to something at the mention of the first female Professor he met. 'I wonder if Kurt got any luck with the GS Ball after all these years.'

"He was also the first Gym Leader Ash ever battled… and lost to." giggled May. Ash blushes at the reminder of his… unusual way of earning Badges that year.

'Good thing I won those rematches while working on those Frontier Symbols.' While the foreigners tell the natives of their longtime friend, Dwebble carried a thin, wet towel toward Pansage and placed it on his forehead.

'[Please get better.]'

(Morning)

"[What a joy this is!]" Cheering, Pansage hopped in place, energized from the recovery yesterday.

"I'm so happy that you're feeling fine!" Laughing, Cilan hugged his partner.

"[Thanks to you!]" smiled Pansage, giving Ash a thumbs up over his partner's shoulder.

"And it's all thanks to the herbal remedies that you whipped up, Ash!" chuckled Cilan, lowering his partner.

"Cilan's right!" agreed Georgia.

"Dwebble was up all night watching you, Pansage!" smiled May, beckoning the Bug/Rock-Type over.

"[Really? Thanks!]" smiled Pansage.

"[No problem.]" blushed Dwebble.

"Are we absolutely sure he's at 100%?" frowned Darwin, not letting his guard down. It's not that he doubts his mentor, but given that they assumed the same before, it couldn't hurt to be cautious. Understanding, Cilan hummed… before smirking thoughtfully.

"I know how we can be sure."

(Minutes later)

"The battle between Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town and Cilan Dent of Striaton 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, Cilan shall have the first move." droned Darwin.

"Y'know Ash, I was disappointed that I never got the opportunity to battle you for your Gym Badge." chuckled Cilan.

"[It's true what they say; good things come to those who wait.]" nodded Pansage.

"I know the feeling. And even back then, I planned on facing you with Pikachu!" grinned Ash.

"[Let's do this!]" cheered the Electric-Type.

"[Pansage…]" frowned Dwebble worriedly.

"Let the battle… begin!"

Ash: Pikachu VS Cilan: Pansage

"Pansage, start with Bullet Seed!"

"Pikachu, counter with Thunderbolt!"

"[Hi—YAH!]" At once, the two Moves collided creating a smokescreen that divided the field.

"Keep it up with Quick Attack!" punched Ash.

"[Take… this!]" Before Pansage can react, he got rammed into the air by a white-lit Electric-Type.

"[NO!]" gasped Dwebble.

"Use Rock Tomb to soften your fall!" waved Cilan.

"[Let's… rock!]" Screaming, Pansage conjured a giant boulder before launching it downward.

"Break it apart with Iron Tail!" chopped Ash. Turning his tail to Steel, Pikachu leaped up and swung it across the Rock Tomb, shattering it and creating a dust cloud.

"Vine Whip!"

"[What the—]" Two green tendrils burst through the dust and wraps around Pikachu.

"Now slam him!"

"[This is gonna hurt!]" Smiling on the ground once the dust dispersed, Pansage gave out a battle cry, his Vine Whips lifting Pikachu before bringing him down.

"Thun—" Ash couldn't finish his command with Pikachu getting slammed on his back.

"Now bring him close!" clawed Cilan. Watching the Vine Whip retract, Ash feared for a Bite or a close-range Solar Beam.

"Pikachu, Iron Tail to anchor yourself!" punched Ash. Nodding, the Electric-Type punctured the ground with his Steel turned tail. Growling, Pansage continued to pull at his vines. This devolved into a tug-of-war with Pansage slowly (and agonizingly) winning. Just when Pikachu got within a few feet of Pansage…

"[What's all that ruckus?]" Surprised, everyone (battlers included) turned to see the trio of Dwebble bullies skitters towards them.

'It worked!'

'Draw'

"Excellent work, you two!" thanked Cilan.

"Yeah, you did a great job!" added Ash. Smiling, Pansage released Pikachu before both dismiss their Moves.

"What did you… You mean you two were battling just to draw them out?!" gasped Georgia, she and the others impressed by the two's unspoken plans. Realizing the same, the three began to scurry off… only for several Air Cutters to cross their path.

"[You three aren't going anywhere!]" Pidove lands on a boulder in their path. Stepping back, the three turned to see the gang and some of their Pokémon glaring at them.

"Alright! Listen up you little **********! You crooks give Dwebble his home back if you know what's good for you!" demanded Darwin. Seeing a chance, F—Dwebble nodded as she leaped up, pincer lit up with Slash.

"[Protect me!]" At L—Dwebble's command, his goons launched Feint Attacks. At first, F—Dwebble seemingly dodged the first one… only to be caught by both in a pincer attack. Letting out a pained cry, she got slammed into a rock.

"Dwebble, no!" gasped May, the gang following.

"Dwebble is outnumbered by three to one!" frowned Dawn.

"Pikachu! Dwebble needs help!"

"Your help as well, Pansage!" At the eldest male's suggestions, their partners stepped toward F—Dwebble's side… only for her to block them with her pincers.

"[NO! It's my home, my problem!]" glared F—Dwebble.

"Dwebble… do you really think you can get your home back all by yourself?" asked Ash.

"[Yes!]" nodded F—Dwebble. In another life, Ash would've complied. However, with a lack of certain Legendary electrical damage to his brain…

"In that case, we'll leave the leader to you and deal with his goons!" nodded Ash.

"Speaking of goons… How are we sure those are his only ones?" frowned Darwin. His question brought worry to the gang, everyone eying their surrounding.

"Makes sense… That bully doesn't like playing fair." frowned May, grasping a Poké Ball. F—Dwebble almost choked a gasp. She hasn't considered that! Sure, 3-on-1 isn't so bad now, but if that bully has more followers hidden somewhere… or everywhere…

"[I'd be—what was that word the child said—screwed!]" Swallowing any pride she had left, F—Dwebble nods.

"We'll keep an eye out for traps!" noted Georgia, the girls, and Darwin following May's example. Proving the brunette right, both the henchmen leaped to F—Dwebble for Slash attacks… only for their pincers to bounce off a tail of Steel.

"[Your fight's with us, pebbles!]" growled Pikachu, landing by Pansage on all fours, the latter cracking his knuckles. Grateful, F—Dwebble went on the offensive with her own Slash at the leader… only for him to use his own and basically 'swat' her into a boulder by her back, the impact creating dust.

"Uh oh… Without a rock on its back…" started Cilan.

"That leaves Dwebble defenseless!" gasped Ash. Fortunately, F—Dwebble shot out of the dust, aiming another Slash attack at the boss.

"[Pointless.]" Sighing, the boss retracted into his shell while it lit up with Protect, letting Slash rebound off. This left F—Dwebble open for L—Dwebble to form a Move the gang's seen barely two days ago.

"That's Smack Down!" gasped Georgia.

"Get down, Dwebble!" warned Cilan. At those words, F—Dwebble widened her eyes before Smack Down exploded on impact.

"[Weak…]" Laughing, L—Dwebble prepares to leave… only for a gust of wind to blow the dust away, revealing nothing. "[WHAT?!]"

"[Take… this!]" The ground below him exploded, letting him get hit by a yellowish-green energy X.

"Hey, that's X-Scissor!" pointed Cilan. L—Dwebble attempted an aerial recovery… only to fall onto his side.

"Looks like the rock's too heavy for him to move right." grinned May.

"And Dwebble knew that which was why it went below." realized Darwin.

"Serves him right," smirked Dawn.

"[Boss!]"

"[Keep your eyes on your opponent!]" smirked Pansage, striking a Bite onto a goon's behind when the latter wasn't looking.

"[He's got that right!]" added Pikachu, batting away a half-powered Slash with Brick Break before striking his Dwebble down. With both the goons unable to battle, he and Pansage comically sat on their shells to watch their new friend's battle.

"[Grrr… Why you little—!]" Growling, L—Dwebble straightened himself before jumping, launching another Smack Down. Instead of using Dig, however, F—Dwebble skittered to the side, letting the orb of Rock energy strike the ground harmlessly.

"[My turn!]" Grinning, F—Dwebble parkoured off a boulder before lunging a slash toward L—Dwebble.

"[I wouldn't do that if I were you.]" Sneering, the boss turned his back, exposing—

"[NO!]" Cancelling Slash, F—Dwebble could do nothing but take a backward Feint Attack, launching her into the air.

"Oh come on Dwebble! That **** deserved a cheap shot!" whined Darwin.

"I'm amazed how many swear words you know," said May dryly. If she ever caught Max saying those, she'd wash his mouth out with soap… not as badly as their mother would've done though.

"But not at the cost of its own home!" realized Cilan, the gang soon following.

"This battle is going south way too much!" gritted Georgia. As if proving her point, L—Dwebble launched his own Slash… only for the female of his species to spin in the air, letting it miss. Sadly… she couldn't dodge the Smack Down that came soon after, slamming her onto the ground.

"That was super-effective!" winced Ash.

"[I'm… not… giving in…]" Groaning, F—Dwebble lifted herself, wanting to continue.

"Dwebble, are you okay?" asked Cilan, concerned.

"[Yeah!]"

"Yes! You can't quit now, Dwebble!" supported Ash. The gang (Pokémon included) followed with their own words of encouragement. Nodding in appreciation, F—Dwebble rushed toward her opponent… only to change direction and dive into a rock hole.

"[Where do you think you're going?]" Sneering, L—Dwebble leaped into the hole to follow… only for his shells to get stuck.

"HA! Serves you right!" laughed May. Suddenly, a yellowish-green explosion pushed the boss out of the hole, F—Dwebble soon following with her pincers dimming from the same colored glow.

"That X-Scissor worked great! Dwebble! Nice job!" praised Cilan. Growling, L—Dwebble prepared a Slash, his pincer extending to show more power, before swinging it at F—Dwebble.

"[DI—!]" The shell-less Pokémon brought up her pincers and blocked the Slash before he could finish.

"[Not… a chance!]" Suddenly, her body started lighting up white.

"Is it—" Before Dawn could finish, the light 'broke' off F—Dwebble's body, revealing a transparent red glow.

"[Wh—]" The shell-less Pokémon vanished before the boss could comprehend it.

"That move was Dwebble's Shell Smash!" pointed Cilan.

"What's Shell Smash?" asked Ash, the foreigners amazed and confused with the new Move.

"It's an Unova-found move that lowers the user's defense in exchange for offense and speed!" explained Georgia.

'That sounds like Ash's kind of Move.' thought May and Dawn, remembering their crush's tendency for speed-based Moves.

'Wow, I wonder if Torkoal can learn it.' hummed Ash.

"You're going down, you lazy*** *******!" cheered Darwin.

"LANGUAGE!" Ignoring their antics, F—Dwebble nodded with a grin before shooting forward with another X-Scissor, the enhanced Bug Move striking the bully's first shell… and breaking the other off.

"[NO!]" Seeing his prizes on the ground, the now shell-less leader glared at the female.

"[I'm giving you one chance while you have your dignity intact. (conjures two Slashes) Leave… and never steal shells again!]" snarled F—Dwebble. Now ironically terrified, L—Dwebble rapidly nods before Digging away.

"Hey! That little thief got away!" frowned Georgia.

"So did his cronies!" groaned Darwin, looking back to see Pansage and Pikachu rubbing their bottoms by freshly dug holes.

"Don't worry about it! The most important thing was, that Dwebble got his home back!" assured Ash, seeing F—Dwebble happy about its home retrieval.

"Plus, given how it appeared, it seems that those three won't be causing any more trouble ever again." smiled Cilan. Happy, everyone looked Dwebble. Everyone ran over, happy with Dwebble's success.

"You did it!" Dawn gave a thumbs up.

"Great job!" nodded May.

"You got your house back!" exclaimed Ash.

"And you got it yourself! You should be proud!" chuckled Cilan.

"I've got to say, that was a smart and great battle you put up there!" finished Georgia. Pansage flipped in the air happily, followed by Pikachu, Piplup, and Pidove. Shell Smash wearing off, Dwebble smiled and nodded before inspecting her shell.

"Did they sabotage it?" frowned Cilan. Entering the shell, Dwebble shook it before doing the same with her head.

"[No, thank Arceus!]"

(Later, Afternoon)

"Alright then, Dwebble! Time for us to move on!" explained Cilan, he and the gang back on the main road with Dwebble.

"See you soon, Dwebble!" called Ash.

"Take care!" waved Dawn.

"And make sure you don't get your house stolen again!" giggled Georgia. At once, the gang prepares to leave… only for a certain Pokémon to Dig up in front of them.

"[Wait!]"

"Dwebble? What, is something wrong?" frowned Cilan, kneeling to the Bug/Rock-Type. Shaking her head, Dwebble skittered to his side, pointing at his belt.

"Cilan, I get the feeling that Dwebble wants to join your team!" smiled Ash, surprising the natives.

"What? You do? (Dwebble nods with a smile) I get it… Getting your home back yourself was heavy fair, and… worrying about Pansage was a delicate light! Fantastic! A perfect Pokémon for me! We're a good match!" declared Cilan declared, taking out a Poké Ball. Nodding, Dwebble pressed the button, letting herself get absorbed.

*Beep… Beep… Beep… DING!*

"Hm… Such an exquisite taste! My Dwebble!" posed Cilan.

"Wow, Cilan! That's great!" exclaimed Ash.

"But aren't you a Grass-Type Gym Leader? Won't having Dwebble be hurtful to your resumé?" asked Darwin.

"… Darwin, the last time I battled an Ice-Type Gym Leader, she used a Psychic/Fighting-Type. (counts fingers) The first Fire-Type Leader used a Rock/Ground, and Brock's a Rock-type Gym Leader with a Poison/Flying-Type, Bug/Steel, Poison/Fighting, and a few other non-Rock-Types." argued Ash.

"Touché." Chuckling at their antics, Cilan looked down at his partner.

"Pansage, what do you think of this?" asked Cilan.

"[I like it!]" nodded Pansage.

"Speaking of our new friend… (looks at others) Do you mind if I borrow one of your Pokédexes? I normally use a machine back home to check on Pansage," asked Cilan.

"I'll do it." Rolling his eyes, Darwin briefly reprogrammed his Pokédex before lending it.

This Dwebble is Female and has the Ability, Sturdy. It has the Moves Protect, Slash, Dig, X-Scissor, and Shell Smash.

"What an excellent Moveset." praised Cilan.

"[Agreed!]" nodded Pansage.

"Wait…" Getting his Pokédex back, Darwin rapidly looked between it and Dwebble's Poké Ball.

"What's wrong?" frowned Georgia. Catching on, Ash groaned.

"I think I know what." facepalmed Ash. Before the others could ask…

"DWEBBLE'S A GIRL?!"


Ash's Pokémon Team

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

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, Faint Attack, Leech Seed, Attract

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

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

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

At Prof. Oak's

Gible (M): Ability: Sand Veil. Moves: Dig, Draco Meteor, Dragon Pulse, Rock Smash, Incinerate, Flamethrower, Dragon Claw

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, Attract

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

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, Brick Break

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

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

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, Double Team, Attract

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

Dawn's Pokémon Team

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

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

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

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

Dwebble (F): Ability: Sturdy. Moves: Protect, Slash, Dig, X-Scissor, Shell Smash


Cilan: Why did you make my Dwebble female?

Omarnosian10: The gender was unconfirmed in the anime and I figured it'd be good girl empowerment if one of your Pokémon was a girl.

May: Thanks.

Omarnosian10: You're welcome, female readers everywhere. Also, before anyone asks, that tidbit about Ash having rematches in his second Kanto journey is something I added because I believe it'd fit his character and that's something he'd do offscreen.

Ash: How many things have I done off-camera?

Omarnosian10: Too many to count for now. Anyway, like I promised readers, a new chapter after weeks of holidays. Hopefully, the next one will be done faster. SMOKEBOMB!