Omarnosian10: Tehehehehehe

Georgia: How long has he been giggling like that?

Ash: Since he started planning for this chapter.

May: What's so special about it? Aside from Bianca's debut, I mean.

Darwin: No idea.

Dawn: Maybe it has something to do with the chapter number.

Cilan: Are you speaking of the superstitions that surround the number 13?

Ash: …Oh man, don't tell me he's gonna make it horror-themed to make a "Friday the 13th" reference?

Omarnosian10: Movie references are for the next chapter.

Dawn: You finally stopped giggling creepily.

Omarnosian10: You'll understand why soon. ON WITH THE SHOW!

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 13: Minccino—Neat and Tidy!

(Route 3, Noon)

"Once we follow this route, we should be close to Nacrene City, right, Cilan?" Hours after leaving the Day Care with two Eggs in their care, the gang recently continued their journey after a quick lunch break, with Darwin starting the conversation.

"That's right! We should be there by tonight or tomorrow…" explained Cilan.

"Gym Badge #2, here we come!" cackled Darwin.

"The only way we'd get delayed is if we go through another 'adventure'." sighed Georgia.

"Please, we went through so much this past few weeks. What are the odds of that?" retorted Darwin.

"A~nd you jinxed us!" facepalmed the foreigners.

"Wait, everyone!" As if the universe heard them, a girl called out from behind. Stopping, the gang turns to see one heading their way. She appears to be a year older than Darwin, with short blonde hair and green eyes. She had a lighter green beret, with a similar colored purse. She is also wearing an orange dress, a long white skirt, yellow shoes, and orange long socks.

'Who's she?'

"Please, hang on a sec!" The girl kept rushing at them. Suddenly, she slipped on a stone and shrieked, trying to regain her balance while still running.

"Oh no!" Not wanting another love rival, the girls pulled Ash away from the blonde's path. Cilan jumped the opposite way after Darwin threw him his bag. Sadly, that leaves…

"Oh ****!" The next thing Darwin knew, he was tackled into a nearby stream, taking the blonde with him.

"Are you alright?!" Concerned, Cilan went over the ledge… and blushed. "Oh, dear."

"What?" asked Ash, leading the girls. What they caught sight of was…

"Mmph!" Fortunately for Darwin, the part he landed on was shallow. Sadly, he also ended up under the blonde missile who is muffling his voice with… her lips.

"I'M GONNA KILL HER!" The dry gang had to hold Georgia back from her 'overprotective sister' rampage.

"Hm?" blinked the blonde, sitting up and straddling Darwin, only her lower body submerged in water. Realizing her position and what she did, her face lit up red.

"I'm sorry!"

(Minutes later)

"I'm so sorry… Please, forgive me! I just feel totally awful!" apologized the blonde, bowed down several times. Darwin was all heating himself by the fire, thanks to the two Tepigs while Blaziken has taken to drying the blonde's socks and shoes. Most of Darwin's clothes were hanging to be dried, leaving him in his boxers.

"Oh, you're gonna be sorry alright! When I get my hands on that pasty neck of yours and strangle it for all it's worth for stealing my little brother's innocence!" ranted Georgia, Primeape holding her back. Squeaking, the blonde hid behind Blaziken.

"Hey May, were you ever like that with Max?" whispered Ash, finding the sight scary/hot.

"No, I would've teased him relentlessly back then." shook May. Given the differences between the Maple and Langley siblings, it speaks volumes about their bond.

"Cilan?" tilted Dawn. Inwardly, she's relieved that she isn't the only one without a sibling in the gang.

"We've already done what May said." sighed Cilan.

"So, what are you doing all the way out here, Miss?" asked Ash, hoping to calm Georgia.

"Actually, I wanted to have a little talk with Darwin and—!"

"YOU *****!" Surprisingly, it wasn't Darwin that cursed, but his elder sister, struggling more in the Fighting-Type's grip. "IT'S NOT ENOUGH THAT YOU TOOK MY BROTHER'S FIRST KISS, NOW YOU WANNA TAKE HIS FIRST—!"

"Georgia!" hissed Cilan, making silent gestures. Stopping her preemptive rampage, Georgia blushed.

'They're siblings, alright.' noted the foreigners. If there was any shred of doubt before, it's gone now.

"First what?" blinked Darwin and the blonde, reminding everyone of their age.

"Nevermind." sighed Georgia, pinching her temple. Seeing that she was relaxed, Primeape released her. Relieved to not be killed anytime soon, the blonde showed herself and dialed into her pink Xtransciever.

"On second thought… I'll let someone else explain." gulped the blonde, displaying her screen. Just then, a familiar face appeared on it.

"Professor Juniper!" realized Ash.

"How nice to see the two of you, Ash! Darwin! Hello there!" exclaimed Juniper.

"It's nice to see you again too, Professor." sighed Darwin, thankful that his current state is under the camera view.

"So Ash, Darwin. How are your Gym battles going?" asked Juniper.

"More like battles, single." snarked Darwin.

"We won the Trio Badge from the Striaton Gym at least a week ago, Professor," answered Ash.

"I'm so proud of the two of you! Now, about those Badges of yours… (smiles sheepishly) Please accept my apology. I forgot to give the two of you your Badge Cases! Bianca has them with her. Bye-bye!" waved Juniper before hanging up.

"Bianca Bel, that's me! Hello there!" giggled Bianca.

"The name is Georgia, and don't you forget it." glared the dark pinkette. The younger girl gulps, nodding. Hoping to relieve the tension, Cilan stepped.

"And I'm Cilan! A Pokémon Connoisseur!"

"I'm May; future Top Coordinator!"

"My name is Dawn, and this is my partner Piplup!"

"[Hello!]" waved the Water-Type. Bianca nodded and began to dig into her bag.

"So, let me give the two of you your Badge… Hm?… Mm…" started Bianca, but stopped and frowned as she tried to look into her Bag. "Come on, come on… I know I put it in this Bag somewhere… It's got to be here somewhere…"

(Minutes later)

"What do you say we ditch the klutz?"

"Georgia!" Cilan couldn't believe the words that came from her mouth. If it was Darwin's, he wouldn't be surprised, but the elder Langley was a shock.

"What? I'm not wrong with how she could've got my brother a cold." shrugged Georgia. It may not've been the main reason she wanted to ditch Bianca, but it was still a good one.

"I wasn't wet for that long." retorted Darwin, back in his now dry clothes.

"If only she let us help…" sighed Dawn, she and May had offered, but the young girl declined.

"Come on guys, be patient." calmed Ash, trying to be peaceful. The foreign girls smiled at his maturity. Soon…

"Here it is!" Bianca pulled out two dusty Unova Badge Cases; one being blue/black-striped and the other being orange/black-striped. When she pulled it out, Bianca coughed, some of the dust got to her.

"Wow… Those Badge Cases are sure are dusty…" commented Georgia. Bianca dusted the Cases away, before handing them over to the two boys.

"There… Here you go, you guys!" called Bianca.

"…Thanks," replied Darwin reluctantly, taking the orange one.

"Great! Thank you! (takes blue one before raising it) This is awesome! I just got… a Badge Case!" exclaimed Ash.

"[Yes we did!]" agreed Pikachu.

"…You've been waiting to do the pose for a while, haven't you?" asked Dawn dryly, smiling along with May and Georgia.

"…No comment." Blushing, Ash opened the Case, thankful that the inside isn't dusty, before putting his Trio Badge in.

"Considering you haven't caught anything new in a while, I'm not surprised." shook Darwin, following suit.

"Hey Ash, do you want Swablu to get that dust off?" offered May.

"…Oh right, Swablu loves cleaning stuff," Georgia remembered the Pokédex entry. Once May brought out her Normal/Flying-Type, the latter took Ash's Badge Case, dusting it off with her wings. It wasn't long until it was sparkling clean, with not a speck of dust left in sight.

"Nice! Thanks, Swablu!" smiled Ash, taking the Case back and petting the Cotton Bird.

"[No problem!]" smiled Swablu, nuzzling into her Trainer's crush.

"(whistles) Nice work… Mind if you do the same for my Case?" requested Darwin. With a nod, she prepared to receive it… only for it to vanish from his hand in the blink of an eye. All seven trainers blinked in surprise before looking to see a gray Pokémon dashing off with Darwin's Badge Case in its mouth.

"Hey! That's my Badge Case!" complained Darwin, his words falling on deaf ears. Growling, he put his backpack on before giving chase. The others blinked before they tried to go after him.

"Come back!" called Bianca. As the chase continued, the speedy Pokémon made its way toward the path and hopped over a log.

"[Hey! Stop right there!]" cried Pikachu and Piplup, running on foot. Soon, Darwin started slowing down, reminding everyone of his weaker body.

"Man… I'll tell you… That's one fast Pokémon for sure…" groaned Darwin.

"Yes! And a wonderful Pokémon, too!" squealed Bianca.

"You're saying a Pokémon that steals from my brother is a wonderful Pokémon?" glared Georgia. Nervous, Bianca waved her arms to placate her.

"Not that! It's just that I have never seen such a fast Pokémon! I'm thrilled!" exclaimed Bianca. Reaching the log, Darwin took a short breather.

"Less talking, more getting my Badge back…" groaned Darwin, climbing over.

"Wouldn't they just give you a replacement badge?" asked Bianca, not seeing a big deal.

"And risk that little thief coming back for seconds?!" scowled Darwin.

"Plus, Bianca… That Badge is loaded with special memories, so that's the only one Darwin should have!" snapped Ash.

"Is it just me, or am I having déjà vu from a couple of days ago?" whispered May to Dawn and Cilan.

"It's not just you," shook Cilan, glancing at his pocket where he keeps Dwebble's Poké Ball.

"[Over here!]" Hearing their partners, Ash and Dawn led everyone to a bunch of bushes. Peeking through, they have a better look at the thief. He is a furry, gray chinchilla-like Pokémon with scruffs of fur on his head and neck. He has large ears on the sides of his head, with red insides partly covered by tufts of fur. He has large, brown eyes and a small, dot-like nose. His limbs are somewhat rounded and small, and his ears and tail have white tips. The tail is also long and particularly furry.

"So that's the rodent that stole my Case." scowled Darwin, seeing the Pokémon turned with the tail on the Case… rubbing it.

"Aw… How cute!" squealed Bianca as she took out her pink Pokédex, scanning.

Minccino, the Chinchilla Pokémon. Minccino loves shiny things and will use its tail as a brush to clean any dirty objects.

"So the Unova version of Swablu?" blinked May, having returned her before the chase.

"Looks like it." shrugged Dawn.

"Minccino likes to keep things tidy!" nodded Bianca.

"It must've taken the Badge Case in order to clean it!" guessed Cilan.

"And since I hate to clean, this will be a perfect chance for me!" giggled Bianca. The gang sweatdropped and looked at the Chinchilla Pokémon finishing his 'job'.

"Just need to sneak around and that Case will be back in my hands." narrowed Darwin. Suddenly, Bianca stepped out of the bush, Poké Ball in hand.

"No! I'll get it myself!" declared Bianca.

"Well… That was a pretty fast decision…" commented Dawn.

"She must be moving at her own speed…" grumbled Cilan.

"Well, I think she is a bit selfish!" commented Georgia. Both Pikachu and Piplup looked at each other before shrugging as they watched.

"You just leave it to me and I'll get your case back!" assured Bianca. At her words, Minccino glared at the humans as he took the Badge Case in his mouth, his intent clear.

"Even when it's clean, he's not returning it." scowled Darwin.

"Okay! Time for a battle! Go! Pignite!" shouted Bianca, bringing out her Pokémon. He is a bipedal, pig-like Pokémon. His chubby body is orange with brown bands around its shoulders, sides, belly, hands, and from the back of his head down his snout. Yellow bands encircle his wrists and swirled yellow designs bulge from his chest. He has a red pig-like nose, pointed ears, and two pointed teeth that protrude from his lower jaw. His hands have two claws each, while his feet have only a single nail. His tail is curled with a tuft of fur at the tip.

"Huh? What's that?" asked May, the foreigners finding him familiar.

"That's Tepig's evolved form, Pignite!" answered Cilan.

"She even copied Darwin…" scowled Georgia. Ash took out his Pokédex, scanning.

Pignite, the Fire Pig Pokémon, and the evolved form of Tepig. Pignite's food converts into fuel for the flame that burns in its stomach, and when fuel burns in its stomach, its speed increases.

"Clever; Pignite's also a Fighting-Type, and those are Super-Effective against a Normal-Type like Minccino," noted Darwin, not bothered like his sister that the klutz shares his preference. There are only three Starters, so people are bound to have similar choices.

"Now! Use Tackle on Minccino!" shouted Bianca, pointing at the Chinchilla Pokémon. Nodding, Pignite charged at Minccino, only for the latter to blur to the side, letting the evolved Pokémon hit the shrubs in place.

"Wow… Minccino sure is fast!" complimented Cilan.

"An evolved Starter… and she chose a basic, non-Fighting-Type Move." facepalmed Darwin.

"Maybe Pignite doesn't know any." shrugged Ash, trying to play peacemaker. After all, Pawniard didn't remember Dark-Type Moves until a while ago, so who were they to talk to?

"Now, Pignite! Use Flame Charge!" shouted Bianca.

"Flame what?" The foreigners got their answer when Pignite repeatedly stomps on the ground until a cloud of dust covers his body. Then, he emerges from the cloud while surrounded by an orb of red-yellow flames, charging at Minccino. In response, the Normal-Type speeds onto a nearby tree branch, letting the trunk take the attack. Shaking the pain off, Pignite steps away and, in sync with Bianca, stomped their feet angrily.

"Oh no… We were so close, so close, SO CLOSE!" shrieked Bianca angrily, watching Minccino put the Case in a hole before climbing down.

"Obviously, Bianca might not look like it, but she's a fierce battler!" complimented Cilan, seeing how alike they are.

"What was that Move Pignite used just now?" asked May.

"You know the Move Flare Blitz? (foreigners nod) Think of it with almost half-power, no recoil or chance to burn, a boost in Speed for every use, and that's Flame Charge in a nutshell." described Georgia.

'Huh… wonder if Tepig and/or any of my Fire-Types back home can learn it,' hummed Ash. A Move that can damage and boost Speed at the same time is definitely up his alley.

"(yawns) Can you finish any faster?" groaned Darwin, bored. He would've brought out his Pokémon, but he didn't wanna risk Bianca getting distracted and losing his Case forever. The blonde turned with a wink and a grin.

"It's good as done, Winny! (turns back to the battle, not seeing Cilan hold Georgia back) Pignite! Use Flame Charge once again!" called Bianca, pointing at Minccino. Coating himself in flames, the evolved Fire Pig began his charge, almost becoming a blur. Seeing that he can't dodge, Minccino braced himself, curled up his ears, and—

"[AAAAAHHHHH!]" Sonic waves were released from the Normal-Type's glowing white mouth, stopping Pignite in his tracks while damaging him.

"IS THAT UPROAR?!" screamed Darwin, the humans covering their ears.

"NO, IT'S HYPER VOICE!" corrected Cilan.

"WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?!" retorted Darwin.

"NOT ONLY DOES HYPER VOICE NOT WORK ON SLEEPING POKÉMON, IT HAS A WIDER RANGE AND CAN HIT MORE POKÉMON!" answered Ash. Pignite could only cover his ears, regularly paralyzed by the noise. Seeing this, Minccino hops onto him before—

"[Hehehehehe~!]" Pignite fell onto his stomach, Minccino latched onto his arm while his tail is in the evolved Pokémon's armpit.

"Pignite! No!" gasped Bianca.

"There goes Tickle…" sighed Georgia.

"That's an actual Move?" tilted Dawn. Ash blinked, searching through his memories.

'Huh, I don't think anyone in Sinnoh used that Move.' noted Ash.

"For the love of all that's good, please tell me that Pignite knows a Fighting-Type Move." pleaded Darwin. Bianca only hummed, tapping her chin… before blissfully smiling at him.

"Nope! (Darwin groans) Pignite, return! (returns Starter before squealing) Wow! That Minccino is little and cute, and tough at the same! Now, I've just got to catch it!" giggled Bianca.

"Screw this! (moves to Bianca's spot, pushing her aside) Not only do I need my Badge and Case back, but since Minccino shares the same Type as the Nacrene Gym Leader, this would be good practice." cracked Darwin.

"Good point." nodded Ash, not having considered that. Maybe if Darwin loses, he could take a turn.

"OK, Hyper Voice and Tickle… not much to go on, plus I don't know what Minccino's Ability is… I better keep my distance for now. Let's Go, Blitzle!" declared Darwin, bringing out his Electric-Type.

"[Nice fur, you show-off!]" taunted Blitzle, dragging his hooves.

"Blitzle?" echoed Dawn.

"Makes sense. (nods, crossing arms) Out of all of them, Blitzle's the fastest among Darwin's Pokémon. He could keep up with Minccino." explained Cilan.

"And soon, the tides will turn! Start with Thunder Wave!" punched Darwin.

"[Wave, don't fail me now!]" Mane sparkling, Blitzle aimed it at Minccino, releasing rings of electricity from it.

"[No!]" The Normal-Type leaped to the side to dodge, the rings only striking his tail. Stiffening, Minccino feels electricity course over his body.

"Nice! Now Minccino is slowed down from the Paralysis!" noted Cilan.

"No Tickle for you, you kleptomaniac! Blitzle, strike with Quick Attack!" waved Darwin.

"[Legs, don't fail me now!]" Lit with white energy, Blitzle charges at Minccino, ramming him into a tree.

"[Ugh…]"

"No Tickle, no distance needed. Quick Attack again!]" punched Darwin.

"[Can I hear you say, 'quick power'?!]" Before Minccino could land, Blitzle struck another Quick Attack, sending the Normal-Type into the air before he landed on his back.

"Alright! Keep it going, Blitzle!" cheered Ash.

"[Electric-Types for the win!]" added Pikachu. Hearing the Electric Mouse, Darwin gained an idea.

"Add with—"

"Faster, faster! Use Zap Cannon!" Bianca cuts Darwin off.

"[Zap-what?]" blinked Blitzle, looking at the blonde.

"Bianca… Blitzle doesn't know how to use Zap Cannon…" informed Cilan, befuddled as the others.

"The line can't even learn that Move! What are you, a stereotypical dumb blonde?" shook Darwin. Bianca flinched, looking down. Before anyone could reprimand Darwin…

"Guys… What's Minccino doing?" Following Ash's sight, they see Minccino with his tail in a bush before pulling out a red cherry-like fruit.

"Oh dear, that's a Cheri Berry!" gasped Cilan.

"Hurry Blitzle, Shock Wave before Minccino can cure itself!" panicked Darwin.

"[No need to tell me twice!]" Hastily, Blitzle fired the electrical beam from his mane, striking and exploding Minccino.

"Did that hit?" asked Dawn. Tense, everyone watched the smoke begin clearing out. Just as it finished…

"[Tickle!]" giggled Minccino, hopping onto Blitzle from behind a bush.

"Blitzle, no~"

"[HAHAHAHAHA!]" Blitzle could only laugh uncontrollably, falling onto his side as Minccino keeps up the Move with his tail on the Electric-Type's pit.

"Oh no! Now Blitzle is in trouble!" gasped Bianca. Blitzle continued laughing, forgetting what he was doing… until he got a few direct hits to the face from Minccino's glowing white tail.

"NO! (Blitzle falls, eyes swirling) Dangit, that Minccino's Ability has to be Technician if all it took was a Double Slap!" scowled Darwin, returning his Electric-Type.

"Technician?" echoed May.

"It's an Ability discovered in Sinnoh that boosts the power of weak Moves, including ones with multiple hits," answered Dawn, having found it in her Pokédex once Darwin purged the virus to see which Abilities her Pokémon back home could have.

"Oh… And we were so close…" sighed Bianca.

"Minccino used its home field to its advantage by taking from a hidden stash of berries and went around Blitzle with no one noticing!" whistled Georgia.

"Didn't look like it came out unscathed," noted May, seeing electric burns on Minccino before the Chinchilla cleaned himself.

"Hm… Some battling style! Minccino is no doubt filled with rich and full flavor!" complimented Cilan.

"Alright, you wanna go next, Ash?" groaned Darwin. Before Ash can answer, Minccino ran up to a tree, grabbed the Badge Case in his mouth, and ran off.

"Oh no… Minccino got away!" groaned Bianca.

"It wouldn't have happened if you weren't such a whiny ***** and let me focus on my battle instead of telling Blitzle to use a Move he can't even learn. Seriously, how you became a Trainer with that nut you call a brain is beyond me." shook Darwin.

"I am not that dumb!" pouted Bianca. Before Darwin could continue roasting the blonde, Cilan stepped up.

"Now, now, there might be a chance for Bianca to redeem herself. Tell us, what else do you have besides Pignite?" asked Cilan.

"Only Pignite!" smiled Bianca.

"…You're ******* with us, right?" blinked Darwin, the gang looking at the blonde dryly. Sure, Cilan might've only one Pokémon until Dwebble came along, but his experience along with Pansage's power more than made up for it.

"Hey! Using Flame Charge by itself is good enough to win a lot!" pouted Bianca.

"…How long have you been in on your journey?" frowned Cilan.

"I've done a lot of training at home… But, my journey is brand new!" smiled Bianca.

"How new are we talking?" dreaded Dawn.

"Tomorrow will be the end of my first week!" nodded Bianca.

"…Dear Groudon, she's like me when I started traveling with Ash… only worse." winced May. While it may have taken a week for her to get her first catch, at least she had Ash and the others guiding her. Given Bianca's personality, it sounds like any advice she received went in one ear and out the other.

"You see, my father really didn't want me to leave, as he is worried and everything…" explained Bianca.

"…That explains a lot," mumbled May, remembering all the questioning her father did on Ash whenever they hit Petalburg City. Almost no one noticed Ash and Dawn shift their eyes at the topic.

"Protected like a vintage wine…" mumbled Cilan.

"Or a baby," muttered Darwin.

"Right! I've only got two Badges!" explained Bianca, getting another round of dry looks.

'…Dear Arceus, please tell me she didn't battle either or both of my brothers.' facepalmed Cilan, losing respect if it's true.

"Unbelievable." sighed Dawn.

"Look, how about we focus on finding Minccino? The sooner we get this done, the sooner we can go our separate ways," asked Georgia, hoping to not get migraines from Bianca's stupidity.

"Good!" So, with everything agreed, everyone looked around to see if they could find the Chinchilla Pokémon. Sadly, the Normal Type was nowhere to be seen.

"Man, oh man! It's like Minccino vanished!" frowned Ash.

"[No kidding…]" agreed Pikachu.

"When I'm through with that kleptomaniac rodent, it'll be so dirty that it wouldn't recognize itself from its own reflection," growled Darwin. His words sparked something in Bianca.

"Wait, do you happen to have any shiny pots or cookware?" asked Bianca, turning to Cilan.

"Uh… (blinks) Sure… Have a look," answered Cilan as he looked over in his backpack. He gave Bianca a dinner cover pan, along with a shiny spoon.

"See the shine here? There's nothing like polished flatware!" Cilan explained. Bianca swiped the spoon from the Connoisseur with a chuckle.

"Great! It's perfect! Now, I'll just do this…" giggled Bianca… digging it into the ground.

"STOP! My nice, clean spoon!" gasped Cilan. Once the spoon got completely dirty, Bianca held it up with a proud smile.

"There we go!" Bianca giggled. Cilan groaned, facepalming since two of his silver cookware is about to suffer something very big.

"What are you doing?" asked Ash, the gang confused.

"Mwa ha ha ha! I figured out how to lure Minccino!" cackled Bianca as she ran off with the two silver cookware.

"Of course… Like Swablu, if something's dirty, Minccino will come to clean it up!" exclaimed May.

"I guess there's more in her head than air after all." nodded Darwin… loudly.

"Hey!"

(Minutes later)

"No… My beautiful, clean spoon…" Still unhappy about what happened, Cilan kept moaning over it when they hid behind the bushes after Bianca had set up the spoon trap.

"Cilan, shut the **** up and let the trap do its thing!" scolded Darwin lowly. Cilan complied. Soon, bushes began to rustle. Everyone perked their heads up as they lay low. Out of the bushes, Minccino popped out, curiosity sparkling in his eyes.

"See? What did I tell you?" giggled Bianca. They all watched Minccino inspecting it, the Normal Type frowning.

"It sure doesn't like the dirt…" noted Dawn. As she said that, Minccino began to clean the spoon, using his tail.

"Here we go!" Spotting her chance, Bianca pulled on the string that was attached to the stick. Minccino turned, startled to see the dinner pan fall, trapping him.

"I did it! I just caught Minccino!" cheered Bianca… only for the pan to start moving. "Hold on! Wait, Minccino! Come back! You can't just walk away!"

"Follow that pan!" ordered Darwin. At once, the gang ran ahead, keeping the Normal-Type in their sight. Crossing a shallow stream, they spotted the Chinchilla Pokémon at a tree, cleaning up Cilan's spoon and polishing it.

"There's Minccino over there!" pointed Cilan before they hid behind the rock.

"And it's got your Badge Case too, Darwin!" pointed Georgia, seeing it behind the wild Pokémon. Ash placed a hand on Darwin's shoulder.

"Darwin, let me take a crack at getting your case back," suggested Ash.

"Let me guess, you're gonna have Primeape send it packing?" asked Darwin eagerly.

"I got something… less overkill in mind. (hops over rock) Pidove, I choose you!" declared Ash, bringing out his flyer.

"[Ready for battle!]" hooted Pidove. Spotting the airborne Pokémon, Minccino glared at her and hopped off the tree, facing the two.

"Wow… Ash has got all sorts of Pokémon, doesn't he?" asked Bianca.

"He has the most out of all of us." nodded Dawn.

"Pidove! Attract!" cried Ash. Pidove flew around and winked at the Normal-Type, sending white energy hearts.

"Attract?" repeated Bianca, confused. Cilan nodded with a smile, seeing Ash's plan.

"Mm. Good strategy!" noted Cilan.

"No Berry can cure Attract, so Minccino can't recover from it!" smiled May. The gang's hopes are dashed when Minccino began scurrying around the area, all the hearts evaded.

"Minccino dodged it!" pointed Bianca.

"Son of a *****!" swore Darwin. As if rubbing it in, Minccino mischievously smirked before winking at Pidove, sending familiar energy hearts at her.

"Uh oh…" gasped Georgia.

"Is that what I think it is?" asked Cilan.

"It knows Attract too?!" May voiced everyone's thoughts.

"Pidove, send it back with Gust!" waved Ash.

"[Not interested, pal!]" chirped Pidove, conjuring a rush of wind. Once the hearts struck, they repelled back to Minccino. Surprised, the Normal-Type couldn't react in time, letting the hearts break on impact. That didn't mean the counterattack didn't hurt, pushing Minccino back.

"Why didn't it work?" frowned Darwin, seeing the Infatuation fail.

"Attract may have been countered, but it still counts as Minccino's Move; it wouldn't work since it's tuned to Minccino's opposite gender." realized Georgia.

"Attract, Double Slap, Tickle, and Hyper Voice… Good thing I kept some stuff up my sleeve. Pidove, use Air Cutter!" fist-pumped Ash.

"[Feeling lucky, little boy?]" taunted Pidove, flapping sky-blue energy 'X's towards Minccino. Arms lit up, the Normal-Type struck the first 'X' with Double Slap. Pain rocketing through from the first hit, Minccino couldn't block the other 'Xs well enough, suffering a critical hit. Weakly, he fell on his back, barely hanging.

"Nice one, Pidove!" complimented Ash, his flyer landing on his arm.

"[No problem!]" nodded the Normal/Flying-Type. Immediately, Bianca ran over.

"Oh please, boys! Let me do it! I wanna catch it… Let me take over…" exclaimed Bianca as she searched her bag for a Poké Ball.

"Anybody wanna lend her one?" asked Dawn, pitying the blonde.

"No way!" retorted the Langleys. Soon, Minccino began to stand.

"No need, I know I put my Poké Balls in here somewhere…" grumbled Bianca as she searched deeper.

"Given her character, it might've been a better idea for her to have one prepared before the battle." sighed Cilan.

"Agreed." nodded the gang.

"Pidove, get ready for Quick Attack," ordered Ash. Nodding, Pidove softly flew off her Trainer's arm.

"Aww… man… If I only had cleaned my bag, I wouldn't have this problem in the first place!" groaned Bianca. Sadly for her, the Chinchilla Pokémon finally recovered from the battle.

"Ah! Minccino is getting away!" called May, seeing the Normal Type preparing to escape. Before Ash could give Pidove the signal…

"Ah ha! I finally got it!" exclaimed Bianca as she took out a very dusty Pokéball, the item drawing Minccino's attention.

"Why am I not surprised that Bianca's got such a dirty Pokéball?" frowned Georgia. Seeing this, Bianca tries to blow the dust off. Before she could get a fraction done, Minccino ran towards her, climbed onto her, and swept the Ball with his tail.

"Huh?" Bianca barely registered the weight on her shoulder before the tail accidentally pressed the button, sucking Minccino into the Poké Ball.

*Beep… Beep… Beep… DING!*

"…"

"…"

"…"

"…"

"…You mean to tell me… WE COULD'VE AVOIDED ALL THIS TROUBLE IF WE USED A DIRTY POKÉ BALL FROM THE BEGINNING?!" shouted Darwin, his voice unheard by the blonde.

"Good point, I think it's better to say that people are lucky than good. (sighs, looking at Bianca) The question is, are those two going to get along?" frowned Georgia.

"Of course! If you take Bianca's unique personality and compare it with all of Minccino's tidying talents… What a combination!" chuckled Cilan.

"Whatever! It doesn't matter now! Because I just caught Minccino!" giggled Bianca as she raised the Pokéball into the air.

"And I got my Case back!" Looking up, the group sees Darwin on top of the tree, raising his case to the sky. "Take that, you son of a—"

"LANGUAGE!"

(Evening, Pokémon Center)

"Here you go! All the Pokémon that you left in our care are feeling much better now!" After hiking up the mountain, the group found the place. Not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth, they entered and gave Nurse Joy their Pokémon for healing and check-ups, the pinkette now returning them.

"Thank you, Nurse Joy!"

"And Ash? Darwin? (takes out cream-colored, yellow spotted egg and greyish-green, darker oval-sported egg) I gave both of your eggs a thorough checkup. They're healthy as they can be!" Nurse Joy explained.

"Awesome/Sweet!" commented Ash and Darwin, putting the Eggs back in their incubators.

"What kind of Egg are those, you two?" asked Bianca.

"To tell you the truth, I don't even know myself!" admitted Ash.

"And even if I did know, there's no way I'm telling you!" added Darwin.

"Aw… (pouts) Hey, Ash! How about a battle?" asked Bianca.

"Sounds good to me! Let's do it!" grinned Ash.

"And once Ash is done, you're next, Darwin!" warned Bianca, pointing at her fellow rookie.

"Only if you beat Ash first." glared Darwin.

"It's on!"

(Outside, Battlefield)

"Okay! We'll use one Pokémon each! The battle will be over when one of our Pokémon is unable to continue!" explained Ash, facing the blonde rookie.

"Right!" agreed Bianca.

"I forgot to ask, did any of you girls know what Gyms Bianca battled for her Badges?" asked Cilan; Darwin, the girls, and him watching from the sidelines with him.

"Bianca said she won her first Badge from a Steel-type Gym and her second from a Grass-Type Gym," answered May, having done girl talk while their Pokémon healed.

"Both at a disadvantage against Fire-Types… you may have a point on her unusual fortune, Georgia," commented Cilan. Secretly, he's relieved that neither of his brothers battled or lost against Bianca.

"I'm going out with my Pignite! Let's go!" called Bianca, bringing her Fire/Fighting-Type to battle. The gang blinked in surprise at seeing the Unova starter.

"No Minccino? Why?" asked May, confused.

"Given that Pignite's seemingly the strongest she has, he must be her default choice." shrugged Cilan.

"Okay… So since it's a Fire/Fighting-Type, I'm gonna have to go with—" started Ash, hand hovering between Tepig, Oshawott, and Pidove's Poké Balls.

"I know! You've just GOT to use Pikachu! Right?" asked Bianca. That request got her dry looks from the gang and…

"HAHAHA! HAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHA! Oh, you're serious." Darwin stopped his mocking laughter, seeing Bianca's dry look.

"I am."

"Well, don't hate to burst your bubble, but facing Pikachu's a death wish," warned Darwin.

"I can handle him." huffed Bianca.

"Hey, Pikachu! Are you up for it?" complied Ash.

"[Why not?]"

Bianca: Pignite VS Ash: Pikachu

"Alright, let's go!" called Ash.

"[Yeah!]" cried Pikachu as he charged at Pignite.

"Take Down, now!" shouted Bianca. Shrouding himself in Normal-Type energy, the evolved Starter charged at Pikachu.

"Jump!" With the simple command, Pikachu leaped over Pignite's head.

"[AAGH—!]" Pignite couldn't stop himself, crashing into a tree, the recoil damage intensifying.

"Arrgh… Use Heat Crash!" Bianca shouted.

"Heat What?" blinked Ash. Did she mean Heat Wave? His ears weren't wrong when he sees Pignite turn and jumps into the air and becomes surrounded by a sphere of yellow-orange flames. Pignite then shoots at Pikachu, slamming down on him and exploding.

"Ah! Pikachu!" gasped May.

"What was that Move?" frowned Dawn.

"Heat Crash's an Unova-found Move exclusive to the Tepig line," answered Darwin. Dawn and May snapped their fingers, having quickly planned to have Quilava and Blaziken learn it before it was thrown out the window.

"Heat Crash's almost like an inverse of Low Kick; the lighter the target, the higher the damage," added Cilan.

"And except for Primeape, the rest of Ash's Pokémon are lighter than Pignite." realized Dawn.

"Pikachu, come on! Get up!" called Ash, blaming himself for not giving any orders. Once the smoke cleared, the Electric-Type got up, cheeks crackling with power.

"Wow! Pikachu never gives up!" squealed Bianca.

"It'll take more than a weight-based Move to bring my buddy down," grinned Ash.

"Alright, Pignite! Flame Charge!" called Bianca. Pignite began repeatedly stomping, flames beginning to cover him before he begins running at his opponent.

"Quick, Pikachu! Use Volt Tackle!" shouted Ash. Submerging himself in electricity, Pikachu began charging at Pignite with his signature Move. The two attacks collided, creating a huge explosion.

"Pikachu!" "Pignite, no!" Both Ash and Bianca gasped. As the dust cleared, both Pokémon were sent right back, but only Pikachu stood standing.

"Pignite, no!" gasped Bianca, seeing her Pokémon on the ground, his eyes swirling.

"Pignite is unable to battle! Pikachu is the winner! Which means that this match goes to Ash!" declared Cilan, gesturing towards Ash.

Winner: Ash

"Alright! Nice work, Pikachu!" exclaimed Ash.

"[Yeah!]" nodded Pikachu.

"With a single Volt Tackle… what'd I tell ya." shook Darwin.

"Pikachu's certainly grown." smiled May. Dawn nods in agreement.

"Thank you for your hard work, Pignite…" sighed Bianca, returning her Starter.

"First Dewott, now Pignite… All Ash needs is to have Pikachu battle Trip's Servine, and he'll have the whole set," noted Georgia.

"Oh yeah, Alanna told me about that battle," remembered May. After Bianca put the Poké Ball away, she ran up to Ash.

"Hey! May I say something to you? (clears throat once Ash turns) I may have lost today to you, but I am just starting out on my journey! This means that Pignite and Minccino will be stronger! A lot stronger!" assured Bianca.

"Okay…" blinked Ash nervously.

"So! Good luck to you and Darwin at the Nacrene Gym! See you two boys later!" giggled Bianca… before tripping on her own two feet towards the sidelines, stumbling and rushing.

"Oh no." sighed May and Dawn, stepping out of the way.

"Lookout—Lookout—Lookout—Look—" That was all Bianca made out before crashing into one of the boys…

"Mm-mph?!" Specifically, Darwin again, his lips muffled by her own.

"Oh, dear…" sighed Cilan at the sight of the blonde on the knocked-down, blushing orangette. Seeing her position, Bianca blushed brightly before getting up, repeatedly bowing.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry—"

"Bianca…" Pausing at Cilan's voice, she turns to the others… and pales at the murderous intent coming off of Georgia.

"Run." synced May and Dawn, getting to Georgia's side; Cilan and them preparing to hold her back.

"EEEEEP!" Not needing to be told twice, Bianca fled from the group, running as fast as her clumsy feet can carry from.

"GET BACK HERE YOU ***** AND TAKE YOUR PUNISHMENT LIKE THE ***** YOU ARE! WHEN I'M THROUGH WITH YOU, YOU'LL BE—"


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

Muk (M): Ability: Stench. Moves: Body Slam, Sludge Bomb, Mud Bomb

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, Take Down

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

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


Darwin: Are you ******* with me?! You're shipping me with Bianca of all Trainers?!

Omarnosian10: I could've done worse.

Darwin: Who could've been worse than the living stereotype?!

Omarnosian10: Burgundy or Iris.

Darwin: …Thank you for sparing me from such horrible fates.

Ash: Speaking of Iris, where's Georgia?

Omarnosian10: Down there. *points at metal floor grate* As soon as Darwin got his first kiss, she rushed at me with similar killing intent to Bianca, so I opened a trap door. Until she's calm, she's staying down there.

Dawn: Good to know.

May: Isn't she overreacting?

Omarnosian10: Tell me, would you react differently if Max got his first kiss taken from someone older?

May: I WOULD HAVE BLAZIKEN BURN WHOEVER TRIES INTO ASHES! …Now I see your point.

Omarnosian10: With that out of the way, I'm taking my leave. SMOKEBOMB!