We find our heroes today in the Castelia City Pokemon Center, getting ready for another day of seeing the city.

"So what's on the schedule for today?" Rosa asked.

"Well we've been here for a bit, but I was thinking of taking on the gym today." Ash said. "Once Elliot gets here we can head that way."

"Where is he?" Rosa asked.

"He didn't say." Ash admitted. "Maybe talking with the Professor Briar?"

As if on cue, the doors to the Pokemon Center opened with Elliot walking back in.

"Hey Elliot, is everything alright?" Rosa asked, noticing his demeanor.

"Uh, yeah I guess." Elliot said. "Professor Briar said today is our last day in Castelia, we need to go back to the academy."

"Well then I'm definitely taking on the gym then, you came with us to gather battling tactics, and I don't think there's a better way to do just that." Ash said.

"Thanks, that, that would be good." Elliot said.

A bit later outside the gym

"Alright Elliot get ready for the best kind of battle data you've ever seen!" Ash said, before bumping into a closed door. "Huh? Normally that works." Ash said, pushing at the door.

"Ash try pulling?" Rosa offered.

"Nope, still nothing." Ash said. "I wonder what's up with this."

"Are you kids looking for the gym leader?" A man asked, walking over.

"Yeah, do you know why the gym is closed, is it his day off?" Ash asked.

"No unfortunately he had to run out to take care of a potential problem, there have been some reports of Team Plasma in the sewers." The man said.

"Team Plasma!" Ash exclaimed.

"The sewers?" Rosa asked a bit grossed out.

"Yes but not to worry, the matter will be handled shortly and Burgh will be back to the gym by tomorrow." The man said.

"Alright, change of plans." Ash said confidently as they walked away.

"Don't say sewers, don't say sewers." Rosa begged quietly.

"We're going to go and help the gym leader out in the sewers." Ash said with gusto. "Come on!"

"H-hey wait up." Elliot said chasing after Ash and Pikachu.

"Why are we running TOWARDS the sewers?!" Rosa pleaded, following the two boys.

At the entrance to the sewers

"Alright keep guard here until I get help." A man said to two guards.

"Are you Burgh?!" Ash said, leaning over the railing.

"Yes, I'm sorry but I'm not available for autographs or battles right now." Burgh commented.

"I know, I, we are here to help." Ash said.

"Are any of you good at battling?" Burgh asked.

"Two badges here in Unova already." Ash said, showing his badges from Cheren and Roxie.

"I study battle tactics." Elliot said, catching his breath.

"And I, wish I didn't get up today." Rosa groaned.

"Very well just listen to instructions and we should be fine." Burgh said, giving clearance for the guards to let them through.

"So Burgh, what kind of Pokemon do you use?" Ash asked as they went through the sewers.

"Looking to learn what you'll be up against?" Burgh asked kindly.

"Is that so bad?" Ash asked.

"Not at all, I prefer the bug type in battle." Burgh said calmly. "But don't think little of me for that, bug types are artists in battle and not to be trifled with."

"Oh I know, I've faced my fair share of bugs in my journey." Ash said with an outward smile.

"Here we are, my friend told me that Team Plasma has been in here." Burgh said.

"Your friend?" Rosa asked.

"Why yes." Burgh said. "Part of my job as gym leader is making sure the city is safe, even in parts like this, and in the dark it's easy for my bugs to go undetected. Now everyone behind me."

"Right." Ash said getting into position.

"Leavanny prepare for battle." Burgh said. "Now!" Burgh exclaimed throwing open the doors. "All of you, stop right now!"

Team Rocket and Team Plasma turned to see the group rush in.

"It's those brats!" The male Team Plasma Grunt said.

"It's the twerp!" Jessie said angrily.

"Team Plasma stop your business in this city at once!" Burgh exclaimed.

"Team Rocket!" Ash shouted.

"Who are they?" Rosa asked.

"They're a bunch of bad guys who steal other people's Pokemon!" Ash said. "I'll handle them, you guys handle Team Plasma."

"I'll help you Ash." Rosa said.

"Looks like you're with me." Burgh said to Elliot

Burgh and Elliot vs Team Plasma

"Rognerola let's go!" The Male Team Plasma Grunt called out. "Use Rock Blast!"

"Timburr fight!" The Female Team Plasma Grunt said. "Use Low Sweep!"

"Leavanny use Aerial Ace!"

"Porygon use Psybeam!"

Leavanny flowed around, easily outmaneuvering Roggenrolla's attack before striking Timburr into the air, sending its wood back. While Porygon took a series of hits before sending out a blast of psychic energy at Roggenrola.

"Roggenrola use Flash Cannon!"

"Timburr use Rock Throw!"

Timburr grabbed Roggenrola, throwing it at Leavanny and Porygon as Roggenrola fired off a burst of light.

"Leavanny use Razor Leaf!"

"Porygon use Psybeam!"

Leavanny sent out a series of leaves at the Team Plasma Pokemon, knocking both of them back as Porygon finished them off.

"This job isn't worth sticking around to deal with a gym leader." The male Team Plasma Grunt said. "Let's get out of here!"

"Right!" The Female Team Plasma grunt said, as the two ran off with their Pokemon.

Ash and Rosa vs Jessie and James

"Venipede use Poison Sting!"

"Tympole use Bubblebeam!"

"Pikachu use Quick Attack!"

"Lillipup use Return!"

Pikachu and Lillipup raced at Venipede and Tympole, dodging the ranged attacks before striking the two villainous Pokemon.

"Fury Swipes!" Meowth exclaimed.

"Pikachu use Iron Tail!"

Pikachu struck Meowth sending him tumbling back into Venipede and Tympole.

"Now use Thunderbolt!" Ash called out.

"Lillipup use Helping Hand!"

"Pi! Ka! Chuuuuu!" Pikachu exclaimed sending out a bolt of electricity, destroying the ground beneath Team Rocket, dropping them into the sewer flow below.

"Looks like we're being flushed away!" Team Rocket yelled as they disappeared off in the distance.

"That was weird, right?" Rosa asked.

"Actually for them, pretty normal." Ash said.

"Thank you all for your help with this matter." Burgh said.

"But they got away, even the weird ones." Rosa remarked.

"Yes, but now we can clear all of this out of the sewers and our city will be safer." Burgh said. "Now Ash, tomorrow if you would like, we will have a battle."

"Thanks Burgh, but I think I need some preparation before facing you." Ash said.

"Wise words of a trainer with experience." Burgh said. "I will be looking forward to our match when it comes."

Later at the docks

"I, I'm not good at this, but thank you for the help with my research." Elliot said. "Most people back at the academy, they wouldn't give this level of time for me."

"Of course, I'm always happy to help the push to learn more about battling." Ash said.

"You're weird, quiet, and you don't like being touched, you honestly weren't even a bother." Rosa said.

"Thanks, both of you." Elliot said, walking towards the boat back to the Blueberry Academy.

"Something about this feels wrong." Ash said.

"Maybe, but at the end of the day Elliot is still a student." Rosa reminded.

"I know, but you heard what he said, no one would give him the help like we did, he came here to get more battle information, and it just feels like it's barely begun…". Ash trailed off, before rushing through the crowd.

"Ash where are you going?!" Rosa exclaimed.

"Elliot you can't leave!" Ash said, pushing his way between Elliot, Professor Briar and the boat.

"Excuse me?" Professor Briar asked. "Elliot still has his classes to attend and friends back at the academy."

"But he has friends here, and his research isn't done." Ash said, standing his ground.

"Really, what do you think that he can't see back at the academy that you can have him see here?" Professor Briar asked.

"The chance to see the best of Unova in battle up close, my name is Ash Ketchum and my dream is to be a Pokemon Master, and right now that means taking on the Unova League." Ash said.

"Elliot, are these two what you would consider friends?" Professor Briar asked.

"Y-yes Professor." Elliot said still processing what was going on.

"Very well, you have the rest of the semester to work on your project from abroad, we will be sending you your school work remotely and I expect you to keep up with it or I will bring you back myself." Professor Briar said sternly. "Do you agree to these conditions?"

"I agree Professor." Elliot said.

"Very well then, I will let your teachers know of your changed student status." Professor Briar said. "And best of luck in the Unova League, Ash Ketchum."

"Thanks." Ash said.

Authors Note

Yes, Elliot is here to stay, but this isn't the last we'll hear of Blueberry Academy. Also Porygon has now had a larger roll in the first 20 chapters of the story than its entire evolutionary line has had in the ENTIRE anime.