A New Moon Rising Pokémon Saga: Kanto Journeys

by The Story's Shadow

A new hero and a new journey begins as a new young trainer, Dakota, sets off on his own Pokémon journey inspired by his hero, Ash Ketchum, and other influential people in his life. History follows a similar rhythm as Dakota faces challenges as he also battles against Team Rocket renewed in their hunger for power while also making lifelong friends with his starter, Rockruff.

10. Episode 10

(Here's the next update. Important update paralleling this story: Rushstar32 has started a story that takes place alongside this one, Pokemon: Rising Embers The Kanto Arc, with their own unique characters with their own journey that will interlink with the ones in this story. Hope you all enjoy this story's update and the beginning of her story.)

Death Fury: Thanks.

Nobel Six: Thanks.

HRC Stanley: Granted I'm not the best writer so you could say that my ability isn't truly giving the best life/energy to the story, so you not really having much to say is understandable.

Rushstar32: Brock is definitely one of the most memorable characters and easily a top 5 or 3 character. Dakota has tried his best to learn from both Ash's battles and now with his time with Jason while listening to his instincts. Jason's battle with Brock was something that is definitely an early highlight of this book, the former champ battling one of the OG characters and winning. We'll see. Thanks.

Episode 10: Pandemonium in Pewter City

(Pewter City, Pewter City Gym, an hour or so later)

Dakota and Brock carried bowls and plates of food out behind the latter's family home onto the back lawn. Casey, Jason, and Forrest had finished setting up the table. Brock chuckled as he looked over the table, seeing all the food he and Dakota had made.

"It's looking good. Now we just gotta bring out the Pokémon food."

He turned to see Dakota carrying trays with bowls of the Pokémon food they'd both made though struggling to not drop them. Brock gasped and rushed over to take one.

"Easy now, no need to rush this."

"Sorry, just trying to help."

Brock smiled.

"You've done plenty. Still, it was nice to cook with someone else. Your mother taught you well, let's see how it all turns out."

The two then laid out the bowls across the ground, one by one of the new ponds in the back that Brock's mother had paid to be made.

Brock grinned at the group.

"Ok guys, let's bring them out."

Brock, Forrest, and Casey threw out their Poké Balls and their Pokémon emerged. Brock's Steelix, Toxicroak, Golem, Crobat, Sudowoodo, and Blissey greeted those present. Casey's Meganium, Electivire, Pidgeot, Beedrill, Rapidash, and Magmortar also greeted those present. Forrest's Onix, Geodude, Omanyte, and Rhyperior emerged. They also greeted those present.

Brock smiled.

"Quite the good looking group of Pokémon you've got Casey."

The young woman grinned.

"Yup, yours too."

Jason chuckled then took out his Poké Balls, from them emerged his team: Swampert, Flygon, Aggron, Alakazam, Snivy, and Latios. Brock and Forrest gasped at the sight of the legendary, the first turning to Jason.

"You have a Latios?!"

Jason smiled.

"I have a story explaining that if you'd like to hear it."

"Of course."

Dakota turned to Rockruff, who smiled and nodded. The boy then called out the rest of his team with Magikarp in the pond. Brock, Forrest, and Casey gasped at the sight of the rare shiny Magikarp. Casey turned to the boy.

"You have a shiny Magikarp?!"

The boy nodded.

Casey grinned.

"Looks like you might end up having a shiny Gyarados eventually. That'll be quite the sight."

Before Dakota could respond, Brock smiled at the sight of all the Pokémon.

"This brings back memories."

Forrest smiled.

"Thinking back to your times of traveling around?"

Brock chuckled.

"Yup, good times."

Soon they all settled down to eat.

The Pokémon sat around one another, smiling as they ate. Jason watched as Swampert began talking with Casey's Meganium, the two smiling and chuckling as they spoke words Jason didn't know exactly though guessed at.

He turned to see Casey laughing, digging one of her elbows against one of Brock's arms. He smiled lightly then began to take a sip of his drink.

Dakota was at one end of the table, eating his food quietly. He felt an unease at this social event, quietly slurping up the noodles on his plate. Jason turned to him after putting his drink back on the table. A look of surprise yet understanding fixed on the boy which gained the attention of the others.

Casey raised an eyebrow at seeing Dakota so quiet.

"What's wrong, kid? Meowth got your tongue?"

The boy did his best not to flinch at this, not expecting to be questioned so quickly.

"O-Oh…umm…just…uh…just um-"

Jason turned to her.

"He has a little trouble with social events."

Casey, Brock, and Forrest all looked like they were gonna drop their drinks and eating utensils. The boy then went back to eating, trying to focus on the food. Jason sighed as he leaned forward, trying to keep his words to a whisper.

Dakota heard it though, knowing that eventually an explanation would be given after Jason first gave an answer as to why the boy was so quiet. His mother had explained similarly to Delia Ketchum when she discovered him far away, perhaps even hiding from her.

Rockruff looked over to the boy, his ears falling a little at seeing the look of more than just discomfort on Dakota's face. Magikarp and the Nidorans turned from their conversation, following Rockruff's gaze. A unified look of concern emerged on their faces. Dakota noticed this, surprised though he walked over to calm them.

As this occurred, Brock sighed after Jason finished his explanation.

"Things have gotten that bad in Pallet Town? I had no idea."

Forrest shook his head.

"Those three brats haven't come to my gym yet. When they do, they'll find they're in for quite an obstacle to what they want."

Brock shook his head slightly.

"You've gotta be fair, Forrest. You can't show favoritism."

"But they-"

"I know…that doesn't mean you have to go easy on them. Teach them a lesson."

"...Right…"

Casey frowned, shaking her head.

"And those three want to be Pokémon Masters."

Brock nodded.

"In the same town that Ash was raised in. He'd be beside himself with shock and anger."

They all turned to see Dakota returning to the table, a look of surprise at seeing the group looking at him.

"I…I didn't mean to-"

Brock smiled lightly.

"It's ok, you did nothing wrong. Sometimes things turn out in ways we don't expect."

The boy was quiet, taking another sip.

Forrest turned to his brother.

"Well, I guess our big dinner plans took a turn."

Brock frowned at his brother though didn't say anything. He turned to Dakota.

"It's not a bad thing to talk about these things. Believe me, we've all had our share of dealing with bullies and jerks."

Dakota turned to him.

"Who did you deal with?"

"Well, a troublesome Team Rocket trio."

Brock went into detail talking about them to the group, Casey rolled her eyes at hearing about all the growing and ridiculous stories of the group trying to steal Ash's Pikachu and other Pokémon. Forrest just sipped and ate like normal, having heard these stories before.

Jason's eyes were wide though not to the extent Brock first expected.

"Have you ever encountered those guys, Jason?"

Jason shook his head.

"No, but May has mentioned them a few times."

Brock's realization hit him though he didn't feel truly guilty about not originally realizing this.

"I forgot, you and May are pretty well known friends in Hoenn. How is she, by the way?"

"She's doing good. She actually joined the charity event after you did, her and Dawn after a little commotion."

Brock smiled.

"Right, they're traveling together. Wait, commotion?"

Jason nodded, turning to Dakota with a grin.

"Our friend here kinda kicked out a troublemaker that entered uninvited that was ruining the event for the guests. May and Dawn were quite impressed."

Brock smiled at this, turning to Dakota. Forrest followed his gaze while Casey chuckled. The former Pewter City Gym Leader focused on the boy, who returned his gaze with a bit of a puzzled look as he stopped slurping up more noodles.

"Really?"

Dakota's gaze shifted from him to Jason, who simply smiled at him. The boy then slurped up the noodles.

"U-Uhhhh…ummm.."

Brock noticed the boy's cheeks burning red, his eyebrows raising at this in realization. Then he simply chuckled.

He then turned to Casey.

"Now, let's talk about what you've been up to."

"Ok, what would you like to know?"

"You're here to challenge the Indigo League? Right?"

"Yup, finally gonna take my shot at it."

"How many of the badges do you have left?"

"Three…The last two…and the one in Saffron City."

Brock winced slightly at hearing the last one.

"I understand. From what I've heard, Sabrina has become arguably an even more formidable Gym Leader than she was before."

Jason nodded.

"She was the most difficult opponent of the Gym Leaders here in Kanto I faced, no disrespect to your father."

Brock and Forrest chuckled, the former spoke first.

"Dad would agree with you actually."

"Yeah, after Brock informed him of what happened when Ash Ketchum faced her he went white as a ghost."

Jason's eyebrows raised up.

"What happened?"

Brock grimaced as the memory came back to him before he leaned over and whispered something to Jaosn, whose eyes widened in shock and horror.

"SHE WHAT?!"

The Pokémon all turned to him, some stopping eating in the process. Jason turned to them, doing his best to compose himself.

"I-It's ok…don't worry."

Some went back to eating more quickly than others, Swampert held Jason's gaze the longest. Jason then nodded grimly before they both turned back to their food. Dakota turned from Jason to Brock.

"Wait, what happened?"

Brock's breath shuddered a little before he informed Dakota of what occurred. The boy's eyes widened at hearing the story of the transformation into the dolls and how Sabrina chased off the group he was with. The boy sat back in his chair, mind flooding over the story. He opened his mouth to speak though nothing came out.

Casey rubbed one of her temples.

"My head doesn't hurt less after hearing this story again."

Brock's eyebrows raised up at this.

"Where else did you hear the story?"

"Sabrina herself. She admitted to what happened after I asked her what her battle with Ash was like. I don't like to admit it…but that story unnerved me, especially when she proved her powers to me. I gotta figure out a way to beat her when I face her next time."

"Are you heading that way now?"

"Not yet, but eventually."

Forrest turned to Dakota.

"How do you plan on beating her, kid?"

The boy was quiet again, his mind went quiet as well. The idea of facing a psychic trainer, literally, had him feel there wasn't a clear way to win.

"I…I don't know."

Brock nodded, grimly.

"There's no shame in admitting that. Ash believed he wouldn't be able to beat her both times he challenged her."

Dakota nodded after a moment, still quiet. He went back to eating his noodles though his mind still fixated on the gym in Saffron City. Casey elbowed Brock, gently.

"So, enough of the grim stuff. What've you been up to?"

"Well, thanks to the new Pokémon Hospital in the city I've been kinda busy. Thankfully I managed to get some time off to visit Forrest. Lately it's been a lot of meetings with other doctors and the local Nurse Joy."

Forrest grinned.

"You catch her eye?"

Brock smiled warmly.

"Actually, you remember the lady I was partnered with during that Hearthome City Tag Battle Tournament?"

Forrest gasped, a big smile appearing on his face.

"No! Shut up! Really?!"

Brock sighed, smiling.

"I reunited with her in Sinnoh last week…and we're dating now. I had to come back for the next upcoming surgery I have later today…though we've planned to meet up in Vermillion City later this year so I can take her on a tour of Kanto."

Forrest hugged his brother, laughing. The hug almost sent them both tumbling over while Casey laughed at this. Jason just chuckled lightly, a warm smile on his face.

"Good food and good news, it's a good day."

The brothers then took their seats. Brock smiled.

"Indeed."

He then turned to Dakota.

"I also have to thank Dakota for helping me fix all of this. I don't get to cook too often with someone. You really know your stuff."

Dakota gave an embarrassed smile, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Well, I have to thank my mom. She taught me everything and she also knows more."

Jason grinned at this.

"William told me he's still gonna try to convince your mom about his idea…but he's going not to approach it the way he was going to originally."

Casey raised an eyebrow at this.

"What do you mean?"

Dakota sighed after he took a swig of his drink and placed it back on the table.

"I told him what happened to the last guy who told her what she should do with her recipes and skills."

Casey grinned at this.

"I like her already."

The group chuckled lightly.

After a few minutes or so of the group eating, Brock looked at Forrest's Rhyperior for a moment then turned to his brother.

"Oh Forrest, I forgot. You said the last challenger you faced you said wasn't here for the gym, or rather not like the usual challenger, right?"

The others turned to focus on this as Forrest nodded.

"Yeah. She explained she had these inventions that protect and heal parts of a Pokémon's body while allowing them to use those inventions in battles."

"Really? What did she want?"

"She wanted me to get her signature that showed what she made was more than capable of holding up in battle while not causing any danger to the Pokémon."

"And?"

"I have to admit, she and her inventions impressed me. I did let her know that she would need the signatures of the other Gym Leaders here to really show what she was doing was what she promised. She was already going to do that, but she did thank me for that regardless."

Brock rubbed his chin.

"Interesting."

He then turned to Jason, a curious grin on his face.

"I gotta ask, we already talked about my love life, what's the one of the former champion of Hoenn like?"

Jason's normal composed smile faltered a little at this, which drew the attention of everyone at the table. He let out a shaky sigh before answering.

"It's…It's not as glamorous as some think it is."

Brock raised an eyebrow at this.

"What do you mean?"

Jason ran one hand on and down his face before he answered, his shoulders slumping a little.

"Well…right after I became champion things really looked up. I met a lot of girls."

Forrest smiled.

"I'm not seeing the issue."

"Well I eventually realized I couldn't sometimes tell when some of them were actually interested in me rather than my being champion…I felt like I wasn't seen by any of them, just the spotlight that was on me."

Forrest's smile fell.

"...Oh…"

"As cliche as it sounds…but I would like for it to be the real thing…I didn't know if any of them actually felt that way about me…maybe some did…but I was just…afraid…maybe I missed out on it?"

Casey's face shifted with surprise, she was quiet. She studied him as he continued.

"I mean my former position opened lots of doors for me while I used what I had for charity in coordination with my agent, friends, and family. Without them I might've relinquished the position earlier."

Brock raised an eyebrow again.

"What doors?"

"Well for one I got movie deals and offers to be an actor and or a producer. Though currently I'm considering some producer possibilities, maybe help finance some movies or series. It depends, I guess, I just wanted to take some time off here in Kanto though things have changed, obviously."

"Right."

Forrest took another bite of food before turning back to Jason.

"To change the subject, what was it like working towards becoming champion?"

"It was a fairly hard road. My first time at the Ever Grande Conference I made it into the Top 8. My team and I tried our best, we lost in a heartbreaking heavyweight slugfest."

"What happened to the trainer you went up against?"

"He went on to win the Conference but eventually got beat by Drake, not beating a single one of his Pokémon."

"Wow, Drake is as tough as they say."

Brock nodded.

"Ash learned a hard lesson when battling him through his first time in Hoenn."

Jason and Casey turned to him, the former spoke first.

"But he didn't win that Conference, I thought?"

"Yeah, he was in the Top 8."

Brock nodded.

"True, but our group ran into him before the Conference."

Jason nodded at hearing this.

"...Let me guess…he was being cocky and Drake-?"

Brock sighed, nodding.

"Ash has a good heart and loves his Pokémon…he sometimes got a little fat headed when he was on a winning streak."

Casey leaned back in her chair and took another swig of her drink before responding.

"Yeah, I remember him bragging during and after our 'first battle'...if you could call it that."

Jason turned to her, an eyebrow raised.

"What do you mean?"

"Ash thought it would be funny to call out his Charizard against my brand new team…I was distraught…but things eventually worked out, Team Rocket took advantage of my feelings and tried to use me against him and Brock and Misty. In the end, Ash and I left on good terms."

Jason brustled a little at the start of her explanation.

"Wow, he sounds like he used to be a jerk."

He unconsciously looked at Dakota, not expecting what the boy would say or do in response. To his surprise, Dakota nodded.

"Yeah, good thing he changed."

Brock smiled and nodded.

"I think he can still be a little overconfident sometimes though he's grown a lot since then. Though every now and then I still see the same 10 year old boy I first met and traveled with, which isn't a bad thing though. He did a lot of good, I'm sure May's told you a lot about him Mr. Sorenson."

Jason nodded.

"Yeah, she told me he saved her a few times and taught her a lot and that they share a Contest Ribbon."

Brock smiled.

"It's one of their more treasured memories and mementos."

Jason sat back in a chair and after a few moments, a small smile appeared on his face.

Forrest turned to him.

"Don't mean to take away the conversation, but what happened the next time you challenged the League?"

"Next time I actually beat the same trainer who beat me the first time actually early in the Conference, another heavyweight slugfest. After that, I knew I could go all the way. I got through the rest of it then faced and beat my best friend there in a six to two win. The rest is history."

Brock rubbed his chin.

"Interesting, you must've trained hard after the first time."

Jason nodded.

"I traveled through Kanto and Johto, the latter where I met and faced Gary Oak which ended in a tie. My team and I didn't stop, returning back to Hoenn to win."

Casey ate a bit of food, turning to Dakota who continued to eat quietly as he listened. He turned to her, his eyes widened a bit at seeing her turn to him. She smiled after she finished the last current bite.

"You're more quiet than I first imagined."

Dakota finished his current bite.

"S…Sorry, just wanted to listen."

Brock chuckled lightly though his phone started to ring, which gained the attention of the others. His eyes widened a little as he started gathering his things.

"An emergency message for a surgery, I gotta go. Nice to meet you all, maybe we can do this again sometime."

Brock's Pokémon began to move towards him.

"It's ok guys, enjoy your food! I need to go! See you guys later!"

He then rushed off.

The others shared a surprised look though Forrest relaxed first, taking a sip.

"Off to work again, he loves his work."

Casey sighed.

"Never thought he'd end up a Pokémon Doctor. I'm glad he's doing what he was meant to do."

Jason nodded before taking a bite.

Dakota smiled and took a swig of his drink.

(Entrance of the Pewter City Gym, several minutes later)

Forrest across from Dakota, Rockruff, Jason, and Casey, his back to the Gym.

"It was good to meet all of you. I wish you the best on your respective journeys."

They smiled and nodded.

Forrest turned to Dakota.

"Where to Mr. Mahina?"

"To the Pokémon Center. I was gonna head there after the gym battle, originally until what happened."

Forrest chuckled a little, nodding.

"I'm going to head there later myself though I need to fix up the gym before that so it'll be ready for any future challengers."

Dakota nodded.

Forrest turned to Rockruff.

"I look forward to seeing how far you and Dakota go."

"Ruff!"

Rockruff's tail wagged, a smile on his face. Forrest chuckled at this, nodding. He then turned to Jason and Casey.

"Best of luck for the both of you as well."

He shook both of their hands before heading back into the Pewter Gym.

(Pewter City Pokémon Center, several minutes later)

Nurse Joy and her Chansey placed Rockruff, and the Poké Balls carrying both Nidorans along with Swampert and Flygon back. The nurse smiled.

"We'll be back as soon as possible, your Pokémon will be good as new."

Jason smiled and nodded. Dakota nodded too, his face a little red. The older trainer turned and walked off, a small smile on his face. He then walked further up into the building, finding Casey finishing a phone call with someone. He didn't see the person's face though Casey turned to him, surprised at him standing there seemingly suddenly.

She chuckled lightly, moving to step away and to face him. The trainer from Johto stopped a little closer to the wall than the former champion of Hoenn.

"You tend to sneak around like that?"

Jason chuckled.

"Only when I'm going to make a phone call too. May I ask who that was?"

"My parents. Who are you gonna call?"

"My parents, I need to inform them of the change in plans here."

"How do they feel about you tackling criminal organizations?"

"They know I can take care of myself or when I can't, my team is there for me. Team Rocket as a whole will be difficult given what Brock explained to us."

"They're…persistent, apparently."

"Which isn't a good sign for a group like them."

"How do you think it will compare to your time in the league? You said you faced off against opponents that were actually pretty tough."

Jason nodded.

"They were and are. The one guy who beat me that first time, he and his team had a little edge in experience over me and mine. The next time when I beat him, we were both down to our last Pokémon. My team and I had worked hard and we all wanted that win and in the end we got it."

"What about the battle with your friend?"

Jason smiled.

"It was a good battle. She and I have a friendly rivalry going on, no bad blood or anything just competitive. She beat two of mine before I finally beat her team and it was a tough fight, beating her strong starter early on was helpful."

Casey nodded.

"She that tough?"

Jason chuckled.

"Without a doubt. She's one of the few people I've ever battled that's tested me and my team's limits. She combines frontal aggression with cunning strategy, it's always a challenge to go up against her. There's few trainers that put in such dedication to her team's training and growth. Our battle was the final of that league and it was one of the most intense each of us ever had. She always makes sure to keep that up whenever we battle."

Casey raised an eyebrow at his explanation which made Jason's eyebrows raised up.

"What is it?"

"You talked about not really connecting with girl…but it sounds like from the way you talk about her, that you two-"

Jason's eyes widened, realizing what she was leading to. He raised his hands up, shaking his head though not in aggravation or embarrassment.

"Oh, that's not the case with us."

"Really? But you-"

"We're more kindred spirits than anything else. It's why we're so close, other feelings just didn't happen. We've talked about this before after either of us have been asked."

"You have?"

Jason nodded.

"It's not that we think it's a bad thing to think, we're just friends. We both agreed that we appreciated how clear our bond was in the eyes of others."

Casey's eyes widened a little at this before they relaxed.

"Sweet, surprising, but sweet."

Jason smiled and chuckled lightly.

"She'd appreciate that as well."

"What's her name?"

"Kelly."

Casey nodded, a small smile on her face. Then she turned to the call system.

"Your family often get calls from or about you running off to play hero?"

This time, Jason laughed.

"Not that often. This might be the first time I'm actively going to be dismantling a criminal organization."

"Dismantling already, huh? Pretty confident, are we?"

Jason chuckled lightly.

"Well, I think given what I've seen of them I'm more than willing to put the time in."

Casey laughed, patting him on his shoulder.

"I might have to join you later on."

Jason's eyebrows raised up at this before they relaxed, then he smiled.

"Sounds good."

Casey nodded, smiling.

(Pewter City Pokémon Center, Ground level, present)

Dakota kept his hood up, activating one of the machines as he raised the phone connected to it to his ear. On the screen, Leia Mahina appeared and greeted her son with a warm smile.

"I was wondering when you'd call. I saw you on TV again with that former Hoenn champion. That was quite the surprise."

"I never expected to meet him after I went on my way."

"He said you two were temporarily traveling with one another till you got to Pewter City. Did he treat you well?"

The boy nodded.

"We did come across Team Rocket again."

Leia's expression shifted with anger though the boy knew it wasn't directed at him.

"You do like I taught you?"

"Yes ma'am."

Leia smiled, nodding.

"Good boy."

Leia's Inceinroar stepped into screen, the Pokémon smiling and waving at the boy.

"Hey Incineroar, how are you?"

"Incin!"

"He misses you, though he's glad you're making your own way."

"I hope I make you both proud."

Leia and Incineroar both smiled.

"I have no doubt."

"Roar!"

Leia looked around him.

"Rockruff being tended to?"

"Yeah, he and my other Pokémon."

"That's good. What Pokémon did you catch?"

"I wouldn't say 'catch'."

Dakota then gave her a summary of each time he first met and interacted with the other members of his team. Leia beamed at hearing this.

"I'm glad everything's working out. I knew it would."

"Incin."

Dakota smiled lightly.

"I'll be leaving for Cerulean City later. We're gonna rest here for a bit then head off."

"Stay safe and good luck."

"Thank you."

They both each then spoke something in ancient Alolan. Leia and Incineroar both smiled and waved before the call ended. The boy placed the phone back onto the piece of the machine that held it. He walked to sit on one of the chairs that were lined along one of the walls.

The sound of shouts outside drew his attention, he walked towards the front as other people and Pokémon in the main room of the Pokémon Center moved to discover the reason for the sounds. Dakota's eyes narrowed on the sight of an all too familiar threat: the uniforms of Team Rocket.

Before any of the individuals in the Center could respond, a beam of energy struck the front of the Pokémon Center. Dakota, not even realizing his action, pushed the closet people and Pokémon away from the doors. While they were knocked away from the blast, Dakota was sent flying back from the blast.

(Next floor of the Pokémon Center, present)

Jason and Casey had heard the shouts and now the explosion below. They also couldn't react in time as the walls beside them were crushed or blasted open.

When the dust settled, several Team Rocket Grunts stood in the holes in the walls and at their head was Jett. Jason's eyes widened. Jett smirked.

"Now don't look so shocked, after all I told you I'd be seeing you after what happened in Viridian Forest."

He took out a Poké Ball, from it emerged his Hypno. Jett chuckled.

"Team B complete your mission. Team A you stay with me."

Half of the grunts around him ran off further into the Pokémon Center. Jason frowned and moved to intercept them.

"You're not-"

A multicolored beam of zig zagging energy struck the space between Jason and the grunts. The former champion of Hoenn gasped, turning back to face the grinning Jett and his group.

"You're not going anyway, Mr. Sorenson."

Jason gritted his teeth, sweat moving down his forehead. Casey was in the same state, still on the ground from the shockwave of the blast.

(Pewter City Pokémon Center, Ground Level, present)

Dakota gritted his teeth, wincing in pain as he laid on the ground. He'd been thrown back into a wall from the blast and now was trying to pick himself up off the ground. Laughing rang in his ear, the two voices responsible were all too familiar to him.

His eyes locked onto Hun and Attila, both Team Rocket officers walked into the building with several Team Rocket Grunts around or behind them. Attila smirked at the boy.

"Well, well, well, not so tough now are ya kid?"

Hun chuckled.

"Did you really think we wouldn't come back to avenge what you did to us?"

Dakota glowered at them, baring his teeth as he just managed to pick himself off the ground. The other trainers and Pokémon present stood in shock and fear, some moving to grab their Poké Balls. Hun frowned.

"Subdue them!"

Some of the Team Rocket Grunts, who had been holding Poké Balls already, threw them forward.

"Go!"

From half of the Poké Balls emerged a few Ariados, which then fired String Shots. The trainers got wrapped up in the webbing, while the Pokémon were shocked by the Magnemites that emerged from the rest of the Poké Balls thrown by the other grunts.

Dakota's eyes widened at this then turned back to Hun and Attila, glaring.

"You-!"

Attila pointed to him.

"Shut him up!"

A Team Rocket Grunt pointed to him, their Ariados fired a String Shot. The webbing wrapped around Dakota's mouth then another strike trapped his feet against the floor. This made the boy tear at the webbing, his growling and yelling muffled by the webbing.

Hun and Attila laughed, smirking. The former spoke first, turning to the grunts with the Magnemites.

"Shut down the software and electrical systems to this place!"

They nodded and moved further into the building, their Magnemites striking with their electricity which began shutting down the systems.

Dakota's eyes widened at this then he turned back, trying to tear at the webbing which began to rip. Hun frowned.

"Oh great. Attila, we need to make sure we have a perimeter outside before we continue."

"Right."

Each threw out a Poké Ball outside of the building, from them emerged Hun's Steelix and Attila's Skarmory respectively. Hun's face shifted with a grim yet determined expression.

"Guard the perimeter to the building. No one except Team Rocket gets in or out!"

Both Pokémon nodded and moved to guard the perimeter.

Attila turned to the grunts that hadn't sent out Pokémon.

"The same goes for you guys too!"

"Yes sir!"

This small group of grunts hurried outside to do as ordered.

Dakota finally ripped off the webbing from his mouth then he spoke, his words filled with hate.

"Team Rocket! What are you doing here?!"

Hun smirked now.

"Isn't it obvious, you little twerp? Revenge."

The boy grumbled loudly, teeth gritted. Attila chuckled.

"And you're in no position to fight back."

Hun grinned more.

"And without the world champ's Pokémon, you have no chance against us. You distracted us long enough with your weird dance for them to arrive to save you, but you don't have them now to help."

"You've got no chance against us."

Dakota frowned.

"Do I look afraid to you?"

Hun and Attila's confident smirks shifted into frowns, the former spoke first.

"...Clearly we're not doing something right then…"

"What can we do?"

Then their smirks returned, as if they never left. Hun answered Attila's partially rhetorical question.

"How about we take your Rockruff?"

Dakota's eyes widened at this, which made both Team Rocket officers grin wider. Attila laughed.

"Well, it appears-"

But Dakota tore at the webbing at his feet, baying in anger at Hun and Attila.

"You're not touching him!"

Hun glowered.

"Face it: you're helpless!"

The remaining Poké Ball that was on Dakota had light emerge from it and Magikarp appeared. The water type glared at Hun and Attila. After their initial shock of seeing the shiny Magikarp, they laughed. Hun's normal composed and seeming cold demeanor was replaced with an amused, cruel smile as she laughed.

"You're going to fight us with a Magikarp?!"

The water type frowned then lunged forward, her Tackle attack striking Hun's face. Magikarp's attack threw her head back which earned a look of complete shock from Attila. Once the attack had been complete, Magikarp fell back to the floor where she'd been before. Though when she landed, she was visibly struggling with her balance.

Hun's head moved back into place, her face a mix of rage and shock.

"Why you-!"

Dakota glowered at her, his teeth visibly bared as they were tightly gritted.

"Oh shut up!"

Hun's face contorted with more shock and fury.

"You little…Go Sandslash!"

Attila grinned.

"Finally. Go Muk!"

Each threw a Poké Ball, the name Pokémon emerging from each. Muk appeared first, its large form towering over Magikarp. Sandslash moved its claws out to either side, then its eyes widened at the sight of the boy from Pallet Town.

"S-Slash?"

The ground type looked at Magikarp, its eyes widening a little at the sight of the shiny water type. Hun and Attila grinned at the boy, Attila moreso. Dakota felt the bead of sweat starting to form on his forehead despite his apparent look of defiance and fury.

(Pewter Pokémon Center, Upper Floor)

Jason and Casey found themselves glaring at Jett, his Hypno, and the remaining Team Rocket Grunts around them. The former champion's eyes narrowed on Jett, the Team Rocket Officer grinned back. Without realizing it, he placed himself between Team Rocket and Casey.

"Don't think you're just going to win with this ambush."

He already had a Poké Ball in hand, which made Jett's grin switched to a frown. Jett turned to the grunts around him.

"Do you need an invitation?"

The grunts gasped then nodded, throwing Poké Balls forward. From them emerged a small group of Raticates. Jett's grin returned to a small degree.

"Get him."

Though as he called out this order, Jason had thrown the Poké Ball. Aggron emerged from it, the hulking Pokémon growled at Team Rocket as he clanked his arms against his chest.

"Aggron!"

Jett grumbled at the sight.

"Go!"

Team Rocket called out their order in unison.

"Raticate use Super Fang!"

"Raticate!"

The normal type Pokémon lunged forward, their fangs glowing bright white.

"Aggron use Iron Tail!"

"Aggron!"

Aggron's tail glowed with a metallic glint as he swung it, striking all of the Raticates in one strike. The grunts gasped at the sight as their Pokémon flew back, striking the parts of the wall that were still solid and in place.

Jett frowned.

"Ok then. Hypno use Focus Punch!"

Hypno jumped forward, one hand clenching into a fist which began to glow a bluish-white. Just before the attack could land, a barrage of glowing white needles struck Hypno. The psychic type groaned in pain before it was sent skidding back.

Both Jason and Jett gasped at this, turning to see Casey and her Beedrill up and in the fight.

"Don't think you're gonna leave me out of the action."

Jason grinned while Jett gritted his teeth.

"Beedrill, use Pin Missile!"

Beedrill flew up, its stingers glowed white and fired the multistrike attack again. Hypno and the Raticate hissed in pain.

"Aggron use Thunderbolt!"

"Aggggron!"

Aggron's body became enveloped by golden light before a literal lightning bolt surged forward.

"Hypno use Protect!"

Hypno raised a green barrier, blocking the attack. Jason frowned.

"Protect…they've got a stronger foothold here and it's just us here."

Jason gritted his teeth at this then he gasped at something he didn't realize till just this minute.

"Dakota…most of his team…"

He then took out another Poké Ball and from it emerged Snivy. The grass type turned to Team Rocket, teeth gritting.

"Snivy, head to the main floor and help Dakota! Listen to him!"

"Sni? Sni…Vy!"

After a few moments of hesitation Snivy nodded then hurried off. Jett frowned then scoffed at this.

"That won't help that little brat, you're all done here!"

"Is that so? Aggron use Thunderbolt!"

"Beedrill use Pin Missile!"

Both Pokémon fired their attacks towards their opponents.

(Pewter City Pokémon Center, Ground Floor, present)

Magikarp was sent flying back, Dakota catching her in his arms. The water type was heaving, narrowed eyes fixed on Team Rocket despite the pain. Muk's mouth closed, its Sludge Bomb having done its work. Attila chuckled.

"Not so easy with your weak little Pokémon? Speaking of which, where's that little mutt of yours?"

Dakota's eyes narrowed, teeth gritted. Hun grinned, chuckling.

"I see, he's no doubt tired and weak from a battle with the Pewter City Gym. Well, he's not going to be able to help now. Neither is that Gym Leader."

The boy's eyebrows lifted up at this.

"What did you do?!"

"He's occupied right now with his own siege so he won't be here to help. Not that it would matter. Sandslash use Swift!"

"S-Slash?"

"Use Swift! Do it!"

The ground type turned back to the boy and his Magikarp. Before he could fire the attack, he and Muk were peppered by several bladed green projectiles. All those gathered turned to see Snivy rush and leap into the room, landing between her trainer's new friend and Team Rocket. Dakota gasped a little.

"Snivy?!"

The grass type received a look of surprise but amusement from Hun and Attila, the former spoke first.

"Ah, this must be one of Mr. Sorenson's little friends."

"Too bad it won't do any good. Muk use Sludge Bomb!"

Muk opened its cavernous mouth, firing purple blobs at Snivy. Dakota's eyes narrowed.

"Snivy use Vine Whip to jump!"

Snivy's eyes widened at the boy's order then grinned, realizing what it would mean then followed it. Two long green vines raised up then struck the floor. Muk's attack completely missed Snivy as the grass type was in the air. Hun and Attila grumbled at this.

"Snivy use Razor Leaf!"

Snivy swept her tail forward, several of the same bladed projectiles surged forward and peppered both Sandslash and Muk. Hun and Attila gritted their teeth at this.

"Sandslash use Fury Swipes!"

"Muk use Sludge Bomb!"

Sandslash began striking with his claws at the projectiles while Muk's attack fired, the latter overpowering Snivy's. The poison attack surged towards Snivy, which the grass type gasped at.

"Snivy use Energy Ball!"

But the grass type's tail glowed with a green light which she slashed down at the attack, immediately striking one of the purple blobs. Despite stopping the attack of the one she hit, another struck her flank and sent her to the ground.

Attila grinned lightly.

"Looks like he didn't train this one well enough."

Hun nodded, smiling lightly.

"Indeed."

Snivy managed to pick herself off the ground, gritting her teeth in pain. Dakota frowned partially, eyes going from Snivy to Team Rocket. He felt the sweat slowly moving down his forehead, his mind racing with warring thoughts.

"...Team Rocket…you won't get away with this…"

Hun raised an eyebrow, amused.

"Giving up already? I must say I'm pleased and disappointed, I thought you'd fight harder."

Dakota noticed Snivy's tail moving to stand up. He saw Sandslash looking at the grass type, unsure, then to Muk.

"Slash? Sandslash?"

"Muuuuk? MuuMuuk!"

"Slash, Sandslash."

Hun and Attila watched this, brows raised up slightly. The latter spoke first.

"Wait, is Sandslash-?"

"Sandslash! Pay attention to the battle!"

Dakota looked at Snivy, who watched this with confusion. The grass type turned back to him which the boy nodded.

"Snivy use Razor Leaf!"

"Sni!"

Hun and Attila turned back, eyes wide with surprise and anger. They both called out commands.

"Sandslash use Fury Swipes!"

"Muk use Sludge Bomb!"

Their attempt to counterattack had been called out right after Snivy fired the attack, the bladed leaves peppered both Sandslash and Muk. Both Pokémon grumbled and growled as they held their ground. Attila gritted his teeth.

"I forgot this kid is willing to fight dirty."

"So do we."

"Muk use Screech!"

"Sandslash use Fury Swipes!"

Muk opened its mouth and a sonic cry erupted from it, which began to block the advance of Snivy's attack and pushed back against it. Sandslash after a moment jumped forward and landed to Snivy's flank, striking with its claws multiple times. Snivy cried out in pain and was sent flying back.

Magikarp watched this, eyes wide, before she lunged out of Dakota's arms. Her Tackle attack struck Sandslash in his flank managing to push the ground type back slightly though not to the degree Sandslash had done to Snivy.

Hun grumbled.

"Why you-!"

"Muk use Sludge Bomb on the brat's Magikarp!"

"Muuuuuuk!"

The purple blobs shot out from the massive mouth, slamming into Magikarp. Dakota gasped as he ran and caught Magikarp as she flew back. He looked down to see she had been knocked out. The boy sighed lightly.

"Thank you for your best, Magikarp. We'll take it from here."

Dakota returned the water type to her Poké Ball. Snivy watched this as she struggled to stand up, eyes widening a little. Hun and Attila scoffed though they did smile. The boy stood up, eyes narrowed on them.

"Snivy, are you ready?"

The grass type turned to him, her eyes looking at the boy. Like Team Rocket, she thought she felt something while looking at him. She nodded to him and turned back to their enemies.

Hun and Attila scoffed at this though the look in the boy's eyes was the same as the one they saw over a week ago in Pallet Town. Both Team Rocket Officers seethed at this despite that uncomfortable feeling gnawing at their stomachs. Attila spoke first.

"Please, you're outgunned and that little blade of grass can't contend with us. Snivy's not even yours."

"Face it: you have no chance."

"Snivy use Leaf Storm!"

Snivy jumped up, several small leaves twisted around her in the air before they surged towards Team Rocket in the form of a swirling tornado.

(Pewter City Pokémon Center, Upper Floor)

Aggron bellowed as it swiped an Iron Tail attack at Hypno.

"Hypno, use Focus Punch!"

One of Hypno's hands glowed with a bluish-white light and threw the attack forward, colliding with the Iron Tail.

Casey frowned.

"Beedrill use Poison Jab on Hypno!"

Beedrill surged forward, one of its stingers glowing with a bright purple light.

The Team Rocket Grunts gritted their teeth as they called out orders to their Raticates.

"Raticate use Super Fang on Beedrill!"

"Use Quick Attack on Beedrill!"

"Use Super Fang on Aggron!"

The normal types surged forward, some with their fangs glowing white while others raced forward with light and wind surging around them.

"Beedrill dodge it!"

"Aggron use Metal Claw on the Raticates and hold that Iron Tail!"

"Agggron!"

Aggron's claws glowed with a metallic glint, throwing them forward and striking a blow against the Raticates charging him. Beedrill moved around the Quick Attack of one of the Raticates then closed most of the distance towards Hypno.

Jett frowned.

"Hypno use Confusion on Beedrill!"

Hypno turned to face Beedrill, its eyes glowing a light blue, though as this occurred its Focus Punch faded and Aggron's Iron Tail knocked the psychic type back. Beedrill then shot its attack forward, the Poison Jab striking Hypno's flank.

Jett gasped then audibly grumbled. Jason chuckled.

"It's called 'Focus Punch' for a reason."

Jett glowered at him in response.

The former champion turned to Casey.

"Thanks for the assist."

"It's not over yet. Beedrill use Pin Missile on the Raticates!"

"Right. Aggron use Thunderbolt on Hypno!"

"Hypno use Confusion!"

The psychic's type's eyes glowed light blue and halted both Aggron and Beedrill's attacks in place and sent them flying back.

"Aggron use Protect!"

Aggron took a position in front of Beedrill and a green barrier emerged around them both blocking the attack. Jett scoffed.

"Amusing."

The sound of a roar outside drew everyone's attention. They all saw a Steelix and Skarmory moving around outside, unleashing attacks. Jett chuckled at this, turning to Jason.

"Steelix and Skarmory are taking care of everyone outside."

Jason frowned.

"The police-"

Jett laughed.

"The police? They can't do anything to us. You don't think we don't have their officers occupied in the city now? Our iron ring has this building under lockdown."

Jason's eyes widened at this while Casey frowned. Suddenly the sounds of explosions and growls regained Team Rocket's attention. They saw a man with a Cacturne and Zangoose battling their allies outside.

The man looked up in the building, seeing an Aggron within the space through one of the holes.

"Aggron?! Jason! Is that you!"

Jason grinned at recognizing the voice.

"William! Team Rocket's-!"

"I can see! There's a load of them out here!"

Jett's frown grew, turning to Jason.

"Your friend won't do much against us with just two Pokémon."

Jason and Casey turned to one another and nodded, each taking out a Poké Ball. The former spoke first.

"Then let's try to even out the odds. Latios go!"

"Electivire come on out!"

Team Rocket gasped at Jason's statement specifically. They saw Casey's Electivire emerge outside and land on the ground while Latios glided in the air. Jason looked to his legendary Pokémon.

"Latios! Help William and his Pokémon take care of Team Rocket!"

"You help them out Electivire!"

Latios nodded.

"Vire!"

Both Pokémon responded before rushing to meet Team Rocket.

Jett turned to Jason and Casey, fuming.

"Why you-!"

"Aggron use Metal Claw!"

"Beedrill use Poison Jab!"

Both Pokémon lunged forward, their attacks prepared to strike. Jett gasped, eyes shaking despite his teeth gritted.

Aggron's Metal Claw Struck Hypno while Beedrill's Poison Jab struck one of the Raticates.

"Beedrill use Pin Missile!"

"Aggron duck!"

Aggron ducked down while Beedrill fired the multistrike attack. Hypno and the Raticates tried to shield their faces with their hands, backing up towards the grunts. Casey then took out two Poké Balls, from them emerged her Pidgeot and Magmortar.

"Team Rocket's attacking, more went further into the building. Find and stop them! Help any trainers and Pokémon you can!"

Jason took out his final Poké Ball, Alakazam emerged from it.

"Help them, Alakazam."

The three Pokémon nodded and hurried into the building. Jett's eyes widened at this.

"Don't let them get away!"

The Raticates attempted to follow, but Aggron and Beedrill blocked their path. Jett turned, hearing the sounds of roars, growls, and explosions outside. He ran to one of the holes, he saw the Cacturne and Zangoose strike down more of the grunts' Pokémon with Drain Punch and Slash attacks.

Latios flew around in the air, dodging Skarmory's attacks before striking with a Dragon Pulse, sending the steel/flying type towards the ground. Electivire lunged forward, a Brick Break striking Steelix's face before unleashing a Shock Wave, striking at the other Team Rocket members while being aided by the Dragon Pulse of Latios.

Jett fumed, face turning red. He then turned to face Jason and Casey, seething.

"You-"

"Aggron use Thunderbolt!"

"Beedrill! Pin Missile!"

Both Pokémon fired their attacks, sending both human and Pokémon from Team Rocket, including Jett, out of the building. Jason and Casey ran to where the hole was, seeing Latios striking down Skarmory with a Dragon Rush while Electivire knocked down Steelix with another Brick Break. William called out to his Zangoose and Cacturne, the former knocked down at a Team Rocket member's Koffing with a Slash while the latter knocked out another's Hitmontop with a Drain Punch.

Jason grinned.

"Good technique, William!"

William looked up grinning.

"I learned from the best!"

Casey smirked.

"I thought you learned from Jason, not me?!"

William laughed.

Jason turned to her, chuckling.

"Who won our battle?"

"You got lucky and you know it."

Before Jason could respond, he and Casey turned around at hearing footsteps. They found the three Pokémon they sent into the building before them, Alakazam using his Psychic powers to keep several Team Rocket Grunts and their Pokémon in the air, unconscious. The two trainers smiled and nodded.

Jason chuckled.

"Well done, Alakazam."

"Pidgeot, Magmortar you both did great."

The Pokémon smiled and nodded.

(Pewter Pokémon Center, Ground floor)

Snivy threw her tail forward, firing a Razor Leaf attack. Sandslash and Muk winced from the attack, the former taking the worst from it. Dakota's eyes narrowed on Team Rocket.

"Snivy use Energy Ball on Muk!"

Snivy opened her mouth and a glowing green orb appeared then shot at the poison type, making it skid back and hit Sandslash. Both Pokémon skidded back right in front of Team Rocket, Hun and Attila's eyes widened as they seethed at the boy.

Dakota didn't stop on the orders.

"Now Leaf Storm!"

Snivy leapt up, a tornado of leaves swirled up and around her before they surged at Team Rocket. The attack struck and sent the Pokémon and humans back out of the building. Hun and Attila fumed but gasped, turning to see William, his Pokémon, Latios, and Electivire. Attila's eyes widened at the sight of Latios.

"A Latios?! Here?!"

Hun's eyes were wide as well then turned to see the legendary Pokémon fly over to Jason, rubbing its head against his arm. She frowned as she looked around, seeing all of their strike force beaten.

"It's his."

Attila grumbled.

"...Of course…"

Dakota and Snivy stepped outside, which drew the focus of Hun and Attila. Hun's teeth gritted.

"You…did it again!"

Dakota gritted his teeth, chest heaving.

"Not me."

"Oh will you shut up!"

She turned to see her Steelix, the Pokémon trying to get up. Her eyes widened then narrowed on the boy and the Snivy. The Team Rocket Officer pointed at them.

"Steelix use Flash Cannon on that brat!"

Steelix opened its massive mouth and fired a beam of silver, metallic energy towards Snivy and Dakota. Before anyone could respond or react, Dakota grabbed Snivy and covered her body with his. He'd done it without thinking, again, which drew the shocked looks of everyone present.

Before the attack could reach them, Casey's Electivire jumped in the way. The Pokémon's fists crackled with electricity and thrust forward two Thunder Punches. The double attack blocked Steelix's and a small explosion occurred. Dust rose from this and when it evaporated, Electivire was standing there a little bruised yet standing nonetheless.

Hun gasped.

Casey smiled.

"Electivire use Thunderbolt! Beedrill use Pin Missile!"

Jason glared at Team Rocket.

"Aggron you use Thunderbolt too! Latios Dragon Pulse!"

William frowned at Team Rocket too.

"Cacturne use Bullet Seed! Zangoose use Focus Blast!"

All of the Pokémon unleashed their attacks in unison, all surged towards Team Rocket. Hun, Attila, and Jett fumed despite their eyes widening. The resulting explosion sent Team Rocket, people and Pokémon, flying into the air.

Hun fumed.

"This isn't over you brat! You'll suffer for this! All of you!"

Attila's fists clenched.

"We'll be back! I promise you that!"

Jett glared at Jason specifically.

"I'll get you back for this Mr. Sorenson! You and your girlfriend!"

Within moments, they disappeared into the distance and a star shined briefly from their last visible location.

Dakota released his hold on Snivy, the grass type looked up at him eyes wide. The boy inhaled and exhaled, still kneeling on the ground. He turned to Electivire.

"Thank you, Electivire."

Electivire smiled and patted the boy on his shoulder.

"Electivire."

Jason got onto Latios who lowered him to the ground. He hurried over to Snivy and hugged her.

"Snivy, I'm glad you're safe."

The grass type smiled as she hugged him back. Jason then turned to Dakota, his chest heaving.

"And I need to thank you, Dakota, for-"

"No thanks necessary."

Jason sighed, smiling.

"You continue to surprise me, Mr. Mahina."

Dakota smiled a little at this, before turning back to where Team Rocket blasted off to.

"Till then, Team Rocket."

William turned to Casey and Jason, grinning.

"So? Girlfriend?"

Casey laughed.

"As if!"

Jason rolled his eyes but then chuckled.

(Pewter City Pokémon Center, several hours later)

Dakota stood outside of the Pokémon Center, Rockruff by his side. Jason and Casey stood before him, the former spoke first.

"I guess this is where we go our own ways."

"It's been fun meeting you boys, don't get into too much trouble without me."

Jason laughed.

Dakota was quiet for a moment, though he smiled.

"Until next time. Good luck to both of you and thank you, both of you, for everything."

Jason and Casey smiled, the latter spoke first.

"See ya, kid. I look forward to seeing you at the Indigo League."

"Good luck to you as well, Dakota. And to you, Rockruff. It was fun travelling with you both, I'll give your regards to Team Rocket. Give them mine if you see them again."

"Ruff! Ruff!"

Dakota knelt down and patted the rock type's back gently. He then looked up to them both and nodded. They nodded back, smiling. A few moments later, there were the sounds of several footsteps and vehicles approaching. Jason and Casey turned to see news reporters and others approaching, the former turned to the latter.

"You like paparazzi?"

"Never really had to deal with them before."

William walked out of the Pokémon Center, smiling, as he approached them. He turned to Jason.

"Another news report compliments of yours truly."

"Not again, William."

"Just looking out for you and your image. You, Ms. Casey, and…uh…wait, where…?"

Jason and Casey shared a look of confusion, the former spoke up.

"What is it, William?"

"Where's Mr. Mahina?"

"What do you mean? He's right-"

He looked back where Dakota and Rockruff were standing, but they were gone.

"Wait, where'd he go?"

William shared the same puzzled look as Jason and Casey. After a moment, Jason chuckled.

"Till next time then."

The paparazzi hurried over to meet the small group and began bombarding them with questions..

"Mr. Sorenson, did you lead the counterattack against Team Rocket?"

"Well it was a team effort. Me, my friend here, and D-"

"Were these the same criminals that sieged Pallet Town a week ago?"

"Yes, their leaders and a-"

"Is it true, did you lead the counterattack with a Latios you caught?"

"My Latios was-"

"When and where did you catch it?"

"Wait, I thought-?"

"Mr. Sorenson, what do you plan to do now?"

"Take the fight to Team Rocket."

One of the reporters turned to Casey.

"Are you his assistant in this?"

"Assistant?! I'm a more experienced trainer than him! I was-"

(Unknown location, present)

A man sat in his chair behind a desk, one hand petting the head of a Persian at his side. He was watching the interview on the TV across the room, a small frown on his face. After a few minutes, the door to the room opened and in walked Hun, Attila, and Jett. They saw what was on the TV screen, fuming. Though after a few moments they bowed, Hun spoke for the group.

"I'm sorry, sir, we failed you."

"Yes, I can see that."

He pinched the bridge of his nose with two fingers, teeth gritted.

"You three are some of our best here. You, Officer Jett, are one of the most competent managers and field leaders and your plan and preparations failed to account for any surprise guests, people or Pokémon."

Jett stood up.

"Sir, I-"

"Be quiet."

He then turned to Hun and Attila.

"And you two, years ago you captured one of the rarest and most powerful Pokémon in the world: a Rayquaza, despite it waking up and destroying the building we had it contained in and now you have lost to a wretched BOY! TWICE!"

He slammed a fist onto his desk. While this didn't make the officers flinch, their eyes filled with shame and veiled rage.

"It's twice now that boy has humiliated you in public, humiliated Team Rocket. You three are very lucky I give more than just second chances."

He pressed a button below his desk and a hologram of three individuals, Team Rocket members with two in the white uniforms, appeared: a purple haired man, a woman with magenta hair that extends into a long curl away from her head, and a Meowth.

"These three idiots have failed more times than I can count yet even they proved me wrong about the World Champ's Pokémon and they proved sort of useful scouts into the other regions given their little adventures."

The trio looked at the infamous trio that had proven them all wrong, they'd been the laughing stock of their organization until the boy they'd tracked for so long won the World Cup with his Pokémon (especially his Pikachu). The man frowned.

"They still won't stop throwing that fact in our faces."

He then turned back to them, turning off the hologram.

"Thankfully for you three, you've had a more impressive and competent track record. And if they are still useful to a degree, you three should be honored that I believe that you three are more worthy of another chance. So do not waste it."

The three bowed again, Hun spoke for the trio.

"Yes sir."

He nodded before he looked back at the TV.

"What about the girl with Mr. Sorenson?"

Jett frowned.

"She's a competent trainer, her Beedrill kept up with his Aggron and overpowered part of the strike team's Pokémon. Her Pidgeot and Magmortar along with his Alakazam took out the rest."

"So another experienced obstacle in our path. As if that boy and the former champion of Hoenn weren't enough."

He then turned back to the TV.

"Mr. Sorenson was an unknowing aid to one of my plans which is still becoming clearer now. Now that he's interfered twice he's now a thorn in our side. Though he may still prove possibly useful if we can deal with him in a way that's indirect, treating him as any other foe and not the main threat, and continue to support my more public campaign."

Jett smiled.

"Yes sir."

"Now that we know he has a Latios, he'll be that much difficult to deal with."

"Let me round up as many of our agents as I can, I'll take that Latios and get rev-"

"You have your talents, Jett, but this requires more than even your skills to deal with this."

"But sir-"

Hun and Attila moved to speak, but he raised a hand up.

"Dealing with Legendary Pokémon requires an expert who has captured and truly contained them and she is the best in the business."

The eyes of the three officers widened, eyebrows raised. They sighed after a moment and nodded, Hun speaking again for the group.

"Yes…there's no doubt in that, sir."

(Just Outside of Pewter City, several minutes later)

Dakota and Rockruff looked back at the city before turning to another.

"Ready buddy?"

"Ruff!"

Dakota smiled and nodded, before they both continued on their journey.

To be continued…

(Hope you all enjoyed the update. I'll be placing a poll on my True Heroes saga soon, please let me know your thoughts/feelings and vote.)