AN: Wow its been so long since I've updated this story. The main reason is writer's block, but I won't bore you guys with the details and excuses. Please read and enjoy this chapter, and of course review!

Even now, I have so many iffy thoughts about this chapter.

ooo

The air around a gym leader was different, Ash mused.

Breathing became strenuous as the air circulated to the more overbearing presence, leaving him breathless, with a furious heart trying to escape his chest. His tongue shriveled up and his palms became moist as he looked ahead to the figure that attracted attention with a casual, yet confident stride.

Ash's chocolate eyes didn't waver from the gym leader, nothing but the subtle whistle of the breeze tickling his cheek able to catch his attention. The sun had barely risen, the city a ghost town as a result, but that too was lost on him as he followed Brock mesmerized.

Being in the presence of a gym leader was suffocating because it made one all too aware of their shortcomings. The shift in Brock's shoulders screamed "inferior" and the loud stomp of his boots made Ash yearn to bow his head in submission.

He didn't of course, but it was a battle fighting his body's natural desires to shrink away in the presence of the one that commanded the space.

Ash still had much to learn, and last night had proven how naïve he was. He stared after Brock's back, suddenly more aware how much of a horrible impression he must have left on someone he looked up to.

He must think I'm some idiot, he thought bitterly.

After so vocally challenging that trainer to an Onix duel, Brock stepped in to snatch his pokeball, quick to remind Ash that he didn't have control over his pokemon. Everything was a blur after that, leaving the stadium flustered and disoriented, the "boos" ringing in his ears, and the firm words coming from Brock to reprimand him.

The walk back to the center had been humbling as Ash quietly answered all of Brock's questions about Onix, embarrassed and exhausted at making a fool out of himself.

He got carried away. Lost in the moment and easily sucked in by the addicting atmosphere. He wasn't usually so dense, nor so far from reason. It was only the taste of battle that could stir him so.

But, Brock definitely didn't see it that way. The gym leader probably saw a foolish little boy who almost released a pokemon he had utterly no control over. The embarrassment Ash felt from last night lingered, even now his cheeks felt hot as Brock walked silently ahead.

Ash bit his lip in debate; surely Brock wasn't too disappointed, right? The gym leader had sought him out this morning at the Pokemon Center after all. Well, either way, he needed to know so Ash gathered his courage to address the donphan in the room.

"Brock," he called out suddenly. His grip tightened on the greatball as he recalled Brock's words that had convinced him to give up his morning, which would normally consist of visiting Spearow.

"Come, we're going to release that Onix of yours. We'll have our work cut out for us."

"Yes?" Brock kept pace, his voice coming out deeper and hoarser than Ash remembered. Ash hesitated as it dawned on him Brock was only up so early because of him. Surely the gym leader had more pressing matters to attend to or at the very least, more sleep he could have accumulated before starting his day.

"Why are you doing this for me?" He asked bluntly, watching Brock pause and turn slightly to appraise him. Ash recalled what Brock said last night. That the teen couldn't just allow Ash to leave his city with no control over his pokemon. Ash truly believed the words of the older boy.

But, he couldn't dismiss the pestering speculation that there was more. Ash waited, wondering if Brock would repeat the same words he used last night. Or maybe, he thought as the seconds ticked by, he'd be ignored.

"You remind me of my little brother," Brock finally obliged, quietly. Ash blinked, caught off guard by the vulnerability in Brock's voice. Stifling silence filled the space as Brock raised his large hand to grab his chin, clearly deep in thought.

"Ambitious with the intelligence and drive to back it up, but rash and a tendency to run into trouble. You're the spitting image of him so I couldn't leave you alone." Brock explained with a tight shrug.

"Oh." Ash finally got out, a little flustered at Brock's compliment. He wanted to defend the assessment of him being "rash" but with last night's incident still fresh he knew that was a lost cause. Instead, he decided to be relieved Brock's opinion of him hadn't been muddied by one senseless action.

"How many siblings do you have?" He settled on instead, feeling a little stalker like for asking when he knew the answer. But, he didn't want the empty air around them to continue, so he decided to fill it with words.

Brock replied with a fond smile. "Nine."

"Which one do I remind you of?"

Brock's easy smile caved as his face twisted, a thick eyebrow dipping. "Forrest, he's the oldest other than me, and four years older than you."

Ash nodded at the new information. He was curious if he'd get the chance to meet the brother Brock claimed he was the spitting image of.

"Does he work at the gym?"

Brock started walking again, and Ash sent the lunatone hovering behind them a sideway glance as he raced to walk by the gym leader's side. Identifying the Hoenn native had been easy because he'd had the pleasure of meeting one once on the ranch.

The crescent moon shaped pokemon was fun to observe and its unwaveringly blank expression and silent hovering left Ash curious to its personality. Brock hadn't introduced him to his pokemon formally, which only piqued Ash's interest more on why the psychic was present.

"No. Judging by the last time he reached out, he's somewhere in Hoenn. He's the type that can't stay put too long."

Ash smiled, understanding that sentiment completely. Often, he tried to pinpoint the reason to why he yearned to travel. Perhaps it was a consequence of growing up in a small town constantly teased with the tales of adventures, but really there was no way to be sure.

The conversation eventually turned to Onix, pulling Ash back to the reality of releasing the angry rock serpent. Brock talked about warning signs of an impending outburst all while Ash gripped Onix's pokeball, more nervous as the scenery around them became more vacant.

Sidewalks and roads were replaced with daisies and lilies and the old sturdy architecture was substituted with the openness of plains. They had long ago left the city and soon they would approach a spot Brock would deem appropriate to release Onix. The wind drifted, carrying the smell of aging oaks as Brock continued his lecture.

"Your Onix," Ash interrupted smoothly. "How do you calm them down? When they get really angry and just go on a rampage?"

"I don't," Brock confessed. "Onix are a pokemon you don't talk down. It's too dangerous to try. If someone's found a way I'd like to know, but I doubt I'd attempt it. All I do is work on techniques to help them maintain their cool. Prevention is the key. But, even the most peaceful giants reach their breaking point, and there's no turning back from that."

"What do you do when that happens?"

Brock shrugged.

"Contrary to popular belief," Brock began sternly, "the healthiest way is to just let them release their pent-up frustration. Stuffing them in their pokeball may seem like the easiest and safest solution but there's no sure way to predict their state of mind once you release them again or the negative consequences from doing it often."

Ash's eyebrows rose at that. He remembered the Professor casually commenting on an "fascinating" research paper about pokeballs and their potentially negative effects on a pokemon's state of mind, but this was the first time someone has warned him about it in person.

Many professionals advocated for returning pokemon at the sign of a tantrum to avoid self-harm, and destruction of the surroundings but it actually made sense that the former didn't apply to an Onix. Not much could hurt them after all. So, Ash took the words to heart, knowing while they came from someone young, this was Brock's area of expertise.

"What if it happens in a place with other people or-"

"Put him in his pokeball. Never risk the safety of bystanders or yourself. Just return him and get anywhere vacant as quick as possible. It's happened to me before. Cerberus lost his temper once during a gym match. I conceded and immediately had Lunatone transport us somewhere he could destroy everything in sight with no repercussions."

Ash sent an interested glance at the pokemon behind him, and it stared back at him without blinking, it's "face" completely void of any emotion. A bit unsettled, he turned away from the unresponsive pokemon.

Brock smiled tightly at the memory. "Until that loss Cerberus only had one other official one under his belt. The blow to my pride was upsetting, but I'd put the safety of my opponent's pokemon, and Cerberus over it any day."

Ash's eyes widened at the information, silently impressed that Brock's Onix only had two official losses.

"Oh! This might sound like common sense but don't forget to stand clear when your Onix starts rampaging. Even veterans make the mistake of forgetting their pokemon won't distinguish them in a fit of rage when crap hits the fan."

Ash nodded diligently at Brock's words. He took a mental note of the advice and pulled up his notepad on his xtransceiver to look at his list of questions he'd written up. His eyes scanned the long list before he found one he'd been dying to ask.

"I was asked," he began slowly, "how I would feed an Onix. I honestly never thought about it, and I still have no clue. What should I feed Onix? I don't even know how I'd be able to afford it…"

Brock stopped walking.

Ash shuffled, uncomfortable under his gaze. When a few passing moments went by Brock sighed and ran a hand stiffly through his thick hair.

"Well, there's a few ways to go about it. Personally, when I don't have time to oversee their feasting I take the expensive route and order tons of soil and supplements from a merchant, though you expressed that's not an option for you."

"Alright, let's start with the basics. You know Onix is an omnivore, right?"

Ash was fast to nod, he knew at least that much. Onix ate meat, but they preferred soils and large boulders.

Brock spent the next few minutes explaining how an Onix received all their necessary dietary intake in a day. He went into depth and seemed impressed that Ash had no problem keeping up with his detailed lesson.

"Alright, so one of the reasons Onix are so hard to feed once captured is because a lot of trainers don't feel comfortable releasing their Onix to let them burrow to find food themselves. Once a pokemon is under your ownership, you're responsible for their actions should something happen…"

It clicked for Ash. A lot of trainers with Onix gave in to the fear of the stereotype associated with the pokemon and the consequences that could come from one mistake. It was painfully ironic, since you would think they would be more understanding with hands-on experience.

"…and some places you may travel to environment might not fulfill their diet anyway. There's a reason Onix prefer rocky, mountainous terrain. It's a bountiful feasting ground."

Ash frowned. While he appreciated the lecture, Brock had done nothing but cast more doubt on his ability to feed an Onix.

"So, what should I do?"

"You're going to trust your Onix."

Ash's brows furrowed, then raised.

"He's spent his entire life providing for himself and tunneling. There's no reason he can't continue to get his own meals under your ownership. He'll have to burrow in land unpopulated and unowned, but it'll work. I do it often with my own pokemon when I have the time."

"Of course, there will be some places you'll travel to whose soils aren't the most compatible with him, so just research every place you travel to in advance. It's tedious, but this is the cheapest and most effective method for you. If the soils don't align with Onix's diet then you can purchase some in bulk from a pokemart. If they do, great, but if they don't and you're short on cash then scrap by on just a boulder and meat diet. Actually, an occasional meat diet is good, the chase helps combat aggression…"

Brock trailed off on a rant about the importance of "the hunt" to pokemon that ate meat, never noticing the revelation come across Ash's face.

Ash's smile came in slow before it grew to a grin that hurt.

It would work!

"Brock!" Ash blurted, feeling his spirts renewed from a situation he'd thought previously to be hopeless.

Brock, startled, trailed off. "What?"

"You're a genius!" Ash proclaimed with a cheesy smile.

Brock stilled, then carefully returned his smile and reached a large rough hand forward to lightly pat Ash's bed hair. Ash felt heat creep up his neck, and when the gym leader turned, his hand unconsciously made its way to the spot on his head that had been ruffled.

"Well, no disagreements from me there! Though let's save that observation for after we get some control over that Onix, alright?"

Ash nodded and noticed they hadn't been walking for a few minutes. The space around them was completely deserted, not a person or pokemon in sight. For as far as his eyes could see there was nothing but grassy plains.

"Ash," Brock began carefully. "There is a good chance Onix will attack you. If that happens, don't panic and dodge to the best of your abilities. Lunatone will keep you safe if you mess up but push through on your own accord until I say otherwise."

A wave of uneasiness raced through Ash at the mere thought of being attacked. With difficulty, he pushed it aside to try and dissect Brock's order for him to dodge. It was a strange one, especially since Ash wasn't confident in his skills to do just that since the last time he released his capture he ended up with broken ribs. He didn't want to question Brock though, and his desire to appease the gym leader made him shove down the concerns on his tongue.

"Go ahead Ash, release him."

Ash sent a passing glance to Lunatone who floated inconspicuously behind Brock, the latter whose eyes were hardened with concentration. The gym leader had assured him the psychic was capable of handling anything Onix could dish out, but Ash was understandably hesitant.

Brock gave a stiff nod of his head in Ash's direction which made him gulp with unease. Judging from Brock's personality, he knew it was meant to be encouraging like a light pat in the right direction, but the teen's rough features made it seem more like a shove off a mountain.

With a flicker of psychic energy, the young gym leader and Lunatone disappeared from sight, likely to a spot they could still watch from a safe view. Feeling a wave of fear approach, Ash hastily took a breath and hit the release button on the great ball.

Ash was ready for the tremble, feet a shoulder width apart and imbedded into the ground so his body could anticipate any sudden shifts. Despite this preparation for the pokemon's – no, his pokemon's entrance, his eyes still glossed over in surprise when the earth pathetically crumbled beneath the behemoth's massive weight, creating a deep, wide chasm from its subtle wriggling.

Ash swallowed hard as the hulking figure ten times his height manifested into the clearing. Once it's massive body composed of some of the strongest minerals known to man settled comfortably, he had just a fleeting second to appreciate the specimen in its entirety.

The moment was gone, quicker than it came when Onix's maw came ajar and an excruciatingly loud, painful noise gushed out. Ash's palms slapped his ears painfully, but the action did not dull the noise nor ease the ringing that emerged. Through slit eyes he took in the beast that blocked out the sun, stretching its long, rocky form greedily toward the sky.

Then, Onix noticed him.

The beast's large black eyes glossed over with something as it zeroed in on him and opened its maw to growl at him directly. Ash faltered at the sudden air pressure, throwing his hands up hastily to block the airborne rocks that had escaped the monster's wet cavern.

Several small rocks of various sizes grazed him, and when he dared to peep over the arms held up to protect his face, his neck hairs sprung up. He dropped, dodging the powerful rocky tail aimed full force at his body through pure luck.

Ash's face crashed into the ground, and when he tasted the foul dirt on his tongue, his instincts kicked in. He was on his feet the next instant, diving to avoid the same tail coming back with more force than before. The air swooshed above him, a welcome relief from the sudden heatwave taking over his body.

Jet black pupils narrowed with rage, and the beast that owned them screamed a challenge that had Ash swallowing painfully. He winced at his protesting ribs, a silent reminder that while he was healed, there would be consequences from throwing his body around so recklessly.

Ash licked his split lip, tasting iron as he eyed the beast warily for its next move.

His heart jumped to his throat when the beast suddenly slammed its head into dirt, shaking the planet to its core with the forcible movement. Heavy sweat made its way down his face and Ash turn and ran the second the end of the beast's tail ducked into the hole to follow the rest of its body.

Ash ran, trying desperately to channel some speed or strategy or anything that would help him avoid what was coming next. Onix was going to attack from below, come right under him so that his body had no choice other than to fall into the beats awaiting-

Ash shook his head. He was aware the beast could sense his movement but even in his frazzled state he understood anything was better than being a sitting psyduck.

A muffled whimper escaped him when the ground grumbled, and Ash felt his heart accelerate to know Onix was resurfacing right where he was. His arms pumped furiously and his feet were blurs but the earth beneath him still gave way until nothing was left. He was no longer standing, just falling, and he was afraid to look down to see onto what he would fall on.

Something smashed into him hard, propelling him through the air as the wind whizzed painfully past his face. His landing was a violent tumble in which his knees skidded against the ground and his limbs banged awkwardly against one another.

He allowed himself a split second to let out a nasty cough, willing the stars in his vision to settle. It was a brutal save on Lunatone's part, but obviously preferable over the alternative.

When he picked his head up to where Onix was a few hundred feet away, the confusion in the beasts' eyes was quickly dimmed by blood thirst. Ash's shoulders drooped as a disheartening thought passed.

Onix was really trying to kill him.

Ash sucked in a desperate breath, trying to ease his mind with the knowledge Lunatone would continue to protect him quietly as it could so Onix wouldn't catch on. Ash prepared himself, knowing full well he was the object of Onix's hatred and it would be a long time before that emotion was quelled.

Onix's boulders grinded against each other, the sound making Ash feel like his ears were bleeding. He felt tired as the beast propelled itself forward, but he moved to dodge because the situation was entirely his fault.

More than ever it was evident in that moment that catching the beast had truly been the easiest part.

ooo

Ash rolled along the ground, effortlessly transitioning from a crouch to a run effortlessly from reflex. He was exhausted, his muscles tight and screaming louder each inch he dared to move them. He didn't know how long he'd been dodging Onix's attacks but the wearier he became the more Onix seemed to thrash his body around with the vigor of a hunter having cornered its prey.

If he showed the behemoth weakness, its lust for blood lashed out to take advantage.

Ash screamed out in frustration, briefly wondering the whereabouts of Brock and Lunatone. He couldn't afford wasting the second or two it would take to look for them but he figured since he captured Onix's complete attention they were out of sight.

Or maybe, Ash thought as the beast stared at him, its pupils seemingly getting smaller and smaller each second; Onix had tunnel vision. The monster of a pokemon was so transfixed on its revenge it hadn't even caught on that another pokemon was keeping Ash safe whenever he slipped up.

Slip ups that were becoming more and more frequent. Ash dabbed at his eyes unconsciously to rid his burning vision of the sweat that had fallen in. His throat felt tight as he continued to run, knowing he couldn't spare a glance back.

But, Onix was gaining on him, his long thick body thumping along the ground so ferociously Ash was convinced the world itself was moving from its force. Even without the agility tunneling allowed, Onix was a still a speedy monster to be reckoned with when slithering on land.

"Ash! Return him!" Brock's scream caused his neck hairs to stand up straighter than they already were. He went into a panic as he fumbled for the greatball, diving to the ground so that when he tumbled over he would be facing the great rock snake.

When he clicked the return button Onix's head was only a mere twenty feet from him. Ash watched Onix disappear into the light and released the breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.

The next second, he gave in to his body's commands. His knees collapsed, which caused his head to break his fall, and while his landing was on soft grass it was still painful. He sucked in air greedily, wiping at the sweat on his face with his drenched sleeve.

"Mew," he whispered, horrified at the image of two pitch black diluted pupils traced in on his small form. It took some time, but when his heart began to calm he assessed himself. There were two holes in his jeans that revealed his raw knees. Ash hissed from the persistent stinging, now fully capable of feeling everything now that the adrenaline was wearing off.

This included his aching ribs and the pounding of his brain. He would have a headache later, and his body would be incredibly sore. His eyes eventually fell to his scratched-up hands and he was reminded of his time in Viridian Forest when the thorny forestation lashed out at his lack of preparation.

No more putting it off, he needed gloves.

Brock approached him, but Ash looked past the gym leader to assess the plains that had fallen victim to Onix's rage. His heart dropped at what he saw. In the time Onix had spent trying to kill him, the pokemon had destroyed a dozen acres worth of land.

Feeling somber at the thousands of daisies and lilies lying dead around him, he was sympathetic to Professor Oak's frustration at him catching Onix and to Brock's voice that had been so stern as he lectured him for his negligence. The power Onix held could not be dismissed, and underestimating it was surely fatal.

His heart was heavy as his view shifted to Lunatone whose single eye flickered in response to his gaze.

"Thank you for your help, Lunatone," He said, truly grateful for the pokemon's role in helping him understand firsthand his pokemon capabilities.

Lunatone bristled at his gratitude then sprang into action. It floated around him anxiously as its single red eye flickered in a code like motion. Ash chuckled softly at the pokemon's actions as Brock spoke.

"You wouldn't have dodged that last one without Lunatone. Onix didn't notice you were getting help, he was confused, but his anger was trumping reason. He would have caught on to Lunatone and all the respect you earned would have been lost."

"Respect?" Ash coughed out skeptically. To him, what just transpired had nothing to do with respect, he was merely fighting for his life.

"Yes, Ash, respect. Rock types are different. Many of them can't be won over with words nor can their submission be beaten into them. They have to respect their trainer for things to work, and one thing they respect is power."

Ash frowned. The explanation made sense, but he couldn't help but feel like a phony. Onix thought he was really putting his life on the line when in reality he hadn't been in real danger for a second.

"How long was I dodging?"

"Thirty minutes-" Ash couldn't help but cringe, because being out there time had felt infinite. He was so sure that he'd been running for hours. "Which is good considering the circumstances."

"Circumstances?"

"You just challenged an Onix to a one on one fight. Of course, there's no way you'll ever win but the idea is to keep at it until he acknowledges you. It's a common tactic many experienced trainers use and considering your age and the kind of pokemon whose respect your trying to earn, you did very well Ash."

"How long will it take?"

Brock's hardened expression turned sheepish. "It all depends on the pokemon. Onix are usually trickier because their size equates to bigger egos. With Lola I was lucky enough that mutual respect was there from the beginning..."

"…and Cerberus?" Ash piped up with interest. Not much was known about Brock's starter after all. Those who were lucky enough to see Cerberus in action were few and fewer have had the privilege of personally battling the pokemon.

"Cerberus was a special case." Brock dismissed coolly. Ash waited, but it became clear Brock wouldn't elaborate from his standoffish stance.

"How so?" He pushed.

Brock responded with a gruff, "He just was."

Ash gave up once he heard the strained tone.

The conversation continued after that, but it was apparent to both the air had shifted. There was reluctance in Brock's eyes and soon the gym leader dismissed himself with a halfhearted farewell.

Ash frowned, taken over by the same frustration one would feel after accidentally hitting the reset button on a game. Despite his intimidating appearance, Brock had a welcoming air about him that Ash had taken to.

Though with all the stories he'd been told, he really knew little about the gym leader, and as he watched Brock walk off with Lunatone trailing behind, shooting Ash longing glances, he realized there was a mysterious air to Brock.

Hoping to understand more about the young gym leader his feet carried him to the Feast. Under the rays of light, he found himself more appreciative of the craftmanship of the architecture and how it resembled ancient stadiums from Kanto's beginnings. In times when the nobles had casted the poor to be slaughtered for their amusement, under the guise of quelling the mysterious beasts that treaded the land.

It was in a place like this that Red, the first Champion, had made a stand. A man born with chains and no name had been sentenced to death by the very people who enslaved him.

Ash took to the tunnels, immediately grateful to see they were lighted by lanterns. When he stepped into the low visibility, his breath was taken from him. The flames from the lanterns casted dancing shadows along the graffiti on the wall.

Ash took in Charizards, Rhydon, Onix, and many other beautifully, realistically drawn pokemon in silent amazement.

When he was certain the sight was burned into his brain, he began walking, instantly pleased that the images followed him on his stroll. Through the dim lighting he was able to make out all the colors of the rainbow and images so brilliantly drawn the masterpieces felt alive.

Ash paused when his eyes fell on a haunting black, faded large print that spelled out, "TRIUMPHS".

Around it, hundreds of accomplishments circled around the word and Ash found himself frozen as he took to reading some.

"I've decided…I'm going to Johto"

"It was so hard…but I caught a Rhyhorn!"

"Me and Geodude won our first badge!"

"Were going to Indigo this year"

Immediately, Ash's heart surged with yearning to join them and trace in his own small accomplishment in the wall, but with the mornings events, he wasn't convinced he was worthy of it. Feeling a little down, he continued his walk and five minutes later he stumbled upon similar faded writing as the word triumph. This time, a different word was etched into the wall.

"FRUSTRATIONS"

Ash was taken aback to how many people had contributed to that single word. He felt overwhelmed and a little hesitant to read the failures and vulnerability so many people revealed. He stood there a long time, eyes glossed over in sympathy and resolved to read the testimonies left by hundreds who had lost hope in achieving their dreams.

"It was fun while it lasted"

"I've lost count of the losses"

"I gave up. I released Sandshrew."

"Maybe next year…"

"This isn't it for me. I have more to give. I won't let this challenge best me."

Ash paused at that one. Reading it over he found he could identify with it. He was also fighting a battle he couldn't foresee a favorable outcome to.

Then, it dawned on Ash.

Champion Red too had been faced with a seemingly unwinnable situation, but he prevailed. Ash took a frantic look around.

In a place like this where the first Champion had been condemned to a brutal end, his legacy was born. Time had spun, but the tendrils of fate had other plans for the dying man.

Ash took a step back as he realized he wouldn't be able to read all the testimonies. Though, it became apparent to him what this place really was. Brock had referred to it as a home for many, but Ash understood it was more than that. It was a symbol of hope for struggling trainers, a homage to the legacy Kanto's first champion left behind.

This place was a start, the second chance so many believed that if they had, they could be different and chase the impossible.

A smile carefully spread as Ash came to terms with the fact that Brock had created this place. He shifted the book bag off his shoulders and took to dumping its contents in hopes of finding what he was looking for.

He wasn't sure if he had one, but—there! Right between the potions and empty plastic-ware he found a fat, red marker. Ash picked it up with satisfaction and wrote his own bubbling frustration into the wall.

As he stared at the drying writing he took to putting the flashlights, ropes, first-aid kit, and other items back into his bag where they belonged. With the longer his journey became, he found his bag getting heavier and more unorganized. He would need to purchase some storage compartments to lighten his load.

He took one last glance at his handwriting and continued down the tunnel.

"I might not be a strong enough trainer for Onix"

ooo

Being inside the stadium during daytime was evidently less overwhelming than night. There were significantly less people and a lack of energy that came with the absence of the moon's light. The pokemon battling were less impressive than the behemoth's that were Onix, but Ash still found it to be a good time killer.

He quickly settled on a bench and released Bulbasaur because he knew his starter would be appreciative of the lightning his choice in seating had to offer. Then, he watched the matches and somehow got tangled in an addicting activity.

Gambling.

It started innocently enough. While watching a match between a shuckle and an overzealous corsola he had turned to disturb Bulbasaur's sleep to give his opinion on who he thought would come out on top.

The shuckle was young and cautious, but he noticed the trainer that commanded it seemed calm and had an experienced look about them. Then there was the corsola, big for its species and extremely aggressive.

Bulbasaur brushed off his comment with a simple glance between the two opponents and a scoff, but Ash was overheard. There weren't many trainers in the arena like stadium at the time, but a glasses wearing teen a few rows down turned to him to question what he said.

"Shuckle…really?" Ash could pinpoint the disbelief a mile away as the teen pushed up his thin frames.

"Yeah," Ash was quick to defend, a little surprised he'd been overheard. "It's trainer seems to know what he's doing."

Calculated cinnamon eyes narrowed on him in an assessing manner, before turning back to the match. Ash thought the conversation was over, but the teen stood ten seconds later, climbing over the two benches to reach his hand forward.

"I'd take that bet. Say, ten pokedollars?"

Ash's eyebrows rose in surprise, and he hesitated to turn down the gamble because of the confident gleam in the guy's eyes. Ash had a speculation.

The teen thought it was easy money.

Ash quickly darted his eyes back to the match just in time to see corsola slam its body into the unsuspecting shuckle. Ash frowned and was about to decline the bet before shuckle's trainer smiled. Ash watched the tilted edges of the teen's lips a few seconds longer and turned back to the guy waiting patiently for his response.

"You're on," Ash decided, leaning forward to take hold of the teen's scrawny hand.

For the rest of the match he'd been on the edge of his seat, feet tapping the ground impatiently, eyes racing to take in the proceedings. Every time Shuckle executed an attack flawlessly he was ready to jump up and cheer but whenever it took punishment he was on the verge of berating himself for losing money so senselessly.

More than anything he needed to be saving for Zorua's sake. He knew that, but his confidence over the outcome had bested him, and the idea of earning money in such an easy fashion was too tempting to past up. So, when Shuckle won with a devastating rollout, he was all smiles as he collected his winnings from the grumpy teen.

Pocketing the money and eyes glistening from adrenaline, he watched a Rhyhorn and Shieldon step onto the muddied battlefield. His eyes swept over the two pokemon, noticing right away the cracks in shieldon's mask that hinted to experience. He examined Rhyhorn next, and when he finished reflecting on the trainers he swept his gaze to scout someone to bet with him.

That was how he spent his morning and most of the afternoon. He lost a few bets, but the activity had been good for him.

Experience wasn't everything and first impressions were often misleading. Many of the matches had been decided by strategy and battlefield prowess or luck. Ash was learning so much, diligently scrawling the things that had taken him by surprise or impressed him into a crumpled notebook.

Surprisingly, when they left at a quarter to four it was at the beckoning of Bulbasaur who for the first time since Ash knew him, was tired of lazing around. They left the arena to return to the pokemon center, two hundred pokedollars richer than they came.

Ash decided he would return tomorrow, but he resolved not to get swept up in the activity. He wouldn't neglect Bulbasaur's training, and because he'd gotten carried away visiting hours were over. His insides twisted with a bit of guilt at the thought of his flying type waiting for him.

When he returned to the city, he purchased Spearow some berries as an apology and prepared to face the avian's wrath the next day. Despite his guilt though, he didn't regret how he spent a good portion of his day. The money earned would be put into his savings for the auction and he'd only use fifteen percent of his winnings to kickstart tomorrow's betting.

All in all, it wasn't a bad day.

As he entered the pokemon center he encountered Brock's sister as she was leaving. Their eyes met, and they almost ran into each other, so he felt a bit of pressure to acknowledge her.

"Hey Yolanda." He said, happy her name had come to him so easily. Her hair was in a spiky ponytail like before and she wore a plain black shirt and shorts. He felt a rush of déjà vu when her analytical hazel eyes swept over him.

"Hey…" Her lips were in a frown and she looked a tad uncomfortable. Ash shook off her similar appearance to Brock when he realized she probably didn't remember his name.

"Ash." He supplied, surprised to find her frown twist to an easy smile and her head to bob enthusiastically.

"Yes! Ash, sorry I'm not very good with names." She apologized, making him recall his last interaction with her. From his memories she wasn't nearly as friendly as now.

"That's okay, I'm usually the same way." He couldn't be mad with her, after all he only remembered hers by a stroke of good luck.

"Where are you headed?" She asked, making his eyebrows rise when she turned to follow him back into the center, the opposite way she'd been headed. He brushed it off, maybe she just wanted to talk for a bit.

"I'm hoping to get my hands on a private training room. Bulbasaur is working on takedown." He nodded down to the grass type, walking between them protectively and shooting the girl a warning glance.

Ironically, she didn't pay Bulbasaur's scowl any mind because her eyes sparkled, and she reached to pet him, only to stop when he curled his maw and raised his vine threateningly.

She pulled back, eyeing Bulbasaur warily. Ash could barely stifle his laughter behind his hand. "Don't take it personally, Bulbasaur barely likes me."

A blush fell over her pale face and her pout followed them to an empty training room.

"Hey Ash?"

"Yeah?" Her tone was hesitant, and he deduced that it probably had something to do with why she elected to follow him.

"Can I train with you?" She blurted out, much to his surprise. "I have a pokemon Bulbasaur's size that could help him with takedown," she quickly followed with.

"Sure," Ash accepted, a little too easily. He watched her hesitant smile evolve before his own eyes. Really, why would he turn down the opportunity for a training partner for Bulbasaur?

"Though…what do you get out of helping me? Wouldn't you have other pokemon you could train with?"

Yolanda shook her. "No, I only have three pokemon. My Bonsly doesn't battle and Golem is in his final evolved form so whenever I try to get him to train with Chiro it's just…too big of a difference in power. It helped in the beginning but now it does more harm than good."

Ash found himself nodding understandably at her explanation. He imagined that once he got Onix under control he still wouldn't be able to use him to train with Bulbasaur nor Spearow much. Just like she pointed out, the difference in power and size would do more harm than good.

So, Ash found himself curiously asking what kind of pokemon Chiro was.

Yolanda responded to his question with a mysterious smirk, raising a pokeball in the clear, brightly lit room. What emerged in the fifty-foot-long space was a stocky quadrupedal pokemon he didn't recognize. Its body was covered in dark gray and its eyes a vibrant sky blue. Protruding ridges in segments sat upright starting from its skull and halting at its tail.

Its figure was littered with several dark holes, but what impressed Ash was the steely body that hinted to perfection. His brown eyes saw no visible weaknesses in its naturally armored body.

Upon seeing its surroundings, the pokemon jolted to life, excitedly sprinting toward Yolanda.

Ash pulled out Dexter, content to allow the device to reveal the pokemon to him.

"Lairon, the steel and rock type pokemon. Lairon is the evolved form of aron and feeds on iron contained in rocks and water. It habitually shows off its strength with the size of sparks it creates by ramming its steel body into boulders."

"Lairon, huh," Ash pondered as he looked up to see Yolanda receive her pokemon with wide arms, who sent them both sprawling along the floor in a fit of giggles and delighted barks.

Ash watched as Lairon's tongue rolled out of its mouth to lash out at the skin on Yolanda's face. The girl in question leaned away with visible discomfort. When she finally peeled her pokemon off her she frowned as she cradled her chin.

She stood, a bit disoriented, her ponytail frizzy and Lairon circling her impatiently for more attention.

When Yolanda chanced a glance his way he could see blood dripping between her fingers. His eyes widened in surprise. What was Lairon's tongue made of to have grazed her skin like that?

"What?"

Ash shifted away, he'd been staring.

"Nothing, Lairon's just quite a character."

Yolanda nodded, absently dabbing at the pool of blood dripping from her chin with a careful finger.

"Chiro's a bit headstrong and a doofus, but he means well. He battles hard and as you can see loves even harder."

Lairon whined, standing on its hind legs to peer at Yolanda closer. Its blue eyes were concerned as it finally realized it had harmed its trainer with its display of affection.

Yolanda sent a reassuring wink Lairon's way. "This? It's just a scratch, doesn't hurt a bit." Yolanda wiped her chin on her collar, reappearing with a cheeky smile and smeared blood on her chin.

Ash watched in silence, biting his tongue to stop himself from saying the teasing remark he wanted. Instead, he ushered Bulbasaur forward for a pep talk.

"Okay, looks like that's going to be your training partner so…hey! Don't make that face!" He sighed exasperatedly when Bulbasaur huffed, clearly not fond of the pokemon to be his training partner.

"Look, his body's no joke, so don't underestimate him, okay?"

"Saur," Bulbasaur sighed and his crimson eyes rolled into his head.

"Okay, Ash…we're ready when you are!" Yolanda called from her spot across the training field.

Ash ushered an approving nod to his starter and traced his movement. His saurian picked up speed, sprinting toward its training partner with a determined expression. When Bulbasaur's smaller body slammed into Lairon's larger steel one, Ash winced.

After the initial shock wore off Bulbasaur stood upright, glaring at Lairon with a sneer. Lairon blinked at Bulbasaur curiously, almost like it just realized it had been hit. The tackle clearly hadn't fazed the pokemon.

"Let it go on the record that wasn't a takedown! In fact, that barely passes for a tackle!" Yolanda cackled on her side, laughing at Bulbasaur's expense.

Ash frowned, ignoring her taunts as he ordered Bulbasaur into a starting position to try once more. Once more, Bulbasaur raced toward Lairon who barked excitedly, racing to meet the saurian halfway.

When the two pokemon clashed into each other the stronger force won out. Lairon sent Bulbasaur flying with a happy pant. Ash watched Bulbasaur crash into the ground with a sympathetic gaze.

It took a couple seconds but Bulbasaur got up from the punishment with a shake to rid himself of lingering jitters. The grass type snorted in the direction of the amused dual type before charging without prompting.

Bulbasaur threw himself at the space Lairon occupied but, in a surprising twist, Lairon sidestepped which caused Bulbasaur to hastily catch himself at the last second so he didn't go tumbling to the ground.

"Don't expect Lairon to be a sitting target!" Yolanda called from her side.

Ash traced the two pokemon's movement for a few minutes longer, silently analyzing Bulbasaur's training partner.

Lairon was stocky, and as a result incredibly slow. Its body was designed to take punishment and dish out harsh blows. Ash grit his teeth because he was confident in Bulbasaur's speed. He was certain that if it was a real battle his grass type would run circles around the dual type and do all he could to avoid being hit. Though, this wasn't a battle…

Bulbasaur huffed and raced after the happy steel/rock type, who was having fun with the game of tag. It wasn't long at all before Bulbasaur tackled the pokemon, catching it from behind easily with his speed.

The two tussled on the ground before getting up to take starting positions once more. Bulbasaur charged again, his tackle this time being met head on, Lairon pushing him back effortlessly.

Ash sighed.

This was clearly going to take a while.

ooo

The following weeks were a blur. He fell into a comfortable pattern, early mornings spent with Brock, Lunatone and a bloodthirsty Onix. There was no progress with the rock serpent as far as Ash could see, and whenever he voiced his concerns to Brock he was silenced with a lecture on patience.

Late mornings were spent watching fascinating battles and earning money at the Feast. So far Ash had earned nearly a thousand pokedollars, but he knew it wasn't even a dent in the sum he'd need for the auction.

His early afternoons were spent with Spearow and Bulbasaur who bonded over their agreed distaste for his choice of berries. Often, he fed them pamtre berries which were Zoura's favorite. He elected to keep his nostalgia to himself to avoid stirring up any feelings of guilt Bulbasaur may still hold from their failure to stop the two pokemon hunters.

Those moments were peaceful, filled with tales of adventure the future would bring, and playful banter with his flying and grass type.

Ash realized in those times, that his decision to stay a month longer in Pewter was the right one.

Finally, his days ended after the hours spent training with Yolanda as Bulbasaur trained with Chiro. In such a short time he grew to know more than he bargained for about Brock's firecracker of a little sister, and this included the insecurities bestowed on her by the talent her older brothers possessed.

The fifteen day, the pattern was broken.

The morning was different.

Onix did something out of character, electing to use a technique – sand tomb, to which Lunatone frantically followed through in helping him so he wasn't sucked in by the dangerous grains. Though in helping him, Onix finally caught on which resulted in Ash having to return him to Brock's prompting.

Brock left soon thereafter, face in deep thought as he assured Ash what happened wouldn't throw them off track on getting Onix under control.

He went to the Feast then, but only spent a few hours there because of a notification from the pokemon center. His comfortable schedule was disrupted once more, but the message was an unexpected yet welcome one.

It stated Nurse Joy was recommending Spearow for discharge.

His smile was wide and his stomach full of butterfrees as he raced to the pokemon center to see the flying type. When he got in line, he noticed Yolanda at the front.

"Yolanda!" He called out cheerfully, as she received four pokeballs from Nurse Joy and clipped them to her belt.

"Ash!" She blurted, joining him at the back and going off on a rampant to why she was there in the first place. She spent the morning in Viridian Forest—off the trails to get in some bonding time with her new Rhydon. Her story led her to describing how Rhydon's arrogance caused them to be chased by a swarm of beedrill.

"I swear! My life flashed before my eyes so many times. We were just running so fast and then randomly Rhydon decided to face them! I was screaming at him for being so cocky and he got mad at me for threatening to release Golem for help. It was crazy, Ash! So I just…!"

Ash nodded, half listening as he moved up with the shortening line. It wasn't that her story wasn't interesting, it was, it just couldn't compare to his impatience to have Spearow released.

It was a day that many times he feared wouldn't come. Today, he would see Spearow fly for the first time since – well, ever he realized with even more bristling excitement.

He was no longer trying to listen when she grabbed his arm just short of him coming up to the front desk. When he turned to look at her he realized he hadn't been paying attention. Her hazel eyes were sparkling and eventually dimmed when that dawned on her too.

Ash moved up the line, he was next.

"Well, what are you here for, Ash? A checkup for Onix and Bulbasaur?"

"No." He shook his head but realized that wasn't a bad idea. He should do that while he visited Spearow.

"I'm here to see my Spearow."

"Spearow? Wha-you didn't tell me you had another pokemon!"

Ash rolled his eyes to her glare and stepped forward to speak with Nurse Joy. While she may have been open and told him a lot about herself, he didn't return that courtesy. Though, he could sympathize with the hurt in her eyes. He helped her catch her Rhydon and had been an ear to her complaints these last two weeks and it just occurred to her she didn't know him as well as he knew her.

Nurse Joy smiled politely as she greeted him by name. He automatically reached to hand his pokeballs and Pokedex over.

"Mr. Ketchum, it's good to see you."

"Likewise, Nurse Joy. Could I get my two pokemon checked please and…Spearow, can I see him?"

ooo

Ask trekked to the back of the pokemon center where he released Spearow in an empty training field. His flying type emerged from the light with a proud screech, hopping in a full circle to take in his entire surroundings.

"Hey buddy! I've missed you!" He called fondly to his bird when Spearow set his single eye on him. The beady black eye widened in surprise before narrowing with mischief.

Ash matched the flying type's level of mischief with a growing smirk.

"So, I've heard you're being recommended to be discharged. You know, Nurse Joy is extremely impressed with your recovery time, she says you're really strong!"

Spearow squawked proudly and puffed out his chest as it soaked in the praise. Ash knelt, and Spearow happily hopped over and lifted his chin so Ash could scratch his sweet spot. As he listened to the bird hum in satisfaction he let his eyes roam over the bird to take in all the differences since he first met the pokemon.

There were new feathers in previously bald areas, and where cream feathers should be on his underbelly there were a few dark ones. Ash wasn't worried about that, it was healed and if the discoloration displeased Spearow, it'd be gone when he evolved. Then, there was the area around his missing eye. It looked better but by the turn of Spearow's head to keep him from staring he could tell it was an insecurity for his flying type.

He needed to do something about that soon, but for now he could only distract Spearow. He pulled out his whistle from his pocket.

"A whistle?" Yolanda asked behind him, and he instantly froze, snapping his head behind him the next second.

He'd forgotten she was there…

"Spearow, this is Yolanda, a friend." He introduced casually, turning slightly so Spearow could get a good look at the girl for himself.

"Hi, Spearow!" Yolanda called cheerfully, to which Spearow chirped back a greeting and turned his eye back on Ash. It was a little dismissive on Spearow's part, which made it an even more amusing thought to know the flying type was the friendliest of all his pokemon.

He smiled at his avian before blowing air into the hole on the whistle, smiling widely when Spearow twitched in the direction the sound Ash couldn't hear was coming from.

"Oh, a canine whistle."

Ash ran a few fingers along Spearow's discolored feathers in approval as he answered Yolanda. "Mhm, we've been working on enhancing his hearing. Once we establish good footing with that we're moving on to smell."

"Oh," Yolanda said in recognition. With his back faced to her he couldn't see where she was looking until Spearow tilted his head uncomfortably.

Ash frowned, then quickly masked it. "Spearow, go out fifty yards. Let's test your distance."

The bird chirped in consensus and opened its wings to their full wingspan. Ash watched with a huge smile as the bird took off and soared away. Beautiful maroon wings flapped proudly, a sight a month ago Ash swore he'd never get to see. So, seeing that now made it that much more difficult to look away and face Yolanda.

"Don't stare again," Ash hissed, pointing a finger at one of his eyes.

Yolanda bit her bottom lip guiltily. "I'm sorry, it's kind of hard not to. What happened?"

"None of your business," Ash snapped, and turned to see that Spearow had landed. He raised a hand into the air and Spearow raised a wing in response. Ash blew into the whistle and was delighted when Spearow squawked to let him know he could hear it.

"Great! Okay, let's try a hundred yards now!" He yelled across the field, watching his bird pokemon prepare to take flight.

ooo

120 yards was the cut off, but it was impressive because in the beginning stages Spearow couldn't hear the whistle at all. Ash was even more impressed when he thought about Bulbasaur and Yolanda's pokemon who could barely hear the whistle to begin with.

Overall, Ash was more than pleased with Spearow's progress.

"Here you are, Mr. Ketchum."

Ash smiled politely at Nurse Joy as he took the pokeballs from her. Yolanda had left, bored with his continuous attempts at blowing a whistle she couldn't hear, but he suspected the way he snapped at her played a part in her departure as well.

The next time he saw her he needed to apologize.

"How are they?" He asked, vaguely listening to the obnoxious kid behind him complain about losing to the Pewter gym for the second time.

She answered with her trademark smile. "They're in excellent condition! You've taken good care of them so there's nothing to worry about."

Heat creeped up Ash's neck from the praise. "…and Spearow?"

"Well, it's my professional opinion that he is ready to be released. I must admit I was skeptical this day would come, but I'm really happy for you that it did!"

Ash could barely keep his large smile under bay, his hand tightening around the pokeball protectively.

Finally.

Finally, Spearow would stay with him.

At the change of tone from Nurse Joy he glanced back to her strangely somber face.

"I'm going to miss Spearow. He wasn't the friendliest of pokemon to come by here, but his fighting spirit isn't something I'll forget. So, come back and visit if you have time, okay Ash? I'd like to see how things play out for him."

Ash nodded, understanding Nurse Joy's attachment. Spearow had been a patient for weeks and Nurse Joy personally oversaw many of his surgeries and treatment plans. It was a no brainer that she would have gotten emotionally invested.

Ash just felt a little sorry for her, wondering how many pokemon had come into her life for her to just never see or hear from again.

"We'll come back, promise." Ash vowed, stepping aside and getting to work on shuffling through the thick stack of paperwork Nurse Joy handed his way. It took about fifteen minutes of reading through and signing his name everywhere before he finished.

"Ash!" A gruff, deep voice called from across the pokemon center. Ash turned to see Brock's six-foot frame easily stride to the desk in seconds. Ash offered a greeting just as Brock's eyes caught sight of Nurse Joy.

"Nurse Joy," Brock called carefully with a dip of his head. He seemed to be trying to meet the Nurse's gaze, but she wouldn't look away from her computer, much less acknowledge him.

Ash watched the interaction curiously. Just seconds ago, Nurse Joy had been friendly with him so was she not on good terms with Brock?

Brock frowned at her lack of reply and leaned forward to whisper something he couldn't hear. Whatever was said though, made a spark of heat creep over Nurse Joy's pretty features.

The nurse leaned forward and hissed something at Brock, each of their words escalating to where Ash could catch a few.

"Unprofessional…"

"We don't work together."

"…Jenny."

At the name Brock paused before his words deescalated back to a whisper, something akin to sincerity on his dark features as he began what to Ash looked like a slew of apologizes.

"Just go." Nurse Joy bit out with a false smile as she looked away to address the kid in line behind Brock. With a slump of his shoulders, Brock did as she wished and backed off. The gym leader turned to face Ash with a sheepish look before his face slipped back to the stoic expression Ash was used to seeing.

Brock made a motioning movement to follow so Ash did just that, debating over Brock's expression on whether to ask. He did once they left the pokemon center.

"What was that all about?"

Brock paused and fell a few steps back to match Ash's pace. The young gym leader's large palm slapped his back painfully, steering Ash to their left, and guiding him through the sidewalk.

"That Ash, was about women being difficult." Brock said, lips tilted in a pained twist of a smile and brown eyes full of amusement.

Ash frowned at the answer but accepted it. He didn't inquire further and followed Brock down the street before they came upon a construction site. Ash saw bare chested workers with glistening skin from the full force of the sun. The building was half finished but Ash didn't have a clue to what he was looking at.

Pewter was expanding.

That was the thought that came to Ash as he stepped away from Brock's hand to take in the pokemon and people at work. He'd been suspicious of it for a while, with the strike contrast between old and new buildings, but now looking at the construction site he was confident of his assessment.

Pewter was a developing city, one on the verge of turmoil battling between tradition and the advancement of the world around them. Brock didn't want to stay complacent and as a young figure of the city it took time, but he'd finally gained some ground.

Old and new.

Something had to give and after a three year long battle it seemed Brock was making headway. Pewter would move forward, but whether it was the right decision, only time would tell.

"It's going to be a breeding center." Brock indulged from his side, as if he'd been reading his mind. Ash turned his eyes away from the Machoke carrying large beams to catch a glimpse of fondness in Brock's eyes.

"Right now, this city is a diamond disguised as a rock to the rest of the world. Give me time and I'll polish it with my hands and mine alone. Make no mistake Ash, I will save Pewter."

Ash smiled up at Brock and followed him in quiet obedience to a building. It was a gym, not the Pewter pokemon gym, but one where people trained.

"Onix used an attack this morning. That either means he's done underestimating you, or he's getting desperate. Either way, you must be ready for what comes next, especially since he's aware of Lunatone's interference."

Ash nodded determinably at that and followed Brock into a locker room to change into lighter clothes and put on boxing gloves and a head and mouth guard.

Brock was right, he needed to be stronger, and if that meant learning to be lighter on his feet by boxing, then so be it.

Ash felt out of place in the boxing ring across from Brock, but at least there wasn't an audience for what was sure to be a disaster. He tried to awkwardly mirror Brock's stance by raising his arms up and spreading his legs, but the movement felt funny to him.

"Higher, protect your face." Brock advised, bouncing over as light on his feet as a sleek persian. Despite his heavier build, Brock was very swift and comfortable on his feet.

Ash nodded, and the gym leader was suddenly in his guard with a right hook, which Ash dodged with ease. He tried to throw his own punch to which Brock caught with nonchalance.

"Focus on dodging for now."

Ash licked his lips and did just that, back tracking quickly to avoid a swift kick aimed at his abdomen. His footwork was clumsy at best as he almost fumbled over himself. Brock was fast, and the power Ash suspected was behind his blows was making him nervous.

He ducked a fist aimed at his face next, then swiveled away from a hand that looked to sucker punch him in the gut. When his head bobbed back up, he was in the groove, his bare feet thumping the floor in preparation to dodge what came next.

His reaction came automatic, shifting to the left slightly to avoid an overextended punch. Ash noticed Brock's face was unguarded and by pure reflex his own right fist lashed out to pop Brock right in the nose.

The gym leader stepped back, stunned and when his blue gloves stopped blocking his face there was blood spraying from Brock's nose. Ash gasped, falling still and quick to try and apologize.

"Brock! Oh my gosh I-"

A primal smile spread over Brock's face as he smeared the blood away with his arm.

"Hands up, Ash." Brock's taunting voice chided as his head shook in a manner that promised the ten-year-old would regret his actions.

Ash's stomach dropped as things heated up fast. Brock upped the pace, ignoring his attempts to apologize. Ash hastily threw both his hands up to protect his face, leaving his stomach wide open for a brutal kick that left him breathless.

He doubled over in pain, and to his credit was able to drop and roll to avoid any follow up Brock may have dished out. When he rose to his feet next he was hit with an onslaught of attacks aimed at his face and most vulnerable areas.

He partially dodged the next punch leading to it grazing his ear. Ash stumbled back, wincing as a ringing sound took over his senses. Next thing he knew there was a blue gloved fist suddenly coming at his face. There wasn't any time to dodge so Ash just closed his eyes and hoped for the best. What came was excruciating pain as his world suddenly went dark

ooo

He awoke to the sound of giggling. He groaned in protest to his eyes opening as childish laughter and seemingly blurry identical faces took over his senses. Ash groaned again, feeling his world spin as he sat up.

He blinked slowly, taking in the little girl in his personal space. Where was he? And what happened? He rubbed his head idly as a large grin spread over the girl's face.

"Hi!" She chirped with dazzling brown eyes. A boy, with her same stature and near identical face hopped on the sleeping matt beside her, peering at him with wide eyes.

"Hi," Ash said slowly, counting the faces he saw. There were six children, three boys and three girls of different ages but uncanny resemblance to each other. Feeling like a specimen in an exhibit he tried to recall what happened.

Oh…he remembered now. Brock must have knocked him out and this was probably his house, and his siblings. "What time is it?" He asked to no one in particular as he rolled off the bed.

"Oomph!" Was the sound that spewed out of his mouth when someone jumped on his back. The brown-haired boy with an iron grip around his neck poked his cheek just as an older girl with two braids alerted him that it was seven in the morning.

Wow, Brock had really knocked the day lights out of him for him to be asleep so long.

"I'm Timmy!" The boy with several bandages on his face announced with a cheeky smile which Ash was quick to return with his own.

"I'm Ash," he said, subconsciously reaching for his belt only to find it wasn't there. He tried to contain the panic filling his gut as his eyes found the oldest looking kid in the room. A boy who looked a couple years younger than him.

"You, where's Brock?"

The boy diverted his gaze bashfully before pointing a finger out the door. The mini Brock left without a word and before Ash could call after him the little girl who had said hi to him grabbed his hand, yanking on it. Another girl with pigtails grabbed his remaining free hand causing Ash to blink down curiously at the children.

"Come on," one squeaked, urging him along as he hastily gathered that his socks and shoes were missing, and he was wearing clothes that didn't belong to him. He decided to just go along with it, adjusting the giggling boy on his back slightly as his feet lightly padded against the tatami mat flooring.

Brock's home was a traditional style, with sliding doors and wooden verandas. The girl who introduced herself as Suzie led him to a room a little down the hall, putting a finger to her lips in a shush manner. She eased the sliding door open to reveal Brock passed out on a sleeping matt. Ash took in the room quietly, noticing first how depressingly empty it was. There was a few books and a small pile of dirty clothes but there was literally nothing else.

"Big brother Brock isn't home very much." Suzie said by his side, and he noticed the quiet intelligence he'd seen in Brock's and Yolanda's eyes in her own. She was incredibly perceptive for her age and Ash was almost done taking in the sight before his eyes fell on a single framed picture he missed.

"Big brother just got home. Let him sleep," Cindy advised with a frown on her face, clearly against the thought of Ash disturbing him. Ash nodded idly at her protective stance, eyes still on the picture frame where Brock was smiling, surrounded by nine happy younger versions of himself.

As the door slid close his last sight was the rise and fall of Brock's chest as a few soft snores escaped the room.

They lightly backed away and the girls led him to the kitchen, where everyone else seemed to be. Cindy and Suzie released his hands immediately, and the boy on his back slid down excitedly to crowd around the table. Not knowing what else to do, Ash joined them for his first meal in what seemed like forever.

Breakfast at Brock's was chaotic to say the least.

It was a swirl of bickering, laughter, munching, and exchanging of food as cartoons played in the background. Ash felt like an enemy in hostile territory as he avoided taking sides in arguments (a serious no no) and flung breakfast items that started mini food wars. It was nothing like the peaceful mornings he spent with his mother as they ate their delicious homemade pancakes.

"Can you pass the milk…Billy?" Ash tried uncertainly, looking at the boy diagonal from him. He realized his mishap when the boy at the other end of the table offered a toothless smile and wave at his name. No, that wasn't right. It was…Tommy…no, Timmy?

He gave up, reaching across the table to get the milk himself. Wet cereal smacked his face and slid off, a gasp making it clear he just got caught in the line of fire. Ash smiled as he poured milk into his bowl and the children giggled at his expense.

It was different from what he was used to, but nice in its own way. It was kind of like an extremely crazy version of the days he spent eating breakfast at the Oaks while his mom picked up an early shift. And like the Oak's he'd been accepted with open arms.

That was about the time Yolanda walked into the room and he felt her gaze zoom in on him. Her eyebrow raised amusedly as she threw his belt through the air. It landed perfectly in his lap and he ran his fingers along one, two, and finally three pokeballs. He was at ease at last, so he offered her a, "Morning Yolanda!" as he slurped up some more cereal.

She sat by his side, filling him in to how Brock brought him home last night and how his shirt had been drenched with blood. It explained his change of clothes, so Ash inspected his nose and lip, and while the latter was a little puffy he was glad his wounds were mostly superficial.

When he was finished breakfast, he followed her outside to the balcony. Salvador was already sitting cross legged on the veranda, so they joined him. As they approached, Ash took notice of the light breeze that moved Salvador's light brown spiky hair.

"Hey Salvador!" Yolanda called cheerily, and Salvador turned a bored gaze his way and dipped his head appropriately to Ash's presence. Ash took in the "genius" of an older brother Yolanda complained about with a measuring glance. It wasn't his first meeting with Yolanda's twin, but the encounters were usually brief because Salvador always left early to go to the gym or to train, which he preferred to do alone.

"Hey," he said, sitting beside Yolanda who engaged her brother in a story about her time in the Viridian Forest. Salvador had a pained expression on his face as he set his book down to listen to his sister's overly enthusiastic words.

"Bet you didn't do anything to top that while I was gone." Yolanda challenged with a trying look in her hazel eye.

"I defeated someone with nine gym badges yesterday," Salvador replied carefully, an air of arrogance around him.

Yolanda sucked in a harsh breath, raising a finger to deny his claim before a meowth jumped onto the veranda and sauntered up to Salvador. It rubbed against the boy's backside affectionately before dropping an item into his lap.

Salvador picked the shiny item up to examine as the meowth awaited his approval with an impatient purr.

Ash eyed the meowth with interest, comparing it to the Meowth in his memories. It was much too big and its eyes too dark but it didn't stop his insides from hurting. It clearly wasn't Meowth, but now he was overcome with longing.

"Tristan!" Yolanda called in surprise. The cat fell on its back, purring at her shamelessly to get its belly rubbed.

"What did he give you?" Ash asked Salvadore who revealed the shimmering necklace with a sigh. Salvadore stuffed it back in his pocket and stood, clicking his tongue to alert Meowth he was leaving.

"I'm guessing this is a frequent thing?" Ash said, watching the feline follow Salvador obediently, scratching at his legs for attention that wasn't returned. Salvador turned to answer him with a frown.

"Yeah. It's common knowledge that meowth like to collect shiny items but some take it a step further, offering items to someone to show appreciation or affection. Tristan is one such example." He answered with a pained expression, leaving a second later with the excuse that he needed to try and find the owner of the necklace.

Yolanda watched him go with an envious look in her eye. Then she sighed suddenly and laid back to watch the clouds. "Mew, he always finds a way to one up me."

"Who's stronger between you two?" Ash asked, looking in the direction Salvador had gone with a predatory smirk. Yolanda ignored his question in favor of puffing her cheeks out in a sulking manner that told him the answer.

"Ash, tell me the story how you beat Onix again."

Ash's face scrunched up with distaste. Telling the story to her got old the second time around.

"I've told you that story three times already."

"Okay, then how did you feel when it was happening?"

Ash paused to recall his feelings when he took down the behemoth that was Onix. "It was exhilarating," he answered softly. "I've never felt more terrified and excited in my life."

She nodded at that and placed her arms comfortably under her head as a pillow. "When Rhydon challenged that swarm of beedrill I was scared, but I felt alive. Never in my time in Pewter have I felt like that."

Ash shifted, uncomfortable. He understood where the conversation was leading to. This was how Yolanda's voice got before she went on to complain about Forrest and how her "dumb older brother" had ruined her chances for an earlier journey by leaving on his own without Brock's blessing. Till this day, two years after Forrest had left, her two oldest brothers were on shaky terms.

"I don't understand Salvador," She confessed quietly. "We're twins, so you would think I would, but I don't. Everyone at the gym refers to him as some battling prodigy and I agree, but he could do more. Salvador has the talent to do anything, yet he chooses to stay here in Pewter, content on moving up the gym ranks."

Ash frowned at her words, not sure what she wanted him to say. He thought about what Brock said, that Pewter was disguised as a rock to the rest of the world and how in a way, that also might apply to Yolanda.

Yolanda caught his questioning expression and sighed. "You think I'm looking down on Pewter."

"No," he hastily tried to deny, but she was right. He searched for words to try and switch things around.

"I grew up in a small town, so I get where you're coming from, I do. Though, I also get people like Salvador. He seemed happy earlier when he mentioned that trainer he beat, you know the one with the nine badges? Have you ever thought that for him Pewter is everything? That he likes it here?"

Yolanda sighed again, falling back on the wooden veranda, dust bunnies flying up at her dramatic collapse. "You're right," she admitted quietly, before a second later she said something else, her voice quieter, more hesitant.

"Ash?"

"Yeah?"

"I want to start my journey."

"I know."

"I need to leave Pewter."

"I know," he repeated, not knowing what else to say. He wanted to offer her some comforting words or advice, but her situation was a tricky one. Brock wouldn't let her leave until she had a sponsor, and no sponsor in their right mind would face Brock's wrath by sponsoring his twelve-year-old sister. She had to wait a year, until thirteen, the usual age sponsors had a free for all by going after promising yet protected young talent.

"Ugh! I'm in a bad mood now," She admitted with a frown.

She sat up suddenly, her curly hair swishing on her shoulders and eyes impatient. "Ash, battle me."

Ash carefully sat up and upon seeing she was serious responded with a challenging smirk.

"Okay, you're on."

ooo

Ash couldn't use Onix for the battle for obvious reasons, so that left him Spearow and Bulbasaur. Yolanda on the other hand had three choices she could use for the two on two. Ash took a deep breath at the knowledge of the advantage she already held and took in the training field behind the pokemon center.

The parameter's lines were a little faded, but the field was large and standard, so it was a good spot for a battle. Ash bounced the pokeball in his hand around nervously, curious to why he was so on edge.

It wouldn't be his first battle with Yolanda.

Bulbasaur and Chiro had battled several times, and they always ended with Bulbasaur's victory and Yolanda in a foul mood. Despite Chiro's impenetrable body which stole any hope of Bulbasaur dealing damage with a physical attack, Bulbasaur was still noticeably stronger.

The battles were long and drawn out. Bulbasaur's speed and patience won them because Chiro had no long ranged attacks, so that left the dual type with only physical ones at his disposal. But, due to Bulbasaur's speed those attacks never hit home, though if they ever did, it would only take a couple to take the grass type out.

Ash relied on sleep and poison powder to weaken Chiro, then followed up with razor leaves and toxic to finish, and if he was feeling especially bold, he'd attempt take down. He knew if he continued to attempt the strategy on Yolanda it'd fail, but until she taught Chiro a new attack or formed a new strategy, it'd work.

His eyes settled on the unblemished ball in his hand and he found the culprit to his discomfort.

This would be Spearow's first battle.

He prepped his flying type thoroughly and got the green light from Nurse Joy but he was still terribly nervous. Rock and flying types weren't a good matchup, but a flying type with Spearow's circumstances? Well, he would just have to return him if things got too bad.

Yolanda released Bonsly first, who jumped with excitement at the sight of him, and then settled comfortably between her legs. By his own feet, Bulbasaur lay with a concentrated gaze, clearly prepping himself.

Ash smiled. Bulbasaur was lazy, but his competitive nature made him always take battles seriously.

Chiro appeared in a jumping frenzy, barking his greeting to Yolanda, Bonsly and himself. Ash took a deep breath, and despite knowing he could get an easy win with Bulbasaur, recognized Lairon as the only chance Spearow had for victory. He took a few seconds more to mentally chant Spearow's moves to himself and then released the flying type.

Spearow appeared in the sky, as proud and fierce as the first time Ash ever saw him. The flying type shrieked down at his opponent in a challenging manner to which Chiro responded with a happy bark.

It was time to test his chemistry with Spearow.

When Spearow didn't make eye contact with him and chose to continue his stare down with its opponent, Ash blew the canine whistle in hopes of settling his pokemon's nerves. Spearow's flying faltered from the sudden noise and turned to stare at him in an agitated manner.

Ash responded with a smile and thumbs up, and Spearow's glare softened. Ash released another breath, indicating to Yolanda he was ready as he prayed Spearow's handicap wouldn't hinder him too much.

"You can have the first move, Ash!" Yolanda called from across the field, to which Ash smirked at. He knew Lairon's move set, and the pokemon had no long ranged attacks it could use against Spearow, so it wasn't like Yolanda was doing him a favor. She needed him to go first.

"Quick attack!" Ash called suddenly, to which Spearow responded with beautiful precision and speed. The flying's type maroon feathers bristled at the command and with glowing energy, Spearow disappeared from Ash's sight.

The next second Spearow reappeared, crashing into Chiro's left flank and sending the rock type rolling along the ground roughly.

"Yes!" He screamed excitedly and Spearow puffed his chest out proudly, soaring through the sky with a confident cry. His eyes flew across the battlefield to Yolanda for a reaction and her frown was evident as Lairon got his bearings together by coughing up a cloud of dirt.

Should he do another quick attack?

No. Yolanda would be ready for it, he couldn't underestimate her.

Peck wouldn't pierce Lairon's armor either. Ash grit his teeth in debate, it was clearly a bad matchup for both parties.

"Use quick attack for speed and when you get close fury attack, Spearow!"

More confident, Spearow responded with a cheerful chirp, slipping into quick attack with more ease. As Spearow descended he opened his feathers to its full wingspan and was upon Lairon without mercy.

Lairon backed away hastily from the smothering feathers banging down on him, panting nervously, and ducking his head to protect his eyes.

"Chiro, iron head!"

Ash's heart raced, panic in his veins, "Mirror move!"

He prayed when their two heads collided that the move was successful, otherwise Lairon's headbutt had the power to take Spearow out in one move.

When Chiro whined in pain, reeling back from Spearow, he sighed with relief.

Spearow burst away from the altercation with another squawk and Ash could see frustration in Chiro's blue eyes, amusement long gone. Ash was excited though, because Spearow and him had beautiful chemistry for their first battle together.

They could win this.

Ash's smile disappeared when Yolanda ordered her next command.

"Sandstorm!" Her smirk was cocky, and Ash wanted to curse at his misfortune. When did she teach Lairon the new move? Either way, it was a devastating attack to use against Spearow, whose wings wouldn't be strong enough to press through the storm and then there was his handicap…

Ash bit his lip in frustration, the move was so perfect it hurt.

"Aerial ace!" Ash called, knowing it wouldn't be enough to end the match. From the battles with Bulbasaur he knew how much punishment Lairon could handle, and they had barely dished out a quarter of what it would take.

Spearow bristled from the nervous energy coming from his trainer and followed through with the command. The avian disappeared, to which Yolanda yelled out a victorious, "Protect!"

Ash's eyes widened in horror as he gasped out a pleading, "Dodge!". He hadn't noticed the two-layered trap for what it was, too eager to get in another attack. His hands fisted angrily for falling right into her hands because despite his command, he knew his avian had no chance of dodging.

Spearow reappeared in front of Lairon, his single black eye full of panic as he crashed into the glowing green shield of energy with a muffled cry.

Bang!

Ash grit his teeth with regret when one of Spearow's wings twisted to a weird angle, the momentum of aerial ace causing it to challenge protect till the psychic energy gave way.

Crack!

Protect broke, and Spearow came barreling into a surprised Lairon, plunging them both into the ground. A pained squawk and pitiful whimper flitted through the air as the two pokemon's limbs became entangled with each other.

"Get up!" Ash commanded, urging Spearow to follow through his order with his frantic, flailing arms. His avian obeyed, slowly untangling himself from Lairon to find that one of its feet had been injured.

Spearow hopped on one foot with a pained expression as it tested out the other while Lairon shook himself off and casted a hazy eye on the flying type.

"Rock tomb! Then sandstorm!"

"Get in the air, NOW!" Ash screamed, frustrated at Spearow's lack of urgency. Spearow's wings fluttered awkwardly in response and Ash was overcome with guilt for his demanding tone. But, it was only because he understood just how dangerous Lairon could be up close.

Lairon's rock tomb emerged, but to everyone's surprise he missed by several feet. Spearow shrieked, and forced it's wings out with a pained expression, and Ash looked to Lairon who was still shaking its head, its accuracy clearly affected from the collision.

Seconds later, the second wave of rock tomb came, jagged rocks surfacing from the earth with more precision and speed than before. But, Spearow had taken flight, his injured wing fluttering, causing him to suddenly fall before he caught himself from falling onto the sharp rocks.

Ash watched his flying type struggle with flight for a few seconds.

"Can you continue?" He called out uncertainly to his avian.

Spearow let out a defiant cry, and he frowned as Lairon's sand storm started kicking up. This was it, crunch time. Ash calmed his beating heart and pulled out his ace in the hole. Soon, everything would be decided, so he discretely brought the canine whistle up to his mouth, so Yolanda wouldn't notice.

As he did, he recalled his conversation with Spearow as he prepped the flying type.

"Yolanda is strong, so I don't want to underestimate her. Though, we have an advantage over her that she's forgotten." Ash smiled as he showed the canine whistle, that Yolanda and he wouldn't be able to hear.

Spearow tilted his head in a cute, confused manner to which Ash replied with a fond smile.

"If I blow the whistle once, that means to trust me and pay attention. Twice, means to ignore any orders, okay? Remember, twice."

Spearow nodded in acknowledgement but Ash could see that he was still confused about the order.

"Sorry I may be overestimating her, but I really want your first battle to be a win. So, I'm just trying to think up a way out of any scenario, ya know?"

Ash blew hard into the whistle, twice.

Sand stirred and picked up until the grains ferociously took to the air to swirl. Through slant eyes, he frantically searched through the sand for Spearow, but confirmation came to his ears. Through the gust a proud shriek of acknowledgement came to his utter relief.

Immediately, his hands formed around his mouth in a cupping manner to guide his voice. "Spearow, land! You can't fly in this!" He called into the forming storm, praying it wasn't too uncontrollable to the point that his voice wouldn't reach.

He brought a sleeve to his eyes and tried to look for an indicator that Yolanda had heard him and would fall for the bait.

She did. She couldn't see Spearow, so she had assumed the flying type landed to wait out the storm, exactly what she wanted.

"Chiro, rock tomb!"

The ground screamed in response and Ash hastily blew into his whistle so Spearow knew he was serious. The next second, he called out, "Mirror move!"

"Chiro, crap, dodge!"

Ash couldn't see through the storm, but he knew the rocks being formed to strike the avian had been turned back on the one who had unleashed them. Ash's hands fisted at his side in excitement because a clipped yelp resounded through the air to let him know Chiro's desperate attempt to dodge the jagged rocks had been unsuccessful.

"Endure the storm, Spearow!"

Ash was certain Spearow could do it, he was strong.

Minutes tickled by, and Ash realized he was in control of the match. Yolanda had no long rage attacks she could use against him and while Spearow must be taking damage from the storm and finding it difficult to fly with sand weighing his wings down, he would prevail. She wouldn't risk Lairon's condition at the chance that Spearow would tire out faster.

Just as he calculated, the storm began to slow down, the harsh gusts of wind shrinking in size and pressure until when the next minute came to pass the grains of sand in the sky had all fallen to the ground.

Ash accessed Spearow first, who huffed irritably to shake sand from his feathers and then to Lairon. Despite the protect that had left Spearow flying awkwardly and injured, Ash knew Lairon was worse off. The rock type's tongue was rolled out in a heavy pant and from experience Ash knew Lairon was on his last leg.

"Chiro! On guard!" Yolanda commanded to which Chiro responded with a halfhearted bark. Ash smirked, and he felt a bit guilty for the order he was going to give, but he wanted to end the battle as cleanly as possible.

"Agility, Spearow! Circle him for openings."

Lairon was panicked the next few minutes as Spearow lazily circled around him, zooming in and out of sight with agility's speed. As the avian inched closer and closer the dual type frantically stayed on edge. When Ash knew Chiro wouldn't be able to counterattack quick enough, he called for the finishing blow.

"Aerial ace!"

The avian disappeared, the next second reappearing on Lairon in a wild, downward spiral. The attack met head on, and Ash smirked when Lairon instantly collapsed and Spearow went on a victory lap, bold squawks and cries vibrating through the air around them.

As he congratulated his pokemon with a large smile, Yolanda grit her teeth and returned Lairon with a frown.

Ash winced when Spearow's claw landed on his shoulder, but he endured the pain to praise the avian on a battle well fought. The avian balanced on one claw, and Ash reminded himself to check out the other leg once the next battle was over.

"Not bad for your first fight, eh?" Ash teased, electing a happy hum when Ash scratched a spot under his chin. Honestly, he couldn't have asked for a better outcome.

Ash was shaken from his happy stupor when Bulbasaur rose with an indignant sigh.

"Saur." Ash paused, taking in his starter with a contemplative gaze. Bulbasaur was quiet throughout Spearow's battle, a sign that he was prepping himself thoroughly for his own. His crimson eyes were cautious, concentrated on the field, taking in the battlefield with a measuring gaze.

Ash sighed, because Bulbasaur's opponent would either be Rhydon or Golem, both horrible matchups and fearsome opponents.

Yolanda took a breath and released her choice. Her cocky Rhydon appeared on the battlefield, huffing irritably and letting out loud roars as it waited for Bulbasaur to walk onto the field.

"That's right," Ash murmured to Spearow, whose single eye was glossed over with curiosity. "This will be your first time watching Bulbasaur battle. You'll probably be surprised because he's strong and you've only seen his lazy side."

Ash chuckled at the thought of his sluggish saurian trying to weasel his way out of anything that wasn't a battle. Even with training Ash had to often drag the saurian away from sunbathing or disturb his sleep to get him started.

Ash reached into his book-bag for a potion, multitasking as he examined Rhydon. It was large and powerful, decked out with dozens of scars over its grey armor. He rolled his eyes at Spearow's protesting cry, but the bird drank the potion as Ash took in the specimen Bulbasaur had played a large role in helping Yolanda take down.

Two weeks ago, Rhydon was a member of a small herd on Pewter's outskirts. Yolanda scouted the herd for weeks and once she became friends with Ash, he helped her form a plan to get a chance to battle a member.

They took stake out at a creak the herd visited often, and Bulbasaur had lay waiting in the water. The grass type polluted the water with sleep spores and before fifteen minutes passed, the entire herd except Rhydon was out cold.

Fate had chosen the cocky male to be Yolanda's target. Rhydon was ill-tempered, territorial, and eager to display its power. All which made him an easy target to fall to Golem's baiting.

Yolanda had successfully leered Rhydon away from its herd with a few taunting attacks and battled it to it collapsed.

It wasn't the most brilliant plan, but it worked because Yolanda didn't have her eyes set on a specific member. Ash had found Rhydon's cockiness and lack of concern for leaving its herd vulnerable to potential threats off putting, but Yolanda just waved if off as room to grow.

Ash took a deep breath, giving Spearow another scratch so the avian's satisfied hum would help calm his nerves. Yolanda announced her move a moment later.

"Rock blast!"

Rhydon roared and buried his feet into the ground, calling forth large stones with tremendous power. As the large stones gathered height, some began to break apart, but Rhydon snarled and launched them forward with a hefty snarl.

Bulbasaur tensed, momentarily startled at the power and speed in the attack. His starter moved, a blur on land, zipping in and out of sight to avoid the dozens of stones three times his height.

Bulbasaur's speed and impressive reflexes weren't lost on Spearow, who cried out in surprise on his shoulders.

"I know." Ash nodded in understanding, every now and again he forgot just how fast Bulbasaur was, so for Spearow who had no clue, it was defiantly a shocker.

"Razor leaf!" He yelled out his counterattack, and from Bulbasaur's bulb hundreds of sharp leaves trickled out in response. They launched into the air and zeroed in on Rhydon who roared and ignored Yolanda's command to dodge.

The beast raised its arms in a protective manner and received the onslaught of the attack. The leaves ripped past him one after the other, and the persistence won out, cutting his tough armor to the point Ash could see blood.

Rhydon roared in triumph from having endured the attack, eyes ablaze with fury as Yolanda commanded bull doze.

The beast was off, starting off as a trot until it reached a full-on sprint ready to trample anything in its path. Ash waited, knowing Bulbasaur could dodge with ease because Rhydon only held straight line speed.

"Stone edge!" Yolanda called, and with the talent his cockiness eluded to, Rhydon roared and unleashed jagged rocks to protrude from the earth—right under Bulbasaur's stagnant form.

The grass type was air born, swirling in a frenzy and gritting his teeth from the pain and dizziness.

Ash bit his lip, "Grab a rock with your vines! Throw it at Rhydon!"

Bulbasaur did as told, hurling the biggest stone he could reach with all the strength his two vines possessed. But, Ash underestimated Rhydon's power. The beast screamed and furiously bombarded his way through the boulder that disintegrated on impact.

Ash winced and before Bulbasaur understood what was happening, Rhydon was upon him with a devastating bull doze. The grass type viciously rolled around the ground and before it could fully get its bearings together, Rhydon was there, leering at him with menacing eyes and a large glowing fist.

The hammer arm came down on Bulbasaur just as Ash desperately called out for Bulbasaur to use toxic.

Rhydon leered back with a scream, rubbing uselessly at its face to showcase the green gunk eating away at the bottom half of its profile. Ash's attention was on Bulbasaur, who had come away from the ordeal in worse shape.

The grass type's body was banged up, blood dripping from multiple cuts. Bulbasaur's left eye was half lidded and his breathing sounded miserable to Ash's ears.

Ash swallowed and ordered his next command when Bulbasaur finally stood.

"Poison powder! Keep your distance!"

His starter nodded, closing his eyes in concentration as it produced the necessary spores inside its bulb. The pink powdery mixture took to the sky and rained down on his opponent. Ash nodded and steeled himself for patience.

It became a game of tag, Bulbasaur keeping his distance and evading any attacks with ease thanks to his speed. Rhydon got riled up from his unsuccessful attacks, in his frustration taking out his anger on the battlefield, turning it into desolate uneven land.

It took ten minutes, but Bulbasaur finally made a mistake.

The grass type saw an opening, lashing out at its monster of an opponent with a few testing vine whips. The petty attacks usually wouldn't do any harm to a pokemon like Rhydon but with its skin bare and open from the razor leaves, it was incredibly painful.

Bulbasaur continued whenever he got the chance, slowly gaining some ground.

Then his intense focus on attacking caused him to trip over a stray rock. In his moment of panic to catch himself, he forgot about his vines, and Rhydon quickly caught one of the stray appendages.

Rhydon huffed with promised vengeance and proceeded to smack Bulbasaur around as he kept his vine captive. Ash called for a string of moves, but with Bulbasaur's beating the grass type couldn't concentrate to execute anything.

"Horn drill!" Yolanda called out confidently with a brazen smile as Rhydon finished breaking a rock with Bulbasaur's body. The rock type roared, and with its iron grip on Bulbasaur's vine charged into the grass type, horn first.

Ash gasped from Bulbasaur's haunting yelp, and Rhydon released Bulbasaur's vine, pulling away with an unimpressed side eye. Bulbasaur's body was still, blood gushing out in waves from a wound Ash couldn't see but knew must have come from Rhydon's horn drill.

Grrrrrrr!

Rhydon's triumphant roar cackled over the battlefield in conjunction with its large fists beating down on its plated chest. Ash frowned at the celebration and fumbled for Bulbasaur's pokeball.

He was stopped from hitting the return button when an explosion of green light blinded him. Ash opened his eyes hesitantly and noticed the fluctuating light was surrounding his starters small form.

What?

The green glow became fiercer, brighter, and more haunting as Bulbasaur stood with rejuvenated eyes. Ash snapped his mouth close, taking in the green light with bewilderment.

Was this…?

The bright green light spiked again, then died to a faint glow, circling around his starter almost protectively. The air stirred in response, and a telling chill went through Ash's spine as Rhydon continued roaring, oblivious to his renewed opponent.

He went to Dexter for answers, who confirmed his suspicions.

"Overgrow, a status boosting ability that activates when a user is pushed to exhaustion."

"Rhydon, pay attention! Your opponent isn't finished!"

Ash smiled manically, knowing all Rhydon was doing was helping to spread the toxins in its bloodstream. Status boosting moves? He could work with that. Ash smirked at Bulbasaur and prepared to order an attack when the saurian…

Bulbasaur sprinted across the field in a burst of speed, and Ash's neck snapped to follow his starter. Bulbasaur took advantage of Rhydon's distracted, near hilarious state. The saurian's legs twisted and his body angled appropriately to smash his entire body fearlessly into Rhydon's armored chest. Rhydon staggered back and toppled over from tripping over the uneven field. Bulbasaur landed close, clearly affected by the ridiculous momentum.

Both pokemon rose, out of breath, and Bulbasaur's body broke out into a sudden jolt of recoil. The spasm sent Bulbasaur to his knees as the grass type endured by gritting his teeth.

Ash didn't have time to celebrate Bulbasaur's successful takedown, screaming uselessly for his pokemon to dodge. Rhydon scurried over, raising a glowing fist that came down on Bulbasaur's momentarily comatose form. The grass type soared through the air, skidding along the uneven rocks that made up the field to a painful, sudden stop.

"Razor leaf!"

"Rock blast!"

The air swirled around them, the battle coming to an evident climax. Thousands of leaves poured out of Bulbasaur's bulb frantically, his face bunched up in determination to come out as the winner.

Dozens of boulders climbed from the ground to take to the air, sizes several times larger than Bulbasaur. Any one of them large enough to take Bulbasaur out of the fight.

It was to be a fight of wills.

Quantity vs quality.

The masses met in the center, colliding into one another in a burst of pressure and power. The first lines of offense broke on impact with one another, causing the battlefield to be full of smoke and dust.

Ash's sleeve protectively went to his eyes, as the dust made its way over. It took a few minutes, but when the dust cleared, they could see both pokemon still standing.

"Stone edge!" Yolanda called out, to which Rhydon responded to by falling to his knees in a fit of exhaustion. Her call for the move was unnecessary.

Ash focused on Bulbasaur whose crimson eyes rolled into the back of his head.

Ash grit his teeth in frustration as he watched Rhydon try and fail to rise to his feet.

He walked onto the destroyed field, Spearow silent on his shoulders. He cradled his unconscious starter in his arms comfortably, full of pride and regret.

Bulbasaur had performed beautifully, but that just made the loss that much more frustrating. Already, his head was swarming with attacks he should have substituted for or situations he should have left to Bulbasaur's judgement.

He knew the match had only been close because of Rhydon's arrogance and Bulbasaur's overgrow ability, but there was another factor. It was becoming more evident to Ash just how valuable Bulbasaur's status inflicting moves were to have. It gave his starter, a pokemon that shouldn't be going toe to toe with larger, evidently stronger opponents, a chance.

He was starting to develop Bulbasaur's battling style, yet he could foresee a problem with the strategy when Bulbasaur lost his speed.

When Ash finished whispering praise to his grass type, he met Yolanda on her side and offered her a sportsmanship-like handshake.

"Too bad we can't settle the tie, but good battle."

Her gaze switched from his outreached hand to Rhydon who was still struggling to get to his feet. She returned the rock type with a frown and Ash felt a wave of impatience wash over him.

He couldn't continue to hold Bulbasaur with one hand….

"Yeah, too bad we can't settle it," she agreed, with no base to her voice. Her grip was weak, and she made her leave with a mumbled excuse he couldn't make out.

Spearow let out a confused squawk from on top his shoulders, and Ash rolled his neck to make eye contact with the avian.

"I guess she's still in a bad mood?"

ooo

The next afternoon, Ash made his way to the Feast, heart heavy and mind swirling with unanswered questions. When he took to the tunnels, he thought about the state of Brock's home when he entered it that morning.

"Ash!" Suzie cried out, fat tears streaming down her face as she clung to his leg. Ash tried to ask her what was wrong as he entered the house, but the only thing that would escape her lips were wails and hiccups.

The air was dark and heavy when he entered the kitchen. Some of the siblings ate their breakfast in silence, while the others dripped snot and tears into their bowls.

"Where's Brock?" Ash asked Salvador hesitantly, uncomfortable for walking into such a scene. Yolanda's twin rose at the sight of him, posture tense and mouth set in a frown. He ripped some paper in his hand, and once finished with it discarded the remains.

Ash's eyebrows raised.

"He had to make some calls…reach out to some contacts." Salvador answered, stepping up to Ash and shoving over a see-through bag. Inside, there was a neatly folded piece of paper with his name written on the center of it.

Ash hesitated in grabbing it.

"What's that?"

"Yolanda left last night. She left this for you."

"Where did she go?" Ash asked, giving the room another rundown. When his eyes fell on Suzie's wet face, his heart dropped with suspicion.

"She's gone. No one knows where she went, she left in the middle of the night."

"W-what?" Salvador pushed the bag on him and he reached into it to grab the letter. He quickly unfolded it, eyes racing through the first couple lines. Sure enough, the beginning of the letter confirmed Salvador's words.

Yolanda was gone.

"They're so selfish," Salvador bit out, his usually calm features scrunched up with anger.

"They?" Ash questioned.

"Forrest and Yolanda…they take after Father in that regard. They've always been the type to put their own needs before anyone else's. They act like staying in Pewter is such a death wish, well then they know nothing about Brock!"

Ash flinched at the preteen's rising voice, the cries of the kids around them coming out harder. Salvador sighed, and his hazel eyes narrowed on Ash.

"They don't realize how many sacrifices Brock has made for them. They're so…unthankful it's disgusting. Brock didn't even want to be the gym leader you know? His dream used to be to become a breeder."

Ash's eyes widened, a memory of Brock looking down at a half-constructed building with fond eyes surfacing. Ash swallowed, trying to find reassuring words that wouldn't agitate Salvador further.

"Ash, battle me."

Ash lurched back, overcome with déjà vu and surprised how alike Salvador sounded to Yolanda the day previously. Well, they were twins after all.

"This Saturday," Salvador continued, "At the Feast we'll have our battle."

"But, Saturday's are for Onix matches only…wait, you have one?!"

Yolanda's twin, who on many occasions she referred to as a genius with contempt in her tone, just narrowed his eyes further.

"Look, I would if I could, but I don't have my Onix under control y-"

"Well, find a way! Saturday, I'll be waiting." Salvador pushed past him, Tristan meowing at his feet for attention, clearly not reading the mood well.

"Why? Why do you want a battle now?" Ash asked. He had no problem with a fight but Salvador was demanding it under questionable circumstances.

"I need to see it for myself. How your battle with Yolanda was the last straw. How it pushed her to leave."

Ash's back touched the cool surface of the tunnels walls and he slid down, eyes bearing down on the wall in front of him that noted the failures and frustrations of the many trainers to come before him.

Under the flaring lantern and in the comfort of silence, he finally read over Yolanda's letter in its entirety.

Ash,

It's true, I left. I imagine Brock and Salvador are very angry with me, and the little ones confused and sad, but it was my time. I didn't want to leave this way, you know? Forrest left in the middle of the night too and I resolved not to do the same but…I saw no other way.

A year seems an eternity away and our battle was a revelation of sorts for me. It was a tie, I know, but it felt like a crippling loss.

Spearow, who was just discharged beat a pokemon I've been training over a year. Bulbasaur, in his first evolutionary stage fought Rhydon on equal footing…and nearly beat him. I know what you're thinking Ash, that I didn't use Golem, my strongest. That's true, but you didn't use your strongest either, and I'm not so blind that I don't know the result of that match.

I have two years of experience on you, so why are you this strong? As a trainer that's only been on his journey for less than two months what have you seen and experienced that has made you this way? I'm overcome with jealously when I think of you. For seeing the world and progressing so quickly. I came to decision after our battle. I have nothing left to learn in Pewter. If I stay, it will only hinder my growth.

So, don't worry, I'm safe. Despite what may seem like a thoughtless action, I'm prepared.

P.S. Happy Birthday.

I thought about what to get you, and I've thought about the many times you pestered me for the story on how Brock caught Cerberus, but that is unfortunately a story he hasn't even told me. You'll have to settle with this, but I'm confident you'll like it.

Good luck on your journey, Ash, and I hope you'll wish me luck on mine.

Ash blinked, turning to his Xtransceiver to see that it was in fact his birthday. He didn't recall ever mentioning it to Yolanda, and as he reread her letter he felt regretful, like he hadn't been as good a friend to her, as she'd been to him.

He forced some reassuring thoughts into his mind. When he recalled his time with Yolanda he knew her to be intelligent, patient, and resourceful. She had a bit of a wild side to her, but unlike Ash and the stories she told him about her older brother Forrest, she knew how to keep that side from getting her into trouble.

Yolanda would be fine, but then again that wasn't what Salvador had been concerned about.

Selfish, huh? Ash dwelled on Salvador's words as his eyes fell to the words on the wall across from him under "Frustrations" that matched the handwriting in his letter to a tee.

"I'm drowning here. Drowning, and the only way to breathe is to leave."

Ash sighed and ran a hand through his tangled locks. The Harrison family was a complicated one, and while he'd been allowed a window to look in, he had to remind himself he was still an outsider.

He stood, taking out the small storage compartment inside the bag. When his eyes lay on the birthday gift Yolanda left him, he was suddenly overcome with an idea on how he would get Onix to listen.

His fingers lightly ran along the smooth surface of the metal coat, silently thanking Yolanda for her intrusive nature.

Onix wanted power—so he would offer the beast just that.

Ooo

First off, thanks for all your support. I wish I had time to answer all your reviews but I don't so I'm just going to go through all and address the questions I saw. Also, special shout out to BADASSUMBREON for being my beta. If you noticed the quality difference between this chapter and others, its all thanks to him.

(Crazily Insane One) : I just hope Ash can build the same bonds with it that he builds with his canon Pokémon. Even if it takes a while. Btw. This reminds me what are you gonna do about his canon Pokémon? Are there gonna be any suffering Charmanders (Here's to hoping yes) and Wild Pikachu? I am already sure Ash isn't getting any Legendarys atleast not till Alto Mare.

-First, thanks for the extremely long review, it made my day. Unfortunately, Ash will not be getting any legendary pokemon. Sorry . I can also confirm that pikachu will not be making an appearance on Ash's team, but canon pikachu will be making an appearance on someone else's team…Anyway, eventually Ash will be getting in some bonding with his monstrous Onix, stay tuned for the next chapter. Lastly, stay tuned for answers about charmander. Also, I'm happy to know I've made it to your top 5!

Nathan Brown: I feel like my writing style is archaic and boring, so if you have any advice, that would be great.

Hey! I wouldn't consider myself skilled enough to be giving out advice but what I would say to you is deciding to write a story is a lot of commitment so be prepared to spend A LOT of time typing away and re-reading and editing and focusing on plots, character development and what you want your story to convey.

Star1x: Interesting so far. Been thinking of doing a rewrite of the series myself but with a Charmander as starter so seeing this is awesome. Curious if youve got any major major changes planned out.

Do it! If you want to write a story I say go for it and don't let anything hold you back! In fact, let me know if you do so I can tune in! Also, yes, there's lots of major changes in store…

J.F.C: I also like the incorporation of diverse personalities for different Pokemon. I do admit I'm a bit hesitant in regards to having free pass with over 6 pokeballs, when you could have kept it canon by just constantly traiding them back and forth like Ash did in Black and White...but your story your calls.

Originally, I wanted to stay true to the themes of sticking to 6 pokeballs but for my reasons I've very subtlety hinted in the story, I didn't. Thanks for supporting, and the Chinese novel sounds like something I would be interested in so I'll look into that further.

Mykea: I really want to know what happens to Meowth and Zoura and if Ash ever meets with them again, i have a feeling that he does - but it's going to be angst-filled. I hope at one point that there's going to be heart-warming scenes, because i do suffer from depression, and this fic isn't really helping with that... Just to let you know.

Hey, thanks for the review, and I'm sorry this story is making you feel all sorts of feels. But, I am glad that you are enjoying it! Also, he will be meeting Meowth and Zorua again…soon, so stay tuned for that.

That's it for the questions… so once more thanks for supporting this story guys!