Chapter 5:
Reunion of friends and rivals revealed

As Ash and Brock ran over to the clearing he saw earlier Dawn’s Piplup tried using a Bubble Beam on the orange machine, but they didn’t do a thing. “Except for the entertainment factor your wasting water.” James pointed out, hoping that would shoo them away, but instead the penguin charged on the ground.

“Piplup, wait.” The new trainer said before chasing after her partner; trying to stop the water class.

“Oh, please, just like a twerp.” Jessie shouted as she saw the girl trying to save her creature when she knew that there would be a few that would let their creature take care of themselves. Piplup leapt up to the machine, but was soon slammed by one of the arms which sent it back down to the ground.

“Piplup.” The girl said cautiously before gently putting it back on its feet. The penguin tried to carry on the fight, but instead took a knee. “Piplup, no.” She ordered when she saw her water class still wanted to fight.

“A wimp with wings.” The feline in the machine said while feeling protected in the vessel. There was a shout of defiance, but he didn’t care.

“I think it’s time for some flying lessons.” The red head of the team said before pressing down on the controls which caused the arms to attack the two on the ground. “Now hold still while I introduce you two twerp travelers to the moon.” She added as she watched their plight.

“Aipom - swift, and Starley - whirlwind.” A voice shouted out and the creatures in question did as he asked: knocking away the arms, and forcing the bot back one step. The owner of the voice and his friend came out of the shadows and saw what was going on. “Renamon.” Ash shouted once he saw her.

“Ash, it’s you.” She said back to him, trying to handle the squeeze play. The other three saw him as well, and didn’t like it.

“Look it’s the old twerp.” The three said as one.

“I know what he wants.” Jessie said to the others.

“We need to tell him that fox face is under new management.” The cat said and pushed down on his controls which caused one hand to come down at him. The two black tendrils that made up the machines fingers extended and one of them slammed his back - hard. Dawn could only gasp in shock while the canine shouted his name with fear in her eyes.

“Ash.” Brock shouted while running to his old friend. His two Pokemon joined him with concern on their faces, and they all watch him get back to his feet.

“Ah, no you don’t.” Ash said and charged at them, but was halted by the same two fingers, but this time he was able to dodge them with relative ease.

“Ash, don’t do anything stupid.” Brock informed as he watch the Pallet Town person dodge.

“They got Renamon.” He answered back almost as if saying, ‘that’s reason enough to do this’. His three trademark thugs enjoyed being on the winning side for once against him.

“There’s no doubt about it - helpless twerps are my favorite twerps.” Jessie said not believing that they were about to put him in his place.

‘She does realize that he will kick our butts eventually.’ James thought, but knew that she wouldn’t accept that so he said to her. “That must mean we win.” The mouth on their cat spoke up next.

“Time for Team Rocket’s success.” Meowth said to them.

“Alert the press.” The two humans said together with their fists raised high. James activated a platform ability in the cockpit so they had a better view.

“This IS your lucky day after all.” Jessie said down to him, and added, “After all you all get to hear our new Team Rocket motto.” He and Brock groaned after hearing that.

“Do we half to?” Ash questioned even though he knew that they often did. ‘What can I do to stall?’ He thought and then remembered that he still had a souvenir when they visited that castle. ‘Those might help here.’ He thought before digging them out. “Sorry, I wasn’t listening, but then again I didn’t come hear to listen to you three I came to get Renamon.” Ash said and charged at the robot while sporting two new gloves.

“We left them speechless again.” Meowth said in praise, not really listening to Ash’s comment.

“Encore time.” James said and pressed a button on a remote which caused a tendril to attack Ash, but he jumped before the attack, bounced off a tree, and landed on one of their arms. The three were shocked at his skill level even though the male human knew that this robot couldn’t handle Ash’s style.

“I’m coming Renamon.” The hat wearing trainer said while crawling on the arm to get to her. As he climbed the three saw that he had a familiar fire in his eyes.

“Oh, he’s got that look in his eyes.” The cat said with fear coming down his spine. The female was getting angry that the boy was going to stop them again.

“Jeeze, James, can’t you do anything right.” She shouted in anger as the arms continued to miss him. “Give me that.” She ordered and snatched the remote from him and tried to hit him closer.

“Man, these are a pain.” Ash said and after getting to a red hinge on the bot’s arm and stood there. He then closed his eyes and was somehow able to fire four aura blasts at the robot’s arms - three to the right side and one below him. ’There, that’s better.’ He thought and went back to climbing.

‘Ash, did that?’ Renamon thought in pure shock before seeing a shadow beside her. She saw that it was Ash, and he was smiling at her.

“This was a wild first day, huh?” He said to her, and she answered with a nod. While Ash tried to pry open the fingers the three thugs were shocked over what he had done; so much so that they didn’t even think of using the arm he was just on. “Let me try something.” He said to her before focusing an aura around his right fist, and as soon as it made contact the finger was no more.

“Thank you, Ash.” She said to him while standing on the ball that held her. The trainer was grateful that she was uninjured, but he looked at the three others and knew that they wouldn’t stay like that for long.

“Now, let’s show those three what your made of.” He said to her, and she looked at the three thugs down on the platform.

“I have no problem with that.” She answered him, and that was when the device that she gave to him activated. The shine in his pocket became evident to the boy in question.

“Why is this glowing?” He questioned after pulling it out of his pocket and looking at it. She smiled at his innocent expression, and was actually excited about digivolving for once.

“Just watch.” She issued to him before letting the power take her over. “Renamon digivolve to…Kyubimon.” She announced after being consumed in a light, and when it was over a four legged canine stood in her place.

“Wow! Kyubimon!” Ash said to her, and she nodded, enjoying his happiness to this. “Let’s see what you can do.” He challenged to her, and when they saw that the three were still stunned over what happened to their robot the vixen went for it.

“Dragon Wheel!” She announced before leaping off the arm and a grand blue dragon emerged from a spinning canine and the blue beast went through the robots stomach area.

“Get down!” Brock ordered once he saw the attack go through and the electrical build up that followed. He kissed the dirt first followed by the other four. The robot exploded causing them to fly and arg0ue while Ash was stuck falling.

“This may leave a bruise.” Ash said since he had no way around this fall. As Kyubimon gently fell to earth she saw her partner falling in the wreckage.

“ASH!” She shouted before igniting her tail tips to get to Ash, and stayed on top of her partner. When the sound of raining steel was done the five got to their feet and stared at the wreckage.

“Renamon! Hey Ash!” Brock shouted to the pile, having a gut feeling that the trainer wouldn’t be done in by scrap iron.

“Renamon?” Dawn questioned with fear as she looked at what’s left of the machine. The wreckage began to move, and not too soon after that the big dog that they saw earlier stood there while looking down at something. Her partner steadily came to and looked at her partner’s face before sitting up.

“Kyubimon, your okay.” He shouted in praise before wrapping his arms around her neck. ‘I know that she used herself as a shield, and I am grateful of that; I just hope I can return the favor.’ He thought before seeing through her white fur that the purple monkey has come to see them.

“Aipom.” The three handed animal said which she knew meant ‘Hi, again.’

“It is good to see you again, Aipom.” The four legged canine said to the monkey while walking out of the debris with Ketchum behind her. When they got out a brown and white bird landed in front of them.

“Starley.” The flier said which she knew meant ‘Hello.’ The vixen glanced up at her friend for an answer.

“Right you haven’t met yet.” The trainer said after realizing that she was away when this captured happened. “I’d like you to meet Starley who was my very first Pokemon buddy from Sinnoh, and who helped me find you.” He explained to her while giving her half truth for the last part.

“Well then, hello little one.” The tall canine said to the bird who didn’t seem to be afraid of being by a taller creature. She then heard the two humans walk over to them.

“Renamon, we did it.” Dawn said to the fox which made it sound like she did the work against Team Rocket’s machine. The partner of the protective Digimon decided to see about this latest female.

“You must be the one that’s been hanging out with my partner?” Ash questioned to her, but added, “Anyways my name is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town and it is really nice to meet you.” The former gym leader saw and heard Ash’s words and decided to step in.

“Hi, I’m Brock.” He said while sliding to the girl’s right side. She liked the kindness of both men.

“Hi guys. My name is Dawn and this is my partner - Piplup.” The stocking cap girl said while gesturing to the small bird before her. Ash heard it say it’s name, and decided to do what he often did when meeting a Pokemon.

“So, that’s a Piplup, huh?” He questioned while getting out his Pokedex.

“Piplup, the penguin Pokemon, It’s very proud and thick dome protects it from the cold.” The red device said to him. Ash put it away, and saw the injuries on the bird which caused him to worry.

“I sure hope your Piplup is okay after that.” He said with a look of worry on his face. Dawn on the other hand shrugged off the older trainers worry without a second thought.

“Thanks, but Piplup’s fine.” She said to the hat wearing youth. “You tell him Piplup.” She said to her pal.

“Piplup!” The penguin said while puffing out it’s chest and putting it’s fins to the waist.

“Wow. Your sure one tough Pokemon.” Ash said to the creature since to him any Pokemon that defended his pals were okay in his book. The blue skinned one liked the props, but all of a sudden the little bird collapsed back first.

“Aah, Piplup, no.” Dawn said in shock after seeing her starter fall down. This caused the unofficial hero of this world to also grow worried. The breeder was there as well, but he was able to keep his head in the game.

“Obviously something’s wrong: big time.” Brock said before setting his backpack to the side, and checked on the down Pokemon. “I’ll do everything I can to help.” He assured the new trainer, and got to work by spraying medicine on the water creature.

‘I had a feeling that Brock wouldn’t leave home without Pokemon supplies.’ Ash thought as he watched the breeder in action.

“It’s important for any trainer to always know the condition of their Pokemon.” He informed the girl who was standing in front of him with a look of pure terror as she saw her starter in his arms.

“I’m sorry, Piplup.” She said to the creature after sitting down on her heals. In truth the creature knew that, just like it, was still learning what to do and when, so the penguin waved it off with a functioning flipper.

“Now, let’s take a look at Renamon.” The former rock gym leader said as he looked at the bigger Ninetales-like creature standing beside Ash.

“Much appreciated, but I’ll survive.” She said back to him. After hearing that this one was a skirt chaser, much like most men that met her partner’s mother, she didn’t trust him anywhere near hear or any of her forms.

“Besides you two, in this form she also goes by Kyubimon.” Ash informed them since he figured that they deserved to know that much at least. After making sure Piplup was up to speed the three plus fox headed back on the path. Eventually the team came across a phone booth complete with ringing phone.

“Hello?” Ash said hesitantly after picking up the phone, and to his relief it was Professor Rowin. Since it was not all that big the digital fox thought it best to wait outside the stone booth. Cutting to the quick the trainer said what needed to be said - that he met up with Dawn and that he had made contact with his friend.

“Well, well, that’s excellent. I can’t tell you how happy I am for you. Everything worked out just perfectly.” Rowin started to say to the trainer after hearing all of the information.

“Thanks professor.” The female human said to her creature donator. She believed that she did a fine job of reuniting the duo.

“Of course.” He said to her with a head nod and the added, “By the way Ash I just received a package for you from your mother.” This statement confused the boy greatly since he did not know that she would do such a thing.

“From my mom?” Ash questioned and Kyubimon, who was listening in on the whole thing heard the surprise in her friend’s voice.

‘I think I know what it might be.’ The vixen thought since she did take a stroll around his house while he slept and saw the red head working on something in their attic, but left before she could tell that she was being watched.

“Thanks for the heads-up, Professor Rowin.” Ash said to the mustached man before gently hanging up the phone. The three then reconnected to the canine and they all walked over to his lab, some wondering what the package might be. Unknown to them as they were walking another was checking out what was left of the robot.

‘Whoever did this must have been powerful.’ The mystery trainer thought as he saw the wreckage, and then the two, he and Elekid, headed over to a place where all trainers go - a laboratory.

“I do have a question Ash.” Kyubimon said to the trainer, and added, “How did you know that I was in danger?” He thought of how to answer that, but he recalled telling her of what went down in Cameron Palace, and the Tree of Beginnings, so he knew that she would understand.

“These are the gloves I told you about, Sir Aaron’s gloves.” He said to her and then added, “These help focus my aura into sphere mode.” She gave him a nod.

‘Maybe with my help, he won’t need those gloves in controlling aura.’ The digital dog thought to herself, but after seeing that all but his gloves were damaged she decided to help him out. The Digimon bit down on the back of his shirt, and tossed him over her head and onto her back.

“Kyubimon, what is all this?” Ash questioned to her since he was really not expecting such a move from her.

“You seemed tired, so I’m giving you a lift.” She answered him with a gentle look in her eye. Dawn saw what went down, and would have asked for a lift, but she was listening to the former gym leader on his skills and whatnot.

“Wow, Brock! That’s so cool that you’re a breeder!” She exclaimed to the taller man after hearing what he is capable of and added, “I know this gotta be the first I met a real Pokemon breeder, ever!” He did like the praise since Ash and three others that he has hung out with know what he is capable of.

“Really? Well, as soon as we get back to the lab I’ll make some special Pokemon that’s perfect for water types.” Brock said with his right hand in his hair, out of embarrassment.

“You’re a lucky Pokemon, Piplup.” The female said after her creature gave praise of getting food just for its class. “Huh?” Dawn questioned after hearing a horn of sorts before them. Coming at them was a white sidecar style motorcycle which had a familiar rider.

“I heard the news.” The police person behind the controls said while coming at the travelers. Ash saw that it was the same female he met up with Aipom, and was glad to see her.

“Hey, Jenny.” He shouted to her not noticing the cautious gleam in his friend’s eyes. The female officer of the law stopped right before them, and carried a conversation of the new comers.

“That’s so great, but…” Jenny started and then looked around for a certain creature, “Where’s Renamon?” She added after hearing that the one that Ash was looking for was humanoid in appearance, but saw no one of that appearance.

“She’s right here.” The Pallet Town protector started while gesturing to the grand beast he was riding. “This is her evolved form - Kyubimon.” He informed her, and that was when she understood enough.

“I was going to ask how she was, but if she has the strength to evolve and carry you then she must be alright.” She said back to him while looking at the ribbon wearing creature.

“She is, and thanks again for your help.” He said to her since he was grateful for any kind of assistance when it came to the safety of his friends. He glanced at his old friend and saw that for some reason or another became heart themed. ‘Here we go, another moment of Brock hitting on a Jenny.’ He thought and got ready for the crazy corniness.

“AND YOUR BEUTY!” The trainer in question shouted before grabbing the officer’s white gloved hands into his. “Your thoughtfulness knows no bounds. Thanks for helping my friend, Ash, is his hour of need.” He said to her adding the other male’s name since he believed that Ash had an easy time for females to fall for him that if he said that he was friend’s with the hero that he would get some form of attention.

“Sure…” She said a bit strained since she had never had ANYONE come onto her THIS strongly before. The female of the trio and her starter just stared in confusion over what was happening while Ash waited for something to happen like Jenny kicking the snot out of him for harassing a police officer, or something.

“And now I’m asking you to help me out with my hour of need.” He continued to speak to her and soon added, “Cause I need you.” As soon as he said that she really got nervous wandering if this was the same stalker that the Jenny’s spoke of over the phone and blogged about.

“Ash, what’s wrong with Brock?” Dawn questioned since she had never seen him in action or have been filled in on what he does to a nurse or officer, let alone ANY female.

“Nothin, not for him.” He informed her with a nervous smile since this is probably what put May on guard when they traveled together.

“Should I try to stop this?” The fox questioned while setting free one of her tails and set it on fire once it was about her partner. The young Ketchum saw this and at first thought that it was funny, but he still needed to see what his mom brought him.

“It’s tempting, but not yet.” He requested to her with a wave of the hand.

“Fine. Spoil my fun.” She muttered to where only he could hear before thumping his head affectionately with her free tail before placing it back. She then walked over to the dreamer, so her friend could stop this his way.

“I hate to interrupt, but you still need to make that food for Piplup.” The hat wearing boy said while able to pry their hands away from each other.

“Hey, what are you doing? I was just going to…” The gym leader of old said, but stopped after he saw the ticked look at Kyubimon and saw that she was bearing her fangs. ‘Right like he said, I have to go my beloved.” He said before running away before the other three.

‘We better follow him.’ The vixen thought before running after him. The new duo saw that there friends were already way ahead of them.

“Huh?” The female said and added, “Hey, wait up.”

“Piplup, pip.” The penguin said as well which meant ’Yeah, wait for us.’ As the last of the trio left the police woman was about to leave when she realized something…

‘That must be the person that the other Jenny’s have been talking about.’ She thought when she remembered the blog of a black haired youth that had potential of helping them with any wrong doing. The team got at the lab pretty quickly, and after getting inside Ash saw a box addressed to himself.

“Wow! Check out the new clothes!” He shouted out after opening the box and taking out the shirt. The other two were also happy to see the new clothes.

“Truly impressive.” Kyubimon said while looking inside as well.

“She even put a new backpack in there, too.” Brock informed after spotting something green with a sideways Pokeball logo. The young one liked what he was seeing, and he knew what to do next.

“Give me a minute guys.” He said to them and then added, “Rowin, where is your bathroom?” The elderly man gestured to where it was and he headed off in that direction, and once inside he got into a stall and treated it as a changing room.

‘Delia’s eye for fashion rivals Rumiko’s fashion sense.’ The canine thought since she could picture the model choosing such a match for a male. Back in the bathroom Ash saw something interesting while putting on his new shirt.

‘I can’t believe my gloves survived the explosion of Team Rocket’s latest robot.’ He thought as he looked at the aura gloves and saw that they were perfectly fine. He stuffed them in his new bag, and came out. He could tell that they all liked his new look; he was about ready to leave, but there was one last thing that he needed to do - call his mom.

“I’m thrilled! Such a handsome young man.” The mother of the fox trainer said once she saw her boy in his new look, and liked what she saw.

“That’s really nice of you mom.” Ash said back to his mother, grateful that she was a great seamstress since she did repair his jacket that he wore when he first met Renamon.

“I wanted to give them to you while you were here, but you flew out of the house in such a rush.” She told him, and that brought his confidence down a bit since he did not mean to do that.

“Sorry about that, mom.” He started to say to her, and added, “But everything is going great here in the Sinnoh region, and I can‘t tell you how psyched I am.” He gave her a thumbs up in the middle of his comment.

“Well, I can see that. You did call Professor Oak, and tell him Renamon is safe, right?” She said and informed her son. The woman saw that the fox, in the background, had an altered form, but she could tell that it was the same vixen as before. “I’ll let you call him.” She said to him gently after seeing the surprised look on her boy’s face and then hung up the phone. He then quickly dialed in the number, and was grateful that he answered it.

“I appreciate you letting me know the good news, young man.” Oak said while sitting at his lab happy to hear of the two reuniting. The three were there along with Kyubimon to the right of them.

“And this is Dawn. She hung out with Renamon after we were separated, and this is Professor Oak.” The Ketchum kid informed and introduced the two since they did not have an Oak fan-boy with them this time.

“It’s a real honor to meet you, sir.” She said with a simple bow. The man on the screen liked how she was so polite to others that she had never officially met.

“And it is a pleasure to meet you - a brand new trainer.” He said to her since that was the deal with the last girl that hung out with Ash.

“Right.” She said, agreeing with what he said and added, “I…hope you don’t mind…y-you love Pokemon Poetry, don’t you?” She questioned to the man on the monitor, believing that what she said was his main field which caused the other three to be a little freaked out. Freaked out to find out that this one did that job for laughs, and not what he preferred to do.

“Yes! I do!” He brightened up, happy to meet a fan of his past time.

“Awesome!” Dawn exclaimed before turning toward the other trainer and adding, “Does that mean you know ALL the Pokemon Poets.” He looked back at her, and decided to clear this minor confusion up.

“You don’t get it. He’s a real professor just like Professor Rowin.” Ash said to her, but she was still not getting it as she countered with.

“But how come I always see him on TV reading poems?” This time the lad had no idea to counter such a question, so he got a little nervous.

“How come, well…” He started to say, but didn’t know how to finish; luckily the Sinnoh professor saw his plight and decided to save him.

“Say, perhaps the good professor and I should have a little discussion.” Rowin said while walking over to the kids with a smile on his face. He smiled because he kind of liked how Ash was sweating at such an easy question.

“Well, well, professor. Hey, Ash, may I speak with him for a moment?” Oak said and questioned when he saw one of his old friend approach the screen.

“Sure.” The trainer answered and he along with the others walked off, allowing the two white coated gents to talk amongst themselves.

“Perhaps you can spend a little less time reading Pokemon Poetry on TV and a little more time doing your Pokemon research, eh Samuel?” Rowin suggested after walking closer to the screen.

“Right, I’ll do that.” He informed with an embarrassed expression and his left hand on the back of his head. The trainers listened in while walking to the exit, and was happy of what they heard.

“Those two must go way back.” Brock suggested since his father often spoke to other gym leaders such as Blain or Sabrina’s father in a similar way when he was on the phone.

“Guess so.” The kind hearted trainer said since he knew it was great to make friends as well as do good on one’s journey.

“So, what are you two doing here anyway?” Dawn questioned the two men of their action since they never told her themselves. They both knew that she had a right to know, so Ash filled her in first.

“Well, I came here so I could compete in the Sinnoh League and win.” As he said that Brock pulled out a booklet from his vest, which he got at a truck stop a ways back when he was with Claudina, and looked at a map.

“Okay, it looks the closest gym to Sandgem Town is in Oreburgh City.” Brock confirmed while looking in the book. “Jubilife City is right on the way.” He added once he saw the challenger of gym’s attention.

“That’s awesome! Can I go too?” The new girl questioned in an excited tone of voice. This outburst caused the other three to stare at her in slight surprise. She saw this and decided to fill them in. “I want to be the number one Contest Coordinator and the first contest I want to compete in is in Jubilife City.” She informed them, which cleared things up greatly for them.

“That’s great.” Ash said to her and quickly added, “Come along. When it comes to travelin the more the merrier I always say.” This development was something the vixen really did not approve of this, but since her original team started with three she guessed that she could tolerate this upbeat girl.

“If Ash says that it’s okay then it’s okay by me.” The four legged one said since she did trust her friends judgment.

“Brock, what do you think?” Ketchum questioned to the taller male since he had a feeling the breeder was going to come with for learning more stuff on breeding…and girls.

“Of course, it would be a lot of fun.” He answered back to his old friend. The three Pokemon, who were released as soon as they came inside have become fast friends, came over to the three humans, wondering what was next for them.

“It looks like everybody agrees.” Ash proclaimed when he saw the three stop in front of them.

“Piplup.” The penguin said to the boy which meant, “We do.” Dawn glanced over at the tall canine and knew what to say next.

“And I get to spend some more time with Kyubimon.” The girl said to the fox and petted her roughly for a moment.

“Oh swell.” The canine answered back after enduring the rough pet job. Ash caught onto her sarcasm, and decided to giver her some advice.

“Be nice.” He whispered to her, which he got a slow nod from his comment. He had a feeling meant that she would do it, but wouldn’t like it. When that decision was made the two of the three called back their three creatures back into their Pokeballs. “K, we’re all set. Let‘s Go!” Ash said to the two since he didn’t want to waist a second of time to start this adventure.

“Hold on, aren’t you going to put Kyubimon in a Pokeball, too.” The new trainer questioned him since she saw the vixen still standing tall beside the boy.

“Nah, I have a feeling that she would hate that. This canine prefers to be walking by my side.” He informed her, and added, “Besides, she’s not even a Pokemon. She is what’s called a Digimon: Digital Monster.” He saw her staring at the two of them in complete wonder.

“Wow, that’s so amazing.” She said meaning both the leaving out and the fact that she wasn’t a Pokemon. Rowin, once done with Oak, heard what was said and decided to step in.

“You’ll learn that there are as many Pokemon personalities as there are Pokemon.” The Professor said and even though he heard that the canine was not a Pokemon he decided to use that word would make better since to Dawn.

“We better get going now. Thanks for everything you have done for us Professor.” Ash said to the oldest of the four.

“Of course.” He answered back and escorted them to the exit where as soon as the doors opened a familiar, to Ash and Brock, purple haired trainer was waiting on a tree just near the doors. “Yes, who are you?” Rowin questioned since he did not really like the vibes coming from this trainer.

“The name’s Paul, and from the looks of things you must be Professor Rowin.” The new comer said his name and guessed of the oldest one. “I’m waiting for him.” He informed the four of his purpose.

“For me?” Ash questioned to this new trainer since the last time they met he was searching the woods for creatures, and that was it.

“You have three Pokemon now. Wanna battle?” The boy said and questioned to the older trainer with confidence in his voice since he believed he saw fear in the hat wearer’s eyes. Ash was, for the first time, about to object until he saw Kyubimon bear her fangs at the new guy.

“Sure, I’m ready. I’m gonna be Pokemon Master, and the way to do that is to beat challengers like you.” Ash informed the newbie trainer.

“That’s right.” The canine agreed with her partner, but she had another reason of doing this. There was something familiar, but different about his eyes. Rowin knew that they were going to need an immediate location, so he spoke aloud to all.

“Then off to my back garden.” He said and in silence the group headed there. When they got there: Rowin and Dawn were behind, but diagonal to Brock while Ash/Kyubimon, and Paul were a good distance away from one another.

“I’ll be the referee.” The rock class gym leader of old said to them since he often did such a job at other times.

“This is great. I’ve never seen a Pokemon battle before.” Dawn said after placing hers and Ash’s pack, which he gave to her on the way over, down beside her, and looked at her friends.

“Well, your seeing one now. So, hold onto your hat.” Ash said to her and that brought a broken smile to the fox creature.

‘Sounds like something Takato might say, but Ash has better qualities’ Kyubimon thought while sitting to the trainer’s right side.

‘Over confident. I’ll be more then happy to crush that.’ Paul thought with a muffled chuckle since he has dealt with a couple like him before. Ash heard the chuckle and knew that he was already going to hate this guy.

“What’s so funny, Paul?” He questioned with challenge in his tone.

“Just that you talk like such a little kid.” He confessed to the senior trainer.

“Oh yeah.” Ketchum countered since according to his eyes the fool before him was no older then Dawn.

“Yeah. Okay, like I said before this is going to be a three on three battle with no substitution, and the one with two wins is the winner, got it?” Paul said while questioning if he had spoken to quickly for this ‘kid’ to keep up.

“I’ve got it.” Ash answered and added after selecting just the ball to start off with, “So, Starley, I choose you!” After throwing the ball the creature in question emerged.

“Starley.” The bird announced, and by the way his friend was smiling he could only assume meant ‘I’m ready’. Paul saw the choice and decided to match it with his superior.

“Now Starley, stand by for battle. I choose you.” Paul said and threw his flyer into the fray.

‘Using the same Pokemon, weird.’ Brock questioned to himself as he saw the choices, but he also saw that this was the one that won out of three choices.

“K, Ash, I’ll let you go first.” Paul said, wondering what he had in store for his bird.

“Alright. Starley, use Quick Attack.” The older trainer shouted and saw that his new friend followed his request.

“Starley.” The bird announced which meant, ‘You got it.’ The bird beamed straight at his kinsman. The attack did little damage since the user could see the opponent was only grazed.

“It’s a hit.’ Dawn announced in praise of her friend’s Pokemon speed. Rowin saw the attack too, but he saw a deeper problem.

“True, but it doesn’t look like it did much damage.” He said back to her which caused her to look at him in confusion. “I think Paul is just testing Ash’s Starley’s attack power.” He explained to her since he had a feeling she didn’t under stand what he said earlier, but she still didn’t get it.

“Starley, Aerial Ace.” Paul said while his creature was falling. After getting the order the bird recovered and preformed the attack stated. The attack nailed Ash’s Starley right on the chest. Ketchum’s bird recovered and flew at the other, without a second thought.

“Starley, Wing Attack, go.” Ketchum said to his partner. The flier coursed some energy into the wings, but before the power was ready Paul was ready with a counter attack.

“Quick, Double Team.” The bird did such a move and was able to create three duplicates. This confused Ash’s bird since it did not know which to hit. Ketchum on the other hand saw the genuine one and decided to deal with it.

“The real one’s in the back! Dodge it now.” Ash said, wanting to get his flyer out of there.

“Aerial Ace.” Paul shouted since he was ready for an attempted escape. His flyer once again hit his mark without a problem.

“Ash’s Starley is unable to battle. Paul’s Starley is the winner.” Brock announced when his friend’s creature fell unconscious on the ground. The canine could hear the doom and glum tone in the breeder’s voice for the second sentence.

‘So, I guess, he can feel it too.’ Kyubimon thought since there was something about this one that didn’t feel right.

“Starley, return now.” Ash announced and the down and out bird turned red and returned to the ball in beam form. “You were great, Starley.” He added with the ball facing him. The canine cutie smiled at her friend’s loyalty to his creatures, and then she heard the other trainer.

“I think I figured out your battle style. You cover up your ware attacks by pushing and when you combine that with that lame-o strategy like yours I can’t help, but feel sorry for any Pokemon who gets stuck with a lousy trainer like you.” Paul criticized before recalling his beast. “That’s all you’ve got?!” He spoke down to the monster in the sphere in his hand.

“Now, Aipom, your up next.” Ash shouted out while shrugging off the others words. The purple furred monkey was released and ready to rock.

“Stand by - Chimchar.” Paul said and threw his second beast into the fight.

“Chimchar.” The new red furred monkey announced. ‘Let’s fight.’ Was what the monkey said to the opponent.

“A Chimcar?” Ash questioned in surprise before pulling out his Pokedex.

“Chimchar, the monkey Pokemon. Chimchar easily climbs the sheerest of walls, and lives on mountain tops. When it sleeps it’s flames go out.” The computer voice said to the user. Paul saw this and got a cruel smile out of it.

“Isn’t that nice. You got your Chimchar lesson for today.” He said to the vixen’s partner in pure sarcasm, which really ticked him off.

“Swift, Aipom!” Ash announced to his old friend.

“Aipom.” The purple one shouted with bright yellow stars coming from his third fist. ‘Right, Ash.’ Is what his name meant this time.

“Ember!” Paul ordered to his creature, who followed the order. When the attacks hit a thick smokescreen was formed.

“Use Focus Punch.” Ash ordered and the monkey focused energy into her tail, and got ready to attack.

“Flame Wheel.” Paul shouted and the monkey obeyed. The fire attack beat the Normal attack in terms of charging and firing.

“That Focus Punch disappeared.” Dawn announced after seeing the Flame Wheel hit and the punch’s energy disappear.

“Yes, if a Pokemon is using Focus Punch and gets attacked before its complete the attack can’t be finished.” Rowin informed the new girl, and was impressed at this kid’s skill level, but he had a feeling that Ash was far from done.

“Not a good choice of attacks, Ash.” Paul gloated and added, “Chimchar, go.” The monkey for his side ran straight ahead.

“Double Team, Aipom.” Ash said as a counter move, and his friend created several copies. Paul was ready for that move.

“Ember!” He demanded which the pyro primate did just that. The attack caused all of the copies to disappear.

“Uh-oh.” Ash said once the copies were all done, but he had a feeling this trainer wasn’t done with Aipom just yet.

“Now use Scratch.” The purple haired punk ordered and was obeyed. Ash’s five fisted beast took the damage with one arm for defense.

“Focus Punch, again, Aipom.” Pallet Town’s protector requested. The monkey got some distance from the scratch and focused the attack on the tail fist again.

“Chimchar, use Flame Wheel.” Paul ordered which was obeyed, but he still had to think, ‘When is this wannabe going to get it, that attack doesn’t work on me.’ He watched as the wheel was right on course.

“Just wait, that’s it.” Ash pep talked his primate while the attacks were coming at each other.

“What’s he up to?” Paul questioned aloud after hearing what the other trainer said to his creature. The attacks were still coming at each other, but this time Ash knew how to deal with it.

“Now, jump and then dodge.” Ash said which was obeyed with Aipom planting one of his hands on the ground and went airborne. “Now, hit it.” Ketchum continued to say, and they all watched as the Focus Punch came down like a hammer, dissipating the Flame Wheel.

“Chim…char.” The monkey said after the attack hit, and he laid on the ground knocked out. They all knew that meant. ’Ow, that hurt.’

“Chimchar is unable to battle, Aipom is the winner.” Brock proclaimed with his arm to Ash’s side of the field.

“Alright!” The female shouted in praise of the heroes feat.

“Okay, Chimchar, return.” Paul ordered and the red beam recalled the out Pokemon. “Your still just as useless as can be.” The trainer said in disgust of his creature, unable to believe that his creature lost the fight.

“Aipom, return.” Ash said and his ball helped him as well. “You were awesome.” The hero praised with the ball facing him. Ketchum then looked at Paul with determination. “It looks like it’s one on one.’ He proclaimed, meaning that both have one win and one loss. The raven haired youth turned to Kyubimon and said, “Kyubimon, old friend, it’s you and me. Ready?”

“As always.” She answered back to him. She then calmly walked into the battlefield, and stood ready.

“Alright. Stand by - Elekid.” Paul announced while throwing his final Pokemon into the fight. The newest coordinator was surprised of the attackers.

“Elekid, how cool.” The stocking hat girl said before pulling out her Pokedex.

“Elekid, the electric Pokemon. Elekid waves it’s arms to produce a strong electrical charge and gains strength when lightning is present.” The voice said to her.

“Tell me something. Is Kyubimon the one that brought down that robot?” Paul questioned, wondering if this weakling and his pet defeated a machine.

“It was a team effort, but yeah, so what?” Ash countered with since he did not understand his point.

“So, nothing.” Paul answered back since he did not wish for the weaker man to know of his game plan.

“Hmm, since you think my strategy is lame then how about I let Kyubimon do this herself.” Ash offered to him with a smirk since he had a feeling this is how she would want it.

“What are you talking about? A trainer is supposed to tell Pokemon what to do.” Paul countered.

“Does it matter? You seem certain you’ll win regardless of what I do.” Ash said and after he received a ’humph’ as an answer the fight began. “It’s all yours Kyubimon.” He said to her and then stood there with his arms crossed.

“My pleasure, Ash.” The vixen said, more then happy to put him in his place. Without wasting a moment she rammed in with her head, and launched him into the air.

“I can handle that, use Brick Break.” Paul ordered and the walking plug in was ready to obey. The problem was that she dodged the attack from both fists. “Come on, take her down. Use Thunder.” He ordered and the attack went, but just like before she dodged, this time by leaping high into the air, while the Thunder attack landed harmlessly into the open field.

“Should we end this to truly start our journey?” Kyubimon asked the young kit over what to do since she has had her fill with this trainer.

“Do want you want, old friend.” He said back to her, and knew that she intended to hold back for the sake of sparing Elekid’s life.

“Dragon Wheel!” She announced and spun into a circle while unleashing a bright blue dragon. The electric type could only stare in sheer awe at the power above him, but that stopped once Paul spoke

“Stop your gawking and use Protect.” He demanded and the creature put up a full body sphere, but as soon as the dragon hit it the shield shattered and the runt was hit with all that power.

“That should silence him.” The canine muttered after landing back in front of Ash.

“Elekid is unable to battle, Kyubimon, wins.” Brock announced and that was when the battle ended. Ash walked over to his opponent and decided to be a good sport.

“Well, that was a tough battle, but I guess the better man won; good job.” Ketchum said to Paul and then offered a handshake for good measure. The other seemed to accept it, but at the last second he batted the hand away.

“Losing to an armature like you doesn’t count.” Paul said in suppressed anger. He then took the Starley Pokeball and released its hostage. This caused the black haired youth to get angry, and Paul saw it so he said, “What? There are a billion Starley just as strong as that one, and as soon as I run into one, I’ll capture it.” He said without any problem.

‘Rika’s problem doesn’t even come close to his.’ The digi-damsel thought since despite almost loosing to Dokugumon, and being thrashed by Miharimon the red head stayed with her.

“Professor, thanks for the use of the field, I appreciate it.” Paul said to avoid eye contact with the victor, and walked away. The trainer watched him leave, but he stopped when a bright white light came behind him.

“What?” He questioned and saw that it was Renamon, she de-digivolved, back to her Rookie form.

“Looks like that worked.” She said once she saw that she was standing on her hind legs again.

“Is something the matter Renamon?” He questioned in concern since the last time she was Champion form it took her a night or so to become her previous form.

“No, Ash, but apparently I no longer have to sleep in order to regress, I can control when I can do such a thing, but I do not know if I can Digivolve on my own.” She said to her friend, who was just grateful of that skill. Soon the three officially left on their way.

Copy Rights:
Ash Ketchum, and the others, are owned by Gamefreak/Nintendo and Cartoon Network.
Renamon, and her forms, are owned by Toei Animation.