AUTHORS NOTES:
Welcome to the next chapter everyone. Just a few things to say before you can enjoy this chapter.

First, I am no longer accepting suggestions for Pokémon for Ash or Serena, because simply, I'm having a hard enough time with all these suggestions. I think we're at a total of seven for Ash and six for Serena, new Pokémon for them to catch on this journey. That's enough for me.

Second, the only OC suggestions I am taking now are for gym leaders. I have a bunch of OCs for characters to introduce provided by some great readers, so I should be good.

Third, I want to thank everyone who has been giving chapter suggestions, you have been a great help. I've been able to come up with some great ideas for chapters, or have come up with a location for an idea I already had thanks to all of your help. So please PM me if you have any other ideas. You can track Ash and Serena's journey on a map of Spain, as I am trying to use real cities, except for one which will be of my own creation for a specific purpose. This way you can have an idea of where they haven't been so I'll have a chance to use your ideas.

Forth and final, I have a question for you all and I want serious answers. If Adam Levine from Maroon 5 was a gym leader, what Pokémon do you think he would have?

Alright I'm done thank you for taking the time to read all of that. If you like my work please vote, feel free to leave comments, and please share this story with your friends. I now present to you chapter 16, enjoy.

It's a beautiful day in the Torrent region and is day four since they left Madrid for Ash's second gym battle in Caceres City and Serena's next performance in Merida. The journey so far had been uneventful, unless of course one were to count Riolu's attitude. Since the first training session Riolu had been getting on the other Pokemon's nerves. His training with Ash on developing his aura had been progressing well, and starting today he is now able to use his aura to understand his Pokemon at all times. He had no problems listening to Ash when it was his time to train and didn't see himself as better than Ash even though he was also teaching him.

The problem was his interactions with the other Pokemon and always wanting to train. At first Ash started Riolu's training lighter than the others as he tried to gauge his strength, however Riolu found the training too easy and told Ash this. So Ash increased the difficulty by leaps and bounds, making each training session significantly harder than the last. Until today where he was doing the same exact training as the others. Ash and the others were pleased that he was able to keep up so well.

However, after the training was done he still wanted to continue training. So much so that he was calling the others lazy for not wanting to push themselves further. It wasn't that the others didn't want to become stronger, but they had found that there was more to life than that. And they weren't alone, as Pikachu and Greninja enjoyed spending time with their mates, Ash was enjoying spending time with Serena. And when Ash was trying to help Serena cook meals, some of the other Pokemon just wanted to play. Riolu understood and accepted that Ash couldn't always train them as they had to travel, and preparing meals was important, but he felt that the other Pokemon should at least be sparing.

Today he went as far as trying to taunt Heracross into battling with him. But Heracross merely ignored him as he fed on the sap from a tree. Greninja and Pikachu had had enough, and decided Riolu needed an additude adjustment. After a quick game of paper rock scissors, it was decided that Greninja was going to teach him.

"Hey Rilou, if you promise to calm down I'll go a round with you, " Greninja stated.

"Finally, deal, " Riolu responded.

The other Pokemon eagerly watched as Greninja and Riolu squared off for their first match. Standing ten feet apart, Riolu took a battle stance as Greninja just stood there with his arms crossed.

"Hey, aren't you going to take a battle stance?" asked Riolu.

"I'm fine just like this, " Greninja replied.

Riolu quickly started the match as he charged in with his right arm pulled back. Once in range, he thrust his right hand forward to use force palm. Before the attack could make contact Greninja jumped up and over Riolu, as he used his tongue to wrap around Riolu's arm. Once Greninja landed he pulled on his tongue and Riolu flew backwards. Greninja then began spinning Riolu around in the air over his head then released him, sending him flying into a mud puddle by a creek.

"What was that?!" Riolu stated angrily as he stood back up.

"What? I said I would go around with you, we both did go in a circle didn't we?" Greninja replied.

The other Pokemon laughed at the small joke. Riolu became embarrassed and balled his fists, ready to attack again.

"Relax Riolu. Ash isn't the only one who's going to teach you around here. We're a family here, so we all teach each other, " said Grenjnja.

"And what lesson was that?" Riolu asked in a combination of curiosity and anger.

"You need to lighten up once and a while. It's fine to be like that during training, but don't be so intense all the time, " Greninja replied.

"Lunch is ready, " Ash called out.

The Pokemon started to move in to eat, but then Ash noticed Riolu as he was walking, completely covered in mud.

"Hey Riolu, it's nice to see you having some fun, but why don't you clean up before you eat, " Ash stated.

Riolu scowled at Greninja, then turned around to wash the mud off.

"Hey Riolu, " Greninja said to get Riolu's attention.

Riolu turned around to face Greninja, and saw him throw several water shuriken that burst over his head. The falling water completely washed the mud off of Riolu. Greninja then walked over and collected two bowls of food and sat down next to Braixen. He then raised one of the food bowls above his head and shook it, then placed it back down beside him. Riolu walked over to the bowl and sat down next to Greninja.

"Thank you, " Riolu said to Greninja, then began eating.

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Later that evening they were arriving at a town on a hill with what looked like a castle at the top.

"So this is Guadalupe town. That's a pretty big castle, " Ash commented.

"Actually that's not a castle, that's the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Guadalupe. Apparently it's a world historical site, " Serena commented as she read from her tablet.

They continued walking into town, where they were seeing a pretty heavy police presence. Soon enough they arrived at the Pokemon Center.

"Hello and welcome to the Pokemon Center, how may I help you?" Asked Nurse Joy.

"We just need our Pokemon checked and a room for the night, " Ash replied.

Nurse Joy put out two trays for their Pokeballs and started to reserve a room for them. Blissey then took the two trays and Pikachu, then walked off to check on the Pokemon.

"Here are your room key cards, and we'll let you know as soon as your Pokemon are ready, " Nurse Joy said as she handed them the key cards.

"Thank you, " Said Serena as she took the cards.

"Hey Nurse Joy, what's with all the police?" Asked Ash.

"We've had a bunch of robberies this week, jewelry, small electronics, and money, " Nurse Joy replied.

"Well I hope hey catch the people responsible," Serena commented.

"Well that's the thing, the police know who's responsible, a pack of growlithe, " Nurse Joy replied.

"What?!" Ash and Serena replied.

"Why would they want those kinds of thing?" Serena asked.

"I have no idea. It's not unusual for a pack of wild Pokemon to roam into the area and steal food. In fact, I leave food out once in a while to try and ensure they don't damage any property trying to get food, but they haven't even touched it all week, " explained Nurse Joy.

After Ash and Serena's Pokemon were checked on, they proceeded to restock their supplies and have dinner before they went back on the road to Caceres City for Ash's gym battle in the morning.

It was now the middle of the night, Ash and Serena were sleeping soundly when they were suddenly woken up by the sound of police Sirens.

"What's going on?" Serena asked as they both quickly sat up.

Ash rushed to the window to see a police car fly by, and further down in the direction the car was going were flashing red and blue lights. Then a smoke cloud came up from the same area.

"Looks like trouble, " Ash replied.

He and Serena quickly threw on some clothes and rushed out of the Pokemon Center towards the police cars. They ran all the way to the Monastery, where they saw over a dozen Growlithe battling with the police Pokemon, which included Manectric, midday Lycanroc, Wartortle, and Staraptor. The police Pokemon, despite having superior numbers weren't doing too well against the Growlithe. It wasn't that they were weaker than the Growlithe, but they were acting more like a team and covering one another, while the police, despite trying to coordinate their attacks, were acting more like individuals.

"Greninja, Riolu I chose you, " Ash said as he released his Pokemon to try and help.

"Braixen, Pancham you too, " Serena added to help.

"Greninja water shuriken, Riolu aura sphere, Pikachu thunderbolt!"

"Braixen hidden power, Pancham dark pulse!"

The Thunderbolt and water shuriken's hit their targets, but the others were countered by other Growlithe or the target growlithe was knocked out of the way by another.

"Lucky shots kid, we've been dealing with this the whole time, it's hard to get an attack to connect, " one of the officers said to Ash and Serena.

"Then let's make our own luck. Riolu get in there and use force palm, Greninja and Pikachu cover him. Take out any Growlithe that come after him, " Instructs Ash.

Riolu jumps up into the air, then charges at one of the Growlithe once he lands. Multiple Growlithe see Riolu and start to charge at or attack him, however, Greninja and Pikachu attack those Pokemon and keep them away from Riolu. Riolu reached the Growlithe and thrust his right palm forward, and sent Growlithe flying in a light yellow light.

Growlithe skidded to a stop on the ground. Ash then commanded another attack and Serena followed suit, as the first Growlithe looked over at Ash. Ash's Pokemon had knocked aside another growlithe with another strategy, and the police were starting to copy his tactics. Seeing this, Growlithe saw Ash as the bigger threat to her pack. She then got up and charged at Ash. Carefully avoiding all the police and other Pokemon Growlithe quickly moved in, only to be seen by Serena at the last second.

"ASH LOOK OUT!" Serena screamed.

Ash looked in time to see Growlithe leap at him, her mouth wide open. Ash put his arms up to block Growlithe who then bit down into Ash's right arm as she knocked him over. Growlithe released Ash's arm and again went for him again, but before she could jump at him she was hit by a rock. Growlithe looked and saw the rock was thrown by no other than Serena. Growlithe was now uncertain who to attack, Ash or Serena.

Ash saw the uncertainty in Growlithe and decided to take advantage of it. He then used his aura and reached out to Growlithe to try and convince her to stop. As Ash's eyes glowed blue, so did Growlithe's. Growlithe shook her head at first, confused as to what was happening. Growlithe could feel Ash's aura and her could feel hers. Growlithe felt his kindness and limitless love for Pokemon, showing he just wanted to protect everyone. While Ash felt Growlithe's pride, honor, loyalty to her pack, but also rage, regret, and remorse towards her actions. Growlithe then howled and took off running, as did the rest of the Growlithe as well.

The police and Pokemon cheered for there victory, as Serena ran to Ash to check on him and his injury. Ash's Pokemon noticed Serena running to him and followed suit.

"Ash your arm, it's bleeding really bad, " Serena said as she examined him.

"It's not a big deal, I'll be fine, " Ash replied casually.

"Sir your bleeding you need to be treated now. WE HAVE WOUNDED OVER HERE!" Officer Jenny yells.

Quickly a paramedic arrives and begins treating Ash's arm.

"Thank you both very much, thanks to you two those Growlithe didn't steal anything this time," Said officer Jenny.

"No problem. So what were they trying to steal?" Asked Ash.

"Not entirely sure. Part of the monastery is a museum and houses so many priceless pieces of art, " Officer Jenny explained.

"What would a pack of Pokemon want with pieces of art?" Serena thought out loud.

"That's just another question to be answered. But we'll probably find out soon. This attack here will no doubt create a public out cry to bring this all to an end. I'll probably have people lined up out of my office volunteering to help. But if you excuse me, there is still work to be done, " said officer Jenny before she walked off.

After Ash was patched up he and Serena went back to the Pokemon Center, got their Pokemon healed, and went back to bed. In their room Serena was sleeping peacefully on Ash's chest, but Ash was still awake as he tried to understand the Growlithe pack.

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The next morning after breakfast they began to leave Guadeloupe, but stopped at the police station as they saw a large number of people outside, many of them carrying guns.

"Escuse me, what's going on?" Ash asked a young man with a rifle.

"Those Growlithe went too far going after the monastery. Now it's time to deal with them once and for all, " the man replied.

"So your going to just hunt them down and kill them!?" Serena replied in a shocked tone.

The man now looked over at Serena and smirked.

"Now don't you worry your pretty little head about them. They are just a bunch of dumb Pokemon. Our history is a lot more..." the man was saying as he was reaching his hand to Serena's cheek, but was stopped by Ash grabbing his wrist.

"First, touch my girlfriend and I'll have my Pikachu light you up," Ash said in an aggressive tone as Pikachu sparked his cheeks.

Ash then released the mans arm and continued.

"Second, they aren't dumb. I saw them last night, they were organized and adapting as the situation changed, definitely not stupid. Stupid would be going after them without understanding the situation, there clearly is more going on than we realize, " Ash stated.

"Hahaha, I used to be naïve like you, but then I hit puberty and saw how the world works. Sometimes you need to break a few eggs, and in this case those eggs are Pokemon. We're at the top of the food chain, so it's time to show those pokemon their place, " the man said arrogantly.

Ash and Serena just shook their heads and walked away. As they did they man yelled out to Serena.

"Hey babe, whenever your done with that little boy and are ready for a real man come back here and I'll show you what a real man can do for you."

Ash stopped in his tracks, his face full of rage. Pikachu was sitting on his shoulder with his cheeks sparking showing that he was ready to teach that guy a lesson. Serena just grabbed Ash's hand and kissed his cheek.

"Don't worry about him, I know your more of a man than he'll ever be, " Serena said with a sweet smile.

Ash took a deep breath and calmed down. "Thanks, " Ash replied then kissed Serena on the lips.

The two then continued walking.

"We're going looking for those Growlithe aren't we?" Serena asked, even though she was confident she knew the answer.

"If they find them the Growlithe they are as good as dead. Luckily I felt one of their aura's last night, so I think with Riolu's help we can track them down before the mob, " Ash explained.

Once out of the city Ash released Fearow and Riolu.

"Alright, we are looking for the pack of Growlithe from last night and we need to find them fast, there is a group of people who appear to be set of killing the Growlithe if they find them first. I felt one of the Growlithe aura's last night, so Riolu, I want you to help me find that aura so we can track them. Fearow, I want you to scout ahead. We don't have time to waste, so if you see any impassable obstacles like a cliffs or rivers, come let us know so we can figure a way around it or find another way, " Ash explained.

With the help of Riolu, Ash was able to find the Growlithe's aura. Fearow then took off in the direction indicated by Ash as the rest of them started walking. After about thirty minutes of walking Fearow returned.

"I spotted their home, it's in an abandoned cottage a little further up. I can't see inside though without being seen, but there is smoke coming out of the chimney, and there is something clearly much newer than the cottage. I don't think the Growlithe brought it there, I think it belongs to humans, " Fearow to explained.

"Do you know what it is?" Ash asked.

"I don't know what it's called but I've seen it before. It's some kind of flying thing humans ride in at the bottom, and it's not usually very fast, " Fearow explained.

"I knew there was more going on. Those Growlithe must be owned by a trainer. And whatever you saw is probably their getaway. Very good Fearow, I want you to go back and keep an eye on them and make sure they don't escape before we get there, " Said Ash.

"Beautifly go with Fearow as back up, " Serena said as she released her flying type.

Fearow nodded and then flew off with Beautifly.

"So Ash, what's the plan?" Serena asked.

"I don't have much of a plan now. That Growlithe's aura I felt last night made me feel like they don't want to do what they're doing and are being forced. So I feel like first we need to figure out how someone if forcing them and stop it. Hopefully then the Growlithe will be on our side and that should make this all a lot easier, " Ash explained.

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Over with Fearow and Beautifly, they had just arrived at the cottage and were perched in a tree watching and waiting.

"So Fearow, I was wondering. I've noticed you don't really like Ash, so why are you listening to him so well now?" Beautifly asked.

"It's not that I don't like Ash, I don't like humans in general. Although him and your trainer appear to be better than most, " Fearow replied.

"Ok, but why are you helping without giving him trouble?" Beautifly asked.

"Like I said, I don't like humans. Ash is doing something to defy a lot of humans, so that makes this fun. Also it's for a selfless reason, so this also intrigues me about him. He truly isn't like most humans I've met, " Fearow replied.

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Ash and Serena walked a little while until they found the cottage. It was clearly old and run down with moss growing on it. They saw what Fearow was referring to by a flying device. It was a cream colored hot air balloon with some kind of design on it with some pieces pointing out. It was also fully inflated and appeared to be ready for take off. Ash immediately felt a sense of déjà vu upon seeing the balloon, but brushed it off as he didn't think it was possible.

Pikachu's ears perked and he sparked his cheeks. "Ash the Growlithe are moving around us."

Ash quickly released Riolu, Greninja, and Kingler, and Serena released Pancham, Braixen, and Sylveon. Just then the Growlithe burst out from every direction as they bore their teeth. They were clearly out numbered at least two to one. Ash then noticed the Growlithe from last night.

"Hey do you remember me? We met last night. I know you don't want to be stealing those things. We're here to help, " Ash explained as he showed her his aura to show he was sincere.

The Growlithe looked hesitant, she wanted to believe Ash, but the stakes were very high, and there was still a chance that he and Serena couldn't help.

"Well well well, if is isn't the twerp couple, " Said a voice Ash thought he was never going to have to hear again.

"No, it can't be, " Said Ash in a shocked tone.

"Well it is So prepare for trouble."

"And make it double."

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unit all people's within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extend our reach to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare for a come back fight."

"Meowth that's right"

"Wobbuffet!"

Ash and Serena looked to see none other than Team Rocket.

"What are you three doing here, your supposed to be in prison!" Ash spat with venom in his words.

"Yes, but the boss paid our bail to get us out, " Said James.

"You see with Team Rocket every individual is valuable, and we're some of the best, " Added Jessie.

"If your some of the best I don't understand why Team Rocket hasn't been stopped yet like all the other groups I took down, " Ash replied.

"HEY WHATS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!" Jessie questioned

"You three have spent the last eight years trying to steal Pikachu, and you keep failing. I've been beating you since I was ten. So tell me how it is that you are some of the best Team Rocket has to offer?" Ash replied.

"I'll have you know that we are elite members of Team Rocket. You might have been beating us but we still keep accomplishing our mission, " Jessie shot back.

"Well whatever your mission is I'll stop you, " Ash replied.

"Thats funny. With these Growlithe on our side there is nothing you can do to stop us, " James boasted.

"I was wondering, how are you controlling them?" Asked Ash.

"Simple, with this, " Meowth said as he pushed a button on a remote control.

Suddenly a cage on wheels rolled out of the cottage. Inside the cage was a very weak looking Arcanine.

"What did you do to it?!" Ash yelled as Serena gasped.

"Not much. You see we stumbled upon this pack about a week ago and saw so much potential. So we captured their leader in this cage, and have been keeping it drugged up with sedatives so it can't escape. The Growlithe listen or else we push this button and their leader floats away, " Explained Meowth as he gestured to the remote in his hand.

As if on que, Fearow swooped down and snached the romote from Meowths paws, leaving Team rocket with looks of shock and horror. He then crushed the romote in his talons, causing one of the sides of the cage to open. He and Beautifly then flew in place above the cage to protect the Arcanine. The Growlithe's saw this and now started to focus on Team Rocket.

"Nice Growlithe, let's not do anything too hasty, " Said Jessie.

The Growlithe all then fired a flamethrower at them, but Wobbufet jumped in front of them and used mirror coat, sending the attacks right back at them. All of the Growlithe were hit except for the female one Ash had met last night, who was able to dodge the blasts.

"Well we might have lost our Growlithe's but this still won't be an easy battle for you, " Said James.

"Your outnumbered either way, so just run off now, " Ash replied.

"Thats what you think. Say hello to some old friends, " said Jessie as she and James threw several Pokeballs into the air.

From Jessie's Pokeballs emerged Mimikyu, Seviper, Yanmega, Gourgeist, Frillish, and Woobat. From James's Pokeballs came Mareanie, Mime Jr, Carnivine, Inkay, Yamask, and Amoonguss. There was a little trouble at first with Mareanie and Carnivine as Mareanie tried to latch onto James's head and Carnivine looked like he was trying to eat him, resulting in them bumping into one another and ending up on the ground. They were starting to argue but James calmed them both down, stating they can fight amongst each other later.

"So who is out numbered now?" Jessie taunted as the fourteen Team Rocket Pokemon prepared to square off with Ash and Serena's nine.

"It doesn't matter how out numbered we are, we'll still beat you, " Ash replied.

Just then the female Growlithe stepped up in line with Ash and Serena's Pokemon.

"Are you wanting to fight with us Growlithe?" Ash asked hopefully.

"After all they've done to my pack its time for a little pay back, " Growlithe replied.

"Dont worry Growlithe, they'll get just what they deserve, " Ash replied. "Greninja, you ready?"

Greninja nodded.

"Alright then, LETZ GO!"

A pillar of water shot up from Greninja as he transformed, and reminded Team Rocket what was in store for them.

The battles raged on, it wasn't easy to battle with more than two Pokemon each, as Ash and Serena couldn't keep an eye on everything happening. Team Rocket, however, was doing remarkably well, with their Pokemon battling together as a team with little input from Jessie and James. Which showed that they had planned out for this battle carefully. One thing that did help was the female Growlithe attacking her own, and coordinating her attacks with Ash and Serena's commands they were giving to their Pokemon. The other Growlithe started recovering fairly quickly, but instead of helping, the female Growlithe had them protect the Arcanine instead. Despite being outnumbered, Ash and Serena's Pokemon eventually knocked out almost all of Team Rockets Pokemon.

"Ok, time for stage two, " said Meowth.

Jessie, James, Meowth, Wobbuffet, Mime Jr, Mimikyu, ran to the Meowth shaped hot air balloon and appeared to be trying to escape.

"I don't think so. Greninja water shuriken!"

"That's what you think. Mimikyu Z move time," Jessie called out.

Jessie and Mimikyu performed the synchronized poses, then Mimikyu jumped forward towards Greninja as he pulled the large water shuriken from his back, then threw it at the balloon. Mimikyu's disguise expanded, resulting in him acting as a shield, taking the hit from the water shuriken. The hit created a dust cloud as Mimikyu flew back to the balloon.

The dust cloud hid the basket on the balloon from view, so no one saw when several what looked like missiles, were fired from it. About eight missiles emerged from the dust cloud, then burst open into nets all set to capture the remaining Pokémon. Greninja was able to use night slash to cut the net coming at him and Braixen, while Sylveon used fairy wind to blow away the net coming for her and Pikachu. Fearow being a flying type was able to easily dodge, while Kingler just cut a hole in the net with his large pinser as it captured him.

Surprisingly multiple nets were going for Ash and Serena, and there was no time to dodge. Luckily for them, Riolu and the female Growlithe leaped forward into the nets, resulting in them being captured. The nets then started reeling in, dragging the two Pokémon in.

"Grrr, reload and try again," Jessie shouted.

But they didn't get a chance.  Maybe the sedatives wore off enough, or shear will power, but Arcanine stood up and got out of the cage. Then with a mighty howl from Arcanine, the Growlithe sprang into action. Immediately two of the Growlithe ran forward and used bite on the nets holding Riolu and the female Growlithe, breaking them free.

"Uh oh," the Team Rocket trio said as they saw all of the Pokémon facing them.

"PIKACHU THUNDERBOLT!" "BRAIXEN FIREBLAST!" Ash and Serena yelled.

Pikachu sparked as the powerful yellow electricity fired from his body. Braixen preformed some flips and then pointed her stick at the Team Rocket Balloon and sent off the fireblast. Meanwhile Arcanine's pupils glow orange as it's whole body becomes surrounded in a fiery aura, then opens its mouth to release a fireblast as well. The three attacks converged on the Team Rocket balloon creating a large explosion.

"We're blasting off again," Team Rocket cried as they fly out of sight.

Ash sighed. "Well there goes a journey without being bothered by Team Rocket."

"Don't worry, it'll be alright," Serena said as she gave Ash a side hug and a kiss.

Just then Arcanine collapsed to the ground. Everyone rushed over, with the Growlithe keeping a close eye on Ash, Serena, and their Pokémon.

"What's wrong, it seemed fine just a minute ago?" Asked Serena.

"I think it's the sedative Mistress Serena. Most likely it had weakened enough before that Arcanine's will was strong enough to allow it to move," Explained Riolu with his eyes glowing blue.

"Ok, so can you use your aura to heal it?" Asked Ash.

"No. If it was an actual injury yes, but Aura can not just heal the effects of things like this. However it can help the body break it down quicker, but that will take time we don't have," Riolu replied.

"What do you mean we don't have time?" Asked Ash.

"I sense multiple human auras heading this way, and from the way they feel I believe they will be hostile when they see the Growlithe," Riolu explained.

Ash then saw a confused look on Serena's face, as she was only able to get half of the conversation due to not being able to understand Pokémon. Ash then quickly explained the situation.

"Maybe we can explain it to them and they'll let the Growlithe go," Serena suggested.

Riolu shook his head. "Most of these humans have closed minds, they will not accept what you say and will continue with their plan."

Ash gave an abbreviated explanation to Serena.

"Ok so we need to get them all out of here, but how?" Ash thought out loud.

"I know, Braixen can use psychic to lift Arcanine and take him far away while the Growlithe lead the way," Serena suggested.

"Great idea Serena," Ash praised, causing Serena to blush slightly

"Riolu go with them so you can start helping as soon as they are far enough away. The rest of us will try and buy you as much time as we can," Ash added to the plan.

Everyone nodded in agreement and began to move. Braixen's eyes glowed light blue, as a blue outline formed around Arcanine and lifted it up. One of the Growlithe explained to Greninja that all the stuff they stole was in the Cottage, then left with the other Growlithe, Braixen, and Riolu then took off running into the forest. As they were leaving, the female Growlithe stopped and looked back at Ash and the others before running off to rejoin her pack.

Ash and Serena turned in the direction the people were going to come from and started waiting. It didn't take long before they heard them coming through the forest. About a minute later the group of humans entered the area.

"What are you doing here?" Asked Officer Jenny.

"We tracked down the Growlithe," Ash replied casually.

"Well where are they then?" The annoying man from before asked, a hunting rifle slung over his shoulder.

"We let them go," Serena replied just as casually.

"Why would you do that?" Asked the same man.

"Everything they were forced to steal is in that cottage," Serena said pointing to the cottage.

"As for the ones who forced the Growlithe, they got away. But they left empty handed and were sent flying when their hot air balloon blew up," Ash added.

"I'll need you to give me a description of the perpetrators, As well as a full explanation of the events that happened," stated officer Jenny.

"Wait? You're not going to arrest them?" The man asked in shock.

"Not unless I find evidence that they did something to warrant that," Officer Jenny replied.

"They let the Growlithe get away!" The man aggressively stated.

"Yes, but I can't arrest Pokémon, and if they were truly forced then they shouldn't be a problem now," Officer Jenny explained.

"We don't know that! I'm willing to bet this little punk has something to do with the thefts," The man shouted, getting almost nose to nose with Ash.

"Back off now," Ash stated in a cold tone.

"Make me," the man taunted.

Ash then shoved the man back. He then pulled the gun from his shoulder and took it out of safety. Pikachu then instinctively jumped onto Ash's shoulder sparking his cheeks.

"Ha, you think I'm scared of that electric rat," the man scoffed.

"Well you should be, he's a lot stronger than he looks. However right now you have more important things to worry about," Ash stated calmly.

"Like what?" The man asked.

"My Fearow," Ash stated with a smirk.

"Fearow?" The man repeated confused.

Just then Fearow swooped down from one of the trees, and snatched the man up with his talons.

"Ahhhh," The man yelled as he dropped his gun and was taken up into the air.

Fearow only kept him up for a few seconds, before turning around and dropping him into a bush.

Officer Jenny called of a crime scene unit to investigate the area while she collected Ash and Serena's statements. She kept the other men there, as even though she didn't know what Ash and Serena's plan was, she agreed that the Growlithe weren't a threat and should be left alone.

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After about two hours Ash and Serena were told they could leave and were thanked for their help. They proceeded to where Riolu and Braixen were, which took them about an hour, but thankfully was close to the route they were going to take. Once they arrived they saw Braixen, Riolu, and the female Growlithe.

"So how is Arcanine?" Ash asked.

"Better. He asked us to pass on his gratitude for all you both did. He would have stayed to say it himself, but felt it was best for them to leave right away," Riolu explained.

"I understand, I'm just happy we could help before those people got there," Ash replied.

Ash then looked down at the female Growlithe, who was watching him intensely.

"Hello Growlithe. So why are you still here?" Asked Ash as he crouched down.

"Your Riolu explained to me that you can understand all Pokémon. Is that true?" Growlithe asked.

"Yes it is," Ash replied.

"He also explained that your something called an Aura Guardian, and how you used your aura on me last night," Growlithe paused for a moment, then continued. "I have never met a human like you, or had anyone I felt like I could trust before like I feel I can trust you."

"Well thank you," Ash replied.

"I used to think trainers just saw Pokémon as servants or slaves, but I could see with you, that you truly love your Pokémon. So I was wondering, that is, if you don't already, would you like to have a Growlithe on your team?" Growlithe asked nervously.

"Welcome to the family," Ash replied with a smile.

Growlithe happily jumped up at Ash, knocking him over as she proceeded to lick his face.

"HaHaHaHa," Ash laughed.

Serena crouched down and smiled at Growlithe.

"It's nice to meet you Growlithe, I'm Serena," Serena said introducing herself.

Growlithe looked at Serena with a cold expression, then went back to licking Ash.

Riolu noticed this behavior and decided to look at her aura.

"Oh great," Riolu groaned sarcastically, as he put one of his hands on his temple. "This is going to be a long journey."