6. Bonds

"You're kidding me." Misty was gaping from the other side of the table, her fork frozen mid-air.

"You're telling me that Gary, THE insufferable, arrogant, biggest-stick-up-the-ass contest winner Gary Oak is your new co-pilot?"

"Yep," Ash said, popping up the "p". He was calmly digging into his breakfast while Misty was making her best performance yet as a human goldfish, with the almost equally surprised Brock next to her. Weight on the word almost.

"But-but how, what, when—? He seemed to hate even the very floor you were walking on!"

"I know, right? That's what I was thinking about, too, but he seemed all up for it," Ash explained. "And I can't deny it, we were perfectly synced together. We're drift compatible, simple as that."

"But this could be good," Brock hummed. "You can start building from a strong base. Actually, this is great! Not only you have a new partner, I happen to know he was also at the top of his class. And once you two settle your — hm, indifferences and get to know each other, you can form a strong bond."

"That's the plan," Ash said, mouth full of toast. "It's not gonna be easy, you should had seen the way he was coming after me with that pole! He was so set to busting my ass. But I guess that makes us a good match."

"Because he wants to roast your ass?" Misty sneered.

"No, because we're evenly matched. Well, almost. I can still whoop his ass if I wanted to, of course."

"Of course."

"Then you two better get to the bonding fast," Brock said. "You should move to the same room soon and—"

"Done and done. Gary's already dragging his things to my cave at this very moment we're chatting here," Ash said and slurped down the last of his porridge way too eager for someone who was moving into same space with his former nemesis.

Brock blinked. "You, uh — okay? You didn't sure waste any time," he said. "Good, then... I guess?"

"Yep. I actually gotta get there and help him set his stuff, so can't hang around here too long. Got a bond to form and quick."

"There's always rush in war and love," Misty hummed. Ash chose to gracefully ignore her.

"If you want a good bonding exercise, you could invite him to our TTG," Brock said and his eyes lit up like Christmas lights. "Maybe he could even help me prepare the meals!"

"But you never let me help you with that," Ash huffed. ("Uh, for a good reason", said Misty.) "Besides isn't there a tactical meeting set for that evening?"

"Wait, really? Oh..." As if the world had ended, Brock deflated on his seat. "But I had a new recipe from Sinnoh and everything. This can't be..." he murmured while Misty gave him a few supportive pats on the back. "The berries won't even survive ripe 'til next week. You know, this is blasphemy against culinary art."

"I'm more shocked that Ash actually remembered the meeting," Misty said with narrowed eyes. "Usually you're the one we have to remind of these things, unless there is food available."

"What, why're so surprised — I'm perfectly capable of being on the map with these things!" Ash scoffed and crossed his arms with a dramatic pout. "Maybe I have decided to become more organized person, thought about that?"

When the others merely raised their brows, Ash gave a sigh and averted his eyes to the side. "And... maybe Gary already sent me a list of things for the whole week ahead," he muttered in defeat.

"See? Your partnership is already proving effective," Brock chuckled. "I'm starting to warm up to this more and more."

"Wait, hold up! We can't just ignore what an ass he's been to Ash," Misty interjected. "Is it worth it if he mentally abuses you around the clock like that? Jokes aside, I'm kinda worried about this. He seems like an awful person, an A-class bastard."

"Thanks, but if it comes to that I will just put him back in his place," Ash smiled with confidence. "I'm not gonna put up with his shit, you know I won't. Thanks for worrying about me, though. I knew you do care."

"Besides, I doubt Gary'd keep his earlier attitude now that they're co-pilots," Brock reasoned. "If anything it seems he's driven by rational logic and thus he wouldn't sabotage something that he knew to help the project. Not sure about becoming friends, but…"

"No buts, I'm gonna prove him I'm not the idiot he makes me to be and we're gonna become best of pals! Just watch me." Ash rose his chin in determination and grabbed his tray to make his leave. "In few weeks, we can all look back and wonder why we even doubted this in the first place, you'll see."

"I wish we shared your optimism but alright, I'll believe in you," Misty sighed. "Just don't let yourself get dragged down with this, okay? Not again."

"I won't," Ash smiled and winked at his friends before leaving the table. "This is gonna be fun challenge, I already know it."

'You've gotta be kidding me.'

Ash's confidence in his bright future with Gary lasted about the time it took for him to reach their now shared room. First he assumed he had simply walked into a wrong room, until the familiar furniture gave it away. Yet it was not the room he remembered. Piles and boxes of books were greeting him, gathered on the floor and taking over the few flat surfaces. There were old worn books, thick books, shiny new books, books that seemed heavy enough to crush a stone and books that that seemed to be in entire different languages. And they were all piled up over his room.

"Oh, you're here. Good."

Well, their room, now.

"Lend me a hand, would you? I need to get these organised by tonight. I didn't realise this room is much smaller and even lacks a proper shelf but we'll manage." Gary casually dropped another box of books next to others and barely gave a look at Ash, who was rooted by the door in bewildered disbelief.

"The faster we get these sorted out, the faster I can start planning on our combat strategies and research on known kaiju behaviour data which should give us a base for counter effective models. Do you have the Charizard's combat records and ability documents here?"

"Uh, um," Ash intelligently answered.

"Ah, wait, I've got them," Gary said and dived behind another towering pile of books. As he did that, Pikachu climbed into view and quickly made his way over the boxes and books and onto Ash's shoulder. Discomfort was radiating off the small rodent, no doubt because of the chaos everywhere, few volumes even piled on top of his comfy cage.

Meanwhile, Ash finally remembered how to function. "What — what's all this?" he gasped while gesturing all over the room.

"My books," Gary nonchalantly replied as if it was most natural thing. "I need them to plan for battles. I had most of them put aside but now they'll come in handy."

"Wow, good, because I thought a library had walked in and vomited all over place," Ash said with a frown. "Why are these here? Do you eat books for living because otherwise I can't make sense to this." He eyed the books in a nearby pile, trying to comprehend what and what for they were in the first place. The intelligence and Behaviour Patterns of Kaiju, History to Jaeger Building, The Essence of the Breach… Had the entire research section of the Shatterdome taken over the room while he was away?

Gary gave a tired sigh, stood before the piles and crossed his arms with a stern look at Ash. "I already told you," he said while trying to hold on to whatever patience he had left, "that these are for the strategies. We need to be prepared for everything, and it wouldn't do any bad for you either to read one."

"But why here?! Don't you have your own secret evil lab to study in or something? How can we fit in with all this?" Ash gestured wildly. Had Gary forgotten that they needed to, you know, actually live in this room as well?

"I have always worked in my room most of the time and these are essential for strategizing. I need them, reading this many electric books from a screen just gives me a headache. This is far more efficient. Though I doubt you have even sneezed at any form of book. "

It was clear Gary's temper was running thin, and after this absurd shock Ash couldn't say he was faring any better.

"Are you crazy!? You absolutely don't need all of them, this is stupid! How can we move, or reach the screen, or go take a pee like this? Can you even get the toilet door open anymore? Wait, you probably have a book answering to that too."

"Why are you throwing a fit over this, there's plenty of room! These are simply my things I brought with me when moving in here. What, I'm just supposed to dump them elsewhere because you're allergic to books?"

Ash pinched the bridge between his eyes. "This is not how two people can live together. You can't just take over the entire place, that's not how this works! We need to have some common rules and space to ourselves, something your highness doesn't seem to understand. Have you ever even lived with other people?"

"So you mean that I should live by your rules, is that it?" Gary gave a fierce glare. "Because seems to me that you don't want anyone stepping in your space."

Ash snorted in disbelief. Oh, the nerve of this guy. "Wow, that's rich coming from you. Seems to me that you're the spoiled brat who can't part with your things even for common sense. You can't just store all your books in here, this is not your room only!"

"I told you I need them, they can help us win in the future!"

"How, by throwing them at the kaijus!? Because then in that case I'm in."

"Why are you being so difficult?"

"Because you're the one making my life difficult!"

Gary gave a frustrated growl but Ash did not waver. The air in the room was sparkling, their shouting match almost rivaling the battles between jaegers and kaijus. For several seconds they glared at each other, each thinking why the hell they even signed up for this partnership in the first place.

Then it was Gary's turn to pinch the bridge of his nose. "Fine," he finally sighed after a moment of intense silence. "I guess I can compromise. I'll move most of them back to my original room. You happy now?"

Ash blinked. Wait, what?

"Ah — yeah, sure. Uh, thanks," he said. Gary's sudden change of mind almost had him speechless; he had honestly expected them to keep bickering and shouting like stubborn mules not giving up an inch, maybe eventually stomp in different directions.

Huh, maybe there was some hope in this partnership after all.

Gary started putting some books back into the cardboard boxes around. "You're right, I didn't think this through enough and I didn't take you into account. So fine, I will back down this time, you can have your feet space."

"That's… That's good, thanks. I'm glad we understood each other," Ash said while hesitantly reached to help Gary pack some books. On his shoulder Pikachu gave an approving sound.

"I still think it'd would do more than good for you to read some for once, though."

"Hmph!"

Deep in his mind, Ash decided to give some book a try or two. Maybe.

The next two days were spent in a rather weird routine. When Ash had woken up on the first morning, blinking away his sleep and slowly getting himself back together, it had taken a moment for the memories to sink in. He had scrambled up from his bed a hurry before leaning down to check that Gary was, in fact, sleeping on the lower bunk bed. While excitement had buffed inside him like a balloon, it didn't last long as the day went on.

They had eventually headed to the cafeteria for breakfast together, but despite Ash's best efforts the conversations between them were short and to the point. Gary had run down a few exercises they should do together to strengthen their sync, while Ash's suggestions of spending time to get to know each other were met with little enthusiasm. The day followed similar pattern after that, Ash tailing Gary while the latter went through reports and re-search, until Gary eventually grew annoyed of Ash's chatter and told him to go do something useful instead. With an annoyed huff Ash had stomped away, but not before giving Gary's back the good old middle-finger.

With Charizard still in the process of getting ready, they had no choice but to wait. Apart from one combat session the two had spent most of the day separated. By the night they had eventually met in their room and gone through some plans and data, most of it going over Ash's head, before having another attempt at a civil conversation. As expected it had ended in awkward manner and the two barely changed another word before hitting the beds.

The next day hadn't been much different. It became clear rather fast that Gary preferred more practical and professional approach to their partnership, while Ash would have liked to just talk or do something fun instead. While Ash brushed Gary's reluctant nature off as a mere initial stiffness, he couldn't help the irritation whenever Gary showed disinterest in getting to know each other better.

"We will know everything about each other through the drift anyway," Gary said, "there's no need for in-depth introductions." And while Ash saw where he was coming from, he felt the other was missing something very essential.

On the third day, things finally took a turn for different. The entire Shatterdome was buzzing, the anticipated arrival of Cynthia and Dawn finally at hand. Ash wasn't any exception, jumping up and down as if a kid on Christmas while they were waiting in one the loading halls.

"Calm down, please," Gary groaned next to him. "Why are you this giddy over them, you know them personally, nothing new."

"That's exactly why!" Ash beamed. "I know firsthand how amazing they are and having them here is gonna light up this project like a… uh, a supernova! Plus, they're my friends; don't you get excited over seeing yours?"

Gary didn't reply but instead gave a tired sigh and averted his eyes to the mob that had started gathering close to the entrance. Well, in today's world pilots were close to rockstars, he thought to himself. There was certainly enthusiastic electricity in the air, people waiting for the big names to walz in through the door. Gary hoped the notepads (for signatures, no doubt) he had seen glimpses of had only been his imagination.

"All this ruckus only for another set of pilots," he said, and regretted it right that instant as Ash swirled around to glare at him. Oh, brother.

"Uh, excuse me?" Ash huffed dramatically and held his hands on his hips. "Only other pilots? Okay — wow — these are Cynthia and Dawn, from Sinnoh. The iron duo! Giratina's pilots! The unbreakable wall! The — you can't possibly brush them off as just another set of pilots."

"Alright, I know—"

"They've defended the Sinnoh coastline for the past few years, never letting any monster through. They're, like, super top class."

"I know—"

"Cynthia holds the Sinnoh's Kaiju killing record! She just got an honorary medal for it."

"I know!" Gary threw his hands in the air. "Gods, keep your pants clean, I get it! They're amazing, I take your word for it."

"As a studied genius you should know all this already," Ash furrowed his brows. "Just what rock have you been living under?"

"The one I'm greatly missing already."

Fortunately for Gary, it didn't take long before the great doors slide aside with a deep rumble. A pour of rain was ramming the ground outside and a small group of people could be seen stepping in, while a helicopter made its leave in the background.

A united gasp breached the hall air and people started carefully crowding on the sides to get a closer look, excited whispers stirring up again. Gary half-expected Ash to elbow his way to the front lines but the other man waited surprisingly patient as the guests made their way further into the hall.

"There they are," Ash breathed and pointed at them. Even if he hadn't, Gary had no trouble recognizing the people the entire Shatterdome had been longing for.

Cynthia was a tall, proud figure. Her bright blond hair was cut into middle-length curves and covering one of her eyes, and she wore a serene expression as he was discussing with Professor Oak, who had personally gone to greet them outside. Next to her was Dawn, shorter yet enthusiastic girl with a dark blue hair making her a striking contrast to Cynthia. She had an easy-going smile and was waving to the people on the sides, as if she was truly happy to have finally arrived here. Distantly, she reminded him of Ash, Gary realised.

"Dawn! Dawn, over here!" Ash yelled and waved frantically at the guests. It only took split second for the girl to spot him, a huge smile spreading on her face as she waved back and broke into a run towards them. Ash didn't waste time but sprinted to meet her middle-way, their hands meeting in a high-five that then evolved naturally into a tight hug.

"Ash! Finally, it's been too long," Dawn squealed. "You can't believe how happy I was to hear you're here too! It's been, what? Two years?"

"Give or take, yeah," Ash grinned back at her. "Been a bit busy scrubbing others' armors clean for the past year. How about you, still enjoying the beach?"

"You know it, it felt way too good to get away from coach patrols for once," Dawn sighed and rolled her eyes in a dramatic fashion. "The higher ups were at us like hawks, trying every little loophole they found to keep us there. But after hearing you were going to be here, I wasn't going to miss this trip, no way!"

"You make it sound like you came all the way here just for me, I'm touched," Ash joked while rubbing his neck, giving away his embarrassment. "But I'm glad you two made it here, Dawn. Did I mention you look great? Years sure have been kind to you."

"I could say the same for you," another voice cut in as the other woman walked next to them. "Sometimes I wonder if you ever age at all."

"Hello to you too, Cynthia," Ash said with a warm grin. "I'm taking that as a compliment, by the way. Or are you still calling me a kid?"

"Perhaps," Cynthia smiled. She had dressed rather laid back, but there was still an intense aura around her. One look and you knew there was no messing with this person; there was barely anyone among Defence Corps who hadn't heard of her.

"Congratulations on the honorary award too! No one's gonna get even close to your kill record anytime soon," Ash shoot out his hand for a shake. "I bet the Kaijus are quivering in their pants right now."

"Well, as flattering such things can be, they're meaningless if you can't live up to them," Cynthia said while taking his hand. "I still have a job to do. I feel no different than ten kills earlier or ten kills after in future. If anything, I hope it will motivate the cadets to do their best, too."

"Wow, can you not be inspirational for like one minute," Ash chuckled. "Modest and strong, you're like the perfect pilot for the companies to go after."

"Oh, I don't know about modest," Dawn said with a wink.

"I do take pride in my work, yes," Cynthia cracked a lopsided smile. "Who knows, maybe under all this pep talk I just want another shiny trophy for my shelf. They do say appetite grows while eating."

Meanwhile, Professor Oak had finally caught up to them. "I see you didn't waste time loitering around, good," he said. "Now we're all gathered here, then. Maybe finally we can get this project going for real."

"Yeah, did you see the jaegers already? How's Giratina? Oh, you're not gonna believe this, I got back to Charizard! With new colors!" Ash kept gushing in his excitement. "He looks gorgeous, I haven't got to any test runs yet but—"

"Hey, woah, hold your marbles!" Dawn giggled. "Slow down, alright? Giratina is fine, and yes, we did get the memo about you and Charizard. That's awesome, by the way! Congrats!"

"Yes, we did get to read about it on our flight here. To be honest I'm actually more interested in getting to know your new partner here," Cynthia said while nodding at direction behind Ash. "I assume that's him."

"Oh, right!" Ash gasped and swirled around, only now remembering his partner. Gary had been patiently waiting behind him on the side, and based on the slight irritation in his eyes he wasn't thrilled about Ash completely forgetting his existence.

"Yeah, this is my new partner. Gary Oak, at your service," Ash smiled and gestured at the brunet who gave a polite bow.

"Pleased to meet you, Gary!" Dawn politely waved at him. "Hopefully Ash hasn't managed to scare you off the project already, he can have that effect at first."

"The pleasure's mine." Gary nodded. "It's an honor to meet such strong pilots as you, I've heard many great tales of your heroics at the Sinnoh coast."

"Thank you. Professor Oak in turn has spoken fondly of you, too," Cynthia said with an approving nod. Next to her, Professor Oak was smiling proudly. "I heard your record from the simulators, impressive."

"Thank you."

"Yup, that's Gary, our prodigy." Ash almost threw his arm over Gary's shoulders, before quickly deciding against it. "With him and his army of books added to our team, the kaijus can start packing already."

"Speaking of team, where are Brock and Misty? Aren't they here, too?" Dawn said while trying to get a look around.

"They're right at—" Professor Oak started, but was almost immediately cut off by excited Ash.

"Right! They're waiting at the hall down the corridor, ready to take you to your rooms. We already gathered as many snacks as we could find, and Brock is going to make some passho berry smoothies. You're gonna love it! We have so much catching up to do, don't expect to get much sleep tonight."

"Then lead the way, captain!" Dawn said and sprinted down the hall with Ash, leaving the other three behind.

"Such energy. Oh, to be young again," Professor Oak chuckled. "Right then, shall we see to the bridge and meet the others?" He turned to Cynthia, who hadn't shown any interest in running after the other two. Gary felt a bang of appreciation at that.

"Yes, thank you. I'd also like to take a look at Lance's files, if I may," Cynthia said.

"Of course. This way," Professor Oak gestured at the corridor and let Cynthia take the lead.

As they made their way towards the bridge, with Gary in tow, a hopeful atmosphere cautiously took over the hall. It started making its way to every corner of the Shatterdome, carried by the whispers of the people and growing stronger with each optimistic smile. With the strongest pilots in town, they now stood a chance.

Maybe, just maybe this was going to turn right after all.

"You're joking," Ash said with a serious face.

"No, I'm not!" Dawn cackled. "He ran right into the pole, falling flat on his stomach! Just when I thought about taking the boardmen away, trying to save whatever pride he had left, he then got up and…" She straightened up and made her best Kenny impression. "He said: "hopefully you'll consider a medal, gentlemen, for taking that hit for you.""

Both Misty and Ash were howling with laughter, while Brock was serving the last of the smoothies to the group. It had been hours since Dawn and Cynthia's arrival, but no one had exactly bothered to keep up with the time. Darkness had already fallen over the sea outside while the group had been catching up together. They were holed up in Misty and Brock's room, spread all over the floor with pillows and blankets and making themselves comfortable. Pikachu was sleeping on Ash's lap, all but used to the ruckus around him.

"I gotta admit, my respect for him skyrocketed after that," Dawn laughed. "He kept his composure even after making an utter fool of himself before the higher ups."

"That sounds like Kenny, alright," Ash wiped his eyes. "I bet he yelled at his pillow afterwards."

"I have no doubts he did! Now, enough of Kenny, and more about your new co-pilot," Dawn said as she took the smoothie Brock was offering her. "I noticed your partner didn't follow us here. He's not into pyjama parties much?"

"I don't think he's into anything," Misty huffed.

"Isn't he part of your little team now?"

"Beats me," Ash frowned. "I've tried my best to get to know him, but all he ever talks about are strategies, theories and practical shit. I've known him over a week now and have barely seen him crack a smile."

"Ouch, sounds like you've got yourself a moper," Dawn said. "But maybe he just takes time to warm up, it's only been a week."

"That's what I've been telling myself, but sometimes I get the feeling he doesn't even really want to be here. Every time I try to talk about the Jaeger experiences, he gets this annoyed look and takes distant attitude."

"Maybe he's got his own ghosts to carry and tries to hide it. Or maybe he's actually insecure?"

"Whatever it is, I hope it'll work out. I want this to work out, I really do, for both of our sakes."

"See, I told you Ash has been sounding awfully mature lately," Misty smirked. Ash gave a slight shove at her and reached for his smoothie on the side.

"Dawn might be onto something," Brock said. "We know Gary's parents died years ago, it might have something to do with this war—"

"Wait, they did?" Ash stared at Brock, his hand frozen in mid-air. Silence fell over the room.

"Yes, you… you didn't know?" Brock looked hesitant, like he wondered if he should have revealed anything at all. "It's just something Professor Oak mentioned to me months ago, I don't know any further details."

Ash blinked and let his gaze fall down to his lap. "He never said anything to me… Why would he— Wait, do you think it's got something to do with the Kaijus? Did they kill his family?"

Dawn gasped. "That would make sense! Why else would he act so secretive?"

"Hey, I don't know for sure!" Brock held his hands up. "But… Maybe, just maybe, Gary thinks of this as his personal vengeance trip and wants to keep it to himself. That would explain why he seems so serious about all this and gets distant when it comes to Jaegers. He tries to keep his personal feelings at bay and focus on the task."

"I bet inside, he's just burning with revenge and wants to hide it!" Dawn said, seemingly far too excited over the theory. "And that's why he's trying to keep distance to you, Ash, to not let anyone get mixed in his personal vengeance."

Ash's eyes sparked up as well. "You think so?"

"Woah, hey, hold up! Let's not get over our heads," Misty cut in. "You're letting your imagination run wild, we don't know anything for sure unless we either ask Professor Oak or Gary himself. Let's not jump to conclusions and do something foolish."

"Like what, actually trying to understand him?" Ash huffed.

"Like you going to bawl your eyes out at Gary over his dead parents and his supposed personal vengeance," Misty snapped back. "You might harm your bond before it's even fully formed! His parents might be a touchy topic for him, don't go poking at it until he wants to talk about it himself."

"Misty is right," a sheepish Brock said. "It's no good thinking too much into it. His parents might have nothing to do with his motives at all."

"But it sure would seem romantic," Dawn muttered. "You're right, though. We all have our own ghosts to carry."

"I just want him to understand that we're a team," Ash sighed. "That he can confide in me, we're co-pilots after all. Everything will be revealed in the Drift anyway so why not talk it out before that."

"Trust me, some people want to leave it to the machines than let it out themselves," Brock said.

Silence fell over them once more, as each of them mulled over the topic. Then Misty clapped her hands together, snapping everyone out of their trance as she turned to Dawn.

"So, got another notch to the belt, huh? We saw your last fight on tv few weeks ago. Cat 4, right?"

"Oh, yeah. It was a fast one, but we managed to predict its movements enough to blast it back to space. You know what they named it? Slitherscale," Dawn giggled. "Because it was one slippery bastard."

"Do you think the Kaiju have any names for us?" Ash pondered. "Like, in their monster war meetings, do they refer to us with code names? Oh, Giratina could be "Gleaming Shiver", because they feel shivers when they see it approach. Or "Black Devil", since—"

"What did you and Cynthia think of the monster?" Misty continued, ignoring Ash's ramblings.

"Hm, not going to lie, it was worrisome," Dawn frowned. "Cynthia said the Kaiju had advanced in mass building and speed, we had never seen one that fast before. It reached the coast in record time."

"Yes, there were experts all over news talking about it," Brock said. "They theorize that the Kaiju somehow are able to send information back to their base, progress the information from their losses. They are clearly trying different approaches, which suggests intelligence at work. They're not just random rampaging monsters coming through."

"That's what Cynthia thought, too. She said it's possible for them to evolve faster than us and eventually overpower Jaegers."

"Wait, now that's bit gloomy," Ash poked in. "We have the most advanced technology and they're constantly developing new types of Jaegers too. How could big ass monsters out run us?"

"Because Jaegers take lot of time and resources to develop and construct," Brock explained. "It's simply not possible to immediately build a Jaeger to counter any new Kaiju type they happen to throw at us. If anything, most of the Jaegers are already old and outdated."

Ash flopped down onto his pillow. "Damn it, don't make it sound that hopeless. We have managed well so far."

"And hopefully we will continue do so," Dawn said and slurped her smoothie. "Don't worry, Ash, even with our old grandma Jaegers we shall beat them back to where they came from. You have my professional ranger word!"

"Yeah, that's the attitude I can share! I don't want to think this war's already lost."

"Nobody said anything like that," Misty chuckled and stretched her arms behind her back with a long, satisfying move. "We simply just have to keep evolving for better, too. Now, excuse me but it's time for me to head to bed and charge up."

"Boo, it's not even midnight yet," Ash pouted at her.

"Unlike you, I actually want to get up early and be effective," Misty said as she rose up from their pillow fort. "Are you guys free after breakfast tomorrow? I'd like to do some shared exercises."

"I'm in!" Dawn's hand shot up. "I'll be sure to drag Cynthia along too."

"Aren't they gonna keep her locked up on the commanding bridge now that she's in charge?" Ash mused.

"Hah, they can try. She's not gonna bury herself under reports when there's exercise at offer. She's still a ranger before all."

"Good, because I wanna finally kick her ass in combat."

"Keep dreaming, Ketchum, keep dreaming…"

"You should bring Gary too," Brock said while cleaning up their pillows and empty smoothie glasses. "He's part of our group now."

"Of course I will, if he's not literally buried under reports. That guy doesn't know when to quit."

"Sounds like someone else I know," Dawn smirked and with her pillow in arms skipped through the door to the corridor. Ash follower her with a sleepy Pikachu hanging on his shoulder.

"Alright, good dreams everyone" Misty said and waved at them from the door. "May this be the start of our victorious era together."

"As if there's any doubt," Ash winked. They bid their goodnights, Ash and Dawn then heading towards their own rooms further away.

"It's so good to have everyone back together again," Dawn sighed with a smile. "This is going to turn out great, I can feel it."

"Yeah," Ash nodded with a matching grin as they continued their way down in the dimly lit corridor. "I can't wait to get started."

AN: I am sorry for the long wait! For some reason this chapter was really difficult to write, many times I found myself not knowing what to write next. It's also shorter than previous one, but at this point I decided it's better to cut it there and post it than wait even further. Hopefully next chapter comes to me easier! Now can finally get to the good stuff~

The title is refering to all the bonds in the chapter, from Ash and Gary's awkward one to the deep bond Ash has with Dawn (and Cynthia). Also, are the others in the team right with their theories about Gary's Tragic Anime Past? Well, we'll see... ;)