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Contains some Pearlshipping

Ash was about to fight in the sixth round of the Sinnoh League, in order to join the Top 8. He was feeling pretty confident about himself, especially after he defeated Conway and his Trick Room team using Torterra. In the first round, Ash had defeated Nando in a close match between his Staraptor and Nando's Roserade. Barry was eliminated by Paul three rounds ago, in a devastating loss, with Barry only managing to defeat Magmortar. Barry did, however, decide to stay and watch the rest of the league.

"This year I'm going all the way!" exclaimed Ash to his friends as they waited for the next matchups to be posted in a few minutes.

"Well, it's good to know you're so pumped! By the way Ash, how far have you gotten in your other Leagues?"

"I've gotten to the Top 8 twice, but never anything beyond that. That's all gonna change, though Dawn. I mean, how I can not win when you, Piplup and Pikachu are cheering me on like that!"

"I'd do anything to see Ash win the League!" Dawn proudly declared, holding her hands behind her head.

"Bold statement there, Dawn!" a voice called out from behind them. Ash, Dawn and Brock turned to see Lyra and Khoury, waving towards them.

"Lyra and Khoury! What a surprise!" said Ash, astounded by their attendance at the Sinnoh League.

"We decided to take a break and come over to the Sinnoh League, to watch you battle!" Lyra and Khoury were both very perky and happy to be with the gang again.

"Cool! So, how many badges do you have Lyra?"

"I got six, but the Silver Conference is months away."

"Ya know, I once made it to the Top 8 of the Silver Conference." Ash was feeling proud, even crossing his arms and raising his chin.

"Wow that sounds incredible! It must've been really hard!" exclaimed Khoury in amazement! Lyra also seemed impressed.

"Look! The matchups are being posted now!" shouted Brock to get the group's attention.

The big plasma screen at the Pokémon Center started randomizing matchups, as everyone in the lobby looked. Ash was matched up with a man, who looked like he was in his early-twenties. The man was someone he had never seen before. He and his friends paused and looked around, hoping to see the mystery man.

"ASH!" called another voice. It was Barry. "It looks like you're paired up with the famous Legendary Trainer."

"Legendary trainer?" asked Ash, with a puzzled look.

" I haven't seen any of his battles, but I've heard that he has completely destroyed his opponents so far. I also heard that his name's Red."

"He doesn't sound so tough!" shouted Dawn. "Ash, what's the matter? You look, worried."

Ash was looking up, deep in thought. "Red. That sounds familiar… Well, whatever. It's probably just a trainer I met somewhere…"

Ash shrugged it off, and the gang decided to call it a day, and return to their rooms.

In the middle of the night, Ash jumped from his bed and went outside careful as to not wake Pikachu or any of his friends. The first thing Ash did was look up at the moon. He started to think about his future, where to go after the Sinnoh League. He thought about the Sinnoh Battle Frontier, and how battling Palmer sounded like fun. But then he thought about how there were no more contests left for Dawn. She woke up, rubbing her eyes and walked towards Ash.

"Can't sleep, heh? You need rest Ash."

"I've been thinking. Where do we go after this?"

"Well, what about the Isshu region."

"Isshu region?" Ash was confused. He'd never heard of the region before. Dawn took this as a hint and went to look for something in her bag. She came up with a magazine.

"Yes! The Isshu region! It's said to be the most hi-tech in all the world!" She showed Ash the magazine cover, which consisted of a map of a region which Ash assumed was the Isshu region. Dawn then started flipping through pages.

"Ok, but why there? Is it far away?"

"No, it's just west of Sinnoh. It's the Contest Center of the world! They also have a Pokémon League! "

"Pokémon League, and contests too! That sounds perfect!" he thought. Dawn had found the perfect solution, which means that they would be on another journey together.

"Sounds great! Sign me up, Dawn!"

"Thought you'd say that! Both you and I get to follow our dreams, but that's not the best part."

"Then what is the best part, Dawn?"

Dawn moved closer to him, and put her hand atop his, resting on the railings of the balcony. Ash noticed this, and began to blush.

"That we get to spend more time together..."

Ash jumped back, surprised by Dawn's actions.

"Yeah...that...sounds...great." said Ash nervously.

Dawn heard nothing of what Ash just said.

"Just kiss me already Ash!" She leaned in, and without second thought, Ash went along with it.

Meanwhile, Lyra was watching from a nearby balcony, giggling. "Took 'em long enough." she whispered.

Pikachu and Piplup were also silently gazing at the two lovers, with eyes bright and smiles wide.

NEXT DAY

After having breakfast, Ash raced off to the Stadium. He already knew the Pokémon he was going to choose. By the time he got there, a crowd was already sitting on the stands. Brock wished Ash good luck, and headed for the stands, next to Khoury, Lyra and Barry. Paul was sitting on a higher row, complete with his trademark frown. Dawn stayed behind, still with Ash.

"Do your best! I'm sure you can win! Remember, I'll be cheering."

"With you cheering me on, there's no way to lose!"

As Dawn and Ash were about to high-five, Professor Oak and Delia, Ash's mom, run to them.

"Honey! Sorry we're late, but we just missed the last boat, and they only come here every 2 days! I told Professor Oak to hurry, but he just wouldn't stop working on his research."z

"Nah mom, it's ok! Thanks for coming!"

"We've come to wish you the best of luck!" Oak was still a little embarrassed by what Delia said.

"So this is Dawn... Oh you two look so cute together!" She happily declared.

"Mom!" shouted Ash as Dawn and he blushed slightly.

"Nice to see you in person Ms. Ketchum."

The speakers then started on "The sixth round of the Sinnoh League will begin shortly!"

"That's our call Delia." said Prof. Oak as he and Ash's mom walked to the stands.

"Good luck Ash!" shouted Dawn one last time before heading off to join Brock and the others.

The mystery trainer rose to the platform, with a red jacket over his white short, and jeans to match. His face was covered by the shadow of his hat.

Then, Barry's enormous ego could be heard "I'll fine you if you lose, Ash Ketchum!"

Ash clenched the pokeball he had in his hand, knowing that all his friends were watching this match, since they all called to congratulate him after yesterday's win, which all of them watched. Tracey and Gary were back at oak' lab with the few Pokémon who Ash decided not to use in the league. Misty was watching it with her sisters and gym challengers at the Cerulean City Gym. May was with Drew, Harley and Soledad watching from a local Pokémon center and Max was watching with his parents at their house. Kenny was also at a Pokémon center with Zoey, watching the match.

The MC started to speak.

"On the right side, we have Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, located on the faraway region of Kanto. On the left, we have Red Ketchum also known as the Prince of Johto! Looks like sibling rivalry for this one!"

"What!" shouted Ash along with all his friends, both present and not present at the stadium. The only people who didn't seem surprised were Delia and Professor Oak.

"So the boy's alive after all." said Oak, looking down and crossing his arms.

Ash looked back at his mother. "Mom, who's he?"

"He's...your brother. Red Ketchum. He went on his adventure when you were just a baby, so you don't remember much of him. Apparently he's been in Johto and then Sinnoh... Truth is, we lost contact with him a year after his adventure started, and all attempts to find him have failed... We preferred not to tell you till you were a little older."

Ash then looked worried, and turned to Red. Red raised his head, and let out a wide grin.

"Long time no see Mom and Oak! Sorry, but I had to stay incognito, in order to find Him..."

"Who's him?" demanded Ash.

"Dad, of course. Mom would never let me try to find him, so that's why I went into hiding. Meanwhile, I decided to enter Pokémon Leagues in order to follow my true dream, Pokémon Master. After Kanto, I went to Johto and won the league. I have a house in Johto, and there I visit the League as well as other festivals. That's why everybody calls me Prince of Johto, 'cause I never lose there."

"You actually won the Silver Conference!" shouted Ash, as his tone changed from angry to excited.

"Yes Ash. I also traveled to Hoenn, Isshu and now, Sinnoh. During my lengthy adventure, I also solved the case of the missing Mr. Ketchum."

"Tell me now!" said Ash and Delia in unison, both standing up and angry, demanding an answer.

"Hush, I'll talk once you beat me here and now!"

The speaker started again.

"The stakes are high now, folks! Who will win this sibling battle where more than just the League is at hand!"

The referee signaled that the rules were: 6 Pokémon, substitutions allowed and no terrain change. A short break will be had after one contestant loses three Pokémon.

Red started out with Alakazam, and Ash decided to go with Snorlax, having already checked beforehand that he was well rested and fed.

Red called out for Alakazam to use Reflect. "Reflect eh? Use Body Slam!" Snorlax used Body Slam, but it did not do as much damage with Reflect up. "Alakazam, Psycho Cut now!" "Snorlax, Ice Punch!" cried out both trainers. The two moves collided, and both Pokémon were sent flying. Ice Punch didn't do nearly as much damage as he wanted, but Reflect wore off afterwards. Psycho Cut didn't do much to Snorlax though.

Red called out for Thunder Wave, and Alakazam effectively paralyzed Snorlax. "Snorlax break free! " While Ash's Pokemon desperately tried to break free from paralyze, Alakazam used Recovery.

Snorlax broke free and used Headbutt. He hit Alakazam as he was finished with Recovery. Alakazam was knocked back, and while used Psychic to throw Snorlax away. "Alakazam. I know you're exhausted, but use one final Rain Dance!"

Alakazam danced around, while Snorlax was trying to stand up. After Rain Dance was finished, Alakazam fell, exhausted. Snorlax had beaten Alakazam.

"Very good Ash, but you can't beat my Blastoise now!"

"So Alakazam was setting up for Blastoise."

Blastoise came out, looking ready for battle.

"In this case, come back Snorlax."

Ash thanked him, then sent out Torterra.

"Leaf Storm Torterra!"

"Counter with Rapid Spin!" shouted Red. The attack made all the leaves disperse, meaning that Ash's attack failed. "Now it's my turn" Blastoise went running over to Torterra with his hand ready to use Brick Break. "Torterra, use Energy Ball!" Energy ball released but Blastoise dodged it, then striking with Brick Break. Torterra shrugged it off.

"Rock Climb!" A rock rose under Blastoise's feet, then Torterra was rushing towards Red's Pokémon. "Stand your ground" called Red. When Torterra was about to hit Blastoise, he used Hydro Pump, sending Torterra smashing into the ground below. The power of the Hydro Pump was strengthened by the Rain Dance used by Alakazam. Torterra was knocked out.

"It's now or never, Snorlax!" Ash decoded to play his Snorlax again. Red told his Blastoise to use Hydro Pump. Snorlax used Body Slam directly into the Hydro Pump, thinking that the attack could counter Red's. Everyone was amazed, as Snorlax managed to hit Blastoise, but not without hurting itself too. After the Body Slam, Snorlax seemed tired and worn out. Rain dance was still in effect, so that water attack dealt massive damage.

"Ice Punch, Snorlax!" Ash could see that his Snorlax was tired, but Blastoise had gotten paralyzed from the big Pokémon's attack. Red countered with Brick Break. When the two attacks collided, the stadium blasted. After the smoke cleared, Snorlax had fainted, and Blastoise was standing up, but looking tired. Blastoise had given Red a 2-1 lead over Ash.

Ash signaled to Pikachu to beat Red's seemingly indestructible Shellfish Pokémon. Rain Dance had worn off, so Hydro Pump was less effective. He also knew that Rain Dance could have increased Thunder's power.

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" Ash called out to his friend. Red ordered his Pokémon to dodge, but to no avail as Blastoise was paralyzed by Body Slam. Thunderbolt scored a direct hit, and Blastoise couldn't take it. Both trainers were now down 2 Pokémon each.

"Breloom, go!" screamed Red as his Breloom came out. Ash told Pikachu to come back, and he chose Infernape. "Ok Infernape, I want you to give it all you got!" Infernape happily agreed.

"Seed Bomb, Breloom!" Breloom then launched various seeds that Infernape dodged. They exploded once they hit the ground. "Ok, now use Flame Wheel!" called Ash to infernape. The Flame Pokemon was covered by a huge ball of flame, and he headed straight to Breloom. Red, knowing that Infernape was too close for his slow Breloom to dodge, he decided to use Giga Impact. When the two attacks collided, Infernape was sent flying back, while Breloom barely manages to stand up. Ash tells his Infernape to finish it with Flamethrower.

This time, Breloom is at a longer distance than from before. Red told Breloom to dodge, then use Mach Punch. Ash tells his Infernape to do the same. The two fists collide, but Infernape manages to win. Red, surprised at his brother's power and skill, walks off for the break.

After Ash recalls his Infernape, he heads over to his mom, with all his friends besides him. Ash clenched his fist, then asks. "Why do I find about my brother now?"

"Ash, this is the first time I saw your brother since he left. He never told me... or anybody. He turned nine , but even a year away from his adventure he never showed interest in becoming a trainer. One morning I wake up, while you were still just a year old, and I find out that one of Prof. Oak's starter Pokémon was stolen, and Red was nowhere to be seen. The police looked and looked, but he was never found..."

"One more thing Ash," Prof. Oak seemed mad, as if he was finally able to see the thief in person. "Red probably has something big planned up. DO NOT, under any circumstance, do you let your guard down. We all want to know where your father is, and there's no way to get him to tell us unless you beat him"

"I got it Prof. Oak, but why doesn't the police just arrest them?"

"The Sinnoh Police cannot intervene, since this is not their case. Now, whether Kanto wants to get into this or not, I don't know for sure."

Ash sighed, then stepped back into the arena, ready for Red. Ash has never wanted to win as bad as he wants to win now.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket was selling food to the seated people, discussing the battle and whether or not Red will reveal the "twerp's dad".

In his head, Ash was cooking up a new strategy. Red knew who two of his 4 Pokémon were, so he had to be careful.

The MC announced the end of the break, and Red stood on the arena. Ash threw out Corpfish, while Red used Dusknoir.

"Corpfish, use Crabhammer!" Corpfish raced to attack Dusknoir.

Red let out a grin, then called to Dusknoir. "Giga Impact."

As the two were about to collide, Brock remarked how this means trouble for Corpfish.

"Dodge then use Bubblebeam Corpfish!" But Ash called too late, as the Giga Impact made contact with Corpfish, resulting in a one-hit KO.

Ash returned Corpfish, then held his Pokeball tightly, grinding his teeth. Both Red and Ash were down three Pokémon, but Red had the advantage. He knew 2 of Ash's 3 remaining Pokémon, while Ash had only seen Dusknoir.

Ash decided to go with his last unknown Pokémon, Glalie. He knew it was risky, but decided to sit Pikachu and Infernape down.

"Glalie, use Ice Beam!"

"Same for you, Dusknoir!"

The two Ice Beams collided, but Glalie was able to overpower Dusknoir and send him flying back.

"Dusknoir, use Focus Blast!"

Before the focus blast hit, Glalie used Double team, causing Dusknoir to miss.

Before Ash could call an attack, Glalie sent out a massive wave of ice, causing everything around him to be quickly engulfed in ice.

"That's Sheer Cold!" shouted Brock, with everyone in the stadium, including Ash, standing in amazement.

"Sheer Cold? Cool!" remarked Ash.

Soon, Dusknoir was frozen, causing Red to lose this matchup. He returned Dusknoir when Glalie stopped Sheer Cold. Ash went over to congratulate Glalie on his new move.

Red threw out his Wobbuffet, his fifth Pokemon. It had lipstick surrounding its mouth, which meant it was female. Jessie's Wobbuffet came out of its Pokeball to see the battle.

Ash the stood motionless, thinking. This was going to be tough. As long as Red could predict his moves, Wobbuffet would be nearly impossible to defeat.

Ash decided to recall Glalie and use Infernape.

Infernape used Flamethrower, while Red told Wobbuffet to use Mirror Coat. The attack hit Red's Pokémon, but he sent Flamethrower back at Infernape at twice the power.

"Infernape, no!" Cried Ash, as his Pokémon struggled to get back up. Just then, Wobbuffet used Encore.

The Patient Pokémon started dancing around, quietly hypnotizing Infernape into using Flamethrower. Ash tried to return Infernape, but Wobu's Shadow tag prevented him from doing so.

After deflecting another Flamethrower, Infernape was out of the battle.

The score had evened up with each trainer only having 2 Pokémon remaining.

Ash decided it was time to send out Pikachu, as Wobbuffet must have been tired from taking those two Flamethrowers.

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt to finish this!" Ash was determined to win more than ever.

Red let out a big grin, and started to laugh. "Mirror Coat...on Ash!" he shouted.

And so, Wobbuffet bounced the thunderbolt back at Ash, hitting him with twice the power it hit Red's Pokémon. Ash was sent flying back by the power of the super-charged thunderbolt, and hit the side wall.

"ASH!" Cried out Dawn as she rose from her seat. Her friends and Prof. Oak had a similar response, but they didn't express as much concern as Dawn. Delia, meanwhile, whispered to herself "I knew this would happen..."

While everyone was confused, Officer Jenny started to run to the stadium. "Salamence, Flamethrower around the stadium."

Red threw his Salamence out, and it started to cover the Arena with flames, so that no one gets in or out.

"Red...why?" Said Ash, struggling to stand up.

"Salamence, Double Edge at Ash."

When Ash finally found balance, he sent out Glalie.

"Use Ice Beam, Glalie! Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"

Red told Salamence to stop his attack and use Flamethrower on both Glalie and Pikachu.

Thunderbolt hit Salamence, but Flamethrower hit both Glalie and Pikachu, ending Glalie's attack.

On the outside, Dawn had Piplup frantically firing Bubblebeam to stop the flames. However, the flames proved too strong and Bubblebeam had no effect.

"Now that I have your attention." Red told Ash. "You really want to know the whereabouts of our father, the man you idolize so much?

"Right now, it isn't the first thing on my head..."

"Well, I won't tell you anyway. That is, unless you defeat me. But judging by how you and your Pokémon look, I'd say that victory is mine."

Ash looked around, panting. Red was right. Glalie had been knocked out by the Flamethrower and Pikachu was hit hard too. Outside, he could hear everyone trying their best to put out the flames. Dawn's Piplup, Barry's Empoleon and Khoury's Croconaw were all using Hydro Pump on the flames, but it never worked. Even when they managed to diminish the flames, Red ordered Salamence to use Flamethrower again.

While Red was busy looking at Ash struggle to stand, Ash looked up at Dawn's Togekiss. She was using Sky Attack straight at Salamence. "Dragon Claw" shouted Red at Salamence, who then started attacking Togekiss. ash saw this as an opportunity, and called out to Khoury.

"Khoury!"

"Ash?" answered Khoury back.

"Can Croconaw use Rain Dance?"

"Yeah! Croconaw, use Rain Dance!"

"What? No!" shouted Red, burning with rage.

Ash's eyes shifted over to the battle between Togekiss and Salamence. Red's Pokémon had just succesfully swatted Togekiss away.

"Don't just stand around, fly up and attack Croconaw!"

"Too late..." Ash smiled as he pointed up. The clouds began to darken above the stadium. Rain started pouring down, eliminating the flames.

"Now Pikachu, Thunder into the sky!" shouted Ash.

Everyone's attention turned towards the stadium, now visible to everyone. Pikachu's Thunder was powered up by Rain Dance. It shot down on red and his Pokémon at full power.

When the smoke cleared, Red was holding his injured arm, but both Wobbuffet and Salamence were knocked out.

Everyone in the stadium was applauding, even Paul was impressed.

Ash walked up to Red, now being handcuffed by Officer Jenny. "Looks like I won, Red."

"I guess you're right. Fine then, here it goes" The whole stadium was in dead silence. even Team Rocket, who could never manage to keep their mouths shut, were watching. Everyone wanted to know the answer.

"Our father is Giovanni Ketchum, leader of Team Rocket."

Most of the people began talking between themselves, because they did not know who Team Rocket were. Dawn and the rest were in complete shock and confused, because she did not know who Giovanni was.

"Gary told us about him, and how he was once the Viridian Gym leader. However, when Ash challenged the Viridian Gym, it was Jessie from Team Rocket who was the leader."

"So wait, there are more people on Team Rocket than those 3 that follow us?" asked Dawn. "Yeah, there's a whole organization of them. We just get the weakest link to follow us." joked Brock.

A few feet away from them were Jessie, James and Meowth.

"So then, the head twerp's dad is our boss?" asked James in confusion.

"I swear this show gets weirder every season."

Back at the stadium, Ash looked down, and clenched his fist.

"Impossible!" he shouted. "My dad is on his own adventure, his own journey!"

"Oh, very true. He's on his own journey to conquer the world! You see, I stole Oak's Pokémon just to search for dad. I was still light-hearted, but I was also very eager. I couldn't wait another year, so I stole a pokeball and left home. When I met him, he told me about Team Rocket's master plan, and how it will shake the country to its very existence."

As Officer Jenny took Red away, Dawn jumped and walked over to Ash.

"Are you ok?" she asked, putting her hand on top of his shoulder.

"No, I'm not, Dawn. I'm sorry but I won't go to Isshu until I find my dad, Giovanni, and put a stop to him."

"Back to Kanto? But Contest season is over at this time of year, and for all we know, Red could have been bluffing."

"He's not bluffing, I have a feeling. Dawn, I won't ask you to join me."

"No Ash, I want to help, whatever it takes."

And so, the two decided that they would set off for Kanto after the League ends!

Thanks for reading! Remember, this is a one-shot, and has no continuation, unless the fans(if I get any...) ask for it enough!