A Fresh Beginning

FLASHBACK

Coming home from a disapointing loss to Tobias in the Sinnoh League, Ash was finally starting to get over the sadness and anger that filled him for weeks on his way home.

"I can't believe we're almost home, I can't wait to sleep in my own bed," said Ash to his loyal starter Pikachu, "It seems so long ago since it took 4 of our pals just to beat Darkrai, and then that's when you tied the legendary Latios." Pikachu only replied by flexing a muscle, as his trainer just bursted out in laughter. The two finally arrived to a warm hug and a good meal from Ms. Ketchum, who was thrilled by the homecoming of her only son.

"It's great to have you home honey, you battled so hard in Sinnoh!" exclaimed Ms. Ketchum, but no sooner than she said that all of Ash's traveling companions walked through the door. Everyone from Brock to Dawn was standing in the kitchen and Brock broke the ice with his statement "Ash we need to talk to you."

Ash was caught by surprise by his friends arrival, as he assumed it was a party to celebrate his efforts in Sinnoh. He came up to Brock attempting to give a handshake and a hug, but Brock just shoved him off coldly, which infuriated Ash.

"What the hell Brock!," screamed Ash, "What was that for?"

"We told you Ash, we're here to talk. We believe that you need to quit your dream of being a pokemon master, you're worthless as a trainer.", stated Brock. It hurt Ash deeply to see all of his friends agreeing with Brock. In a moment of pure shock and desperation Ash turned to May and said "May, you've been with me through the most, do you agree with them?"

May dropped her gaze to the floor and said "I love you Ash, but it's time to give up"

Ash ran out of the house with Pikachu on his shoulder yelling back at everyone "I'll prove you wrong, just wait!" He then went to Profesor Oak's lab, gathered all his pokemon from Buizel to Tauros and everyone in between and left, with his destination uncertain.

Present Day

After 5 long years Ash has returned to Kanto, training in the Viridian Forest, as he is training his pokemon like he has every day the past 5 years. His Pidgeot returns, with a note from Charles Goodshow asking him to come to a tournament, which is hosting the top 100 trainers in the world. Ash reads the note, sees all his former friends are in competiton, and looks at Pikachu. "It's time to prove them all wrong."