Hello everyone! Duffle here with a new story for you guys to sink your teeth into. I've had some ideas for this story for a good while now, and I've decided to start it up as a little side project. Eevee Pack will still be the main focus, as that's what I'm known for at this point, but I'll upload this every now and then. And once Eevee Pack finishes up, this story will most likely be the primary focus. With that out of the way, I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter 1: Training Tendencies

It hadn't been that long since Ash had been defeated in the Sinnoh league. He thought that this time it would finally be the time that he could get over the hump, but unfortunately, he had run into a legendary trainer. After the defeat, Ash and Dawn, a friend that he had met in the Sinnoh Region, returned to his home in Pallet Town. As he stepped into the familiar scenery of his home, he was met with a long and drawn out hug from his mother.

"Oh Ash, I'm so proud of you! You did great, sweetie~" She pulled Ash as close to her as possible as she wrapped her arms around him. Ash looked over at Dawn, awkwardly smiling at her before responding to his Mom.

"Mom, you're embarrassing me…" Delia opened her eyes and pulled away from him.

"Ah, Dawn, I'm sorry… I didn't see you there. I just had to say hello to my little champion. You know how it is."

Dawn chuckled a bit at that. "Heehee, yeah, I guess I would know."

Ash turned away and scratched the back of his head. "Well, I mean… I didn't win this time. But Top 4 isn't that bad, I guess."

"Isn't that bad? Honey, it's amazing! You need to give yourself more credit than that." She clapped her hands together. "I know! I'll cook up your favorite dinner tonight. In the meantime, why don't you head on over to Professor Oak's lab and relax for a bit? I'm sure he and Tracey would love to see you two."

Ash turned to Dawn, as if he was trying to ask her if they should. Once he got a nod in response, he smiled and turned back to his Mom. "Alright, that sounds like a good idea. I'll be back before dinner!"

Ash waved at her as he started to walk out of the house. Dawn did the same, smiling as she called out to Delia. "It was nice to meet you, Mrs. Ketchum!"

Delia gave her a soft smile and a wave as she went to prepare for tonight.

Professor Oak was quickly pulled away from what he was writing on as he heard some knocks on the door to the lab. As he stood up to go open it, Tracey quickly ran over to cut him off. "No need, Professor, I've got it!" Tracey quickly opened the door and beamed as he saw Ash and Dawn in front of him. "Ash! Wow, it's been so long since I've last seen you! Are you holding up fine?"

Ash nodded, a bright smile on his face. "Yeah, I've been alright. It's good to see you, Tracey!"

Tracey turned to Dawn and extended his hand out to her. "And you must be Dawn, right? My name's Tracey, it's nice to meet you! Ash has told me a lot about ya."

Dawn chuckled a bit as she shook his hand. "Oh, has he now? Good things, I hope…"

Ash chuckled and scratched the back of his head. "Well… Maybe not always…"

Dawn huffed and smacked Ash in the back of the head. "Ash, you jerk! What did you tell him?"

Tracey couldn't help but laugh as Ash tried to explain himself. As he did, Professor Oak walked up behind him. "Ah, I was wondering what the commotion here was! Ash, it's good to see you, old friend."

Ash turned his attention away from Dawn for a moment as Professor Oak walked up to them. "Professor Oak! I got fourth place in the Sinnoh League!"

Oak nodded with the same smile that he always had on his face. "I saw that, Ash. Very impressive! I believe you could've gone much further if any other trainer had fought you in Top 4."

Ash bit his lip and turned away. "That Latios and Darkrai…"

Oak nodded his head. "Yes, they were very tough opponents." He turned his attention to Pikachu, who was patiently sitting on Ash's shoulder. Oak moved a hand under Pikachu's neck and started giving him some scratches. "Well, even so, this little guy put in quite the effort! I'm quite impressed at how far both of you have come since you left here for the first time."

Pikachu let out a little "Cha~", both from the compliment and the scratches.

Ash looked up at his partner and smiled. "Yeah, Pikachu did really amazing during the League. Even I was surprised at how well he performed! I know we couldn't put it all together, but… We'll win the next league, right Pikachu!"

Pikachu pumped his fist in the air. "Pi Pikachu!"

Ash did the same, a look of excitement on his face as he did. "Alright! Yeah! I'm getting pumped up already!"

Oak chuckled at the outburst. "I admire your enthusiasm, Ash, but it wouldn't do to wear yourself out. You all just got home from Sinnoh, and you need your rest. Besides, I…" Oak stopped himself, which got a confused tilt of the head from Ash.

"...Professor, is something the matter?"

Oak was about to say something, but he cut himself off and shook his head. "N-No… No, nothing's the matter. I assume you'd like to introduce your Sinnoh Pokemon to the ones here?"

Ash lit up. "Boy, would I! C'mon, Pikachu, let's go say hi to everyone!"

Pikachu gave an exclamation as the two of em ran off to the farm in the back of the lab. Oak let out a sigh of relief as Ash seemed to be distracted for at least the moment. Both Dawn and Tracey looked concerned at this, but Tracey was the first to break it.

"Um… Professor? What was that all about? Are you stressed about organizing that party? Everyone should be coming here in an hour or two…"

Oak shook his head. "No, it's not-" He scratched his chin and thought about it for a second. "Well, ok, maybe it is about that, but not completely. There's… something else. That I've been hiding from Ash…"

Dawn looked at him with a confused expression on her face. "Hiding something? Is it important?"

"Er… Well, I'll tell you later. For now, we should get preparations done for the party. I'm sure Ash will be distracted by all of his Pokemon."

Tracey clapped his hands together. "Sure thing! Come on, Dawn, let's head to the Ketchum household!"

Dawn bit her lip and nodded a little. "R-Right, yeah. Let's go."

As the two of them left the lab, Oak sighed and sat back down at his desk. He looked up, seeing a picture of a married couple with a child. A note sat next to the picture as well, saying "If you ever feel lost". Oak grabbed the picture and looked at it for a while.

"I think… I think it's time I told him the truth." He put the picture back and rubbed his temples, closing his eyes as he did. "This isn't gonna be easy…"

Ash rushed out to the farm, a bright smile on his face as he screamed at the top of his lungs. "I'M BACK, GUYS!"

A whole hoard of Pokemon immediately stopped what they were doing, rushing over to the source of the noise as they realized that their trainer had come back.

Ash stared at the group of Pokemon hustling toward him. He tried to pick out the Pokemon he noticed: Bulbasaur, all his Tauros, Bayleef, Squirtle, Sceptile… Wow, they were starting to get really close! ...Wait a minute…

"Wait, guys, stop!" However, it was too late. All of them tackled Ash and started showering him with affection. Bulbasaur started licking his face, all the Tauros were looking for attention, Bayleef was nuzzling up to his neck… If he hadn't loved them all so much, Ash would be quite overwhelmed. But, instead, he gave as many of them a hug as he could. "Alright, alright, it's good to see you guys too!"

Once they had had enough, they all started to move away to give him some space. Well, everyone except for Bayleef, anyways. She was still nuzzling up to him, just his leg now instead of his neck as he stood up. Once he got up, Ash grabbed the 5 pokeballs on his belt and threw them up in the air, bursting open to reveal Staraptor, Infernape, Buizel, Torterra, and Gible.

"Alright guys, say hi to our new friends!"

As the Sinnoh Pokemon looked around, they started to mingle with some of the older Pokemon. Staraptor was talking with Noctowl and Swellow, Buizel was talking with Squirtle, Torterra was sun bathing with Bayleef, and Infernape was training with Sceptile. Pikachu smiled as all of his new friends started mixing with the old. However, even as he saw most of Ash's Pokemon, there was still one in particular he couldn't find…

[Lookin for me?] Pikachu perked up as the one he was looking for walked up behind him. [It's been a while, Pikachu. You have fun in Sinnoh?]

Pikachu smiled ear from ear. [Charizard! Of course I did. You're lookin good, big guy!"

He smiled at the complement, flexing a little. [Well, I've always gotta be ready in case Ash wants to use me in the League. So I've been training quite a bit, making sure nothing's gonna stop me next time I fight!]

Pikachu chuckled. Charizard could be a little… over the top sometimes, but he just wanted to be the best around. I suppose Pikachu could relate.

[But still…] Pikachu snapped out of his own thoughts as Charizard started to speak. [I've always wondered why Ash never uses any of us when he starts a new adventure. He could easily make it to the league with any combination of us here, right?]

Pikachu nodded. [Well, yeah, of course he could. But you know how he is, he doesn't wanna take the easy way out. He wants to meet new friends and experience every region to its fullest. So I can kinda see where he's coming from.]

Charizard looked concerned as he moved his head down. [Well… Yeah, but… you ever feel like Ash is holding himself back?]

Pikachu bit his lip. He… didn't really have a response to that. Charizard, meanwhile, motioned to all the Pokemon running around.

[I know he wants to experience the region and make new friends. And I won't lie: It can be pretty fun to fight all the strong party members he picks up.] Charizard frowned at Pikachu. [But all the pokemon that he's caught in the past? We're stuck here, doing our best to keep ourselves in tip top condition. We can't do much to improve ourselves here without destroying Oak's lab.]

Pikachu turned away, and went to look at Ash. [I-I mean… I guess I can't relate, but that does sound… harsh.]

Charizard nodded. [There are so many people here with extraordinary potential. You, me, Sceptile, Snorlax… Hell, even that Infernape seems crazy strong…]

He shook his head. [Point is, I feel like he should be focusing on the Pokemon he already has instead of trying to find new ones. It's time to focus on winning.]

Charizard's words dug deep. Pikachu couldn't help but feel guilty about his situation. I mean, he never had to deal with the lab… He was always with Ash, no matter where he went. And yet, what Charizard said hit close to home. It… It left him very confused, he wouldn't lie.

Even during Ash's surprise Sinnoh League Party couldn't snap him out of the thoughts. All of his friends were there: Misty, Brock, Gary, May, Max… Yeah, you get the idea. They congratulated him, pat him on the back, told him how proud they were. Y'know, the usual stuff.

Pikachu was more happy to talk to all of his old friends from his old journies. May's Glaceon seemed especially happy to talk to him, and he wouldn't lie that she was nice to be around. Though I think he might've heard Buneary seething somewhere nearby.

He had spent so many hours talking to Pokemon that night, and it was wearing him out. But then, something happened… And he had a feeling he'd be talking to them for much, much longer…

"Ash, may I speak to you?"

Ash turned around as Professor Oak walked up to him. It was a very… somber look on the Professor's face as he approached him. He'd never really seen him like this before, so Ash knew something was up. He was talking to Gary about the Sinnoh League when the Professor showed up, so the Professor invited him to come along as well.

As the trio left the house, they headed towards the lab and in the doors. Professor Oak lead them to his desk, where Oak took a deep breath before speaking.

"Okay… Ash, before I get into why I brought you here, I have a question for you… Do you feel lost in what to do as a trainer?"

That certainly got Ash's attention. He immediately wanted to reply with no, but something in the back of his head stopped him. Now that he was thinking about it… He was starting to have some doubts about his goal as a Pokemon Champion.

"I… Well, I suppose I have some doubts. But why do you ask?"

Oak closed his eyes and grabbed the picture on his desk, giving it to Ash. "Ash, do you know who these people are? The ones in the photo."

Ash took the photo and looked at it. The older man in the photo had a strange get up, with a full set of dark blue clothes. He had a ranger hat and a long cape, and had a bright smile on his face. To his left was a woman, who looked awfully familiar… Then again, that little boy in front of the two looked… a lot like him!

"This… This couldn't be my family, could it? And that little boy is me?"

Oak nodded. "It is. That man in those strange clothes is your father. A descendant of Sir Aaron."

Ash didn't respond to that. There was a lot rushing through his head right now. A… descendant of Sir Aaron…? But how? I just thought that when I put on the gloves that I could have those powers… Do I hold those powers inside of me?

"I know what you're thinking Ash, and yes, you do have those powers. In fact, everyone does."

Gary finally butted in when he heard that. "Okay, hold on there, Gramps. What's going on? What power is this that everyone has? I'm totally lost here!"

Oak nodded and started to pace around the room. "The power of aura. A power that concentrates the very essence of one's soul to use for a multitude of purposes. It's an incredibly difficult power to control, but one that yields great results if one can master it."

Ash bit his lip. "So… Then what does me being a descendant of Sir Aaron have to do with it if everyone can do it?"

"Because, Ash, not everyone can achieve the power of aura easily. It takes a foundation, along with natural talent. Sir Aaron's bloodline is very powerful, and are some of the strongest aura wielders in the world. Normally, they're supposed to stay secluded from the outside world, but… Your father ignored that, and went to be with Delia. That is why you're special, Ash."

Gary just looked on in shock as Ash tried to take this in. He was shaking his head. In all honesty, he… still couldn't believe it. However, Oak wasn't done quite yet. He handed Ash an envelope.

"Here. This is a letter from your Father, from before he left here for the second time. He gave it to me for safe keeping, but… I think it's time you took a look at it."

Ash swallowed. He knew that the contents of this letter were going to be super important, so he hesitantly took the letter and opened it up.

Ash silently closed the letter, putting it in his jacket pocket as he sat down in a chair to gather his thoughts. Gary awkwardly glanced between his Grandfather and Ash.

"So… Wow. I mean, just… I don't know what to say."

Ash shook his head. "This is a lot to take in… I need some time to think."

Oak nodded. "I think that would be good. But we can offer some support if you'd like. I know this is hard, but we're both here for you."

Gary nodded, and that put a smile on Ash's face. "Of course… Of course. Thank you."

Gary smirked and pulled up a chair, right next to Ash. "So, Ashy-boy, what's on your mind? You gonna go through with that little training plan that your Dad showed you?"

Ash scratched his chin. "It… did seem incredibly effective. But also very harsh. I don't want my Pokemon to go through a training routine as hard as this. It'll be too much for them."

"Ash, don't underestimate your Pokemon." Ash looked up in surprise as Oak stepped in. "You have many Pokemon here who want nothing more than to fight for you. I know Charizard especially has been training day in and day out in order to better himself. Besides, not all of them need to participate. You can ask them yourself."

Ash closed his eyes and thought about it for a moment. "I… suppose I could do that. Yeah, I think I will do that. Thanks, Professor."

Gary cut him off. "Now, hold on. What about that whole destiny thing? What do you think your Dad meant by that?"

Ash frowned at that and shook his head. "I'm… not exactly sure. And from the way he wrote it, I don't think he did either. It just seems like he wants me to be prepared."

Gary gave him a soft punch on the arm. "Well, with that training plan you've got there, you'll be prepared for sure! Not even just your Pokemon, either. You're gonna be pretty strong yourself!"

Ash nodded and stood up, smiling at the two Oaks. "Thanks, you two. I appreciate all you've done to help. I think I should go and talk to my Pokemon now."

Gary walked over and stopped Ash. "I can go grab your Pokemon for ya, Ashy-boy. You go out to the farm area and wait there."

Ash looked a little confused as Gary ran off to his house, but he ended up just shrugging and heading over to the grassy area behind the lab.

All of the Pokemon were murmuring between themselves as they headed over to where Ash was.

[What do you think this is about? Gary seemed pretty serious…]

[Oh gosh, do you think Ash is gonna stop training Pokemon?!]

[Don't be ridiculous, Ash wouldn't do that! ...Would he?]

[He's probably got too many Pokemon and wants to get rid of some. Though I think we all know who would the first to go… Er, rather, the first few.]

They all looked back at the stampede of Tauros. However, before they could continue their conversation, Ash stepped forward and cleared his throat to get their attention.

"Hey guys. I uh…" Ash shook his head. "I got a letter from my Dad earlier today. And there's something really important that I need to do, something that only I can do. And… I want to let you guys reach your maximum potential. So…"

The tension was thick as they all held their breath for what he was gonna say. "...I have a new training method. It's a way for me to help you guys improve much more quickly than you would through normal methods. But… It's incredibly hard. So, I want to make this clear. Don't feel like you need to come for me. I only want you to come if you feel like you're up for the challenge and can handle it. If anyone wants to volunteer, step forward."

Almost as soon as he stopped talking, Pikachu and Charizard stepped forward. It wasn't long before Sceptile and Infernape did the same. Staraptor stepped forward, with Buizel doing the same soon after. Squirtle put on his sunglasses and stepped forward as well. Seeing this, Bulbasaur almost felt obligated to follow suit. Even little Gible stepped forward to volunteer. Ash couldn't help but smile at how many had volunteered.

"Ah, geez guys… You're gonna make me start crying…." Ash looked down and started rubbing his eyes as tears began to form. He quickly got rid of them as he put on that iconic charismatic smile of his. "Alright, if you guys wanna come, then let's do it! Professor Oak expanded my Trainer License, so I can carry up to 12 Pokemon if I want. So if anyone else wants to join later down the line, just tell Professor Oak and he can send you down to me!"

All of them nodded as they went to return to their own activities. The ones that stayed all looked at Ash with a smile.

"Alright guys, I hope you're ready for the training of your lives. I'm not gonna go easy on ya, so I expect you guys to work hard!"

They all nodded in agreement. Ash nodded himself and let out a sigh.

"Well, in that case, we should probably go say goodbye to everyone…"

"And where exactly do you think you're going, Ash Ketchum?"

Ash jumped a bit as he turned around. He wasn't expecting to see anyone, much less Dawn out here. "O-Oh, Dawn! I uh… well… er…"

She smirked at him and crossed her arms. "You weren't thinking about going on an adventure without me, were ya?~"

Ash scratched the back of his head. "Look, Dawn, I… This isn't just a normal journey. It's gonna be tough, both for me and my Pokemon."

"Oh, I know." Ash was taken aback a bit as she approached him. "And that's why you need me to keep you some company. If you go out there on your own, you're gonna go insane."

Ash scratched his cheek a little. "Ehe… I guess you've got a point there…"

She raised her hand in the air. "I'm sticking with you and that's final!"

Ash couldn't help but smile as he gave her a high-five. "Yeah, sounds good! Let's do it!"

Now that Pikachu had finally gotten everyone together, he scanned the group. Obviously there was Ash's Pokemon there, but now they had Dawn's Pokemon as well: Piplup, Buneary, Pachirisu, Quilava, Togekiss, and Mamoswine. Pikachu cleared his throat as he looked at everyone.

[Okay guys… I know that this is a lot. But that's a quick rundown of what's been happening in the last few hours. So, because of that, we're all gonna be headed towards Milos Island in Unova.]

The other Pokemon all looked at each other in confusion. Milos Island? Unova? They'd never heard of either of those before. Pikachu chuckled and shrugged.

[Look, I don't know about it either… But Oak said that it'd be a good place to train while we wait for something major to happen, and Ash trusts his judgement.]

Charizard nodded. [Either way, the main thing is that our trainers are gonna be pushing us. Hard. There's something bad that's gonna happen and they want us to be ready for it. If you don't think you're prepared, then you can just stay here.]

All of Dawn's Pokemon scowled at Charizard. Buneary was the first one to step forward. [I'm not gonna let Pikachu go off and risk his life alone! I'm going with you.]

Piplup started flapping his wings. [Yeah! What the bunny said!]

Sceptile rolled his eyes. [Tch. If you say so. But this isn't a field trip. Y'all better take it seriously.]

Mamoswine nodded. [As serious as a heart attack.]

Pikachu nodded. [Awesome. In that case, let's all head down to the dock. I'm sure Ash and Dawn are waiting for us down there.]

They all nodded in agreement and went down to the dock.

End Chapter 1

Okay, wow, this ended up being a lot longer than I anticipated… Either way, I hope you enjoyed! If you like the story, please leave a Like and a Favorite to show your support! If you didn't like it, leave a Review and let me know! Thanks for reading everybody!