Beginning Author Notes

Setting: The story takes place in my fan-made region of Tenla. As such, many towns, cities, ideas, etc. are all coming straight from my mind. Tenla will have its own twists and turns. See below for ages of main characters present in the story.

Chronology: In terms of the anime's canon, the story takes place after Ash's Sinnoh journey but before his Unova journey. Regarding my own works, Nova and Antica is the sequel to Pokemon Story: Sinnoh Journey, the latter itself taking part during Ash's Sinnoh journey. All story-specific events – shown, mentioned, and implied – from the previous story will be taken into account. However, this story will largely stand alone.

Pokemon: Even though the chronology will place the story between Sinnoh and Unova, Pokemon introduced from Kanto to Kalos will be featured. None of the main canon characters will get Unova or Kalos Pokemon. In addition, original Tenla-native Pokemon will be featured.

Forewarning: The story will contain the following: instances of violence ranging from cartoon to occasionally serious, humor ranging from childish to young adult, and the prevalence of OCs. The story's tone, in general, can range between silly to serious.

Ages: For the main cast only. All others, including canon characters, will be mentioned in-story.

Ash – 14

Misty –14

Brock –17

May – 13

Dawn – 12

Disclaimer: Pokemon is copyrighted to Satoshi Tajiri and Game Freak (characters, concept, and creatures). The content I claim ownership of includes everything involving the Tenla Region, its mythology and history, native Pokemon, NPCs such as Gym Leaders and Elite Four, and among

Welcome

"Welcome to the Tenla Region, and the World of Pokemon."

Assistants and researchers, some from other parts of the world, listened attentively to the calm voice of the man standing before them on stage. The brandeis blue eyes behind his spectacles scanned the medium-sized audience inside a white and grey auditorium. His lilac hair reflected the light coming from the screen behind him and the rows of lights above. Before moving on, he cleared his throat and adjusted the purple ascot around his neck.

"Allow me to introduce myself to those who do not know me," the man said, taking a slight bow to show his respects to the people who graciously paid attention to him, "I am Xavier Ironwood, the Tenla Region's designated Pokemon Professor."

Professor Ironwood reached into the pocket of his lab coat and took out a pen-like object, pushing the red button on top with his thumb. The screen behind displayed the image of a Poke Ball and, in a second, opened up. The computer projection that promptly appeared showed a doglike creature with two, thin tails and flawless beige fur. The audience marveled at the sight of the Pokemon, a Doyubi as some of them recalled, applauding as the Pokemon barked.

"As you know, the world is inhabited by beings like this one, known to us as Pokemon." Professor Ironwood pressed the button again. The computer projection disappeared as the auditorium lights dimmed down to the point the screen was the most dominant source of light.

A slow-paced slideshow then commenced, showing various instances of Pokemon interaction. Some examples included a trio of children riding on top of a Rhyhorn, Diglett and Drilbur creating wide tunnels, and Jumpluff and Pachirisu meandering about on a forest floor.

"For centuries, perhaps millennia, have Pokemon resided in the world," Professor Ironwood said as a soft, soothing melody played to accompany the slideshow, "And, as long as humans have lived, we have coexisted peacefully with them. We've lent our strength to one another to forge an undisturbed bond."

The slideshow reached its end but froze as it presented the Starter Pokemon of each region: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle from Kanto; Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile from Johto; Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip from Hoenn; Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup from Sinnoh; Snivy, Oshawott, and Tepig from Unova; and finally Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie from Kalos.

"Today, we send off more promising young trainers to strengthen our relationship with Pokemon," Professor Ironwood declared as his assistants rolled in a mechanical table behind him, "And discover that which we've yet to find!"

On cue, two trainers, one boy and the other a girl, stood up from the front row as the lights returned to normal. The assistants and researchers clapped their hands as the young trainers, beaming with pride and excitement, went up to the stage where Professor Ironwood, his assistants, and the table stood. The two waited patiently for the professor to speak once more.

"Allow me to present to you your choices for Starter Pokemon in the Tenla Region," Professor Ironwood declared, turning to his assistants and nodding to give them permission to activate the machine. Each assistant punched in something behind the table, and the machine hissed to life. Three holes opened on the top surface, allowing short shafts to come out that each held a Poke Ball.

After that, the Poke Balls then popped open, releasing bright white light onto the space before the shafts. The formless lights then began to take shape, becoming three distinct beings. A cearulean and ligt blue fish floundered on the far right, beady grey eyes awash with curiosity, and its X-shaped caudal fin twitched. The forest green eyas stared ahead at the score of audience members with its small black eyes, its mane of dark green maple leaves still, and light green talons scratching at the table. The blood red salamander on the far left lay on the surface, its smooth skin shimmering in the projector's light.

"Transpy, Avany, and Gouzatile." Professor Ironwood introduced the three Starter Pokemon in respective order. As he did so, enlarged digital images of them appeared on the bigger screen. The girl beamed as she clasped her hands together while the boy smirked at the sight.

"They represent Water, Grass, and Fire – the three types that define what Starter Pokemon are." Professor Ironwood stood between the two trainers and placed his hands on their shoulders. "This marks your coming of age. The minute you select your starter, you open up an innumerable quantity of doors for your future. Whether you decide to become the next Champion or pick a less dramatic career, the World of Pokemon will accept whatever you become."

"Now, enough of the folderol," Professor Ironwood stepped back as he raised his arms in an ornate manner, conveying how monumental this occasion was physically as well as verbally, "Pick! And start your lifelong career!"

The audience gave the two a standing ovation as the two new trainers shared smirks, eyeing down at their selected companions.

"To think, all that happened so quickly...Time flies when you're having so much fun..."

Ash Ketchum lay on his bed, reminiscing on the events of his most recent journey in the Sinnoh Region, the scenes playing on the plain-colored ceiling – from the very beginning with Pikachu and Aipom down to the very end when he parted with Brock and Dawn.

Pikachu curled up near his trainer. "Pika...(Yeah...)"

It was, in his opinion, one of the more action-packed adventures of his life since the Silver Conference in the Johto Region. He participated in Pokémon Contests the most, including the prestigious Wallace Cup, finding them to be an interesting refresher from his primary occupation. As a result, he met people like Zoey, Nando, and Kenny that he grew fond of. He even reconnected with May. However, if he had to pick the best parts of his previous journey, it would definitely be the Lily of the Valley Conference and the Sinnoh Grand Festival.

The Lily of the Valley Conference was the farthest he had ever gone in a Pokemon League competition, heading all the way into the final round. He even got to see Ritchie again even though someone eliminated him before he got a rematch. A pang of frustration made Ash twitch a little, for he was defeated and had to settle for runner-up, courtesy of a trainer named Aaron Shadow. His Pokemon and strategies were just simply better at the time – something Ash concluded in hindsight.

"I did beat peope like Paul and Nando. That has to count." He was especially proud of Infernape in his battle with Paul, showing just far it went since its days as a Chimchar.

In the Grand Festival, he was nothing more than a spectator as he wished Dawn all the best. She needed all the blessings with the competition like Zoey, Nando, Ursula, Aaron, and Ian Darusu. However, in the end, Zoey proved to be the best, beating the likes of Aaron using Magnezone and Bastiodon, Nando using Kricketune and Lopunny, and Dawn using Togekiss and Piplup packing in the quarter, semi, and final rounds respectively.

"She'll get them all next time," Ash thought with a little chuckl, feeling Pikachu shift restlessly agaist his side. "Dawn has gotten better and better."

Now that he thought about it, all of his previous journeys had their own special moments he'd savor from time to time: Butterfree's departure, his loss against Ritchie, and the whole Groudon-Kyogre incident. He met many, many memorable people along the way. Ash closed his eyes, exhaling through his nose.

"What if everyone I knew just came together at once? It would be pretty cool to see them on the same Pokémon League battlefield. Along with any new friends I make. That would be the best."

"Ash! Lunch is ready!"

Pikachu's ears perked up when Delia called out from downstairs. Ash yelled down in response, "Coming, Mom!" Pikachu uncurled itself and hopped out of bed as the boy got up, in his PJs, and sauntered out of his room and downstairs. Upon arriving to the lower portion of his small home, the smell of the roasted beef and seasoned broth travelled into his nostrils, rewarding him for his patience. "I already know what's cooking."

Hearing his voice, Delia peeked her head out of the kitchen. "There you are, honey!"

"Hi, Mom." Ash greeted with a smile.

Delia went back in and removed a plate from the cabinet. "Go ahead and situate yourself at the table."

"OK!" Ash sprinted to the dining room table, which was actually in the living room, and sat eagerly in his seat. Pikachu followed at a slower pace.

A minute or two later, Delia walked out with a plate of sukiyaki – a dish made up of paper-thin slices of beef, vegetables, and cubes of tofu cooked in broth, served with a side of boiled rice. "Here you are, sweetie." She placed his early afternoon lunch favorite on the table. She then gave Pikachu a bowl of Pokémon Food.

"Thanks!" Ash clasped his hands together and bowed his head. "Thanks for the food." Then, he picked up his chopsticks and proceeded to eat his meal.

"And did you change your underwear before you came down here?"

"Mom!"

As Ash and Pikachu were having their lunch, a knock on the front door sounded. "I'll get it, Ash," Delia announced as she entered the living room and approached the door. She opened it, and Samuel Oak now stood before the mother, "Oh, Professor Oak! A pleasant surprise."

"Sorry for coming over on such short notice, Ms. Ketchum." Professor Oak said, bowing his head.

"No, it's OK!" Delia reassured before stepping aside, "Please, come in." The Kanto regional professor stepped inside the house, and Delia closed the door behind him.

Ash set down his chopsticks and slouched back into his seat while rubbing his full, bulging stomach. "Ahh, that's good eatin'!"

Pikachu's stomach was just as full from the Pokemon Food. "Pika pi. (Sure was.)".

Professor Oak smiled at the sight and chuckled, approaching the young trainer. "Enjoying yourself, Ash and Pikachu?"

Seeing him, Ash quickly shot out of his chair to look dignified in front of the wise old man. "Professor Oak! Good to see you."

"Likewise, Ash."

"So, what's up?" The young Ketchum asked curiously. There must be a reason for his sudden arrival. Did it concern his collection of Pokemon at his lab?

Samuel smiled, causing the young boy to tilt his head. "Well, you've been home so long, so I thought I would tell you that there is someplace new you can travel to." He saw the excited glint in Ash's eyes after he spoke, so he decided to continue before he would be bombarded by a series of questions, "It's called the Tenla Region."

The sailing ferry blossomed right there on the ocean, pretty as any petals, bluish and white in compliment to the sky and waves. Her bows met the water with a regal dignity, creating waves of her own, choosing her path with each passing moment. The ship teemed from back to front with many trainers, travellers and tourists, young and old, ready to explore the Tenla Region. She and her captain, in turn, rode as quickly as possible, hoping to meet all of their demands.

However, none of them held a candle compared to a certain someone whose enthusiasm burned hotter than the rest.

Ash Ketchum stood at the bow of the ship. He leaned on the metallic bars as he looked toward the horizon, hoping to be the first aboard to see the Tenla Region. His long-time buddy Pikachu was on his shoulder. As per a self-imposed tradition, he left behind all of his companions besides Pikachu at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

When Samuel gave them the information, the two immediately made plans to leave. His mom was sad to see him go since this was the longest he had stayed home between regions, but she had reassured him this was his career, and he had to keep going.

To that end, Delia gave Ash a new set of clothes to "make him feel like a new man." He now wore a white overjacket with three red stripes going across the torso reminiscent of a mountain range. A blue turtleneck was beneath this, and he finished his ensemble with black denim jeans, black sleeveless gloves, and red and white tennis shoes.

"Finally," he thought, pulling his hat closer to his scalp. He chose to go back and use his old one from the Kanto adventure this time around, "I get another chance at becoming a Pokémon Master."

He grinned when he saw land peek over the horizon; he was here. He could see the extensive and elaborate port where his ferry would inevitably have to dock. If Professor Oak told him correctly, he was witnessing the first parts of Zumi Town. On cue, the captain's voice boomed throughout the whole ship using the intercom system: "Ladies and gentlemen, the Tenla Region's Zumi Town is dead ahead. Please be prepared for docking so that progression can be as orderly as possible."

"A new journey begins now," Ash said softly, cracking his knuckles. "All right, Tenla, what's new you got for me?"

Soon enough, the ferry rested in the docking bay—another successful voyage. As he waited for the workers to set up the fleet of stairs for unloading, Ash gazed at the clear blue seawater and light blue sky, admiring the day's weather. "Sure is a beautiful day. If only I could've gone swimming with Brock, Misty, and…"

Ash's voice trailed off at the thought of all his good friends. It had been awhile since he saw any of them. Lack of communication dated back to Dawn and Brock's departure. Before that, there was May. Finally, there was an even longer drought if he factored in Max and Misty. And that didn't account for people that didn't travel with him.

Pikachu looked at him worriedly, but Ash petted him reassuringly. "Don't worry, Pikachu, it's always tough, but it only makes me happy knowing that I'll meet them again someday." Ash then heard loud mechanical clicks as well as the chatter of people. He looked over and saw that the loading stairs were set and people were getting off. Ash's small gloom disappeared and was replaced with sheer excitement. So much that he sprinted off, bobbing and weaving through the crowd.

Little did he know, three shadows were watching him from around the corner.

"Well, what do you know, Jessie? The little twerp and his Pikachu really are here!" The smallest person of the trio commented.

Jessie grinned proudly and eyed her targets like a hungry lioness. "What did I tell you?"

"C'mon, you guys. Let's get that Pikachu right now!" the other male ordered as he and his compatriots slipped away.

Compared to other ports he had been to, Zumi Town Port was more akin to a terminal. The area following the docking bays was shielded by an extremely large, angular awning. It was held up by a system of pillars and frames that matched the coloration of the light gray concrete. For newcomers, there were a few directories throughout the entire port and even a small, outdoor restaurant for people and Pokemon in the middle of it all.

All that however did not interest Ash and Pikachu at the moment. They went off to find the nearest public video phone right outside the northern entrance. Ash had promised to talk to Professor Oak the minute he stepped foot in Tenla.

"So, you made it to the Tenla Region, huh, Ash?" the Pokemon professor inquired, "Have you paid a visit to Professor Ironwood?"

"Not yet, I was just on my way there, but I wanted to call you like I said I would," Ash answered as Pikachu's tail swayed.

"Well, I'm glad you made it there safely, Ash. Train hard, catch amazing Pokemon, and do your best in the battles to come," Samuel said. Ash smiled appreciatively and nodded, preparing to end the call. Professor Oak then remembered a critical detail. "Oh, Ash! Wait! Good news I wanted to tell you! I learned this some time after you left."

"What is it, Professor Oak?" Ash asked. Pikachu titled his head curiously, scratching himself behind the ear with his tail.

Professor Oak smiled, knowing that this piece of information made him proud, and it would make Ash very excited. "Gary decided to take a break from Pokemon researching. He's already in Tenla trying to get Gym Badges."

Ash stared at the screen.

And stared.

And stared.

…

"WHAT?!"

Ash's body jerked backwards as if physically hit, causing Pikachu to fall off. Sheer disbelief, an electric shock worse than any Electric-type move, ran through Ash. Gary, his former longtime rival, was back in action, back to being his rival. Slack-jawed, Ash had a hard time believing it. Gary hadn't been part of the battling craze since losing at the Silver Conference in Johto. Pikachu crawled up his trainer's body and repositioned himself back on Ash's shoulder, a rather large bump on his noggin.

"I just thought that might brighten up your experience," Professor Oak said as a tint of nostalgia tingled within his chest, "I remember when you two first came to my lab. You were late and in your pajamas, and Gary refused to show you his selection. Looking at you two now, you two have helped each other mature and grow immensely."

"Y-You really think so, Professor?" Ash questioned, crossing his arms as Samuel nodded. Well, now that he thought about it, Ash considered himself to be fundamentally the same person as when as he was ten but with a hint more wisdom and experience under his belt. He smiled to himself. Well, that was one thing to look forward to. Plus, he needed to repay Gary for his Electivire beating Pikachu handily the last time they battled.

"Well, have fun, Ash! I must be going!" Professor Oak said as the video clicked off, ending the transmission.

"I don't know about you, Pikachu, but I'm ready for anything now! We gotta get loads stronger now!" Ash said enthusiastically, turning his head to look at his career-long partner and friend. He blinked in confusion when he noticed the large bump on his head, "When did you hit your head?"

The electric mouse rubbed his sore head with his tail. "(Take a wild guess.)"

Ash shrugged his shoulders, putting the idea behind him as he turned away from the phone and looked around. He spotted a sign nearby that indicated all paths from the port led to the downtown Zumi Town. "'Kay. Then we go from there to find Professor Ironwood." As he proceeded to walk out of the establishment, the raven-haired trainer thought aloud, "I wonder what he's like?"

Pikachu pondered on the question, scratching his head with his tail yet again as if trying to stimulate his brain. "(Who knows for real?)"

"Hmm…"

Then, Pikachu's ears twitched as they picked up on an odd sound. The Electric type looked behind himself, only to be snatched off his trainer's shoulder. Pikachu shouted in distress, struggling in the grasp of his captor.

"Huh? PIKACHU!" Ash sharply turned around. A large mechanical claw had Pikachu in its hold, extending from a large hot-air balloon modeled after the face of a Meowth. Inside the basket, there were two adults each sporting a white and black uniform with a red R on the shirt.

Ash could recognize those certain shades of red and blue hair anywhere. No hint nor clue they were in the same area as him? Already in their getaway vehicle without any word? Still managed to snatch up his buddy after repeated offenses through several regions? Ash had to give credit where credit was due – these guys were getting better.

"Team Rocket!" Ash glared daggers at the villains, "Don't you guys ever know when to call it quits?" Team Rocket began to say their motto, but Ash continued to yell, "I don't want to hear that lame motto right now! Give back Pikachu!"

Jessie leaned over the basket's edge to shoot Ash a vehement glare. "Don't interrupt us, twerp!"

"It doesn't matter, Jessie, we have what we came for," James said as he operated the contraption that imprisoned Pikachu. The yellow mouse tried to break free from the machine's grip or use Thunderbolt to destroy it. None of that work. James only smirked. "You should know by now, Pikachu, that we're safe from electricity."

Hopping onto the edge was Meowth, placing his paws on his hips as he sneered at Ash, "And to answer your question, twerp, we don't. This Pikachu was gonna be ours sooner or later. And whatever other Pokemon we think will be a valuable asset to Team Rocket! So good luck tryin' to get rid of us!"

"And when will you guys realize that we won't let you? Azumarill, Aqua Tail!"

Out of nowhere, an Azumarill jumped onto Ash's head and propelled itself toward the Team Rocket balloon, causing Ash's hat to fall off. He scrambled for it before it fell to the ground. When he looked up, he watched as the end of the Aqua Mouse's tail release a stream of spiraling water. Tearing though the hot-air balloon, the Aqua Tail destroyed the mechanical claw that held Pikachu and caused the balloon to burst.

"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!"

The Team Rocket trio left behind a mere twinkle in the sky. Pikachu and Azumarill landed before Ash, both of them pleased with the outcome of the situation. Ash sighed in relief; his buddy was safe yet again. Now, there was the issue of who exactly saved the day. "I'm over here." He turned around and saw who it was. His and Pikachu's eyes bugged out like saucers. The girl standing before them eventually frowned when neither Pikachu nor Ash responded like she expected. "Well that's rude." She crossed her arms. "You should at least say 'hi'!"

When his shock went away, Ash managed to find his voice, "Misty…is that you?" He croaked, unable to believe his eyes.

Misty changed in terms of clothing from what he last recognized her in Hoenn. Her vibrant orange was still in its side ponytail like he remembered. She now wore a sleeveless bluish-white blouse with blue, cloudlike and wavelike decorations. She also wore short, bluish-white shorts and matching traveling shoes. Lastly, she wore an ivory jacket in which the cuffs, zipper lines, and underside were blue.

Ash still gaped in shock. "Wait, but…y-you're really here?"

Misty shook her head. Her old friend was as slow-witted as ever. "Pikachu, you might want to give Ash a jolt or something."

Pikachu nodded, placing his tail on his trainer's leg and delivering a brief electrical charge. Ash yelped as the spark surged through his body. Thankfully, Pikachu held back significantly so that Ash wouldn't end up looking like coal after a barbecue. "Gee, thanks, Pikachu" He felt residual tingling all over his body. He then looked at Misty and said, "But, Misty, it's so glad to see you after all this time! What made you come here?"

Misty answered, "Well, I heard about this region, and I thought should give it a look around and to look for some more Water Pokemon. I guess I needed a bit of a break from being a Gym Leader." She then shook her head with a sigh. "'Course, my sisters weren't up for it." She then placed her hands on her hips, imitating one of her sisters' posture and mimicking their preppy tone, "'Like, who's going to take care of the Cerulean Gym noooow?'"

Ash and Pikachu laughed, finding that to be a perfect impersonation of the Sensational Sisters.

"But, luckily, Tracy was there to lend a hand, and Daisy backed up after that," Misty added in.

"Hey, no complaints here," Ash said and then looked at the Azumarill standing beside Pikachu, "I guess that's the Azurill I saw with you at Hoenn?"

Misty sighed longingly. "Yeah. Just imagine. First it's a cute, little ball of blueness. Now, it's one of my go-to Pokemon for Gym Battles."

Ash was proud to hear that Misty was developing her skills. Although it looked sort of weird seeing her without a Pokemon in her arms or following her like a mother. First, there was Togepi who had to stay behind at the Mirage Kingdom. Now, Azurill had evolved into a powerhouse that had to remain inside its Poke Ball.

Although Pikachu understood this was a reunion, there were still some things needed to be done. Taking initiative, Pikachu tugged on Ash's pant leg to get his attention, "(Ash! We're here to do something! Did you forget?!)"

….

….

"OH MAN! I completely forgot I had to see Professor Ironwood!"

Pikachu chuckled sheepishly as Misty shook her head with her hands on her hips.

Ending Author Notes

To people who keep up with my FanFiction (CertainDestiny) account in addition to my DeviantArt. One will recognize this as the first chapter of the Pokemon Story 2: The Great Adventure. Now, it is the new and improved Nova and Antica.

Also, there is side-story called Pokemon Story Chronicles which has some events that offer insight intoy the background, motives, and key events of recurring OCs. This is for you guys to get better acquainted with them.

Misty's outfit is based on how she appears in HeartGold and SoulSilver.

EDIT (5/31/2019): The first six chapters have been rewritten and touched up to be more in-line with my current writing style. This includes trying to make descriptions more immersive, cutting down on detached verboseness, and removing ideas that sounded good in my head but iffy in practice. The lattermost part includes writing Novak and Antia out of the story and replacing them with Lyra and Khoury.