Before I begin, I would like to say this is my first story. I hope you all enjoy it and please leave any praise (but most likely criticism) in the reviews. Enjoy!

We begin our story at Pallet Town, where our hero has currently just arrived. Fresh from his defeat in the Kalos League, Ash Ketchum enter his home.

"Mom, I'm home" he shouts, a smile playing on his lips. He already can smell the aroma of his mother's cooking. Ash runs into the kitchen, where he meets his mother. She opens her arms to beckon him in. As they hug she starts to say the clichés such as how much she missed her baby boy and asking if he kept his underwear clean. Ash just grinned, happy to see her after a long journey. They sat at the table and ate, with Ash talking about all of his adventures.

After they finished eating, Ash went to his room. As soon as he closed the door, he fell on to his bed. His mind wanders to where it has been ever since he left Kalos. Serena. He has never felt so confused or conflicted on any matter in his lifetime. Ever since she kissed him, he's been wondering what it meant. It could have been a simple goodbye. It could have just been some symbolic gesture. Or it could have been more than all that. Ash and Serena haven't spoken since, nor did Ash want to. He wouldn't have the slightest idea on what to do or what to say. A feeling arose within him, something he always feels, but in a different way. He usually feels like this around his mother. A warmth in his heart and a smile across his face. But this was different, this made him feel much more giddy, with the feeling of butterflies crowding his stomach. He knew what it was, he knew it was love. He wasn't so oblivious to love that he had no idea what it was. He just had no idea why it felt different then normal.
Ash just sighed, wishing he could know the answer to his problem. He could ask his mother, but that would just be embarrassing. She would get all fussy and excited and it would just be to awkward. Ash turned over on his bed and closed his eyes. Best to sleep, for night was quickly approaching. He slept peacefully, and that night he dreamt of Serena. He was holding her hand as she was pulling him along the crowd. There seemed to be no point of interest, just going wherever. Her hand was warm, and her smile soft. Ash couldn't help but smile. He always did when Serena was happy or excited. Why, he didn't know. But suddenly, her grip broke from his and she fell into the crowd. As more time passed, she got farther and farther away. So far that he couldn't see her anymore. Ash awoke with a jolt. An obnoxious beeping noise had woken him. Ash just shook his head and sighed, for the dream felt oddly warm and enticing until he had separated from Serena.

After Ash went through his daily morning routine, he went downstairs, planning on going to Oak's ranch. He ate breakfast, while talking more to his mother.

As soon as he gobbled the last bite he stood and said "Pikachu and I are going to Oak's Ranch. See ya later Mom!"

Ash sped out the door, excited to see all of his old pokemon. He arrived at the ranch, and received more than he had bargained for. He was met with all of his old travel partners, excluding his Kalos buddies. He looked around in confusion, for no one had told him of their arrival. Ash grinned.

"Hey guys, good to see ya. It's been a while. Hope you all have been all well. Whaddya guys doing here?" Ash asked, a smile across his face.

His friends just looked around nervously, not sure on what to start with. They had been planning this for a while, but not at all sure on what to do now. Brock was the first to speak up.

"Listen Ash, you know we all want what's best for you, right? So we've been discussing this a while, and we believe you should change your goal. Being a Pokemon Master isn't working out so well, is it? So please, for our sake, try to achieve another dream."

Ash just looked around and started to chuckle. He licked his lips and tried to form a reply. He couldn't form words so they all stood there in silence. Finally Ash was able to speak again.

"Very funny Brock. If you're trying to prank me, at least do something more worthwhile than this."

"But Ash, we aren't joking. Brock was serious" replied Dawn, a small frown appearing on her face.

Ash looked around, and judging by how the all either looked down or avoided eye contact, he could tell there were being truthful.

"Well if that's how you feel, then you were never true friends of mine. You should at least help me to keep continuing on with my goals. I came so close, just for you to try tear me down like this. I can tell you this, I don't plan on giving up. I will never quit, I won't stop until I reach my goal. Nothing you say can make me change my mind. I bid you all good luck in the future, for this will be the last time I view you as my valued companions."

With that, Ash turned away. His eyes glistened. He looked back at the ranch and saw all of his pokemon. They looked straight back at him, a fire in their eyes. Their loyalty would never falter, for Ash had gave them all a better life. His eyes shone, a smile appearing on his lips. These were the best friends one could ask for. They may not be human, but that needn't matter right now. All that mattered right now was Ash's determination. His burning passion to prove his former friends wrong. To start to do that, he needed to be stronger. Stronger than he could have ever imagined. And Ash knew right where he needed to start.

Just some background information, Ash is 15 at this time, and most of his companions are around the same age. The exact ages are

Ash-15

Brock- 17

Bonnie- 12

Cilan- 17

Clemont- 16

Dawn- 15

Iris- 16

Misty-16

Max- 13

May- 15

Serena- 15