(A/n) The first chapter of the sequel to Codename: Shadow, where everyone searches for Shadow, even Ash! Hope you enjoy! (A/n)

"Human talk"

'Thoughts'

-Poketalk-

"Telepathy"

"Guys! Guys!" Misty ran towards Gary and Tracey, who were tending to the pokemon in Professor Oak's corral. "We've got a problem!"

"What is it, Misty?" Tracey asked, concerned about what the problem might be.

Misty stopped to catch her breath. "Team Rocket had regrouped."

"They have? It's been four years. I thought they had given up after their leader was killed by Shadow." Gary said.

"About Shadow…" Misty said. "I think the reason Team Rocket has regrouped is to go after him."

Tracey and Gary exchanged glances.

"We've got to tell the others, find Shadow, and warn him." Gary said.

"From what I've heard, hundreds of people have passed through Alto Mare in the last four years looking for Shadow, but none of them have gotten anywhere close to finding him." Tracey said. "What makes you think we can?"

"We have to try!" Misty said. "Shadow saved the world from Team Rocket! The least we can do is warn him!"

"Hey guys, what's up?" Ash walked towards them with Pikachu on his shoulder and his little half-sister, Hope, holding his hand and skipping alongside him.

Misty, Tracey, and Gary glanced at Hope.

Ash nodded in understanding and told Hope to go play with his pokemon while he talked to his friends. The six-year-old happily obeyed.

"So what's going on?" Ash asked once she was out of earshot, but not out of sight.

"Team Rocket's regrouped. We think they're going to go after Shadow." Misty explained.

"How would Team Rocket even find him? He disappeared years ago." Ash asked.

"They'll find some way, which is why we have to find him first." Gary said.

"Can I come?" Ash asked.

"What about Hope?" Misty asked.

"I'm sure she'd love to meet Shadow after all the stories she's heard about him." Ash said.

"Are you sure it's safe to bring Hope along with us?" Misty asked.

"I want to come and my friends and I are the only ones Hope trusts." Ash replied. "I'll keep a close eye on her. Please?"

"Fine, but bring your strongest pokemon in case we end up battling Team Rocket's new boss." Misty said.

Ash nodded. "Okay. Hope! Come here!"

Hope ran back to them with Bayleef by her side. "Yes, Ashy?"

"We're going on a journey to find Shadow. Is that okay with you?" Ash asked gently.

"Only if I get to come with you!" Hope said.

"I'm not leaving you home with a babysitter. Don't think that for a second. Yes, you're coming with us." Hope was cheering before Ash even finished his sentence.

"Yay! Yay! I get to meet Shadow!" The little girl was jumping up and down with excitement. "Yay! Yay!"

"Let's call the others and meet them at Alto Mare." Misty suggested. "We can start getting answers there."

Everyone agreed, although Misty could swear she saw a touch of worry enter Ash's eyes.

They called Brock, May, Max, Dawn, Iris, and Cilan and told them the situation. All six promised to meet them in Alto Mare.

They had started their search for Shadow.

Three days later…

Ash stared out at the ocean while holding onto Hope so that she wouldn't slip under the railing. He was worried.

What would happen when they got to Alto Mare? Would the others find out his secret? What if Team Rocket found out first?

He was so stressed he didn't notice Misty coming up beside him till she said his name.

"Ash." Misty said, snapping him out of his daze. "What's wrong? The closer we get to Alto Mare, the quieter you get and the more often you lose focus. Can you please tell me what's going on?"

"It's nothing." Ash whispered, trying to think of something to lead her astray. "I was just wondering… what if we don't find Shadow before Team Rocket does? I hate to think what they would do to him…"

"That's what you've been worrying about? Don't worry, Ash. We'll find him. Tell you what, once we meet up with the others, let's go visit Latias and Bianca and Lorenzo. That will cheer you up. Maybe they even have a clue to where Shadow is." Misty suggested.

"Okay." Ash murmured. In his head, he thought. 'Uh-oh.'

(A/n) I need more votes on my poll on who to pair Ash with before I post the next chapter. (A/n)