I want to warn everyone who's reading this. I started this before the introduction of the Kalos League and the new season of Pokemon. As such, I chose to treat this story like Ash never traveled to the Kalos Region, thus never caught any of the gen 6 Pokemon. This story is under the pretense that Ash actually aged throughout his travels, and takes place a few years after the Unova League, with the change of Ash never learning of the Kalos Region. I incorporated the gen 6 Pokemon into my story in a different way, as well as Mega Evolutions. Read on, and you'll learn how!
Two years have passed since Ash stopped fighting in league championships. He is the proud owner of every gym badge available to a trainer throughout the different known regions, and now resides in Pallet town. He returned with a lost hope to ever become a true Pokemon Master, and built his own house, which has become an unofficial gym for Kanto. Trainers venture from all over the world just for a chance to battle who is known as the most skilled trainer in the world. He has established the "perfect" team according to most trainers, using his highest level Tauros, the yet to evolve Bulbasaur, Floatzel, Krookodile, Infernape, and his seemingly undefeatable Pikachu.
Most of his old friends have lost contact with him, including some of his closest friends such as Misty, Dawn, May, Cilan, and his once best-friend Brock. Almost a year ago, he and Brock had a falling-out that led to the end of their multi-year friendship. Brock is still the gym leader of the Pewter Gym, but has recently lost his calm and caring demeanor, and has become a merciless gym leader with the highest win to loss ratio among all the Kanto gyms.
Misty is still the gym leader of Cerulean Gym, but also travels around the world as an instructor for children who are within one year of receiving their Trainer's License. Because of this, she hasn't seen Ash in over three years, since before he started the Unova League.
Dawn and May are both champion coordinators now, and have since settled down from the traveling. They occasionally send letters to Ash, but never receive a response. They both assume it's due to his busy schedule battling challengers.
Cilan is also residing at his own gym again in Striaton City with his brothers. After Ash left Unova, he viewed their friendship as more of a companionship that could be forgotten just as easily as it was established. His gym is still regarded as the beginning gym for Unova challengers, and has received threats from the league that the gym would be shut down if their win to loss ratio didn't improve.
Iris is a gym leader now in her home village, the Village of Dragons. Even with her new responsibilities, she flies to Pallet Town for a week every six months to visit Ash. While Ash sees her as a great friend, she has developed additional feelings beyond friendship for Ash, and hopes he goes the same way someday. She is famous around the world as well, listed in the top twenty strongest trainers in the world.
With everyone having gone their own way, proud of their own accomplishments, Ash is still incomplete in his mind. Until he has received the all-elusive title of Pokemon Master, all has been for nothing. However, his chance is soon to arrive. Just as hope is about to run out, Professor Oak has received a very important invitation for Ash.
"So he finally gets this?"
"Yes, but I'm not sure he's ready."
"He's more ready than any trainer I have ever known. This is Ash Ketchum we're talking about. You know as well as I that he could be the first to reach this accomplishment in over ten years."
"This is all your opinion. Call it pride, but he won't even make it past me, Oak."
Professor Oak sat in his office, phone pressed against his ear. A bead of sweat rolled down his forehead as a sign of his frustration.
"It is pride," he said sternly. "You haven't seen him in battle. While you have been sitting over there, I have watched him grow into the spectacular young man that he is today. He was ready for this two years ago when he returned from Unova. I have his invitation and tickets, which means our conversation is over, Rick. Good day."
Professor Oak slammed the phone down angrily. He sat still, exercising a breathing technique to calm down. Soon after, he snatched six papers from his fax machine and threw his coat on. With a renewed excitement, he darted out the door of his lab and hopped on his moped to reach Ash's house as quickly as possible.
"Tauros, use take down!"
Ash Ketchum stood ordering his Tauros into the final attack of a quick and easy battle with a trainer. Tauros was Ash's first of three and swept through all three of the opponent's Pokemon. While this would have excited him two years ago, Ash only felt emptiness with the easy win.
"Thank you for battling me," the trainer expressed to Ash. "Do you have any tips that could make me a better trainer?"
"Stop training your Pokemon to only use brute force and learn some strategy," Ash responded coldly. "Force will never get you far, and here in Kanto, it won't even get you past the first gym battle against Brock."
The trainer's face changed from an innocent eagerness to disappointment. He quickly retreated from the small field they were standing in, avoiding Ash's chance to see the tears. Just as he stumbled back onto the sidewalk, Professor Oak parked his moped.
"Well hello, young trainer," Oak greeted. "Here for a battle against Mr. Ketchum?"
The trainer completely ignored Oak and continued running. Confused, Oak turned toward Ash and waved happily. Ash responded with a dead wave of the hand while he proceeded to sit down in a chair in front of his house.
"Afternoon Ash!" Oak exclaimed. "Everything alright?"
"Yeah, just another trainer who got a little overzealous," Ash replied. "He didn't receive the advice he wanted so easily."
"Have you ever tried letting it on them easy? Remember, these are kids simply seeking the advice of their favorite role model in Pokemon training."
"Maybe, but it's no big deal. So what's up?"
"Well," Oak replied with a prolonged tone. He pulled out the six pieces of paper from his fax machine. "Read this letter."
Ash grabbed one of the papers from Oak. Confused, he began to read, "The champion of the Legacy League would like to invite you, Ash Ketchum, to travel to our nation and challenge our gym leaders and champions. Through the years you have been a Pokemon trainer, you have proven yourself to be an exemplary trainer with compassion, dedication, boldness, and humbleness. Because of this, you will finally have your chance to fulfill your ultimate dream of becoming a true Pokemon Master. Upon successful completion of this league, you will officially receive the title of Pokemon Master. Your mentor, Professor Oak will explain the details, including the highly unique set of rules we use throughout this league. We are all excited to finally meet you face to face and meet you in battle. Farewell for now."
Ash stared at the letter for what seemed to be five minutes. Oak smiled grandly, awaiting Ash's response. After the long silence, he looked at Oak, stared for another ten seconds, then shouted loudly in excitement. He dove at Oak, hugging him tightly.
"Alright Ash, I know you're excited," Oak choked out, "but please allow me to breathe so I may explain further!"
"I'm just so excited!" Ash shouted. Pikachu came running out of the house, sensing Ash's excitement. "Pikachu! We are hitting the road once again! This time to become true Masters!"
Pikachu hopped onto Ash's shoulder happily. They jumped up and down in circles constantly, shouting. Oak could clearly see the child that was suppressed inside of Ash resurface.
"But where is it?" Ash asked. "How will I get there? Is it another eight gyms? What are those unique rules?"
"Slow down," Oak chuckled. "I'll explain everything right now. First, you can't get there by any other means of travel outside of boats. I have the tickets right here for the SS Master, with a departure set for tomorrow morning at seven in the morning."
"Tickets? Is someone coming with me?"
"That's part of my explanation to you. This league is far more challenging than anything you have ever experienced. There are eight gyms for you to battle through, along with the Elite Four leading into the final battle against the Champion. But I will remind you right now that this is not just a league champion you will face. It is the champion of the world. This champion has received this title by defeating every master throughout the world. Moreover, every gym leader is an established Pokemon Master as well. Now for the rules."
"Wait," Ash interrupted. "Everyone I battle there is already a Pokemon Master? How is that fair?"
"This isn't a matter of fair or not," Oak laughed. "This is all a matter of you proving you are worthy of being a Master as well. And I'm expecting big things from you. I had to pull some extra strings to get the approval for you."
"Why? Doesn't my resume say it all?"
"Well it's more than just how good a trainer you are. More in detail, you will not be battling these gym leaders alone. I have here five tickets for the ship. You must select four trainers to travel with you and battle these gym leaders with you. However, you must choose trainers who are well established themselves, and must have had a personal relationship with you, be it friend or relative. And because of this, they too will become Masters should you complete this challenge."
"But how am I going to find four trainers to come with me by tomorrow morning!"
"Oh, I took the liberty of contacting some of your friends. You just need to choose who you want to travel with you."
A car suddenly came to a halt in front of Ash's house. His eyes lit up as he saw some of his old friends climb out of the car. Misty, May, Dawn, and Iris all climbed out of the car. They all ran at Ash and wrapped their arms around him. Through all his hard times, Ash could feel all of his old childhood emotions raging through his body.
"It's great to see you all!" Ash shouted, Pikachu hopping from his shoulder to each others' shoulders.
"It's been way too long," Dawn laughed. "Why haven't you been writing us back?"
"It's been hard. I'm real sorry I didn't, but when you have twenty different trainers challenging you in one day, and that recurring every day of the week, you don't have much time to do much else. And you, Misty! It's great to see you again! You're looking great!"
Misty chuckled, trying to hide a slight blush. She realized quickly that she hadn't seen Ash in so long that he never had a chance to see her new look. While she still had her amber red hair, she grew it out, allowing it to almost reach the middle of her back. She also did away with her contacts, though most everyone was oblivious to her even needing them, and she switched to a slim pair of bright blue framed glasses. Taking the place of her shorts and tank top shirt, she regularly wore an assortment of bright sundresses and sandals.
"Thank you," Misty replied smiling. "How have you been? You've gotten taller!"
"Same old life," Ash replied. "I've read all three of your books. Congratulations on all your success as a trainer's consultant! I always knew you could do something like that. I wouldn't have gotten through half my battles in Kanto without you!"
"Yeah, well that makes one of us! If it wasn't for Professor Oak convincing me to try it, I'd just be another gym leader."
"What about me!" Iris chimed in excitedly.
Ash turned to her, and froze. Though she had just visited five months ago, Iris looked completely different. She cut her huge purple hair down to a modest ponytail that barely went past her shoulders. She got rid of her childlike white tights, and wore a knee length green skirt and had a plain white t-shirt on.
"Wow, Iris!" Ash exclaimed. "You look great! What prompted this major change?"
"I just felt it was time to dress like my age," Iris said, blushing. She looked at Misty and smiled, but Misty had a glare on her face that suggested she was ready to pounce.
Oak noticed the impending rivalry and chimed in, "So I will now continue!"
"Oh, yeah," Ash responded. "So I have to bring four other trainers with me?"
"Yes, and these four have all expressed a deep interest in helping you succeed in your quest. And given you have traveled with all of them at one point in your career as a trainer, I am leaving the decision up to you in whether you want all of them with you."
"Well, I'll go down the list."
Ash looked at his four friends. He could only recall good memories with all of them, and trusted all of them. However, when he thought deeper, he realized that he wanted skilled trainers with him, and not all of them fit that category.
"Iris," Ash began. "Every time you've come to visit, we have battled. Those are the highlight of my life right now, because you provide the most intense battles against me with your dragon Pokemon. I've read articles about how much Unova trainers hate visiting your gym because there is no known strategy for a trainer to use against you and your skills."
Iris couldn't help but to smile largely as Ash continued. While she would never beat Ash in their battles, and sometimes she wouldn't even come close, she always felt proud to arrive for a visit and receive a challenge almost immediately every time. She knew Ash meant every word he was saying.
"I want you to come with me," Ash finished.
"Of course I will! Drayden has already agreed to be the interim gym leader while I'm gone. Besides, trainers in the Unova region could use a break from me!" Iris exclaimed.
"And Misty," Ash continued. "I hold you in just as high a regard. I haven't seen you in a battle in a while, but the fact most trainers you help out end up in the Pokemon League within two years of beginning their careers says it all. I couldn't go on this journey without you!"
"Well thank you, Ash," Misty said with a slight bow. "I'm honored and joyed that you want me to come with you!"
"Now Dawn and May," Ash said. "I can't honestly say I would trust you in battle. I trust you two with my life, and love you both, but your skills preside in coordinating, not intense Pokemon battles."
"We completely understand," May said with a smile.
"I think you made the right decision," Dawn continued. "We will be rooting for you!"
"Ok," Oak said. "You have two, but you only have sixteen hours to find two more. Now I couldn't get in contact with Brock, but what about him?"
"No!" Ash snapped. "I wouldn't trust him in even one battle."
"What exactly happened between them?" May asked Iris.
"Well, the Kanto League Board considered shutting down Brock's gym and replacing it with an official gym here in Pallet with Ash as the leader," Iris answered. "Ash declined the offer, because he never had an interest in being a gym leader, but Brock took offense to it anyway. He pretty much called Ash a traitor and refused to speak to him again."
"Wow, I never pictured Brock doing that. He was so nice when we traveled through Hoenn."
"Yeah, and Ash always spoke so highly of him when in Unova. Maybe they'll make up someday, but right now they both have too much pride to do so."
Ash sat down in the grass next to Pikachu and stared into the sky. No matter how much he thought, no other trainers he knew came to mind. Two years ago, he would have gladly asked Brock to come along, but not anymore. No one else seemed like a possibility.
"Ash!" a familiar voice shouted. "Get up and battle me!"
"Hm?" Ash turned his head and saw his lifelong rival, Gary Oak. He stood on the other side of the field, determined to have a battle. "Not now. I'm busy."
"I know what you're going to do! I'm going to beat you and prove you're not ready!"
Ash got up and shook his head. He grabbed three pokeballs from his belt and waved them at Gary. Gary knew immediately that Ash was indicating a three-on-three battle. He smiled and pulled three pokeballs from his backpack.
"Let's go, Nidoking!" Gary shouted. His large Nidoking jumped out of the pokeball and flexed its massive muscles. Nidoking evolved from one of Gary's first Pokemon in the Kanto League. He always took pride in the brute force of his ground type Pokemon.
"Your favorite ground type, huh?" Ash laughed. "Show him how it's done, Krookodile."
Ash's Krookodile appeared in front of Nidoking, standing almost half a foot taller. Nidoking showed no concern in the face of its larger opponent. Krookodile slammed its hands against its chest and roared loudly.
"You can't show me up!" Gary snapped. "Nidoking, use low sweep!"
Nidoking moved in and dropped low to the ground to trip up Krookodile. Krookodile stood fast and received the harsh blow from Nidoking's tail. Gary laughed, expecting to see Krookodile fall to the ground, but instead it barely budged. Nidoking's confident look turned to concern.
"Krookodile, use Earthquake," Ash ordered.
Krookodile rose one foot and threw it into the ground. Only Iris stayed on her feet from the massive shake the ground received, and Nidoking received a blow to the face from earth breaking from the surface and flying through the air. It got to its feet and stumbled back in pain.
"Now use Crunch," Ash called.
Krookodile darted at Nidoking, and before Gary's Pokemon could regain its composure, Krookodile was sinking its sharp fangs into Nidoking's shoulder. Nidoking shouted in pain, then passed out from the attack.
"What just happened?" Misty asked, hoping someone from the spectating group could provide insight to the quick first round victory.
"Krookodile became Ash's friend in Unova," Iris answered. "They battled in the Unova League together and Krookodile gave Ash a lot of wins. I think you'll all find yourselves astonished to watch Ash battle now compared to when you all traveled with him."
"Return Nidoking," Gary shouted. "Good job buddy. Ok, Ash, let's see you do that to this! Go Fearow!"
Gary's favorite flying Pokemon flew out into the field. Its wingspan far surpassed most other bird Pokemon, and was famous for its intense speed. Ash held his pokeball out and returned Krookodile.
"I'm going to really confuse you now," Ash laughed. "Go Bulbasaur!"
Gary's face turned to intense confusion. He couldn't figure out why Ash would send out an unevolved grass Pokemon against a high level bird Pokemon. Ash simply looked at Gary with a confident look.
"Ok, if you really want to lose," Gary laughed. "Fearow, use Sky Attack!"
Fearow shot high into the sky at such an intense speed the grass below it burst into the air. Once it was about one hundred feet up, it pointed its beak straight up. Immediately after, it reverted to a downward position and dove at an amazing speed straight for Bulbasaur.
"Vine Whip," Ash told his Pokemon.
Bulbasaur brought out two thin green vines from its flower and shot them toward Gary's Fearow. Fearow reacted to the vines and dodged both of them. Gary smiled initially, but shouted in surprise when two more vines came from behind Fearow and wrapped around its wings, stopping it completely.
"How!" Gary shouted. "No Bulbasaur can release four vines!"
"Evidently there is one," Ash responded. "Now bring Fearow in close and use Headbutt!"
Bulbasaur reeled Fearow in close. Fearow struggled to get loose, but Bulbasaur responded by taking his first two vines and wrapped them around Fearow as well. Once the bird was within inched of Bulbasaur, it began to headbutt Fearow harshly over and over. Fearow crowed in pain until it no longer had any strength. Bulbasaur then threw Fearow down to the ground, and the bird didn't even try to get back up.
"This can't be possible," Misty said. "I've never seen such flawless battling, not even from Pokemon Masters I've met in my travels."
"After Ash got fourth place in the Unova League, he traveled back here to Kanto. He told me that he took a canoe to an island about five miles off the Pallet coast and trained there. His mother told me he wasn't seen for over three months. When he returned, he had his six most trusted Pokemon with him, and they all stood taller, larger, and stronger. No one knows what kind of training they did, but he hasn't lost even one round in a battle since."
"This is ridiculous!" Gary shouted. "How are you this strong?"
"Because I trust my Pokemon to do more than just use their muscles," Ash answered. "I learned how to use my Pokemons' weaknesses and turn them into strengths. Once you've accomplished that, your Pokemon will reach a whole new level."
"I forfeit," Gary conceded. "It's clear you've surpassed me far more than I could have anticipated. Good luck over there."
Ash approached his rival and shook hands with him. They locked eyes and smiled, but Ash's smiled suddenly disappeared. Professor Oak smiled when he realized what just dawned in Ash's mind.
"Come with me," Ash said.
"What?" Gary asked. "Why?"
"Because I know your abilities and your Pokemon's abilities. You are one of the most talented trainers I've ever known. And with you coming along, you can become a Master too. Why should we both have to do this separately when we can finally come together and fulfill both our dreams at the same time!"
"Thank you. I will come and I will not let you down."
Gary approached the others and greeted them. Iris, who had never met him, shook his hand and smiled.
"That leaves you with only one more slot to fill," Oak told Ash. "Anyone in mind?"
"No, can't say that I really know anyone else who would be a good fit. Besides, I see a challenger coming, so I'm about to be a little preoccupied."
Ash crossed the field and met the trainer. The trainer was a short girl who appeared to be around sixteen years old. She had an angered look on her face and stared straight into Ash's eyes.
"So I hear you're the best trainer in the world now," the trainer said sternly. "I laugh at that concept."
"May I ask who you are then?" Ash asked irritably.
"My name is Victoria. We had a brief battle in Unova when I was twelve and only had one Pokemon. Ever since then, I swore to defeat you."
"Well, I'm sorry that I don't remember you, but I hope I can provide a decent challenge for you."
"Enough with the fake humility! Take me on right now!"
"Very well then. I won't hold back though. I declare a two on two battle. The first one to lose both Pokemon is the loser. Moreover, I will not switch my Pokemon out, but you may if you want to."
"Fine! Then I will start with Throh!"
Victoria threw a pokeball high into the air. Out of it came a bulky fighting type Pokemon. It didn't appear to have any extra size; just an average Throh. Ash smirked and responded by sending out his Tauros. Tauros was always Ash's favorite for a quick sweep of powerful attacks.
"How common," Victoria laughed. "You send out a normal type against my fighting, expecting me to underestimate you due to the type advantage. Well I am well aware of your abnormal strategies."
"So you got me all figured out then?" Ash said. "Then you should see this coming. Tauros, use Earthquake!"
Tauros lifted its front hooves and slammed them into the ground. Just like the previous battle, all of the spectators stumbled as the earth shook violently. Throh responded by jumping into the air, punching two rocks into pieces.
"Now use Headbutt!" Ash ordered.
As Throh came back down, Tauros ran underneath it and rammed its head into Throh's bottom. Throh shouted in pain as it flew back up into the air and came down hard to the ground. Ash smiled, expecting to see Throh stay down, but quickly changed his expression when Throh jumped back up unscathed.
"Oh, a little defense to this one," Ash exclaimed.
"Much more than that!" Victoria barked. "Use Mach Punch!"
Throh stood in position and held its fist toward Tauros. Tauros shifted its weight to dodge the attack, but was quickly caught off guard when Throh was suddenly throwing its fist into the muscular side. Tauros roared in pain and stumbled back to reset itself.
"Stay strong!" Ash called to his Pokemon.
"Not going to happen!" Victoria responded. "Use another Mach Punch!"
"Extremespeed!" Ash countered.
Throh darted toward Tauros once again, but Tauros matched its speed with its own attack. Throh's punch narrowly scathed Tauros' side as the bull Pokemon ran to the side. Tauros slightly stumbled, then shifted its weight and ran straight for Throh's back. Throh turned around and managed to grab onto Tauros' thorns.
"Good job!" Victoria called. "Now use Strength!"
Throh flexed its muscles and lifted Tauros straight into the air by its horns. Tauros roared, but couldn't get loose from the powerful grip of the fighting Pokemon. Throh held Tauros in the air for almost five seconds, then leaned back and threw Tauros onto the hard ground. Dust kicked high into the air, blocking the spectators from seeing the action.
"This girl is really good," Misty exclaimed.
"I know," Iris agreed. "I haven't seen someone keep up with Ash like this in a long time. I wonder if Tauros is ok."
"As I said," Victoria began, "I will beat you!"
"Ha! Don't think Tauros will go down so easily!" Ash laughed loudly.
The dust settled, and Victoria stared, shocked, at Tauros. A red glow was emanating from Tauros, smoke bursting from its nostrils. Throh changed itself into a defensive stance, just as confused as its trainer.
"What is this?" Victoria asked.
"Tauros greatest strength!" Ash answered. "He's been trained to endure multiple powerful hits, simply so he can build up strength through his trump card, Rage!"
"But how? How did it set that up without you telling it to?"
"When you've established the ultimate bond of trust with your Pokemon, you no longer need to tell it to do every single thing it does. Tauros knows to begin building up its rage power the minute any battle begins, whether it ever gets to use it or not."
Tauros roared loudly and began to charge at Throh. Throh stood fast, ready to attempt to block the charge. Tauros ran faster and faster until the ground was lifting up from behind it.
"Dodge it!" Victoria shouted. Throh began to jump into the air to dodge the attack.
"Jump!" Ash ordered Tauros.
Tauros jumped into the air, and made exact contact with Throh. Throh grabbed Tauros' horns again, but still fell to the ground, and landed flat on its back. Tauros forced its head downward, attempting to crush Throh. Throh struggled to hold onto Tauros' horns, and eventually let go and quickly slid underneath Tauros to dodge its head.
"Multiple Mach Punches!" Victoria ordered.
Throh began to rapidly punch Tauros in the stomach with massive hits. Tauros roared loudly in pain, and rolled to the side to get away from the punches. Throh jumped to its feet and began to chase Tauros down.
"Dynamic Punch to finish this!" Victoria shouted.
Throh winded its fist back and threw a punch so hard that everyone heard the contact to Tauros like a brick hitting concrete. Tauros slid nearly ten feet on its side, and stayed down.
"Are you ok, Tauros?" Ash asked. Tauros struggled to get back to its feet, but eventually stood up again. "Great job! Ok, Throh won't go down head on, so we're going to have to use something different. Use Blizzard!"
"What!" Victoria shouted. "Since when did a Tauros learn Blizzard?"
"Since we spent a week straight camping in the snow so he could understand how a blizzard works," Ash answered.
Tauros opened its mouth and waves of snow flew from it. Throh covered its face to shield from the cold snow. Within thirty seconds of snow swirling around the fighting Pokemon, the blizzard stopped. Throh dropped its hands from its face, and stared at Tauros. Tauros stomped its hoof on the ground, and Throh suddenly fell to the ground.
"That's one down," Ash exclaimed. "What's next?"
"You are the cockiest person I have ever met!" Victoria snarled. "You really think you're unbeatable?"
"No, not by a long shot. There will always be someone stronger out there. I do, however, have a clear understanding of the difference between having confidence in yourself and your Pokemon, and simply having a notion that you can win against a trainer based off of rage from a distant incident. You will never win a battle based on revenge."
"Oh spare me your lecture. I swore to defeat you, and I will! Finish this bull, Gigalith!"
A large rock Pokemon appeared from the pokeball and stomped on the ground in aggression. Tauros stood its ground, undeterred from Gigalith's attempt at intimidation. Instead, it stomped its own hoof on the ground, which cause Gigalith to slightly flinch.
"Open with a Body Slam!" Victoria ordered.
Gigalith began to charge at Tauros. Tauros stood its ground and rammed its horns into Gigalith. They continued to shove at each other, neither gaining any ground. Tauros glanced at his trainer, seeing his confident smile.
"Great job, Tauros!" Ash exclaimed. "Let's make quick work of this and use Blizzard!"
"Get out of there!" Victoria shouted.
Tauros opened its mouth. Gigalith tried to get out of the way, but lacked the necessary speed. A harsh blast of snow it the rock Pokemon and knocked it to the ground. Tauros stood directly over Gigalith and continued to bombard it with snow.
"No!" Victoria yelled. "Gigalith!"
"Enough, Tauros!" Ash ordered.
Tauros quickly stopped and backed off. Gigalith remained on the ground, clearly knocked out from the super effective attack. Victoria ran to her Pokemon and began to cry.
"I'm so sorry, Gigalith!" she cried. "I really tried! I'm sorry."
"Return, Tauros," Ash said, sending his Pokemon back into its ball. He walked over to Victoria. "You really are a strong trainer."
"I don't want to hear it," Victoria snapped. "I lost, so leave me alone."
"No, I won't leave you alone quite yet. You gave me more of a challenge than I've had in a very long time. And I don't think it coincidence that you came along at this time. I've been needing one more skilled trainer to accompany me on my trip to the Master League. I want you to come."
"Why would you want me? I lost."
"There's more to a great trainer than winning and losing. You showed determination. Just say yes."
"Wait Ash!" Oak said. "You can only have people you have an established friendship with come along."
"And Victoria and I have known each other for years now. We met in Unova," Ash said with a coy smile.
"I'll go," Victoria said. "I think it's just what I need to become a great trainer."
Professor Oak laughed and accepted the claim. He handed each trainer their individual ticket, then sat down in one of Ash's lawn chairs.
"So now that we have a team," Ash began, "we need to establish which Pokemon we are bringing."
"Well," Victoria chimed in. "I've never backed away from these six Pokemon."
Victoria tossed six Pokeballs into the air. Out popped six Pokemon, all from the Unova region. The two familiar faces of Throh and Gigalith stood among them. There was also the ghost Pokemon, Cofagrigus; the bug type, Acceglor; the water and ghost type, Jellicent; and the flying type, Braviary.
"I'm not even familiar with all of these," Gary exclaimed.
"You never traveled through Unova for your studies?" Ash asked.
"No, I stopped after traveling the Sinnoh region. It was then I decided to make an attempt at a comeback in training. I stayed there for a while, training in the mountains."
"Well, I've never traveled through this region here," Victoria said. "It was next on my list, but I'm more than happy to go on this trip instead!"
"Well, these are my six," Gary said as he released his six Pokemon.
His flying type, Fearow was first to emerge; the bug and steel type, Scizor; the water type, Blastoise; the ground and poison type, Nidoking; the dark type, Umbreon; and the fire type, Arcanine.
"Same old Gary," Ash exclaimed.
"What's it to ya?" Gary snapped.
"Hey, there's nothing wrong with it! If anything, I can see you've forged a great relationship with them."
Iris stepped up, "And now for my dragon heavy team!"
First to appear was the electric and flying type, Emolga; the ground and steel type, Excadrill; the dragon and dark type, Hydreigon; the dragon type, Druddigon; the dragon and flying type, Dragonite; and the dragon type, Haxorus.
"You gotta be kidding me," Misty said softly.
"What?" May asked after overhearing.
"She has amazing Pokemon!"
"I guess that's why she's the leader of the most difficult gym in Unova. But you've got great Pokemon too!"
"Speaking of which!"
Misty tossed her Pokeballs into the air, aiming over the pond next to Ash's house. There was the water type, Psyduck; the water type, Gyarados; the water type, Politoed; the water and psychic type, Starmie; the water and dragon type, Kingdra; and the water and ice type, Cloyster.
"The ultimate water master!" Ash exclaimed.
Misty turned her head to avoid the quite visible blushing. While they hadn't seen each other in quite some time, Misty's hidden liking toward Ash never faded. Instead, their distance only amplified the feelings.
"Now Ash," Oak said. "I know you have retained the exact same team for the past two years, but I made a call and got an old friend of yours to come visit."
"Who's that?" Ash asked.
A loud roar echoed from the clouds. Ash whipped his head around, immediately recognizing the roar. He quickly smiled and ran closer to the roars. Suddenly, from out of the clouds flew his Charizard, even larger and stronger looking than the last time they saw each other.
"Charizard!" Ash exclaimed. "I can't believe you came!" Charizard smiled as Ash hugged it. "Of course you're coming along!" Ash laughed. He held up his Infernape's pokeball. "I'm sorry, old friend. You've done amazing for me these past two years. Have fun resting at Professor Oak's place for a while."
"What about the rest of your party?" Misty asked.
"That will remain the same," Ash answered. He held his pokeballs out.
First appeared his rampaging Tauros, who was famous for its seemingly unstoppable force. Next was Bulbasaur. Even though it had never evolved to that point, everyone acknowledged the amazing strategic methods used to make it useful. Third was Floatzel, who was famously known to be arguably the fastest swimmer in the world of Pokemon. It was also known for its unbending stubbornness in battle. Fourth was Krookodile, the tall wall that stood in the way of so many Pokemon before. Fifth stood his Charizard. Though Charizard had not traveled with Ash for a very long time at that point, their bond was so strong that the two felt unstoppable as long as they battled together. Finally, to no one's surprise, his Pikachu stood proudly on his shoulder. Anyone who knew who Ash Ketchum was knew that he had his Pikachu always at his side. Not since the Unova League tournament had Pickachu been knocked out in a battle, simply outrunning and overpowering every opponent.