Trip to the tournament

I'll say it before and I'll say it again. Pokémon is the property of Satoshi Tajiri.

I do not own the story either; I'm just continuing it. Special thanks and kudos goes to MegaloRex for writing the original story.

"Incredible!" Oak shouted as he saw Ash's new Pokémon.

"Is that?" Tracey asked in amazement.

"Yes they are." Ash answered.

Tracey and Sam (Prof. Oak) looked in amazement at two of Ash's Pokémon. But they weren't looking at a Riolu and a Larvitar. The first Pokémon was a bipedal, jackal-like Pokémon that, at 5 foot 4, stood well above its average height. The Pokémon's black forepaws had one white spike on the upper-side of each wrist, along with a third spike on its chest. The Pokémon's snout and ears have also grown longer since its evolution from Riolu. It also has a furry yellow torso, and its thighs are in the shape of what looks like blue shorts.

A 14 year old Ash walked around the forest floor of Sinnoh with Pikachu and Meowth right by his side. As they walked, Ash felt a strange presence calling him. "Do you hear that, Pikachu?" He asked his partner, who simply responded with "Pi?"

"I don't know, I just hear something," Ash responded. As he went around the forest, he kept hearing a voice.

"Help me…" a voice called out. Ash heard the voice clearly and began to run towards the voice.

"This way!" Ash cried out as he ran. Pikachu and Meowth nodded and quickly followed his trainer. Ash ran to a small clearing in the forest, there he found something shocking. A small blue and black Pokémon Ash knew, "A Riolu."

The Riolu was young and injured, struggling to move. Ash went down to the poor Pokémon and asked, "Are you okay, little guy?"

The Riolu's eyes widened as it saw Ash. "It's you," Ash heard in his head.

"What? Was that you calling me?" Ash asked the Riolu.

"Yeah. Don't you remember me?" The Riolu asked, but Ash just shook his head. Riolu thought for a moment and came up with an idea. It raised its paw and summoned a blue energy sphere. The sphere launched to the sky, leaving Ash breathless.

After that, Ash's mind clicked. "Are you the Riolu I knew years ago? The one that nearly got caught by Hunter J?" Ash asked the Riolu. The blue Pokémon nodded its head leaving Ash dumbfounded. "What happened to the old man that took care of you?"

The Riolu lowered its head, and Ash figured out the truth.

"The old man passed away, didn't he?" Riolu nodded to Ash's response.

Ash remembered the man's age when he first met him, and that was over a year ago. "I know how you feel." Ash said to the Emanation Pokémon as it looked up to him. "I lost my mom more than a year ago." The Riolu looked up and saw a tear run down Ash's face.

"I'm sorry," Riolu said to the young trainer. Ash wiped his eye and watched Riolu try to stand, but failed as it fell back to the floor.

"You're hurt. Hold on." Ash said as he reached into his bag. He took a small blue berry. He brought it up to Riolu and said, "Here, take this. It's an Oran Berry; it'll fix you right up." Riolu reluctantly ate the berry and swallowed. In a matter of seconds, it was standing on its own two feet.

"I feel good!" It exclaimed in rejoice.

"Glad your feeling better," Ash said with a smile.

"Thank you, my friend." Riolu said in return. This reminded Ash of something.

"By the way, how can you talk?" Ash asked the Emanation Pokémon.

"Our Auras are very similar. This means I can speak with you through telepathy." Riolu said with a smile. Ash smiled back and looked to Pikachu and Meowth, who seemed confused, but happy at the same time.

Ash came up with an idea about what to do Riolu as he said, "I know you don't want to be alone," he brought out a Poke-ball from his bag, "so would like to become part of my team?"

"I do!" Riolu exclaimed in agreement. It quickly pressed the white button on the Poke ball and entered it in a flash of light.

As soon as the ball stopped shaking, Ash released Riolu again. "Looks like I caught me a Riolu, huh Pikachu?" His fellow partner responded with a jubilant "Pika!"

"Welcome aboard Riolu!" Meowth happily shouted.

"Yay!" The three Pokémon exclaimed as they jumped onto their trainer. They joined in a moment of laughter as they welcomed the new member to their family.

The second Pokémon was large, green, and dinosaur-like. It stood 6 foot 9 and appeared to have spikes near the end of its tail with the tip of the tail itself being segmented. Its feet and hands each have three claws on them. It possessed a blue rhombus on its chest, two rows of green spikes running down its back, and black, triangular holes on the Pokémon's knees, chest and back.

A 15 year old Ash walked through the mountains of Johto, searching for water. Next to him walked Pikachu, Riolu, and Meowth. It had been a full year after he caught the blue Pokémon.

"Dang it," Ash cursed, "I'm dying of thirst here."

"Me too boss." Meowth was in even worse shape.

"Pika Pika…" Pikachu complained in agreement.

"Hold up, Ash." Riolu said through it Aura. "I sense something, something close."

"Is it water?" Ash asked.

"Yeah, but there are two other beings near it," Riolu explained. "One of them is very young, my age to be exact. And the other one is…" Riolu could not bring itself to say the word.

"Dead?" Ash asked. Riolu nodded its head in fear of the word. Ash thought for a moment, then asked, "Which way?" Riolu pointed forward, down the mountain, and the trio began to run.

After a few short minutes, the trio found a small oasis with a few trees nearby. Ash looked around and saw two Pokémon by the Oasis. The first was a large green Pokémon with spikes and claws lying on the ground. The second was a small green Pokémon with a long horn on its head. Ash knew their species as, "A Tyranitar and a Larvitar."

He began to walk towards the two Pokémon, with Pikachu, Meowth, and Riolu following him. The Larvitar saw the quartet (group of four) and leaped in front of them. "Larvitar!" it screamed in anger.

"Take it easy, we're not going to hurt you." Ash said in a calm and caring voice. The Larvitar turned its head as it looked at Ash. It then noticed Pikachu before looking back at Ash. It widened its eyes and began to run towards Ash.

"Larvitar!" it screamed as it jumped on Ash with small tears. Ash landed on his back, slightly frightened by the Larvitar's action. As he looked to the Larvitar, he saw it crying into his chest.

"Are you the Larvitar I met back years ago?" Ash asked as the thought suddenly clicked into his mind.

"Tar!" it screamed in joy. Ash knew the Larvitar since the end of his Johto journey.

"It is you!" Ash called out as he hugged the little rock skin Pokémon. Once they released Ash looked to the little Pokémon and asked, "Is that your mother?"

The Larvitar lowered its head in sadness. Ash then felt a tug on his shirt and saw Riolu looking at him. "Ash, I sense no aura coming from that Tyranitar. That's the-" Ash stopped him before he finished.

"I figured," Ash said simply. He got up and walked over to the Tyranitar and examined it. He saw a black scar on its side, which Ash concluded it was the same Larvitar and Tyranitar he knew from before. He saw multiple other injuries amongst the Tyranitar's body, indicating it was in the battle of its life, and lost.

Ash turned to the little Larvitar and gave it a caring smile. "We're in the same boat, Larvitar," he said to Larvitar. "I lost my mom a few years ago, and Riolu here lost his care taker. Even Meowth had a rough past before I took him under my wing." Larvitar looked to Riolu as it turned away.

"We've all been taking care of each other for a few years now," Ash said as he kneeled down to the little Larvitar. "Would you like to join us Larvitar?" Larvitar nodded.

Ash chuckled and brought out a Poke ball from his bag. He tossed it up and Larvitar jumped to the sky, hitting the button with its stubby arm. In a flash of red light, the Poke ball fell to the ground and shook for a few seconds. As it stopped shaking Ash picked up the Poke ball and let Larvitar out.

Larvitar jumped up and down with Riolu and Pikachu and Meowth. "Looks like I got a Larvitar," Ash said to himself. He went by the four Pokémon and said, "We're all going to be great friends." His four Pokémon gave an evil smirk and jumped on Ash, causing them to fall. "Hey! Get off!" Ash laughed as his Pokémon tickled him.

"Ash, is that the Aura Sphere Lucario and?" Sam asked before receiving an instant response.

"Yes he is. Allow me to introduce Luke and Tyranitar!"

"Hello!/Tyranitar!" His two Pokémon exclaimed in unison.

"Well that explains why the Lucario is so tall." Tracey remarked.

"Ash, I can't believe these two were the Larvitar and the Riolu you met a long time ago. If Luke is the Lucario that was able to use Aura Sphere as a Riolu, it could be the most powerful of his kind." Sam commented. "And it is nearly impossible to train a Larvitar all the way to Tyranitar. You must have trained them well."

"Thanks Sam." Ash said as he smiled to two of his Pokémon.

"Professor, look," Tracey whispered as he noticed the third Pokémon. Sam was completely flabbergasted when he said the third Pokémon. The third Pokémon's body is grayish-purple with a purple underside and a long, purple tail. It has three digits on each appendage. It has purple eyes and two short ears. It also had a tube extending from the back of its skull to its spine.

"Ash is that?" Sam tried to ask again.

"Yes," Ash answered. "Sam, Tracey, the one and only Mewtwo!"

"Greetings," Mewtwo said through its Telepathy, leaving Sam and Tracey even more amazed than before. Zane had been smirking through the entire introduction as he watched his younger brother introduce his newest Pokémon.

"A-Ash, how did you-" Sam tried to ask, but Ash cut him off.

"It was about two years ago Sam, after I caught Larvitar and Luke and found Zane. Mewtwo had heard that I disappeared and set out to find me."

"Allow me," Mewtwo offered. Ash nodded and Mewtwo continued, "It took me a while to pinpoint his location, but I was able to locate him. When I found him, I met his brother, and he told me of their loss. He told me that Ash needed all the beings he could trust to comfort him. Ash was the first and primary trainer I trusted, Zane being the second. I decided what I must do."

"Let me," Ash cut in. Mewtwo nodded and Ash finished, "Mewtwo offered to become part of my team. At first I was shocked, but he said if he ever had a trainer, I would be the only one. Of course, I couldn't just catch him." Ash smirked, "So I challenged him to a battle. Mewtwo accepted and he battled against Charizard. They still had bones to pick with each other. It was close, but Charizard and I were able to pull through. After that, I signed a contract and got Arceus's approval."

"And you caught Mewtwo?" Tracey asked. Ash and Mewtwo looked to each other and smirked.

They both nodded, leaving Tracey and Sam dumbfounded. "Wow."

Meowth was shedding tears of pride and joy. "I'm proud to have a boss like you Ash."

"I'm proud to have you as a Pokémon Meowth." Ash replied as he petted Meowth's head. Pikachu shouted in agreement.

"Ash, you never cease to amaze me. First, you show up after five years and bring Zane back home, next you bring out a Lucario and a Tyranitar, then you befriend Meowth, and finally, you show up saying you caught the unattainable Mewtwo." Sam said in amazement at Ash's accomplishments.

"Thanks Sam." Ash grinned. He turned to his brother who was smiling back at him. "Hey bro, it's your turn!"

"Maybe later," Zane said simply. "I got to go do something real quick." He rose from his seat and left through the door. His Espeon let out a cry before following him.

"What's with your brother?" Tracey asked sheepishly.

"I almost forgot," Ash said as his face saddened, "Zane never paid his respects."

Tracey and Sam silenced as they realized what Ash meant. They stayed in silence for a few moments before Sam spoke, "Tracey, why don't you do and take count of Ash's Pokémon?"

"Sure." Tracey answered as he left.

"You five go with him." Ash said to Meowth, Luke (Lucario), Tyranitar, Mewtwo and Pikachu. They all nodded and followed Tracey outside.

After Zane left, Ash and Sam were left alone. "I'm so glad you came back Ash. I know the others will be too when they find out." Sam said as he sat.

"I already told Tracey," Ash said bluntly. "I'm not telling them until I'm ready."

"I know," Sam answered. "I heard what you told Tracey. Do not worry, I will not tell them either, but their bound to learn of you and Zane soon enough."

"I know," Ash said quietly. Deciding to change the subject, he asked, "Tracey told me that he and the others have been getting pretty close?"

"Indeed," Sam answered. "Max has been doing pretty well as a trainer. From what I heard, he has competed in the Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn leagues. He tried following in your footsteps and took on the Battle Frontier, but he didn't get that far." Sam chuckled.

"Tracey told me Misty, May, Caroline, and Norman signed him up." Ash stated.

"I figured he would." Sam smirked. "Between you and me, it appears that ever since Misty and Tracey started visiting your friends, he and Gary have been battling for Misty's heart."

Ash couldn't help but laugh. "Has Misty picked which one she likes?"

"That's the thing; as far as I know, either Misty is completely clueless or she just doesn't seem interested in either male." Sam laughed.

"If I know Misty, it's a toss-up." Ash smirked. The two laughed for a while longer before Zane re-entered the living room. "Hey bro."

"Hey," Zane stated in a sad tone. Ash and Sam could see tear marks on his face as he sat down.

"So what did I miss?"

Following along, Sam answered, "I was just telling Ash how his old friends have been getting along."

"Ash told me a lot about his friends," Zane stated. "I'd like to meet them soon. I mean, as soon as you're ready bro."

"Thanks Zane." Ash grinned.

After a few days, Ash and Zane prepared to leave for Metru Nui and the UBC. Ash trained with all his Pokémon while Zane trained with his six. Gary often called, but Tracey and Sam never said anything about the Ketchum Brothers. Sam had told Tracey that Gary also knew of Zane because he would often stop Gary and Ash from getting into fights. Two days before the tournament begins, Ash and Zane prepare to leave.

"Hey guys!" Tracey said as he came to the group with a large backpack. He managed to convince Ash and Zane to take him with them instead of going on a boat alone.

"Hey Trace, you ready?" Zane asked. He and Tracey easily became fast friends. Tracey found Zane was also fond of sketching Pokémon, and pretty good at it.

"You bet!" Tracey exclaimed. He turned to Ash and asked, "So Ash, have you picked your last two Pokémon?"

"Yeah, other than Pikachu, Luke, Tyranitar and Mewtwo, I've decided to take Nape (Infernape) and Tile (Sceptile)," Ash answered. Tracey then gave him a concerned look.

"You're not taking Charizard or Pidgeot?" Tracey asked. Ash shook his head, leaving Tracey even more confused. "Then how are we going to get to the island?"

"If we flew there, it would take at least three days. We'd be too late and disqualified. So, we're going to use a shortcut." Ash smirked. Tracey remained confused until Ash took out a Poke-ball from his belt. "Mewtwo!" Ash cried out, summoning the genetic Pokémon.

"You called?" Mewtwo asked as it stood.

"Yeah, we're about ready to leave," Ash answered. He turned to his brother and asked, "You ready, bro?"

"Pretty much," Zane answered. "How about you, Espeon?" Zane asked his Espeon, who shouted "Esp!" cheerfully.

Zane laughed at his little Pokémon looked to the doors and saw Professor Oak coming towards them, "Hey Sam!"

"Hello my boys, are you all ready to go?" Sam asked the trio.

"Pretty much," Ash answered. Sam took a look around and saw Mewtwo smirking.

"I see you're going to use Mewtwo's teleport to get to Metru Nui," Sam stated. Tracey mentally kicked himself for not figuring it before.

"Yeah," Zane agreed. "That's pretty much it, we're ready to go."

"Hold on for a second!" Sam exclaimed. He brought out a small letter from his pocket and handed it to Zane. Ash looked over his shoulder and read the letter.

"To Zane and Ash?" he questioned.

"Your mother," Sam answered, "wanted me to give it to you two if you two ever found each other, and she wasn't around anymore."

Zane and Ash looked to each other in confusion and turned back to the note. Reluctantly, Zane opened the envelope and took out the letter. As he unfolded it, he and Ash read the note their mom left behind.

Dear Ash and Zane,

If you're reading this, then that means I've moved on to the next life. It also means that you two have finally found each other. I know you two must be sad and heartbroken, but you must move on. I will always be with you, even if you can't see me. I've always loved the both of you with all my heart. I've seen you two grow as trainers and I know you two will be great.

Zane, I'm sorry I couldn't see you before I left. I know you have grown into a fine young man, just like your father. I only ask that you take care of Ash; he's going to need you now. I know you won't let me down for I know your still that little trainer I nearly suffocated when he was about to leave for his Pokémon journey.

Ash, you must be strong. I know you'll have a hard time moving on, but please promise me you won't duel on my death. You've found such amazing friends, and don't think I haven't seen how you feel about Dawn. They'll help you when you need it, so please, don't give up hope. Then again, I can't say that, because if I did it would mean you didn't find Zane.

I know you two have grown into fine young men and excellent trainers. If I know one thing, you two will move on from this and live your own lives. I just want you two to remember one thing; I always have and will always love you.

Love,

Delia Ketchum (AKA. Mom)

P.S. I love you both.

P.S.S. Ash, remember to change your underwear.

Once the finished reading the letter, both Ketchum's had tears at the corners of their eyes. Tracey, Sam and their Pokémon were watching in sadness as they looked at the letter. As they looked to the letter, a smile crept on both Ash and Zane's face. Zane folded up the letter and placed it in his suitcase. They both looked to Sam who was smiling in return. "Thanks Sam."

"You're welcome, my boy."

Both Zane and Ash smiled as Pikachu and Espeon jumped on their trainer's shoulders. "I guess it's time to go." Ash said easily.

"Yep," Zane agreed. "You ready Tracey?"

"You bet!" Tracey called out.

The three trainers and Pokémon looked to Professor who was waving goodbye. "Good luck to all of you." Sam inquired.

"You too Sam," Ash said. "And… thanks." Sam nodded his head in acceptance. Ash then turned to Mewtwo and asked, "Mewtwo, would you do the honors?"

"Of course," Mewtwo agreed. Its eyes began to glow blue as it called out, "Teleport!" In a flash of light, Zane, Ash, Tracey, Pikachu, Espeon, Meowth, and Mewtwo vanished. Sam smiled as he walked back to the lab.

In another part of the world, on a ship heading towards Metru Nui, a blue haired girl watched the sea water pass. She was about 16, had sapphire eyes, and stood 5 ft 6. She wore a black shirt and pink skirt similar to when she started her journey, only altered for more style. Her body had grown over the years, forming into nice curves that made boys drool. She had long gotten rid of the white beanie she originally wore and allowed her hair to grown down to her back. She was Dawn Berlitz, a coordinator from Sinnoh.

Next to her was a blue-eyed brunette, around 17 years old and 5 ft 6. She wore a green bandana that only covered the top of her head. She had long brown bangs at the front of her head and allowed the back to grown down to her neck. She wore a light orange top, green belt and black sorts. Her body had developed farther than Dawn, indicating how boys would go gaga at only the sight of her. She was Dawn's best friend, May Maple, coordinator of Hoenn.

Next to them was another girl with blue eyes, 19 years of age and 5 ft 8. She got rid of her pony tail and allowed her red hair to grow down to her shoulders. She wore a light blue jacket and yellow shirt and red shorts. Her body had also developed over the years, but not as much as May and Dawn. She truly only received looks from two boys, amongst a few others. Her name was Misty Waterflower, the Gym leader of Cerulean City.

Before the girls were three boys. The first was 6 ft 2 and 23 years old with spiky brown hair, squinty eyes, and a goatee. He wore the same green vest and brown khaki pants he wore on his first adventure. He was Brock Harrison, a Pokemon doctor and ex-Gym leader of Pewter City.

Next to him was a young boy, about 14 years old and 5 ft 5. He had teal hair and a pair of large black glasses. He wore a light green shirt and black shorts. His name was Max Maple, younger brother to May Maple and UBC contestant.

The last of the boys was a teen about 18 years old and 6 ft 0. He had brown spiky hair, a goatee, and a yellow and green pendant around his neck. He wore a black t-shirt and jeans. He was Gary Oak, grandson of Professor Oak and Ash's original rival.

The six trainers were all on the ship headed towards Metru Nui. They were all planning to cheer Max in the tournament. Tracey was originally going to go on another boat alone to meet them there, but he said he had gotten a ride from an old 'friend.'

"So, only two more days till we get there huh?" Misty asked. They had been on the boat for a day now since they left the Hoenn Region.

"Yep," Brock answered. "That means Max will soon be battling in the tournament."

"I can't wait!" Max exclaimed. "The sooner I get in the tournament, the sooner I win it!"

"Take it easy Max," May contradicted. "You still got to get past the preliminary rounds. You and the trainer you're going to be battling with."

"Yeah, yeah," Max answered nonchalantly. "You know, you never were this much of a pain in the ass to Ash!" Max silenced himself after he realized what he said. Everyone gave a solemn look as the memories returned. It had been five years since he disappeared, and four since he was presumed dead.

Dawn was the most traumatized by his disappearance. Everyone knew how she loved Ash, and how she reacted when they found he was gone. She had been doing considerably worse in contests and had not won a single one in three years. The others had often tried to cheer her up before, but it only worked for a short time.

The group remained in silence for a few minutes until Gary began to chuckle, and then burst into laughter. The other's looked at him awkwardly as they wondered why he was laughing. Finally, he spoke, "Look at us. How would Ash feel if he saw all of us sulking? It's Max's tournament, so we should be happy. If there's one thing I know, it's that Ash would want us to be happy for Max."

Gary hoped that his little speech would work. And strangely enough, it did. Brock nodded his head and said, "Gary is right. Ash would want us to be happy for Max. He wouldn't want us to worry about the past."

"That's right!" Misty exclaimed. "Besides, this is Max's moment to shine. I know he's going to win the tournament, hands down!"

"Thanks guys." Max grinned. The four trainers then began to converse again. Only Dawn and May were left out of the conversation.

May was watching Dawn as she looked to the ocean. May could see small tears forming in Dawn's eyes as she remembered the trainer she had long fell in love with. "Dawn?" May asked, getting the attention of the bluenette. "You miss him, don't you?" Dawn only turned her head back to the ocean. May softly placed her hand on her shoulder and said, "I know you miss him, we all do. All we can do now is move on."

"That's nearly the smartest thing you ever said, May," A cold voice stated.

May and Dawn knew the owner of the voice all too well. They turned to see a 5 ft 10, green-haired trainer of 17. He had a dark purple jacket and Black sweatshirt and jeans. He was fiddling with a red rose in his hand with a smirk. "Drew," May said coldly.

"Glad to see that you still remember me, May." Drew smirked. He then turned to Dawn and said,

"Hello there, little Miss Dawn. Have you finally given up coordinating?"

"Hardly," Dawn answered coldly. "What are you doing here, Shrub?"

"I'm just here to support my new 'partner'," Drew answered with a smirk.

"What cruel, heartless person would even consider you as their partner?" May asked violently.

Suddenly, the two female coordinators heard a pair of footsteps coming towards them.

"You called?" asked a dark voice. May and Dawn turned to see a trainer they despised even more than Drew. He was 18 years old and 5 ft 11 with dark purple hair and a mustache. He wore a dark blue jacket and jeans.

"Paul Steele," Dawn said coldly. She loathed the purple haired trainer with every cell of her body.

"Hello Dawn." Paul smirked. "Tell me, have you decided on my offer?" Although he already knew the answer, he enjoyed angering Dawn.

May looked to Dawn confused as she turned her head down. "Paul offered me to be his girlfriend," Dawn said. She said the words 'offered' and 'girlfriend' with great disgust. May gasped at her answer and looked between Dawn and Paul.

"What about you May, have you finally come to your senses and decided to become my girlfriend?" Drew asked with a smirk.

"Drew," May began, "If coming to my senses means becoming your girlfriend, I'd rather be insane!" She screamed the last part that caused to others to join around.

"What's going on here?" Brock asked the two jerks.

"We're just having' a friendly chat." Drew smirked.

"You call coming here and asking us if we want to be your girlfriends a friendly chat?" May screamed out. The others gasped at the statement, all but Drew, Paul and Dawn. Dawn and Paul had kept a straight stare of silence, until Paul broke it.

"Tell me Dawn," Paul began, "Why do you hang out with these losers? Why do you resist joining me when you know I am the stronger trainer?"

"Paul, you are anything but strong," Dawn answered with venom. "If anything, you are a thug and the most pitiful excuse of a trainer I've ever seen. You are abusive to your Pokemon and care only about yourself. The reason why you want me as your girlfriend is completely confounding, not to mention sick and perverted. As for my friends, they care about me and each other. Their kindness is what makes them stronger than you'll ever be." Brock nodded in approval.

Silence had kept the two groups at bay after Dawn's little speech. After a minute, a smirk crept on Paul's face. "What's so funny?" Dawn asked unfazed.

Paul chuckled. "You remind me of my former rival Ash Ketchum. He certainly had that kindness that you speak about; it made him quite the trainer. I can tell you miss him."

"Is there a problem with that?" Dawn replied angrily.

Paul looked at Dawn square in the eye and sneered. "Not at all. In fact, he was the best rival I had. He succeeded where I failed in raising Chimchar into a powerful Infernape. It's a shame that his kindness got both of them dead."

That last comment was the straw that broke the Camerupt's back. Dawn, Brock, and Misty charged towards Paul ready to wage some war.

"You filthy son of a bitch! I'll f**k you up!" Dawn roared as she punched Paul in the stomach.

"No one talks of Ash like that!" Brock shouted as he attempted to punch Paul in the face.

"Mallet time!" said Misty as she was about to hammer Paul's balls.

Gary and Max reluctantly sent out their Electivire and Snorlax, respectively, to restrain everyone before all hell broke loose.

"That was really low Paul." scolded Drew.

Paul shrugged and remained emotionless as he and Drew left the group. Before he was out of sight, Paul turned and said, "When you finally get over the almighty Ash Ketchum, I'll be waiting." Paul left, leaving the group worried for Dawn.

Later that night, the girls stayed in their room while the boys remained in theirs. After the events with Paul and Drew, Dawn had been curled up in her bed facing the wall. Misty and May had been watching her from May's bed across from Dawn. Unknown to the, Dawn had been sobbing over the trainer they thought was gone forever.

"Why did you leave us Ash?" Dawn sobbed/whispered. "Why did you leave me with this empty hole in my heart, longing for you to come back?"

Misty and May watched Dawn with worry as she silently cried over the raven haired trainer. "I'm really getting worried about Dawn," May whispered.

"I know me too." Misty agreed. Both girls knew that Dawn had special feelings for Ash. Misty remembered when she had a small crush on Ash, but he easily and nicely said that he did not have the same feeling. She got over it quick, though she still viewed Ash as a younger brother.

May also had a crush on Ash, and still did. She often wondered what he would look like if he was still alive. Although they both cared for Ash, they both knew Dawn was in love with Ash.

Besides, love is stronger than a crush.

Don't worry. Zane's Pokémon will appear in Chapter 6.

Ash will call Lucario "Luke" for short.

Oh, and Ash's Snorunt evoled into Froslass instead of Glalie. That was MegaloRex's decision, not mine.

Happy reading!