(A/N: Hey everyone, before we start I thought I should say I decided to make some last second changes. I know in the first story I didn't have any of the trainers have Pokeballs because they only had one Pokemon, but I decided to include them this time so that you don't have Pokemon hanging around pretty much not doing anything. And personally, I think that will make things better. But, other than that everything is the same so please try to ignore the small editing I put in for this story. And one last thing, for Drex and Thane, in case I didn't mention it before, their "voice actors" are Robin Atkin Downes and Kirk Thornton, respectively.)

Chapter 2: A Forgotten Friend

It had been about three months since Sirius' demise. At that time, it almost seemed certain that he would have been successful. Almost all of the legendary Pokemon had been under his control and it seemed the human population was doomed. If it had not been for Ash and Pikachu, the end would have been imminent. Of course, Ash's main objective was to save Dawn, who had been imprisoned by Sirius unintentionally. However, they were able to free the Pokemon from Sirius' will and with their help, along with meeting new friends, they managed to find Sirius' fortress and defeat him after a long and brutal fight.

Along the way, they came across two more allies, although at the time, they weren't considered "allies." Emma and Lex were two Pokemon who had served under Sirius, for he had legions of Pokemon on his side. However, Emma had been loyal to him than Lex, who was starting to have conflicting opinions. Emma was able to break out of her cold shell by her latest mission: join Ash and his group and kill Pikachu, a way that was supposed to deter Ash away from his goal. But it ended in failure for Pikachu had survived the ordeal and Emma meanwhile finally joining Lex in switching sides, thanks to Pikachu's and his friend's kind and warm friendship to her. After defeating Sirius and saving Dawn, they were both offered a home, a true home that neither of them truly had.

Three months later, peace has returned to the regions of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh. Since then, the group had gone their separate ways, May and Drew both returned to Hoenn while Paul returned back to Veilstone City in Sinnoh. However, Dawn had decided to stay in Kanto with Ash, letting her mother know of course. To perhaps no surprise, they were now officially going out, and they couldn't be happier. Meanwhile, Lex and Emma were in Kanto as well. It was possible that they were going to stay with Dawn, depending on when she was finally going to return to Twinleaf Town.

A Pokemon Contest was taking place today in Viridian City. Of course, Dawn had entered first-hand, mostly because her lifetime goal was to become top Pokemon Coordinator just like her mom did years ago. This particular contest was a bit different compared to others. Most standard contests have just one Pokemon doing an appeals round, and if they made it past, a quarter-finals, semi-finals, and then finally the final round between the last two remaining coordinators. But this contest involved a one Pokemon only appeals round, a double battle in the next two rounds and the final battle consisting of one Pokemon only.

"Wait a minute," Ash said, who was in the stands reading the brochure. "If you have to have two Pokemon, then who is Dawn gonna use other than Piplup?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Pikachu looked up at him with a slightly annoyed look on his face. He knew his trainer could be a bit thick-headed at times but he knew he couldn't ask for anyone better. "I tend to recall that we have two other Pokemon friends who are with us."

Ash frowned slightly. "Well, it's not like Dawn told us what her battle plan was." It was true, Dawn had only mentioned about the contest and what day and time it started. Other than that, she had told the two that she planned on keeping her strategy a surprise for both of them.

"I can almost guarantee we'll see all of them in each round," Pikachu said confidently, who seemed pretty sure Dawn was going to make it to the top.

"I hope so," Ash said, lying back slightly. "She was practicing a lot this past week so she's determined to win it all."

Meanwhile, Dawn was in the back, getting herself ready for the appeals round as well as making sure her hair was straight and make-up was put on perfectly. "Some things never change," she thought, bringing a slight smile to her face. She then looked down at the three Pokeballs on her table. They were put into a special casing that was meant to give the Pokemon an exhilarating introduction, and Dawn had picked hers well for each of them. She then picked them and said, "Alright everyone, just like we practiced." She looked into the mirror, a determined smile on her face now. "No need to worry right?"

(A/N: Okay, for this upcoming part, the song I'm gonna use is "Safe and Sound" by Krosuke Himoro ft. Gerard Way.)

"Thank you for your patience ladies and gentlemen," the announcer finally spoke over the speakers. "We would like to welcome all of you to your very own Viridian City Pokemon Contest!" The crowd roared with excitement. Ash knew that Contests like this drew in big crowds but he never expected such a full showing. Then again, to one, Contests were just as exciting as Pokemon battles. "Our first coordinator comes all the way from Twinleaf Town in Sinnoh. It's Dawn!"

Out of the small tunnel to the right came Dawn, dressed in her dazzling pink dress and blue high heels. But even for her, running in heels was tough to do. As soon as the spotlight was on her, she quickly drew a Pokeball. *"Alright Piplup, spotlight!" She threw the Pokeball into the air and as it opened, a spew of bubbles came out along with a flash of light. Piplup soon appeared and as if on cue, Piplup then used Whirlpool, casting a large vortex of water in the middle of the stage. Then, he jumped into the air and dived into the funnel, after using BubbleBeam to surround the vortex in a bluish-white glow. As soon as he went in, he then used Hydro Pump and spun around, causing the whirlpool to become a very large sphere of water. The crowd, and the judges, were amazed that such a feat was taking place. Finally, Piplup used Peck to go up and pierce through the top of the sphere. He soon landed as the sphere exploded into particles of water and vapor which sparkled over the entire arena. The crowd roared with excitement as Dawn bowed, with Piplup in her arms.

In the next round, after managing to make it with ease, Dawn was neck and neck with her opponent. Having both Piplup and Emma out now, she had Piplup use Hydro Pump on the opponent's Growlithe, and Emma used Charge Beam on his Vaporeon. Both were then KO'd in a flash as Dawn then moved onto the next round.

Finally, after breezing through the semi-finals, the final round pitted Dawn and her final opponent. Her opponent called her Scyther and soon Dawn called out hers. With a flash of electricity came Lex, a look of determination on his face. As the battle started, both Pokemon proved to be quick, but Lex was exceptionally skilled, and used this to his advantage, eventually tiring out Scyther and then going for the strike. He then used Thunder Fang and Iron Tail to ultimately knock out Scyther after sending him across the stage. Lucky for Dawn, she didn't have to train Lex too much. And almost as quickly as it began, the contest was at an end and Dawn cruised her way to the top with ease, earning her third ribbon here in Kanto. And she couldn't have done it without her Pokemon and her friends.

"Well what can I say," Emma said afterwards. "I'm just that amazing of a Pokemon." Both Piplup and Lex both sweatdropped at this.

"Some partner she is," Piplup mumbled.

"You get used to it," Lex replied.

"I have to say Dawn that was pretty awesome," Ash said. "Especially in the appeals round."

Dawn smiled. "I admit it was pretty hard work," she said. "But thankfully Piplup and I managed to get it down quick and perfected it."

"So, where to now?" Ash said, grabbing her hand and holding it.

"I suppose we could go back to Pallet Town and celebrate," Dawn said with a wink.

Pikachu rolled his eyes. "I really do hope they're not gonna do what I think they're going to do," he thought.

Once they finally got a bus back to Pallet Town, it would only take about ten minutes to get back to his house. "Aw man I'm starving," Ash complained, his stomach rumbling.

Dawn giggled. "You're always starving it seems Ash."

"Its times like these I wish Brock was around," Ash said. Unfortunately, Pewter City was miles past the way they had just came from. "Oh well, when all else fails there's mom to help save the day."

"Good, because winning a contest builds up your appetite too," Dawn agreed. Suddenly, out of nowhere came –

"HEEYYYYYY! MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!" Someone was running at them at a very pace and before Ash could do anything they knocked into each other and fell onto the ground. A boy about Ash's height, with blonde hair was holding a hand to his head, groaning slightly. He then jumped up quickly and glared at Ash while pointing a finger at him. "Hey! I thought I said to move out of the way! I'm gonna fine you for this and you have ten seconds to pay up! Ten, nine, eight, seven-"

"Barry?" Dawn said.

The boy stopped suddenly and stared at her. "Dawn?" he said calmly. "What are you doing here?"

"I should be asking you the same question," Dawn replied.

"You know this guy Dawn?" Ash said, getting up slowly.

"This is Barry," Dawn said. "He's from Twinleaf Town like me and one of my closest friends."

"I had been gone for a couple months and was going to visit you," Barry replied. "But your mom told me that you were in here in Kanto. And she even said you've been away from home for almost five months!"

"Oh…" Dawn looked down slightly. "Yeah, I was Barry. I'm sorry I didn't tell you."

"I was worried like crazy and took the next bus coming here," Barry said. "But as long as you're here then everything's good I guess." He then looked to Ash. "Sorry about before. I'm Barry as Dawn just said."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Ash," Ash said, shaking his hand. "This is my partner Pikachu."

"Hello," Pikachu said.

"A Pikachu huh?" Barry said. "Well, guess you should meet my partner as well." He then pulled out a Pokeball. "Come on out Empoleon!" There was a flash of light and soon a large Pokemon resembling a penguin came out.

"Wow Barry, he evolved!" Dawn said, clapping her hands together. "When did this happen?"

"When I was with my dad," Barry said. It was then his turn to look away. "You know, training and all that."

"Well it's good to meet you Empoleon," Dawn said. Empoleon smiled slightly and nodded.

"So Barry, Dawn and I are heading back to my house," Ash said. "Would you like to join us? My mom makes really good food."

"Sure," Barry replied. "After all, all that running around makes a person hungry." But that would soon have to wait as all of a sudden, the group was surrounded by a pack of Growlithe. "What the-! What did you two do this time?"

"Hey, I've never seen these Growlithe before!" Ash snapped back, looking at them and counting seven. "But they sure don't seem happy to see us."

A couple of them were staring at Pikachu, then looked back to the others and nodded slightly. Pikachu quickly noticed this. "I do not like the looks of this…" he thought.

(A/N: For this next part, the song I will use is "Wild Pokemon Battle (Diamond/Pearl)" from Super Smash Bros. Brawl.)

*"Don't worry, Barry and I can take care of this right Barry?" Dawn asked.

"You bet," Barry replied, a determined smile on his face. "Now Empoleon!"

Empoleon grunted slightly in acknowledgement and then a small ball of energy appeared around his beak. "Hydro Cannon!" The ball suddenly shot forward and knocked about three of them backwards. The others reacted to this and charged forward.

"Whirlpool!" Piplup said, sending a large pool of water at them, who were soon engulfed by it and sent backwards as well. The look of annoyance on their faces was obvious as they all grouped together for one large attack and were about to pounce until –

"That is enough." The Growlithe stopped in their tracks, the sound of their leader clear to their ears. Indeed, there was an Arcanine standing before them.

"Whoa, an Arcanine," Ash said.

"Hm, not quite," the Arcanine said. "What you see before you is only one of my forms. The other…" In a matter of seconds, the Arcanine suddenly changed forms into a young man with short black hair, tall figure, wearing a familiar-looking black cloak.

Ash and Dawn were used to this sort of thing by now. Barry… not so much. "WHAT DID I JUST SEE!" Barry shouted, looking like he was going to have a heart attack.

"It's a long story," Dawn said.

"Hey wait a minute," Ash said. "Sirius wore a cloak similar to that. Are you one of his followers?"

The man had a smile on his face and he almost wanted to laugh but kept his composure. "Sirius had no followers. Not strong ones at least."

"Excuse me!" Emma had suddenly approached the front of the group. "Who you calling weak?"

"Oh right, I forgot about his two former companions."

"Of course they forgot," Lex muttered.

"But anyway, I don't have time for chitchat," the man said. "I almost forgot to introduce myself. My name is Drex and I'm here to see someone." It was obvious who he was talking about.

"Me?" Pikachu asked. "What do you want with me?"

"It's obvious that your actions are what defeated Sirius," Drex said. "We're rather thankful for your actions."

"And who is 'we?" Dawn asked.

"The rest of us are much like what Sirius was," Drex said. "Do not worry, we wish no harm against anyone." "At least not yet…"

"So why don't you tell us about your other friends?" Ash asked.

Drex was in thought for a few moments. "How about this? We'll make a deal," he said. "If your Pikachu can defeat me in battle, then I'll be willing to talk a little more. If not, then I suppose you're on your own."

"A simple fight?" Pikachu asked.

"Yes, nothing lethal," Drex said. "This way I can know just who you are."

"…Very well," Pikachu said.

"You sure about this buddy?" Ash said.

"Don't worry, I can handle myself," Pikachu said with a smile and a wink.

(A/N: Alright, for the final part here, I'll be using "Combat" from Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII.)

"Very good," Drex said with a smile and quickly changed back into his Arcanine form. "I prefer a willing fighter. *Now then Pikachu, let's just see how strong you truly are."

Pikachu in acknowledgement jumped off Ash's shoulder to face the Arcanine. Meanwhile, the Growlithe surrounded them, acting as a barrier.

Drex preferred not to wait for Pikachu to make the first move and acted first, moving a speed that caught Pikachu slightly off guard. Before he knew it, Drex was behind him and used Flamethrower, knocking Pikachu straight into the ground.

But this did not deter Pikachu, as he's been in rougher situations. Getting up quickly, Pikachu used Quick Attack to match Drex's speed and this time Pikachu was actually able to dodge Drex's attacks. Once he finally found an opening, Pikachu then used Iron Tail, managing to knock Drex back a few yards. Taking the opportunity at hand, Pikachu decided to use Volt Tackle and finish this once and for all.

Seeing the attack, Drex made a last ditch effort and used Flame Blast, hoping to stop him. The attack hit, but Pikachu charged right through it. He ran straight into Drex, causing a small explosion and Drex was sent flying onto his back, a bit of surprise on his face. Pikachu waited, but once Drex got up, he stopped. "That is enough," Drex said. "That was all I needed to know."

"What are you talking about?" Pikachu asked.

"This was merely a test," Drex said, panting slightly. "Obviously I was not using my full power nor did you truly defeat me. But now I know the truth Pikachu; that you are the one I knew from before?"

"Knew from before?" Ash asked.

Drex nodded. "This may come as a surprise but Pikachu and I met a long time ago. Of course, you were only an infant at the time but… that was when you lost your parents." Drex looked him straight in the eyes. "Do you remember me at all?"

Pikachu looked back and tried to perhaps remember if there was ever a time he had ever met this person. "Nothing's coming up," Pikachu said. "I'm sorry."

Drex looked a bit hurt by the comment but was not surprised. "I see," he said. "It has been a long time I suppose. Maybe one day you'll remember or maybe one day I can try to explain the story all over again. But for now, I must go." He then turned around and the Growlithe before him followed suit.

"Wait a minute," Dawn said. "You promised that you would tell us about the others like you."

Drex stopped. "So I did," he said, turning back around. "Very well. The first person is Caix. He's perhaps the one you don't wanna bash heads against. He has a certain pride in violence. I never liked him personally. Then there are Darrel and Daralis. They are more of a couple if you ask me. The two can't stand to be apart, but they are both powerful as well, Darrel with Dark powers and Daralis with Psychic. And then there's… Lenore. She's… very beautiful and just as deadly. Of course, that is if you cross her but she in some cases can be very understanding. And then there's Thane, who's our leader. He is the strongest of all of us and my closest friend. All of us make up an order of what you would call "hybrids.""

"But how did that happen?" Ash asked.

Drex smiled slightly. "That is another story. For now, I must go. Farewell to all of you." And with that, the entire group disappeared in a flash.

"What in the world was that about?" Ash said.

Pikachu didn't know, but he had a feeling things were about to become very complicated again, just like three months ago…

(A/N: Well, I'm glad to finally have the chance to finish this. No, this was not meant to be this long but it just happened so… yeah. But as you can see this story will explain what had not been explained in the first story so it's important to keep track of all of this. Anyway, hope you enjoyed the chapter and I will see you all NEXT TIME!)

FoxMcCloud7921