Chapter 3: Enter Alola and the Old Friends

Location: Professor Oak's Lab, Kanto Region

"Okay, everything seems to be okay," the doctor proclaims after examining Tracey's condition.

Professor Oak returned two hours later since he left the lab and he found Tracey unconscious on the floor. Naturally, he called a doctor and Officer Jenny to check if he was okay and called Misty and Gary. Brock declined since he was currently working at the hospital in Pewter City and couldn't make any excuse for not working. And if things weren't getting any worse; half of Ash's Pokémon were stolen, alongside Max and Bonnie are missing.

"Now, do you remember what happened Mr. Sketchit?" the doctor asks Tracey.

Tracey puts hold on the ice pack near the bump caused by the broken vase. "Well, the last thing I remember was someone knocked on the door and I opened it. And the next thing is that someone yelled Iron Tail and then I was knocked out."

"Well, do you recognized the voice at least?" Gary questions Tracey.

Tracey thought long and hard, "It might sound crazy, but... I thought I heard Ash."

Professor Oak, Misty, and Gary's eyes widen in shock and disbelief. There was no way that the boy who committed suicide after the Kalos League to still be alive. Unless he faked it and disappeared without a trace.

"Professor, do you have any security cameras in this lab?" Officer Jenny asks.

The Kanto professor rubs his chin, still contemplating what his assistant told him, "Only on the inside of the lab. Maybe we might see the culprit."

The two adults walk towards the computer, leaving Misty and Gary behind with Tracey. Misty looks at the black haired boy dead in the eye, hoping what he said was true.

"Tracey, are you one-hundred percent sure it was Ash's voice you heard?"

Tracey only shrugs, "I don't know. I mean, it sounded like him. But it happened so fast, I didn't get to see the person's face."

Gary knows that Tracey would never lie to any of them. But he felt that wants to more about the attacker and the whole suicide of his once living friend, the disappearance of Ash's Pokémon, and the two kids. Something was definitely going on and it wasn't good. He looks at the Cerulean Gym leader as so did she. They didn't say anything nor did they need to, they then turned their gaze to Professor Oak and Officer Jenny, searching through the security footage.

Professor Oak was rewatching the same footage a few hours ago where the incident happened. But every time he looks at it frame by frame, the footage was cut out right when Tracey was attacked. He could tell that the blue hair officer was also struggling. It didn't help that the footage didn't have any audio to hear any voices in the film. Oak rubs his temples, annoyed that he'll never find the one responsible for the kidnapping of Pokémon, Max, and Bonnie.

"I'm sorry that we can't find anything for you Officer Jenny," Oak apologized.

"It's nothing," she forgave him, "My best guess is that someone must've cut the cable to the camera before striking. I recommend having security cameras for both in and outside of your lab."

The professor nodded his head in agreement before looking back to the repeating footage. Everything didn't make sense, he felt that maybe Ash's suicide wasn't a suicide at all. But he can't tell if it was a ruse created by Ash or it was murder. And if it was murder, then he hopes to find the killer and brings him to justice.

Five days later...

Location: Vermilion City, Kanto Region

Ash, Max, and Bonnie have been hiding in Luietenant Surge's gym for almost a week. Though this didn't mean Ash was laying off easy; he had to work in the gym like cleaning and maintaining it whenever someone came in and gained the Thunder Badge. Although, he was allowed to train his remaining loyal Pokémon and was even allowed to train Max and Bonnie to become strong trainers themselves. Though, he was still wary of the kids and his Pokémon, minus Pikachu. He still wants to believe them, but with the memory still engraved into his mind, he also begins to question Surge's loyalty.

However, today was supposed to be a good day; Luietenant Surge has said that he found a brand new region called Alola. It was far away from any known region and sure enough, it's on the opposite side of the globe. This was good news for the three trainers and luckily, Most of Ash's Pokémon was transported to the region's professor and he'd said that he'll take good care of them until Ash, Max, and Bonnie arrive in Alola. The only Pokémon Ash kept with him was Pikachu.

"Alright, is everyone ready?" Luietenant Surge asks loudly.

The three kids salute in military style, all saying "Yes sir!" in unison. The blonde veteran chuckled, waving at them to follow him to the airport and they obeyed. Ash walk behind the two young kids, still wary in case they did something but try not to look suspicious. Though, he and the two kids had to change clothes. Max wore a black short polo shirt, grey shorts, and brown shoes. Bonnie wore a pale yellow sundress, an orange vest, and black summer shoes. She also changed her hair into a small french braid and got rid of her iconic hairclip. Ash wore a blue and white striped t-shirt, black summer shorts, blue shoes, and a black and blue cap with a hexagonal Pokéball on it.

The Kantonian boy tried his best to look less conspicuous, hoping to not avert any attention if news about his "death" has spread. Five minutes and they have arrived at the airport. The Electric Gym Leader gave the three kids their tickets before speaking.

"Now listen, when you arrived in Alola, go and find the professor. He'll help you with everything you need," he said.

Ash, Max, and Bonnie nod their heads before the black-haired boy walk towards him and raise his hand into a handshake.

"Thank you for all your help."

Surge shook Ash's hand and smiled, "Don't mention it. Now, get going before people are going to catch on."

The three kids walk towards their assigned airplane, with Bonnie waving at the retired military man goodbye and tries to catch up with the boys. Luietenant Surge watches the kids enter the airplane before he picks up his phone and dialing a number before placing it into his ears. He just hopes this could work.

Location: Pewter City, Kanto Region

Brock was in the kitchen as he was cooking lunch for his family, with the help of Cilan and Dawn. They were still devastated by the death of their best friend and now the kidnapping of Max and Bonnie five days ago. They couldn't explain why this was happening and now they were convinced that maybe the supposed suicide was murder and who else to point the finger at than Team Rocket. It was probably a new low for the obnoxious evil team, though it wouldn't be a surprise if it wasn't caused by Jessie, James, and Meowth, but plausible.

Brock knew the kidnapping of Max was hitting hard for May, including for Clemont with Bonnie's. Though, he doesn't know about the two Kalosan blondes, but what can he do. From what Cilan said, Clemont was a gym leader and inventor and Bonnie was the energetic girl who tried to get every single girl to become her brother's girlfriend. It was kinda funny, with the young girl reminding him of himself with proposing to every girl, with only that she does it for her brother's sake and he does it for himself. Sadly, he begins to despise Clemont and Ash's female companion, Serena, for betraying Ash and he would never forgive them for that. Including May as well.

He sighs, remembering the times he had with Ash throughout his journeys. He was proud that he was runner-up in the Kalos League, amongst his now second greatest feat being Top Four in the Sinnoh League. He wished he could congratulate him for his closest victory if he hadn't died. Though his memories came to a halt when he heard the home phone ringing. He looks at it before walking towards it and answers the phone.

"Hello, Brock Harrison speaking," he said.

"Hey rookie," a deep voice said on the phone.

Brock instantly recognizes the voice, "Luietenant Surge?"

Surge laughs loudly on his side, "Yes it's me. Now, I heard about what happened to your little friend. He was a good kid."

A sharp pain struck his heart when the gym leader mentioned Ash. He took a deep breath before responding back.

"Y-Yeah... He was."

Brock looks at the kitchen, to see that Cilan and Dawn were watching him before he looks away.

"Listen, Is there anyone with you?" Surge asks Brock.

Brock was confused at the question but nods his head, "Yeah, um a girl name Dawn and a connoisseur name Cilan."

"Okay, now tell them exactly what I'm about to tell you."

Brock then listens to the veteran soldier, he wanted to ask questions about all this, but he felt that this only a one-time thing and decided to keep quiet and listen. He said goodbye before hanging up and walk towards the kitchen with the bluenette and green-haired boy looking at him in confusion.

Dawn was the first to speak, "What was that all about?"

Brock once more took a deep breath before explaining.

"If you couldn't guess, that was Luietenant Surge on the phone. He said that he wants us three to head towards the airport in Vermilion City. He said he has tickets for us and wants us to meet someone."

"What for?" Cilan questions.

"Hell if I know," the doctor shrugs, "But he said to tell you guys about it."

The two don't know why this was happening or what Luietenant Surge wants. For all they know, it could be a trap or something of the kind. Cilan has heard that Luietenant Surge was known for his aggressive behavior in battle due to being in the military. Dawn, on the other hand, was terrified of the muscular blonde man and it didn't help that the man was from the military. Even though they don't want to meet the man, they rather not disobey an older gym leader.

"When do we leave?" the two asks.

"I'll tell my family and my boss what's happening," Brock said.

Dawn and Cilan agreed as they grab their bags from their guest room and went outside of the former Pewter Gym Leader's house. A few minutes later, Brock came back with his backpack.

"Let's get going."

Dawn and Cilan followed Brock as they make their way to Vermilion City. The three hope that Surge has some answers to the cryptic call and why did he ask to see them and not the rest.

'Only one way to find out,' they all though in unison.

Location: Melemele Island, Alola Region

The airplane has landed on the island chained region and to the three kids' credit, they were amazed. Alola was a tropical paradise, more tropical than the Orange Islands itself. As if each island is unique in its own way, they even spotted a white man-made island as well from above. The sun was shining brightly as the cool ocean breeze blew through the wind. Max and Bonnie were amazed to see such a wonderful paradise to ever existed, while Ash looks around the island. He was able to get a map to see where they were and hoping to find the region's professor.

Luckily, they arrived at Hau'oli City, the largest city on Melemele Island and the Professor's lab was near Iki Town, which was only five minutes away.

"Alright guys, let's get going," Ash said.

Max and Bonnie nod as they followed the older trainer. They passed by the region's school where it had a giant tree next to it and the school itself was nothing like any other. It had balconies, roofs made out of traditional dry palm leaves, it even has a slide on top of the largest building. If they went to school, they would want to go to this place. They passed by a Pokémon Center, looking very tropical mind you, and they arrived at a small dirt road. Ash looks down at the map to see if he was on the right trail and to see a large wooden house with a green rooftop.

"Hey, Ash, who lives there?" Bonnie asks while she looks at the house.

"Yeah, I don't think it's safe to have a house built near the shoreline if there's going to be a hurricane coming," Max said quite sketchy with the house's placement.

Ash looks down at the map to see that the said house was on the map, reading: Professor Kukui's Lab. He looks back at the house before walking down the path.

"The map says that's the Professor's lab," he said.

The two kids look at each other and then back to Ash. Even Pikachu was kinda iffy about the whole thing. Why would the regional professor have his lab near the shoreline when a hurricane might come in and destroy it? But that's not their place to judge. Max and Bonnie follow Ash down the path with ease and they made it to the professor's lab. The trio got a better look at it to see that the rooftop was covered with planks of wood as if it has been damaged over the years by something large hitting it. Just before they could reach the door, they could hear screaming coming from the inside.

"YEAH ROCKRUFF, USE HYPER BEAM!" a voice excitedly shouts.

Before anyone could figure out what's going on, the door was destroyed by a man being the cause of the door's destruction. The man slid through the warm sand with smoke coming out of his chest, with Max and Bonnie petrified while Ash and Pikachu were surprised by what happened, now with the three running towards the man.

"Oh my Arceus! Are you okay sir!?" Bonnie screams.

The man got up with some darken ash covering most of his face and body. He laughed, catching them off guard.

"Oooooh boy, that was some power!" he said.

He got up and wipe the mess off of him, all the while chuckling to himself. The man was in his mid-twenties, tanned skin similar to Brock and Iris', wore no shirt, only grey shorts, green shoes and shades, and a white cap and lab coat. His hair was dark brown hair, pulled into a ponytail and a goatee. He looks at the three kids and he decides to greet them.

"Hello, my name is Kukui. I'm the region's professor," he said with a smile on his face.

Ash smiled back at Kukui, tipping his new hat to the tanned professor.

"My name is Ash and this my partner, Pikachu," he greeted.

"Pikachu!" he squeaks.

"My name is Max!" Max introduced himself.

"And I'm Bonnie!" Bonnie said with a huge smile on her face.

Professor Kukui's eyes widen for a bit before clapping his hands.

"Ah, so you must be the three that Mr. Surge has told me about. Well, the good news is that I have your Pokémon in my Pokémon Bank account, Mr. Ketchum"

Ash smiles to hear that his Pokémon was already here, safe an sound. Kukui led the three into his lab. Neglecting the broken door to see the inside of the lab. It was roomy, to say the least, it had an aquarium with some Luvdiscs and some Corsolas. It also had a small kitchen, living room with a plasma screen tv, a loft led by a ladder, and a set of stairs that led down below the house. Professor Kukui went toward the stairs before looking at Ash, Max, and Bonnie.

"Make yourself comfortable. I'll be right back."

Max and Bonnie begin wandering around the lab while Ash went to a couch. Bonnie was fixated on the small aquarium while Max looks around and spotted a new looking Pokémon. A small brown and white canine with small rocks around its white fur and blue eyes was scratching its ears before making eye contact with the Hoenn born boy. Max knelt down, reaching his hand out with a small smile on his face.

"Hey there, little fella," Max said calmly.

The small dog walks near Max's hand, sniffing it before placing its head underneath Max's hand. Max smiles at the Pokémon, rubbing the dog's head with happiness. Ash could see that Max was taking a liking to this and so was Bonnie. Though, he still doesn't trust them and feared that they could betray him any moment. But then again, they're kids and he's only known the two respectively for a reasonable amount of time he traveled in their home regions. Sometimes, he wants to believe that Brock, Dawn, and Cilan didn't betray him. But he can't be too sure, he can't tell if the people in Alola that will become his friends will give him the same treatment.

Though, his train of thought was interrupted when he heard footsteps coming from the basement. He turns around to see Professor Kukui coming from downstairs, giving the boy a thumbs up.

"Good news kid, your Pokémon are safely here and I'm planning to release them to get some fresh air," he said.

Ash nods his head before he heard footsteps coming from the porch. They saw a girl was probably no older than Ash's age, sixteen at best. She wore an all white sundress, large sunhat, stockings, and shoes. Her hair was platinum blonde and her eyes are neon green. She also carried a large white and red drum bag, not knowing that there were other people in the lab.

"Professor, I got the package for you!" the girl said before looking at Ash, Max, and Bonnie.

Her mind suddenly clicks before gasping in realization.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't know you're having some trainers here!" she apologizes.

Kukui laughs at the girl's apology, waving his hand dismissively.

"It's fine Lillie, it's nothing to worry about."

The girl named Lillie, look at the once fix door before sighing irritably.

"Professor, this is the tenth time the door was destroyed this month!" Lillie scolds the man.

"Well, what can I say? I'm ready for any pain that throws in my way!" he said proudly.

The blonde rubs her temples, knowing that there's no way to keep the man from hurting himself. Even if it means it was for research. She looks at the three and looks at the black haired boy. She had never seen him nor the two kids before, but she doesn't want to be rude for not introducing herself. Walking towards Ash, giving him a circular motion with both hands before speaking.

"Alola. My name's Lillie," she said.

Ash got up from his seat and try to do his best hello gesture, if that's what Lillie did, to her.

"Hi, my name is Ash Ketchum and this my partner Pikachu!" he said.

Pikachu squeaks happily, only to get a short squeal from Lillie. She instantly back away in fear, causing them to look at her in confusion. Kukui sweatdrops before speaking.

"I'm sorry Ash. Lillie has a fear of touching or being anywhere near Pokémon. So, there's nothing wrong," he explains.

Ash nods his head, now understand the girl's fear. Though, if she had ever met N, things would probably not go so well for the two of them. Lillie lowers her head in disappointment, before bowing her head.

"I'm sorry, I want to overcome my fear but I just stiffed up whenever I'm near them."

Ash felt sorry for the girl, but then he thought of an idea.

"Hey Professor, can I see my Pokémon?" he asks.

Professor Kukui snaps his fingers in realization, "That's right! I'll grab their Pokéballs and take them outside."

Kukui instantly ran downstairs and came back with a small box filled with Pokéballs and walk right outside. Ash, Max, Bonnie, and Lillie all followed the tanned professor as he placed it on the sandy ground. Ash quickly grabs a few of his Pokéballs from the box and tossed them into the air to get some fresh air. Rinse and repeat.

Max and Bonnie threw theirs, with Max had a Mightyena and Ralts and Bonnie, her Dedenne. Lillie jumps in shock to see so many Pokémon, and to be near one was something she was not ready to handle something like this. One of the Pokémon walks up to her. She could tell that it's a Bulbasaur, the one that Ash owns, look up at the Alolan blonde in curiosity and decided to grow one of his vines from the bulb trying to offer his version of a handshake.

Ash looks at his first Grass starter with amusement, seeing that the blonde was uncomfortable being next to the Grass/Poison starter who just wants to give her a handshake. Lillie slowly stretches her hand to the vine, still shaking, but when she touched the vine she yelps and quickly backs away even further. Bulbasaur sweatdrops from the sudden reaction, couldn't understand why the girl was afraid of her. Ash knelt down and pats the small bulb on his back.

"Don't be discourage pal", he said, "She's scared of touching Pokémon is all."

The small green Pokémon nods his head before looking at the blonde, she straightens her white dress before looking at him with an apologetic look on her face. Something inside the Grass Kanto starter's mind spark and he doesn't know why. But for now, he wants to see all of his friends together. Kukui already seems to get everyone from their capsules as they took a swift sniff of salt air. Ash didn't seem to mind, but now he felt that maybe he could start a brand new team to bring to his Pokémon family. Though he hopes those who gave him a second chance, he would live up to their expectations.

After five minutes, Ash got everyone back into their Pokéballs, except for Bulbasaur that decides to stay out for a little while longer, and gave them to Kukui. Ash, Max, Bonnie, Lillie, and Kukui then decide to head towards a small town called Iki Town. It was a peaceful town and surely, it almost reminded him of Pallet Town. But he didn't want to remind himself of his once so-called birthplace.

What stood out in the village was a large traditional stone battle arena and on it was four people. He looks at the first person who was a large tanned man with grey hair that was tied up and wore a yellow tropical cloak, white shorts, and sandals. The man turned around to seem to have squinted eyes, a grey mustache and wore a blue shirt and a white martial arts belt. He looks at them before smiling and waved at them.

"Alola! Kukui!" the old man says loudly.

Kukui waved back at the old man, "Alola! Kahuna Hala!"

The five made it to the stone floor arena as the two adults begin talking to each other. Ash could have guessed that maybe the two have known each other and with a small region like this, it might be the case. It was then his mind click when he forgot something.

"Oh, I almost forgot!" he said smacking his forehead, "Lillie, I like you to meet Max and Bonnie."

Lillie looks at the two kids, waving at her.

"Hello!" they said.

Lillie smiles and waves at the two.

"Hello, it's nice to meet you."

Ash sighs in relief that he finally got the introduction out of the way, but then he looks past the two adults and looks at the three people the old man was talking to. And to his surprise, he instantly recognizes them and so did they. He never expected to see them this soo and yet, here they are. Bonnie, Max, and Lilie took notice of Ash's reaction and the two kids also shared the raven-haired boy's reaction. Even Pikachu and Bulbasaur were surprised to see them.

Brock, Cilan, and Dawn all thought they were looking at a ghost, but no matter how many times they blink, he was still there along with the two missing kids. They didn't want to believe it, but it didn't stop Dawn from slowly walking to Ash. Ash stood still as the bluenette continue to walk towards him, not noticing that Pikachu jump off of his shoulder and stood next to him. Dawn was only a foot away, her eyes began to water up as she slowly lifted her hand up, hoping it wasn't a hallucination.

"A-Ash?" she spoke.

Ash blinked a few times, nodding his head without changing his expression.

"Yes, it's me."

Dawn almost choke on the air, lunging straight towards him without warning. Ash didn't know how to respond, but it didn't take long till Brock and Cilan walk towards him and showed the same sadness, surprise, and relief in their eyes.

"We're so sorry," Brock spoke.

Ash didn't say anything, but he didn't part Dawn from crying on his shoulders. Even if this cause some attention, he couldn't care. All he did was nod his head and replied.

"I know and it's a long story."

Author's Note: Don't know how to end this chapter but here you go, the third chapter of Glass Cannon. Since you guys want Ash to become a Frontier Brain, then you shall receive. But, how will I do that? Well, I'm trying to make this one where Ash slowly makes amends with those still stayed loyal to him and find a new goal. And how will I balance the Pearlshipping and Aureliashipping moments? That... Will be tough, but I'll find a way. Anyways, I hope you guys like this chapter and if you guys have questions, I'll answer them in the next chapter.

Anyways, LeoPrime13 is out, PEACE!