DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN POKEMON

In case anybody is wondering about what's going to be happening to Clemont and Bonnie, Ash and Serena will be travelling through Kalos with each other most of the time. Just the two of them. Clemont and Bonnie will, on some occasions, meet up with the duo, but once I reach to the chapter where Ash battles Clemont for the Voltage Badge, after the gym battle, it will be just Ash and Serena on their own.


Chapter 4: Working to Improve

As Ash walked back to the others at the ranch, a million thoughts were zooming around in his head. And all of them were related to what Ghost had told him. Everything Ghost had told him was…true. There was just no other word to describe his lecture. Just true.

He made so much sense when he pointed out one mistake after another that Ash had made in his journey through every region. All the opportunities for catching pokemon he had missed, all the times he could've spent training instead of getting to soft, all the better decisions he could have made so that he could have won in any league and get in a higher place, and what he could have done to make sure he never lost.

But knowing himself, Ash knew he was just too distracted to focus properly on his journey to become a true Pokemon Master. But that one thing that Ghost said had put him back on track.

"Win for Serena as if her life depended on that final battle."

'Yeah, I'll do that. I guess one other thing that has held me back was perhaps something to fight for other than for my dream. I'll do this for Serena, whether or not I find her.', thought Ash to himself.

But one thing still disturbed Ash. While he spoke with Ghost, a foul stench flooded his nose. It was the unmistakeable smell of one of the most frightening things one could see in large mass.

Blood.

'Was it his blood or was it the blood of someone else?', thought Ash to himself.

When he reached the rest of the gang, Delia was the first to speak to him. After all, she was his mother and she wanted to see if her little boy is alright.

"Ash, honey, are you okay? Did that man do anything bad to you?", asked Delia.

"Yes, Mom, I'm just fine. And he didn't do anything wrong. He just talked to me, that's all.", replied Ash.

"What did he talk to you about, Ash?", asked Riolu out of curiosity.

"Just how I should improve my skills, Riolu.", said Ash.

"Well, to me, it didn't look like he was giving you a talk. Looked like he just gave you a harsh lecture.", said Professor Oak wit his hands on his hips.

"Yeah, Ash, that's how it looked like to me as well.", said Alexa, "Tell us about what he told you."

"It's okay. There's nothing really to talk about.", said Ash.

"No, Ash, it's not okay. Even though he just talked, he was still a stranger, and strangers shouldn't really be trusted. Tell me especially what he was talking about and don't leave out a single detail. He maybe fed you some really bad trainer's tips. And I really want to help you.", said Delia in a sincere tone.

Ash thought for a brief moment. She was his mother and she does only want what was best for him as a parent. And whenever she makes up her mind about something, there is no changing her mind about it.

"Okay, I'll tell you. Lets go to the benches.", said Ash.

The humans and the pokemon then made their way to the wooden table and benches. The pokemon say that their trainer was a little bit on the downed side and that got them really worried. It was really rare for this to happen from their point of view.

Once they got there, the people sat down at the benches. Riolu sat with them while Zorua and Pikachu jumped up on the table. The rest of the pokemon just laid or sat on the grass behind them.

Once they all got settled down, Ash began to tell everything about what Ghost had said.

By the time he was finished, the pokemon and the people were shocked at what he had said. How Ghost had pointed out how he was failing at his dream from all the stupid mistakes he ever made. How he had all the opportunities to improve himself as a trainer and he wasted them. All the things that were holding him back and how he just seemed to accept them. How he seemed to know almost everything about Ash, his friends and his journey. And especially all the ways that Ghost suggested to him to improve his skills. To everyone this was a shock.

Delia was really shocked at this, but also angry at how this man can just appear out of nowhere, take her son and then chew him out on his trainer skills. Alexa and Professor Oak and Alexa felt the same way.

The pokemon were more angry than shocked. When he called their trainer weak, he practically called all his pokemon weak. And they took it as a heavy insult, especially Charizard, since he was the most powerful pokemon among Ash's team. Some other pokemon were simply disgusted at what he said. It turned out that one of the Eevees had a very soft side because she was crying along with Torkoal.

"You know what I have to say, Ash? You're good the way you are right now and you don't have to change yourself in any way. And don't listen to that man. He's just doesn't understand you.", said Delia.

"That's not true, Mom. Even though his lecture was really harsh, he was right. Right about everything. And to be honest with you, I don't really understand myself, now that I think about it.", said Ash.

"Ash, don't let those man's harsh words get to you. You don't have to change, just to fit into his description of a true Pokemon Master. You can be a true master in your own way.", said Professor Oak.

"Professor Oak, I'm not letting them got to me. I'm accepting them.", said Ash.

"I've had enough of letting myself, my pokemon and all of you down. I've had enough of being an embarrassment to you all and Pallet Town when I lose to every league. I've had enough of being a failure to everyone I know.", said Ash.

"Ashton Satoshi Ketchum, don't you dare say that about yourself!", said Delia loudly.

Everyone turned he way. They had known Delia as a normally gentle and caring woman, but this was a completely new side of her that they had never seen. She gave Ash a glare, but that was just she was deeply concerned for her son and she cared about him.

"You may have not won any leagues yet, but don't EVER say that about yourself, especially in front of me. In fact, you've been the best trainer of this generation in Pallet Town. And here you are, saying that you yourself are a failure.", said Delia while everyone else was just watching.

"Well, you're not. It doesn't matter whether you win or lose because, to me, you'll always be my little winner and I'll always be very proud of you. And don't you forget that.", said Delia.

"Okay, Mom, I won't.", said Ash.

"That's great, honey.", said Delia, "There's also one other thing that I want to talk to you about, but I think it would be better if we were to talk about this in private."

"Oh, that's no problem, Delia. We can give you a little time alone.", said Professor Oak, "Everyone, lets give them some time alone."

The pokemon obliged and soon were out in the ranch with Professor Oak and Alexa.

"Mom, what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?", said Ash.

"Well, it's about your talk with Ghost. Although I didn't really hear what you were talking about, but I definitely heard the name Serena being mentioned by you. By any chance, were you talking about your childhood, Serena?", asked Delia with a smile.

"As a matter of fact, I was.", said Ash.

"I also heard the word crush? We're you saying what I think you were saying?", asked Delia, with joy lodged within her as she waited for the right answer.

"Yeah. Serena is my childhood crush, Mom. No need to make a big deal about it.", said Ash with a sweatdrop.

"No big deal?! My little boy is growing up and he actually likes a girl. And here I thought you were dense all this time.", said Delia in joy and bliss.

"Actually, I am not dense. I was just acting it so that people would think that I was dense. But in reality, I know all about love and all that.", said Ash.

"So you were just playing dumb all this time? For how long?! And no wonder all the other girls you travelled with get so frustrated with you, except for Iris of course.", asked Delia.

"Ever since Serena left Pallet Town. For about seven years and counting.", said Ash.

"But why would you do that? I thought that you would've picked one of the others.", said Delia in confusion.

"Isn't it obvious. Serena is the and only girl that will like more than a friend. And she's my best friend forever. Believe me, when I say that the others looked nice too, but they all had the same problem.", said Ash.

"What was that?", asked Delia.

"None of them were Serena.", said Ash.

"Oh.", said Delia.

"Well, Misty was way too old for me as well as us arguing a lot, Dawn and May were both too young, and Iris teases me a lot by calling me a little kid. And they don't have that zing and look of beauty that Serena always had. She's my age, we both were the best friends and we had some similarities.", said Ash.

"Oh, Ash. I'm really proud of you that you actually liked a girl all this time. I just hope that you do find her soon.", said Delia with a giggle.

"Why is that? Are you hiding something?", asked Ash suspiciously.

"So that I can meet my future daughter-in-law and hope to live long enough ot see my grandchildren.", said Delia with a laugh.

"MOM!", said Ash in embarrassment.

"Oh, I'm just teasing, Ash. But I'm serious though.", said Delia.

Suddenly, Ash had just remembered something that he wanted to ask his mother. "Mom, can I ask you something? Something important?"

"Sure, honey. Ask away.", said Delia.

He took a deep breath before he cleared his throat and spoke. "When Team Rocket confronted us, you told them that if Giovanni wanted me, he'll have to go through you. The way you talked about him, you talked like you hated him.", said Ash.

Delia's face suddenly turned dark.

"Do you, by any chance, know him?", asked Ash.

"Honey, this is something we shouldn't be talking about.", said Delia, "It's not for you to know. It's not for anybody to know. If I were to tell you, you would probably hate me."

"Mom, I'm your son. I have a right to know about this. And I won't think any different of you. You're my mother and I will love you always. And I just want to protect you. You mean a lot to me and I don't want to lose you to something unexpected.", said Ash in persistence.

Delia was surprised. Ash had never asked her any personal questions before and the one he just asked now would reveal her biggest secret. But he was right. He was her son and he had a right to know.

"Alright, Ash. I'll tell you. I know Giovanni.", said Delia.

"How?", said Ash.

"Back in my younger years, he was my…boyfriend.", said Delia in shame.

"Boyfriend?", asked Ash in a shocked voice,

"I met him in my late teenage years. Back then, he was the next person to become the Viridian City Gym Leader. He was so charming and handsome and I was so innocent naïve. He treated me so well that I fell for him after a few weeks of seeing him. I even became a Team Rocket member out of pure stupidity.", explained Delia.

"You were a member of Team Rocket!?", said Ash in shock and disbelief.

"Yes. I had a loving side for pokemon and he noticed this. He asked me to join Team Rocket. But the way he said it, it was a group dedicated to make the world a better place for both people and pokemon. And I found out that he was the next person to take over it when his mother, Madam Boss, retired. All those lies about making the world a better place ended up me stealing some pokemon from trainers and other places. I thought then I was doing the right thing, but, boy, was I wrong. I overheard one time in one of the bases that their true intentions were to achieve world domination through the use of a massive pokemon army. I couldn't believe it. I prayed that it wasn't true, but it was the dead truth. I was heartbroken that a person I loved so much would lie to me. I fled to tell the authorities, but Giovanni must have known I'd betrayed him because he sent some grunts and their pokemon after me. I managed to lose them, but I was hurt badly. I though I was going to die. But that was until I was saved.", explained Delia.

"Saved? By who?", asked Ash.

"Have a guess.", said Delia.

Ash thought for a moment he understood, but his face was also saddened when he thought of the person. Some tears were also running down his cheeks. "Was it…Dad?"

Ash's father was the famous Kanto Champion, Red Ketchum. He was a trainer in his childhood days and the best friend and rival of Gary's father, Blue Oak. He was also a member of the Pokemon G-Men and so was Blue. When Ash was at the age of five, Red had left the family in order to work with G-Men to help stop Team Rocket and their evil schemes for world domination. He still kept in contact with Ash and Delia through telephone calls, telling them that he's just fine and hoped to see Ash when he would finish with Team Rocket.

But tragic news hit. In the middle of his journey through the Orange Archipelago, Ash had received a saddening phone call from his mother. She had told him that his father had died along with Blue on a mission with the G-Men to stop Team Rocket. A large number of G-Men died as well and even more Team Rocket Members were killed, including Madam Boss, as the authorities said. But the bodies were never found. Ash and Delia were heartbroken for many days at the loss of the father and husband. Gary had also heard of this and was devastated when he heard that his father had passed away. Professor Oak was also saddened at the loss of his son. Because of this, the hatred for Team Rocket from the four of them grew enormously. Just even thinking about them made them angry.

After this, Lance had no choice but to become the new Kanto Champion to take Red's place. Many people were heartbroken at what had happened. And this was perhaps the worst day for Ash, as he would never get to see Red again and he wouldn't see his son win the Orange League.

"Yes, it was him. Back then, Red was a powerful pokemon trainer. He helped me back to Viridian City Hospital where I got treated. He asked me how I got hurt and I told him everything. I told Red how I met Giovanni, what he told me and everything else I could tell. The authorities were going to arrest me, but Red bailed me out and he told them that I had been tricked into joining and everything else. They believed him and I was out of the hospital within the week. I even revealed to them the location of the secret Team Rocket base. And before you knew it, the base was completely ransacked and most of the grunts there were imprisoned, but Madam Boss and her son managed to escape before they could get caught. As for me, any charges I would've faced from the police were cleared and I was a free girl once again. No more having to run.", said Delia.

"So, what happened after that?", asked Ash.

"Well, after I left the hospital, Red was about to leave, but I wanted to stay with him. I told him that I was still scared that Team Rocket might try to find and kill me. He said that I can stay with him and he'll protect me until I feel ready to be our on my own. I showed him that he could trust me by disposing of my uniform forever and burning it. We later fell in love with each other when we were twenty years old and we married two years later. We then moved to Pallet Town together and…had you. I couldn't ask for a better life. And the rest was history. And Team Rocket hasn't bothered me since.", said Delia.

"That's a lot to take in, Mom. To think that you were actually with the leader of Team Rocket for a short time. But I'm really glad that you made the right decision and met Dad.", said Ash.

Delia got up and gave Ash a hug, and he returned it. "Me too, honey. If I didn't, then I wouldn't have met your father. And if he was still here right now, he would have been very proud of your progress as a trainer and future Pokemon Master."

"Okay, Mom.", said Ash.

"Great. I had better get to my pokemon. I've got some important news for them to tell.", said Ash as he sped off to his pokemon.

"Alright. I had better assist Professor Oak in getting dinner ready. Go have fun.", said Delia.

When Ash reached the middle of the ranch, he gave a shout." Hey, everyone! Gather round! I've got an announcement to make!"

As quickly as they did before, Ash pokemon gathered in one large group in front of him.

"Everyone, I gave some though about what we're going to do while we are here.", said Ash.

"We have a lot of work to do, a lot of catching up to do and a lot of time to make up for in training. So no more fooling and messing around. It's time to get serious. Forget staying here one week.", said Ash, "I've extended it to a full…month!"

At hearing this, the pokemon gave out a great cheer. Not only do they get to spend more time with each other, but also to spend more time and catch up with their trainer.

"We are all going to get better together as a team. And together, we are going to prove Ghost wrong that we do have what it takes to win and become the very best.", exclaimed Ash, "Are you all with me?"

All the pokemon gave out their own cheers of agreement.

"All the way, Ash.", said Riolu.

"No doubt about it.", said Zorua.

Later that night, there was a huge celebration at Professor Oak's lab and ranch.

Ash told everyone that he was going to be staying in Pallet Town for one month to train and improve on his skills. He even asked his mother to teach him how to take care of himself and how to cook while travelling in Kalos. She was overjoyed by this as she can have more time to spend with her son and to teach him some things she wanted to for a while now.

A huge feast was prepared for both the pokemon and the people. Delia and Professor Oak made the food for the pokemon and the people. Ash even added himself in by helping to get the food for all the pokemon, especially his Snorlax, who had a huge appetite. He also helped his mentor and mother cook some of the food for the feast to show that he can be extremely helpful with things other than subjects involving pokemon. He surprisingly did well with his mother's instructions.

At dinner, there was a great feast, The pokemon sat with the humans as they enjoyed being with their trainer. And to get quick refills before Snorlax can eat everything. The adults chatted to each other while Ash talked with his pokemon more. And for once, he was eating slowly, remembering his table manners, which astounded many.

Alexa announced that she was staying two nights in Pallet Town at the Professor's so that she can get some recording done for the news company she works for before returning to Kalos. But she said that she will be waiting for Ash at the Kalos Lumiose City International Airport to pick him upon the day he arrives. And she also hoped, that while she was still around, to get an interview with Ash and his pokemon as a treat for her news company. Ash reluctantly agreed and so did his pokemon.

After the celebration, Ash, Pikachu, Mr Mime and Delia left for home. Riolu joined them so that he could get wake Ash early tomorrow for his first aura training lesson. Zorua also came just because she wanted to.


Kanto Team Rocket HQ

He had seen everything he wanted.

From the point where the trio first arrived to the ranch, he had started to watch everything unfold. He certainly didn't expect the new additions or re-additions to his team, but they helped to convey the message. The part that really astounded was when they released their own attacks and how they infused with each other to for that gigantic fireball which destroyed the fireball and injured the trio. That was the kind of power that he wanted working for Team Rocket.

"It looks like the boy's pokemon are worth stealing after all. And they are more powerful together than I initially thought. They will certainly be great additions to our army.", said Giovanni as he stroked his Persian, "Isn't that right, my pet?

The classy cat pokemon just purred in response as he lay relaxed on his lap, but Giovanni knew he agreed with him

But he had also seen what happened after the trio got defeated by the brat's pokemon. How the stranger just showed up and threatened the three to kill them if they were to ever interfere with Ash in the future. His words were enough to make James abandon the team and to make the other two to retreat.

"Hm, he said that he will kill them if they cross the boy's path again. That means having someone to follow him will be a very risky idea, not that I ever liked that idea. I must think of something else.", thought Giovanni to himself.

'How to watch Ash and get info on Kalos while avoiding Ghost.', thought Giovanni as his intelligent mind formulated a plan.

He thought to himself for a few moments on how he could monitor Ash without having his agents being hunted down and killed by Ghost. He suddenly got an idea. He reached for his private phone and called for Matori.

"Matori, I'd like you to get Field Scout Leonardo for me. Tell him that I want to speak with him.", said Giovanni.

"Yes, sir.", said Matori.

'I don't know who you are, but you posed a significant threat to those three, which means you can pose an even greater danger to all of Team Rocket. And when you do reveal yourself once again, we will be ready and willing to tear you apart piece by piece.' , thought Giovanni evilly.

'And Delia, we will meet again one day. And when we do, I will destroy you and your son. Just like I did with Red and Blue.'

The person who he asked for to call soon arrived in his office. He was a boy in his late fifteenth year with light brown hair.

"Yes. Did you call for me, sir?", asked the boy known as Leonardo.

"Yes, I did. Come and sit down. I have a special assignment for you.", said Giovanni with a smirk.

Elsewhere in the base…

Jessie and Meowth were currently in the medical bays, getting their wounds cleaned and treated. The doctors were applying stinging antibiotics and burn creams to tend to the wounds.

"You two, if you keep on squirming, this procedure will only hurt more. So for your own good, stay still while we apply the medicines.", said one of the medics.

The two winced and flinched in pain as they medicines were rubbed on their limbs and other injured body sections.

"I don't think I've been more humiliated in my entire life. This feels worse then when I lost the Sinnoh Grand Festival. Not that I'm complaining since I've given up completely on co-ordinating.", said Jessie.

"You got that right. Now I'll never hear the end of it from the boss' Persian.", said Meowth.

"And look what that attack did to us. We're broken, fried, bruised, thrashed, battered and trashed. And look what the twerp did to my hair!", said Jessie. It was true as her hair had been burned down in the fire and it was only now reaching down to her chin. Meowth hid back a snicker at his partner's misery.

"I will get my revenge on that twerp if it's the last thing I do. Nobody ruins my hair and gets away with it.", said Jessie with venom in her voice, "Still, do you think we succeeded in our mission?"

"Well, da boss said that we did well, in getting him the information he wanted, so I guess dat means we made him proud.", said Meowth.

After about ten more minutes, the two left the medical bay with bandages wrapped over their wounds. They soon arrived in their old sleeping quarters.

"We will meet again, twerp. And when we do, we will do much more than just steal your pokemon. Team Rocket will do something a lot more…fatal.", said Jessie with an insane smirk on her face.

Meowth nodded to this, showing his equal hatred for Ash.


In the Kalos Region Vaniville Town

In the Pallet Town of Kalos, a young teenage girl was resting in her bed. It was a long day for her and she just wanted to have the rest of the night to herself.

She was fifteen years old and had a very beautiful and slim figure. Her honey-blonde hair reached down past her elbow height. Her sapphire blue eyes shone a bright beautiful blue. A pink bow was tied in her had and she was in her pink pyjamas underneath her covers.

This was none other than Ash's childhood best friend and crush, Serena Yvonne.

She was trying to get some sleep, but she couldn't. She couldn't because she was too busy thinking about Ash. He had been her crush since the whole incident in Viridian Forest. She could still remember that day like it was yesterday. And it was the most special day of her life.

It was special because she met her knight in shining armour.


Flashback Seven Years Ago Viridian Forest

"Where am I? Where is everybody? Where did you all go? What is this place?", said frightened eight-year-old Serena Yvonne.

All of a sudden, she was startled when she heard a rustle in the nearby bushes.

"Huh? What was that who is there?", Serena said in fear. She quickly took action and attempted to run away, but she tripped and fell on the ground. She tried to get back up, but she felt a strong pain consume her right knee. She checked it and saw that she had skinned it and some blood was escaping.

She once again heard the rustle in the bushes. She braced herself for the worst, but the only thing that came out of it was a little Poliwag. She looked at Serena before she leapt away into the forest. Serena began to cry. Cry because she was hurt, terrified and lonely.

"I knew it. I knew I shouldn't have come to this camp. I have no friends, I'm alone and now I'm hurt.", said Serena as she sobbed through her tears before she shrieked, "Please, someone! Help me! MOMMY!"

Again she heard another rustle in the bushes in front of her. She looked in its direction in time to see a boy with raven black hair emerge. They looked at each other for a few moments.

"Who is this boy? Has he come to rescue me? Please, I hope he does.', thought Serena.

"Hello, there. Are you okay?", asked the boy.

"Hi. I skinned my knee when I tripped and it hurts when I try to stand up. Can you please help me?", said Serena shyly.

"I will. Just let me see what happened to your knee and I'll now what to do.", said the boy as he approached her and bent down on one knee to inspect it.

"Serena took her hands off her knee to reveal that it had been skinned. The boy let out a small gasp.

"I have something that can help, but we'll have to get you back to the campsite to treat it properly.", said the boy as he produced a blue handkerchief from his pocket. He then proceeded to wrap it around the little girl's injured leg.

"By the way, my name is Ash. Ash Ketchum. What's your name?", said Ash.

"M-m-my name is Se-Se-Serena Yvonne.", said Serena.

Ash finished tying the handkerchief in a knot. "There. That should help until we get back to camp. Here, let me pull you up."

Serena hesitated for a bit until she got the encouragement from Ash. "Never give up until it's over."

Feeling more confident, Serena reached out a hand and ash grabbed it with one of his own. What she didn't expect was that Ash had 'accidentally' pulled her into a hug. Serena blushed a furious red, but when she faced Ash again, she quickly cooled down.

The two of them then walked out of Viridian Forest. Serena was thinking of one thing on her mind.

'He saved me. Saved me like a knight in shining armour would save a princess in a storybook.', Serena smiled.

Flashback End


She cradled with her a priceless artefact of their friendship. She stared at the blue handkerchief, remembering the fun times she had with her saviour.

She still remembered that on the day she left for the Kalos region, Ash promised her that he would find her no matter what when he would begin his pokemon journey. She still had faith in that promise and waited patiently for him to arrive and take her away on a journey with him. That was the one thing she wanted more than anything. He had also told her a month after they first met that he they would always travel together.

Ever since she moved to Vaniville Town, she wasn't really the same. She didn't really want to make any new friends since Ash was her only true friend. She wouldn't talk even to the neighbours because she was too scared.

Even worse, her mother, Grace, wanted to her to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a professional Ryhorn Racer. So she started to train her a few months after they moved in. This was the one thing that Serena hated the most. It was hard, painful, stressing and rough. But her mother never seemed to get the message that she hated it.

After about a year, she started to become a little more sociable to the rest of Vaniville Town. She even made a new friend named Shauna. Although she didn't consider her as her best friend, Shauna was still company to her and she was grateful for it.

She had been offered to start her journey and get her starter pokemon when she turned ten, but she refused to go without Ash.

Suddenly feeling sleepy, Serena folded the handkerchief and put it under her pillow.

"Ash, I do hope that you remember the promise that you made to me all those years ago. I really miss you and I don't want to stay here for much longer.", whispered Serena.

"And I hope, that when you do find me, I can tell you how I really feel."

She then fell asleep in a matter of moments. But Serena was going to be pleasantly surprised soon, because she was going to have her wish granted within one month.


One Month Later

Ash was just getting the last of his supplies ready for tomorrow. Pikachu was at the foot of the bed, trying to get to sleep.

It was the night before he would leave for Kalos. And he was mighty proud of all he had accomplishments that he had made in the past month and he felt ready for anything. He and his pokemon had trained a lot and they were all feeling stronger than ever. He had taken Ghost's advice and turned his words into a very important lesson. Ghost's voice and image appeared within his mind.

"Ash, one of the most important lessons in the art of pokemon battling is knowing how to overcome your opponent's type advantages. In order to achieve this, you must teach your pokemon moves that are effective against your opponent's pokemon. And know this, your pokemon don't want to hold anything back, so let them give off their full power. And remember, that all the power that they possess is at your command."

That was one of the many lessons he broke down and took into account during training over the last month with his pokemon.

His pokemon.

They have grown significantly more powerful over the past month and some had evolved. The pokemon who were in his team already who evolved included Ivysaur, Wartortle, Meganium, Typhlosion, Croconaw, Crawdaunt, Floatzel, Gabite, Dewott, Servine, Emboar, Scrafty, Gigalith, Seismitoad and Gengar. The rest of the pokemon who were already fully evolved ended up only getting stronger and tutored other pokemon how to use moves they knew themselves.

The new additions to his team have also changed.

Riolu had evolved into a powerful Lucario. Ash had also been training very hard with him to master his aura manipulating abilities. Everyday, they both woke up early to start training. Their most preferred spot was a little lake in Viridian Forest. So far in their training, Ash had managed to master on something called Aura Sight. It was the power to sense things around him through their aura and being able to tell what will happen to them or how good their aura is. Ash was also just beginning to make small Aura Spheres. Lucario was very proud of his trainer and he told Ash that his progress was growing faster than he anticipated.

Venipede was the other addition in his team who was perhaps the most determined out of all the newcomers. Because he was very easy to train, he evolved all the way into Scolipede. And he turned out to be very affectionate because he would tackle him to the ground whenever he was praised for his hard work, when he was rewarded or just when he was happy.

The little Ralts that had come from Professor Birch was also a determined fighter. She quickly evolved all the way into a Gardevoir. Professor Oak had managed to study all of Ralts' evolutions. He was going to send it back to Birch when he was finished with it, but he replied that since it had taken a liking to ash and that he technically raised it, he could keep it as a reward for helping the two professors. Gardevoir was very happy by this because she had actually developed a small…crush on Ash. The embrace pokemon didn't care if he was a human and that she was a pokemon as long as she got to see her trainer and show him affection. But her actions had developed a rivalry between herself and Meganium. When not training, they were often seen in fights.

The three Eevees were actually all sisters who were raised together in a Pokemon breeding Centre and lived happily with their Flareon mother and Umbreon father…until Damien came along and adopted them. He treated them badly for a while until he released them for not obeying his orders to evolve into his desired pokemon. Ash and the three Eevees actually went back to the breeding centre to tell the owners and the Eeveelution parents about what happened. They were both shocked and outraged at the nerve that Damien had. Umbreon and Flareon didn't trust Ash at first, but their daughters convinced them that ash was a much better person and he treated them with kindness and respect. Umbreon and Flareon trusted Ash from that point forward. Later on in the month two of the Eevees evolved into Glaceon and Leafeon. They did this when Gardevoir teleported them to the Icy Caverns in the Sinnoh region where may evolved her Eevee into Glaceon and to Eterna Forest where there was a Mossy Rock. The third Eevee, however, was still unsure about what she wanted to become, but Ash assured her that she could take all the time she wanted to decide.

Vibrava had evolved into Flygon rather quickly. From what he had been told about Flygon, he was a very shy fellow and very self-doubting about himself. That all changed when Ash talked to him that self-doubt wasn't a very good thing. He helped him get over his issue. Flygon evolved after some encouraged training with many to support him. He soon felt like he was the most powerful of his kind

Lampent wanted to evolve into a Chandelure, but he never found a Dusk Stone in his life. Luckily, Professor Oak had a spare Dusk Stone to spare and he willingly gave it Lampent so that he could evolve into a very powerful Chandelure. It turned out he was extremely powerful as a Lampent and he had all that power stored within him, but he became even stronger when he evolved.

Zorua became a Zoroark. When she lived with her Meema, or mother, she only got minimal battling time, but just enough to protect herself from predators and attackers. But Ash's training brought our her true identity as a very determined pokemon. Her commitment to her training allowed her to evolve.

Snover became an Abomasnow. Snover wasn't lonely after Ash, Dawn and Brock visited him and introduced him to the children in the nearby town. But he started to get a little bored. He wanted some action in his life. He thought long and hard how he would get stronger and the answer was to find a trainer. But not just any trainer. He needed to find Ash. And his instincts had somehow miraculously led him to the ranch. Torterra recognised him when he arrived and welcomed him.

Houndour evolved into Houndoom. It wasn't always the strongest of its pack, so it sought out to become stronger. It left its pack to grow stronger on its own. It trained itself out in the wild, but any opponents that it faced weren't enough for it to improve in any way. So it had to find a trainer. Ash, to be more precise. He searched through many towns until he came to Oak's ranch. Ash's Johto pokemon recognised him. The took him in and he had been doing some training since.

Larvitar evolved into Pupitar. Larvitar had begun to train himself while he was living on Mt Silver with his mother. Tyranitar was still a little worried that her baby was going out where there were hunters waiting to capture him. But Larvitar had proven himself to be powerful when it learned Dark Pulse, Stone Edge and Earthquake. Tyranitar was so proud of her son after that and then allowed him to go in search for Ash. And it happened to make it all the way to Professor Oak's ranch in one piece.

Rotom was as strong as he was with electric and ghost-type moves, but he turned out to be having problems with mastering Hydro Pump, Air Slash, Overheat, Leaf Storm and Blizzard whenever it changed forms. With some help from Noctowl, Charizard, Sceptile, Lapras and Dewott, Rotom was able to get those moves under control.

After about two days into the month long stay, Alexa left for Kalos. She did get her request granted from Ash and she did get a good interview of him. He told her about how he met all of his pokemon, his achievements, his dream and anything else that Alexa asked for. She was very satisfied with the results.

And Professor Oak also told Ash something else. Kalos was the last region in the world that had a league and the only other one that was inhabited. Ash was overjoyed and disappointed at this. Disappointed because there was no other region with a league he could compete in and no new pokemon other than the Kalos natives. He was overjoyed because if this was the only other inhabited region he didn't explore, the Serena was bound to be in Kalos if she wasn't in Kanto, Johto, Heonn, Sinnoh or Unova. It would make it easier for him to find her.

But now the real test has come. He and his pokemon had trained hard for Kalos and they weren't going to let their work go to waste. They were going to win the Kalos League and that was final. Not in the Top Eight. Not in the Top Four. In first place.

There was a knock on Ash's door and his mother came in with what seemed a big heap of things in her arms.

"Mom, what are all of those?", asked Ash.

"These are all the new things you will need on your journey. Firstly, here are your new clothes.", said Delia as she laid down his new clothes on the desk.

There was a new black shirt like the ones he always wore. There was a coat like all the others, but it was less detailed as it was dark blue with white along the linings. A new pair of jeans and a pair of red, black and white shoes. There was also a new red hat with a white brim and half a pokeball symbol on the front of it. There was also a pair of black gloves with red on the wrist section.

"Wow, Mom. All these clothes are really neat and incredible. Thank you so much.", said Ash.

"You're welcome, Ash. Also, Have a new bag for you. I noticed that you had some stress on your back, so I thought you could use a different sort of bag. And I also got you a new waist pack.", said Delia as she showed him the new bag.

The bag was light green and had a white pokeball symbol on it. It was the kind of bag that was rather large and it had a very long strap that you can sling over your shoulder. The waist pack looked identical to the one May carried around on her journeys, except it had the same colourations and patterns as his new bag.

"This is great, Mom. But you didn't really have to get all this. ", said Ash.

Delia laughed. "Of course I did, honey. You said that you were going to start off in Kalos as a new person, so I figured a new look was in order. And I got you some new accessories to go with your new outfit set."

"I got you this new Pokètch model in Viridian City. They were rather cheap. Also this new GPS Town Map. It will help you get around Kalos and any other region if you get lost. And it can give you details about any town or cities and what they are well-known for.", explained Delia.

Ash's Pokètch had a strap and the mechanical parts were dark blue with a light gold on the edges. The Town Map was also dark blue device. He opened it up and it revealed to have two screens on each side. Ash figured this must be a touchscreen device.

"Thanks, Mom, but now you're really spoiling me.", said Ash sheepishly.

"And one more thing. This came in just yesterday in the mail from the Kalos region.", said Delia as she handed Ash another object.

This looked like a flat rectangular prism box. On the top of it, it was concaved. There was a small screen and a keypad on the device. It was again in dark blue.

"That's called a Holo-Caster and it's the latest model. You can use it to communicate with me or Professor Oak using holograms if you aren't at a Pokemon Centre. It also has other settings like seeing the news headlines, advertisements and videos. Just be sure to be careful with it as it was very expensive.", said Delia.

"And I also got you this. ", said Delia as she passed Ash a pair of sunglasses, "I heard that it can get very hot and bright during the Kalos spring and summer, so I thought they might come in handy.

The lenses were darkly shaded in an upside down blunt trapezoid shape and the rim was coloured black.

"Mom, I don't know what to say right now. You got all this for me?", said Ash.

"Oh, honey, no need to thank me. I'm your mother and I just want what is best for you. Since you gave the announcement that you were going to be going on a new journey in a different way, I might as well get you're the proper equipment.", said Delia, "As for how I got all this, I used some money from your father's savings. It's all in the family account."

Ash put the gadgets on his bedside table while he hung up his new clothes on some coat hangers so they wouldn't get all scrunched up by morning. He put his shoes on the floor.

"You had better get to bed then, honey. It's a big day for you tomorrow and your flight leaves at eight in the morning. So I want you to get to bed early and have a good rest so that you can be up for breakfast and the trip to Viridian City Airport early tomorrow.", said Delia as she turned to leave the room.

"Okay, Mom. Goodnight.", said Ash.

"Goodnight, my little Pokemon Master.", said Delia as she exited the room and closed the door behind her.

Ash turned off the lights and climbed into bed. Pikachu was already asleep.

'Well, it's going to be a very big day for us tomorrow, Pikachu. New region, new pokemon, new league, new adventures and hopefully…I we can find Serena. Sleep well.', though Ash.

But then, some things that Ghost had called him today still rang in his head. 'Weak. Embarrassment. Imbecile. Unprepared. Neglecting. Ignorant. Stupid. Blind.'

His voice echoed though his head like a gong that just got hit within his skull. Those words described him almost perfectly. He wasn't going to let Ghost just walk away from him after saying those words and get away with it.

'And, Ghost, I will become the very best. I will win. I will prove you wrong that I am worthy of the title of Pokemon Master', thought Ash.

It was definitely going to be a new adventure for him in the Kalos region. But it wasn't going to start there.

It was going to start in his dream.


I've decided to alter Ash's Kalos appearance a little bit. His backpack has been replaced with the kind bag that Hilbert has in Gen 5, but it will still sport the same colours as Ash's Kalos backpack. I also decided to give him sunglasses like Calem's because I think he will look cooler in them.

Now, I'm pretty sure many of you are wondering why I would choose Malva out of all characters to be in this story and to have an important role.

Well, the only things I know about her was that she is a former Team Flare member, she's a member of the Kalos Elite Four and a news reporter. I don't have the Gen 6 games and I don't have any more info on her. So I have decided to give her a new backstory that I made up. And personally, I don't really see her as that much of a bad person. In this story, she will still be a former member of Team Flare, but she would've left for other reasons in her backstory. She will not be a bad person in this story.

Anyway, I hope to get some good reviews from everyone who likes this story so far and I will continue it.

PS: Can someone tell me how to do a line break? (The thin almost invisible lines that I see in stories when time skips or flashbacks are introduced) I don't know how to do them.