Chapter 4: Gonna Start All Over Again

"Arrghh!", moaned out May. "What is taking Ash so long? He should have been back by now."

"Yeah,", agreed Max, "I'm getting tired of waiting. Why don't we just go already if he is going to be so late? Then we can say what we want to him the next time we meet again."

"No way, Max,", said Misty in response, "because by then we won't be altogether as a group and it won't be enough to get to Ash if we are separate."

Dawn and Iris, on the other hand, were still looking for Axew and Buneary and didn't find them. They had absolutely no idea that their own pokemon had be left their trainers for the one the trainers betrayed.

"If I don't find Axew soon, Elder isn't going to be very pleased with me. I mean, she was the one who gave me Axew.", said Iris in worry.

"Uuughhhh, this is hopeless.", groaned out Dawn. "We searched for those two all over town the meadows and the garden. If I don't find Buneary, I'll have to dismiss the offer for her modelling career."

Just then, the door to the house opened to reveal Mrs. Ketchum and Mr. Mime. They both had frowny faces that were looking to the ground, but that was all part of the act to get the traitors out from her home.

"Hello, Mrs. Ketchum. Good to see you are back in fine shape.", said Cilan in his gentleman's voice.

Delia didn't respond. She just kept looking to the ground with Mr. Mime.

"Mrs. Ketchum, did something happen?", asked Max, "because you don't seem all that fine too me." Again Delia didn't respond.

"Mrs. Ketchum, have you seen Axew and Buneary anywhere on your way here by any chance?, asked Iris, "We can't seem to find them and we are worried sick."

Delia's head went up to reveal a really angry face looking at the traitors.. The kids all were surprised by this because they had never seen Ash's mother look so angry before.

"Mr. Mime, use Psychic on them all!", called out Delia to her pokemon. Mr. Mime's eyes started to glow a light blue colour as it focused its power into its attack. The kids were first surrounded by the blue glow and then began to float into the air. They were all very shocked with surprise. Their bags and belongings were also floating next to them.

"Mrs. Ketchum, what do you think you're doing?! Why are you doing this to us?", asked Misty in fury. She was really beginning to lose it.

Yeah, we didn't do anything wrong to you.", said May.

"Now, Mr. Mime, toss out the trash.", instructed Delia to the psychic-type. She quickly opened the the door as Mr. Mime used his psychic energies to throw them all out of the door. Soon, they all landed with a huge thud on the dirt road and their bags got dumped near them or on their heads.

"And take this with you, you little brats.", shouted out Delia as she threw a small sack at them . It hit Max's head.

"OUCH,"screamed Max in pain, "that really hurt, you know, and what is the big idea of throwing us out of your house?!" He didn't get a response because Delia entered the house and the door closed with a huge slam.

"What the heck is that woman's problem?! Why did she throw us out like that?", exclaimed Dawn. She wasn't happy since her clothes were covered in dust.

"I don't know, but she did throw this little sack out too.", said May as she picked up the little sack, opened it and let all its contents spill out. What came out were two broken halves of a fishing lure and three pieces of half a medal.

"Hey, isn't that the lure that I gave Ash a while back?", said Misty as she examined pieces of her lure.

"And didn't this used to be the other half of the Terracotta Medal that Ash won when he and I entered in a contest a few years back?", added in May as she took a look at the now destroyed medal half.

Suddenly, Iris spoke up. "I remember seeing those object in Ash's backpack while we were journeying in the Unova region."

"What's your point Iris?", asked Brock, a little bit confused.

"If those items are here, then Ash must be back in town too.", said Iris. "And that means we can go tell him what we want to tell him."

"Actually I don't think we have to, Iris.", said Cilan. "If Ash broke those items, then that must mean that he somehow knows what we were going to tell him. And he must now hate May and Misty because the medal and lure reminded him of them."

May and Misty were not surprised by this action since it would be obvious to them that Ash would want to get rid of items that he no longer treasured because of what they said about him. May had also decided to get rid of her half of the medal just because it reminded her too much of how much Ash was a loser in her opinion.

"Well, since our work in Pallet Town is 'kind of' complete, what should we do now? I mean, we all have our own dreams to achieve.", said Brock.

"I think what we should do is keep on looking for Axew and Buneary altogether.", stated Dawn with an annoyed look on her face, " The only place that we haven't searched yet is Viridian Forest. Since we are still together at the moment, we should all split up to cover more ground."

"But what if we don't find those two, then what do we do? I mean, we can't search for them forever. I have a life, you know.", asked May.

This silenced Dawn and Iris. Dawn's Buneary was chosen to be in a fashion model magazine in Sinnoh and if she was to tell her offerers that Buneary couldn't attend because she was missing, this could mean big trouble for Dawn and her future. Johanna might also have a say in this and give Dawn a long motherly lecture about pokemon care.

Iris' Axew was personally given to her by Elder of The Village of Dragons and she promised to take care of him no matter what path she chose. Iris could only start to imagine what Elder would say to her when she finds out Axew has gone missing. She might even not be allow to return to The Village of Dragons as a permanent punishment. If Iris were to give up looking for Axew, this could affect and ruin her dream of becoming a Dragon Master. This also meant the Georgia has a strong chance of finally becoming an expert Dragon Buster and defeat Iris.

"If we can't find them by morning tomorrow, we have to give up the look completely. No matter how much their diasappearance will affect you two", said Max.

Dawn and Iris both nodded sadly with their heads down. and tears were starting to appear in their eyes. This could be their last chance to find their beloved pokemon before giving up completely. But what they didn't know was that when they finally discover why Axew and Buneary disappeared, the result will leave them broken and shattered. Almost permanently.

But unknown to Brock, in one of his shrunken pokeballs, a certain Croagunk was thinking things over about what had happened earlier today. He also thought that Ash was a great trainer and also wanted to go with him, but he had to stay with Brock to make sure he doesn't flirt with anymore girls.

'I'm sorry I couldn't join you, Ash,' thought Croagunk, ' but to show you that I am on your side, I'll make sure Brock never gets a girlfriend.'

The group of traitors then walked into the forest and vanished into its thickness.

Xxxxx

Back at the Ketchum residence, as soon as Delia saw that the traitors were out of sight, she gave a big cheer and high-fived Mr. Mime, who also joined her.

"Alright, now that they are out of the way, it's about time I started to prepare the special dinner for the whole family.", said Delia as she started to empty out her shopping basket and laying out all the groceries on the benchtop of her kitchen. Mr. Mime was taking out all the required utensils to cook the meal for tonight's dinner.

"It's going to be so nice to have a nice dinner altogether,", said Delia as she started to chop up some peeled potatoes, " it has been a long day for Ash, but I'm sure nothing like a good dinner would fix him right up. I am going to make his favourite dishes after all. Wouldn't you agree, Mimey?"

"Mime Mr. Mime.", replied Mr. Mime with a smile as he begen to use Psychic on some a grater which began to grate some cheese all by itself.

And for some strange reason, Delia couldn't help wonder if this betrayal would change things for the better for Ash. She was going to find out soon enough.

Then she heard the front door open and close, showing that someone had just come in. She heard the voice of her favourite son.

"Hey, Mom, I'm here. How did you get the others to leave in such a short time?", called out Ash. Delia turned around to see her son with Pikachu on his shoulder

"Oh, lets just say with Mimey's Psychic, we easily threw out the trash.", said out Delia with a big chuckle. Ash and Pikachu both started to laugh at this, getting the joke.

"Why don't you go get washed up? It has been a long journey for you in the Unova region, so I think the most appropriate thing for you to do right now is to go get yourself cleaned up. We can have dinner with a smelly trainer, young man.", said Delia.

Pikachu got a big laugh out of this while Ash just sweatdropped in embarrassment. "Ok, Mom. Also the other pokemon are in the back garden. I hope you don't mind that they are there until tonight.", said Ash.

"Of course I don't mind, Ash. Just as long as they don't mess anything up out there.", replied Delia. She looked out the kitchen window and into the garden to check up. The pokemon were all comfortably relaxed and were talking to each other, but the herd of Tauros were all running around the meadows outside of the garden's fence.

"Don't worry, Mom. I already told them that.", said Ash as he walked up the stairs that lead directly to his bedroom.

His bedroom was just as he remembered it when he left for Unova. All neat and tidy, with the exception of some dust that was on his desk, which he took the pleasure of wiping it of fhith his hand. He began to empty out his backpack. He took out his sleeping bag, some spare unused clothing, his miniature case of Unova gym badges and certificate that he got for coming in the Top 8 in the Unova League. There was also his small keyring of Alder that he received after the Junior Cup Tournament he attended. He decided to put the badges with his other trophies and awards he received over his travels on his dresser.

If anyone saw his awards, they would be impressed. There was the certificate that he received when he ended up in the Top 16 in the Kanto League, the trophy for defeating the Orange League Champion Drake, the trophy for winning at a racing contest he participated with Bayleef in Johto, the certificate for coming in the Top 8 in the Johto League, the certificate for coming in the Top 8 in the Hoenn League, the certificate for coming in the Final 4 in the Sinnoh League, a Focus band he won in participating in a wrestling tournament with Pignite, and a full set of gym badges from every region.

Ash smiled. All of those awards were, to him, a sign that he is getting one step closer every time to achieve his dream. Even without any traveling companions, he'll go for the dream no matter what. Even if it takes decades.

"Well, Pikachu, I'm gonna have a shower and clean up. How about you go see what the others are up to?", said Ash to Pikachu, who was sitting on the bad.

"Pika Pika.", said Pikachu as jumped from the bed and began to fun on all for fours downstairs to the back garden. When he got there, was greeted by Buneary and Snivy.

"This 'Kanto' region looks like one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I just hope well be able to travel here for a while so the Unova pokemon can get a feel what it's like to be here. Kinda reminds me of home.", said Snivy as she sniffed the air. To her it smelled like nature couldn't offer anything better.

"I agree. This new region looks like a lot of fun. I also hope we can visit Ambipom since Vermillion City is in Kanto, if I'm not mistaken.", said Buneary.

"Say, Buneary? How were your adventures in the Hoenn region when you were traveling with Dawn.", asked Pikachu.

Buneary flinched at the name of her old trainer, but still answered her question. "We had a great time traveling in Hoenn since it was home to Pokemon Contests. We managed to get to the Grand Festival, but we got totally defeated by Nando."

Pikachu still remembered the harp-playing trainer and co-ordinator. He met Ash and company while they were traveling in Sinnoh. They helped him to make a decision on whether he would do contests or gym battles, and he decided to do both.

"But then we went to the Johto region to participate in the Wallace Cup that was being held there. We made it to the finals, but we were also defeated by Ursula.", continued Buneary.

Pikachu couldn't remember much about Ursula, except for the fact that she continuously called Dawn by her nickname 'Dee Dee'. She wasn't very nice to Dawn in particular, but she didn't seem so bad towards Ash.

When the trio got to the rest of the gang, Pikachu and the Unova team began to tell the other pokemon about their Unova adventures. They included the times when they stopped Team Rocket from gaining control over the Weather Trio, when they stopped Team Plasma from controlling Reshiram, and how they met Victini and Zekrom up close.

Everyone was amazed at they adventures they had and Buneary almost fell into tears when she heard the part where Pikachu was almost completely taken control of by Team Plasma's machine. But Pikachu assured her it won't ever happen again.

xxxxx

When Night fell, the back garden of the Ketchum residence was a sight to behold. It was the perfect scene of a dinner by candlelight. Torches on poles were lit and were placed into the earth around the dinner table. The round dinner table itself was big enough to sit four, but it was only meant for three. There was a clean white table cloth spread on it and it was all set up with glasses, knives, forks, spoons, plates and some candles in the middle added the finishing touch. Nearby, there were food bowls for the pokemon, ready to be filled.

Earlier today, Ash decided to help his mother in preparation with foods and he actually did a pretty good jobs. There were no mishaps like burnt foods, spilt milk or even finger cuts. His mom really appreciated it and she said he could be a great chef one day. Also, Professor Oak needed some help in bringing in a large cart of pokemon food for all of Ash's pokemon to his house, so Ash helped out with that as well. Professor Oak then told Ash he had to go back to his laboratory to handle a few more things, but he really had another surprise Ash, one which he didn't know about.

"Honey, can you please take the creamed potatoes and salad outside, please? I need to take the fried rice off the stove and the roast potatoes out of the oven.", called out Delia.

"Sure thing, Mom.", said Ash as he grabbed the platters containing the salad and creamed potatoes. He took a whiff of the delicious food and was starting to lick his lips in hunger, but he knew better so he took out the food into the garden and put it on the table.

As he went inside, the doorbell rang.

"Ash, could you go get the door?", asked Delia.

"Ok, Mom.", said Ash and went to the front door. When he opened it, he swas greeted by Professor Oak in a zip-up jumper instead of his usual lab coat and he had a wrapped up box in his hands.

"Good to see you, Professor. What's in the box?", asked Ash with curiosity in his mind.

"You'll see soon enough, my boy. It's a little something that came in for you a while ago.", said Professor Oak. Ash sighed in disappointment. They both walked through the house and into the garden. Professor Oak was shocked to see the garden so well set up. For him, it was like waking into a very fancy restaurant.

"My word, Ash. This is certainly one of the greatest dinner surprises I have had in a while.", said Professor Oak as he was looking the table and to find it even more surprising that it was set up so professionally.

"Yep. I helped Mom with all the preparations.", said Ash with a grin.

Just then, Delia and Mr. Mime came out with some more platters of food in their hands that they set down on the table. The fried rice looked really appetising and the roast potatoes looked out of this world. Delia went back inside again and came out with a chicken and beef meatloaf in her hands.

"My, my, Delia. You and Ash have certainly outdone yourselves this time.", said Professor Oak as she set down the dish.

"I'll quickly go finish filling up the food bowls for the pokemon.", said Ash as he ran off to his pokemons' dishes.

When he came, the pokemon were all looking very hungry because he was starting to hear rumbles of stomachs from each of them, but the loudest came from Snorlax since he had the biggest of appetites.

"Sorry to keep you all waiting, but I promise your wait will all be worth it,",said Ash to the creatures, "I helped Professor Oak make this special pokemon food just for you and I know everyone will love it.

All the pokemon cheered in delight. Snorlax couldn't wait to start eating his extra-large bow lof food but even he knew it was polite to start as soon as Ash went to sit down.

As soon as Ash sat down at the table, Delia spoke. "Ash, would you like to do the honours?"

"Ok. Well everyone, DIG IN!", exclaimed Ash. At that moment, the humans served themselves some food from the table while the pokemon began to eat their own food from their respective bowls, taking their time. Even Snorlax was eating his dinner slowly, because if he didn't, his food wouldn't digest properly and he might get the hiccups from eating too fast.

The rest of the dinner went pretty smoothly. Ash talked with his mother and Professor Oak about his adventures in Unova. He didn't mention anything about Team Plasma, Team Rocket or their plans to take over the world. He did tell, however, how he met Reshiram and Zekrom at the same time he met Victini. He also told the stories of how he first met Keldeo, the Swords of Justice, Kyurem and Meloetta. He also told them a made up story of how he met The Weather Trio just so he didn't mention Team Rocket.

Professor Oak was simply open-mouthed at Ash's stories about the Legendaries. He kept on asking questions about what the pokemon looked like, their personalities and other random stuff that Ash had almost no time to answer. Delia enjoyed listening to his tales and laughed when he mentioned any funny parts.

"I still can't believe you met so many legendaries in one region." ,said Professor Oak. "Seening them even once would be a thing to remember for the rest of your life."

When they finished dinner, Delia had prepared an apple crumble for them. Professor Oak and Ash gave out different pokemon food to the pokemon as a dessert because it had a recipe that is sweet like a dessert. Everyone all enjoyed their desserts and finished them in a matter of minutes. Soon enough, Ash wanted to give out his speech.

"Hey, can I have everybody's attention?", called out Ash. The pokemon stopped what they were all doing and faced Ash's way while Delia and Professor Oak were already listening to him.

"I have been doing some thinking for a little while now since dinner started about how I should continue my journey to be a Pokemon Master and to make you all the very best that you can be.", said Ash to his pokemon, who were listening carefully to their trainer's words, and his mother and Professor Oak too paying attention.

"I have decided to do a change in plans. Instead of just competing in leagues and Battle Frontiers, I've decided to train and become a Top Pokemon Co-ordinator. The reason for this is because it can help us make new techniques for future battles. Another reason for this is because since Dawn and May are no longer our friends, I say we should beat them at their own game and show them what real contest moves are all about. We'll go over all the regions again to participate in all Grand Festivals. If anyone doesn't like the idea, please speak up now.",finished off Ash.

Everyone, but the Unova pokemon, were all surprised at this. Buizel especially. They all thought that Ash would only do battling and not contests, but considering the betrayal of May and Dawn, they all agreed with the idea. Buizel used to do contests, but now that Ash had that idea, he thought it wouldn't be too bad to do them again. And besides, the Unova pokemon might love contests. Nobody said anything in response. At this, Ash smiled.

"Well then in that case, are you all with me?", said Ash in a loud voice. All the pokemon cheered in response to their trainer's question. They would all love to give co-ordinating a go and it sounded like a lot of fun.

"Well, Ash,", said Professor Oak, "I thought you might say that because I have something in here for you that might come in handy."

He handed Ash the package he had earlier to Ash, who grabbed it reluctantly and began to unwrap it. When he lifted the lid, he couldn't believe his eyes at what he saw inside. It was the costume that he had worn at a pokemon tournament that had been held in the Kingdom of Rota in the Hoenn region. It looked just like the one Sir Aaron had worn. And it was in perfect condition.

"Queen Ilene had sent this to me a few months ago while you were in the Unova region.", said Professor Oak, "She explained that she had seen you participate in the Wallace Cup in the Sinnoh region and decided to send you this outfit. She said that if you ever want to participate in pokemon contests, you can wear this costume in them. She also said you remind her of Sir Aaron, whoever that fellow is, when you wore it in the tournament."

"This is awesome, Professor Oak. Thank you. And I'll thank Queen Ilene by writing her a letter tonight. Is that alright with you, Mom?", asked Ash after he turned his attention to his mother.

"Sure, Ash, but don't stay up too late. Alsowhen are you going to start your new journey?", asked Delia.

"I was thinking tomorrow noon.", responded Ash, "I know we haven't seen each other in a while, so I decided to leave later tomorrow so that we can spend some extra quality time together before I go. I really care about you, Mom, and I want to make you proud."

Delia was surprised that he would leave later just to be with his mother for a little bit longer. She had tears in her eyes and grabbed Ash into a huge hug.

"You don't have to do that, honey.", said Delia, still crying

"It's Ok, Mom. I just want to be with you for a little longer before I go on my biggest adventure yet.", said Ash.

"Ash, since you are going to be on a very long journey, would you mind coming to the lab tomorrow before you go? I have some more surprises for you and I was saving them for a special occasion like this.", asked Professor Oak with a wink.

"Ok, Professor.", replied Ash.

After the garden was all cleared up for the night, Professor Oak went to his lab for the night. Ash was helping his mother with cleaning the dishes while the pokemon were beginning to fall asleep. Ash then went up to his room to write the letter for Queen Ilene, which he finished in thrity minutes.

Delia was up in her bedroom, working on another traveling suit for Ash to wear on his journey with her sowing machine. "He's grown up so much and he's still going for his dream, even after what they said about him. If only his father could see him now, he would be so proud.", said Delia to herself.

Pikachu and Ash were already in bed. Little did Ash know he was going to have a dream that would change things for the better.

xxxxx

In the Viridian City Pokemon Centre, the traitors were resting. They had given up on the search for Axew and Buneary an hour ago and were exhausted. But May didn't know in particular that she was soon going to lose two of her own pokemon because of her arrogance.

In a the pokemon recovery room, Blaziken and Glaceon were having a conversation. They also wanted to accompany Ash on his journey, but they were too late to do so. Pikachu was one of Glaceon's best friends and she didn't want to see him go. Blaziken, on the other hand, had a big friendship with Sceptile since they first met as Treeko and Torchic. He also didn't like May for what she said to Ash, even though he was her starter.

"We should have gone with Axew and Buneary when we had the chance. For all we know, Ash could already be in another region.", whispered Glaceon sadly while thinking about Pikachu.

"I know, Glaceon, but they were out of their pokeballs while we were not. There was nothing we could do.", replied Blaziken in a whisper.

"What do you think we are to do now?", asked Glaceon.

If Ash starts doing contests just to get payback, I suggest that if they come at the same contest in the future, when May's not looking or least expecting it, we ditch her and join Ash.", replied Blaziken.

"What if he doesn't accept us?", asked Glaceon in worry.

"We'll tell him why we didn't join him and how much we really care for him instead of May.", said Blaziken.