Hey guys and gals, welcome to another chapter. Now let's see the reviews:

Vital Info: Keep this in mind, Pikachu was with Ash since Ash was 10. Yes, I wanted to venture it as a curiosity between Misty and Gary. As for the Rockets, oh trust me, their role will be an interesting one here.

: Maybe.

Sorry for the delay guys, a number of things are occurring and the holiday season is distracting me. Well, hope you guys enjoy the chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon.

Chapter 4: Meeting the Champions

Two months later….

Ash was using his Fearow to fly him toward the Vermillion Docks. He was staring on the field and felt a bit nervous…

Flashback

Ash was watching one of the previous competition. He asked Professor Oak if he had any archives of the previous battles. He gave them to him without any problems. He watched four of the fights and this is his fifth one.

His father was reading a book, coming downstairs. He noticed his son looking at the battle closely. Giovanni was proud how far his son went. Though at times, he would wonder about how his son gets himself into danger.

"What are you looking for in each battle, son?" Giovanni asked.

"Looking at their battle strategy." Ash replied. His father watched on as well and try to see something. He hasn't been a strategist for years.

"I can't see anything."

Ash nodded "They are too strict. Very few rules are in this tournament. and I will use it on my favor."

"I see…."

Ash trained himself and his Pokemon hard. They did everything they can to strategies newer moves, learning new moves, and various other techniques through books. Those months were spent on it while taking the occasional break.

His thoughts also go back to a certain honey-blonde teen. He missed her very much and wanted to see her. However, he didn't want to risk her life, considering the Rockets will spring out of nowhere.

Speaking of Rockets, they have been quiet. Too quiet for his taste. He had a feeling that the Rockets were up to something.

He felt Fearow descend and looked around. He was at the coast of Vermillion City. Fearow and landed on the dock, then he returned him. Then he went over and presented his invitation to the sailor. More people were asking their rooms and such.

Ash found his room at 32. He went inside and left his luggage on the side. He stretched his legs and was starving.

He, bringing along with Pikachu, went over to the buffet. He liked the different kinds of food. He grabbed a plate and began to fill his favorite food. He looked around to sit until he found somewhere.

Pikachu was holding a plate on his mouth with his favorite berries and Pokefood, and doing his best to follow his friend.

"You don't mind I sit here?" He asked

The others didn't mind at all.

Ash sat with a blonde woman, a young woman with lilac hair, a young dark skinned teen, and a brunette that looked so familiar to him.

"My name is Ash by the way." He extended his hand.

The blonde shook it "Cynthia. Current Champion of Sinnoh."

The lilac girl shook it as well "Anabel, one of the battle brains in Kanto."

"Iris, champion of Unova." the dark skinned teen shook.

The brunette smiled softly "Sapphire. Former Regional's champion of Hoenn."

Ash was surprised for Iris. A champion? He was surprised about Iris while Sapphire looked like someone he knew. They do look different from his coma. Cynthia was all woman, Iris's hair is slightly shorter but holds it in a ponytail, and Anabel's hair grew a bit. Time changes.

As Ash was eating Cynthia asked, "So, I heard about the Rocket problem. How are you dealing with it?"

He took a drink then answered "So far, nothing in Kanto. We caught a number of them, but it has been quiet."

"Must be difficult having quietness," Iris said as she took a bite on a fish stick.

"It isn't bad at all." Ash answered.

"I checked out your battling style and I noticed how adaptable you are with your surroundings." Anabel pointed out.

"True, but it isn't refined as you saw my last battle against Gary."

Sapphire replied, "You were incredible, though."

"Thanks, but I feel that I wasn't ready for the title. Yet, Lance believes that I am capable of handling being a co-champion. I have been training hard until I am ready to defeat Gary."

"It must of been an honor of being co-champion." Iris said

They chatted away, as Gary was eating with some few people.

"I am a bit surprised you are co-regional." A balding man with glasses said.

"Indeed. I have never seen or heard of a co-champion before." A silver-haired man added.

"I know Steven, but in some manner, I feel that Ash will learn more." Gary answered as he took a bite on a cake.

"I feel that you will face a tougher Ash this time." A short haired blonde woman said.

"I know Greta, but I am ready for him."

Then they heard a glass making a bit of a sound. People stopped chattering as Lance stood up.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. We welcome to another of our Pokemon World Battle Royale Tournament!" The people clapped as Lance waited until it stopped "This battle will determine who is the best. Our purpose as trainers, we become accustomed as champions for our regions. However, the few would do anything they can to be the Pokemon Master. One was successful, but he is long gone."

The people listened on.

"We as champions desire to challenge the best. Former champions will desire to carry the title in another region. Then...the few who are willing to do great things. 64 champions, former champions, and regional champions will face each other for that glory and the right to take on any champion they desire. We also added a surprise...the Battle Frontier will enter this tournament and will go after the championship as well."

The others were a bit surprised by this and knew their reputation as tacticians.

"Rest well everyone and tomorrow, we will reach the island. Once reaching the island, you will rest in a hotel for three days. After that, the battle royale begins and you must survive with what you can equip yourself. As to all, I wish you the best. Good night"

The others nodded and ate. Some continued to talk, some thoughtful, the little of them conspired.

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Next day...

Ash and the others arrived on an island with a resort hotel. He checked himself in and went into his room. Once inside of his room and relaxing on his bed, the young trainer heard a knock.

He answered the door and it was Saphire.

"Ye-" before he could answer he was being kissed by her. He was shocked by this. She closed the door and then stops kissing him.

"Hey Ash. It's me, Serena."

"...what?" He was in disbelief.

"Yep, I had to dye my hair and style it again to my Sapphire persona."

Ash was, even more surprised. "Wait...you're a former regional champion! How?"

She sat on the bed and caresses Pikachu. "Team Rocket wanted to find a way to expand Hoenn.

I went over there, disguised as a trainer. I did well, and we were close in establishing an operation. However, the Stone brothers found out and kicked us out, along with the police."

"I see..."

She nodded "Ash, Team Rocket is in this tournament."

"What?! But how?"

"They have their two former champions. They carried their titles in Sinnoh and Unova. They weren't Team Rocket until maybe five years ago. Since then, they worked as spies and have done dangerous work."

"Any idea who they are."

She shook her head "Sadly no. I don't know them. Plus they are classified, so the leader has their identities covered."

"Crud...well, we will have to be careful."

She nodded and Ash sat next to her. He caresses her cheek "I missed you."

"I missed you too." She replied softly. She kisses him again and they hold on to each other.

To be continue...

A/N: Well guys, leave a review and I will be gone, until January 2. So take care guys and have a Merry Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and other Holidays. Bye