Finally reaching Rustboro City was a trip all on its own, as once they left the forest the group ran into a trainer who immediately puts May down for losing a battle.
Flashback
"Man Petalburg is going to be a breeze if you're his daughter," Nicholai laughs as May starts to cry a little, "What is the little baby crying, don't you want your mommy? Go back home and tell your father that a real trainer is coming," his laugh was short-lived when Ash stomped over and punched him in the face.
"Hey you jackass, she just started her journey as a Coordinator so shut your fucking mouth," Ash growled reminiscing a wolf or a lion.
"Coordinator? Ha, Norman must have disowned her for not being a trainer?" before he could laugh, Ash punched him once more. "Hey who do you think you are punching me?" Nicholai demanded.
"The names Ash Ketchum," he said introducing himself. Nicholai paled, Ash Ketchum is a semi-well-known name as he is friends with famous people like Pokémon Trainer Lance, the Dragon-type master and someone who regularly rumbles with the likes of any criminal. It's even rumored that he was the one to prevent the world from ending back during that freaky storm.
Staring behind Ash, Nicholai and Ash's friends could have sworn they saw an animal that is a hybrid of a wolf and a lion. "If you want a trainer battle I'll gladly take it," Ash said, "I won't let anyone insult those I consider family," he growled, as the scene reminded him of times of with someone close to him, who was called a freak by his own people.
"F-fine, I'm sorry, I guess I was a bit cocky after the battle," Nicholai said scared.
Seeing the truth in his eyes, Ash calmed down, "I'm not the one you should apologize to," Ash said.
Turning to May, Nicholai bowed, "Please accept my dearest apology, I had no right to mock and insult you so soon after your start as a Coordinator," he said.
"I accept," May said.
"Let's re-introduce ourselves then, I'm Nicholai the Knickerbocker Trainer," he said grinning, despite the punch to the face.
"May Maple, daughter of Norman the Petalburg Gym Leader," she said shaking his hand.
Flashback end
Next up, on their trip to Rustboro is when Ash and the gang stopped a Pokémon Poacher named Rico. This is where Ash gained a new friend in the form of Litleo, a Fire/Normal-type Pokémon.
Flashback
"Rico, you are under arrest for illegally capturing Pokémon and selling them on the Black Market," Officer Jenny said through the megaphone.
"I'm not going down without a fight," Rico growled releasing his Tyranitar.
"Charizard, show him our displeasure when it comes to Poachers," Ash said releasing his Fire/Flying-type. Appearing on the field, the Kanto starter saw the cages filled with baby Pokémon and the man in front of him and made the connection.
Releasing a fierce and loud roar, May and Max hid behind Officer Jenny as Rico stumbled back due to the shock waves. "Tyranitar crush that thing," he barked out.
"All yours," Ash said watching Charizard blitz towards the hulking Tyranitar easily picking it up spinning in a circle a couple of times before crashing back into the earth.
Getting back up, Charizard wasn't allowing Tyranitar to throw a single punch and before even the 5-minute mark passed, Rico was in handcuffs.
Seeing the Pokémon afraid, Ash pulled out his Ocarina and began to play. Hearing the music the Pokémon calmed down.
Seeing one of the Pokémon burst out of its cage, it made a quick dash towards Ash. This cub like Pokémon was soon joined by Electrike, "Is it me or does Litleo and Electrike already know each other," Max said.
"Yeah, it's like they've known each other for a long time and are now reuniting," May said.
Seeing them playing around, Ash suddenly had a flashback.
Flashback
"Kaida-nee," Serenity cheerfully said hugging the older girl.
"Hello Kaida-nee," Lionel said hugging her as well.
With the reveal of the king taking another wife, there was a lot of resentment among the masses as Kaida was treated like an outcast to all but the scouts, both outer and inner, and the royal family.
"I have a present for you little Prince," Kaida said gesturing for two different animals to enter, "These animals are known as a Wolf and a Lion that I found while my unit busted a Black Market ring," Kaida explained.
Staring at both animals, Lionel felt a bond form, "Kaida-nee, can you tell me anything about these animals," Lionel asks scratching the chins of both animals.
"Both animals are known to live in Packs, for the wolves, and Prides, for the lions," Kaida explained.
"I think I can connect to these two," Lionel said only to collapse when both animals licked him all over.
"Can we have a name for such noble creatures?" Queen Serenity asked.
"For the swift wolf, it shall be Raksha (protection/nurture)," Lionel began, "And for the noble lion, the name shall be Baldur (brave warrior)," he finished.
Flashback end
Skipping on a couple of events, Brock caught a Lotad after helping it perfect a move it was having trouble with before May entered her first contest, which she comes to the top three before losing.
"Finally Rustboro City," Ash said as his hair was slowly turning a dual white on top with silver at the back. "I never thought we would be here with everything that's happened," Ash said.
"Now to find the gym, so I can see a gym battle," Max cheered.
"I heard that the Gym is right next to the Pokémon School," Brock said reading from the guidebook.
"Oh are you looking for the gym?" a female voice asked from behind them.
Turning around, the group was met with a girl around Brock's height with red eyes and brown eyes wearing a grey school sleeveless uniform skirt with a rectangular print, which is white on the inside. Roxanne also wears a white undershirt, with short sleeves and a pair of black shoes. "Hi, I'm Roxanne, the Rustboro City Gym Leader," she said introducing herself.
"Hello beautiful, I-," before Brock could finish Max suddenly pulled him by the ear, "That's enough out of you," he said dragging him by the ear; reminding Ash and Pikachu of Misty.
"Sorry about that, he's Brock, the little kid is Max, his sister May, and I'm Ash," the reincarnated prince said introducing everyone in the group.
Roxanne gasped, "You're Ash Ketchum, I hope I'm not a bother but can I ask you to come to my school as a guest?" she asked, "You see I always have my students watch a Pokémon League on TV and when they saw your style of battle there were so many questions that I couldn't handle it all," she explained. "We also have a Contest Class for beginners as well," she added remembering May from the Contest a day ago.
"I'm fine with that," Ash said, "Why don't you bring them to watch our Gym Battle," he added.
"Oh thank you they'll be so excited," Roxanne cheered. "How about we have our battle after class tomorrow as it is the start of the weekend for them," she offered.
"Sure, I can think of a couple strategies until then," Ash said.
"Great, why don't I show you where the gym is," Roxanne offered.
Agreeing, the Gym Leader/Teacher, brought the gang to the gym which stands next to the school, "I'm sorry to ditch so soon but class is about to start," Roxanne apologized, "Roger here will show you around the gym until you get to the Trainers class," she said gesturing to the man on the right.
"Right this way please so we can begin," Roger said.
Leading them through the hallways, Roger stated, "Out of the 50 years this school has been opened, there have been many famous trainers and Coordinators who were students at this very school." Stopping at one of the room, "This is our Beginner's Pokémon Doctor we have here at school, where we teach students how to care for Pokémon," Roger explained.
"Excuse me but do you also have a Breeder's class?" Brock asked interested in taking the class for the day.
"Actually the Pokémon Doctor class has some tips on Breeding, are you interested?" Roger asked then seeing him nod. "Ms. Smith, do you have room for a temporary student for today?" he asked opening the door.
"Of course, we do have one extra seat for today," she answered.
"Thank you for accepting me on such short notice," Brock said bowing.
"Of course, come right on in, your seat is in the middle row second to the left," Ms. Smith said.
Next up was a second class near the stairs leading upward, "Right here we have a Contest class for beginners," Roger presented.
"Do you think I can have that class for the day as well?" May asked.
"Let me ask first," Roger said before entering the room a second or two later, Roger return, "Mr. Yami said he has an extra seat for you to take part in the class," he informed the cheering girl.
The final room Roger brought them to was the Trainer's class, "Ms. Roxanne, I have one Mr. Ash Ketchum and Max Maples here for you," he said entering the door.
"What about Brock and May?" she asked.
"Brock is taking part in the Doctor class as May is doing the same for the Contest Class," Ash answered.
"Oh my Arceus, it really is Ash Ketchum," one of the little boys said.
"Yes class, this is Ash Ketchum, the winner of the Silver Conference," Roxanne said as Ash waved. "Max, why don't you take a seat in the center row in the middle," she said.
"Now, does anyone have any question?" Roxanne asked the class.
"Yes, why do your battles have a contest feel to them?" One of the students asked.
"Well I wouldn't say they are in a contest style," Ash began, "It's more of a way to keep your opponents off guard," Ash said.
"You mean like when you call out completely different names with the move using two different moves?" Another student asked.
"Yes, it confuses the trainer into guessing what I'm doing," Ash explained seeing some of the children understand.
"Mr. Ketchum, do you think we can watch your battle against Ms. Roxanne?" Another student asked.
"Yes, your teacher and I met beforehand and we agreed that the students will be able to watch after class tomorrow," Ash admitted glancing at Roxanne, who nodded.
Seeing the cheerful faces, Roxanne calmed the class down, "Alright, now that your questions have been answered let us return to our lessons," Roxanne answered. "Ash thank you for being our guest for the day and you can leave if you want," she said.
"What time does class end?" Ash asked.
"It ends at three in the afternoon," she answered.
Seeing that it was only 9:45 A.M. Ash turned to Max, "Tell May and Brock, I'll be out training outside of Rustboro City," he said.
Leaving the building, Ash explored the City, "Hey little brother," Haruka voiced.
"Atia-nee Vita-nee," Ash said using the names of their past names, "Did you win a ribbon yet?" He asked.
"What do you think?" Michiru said opening her ribbon case revealing two ribbons.
"How do you already have two ribbons? We've been in this region for at least a week," Ash said.
"Even with our gigs, there is a Contest Hall in the area so Michiru entered," Haruka answered.
"We got a heads up from Pluto," Michiru said getting serious.
"Let's get to a more secure area," Amaris whispered.
In a secluded area, Amaris landed on the floor, "Now tell us what Sailor Pluto said," the feline advisor to the Prince instructed.
"On an island on the way to Dewford Town, Sharkpedo stumbles upon a Yoma prison and is now turning the surrounding Sharkpedo into its slaves," Michiru explained.
"Why hasn't there been any news of it on TV?" Ash asked.
"That's because it hasn't done anything just yet, the yoma is just getting things together," Haruka answered.
"Please tell me you have a Zoid that can sit multiple people?" Ash asked, "I don't think using Crescent Falcon is a good idea."
"I can only fit only one more person," Michiru answered, "But why haven't you tried the bio fusion? It's easier for you to travel," she said.
Reaching a secluded part of the beach, Ash said, "Bio fusion: Crescent Falcon," glowing, the wings burst out of his back.
"Zoid Summon: Hammerhead," Michiru whispered and in a flash of light a hammerhead shark appeared with weapons on its back, next to the head, and under the fins. As the cockpit window opened allowing Michiru and Haruka to get in.
"I'll follow you," Ash said taking off into the air.
Unknown Island
It was a very short trip as Ash already had Michiru calling him, "My Prince, we have arrived at the island," she said.
Landing on the beach, Michiru and Haruka stood next to Ash both in their Sailor Uniforms, "Well it's my turn then," Ash said unclipping the buckle on his belt, "Henshin," he called out and going through the motions Ash stood in his combat outfit.
Cautiously walking along the beach of the unknown island, they suddenly had to jump back when something burst out of the water; they looked to be Sharkpedo that turned into little imps as the bottom fin split into feet as the side fins turned into arms with five claws at the hand. "Great there must be a whole school of them," Haruka said.
"Be careful it looks like they still have their Rough Skin ability," Ash warned, "Silver Horn Shield and Warhammer Mode," as Silver Horn's head appeared in Ash's left hand, the mouth opened up to reveal the Mini-Gun.
"Hammerhead Dual Fin Blasters Mode," Michiru shouted as two guns appeared in both of her arms.
"Saberlion Frequency Blade Mode," Haruka shouted as the two cannons from the Jet Falcon appeared.
Without saying a single thing the shark imps charged, "Here they come," Ash shouted unloading round after round at the imps before jumping back slamming the Warhammer on the ground lifting pieces of rock from the sandy beach then firing them at the imps. At Haruka's end, she went wild swinging her two swords slicing the imps; however, as she was coming into contact with them their Rough Skin ability came into effect so she got injured in the process. Michiru, on the other hand, was cautious about staying at a safe distance before switching to the blades being careful of their ability.
"Damn they're blocking us in," Ash said grunting as he was pushed into another imp. "Gah, that's it, Moon Style: Falling Meteors," he shouted using the fact that they were all grouped together as mini meteors fell from the earth almost wiping out the entire swarm.
"Shit, there are more of them," Haruka groaned as she was the most injured of the three.
"Silver Horn: Rapid Cannon," Ash said as the horn tips moved in the forward position as the combination of cannons and Mini-Gun finished the grunts.
"You may have beaten my men but you still need to beat me," a male voice grunted. Appearing out of the water is an Ogre like creature similar looking to the imps but more muscular with small fin blades appearing out of its arms and legs in a random pattern.
"Oh come fucking on," Ash complained, "You're a fucking Mega level," he growled.
"Yes, I found an odd looking stone after gaining this magnificent form and I turned all the other Sharkpedo in my pack into my slaves," he said, laughing at Ash's reaction.
"Can we ask for a name?" Michiru asked as the three were getting ready.
"I am Anapos, the master of Mistresses Nehelenia water army," Anapos answered dropping his hand in the water pulling out a war axe with a hammer at the other end.
"Great, well here comes the final round," Michiru said firing a few shots but it did nothing against the skin.
"The Rough Skin must have given him an armor-like skin," Ash said, "Michiru, Crescent Falcon Saber Cannons," he announced as the cannon like blades appeared over Michiru. Discarding her weapons, Michiru took hold of the dual blades.
Rushing in all together, Ash blocked the axe swing allowing Haruka and Michiru to go-around attacking the back. "Gah, curse you, scouts," Anapos shouted slamming the hammer end on the ground sending a shock wave sending the scouts to the ground. "Water Impact," he shouted.
Before the attack could connect, "Silent Wall," a female voice shouted.
"Sailor Saturn," they shouted seeing her.
"Forgive me, my Prince, I was in the middle of a gym battle when Sailor Pluto called me," she said, "Berserk Fury Particle Glaive," her weapon gained an energy blade.
"I'll hold him off while you girls go in on the offensive," Ash said firing the minigun along with the lasers.
"I won't let you kill me," Anapos shouted using his weapon to block the attacks.
With the inclusion of Sailor Saturn, the process of taking Anapos down was a lot quicker. "No, I can't lose here, I will defeat you, scouts," Anapos shouted.
"Time we finish this, I still have a gym battle to win," Ash said.
"Meteor Impact," Ash shouted.
"Typhoon Swing," Haruka yelled.
"Death's Cannon," Sabrina hollered.
"Ocean Lance," Michiru cried out.
Altogether, the attack created a giant explosion, "Good, now let's see if we can find anything," Ash said.
Exploring the cave, Haruka spotted a stone, "Look at what I found," she said.
"That's a Mega Stone," Ash said seeing it, "But for what Pokémon, I don't know," he added.
Before they left, Ash asked his sisters, "Do you know who Kaida is?"
All three girls were surprised, "How do you know that name?" Haruka asked.
"Flashback," was Ash's answer.
"Kaida is your step sister back during the Silver Millennium as the king confessed to taking another wife with the Queen's approval," Haruka explained.
"While we scouts, both outer and inner, along with the royal family were fine with it, there was an outcry from the nobles," Michiru said.
"How bad did I react?" Ash asked.
"You killed a noble after said noble said that Kaida should be put in the Red Light district," Sabrina bluntly stated.
"She was assigned to being Sailor Pluto's guard while she is in the Time Zone, due to your ordering as there have been rumors as to Kaida's . . . permanent removal," Michiru said.