Sorry about the very long wait. The truth was while I was writing this Interlude, I was also writing the upcoming chapters that would take place afterwards which is why the wait has been two months. Speaking of, I hope everybody had a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Now as I said this violent arc begins after the fourth interlude. This is the fourth interlude right here. It takes place in many different places starting with Pallet Town as we take a look more into the life of Annie as well as some other characters as some of these things could be potential foreshadowing.

I've also had fun playing Pokémon Sword, and it turns out Eevee doesn't have a new evolution. But like I said, I prepared for that scenario for Olivia if there isn't a new evolution for Eevee.

By the way, if you want to know the team I used to beat the Champion with, well they're none other than…Inteleon (My starter was Sobble), Coalossal, Toxitricity, Haterenne, Polteageist, and Grimmsnarl. It actually took me three tries to beat Leon, but I did it.

The poll is closed, and I will include more Triple Battles and Rotation Battles since that was the number one choice. I'm likely will include them after Ash gets all of his badges and Serena gets all of her ribbons.

Anyway, here's the fourth interlude, and I do not own Pokémon!

Pallet Town-Ketchum Household

It was a clear and tranquil day and not a cloud in the sky. Delia was out working in her garden as she loved to care for her plants. There were a nice bunch of healthy red tulips along with some yellow tulips, purple and pink daisies, and even some white roses. There were also a few shrubs out in front.

Inside the house was a Mime Jr. that she named Mimey. She got him from the Celadon City Casino when it was run by Team Rocket. With Ash gone, Delia started to care for Mimey as another child of her won, and like Delia, he has been taking in on housework. Mimey has been mostly dusting the house as he has been using a little feather duster, and Mimey seems to like it. Mime does fell when he evolves, then maybe he can give Delia much more help around the house.

Delia wiped her forehead from the sweat she has gotten from all of her hard work. Her garden looked exceptionally lovely. She would love for her son to come home to a well-presented garden. Hell, she was happy enough that Ash has a girlfriend in Serena and that they were traveling through Kanto together.

After finishing with her garden, Delia went inside and headed for the kitchen to get herself a glass of water. She drank the water and felt refreshed. Delia then went back into the living room to see Mimey presenting a nice clean-living room. While it was mostly dusting, Mimey did a pretty good job.

"Wow Mimey, you sure know how to polish a place up," Delia cheerfully said.

"Mime Mime," Mimey replied.

"Oh, I'm looking forward to when you grow up and you can do more sorts of cleaning," Delia happily told Mimey.

Delia went over to the sofa and sat down and drank her glass of water. She turned on the TV as was now going to take a break from all of her hard work outside.

"You can sit with me if you want," Delia said as she gestured a spot for Mimey.

Mimey couldn't help but be happy to be with Delia. Mimey sat next to Delia and lied down on her lap. Delia couldn't help but smile at Mimey's gesture. While Mimey has been given to be a great helper around the house, he also has begun to feel like another son to Delia.

On the TV was a soap opera. Taking place is a woman walking out of a house on her parents. What the woman was saying was that she was sick of her brother getting all of the attention from them and that she meant nothing to them. Delia sat on the couch completely focused on what was going on.

After the show ended, Delia was starting to go into thought. What she saw in the soap opera reminded her of what happened in her past. Delia didn't want to say anything to anyone as this was between her and her sister Yellow. Delia turned the TV off and walked into her room.

"Mime," Mimey responded.

"I'll be right back Mimey," said Delia as she went upstairs.

4 minutes later

Delia was in her bedroom. In her bedroom there were pictures of her and Red on their wedding day and on their honeymoon. She also had pictures of her and Red holding Ash lovingly in their arms as soon he was born. There were also more pictures of Ash when he was little. However, Delia and Red never had pictures of themselves as kids around the house.

Delia was in her closest as she was looking for something, and there is where she found it. There was a box that she remembers, it contained memories from her childhood. She opened the box and found a brown book which was titled "Presley Photo Album" and picked it up.

Delia had a sad look in her eyes as she looked at the book. Her parents were gone, her sister was gone, and this was all she and Yellow had left to remember her parents and her sister by.

About a minute later, Delia returned to the living room with the photo album. Mimey was sitting on the couch as Delia sat back down next to him.

"Mime," Mimey questioned.

"I never showed Ash this, but this photo album contained so many memories from my childhood," Delia said as she opened the book.

Delia and Mimey looked in the photo album and there they could see her parents Marcum and Sharon getting married along with more pictures from their wedding.

"These were my parents Marcum and Sharon who if they were around would've been Ash's grandparents," Delia said choking up.

Delia had a sad look on her face as she could see how happy her parents were at the wedding, along with a few funny and embarrassing photos of them during their big day such as Marcum getting drunk and Sharon doing some crazy dances. Then she could also see photos of her parents in the Alola Region where they celebrated their honeymoon.

As she flipped the page, she could see photos of them with a baby girl in Sharon's arms and Marcum smiling lovingly at his wife and newborn child.

"My parents have told me that this was me when I was born," Delia said as she smiled at the picture.

Delia could see the photos that consisted of her and her parents. There were other phots of her when she was a little girl. Then there was a picture of Delia riding on top of a Pokémon with brown fur, a big white furry mustache that touched the ground, and a furry blue body.

"This was our pet Stoutland," Delia told Mimey showing him the picture of her and Stoutland, "We were best friends when we were growing up."

Mimey was liking what he was learning about Delia. Then she took a deep breath and flipped the page to see another photo. It was her parents again at the hospital with a different baby girl. Delia had mixed feelings going through as she knew who this baby girl.

"Mime Mime," Mimey said pointing to the picture saying it's her again.

"No Mimey that isn't me, that's a different baby. She was my little sister," Delia said as she took a deep breath, "Her name is Annie."

Delia continued to look through the pictures. There were many pictures of her and Annie as they were growing up, along with Stoutland. The two girls were always smiling as they enjoyed being together.

"Annie really has looked up to me when we were growing up. I wasn't just her big sister she was also her best friend. We would always enjoy being together whether it was playing dress-up, playing games, and most of all having fun with Pokémon," Delia explained.

Mimey was looking at the girl with red hair. She was a sweet little girl. The two girls were almost inseparable as Delia took the role as a big sister very well.

"When Ash turned 10, he would be old enough to go on a Pokémon journey which he is right now. However, for me, I didn't become a Pokémon trainer on my tenth birthday," Delia told Mimey as she looked at more pictures of her and Annie, "Because if I did, I would leave home and I would leave my sister behind."

What Mimey heard is what made Delia an ideal big sister, staying for Annie to have her grow up. The fact she looked up to her so much, she actually had dreams of herself and Delia to go on a Pokémon journey together.

"I always wanted to be there for her, especially since she had a dream of traveling the world with me as we become Pokémon trainers," Delia told Mimey.

As Delia turned the pages, she started to get a heartbroken look on her face. She was now coming across the photos that would consist of Yellow.

"However, that dream never became a reality. The reason is that my role as a big sister always takes center stage," Delia told Mimey as she now came to pictures with her newborn sister Yellow, "And when Yellow was born, things started to change."

Delia began to go into thought as she was looking through the photos with Mimey.

Flashback-22 years ago

Viridian City

It was Annie's eighth birthday and the Presleys were celebrating at their house. Annie got some pretty neat presents. The two presents that put a smile on Annie's face were the bracelet from her sister Delia, and her father giving her a Lillipup. Her father Marcum was happy with the look on Annie's face when she saw Lillipup, especially since Stoutland was getting old. Marcum knew that she and Lillipup would get along. Marcum then brought Sharon over and began to hold hands with her and then they looked at their daughters. Delia was watching Annie being still being licked by Lillipup.

"If you thought that surprise was great, we got another big surprise for you Annie," Sharon told Annie.

"Another surprise?" Annie questioned.

"Yes," Sharon smiled.

Annie didn't know what to expect from her mother. She had everything she wanted with parents who loved her, a sister who was her best friend. Sharon looked at her husband and then proceeded to look back at her daughter. Annie didn't know this, but what her mom was about to tell her was going to change her whole life.

"You're going to be a big sister!" Sharon happily announced as she just confirmed that she was pregnant.

Annie was looking at her mother with curiosity that she was going to become a big sister. Annie wasn't expecting this she wasn't expecting to have a younger sibling.

"A big sister?" Annie asked.

"Yes sweetie, we're going to have another baby," Sharon told her daughter.

Annie's eyes widened when they heard the news that they were going to have another sibling. Delia couldn't help but feel happy for the news. Now she can show Annie how to be a younger sibling.

Later that night

Annie was sleeping in her bed with her new Lillipup while Stoutland slept in her parents room. She just looked up at the ceiling after hearing the news that she was going to be a big sister. Annie had no idea what would happen once she became a big sister. The only person she could learn that from was her older sister Delia. After all she was a big sister for eight years.

Annie decided to step out of bed and walk into Delia's room. There Annie could see Delia sleeping. Annie walked over to Delia's bed and began to whisper.

"Delia," Annie whispered as she then raised the volume of her whisper, "Delia!"

Delia began to open her eyes as she was awoken. Delia turned around to see that it was her little sister Annie who was standing over her. Delia could see that Annie had somewhat of a concerned look on her face as she knew something was bothering her.

"What is it Annie?" Delia asked in a mumbling tone.

"Um, I was wondering. You've been my big sister for all my life. What is it going to be like being a big sister?" Annie asked.

Delia heard Annie out and sat up from her bed. Delia could tell that Annie was really thinking about the possibilities of what it could take to be a big sister. Delia knew that her little sister was talking to the right person about this.

"Well, being a big sister means that you have to take more responsibilities. They need someone to look up to and that can help them with something if their parents aren't able to help them," Delia explained.

"What do you mean?" Annie questioned.

"What I mean to say is that sometimes it's like being a second parent to them. Like how mom and dad are to us and I am to you, we would be like that to our new sibling," Delia explained.

"Like teaching them about stuff and becoming like their best friend?" Annie asked.

"Exactly," Delia answered, "I was so happy of being with you, and I'm sure you'll feel the same way when our brother or sister comes."

Annie was hearing Delia out. Annie may have recalled that she and Delia were going to be Pokémon training sisters together once Annie turned ten. Delia was almost twelve years old and she has put off being a Pokémon trainer just so she could take care of her sister, and that was the best feeling she ever had.

Annie on the other hand was now feeling worried. When Annie becomes a big sister, would she be told to do the same thing once their new sibling arrived? Delia already put three years off, and now Annie could be worried she might have to put her Pokémon journey eight years off. Annie was worried as her dreams of traveling with Delia could be put on the line because of this child.

Right now, Annie wasn't going to think about it.

9 months later

With Delia now being thirteen, she was actually old enough to babysit. She was watching over Annie while her parents were out. They were at the Viridian City Hospital as Sharon was giving birth to their next child. Annie for the time being put off the thoughts of what would happen after their new sibling would arrive, but now that their new sibling was going to arrive, Annie wasn't sure what would happen.

Things have been going pretty smoothly at the Presley household. Right now, Delia was cooking something in the microwave for which she and Annie could have for dinner. Stoutland was laying on the floor as he already had his food for today.

Then, Marcum and Sharon walked into the house and coming home with them was a beautiful baby girl. She had blonde hair and blue eyes and the two were smiling lovingly at the baby.

"Delia, Annie, there's someone we want you to meet," Marcum called out.

Delia and Annie went on over to the newborn baby. Delia couldn't help but awe at the baby girl, and Annie was smiling at the baby as well.

"This is your new baby sister, Yellow," Sharon lovingly said as they checked out the baby.

Yellow smiled at the two girls and the newborn grabbed Delia's finger. The baby girl liked her new older sister. Delia felt a warm touch as she could feel another bond to create with a new sister. Annie on the other hand witnessed this and while she should feel happy, she wasn't for some reason.

A year and a half later

Both Delia and Annie have been bonding with Yellow who was now one and a half. While of course they would do the same things Delia and Annie have done when they were little, Annie has started to feel like she has been left out. There was one thing that was on her mind, the Pokémon journey.

Annie was now ten and was petting her Lillipup. She was hoping that Delia didn't forget about their Pokémon journey. She has been too preoccupied with Yellow as she feels like the bond she and Delia had was diminishing. She couldn't have forgotten about the Pokémon journey, right?

Right now, Annie was approaching Delia as she was feeding Yellow. Yellow would soon be off the baby food in maybe a year or so. Annie looked at her sister feeling curious.

"Delia," Annie called out.

As soon as Delia finished feeding Yellow, she turned her head and smiled at her little sister. Judging by how she looked, Annie was feeling troubled about something.

"Is something wrong Annie?" Delia asked.

"Delia, do you remember what we promised to do when I turned ten?" Annie asked hoping she would remember.

"Yeah, you said we would go on a Pokémon journey together," Delia answered.

Annie breathed a sigh of relief as she remembered, but that didn't last long as Delia gave her a disappointed look.

"Wait, you thought we were going to go on a Pokémon journey together right now?" Delia questioned.

"Yeah," Annie answered.

Delia had a huge sense of guilt within her. They did agree they were going to do this together when Annie became of age, but they didn't expect this curveball with another baby sister coming in.

"Annie…I'm sorry but we can't do that," Delia told Annie as she looked at Yellow who finished eating her food, "We have to be here for Yellow."

"But, mom and dad can look after her," Annie said panicking a little.

"Annie listen, we weren't expecting our parents to have another baby. Do you remember when I turned ten, I agreed to put my Pokémon journey on hold so I could be a big sister to you," Delia told Annie.

"Yeah," Annie said with hurt in her tone of voice.

"Well I want to do the same for Yellow. I want her to have someone to look up to like how you did to me," Delia explained, "And it actually would be better if you stayed around and be a big sister to Yellow. I don't want her to be alone with just her parents."

Annie felt like her heart was ripped out of her chest. Her dreams of traveling around the world with her sister now was going to be put back because of this baby, and even worse, Delia is suggesting that she stays too.

"But you promised!" Annie cried.

"This was before Yellow came into our lives. I didn't know our parents were going to have another child!" Delia argued.

Yellow was being hurt with the arguing and she began to cry. She didn't like the fact that these two girls were fighting. Marcum and Sharon ran inside when they heard the crying.

"What's going on in here?" Marcum questioned.

"Delia won't go on a Pokémon journey with me because of her!" Annie cried pointing towards Yellow.

Sharon could see that Yellow was crying and she picked up and patted her on the back and rocked her back and forth to comfort her.

"There there," Sharon kindly said to the baby.

Marcum then turned over to Delia and Annie. Delia had a worried look on her face while Annie showed nothing but anger.

"What do you mean Delia won't go a Pokémon journey with you?" Annie questioned.

"She promised me that we would travel together, and she broke the promise because she wants to stay with her and now wants me to stay here too!" Annie cried pointing to Yellow once more.

Marcum was looking at Yellow in Sharon's arms. While the mother was able to calm her down, Marcum was not pleased with her second daughter's attitude. She started to show an angry face towards Annie.

"Young lady, your sister wants to take responsibility and take care of her sister. Right now, you're acting like a spoiled brat!" Marcum yelled.

"But!" Annie cried.

"Annie this is Delia's decision, not yours and I'm grateful for that. In fact, you should be staying here and taking care of your sister as well. It would actually do good if she had some role models in her life who take the time for her to help mature in becoming a better person," Sharon explained.

"But you and dad can do that!" Annie yelled, "Delia doesn't need to do that, she needs to be with me!"

"Well in life you can't always get what you want," Sharon told her daughter.

"But that's not fair!" Annie cried.

"ANNIE GO TO YOUR ROOM! YOUR GROUNDED!" Marcum screamed.

Annie's eyes were starting to tear up. She looked at Delia and she wasn't going to stand up for her. This wasn't right, why was Delia not taking a stand for her? She was considered her best friend, and she rather take her parents side.

Everybody in this room thinks that baby is more important than her. Nobody cared about her at all or how she felt. Annie then grabbed Lillipup and glared at her parents.

"You guys ruined my life by deciding to have her!" Annie yelled.

"Don't talk to mom and dad like that," Delia told Annie.

Annie couldn't believe Delia said that. Before she could get going, Marcum went up and snatched Lillipup out of her arms. Lillipup was a little surprised, but that hurt Annie even more.

"Give me back Lillipup!" Annie cried.

"No! You're going to sit in your room alone and think about what you've done!" Marcum yelled.

This was unfair, first Delia was not going to go with her on a Pokémon journey, then she insisted that she stays, then no one stands up for her, now she is grounded, and her dad took her best friend away from her.

This was supposed to be a way to discipline their child, but to Annie, it felt like betrayal.

Later that night

The family was eating dinner at the table with baby Yellow eating more of her baby food. Stoutland was eating from his bowl while Lillipup was given a small bowl of Pokémon food. It was a pretty emotional day for the family with how Annie was acting.

Annie was sitting in her room all by herself. She was not allowed to join for dinner as her parents were still angry with her behavior, not to mention she was grounded. She would get a plate as soon as dinner was over. She didn't believe this was fair at all, and they weren't even going to let her have Lillipup until she lost her attitude.

Ever since Yellow came to this world, she has felt like she has been put in the back seat and figured that so-called sister should come first. Even Delia was getting put in front of her.

As Annie looked down at the ground, she could only feel one thing, betrayal. Her entire family was against her and her plans. Things wouldn't be happening if her parents didn't decide to have another baby.

"Those so-called parents ruined my life. They even got my sister to not side with me," Annie uttered with tears.

Annie needed something for comfort. She needed her one true friend, Lillipup. Ever since she got him for her birthday, Lillipup has been close to Annie. Just like how Delia was, until now. She wanted to get him inside just so she could get some cheering up, however when she opened the door, Marcum's voice was heard.

"Annie you're grounded, now close the door and stay in your room!" Sharon called out, "I'll give you a plate when were done."

Annie then closed the door and let out a deep breath. She can't even get Lillipup to be on her side. Are they going to have Lillipup turn on her as well? Heck, they already got her best friend and sister Delia to do that, so it would be a matter a time until Lillipup was against her.

Annie was now starting to feel miserable. No one wanted to give her what she want since Yellow came around. This showed her what kind of parents she has, agreeing to tender to the youngest one rather than tending to them. She wonders if Delia was like that when she came around? Well it's too late for her now as if this whole family is now against her.

"Alright then, if I can't travel around the world with Delia, I'll travel the world by myself," Annie uttered to herself in anger, "Since you're putting me off to the side for this girl that you say should be my sister, then I know I'm not welcomed here."

Annie had it with her family. Her parents betrayed her, Delia wouldn't stand up for her, and no one wanted to support her. She was on her own, but as she looked at the door, she knew Lillipup was out there. She wasn't going to let them warp his head.

"And I'm taking Lillipup with me," Annie muttered.

Midnight

Everyone was now in bed sleeping. Everyone except for one person, Annie. Once everyone was asleep, Annie snuck out of her room and into the living room where she saw Lillipup sleeping next to Stoutland. This was going to be the temporary sleeping arrangement until Annie started behaving.

Annie knelt down to her Lillipup. The Puppy Pokémon opened his eyes as soon as he saw Annie in front of him. What was she doing here?

"Hey Lillipup," Annie said.

Lillipup didn't say a thing, he just looked at her confused.

"You love me don't you?" Annie asked pleadingly.

Lillipup gave out a quiet bark which indicated yes. The Puppy Pokémon wondered why she would ask a question like that.

"Alright, well that's good," Annie told Lillipup as she looked around, "Listen Lillipup, I've learned that my parents stopped caring about me as soon as Yellow was born. Not to mention Delia is putting that baby above me as well."

Lillipup was wondering what Annie was talking about and what she was going to do.

"The truth is, now they just want to make my life miserable taking away the dream I had of traveling around with my sister," Annie explained, "Since they like to take things from me such as my sister and my freedom, then I have no choice but to leave and travel alone."

Lillipup was getting worried. Was Annie really going to be leaving?

"Lillipup, I'm going to become a Pokémon trainer and never come back to these excuses of parents," Annie spat as she then looked at Lillipup, "And I want you to come with me as my first Pokémon."

Lillipup's eyes widened when he heard that. They were going to leave Viridian City and travel the world together.

"Those so-called parents won't have anything to take from me anymore once I'm outta here," Annie said, "And if they see me again, they'll regret what they've done to me."

Lillipup was worried for how Annie was acting, but the Puppy Pokémon couldn't help it. He knew what kind of girl she was and that she might just be going through a bad phase. Either way, Lillipup was going to be with her all the way through.

With that, Annie picked up Lillipup and walked over to the door. She opened the door and stepped outside. Annie was already dressed as she didn't want to travel in her pajamas.

"Let's go," Annie muttered.

Annie carried Lillipup and ran far away from the house as possible. She didn't even bother to say goodbye to her parents or Stoutland, she wasn't even going to say goodbye to her sister. Her life felt like a total lie after the birth of Yellow.

If Annie were to ever come back, it would not be nothing but a bad memory for the entire Presley family.

End Flashback

Delia had tears in her eyes as she looked at the book. There weren't many pictures of Annie after Yellow turned two. Annie never returned home and she and Yellow hear that she died somewhere during her Pokémon journey. Delia then closed the book.

"I knew it hurt Annie that I was going to stay here, but I didn't think she was going to take it that far," Delia told Mimey, "After that, we never saw her again. We haven't heard from her either, it was presumed that she is dead."

Mimey felt like he was ready to cry. To find out Delia had a sister only to run away from home after having her heart broken like that.

"I never told Red this, but there were times I wanted to have another child. But I couldn't bear to because it reminded me of what happened with Annie. I don't Ash to have some sort of a burden with siblings," Delia sadly said as she seemed like she was going to cry, "This was also a reason why after she ran away, I choose not to ever become a Pokémon trainer myself because all I could think about were those times we've dreamed of traveling together. They now are just memories that hurt me."

Mimey was patting Delia on the back to comfort her. Delia looked at Mimey who looked sad for her. The fact that she refused to make her family bigger because of what happened a long time ago really hurt Mimey, and also the fact she chose never to become a Pokémon trainer due to that experience was also something painful. Mimey then went on over to hug her.

"Mime Mime," Mimey responded as he hugged Delia.

Delia looked down to see that Mimey was hugging Delia's wrist. While he couldn't fully hug her, it did comfort Delia a little bit. Delia looked down and noticed that she technically did have another child, but in the form of a Pokémon. While she never became a trainer, Delia may have realized something.

She did have another child in the form of a Pokémon.

"Mimey," Delia muttered.

"Mime," Mimey said as he was now smiling.

Delia's eyes started to show signs of hope and love. She picked up the Mime Jr. and looked at him. Holding him like a baby, the same say she held Ash when he was a baby. Delia realized that she does have another family member in Mimey.

"Thanks, Mimey," Delia cried as she hugged Mimey, "You made me realize that maybe I do have another one to give my love to besides Ash. I'm glad I brought you home with me."

"Mime mime," Mimey responded.

Delia and Mimey embraced in the hug for a long period of time. As she hugged Mimey, she wonders to herself what it would've been like if she did have another child. Maybe it wouldn't end up the same.

Well, she had Mimey right now, but Delia would think about it. Well first she had to have her husband return home before a decision were to be made.

Pallet Town-Gabena Household

In the Gabena household, Grace and Jade were sitting down with their Happiny named Happy watching TV. They actually were watching a recording of one of Serena's contests which happened to be her Cerulean City Pokémon Contest. That was the contest where she got her first ribbon.

The same sex couple were so happy for their daughter following her dream of being a top coordinator, even though the Saffron City contest wasn't that great. Just as they were thinking about Serena, the doorbell rang.

"Grace, could you get that," Jade told Grace.

"Sure, just pause it for a moment," Grace told Jade.

Jade paused the recording as Grace got up and walked to the door. Jade and Happy were looking ahead of Grace as she opened the door. Grace was surprised to see a deliveryman at the door with a truck behind her.

"Is this the Gabena residence in Pallet Town?" the deliveryman asked.

"Um yes, but we didn't order anything," Grace answered.

"Actually, you have a delivery from a Serena Gabena," the deliveryman stated.

Grace was surprised to hear that Serena was actually sending something to her. As Grace stepped outside and looked inside the truck, she could see that there was a huge crate inside.

"What's in there?" Grace questioned.

"Well she wanted me to give you this note as well to let you know along with a gift to you," the deliveryman said handing Grace a note and a small package.

Grace opened the letter and began reading it.

Dear moms,

I celebrated my birthday by attending a festival called the Princess Day Festival. Ash got me a beautiful locket as a birthday present, and I've agreed to wear it all the time now since it carries a picture of the two of us and Froakie and Fennekin. The festival also had a tournament which I ended up winning, and my Squirtle evolved into a Wartortle. I won a special limited-edition Pokémon doll set that I've delivered to you, and I also got a new Pokémon, Eevee. Pikachu seems to like that Eevee. I also sent you a little something for Happy, and feel free to use it whenever you feel like you're ready. Well, me and Ash are now on our way to Fuchsia City where I'm going to compete in my next contest and I'm going to win my third ribbon. I'll talk to you again soon.

Love, Serena

Grace smiled when she read the letter. Grace saw some of the pictures that Serena sent. Those pictures were taken courtesy of Rotom Dex and were eventually printed out. There were a few pictures of her and Ash along with her new Eevee, and her newly evolved Wartortle. However, in all of those pictures, she was wearing her new necklace that Ash gave her. Grace thought that necklace looked lovely on her.

Grace then opened the small package and inside it was revealed to be an Oval Stone. This was the stone Serena got back at the auction in Saffron City when Ash and Serena went on their first date. Grace even saw a note reading that this was an Oval Stone which could be used to evolve Happiny(Happy) into a Chansey.

Gabena Household-Serena's Room

Grace and Jade were rearranging Serena's room to make room for her new doll set. After moving some stuff around, they finally made some room and placed it towards a wall near her closest.

"Our daughter has accomplished a lot since she left home," Jade said.

"I know, our little girl is growing up so fast," Grace said as she choked up a little.

Grace looked over and saw on Serena's nightstand a photo of herself, Jade, and their daughter. While both of the moms were happy for Serena, it was Grace who seemed to feel most proud. At first she was hoping to follow in her and Jade's footsteps and become a Rhyhorn Racer, but the fact she found a calling in competing in Pokémon Contests made her happy.

"I'm so glad my daughter is enjoying herself being a Pokémon Coordinator," Grace said as she picked up the picture of them, "It just makes me think about…what could've been."

Since Jade was her partner, she was the only one who knew about it. Before Grace took a profession in Rhyhorn Racing, she had thoughts as a child of wanting to be a Pokémon Coordinator. What inspired her to become a Pokémon Coordinator was her father who was a famous Pokémon Coordinator.

The truth was about Grace, she actually grew up in the Hoenn Region living in Lilycove City with her father. Every once in a while she would watch him compete in a contest.

Flashback-30 years ago

Lilycove City-Contest Hall

An eight-year old Grace was in the stands awaiting her father. Next to her was a cat like creature with a cream body, furry purple ears, a purple like coat around her neck, and a purple swab on her tail. It was a Delcatty, one of her father's Pokémon who was there to protect her and cheer on her trainer.

Then the MC made the announcement that Grace's father was now going to take the stage. Appearing on stage was a middle-aged man with black hair, white on the sides, and white streaks sticking upwards on the front of his head. He wore a black shirt with a white ruffle tie, purple shorts with a blue trench coat with white lining, black leggings and white loafers.

Grace's father gave a bow to the audience as he held his Pokeball. He wanted everyone to see the beauty of his Pokémon, but most importantly he wanted to impress his daughter.

"Behold my Milotic!" Grace's father announced revealing his Milotic.

Milotic was a regal serpent like creature with a cream upper body, red bangs on the sides, red eyebrows that went upwards and a blue and red printed lower body which also acted as his tail, with blue and red peacock like feathers on the tip of the tail.

"Milotic, Rain Dance!" Grace's father announced.

Milotic started to concentrate and moved around until it started to rain. As the rain was coming down on the stage, Grace's father spread his arms out.

"Now, Twister!" Grace's father called out.

Milotic brought out a majestic Twister onto the stage which increased in size because of the effects of Rain Dance, and it also turned it into a water tornado. Then the man smiled.

"Now ascend into the twister and use Disarming Voice followed by Life Dew!" Grace's father commanded.

The Tender Pokémon calmly hopped into his own water tornado and unleashed a pink soundwave with hearts that caused the tornado to explode into sparkling pink water droplets and Milotic was revealed to be engulfed in a sparkling water veil before he descended onto the ground.

The entire crowd roared with applause and cheer while Grace and Delcatty cheered the loudest out of all of them. Grace was so happy to have a father who not only loves her, but also amazes people and makes them happy. Grace hoped that one day she could grow up to be just like him.

End Flashback

Grace's father was truly an elite coordinator as he won many contests and Grand Festivals. She was hoping to take her father's footsteps when she turned thirteen. She could've done it at ago ten, but she wanted to take a few years to learn about contests.

Then when Grace was twelve, her father was starting to become miserable. It wasn't known why as her father wouldn't tell her anything about it, and also told her not to watch anymore of his performances.

Then a few months later, he disappeared, and his trophies and ribbons were gone as well. No one knew what happened to him as most people presumed him dead. Grace was heartbroken on what happened to her father as not only was he gone, but the symbols of his accomplishments were gone as well. Those weren't just awards those were her memories of her dad as well. It was like he was never even there.

Now it just hurts Grace when she thinks of her father and Pokémon contests all together. She wanted no more memory about and chose a different profession, and then down the line, she met Jade and took part in Rhyhorn Racing.

When Grace heard Serena was going to take part in Pokémon Contests, she didn't show it to her, but she felt like she was having flashbacks. However, Serena was her daughter and she had to let her daughter do what would make her happy. Jade was always there with Grace to remind her of that and that she was going to support her all the way.

Time did heal Grace's wounds as she was never against it. Deep down, she was actually happy that Serena was living a dream that she threw away. She even started to watch contests again, in fact the Celadon City Pokémon Contest was the first one she attended since her father's disappearance. Secretly Grace didn't want to say anything, but when she saw Serena on stage with Gyarados and Beedrill, she saw glimpse of her father and his Pokémon like Milotic.

Grace never told Serena about her grandfather that he was a coordinator too, but somewhere deep down, she figured one day she could tell her stories about him. Jade and Happy could see that Grace was lost in thought.

"You can't stop thinking about your dad?" Jade asked.

"Yeah, he was my greatest role model in my life. Looking at what he got his Pokémon to do and the beauty of those contests motivated me to become a Pokémon coordinator myself," Grace sighed.

"I know I never met the man, but did you really have to give up your dream because he suddenly vanished?" Jade asked.

"Jade, when he disappeared, I lost a hero and my heart breaks anytime I see a contest or go near a contest hall. But as time went by, my wounds did slowly heal, and seeing Serena taking part in contests has started to bring that love I had for contests back. Not at the level it was when I was a little girl where I wanted to be a coordinator, but at least where I can be around them again," Grace explained.

"Something tells me you've gained a new hero in your daughter," Jade kindly said.

Grace continues to look at the picture of them together.

"I just want her to be happy and pursue what her heart desires. I don't want to hold her back from being a coordinator because contests bring me too much reminders of my father," Grace said, "But in due time, I should also teach her not to have a tragedy kill her dreams, like what happened to me."

Jade then puts her hand on Grace's shoulder, and the brown hair woman looks back and sees her partner with a determined look on her face.

"Grace, I know you never got to live out being a Pokémon coordinator because of your father disappearing, but I want you to reflect on what you have done with your life since then," Jade told Grace.

Grace listens to her partner and starts to reflect on what happened since her father's disappearance. She took part in Rhyhorn Racing where she met Jade and created a great rivalry with her, they ended up getting married, and to top it all off, she would get a sperm donation from Professor Sycamore allowing her and Jade to have Serena.

All of those things made her happy, and looking back it, she doesn't regret it. She was proud to know now Serena was living her mother's real dream. Not to mention now she and Jade have another child, in the form of a Happiny.

"I don't regret anything Jade, I'm proud of the life I'm living. I have you, Happy, Rhyhorn, but most importantly, I have Serena," Grace said with tears coming from her eyes, "I don't know what I would do if she wasn't in our lives."

"Me too," Jade said.

Jade pulled Grace into a hug and Happy joined in on the hug too. The lesbians looked at Happy and smiled as he was part of the family too. Grace really did live a wonderful life, but she looks up into the sky and still wants the answer to one question.

"I just wish to know what happened to dad," Grace thought to herself.

Pallet Town-Professor Oak's Lab

Professor Oak was having his afternoon tea and as he looked out the window, he could see all of the Pokémon that Gary, Daisy, Leaf, Ash, and Serena sent over. Oak smiled as the one that interested him the most was Ash's Bulbasaur.

Bulbasaur seem to be such a happy Pokémon as he enjoyed his nature as a Bulbasaur. Since coming to the lab, whenever Bulbasaur is in a good mood, he would try to find if there were to be any conflict between any Pokémon. Bulbasaur would play the role of peacekeeper and eventually the Pokémon would settle down and get along.

The professor was very grateful that Ash such a caring Bulbasaur that looked out for others and wasn't waiting to evolve. In fact, the fact he wouldn't evolve was the reason his last trainer abandoned him.

"That Bulbasaur is quite an interesting Pokémon you got there Ash," Oak said as he watched ahead.

Seeing Ash's Bulbasaur also makes him wipe away a bad memory. Sometimes Bulbasaur would give the professor some not so happy memories of a certain trainer. Oak wasn't grateful of the actions of this trainer, and he and Ash's father Red did not get along well. A Bulbasaur was acting the tipping point for him.

Flashback-23 years ago

Professor Oak's Lab

A younger Samuel Oak finished polishing the three Pokeballs containing the Kanto starters; Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Today was the day that three new trainers would begin their careers as Pokémon trainers. Professor Oak smiled as he saw the three trainers coming in.

One was a boy with orange spiky hair and hazel eyes. He wears a black polo shirt with blue pants and black shoes, and also wears a pedant around his neck. This was Blue Oak, Samuel's son. The next person was a boy with spiky black hair going forward and chocolate eyes. He wore a red baseball cap, a black shirt with a red jacket with white sleeves, black bracelets on his wrists, blue jeans, and white sneakers. This was Red Ketchum. Then finally was a boy with very short hair and wore a white t-shirt, black shorts, and black shoes. His name was Giovanni Ezargo and he actually came from Viridian City. However, he had a stern look on his face.

Professor Oak smiled at the three boys as he knew what today was. Samuel was questioning Giovanni as his expression seems more serious rather than excited.

"Son, Red Ketchum, Giovanni Ezargo, welcome to the world of Pokémon," Professor Oak announced as he gestured towards the three Pokeballs on the pedestal, "Inside these Pokeballs is your starter Pokémon, the Pokémon that you will take as your life partner."

Red was excited, Blue was looking arrogant and confident, Giovanni looked to be more observant. Professor Oak showed images of the three starter Pokémon.

"We have the grass-type Bulbasaur, the fire-type Charmander, and the water-type Squirtle," Oak announced.

Red was excited to see all of those Pokémon up there. He didn't care which Pokémon he chose, if he just take the time to raise that Pokémon, they will become a great team. Blue just smirked as he saw the three Pokémon. He wanted to figure out which one would be the strongest and help him reach the top, and also would beat Red. Giovanni on the other hand looked disgusted with the Pokémon. All of them looked rather cute than powerful and he only wanted powerful Pokémon to be with him. Maybe the Charmander could be his best bet.

Professor Oak gave Red the chance to pick first. He didn't take time to hesitate as he picked Charmander. When Giovanni saw him choose that Charmander, that infuriated him. Since Blue knew Charmander was a fire type, he choose Squirtle since it can beat a Charmander.

"Well Red, I got the best Pokémon dad has," Blue mockingly said as he spun the Pokeball on his finger, "You'll never beat me."

"I can't take your attitude Blue, just you wait, I'm going to go out there and win the Pokémon League," Red argued.

"Not gonna happen, you're just a beginner who has no clue what they're doing," Blue said in a snarky tone.

"Hey, you're a beginner too!" Red barked.

Giovanni was pretty agitated. He takes Charmander only to just play childish mind games with that Blue guy. Even though that Charmander wasn't completely powerful like the other three, he did see it as potentially the strongest of them, and it agitates him that Red would waste such a Pokémon.

He turned around and saw the Seed Pokémon in front of him who didn't seem to be happy but felt a little more hesitant. Professor Oak approached Giovanni.

"Giovanni, since Charmander and Squirtle have been taken, you will be taking Bulbasaur as your starter," Oak told Giovanni giving him Bulbasaur's Pokeball.

Giovanni couldn't believe it he was going to be stuck with that Pokémon. How would he become the world's greatest Pokémon trainer if he wasn't given the world's greatest Pokémon?

The next day

Out in the open

Giovanni wasn't faring well with having that Bulbasaur. He tried battling wild Pokémon and end up losing. Giovanni looked down and growled at Bulbasaur. The Seed Pokémon gave a worried look.

"You are a weak pathetic Pokémon," Giovanni uttered.

"Bulbasaur," Bulbasaur muttered.

"I never wanted you, I only got you because Red and Blue took the two Pokémon that were better. So far you have proven how worthless you are," Giovanni explained.

Bulbasaur didn't seem to be happy with this boy. Giovanni continued to look around until he saw something that caught his interest. It was a white cat with a golden charm on his forehead, a Meowth. The Meowth was fighting a Mankey and was winning. Giovanni smirked at what he was seeing. If this Meowth was able to best a fighting type, then maybe this Pokémon would be considered powerful for his standards.

Giovanni just had to weaken it before he can catch it, and as he looked at Bulbasaur, he already has proven what he can do in battle. Giovanni clenched his fist as he looked ahead. How can he catch that Meowth if he has a useless Bulbasaur?

"That Meowth sure is a fighter," a voice said.

Giovanni looked to the side and saw that it was Red standing there with his arms crossed smiling. He watched the battle between Meowth and Mankey, and then Meowth delivered a Fury Swipes that knocked the Pig Monkey Pokémon out. That Pokémon looks to be a much better adversary than that Bulbasaur.

"He is," Giovanni replied.

Giovanni then looked at Red and remembered he got that Charmander with him. Giovanni had an idea and it would involve the help of Red. Despite not liking him, he would be useful for this.

"Hey Red, why don't you battle it," Giovanni suggested.

"Huh?" Red questioned, "Why can't you?"

"Because Bulbasaur is not powerful enough to take on that Meowth, so I consider that you battle it," Giovanni explained.

Red gave a confused look to Giovanni. He didn't think that Bulbasaur was powerful enough, but why? Has he been taking his time raising his Pokémon?

"Bulbasaur can be strong if you take time to raise it," Red stated.

"Don't talk about that crap, just battle the Meowth," Giovanni ordered.

Red just sighed and looked at Meowth. Come to think of it, that Meowth would make a great addition to his team. He might want to take his chances with it before he gets away.

"Alright," Red replied as he got out Charmander's Pokeball, "Charmander I choose you!"

Red threw his Pokeball and released his Charmander. Charmander looked onward at the Meowth that was in front of him. Meowth looked back at Charmander. So, this Pokémon was ready to fight.

"Charmander use Flamethrower!" Red commanded.

Charmander opened his mouth and unleashed a powerful Flamethrower right at Meowth. The Scratch Cat Pokémon countered with Fury Swipes cutting through the flames. Giovanni was amazed by how strong that Meowth was slicing through that Flamethrower.

"Now use Scratch!" Red retorted.

Charmander came at Meowth and surprised him with a Scratch attack which caused Meowth to lose balance. Red had the final say to that Meowth. Giovanni on the other hand smirked and pulled out a Pokeball.

"Now finish this with Ember and Flamethrower!" Red called out.

Charmander opened his mouth and shot out pellets of Ember at Meowth knocking him down and then another Flamethrower which burnt Meowth to a crisp. The Scratch Cat Pokémon was burned but was still standing as he proved himself to be tough.

"Alright Meowth, you're mine," Red said with a smirk as he pulled out a Pokeball.

Then to Red's surprise, another Pokeball was tossed at Meowth sucking him in. Red gasped when he saw that it was Giovanni who threw that Pokeball.

"Giovanni!" Red exclaimed.

"Quiet!" Giovanni yelled.

The only thing Red could do now was hope that Meowth would break out of that Pokeball, but that didn't happen. The ball dinged to indicate that Meowth was captured…by Giovanni.

Giovanni walked up to the Pokeball and proudly looked at his new Meowth. This Pokémon was truly a powerful Pokémon indeed.

"Thank you Red for weakening that Meowth for me," said Giovanni.

"You didn't earn that capture," Red argued.

"Yes, I did, I threw an empty Pokeball that was mine at Meowth and it got caught," Giovanni stated.

"It's an earned capture when you and your Pokémon work together and weaken the target," Red stated as he gasped, "Did you just use me to help you capture a Pokémon?"

"Yes, I did, if I used this Bulbasaur here then I would lose," Giovanni explained, "Speaking of Bulbasaur."

Bulbasaur looked at Giovanni as he got out his Pokeball. Giovanni slammed the Pokeball onto the ground and stomped on it indicating that he just removed him from his team.

Red was absolutely mortified when he saw Giovanni do that. Bulbasaur probably wasn't shocked since Giovanni didn't like him. Giovanni then turned to Bulbasaur with a disgusted look on his face.

"Now that I have a powerful Pokémon, you are no longer needed," Giovanni told Bulbasaur, "Get out of my sight, I don't work with weak Pokémon."

Bulbasaur had a hurt look on his face. Red could only imagine what Bulbasaur is going through after Giovanni did that. While Blue has gotten on his nerves, he was starting to hate his guy. With that, Red approached Giovanni with a furious look on his face.

"You aren't even giving Bulbasaur a chance," Red angrily told Giovanni.

"I did and it failed me all the time," Giovanni told Red.

"Pokémon are going to lose battles every once in a while and they will grow from those losses," Red explained.

"This Pokémon hasn't won a battle and isn't getting stronger, so that theory is a lie!" Giovanni shouted.

"That's because you've only been a trainer for a day!" Red yelled, "You only accepted that Meowth because you thought it was strong."

"It is strong, you saw it when it fought your Charmander," Giovanni told Red.

"A great Pokémon trainer will accept that Pokémon whether they're weak or strong, and if they are weak, then we will work together to become stronger," Red explained, "Truly strong Pokémon will not be handed to you on a silver platter. You and your Pokémon have to work together as a team in order to do that, then you'll be able to reach levels you and your Pokémon didn't even know you could achieve."

Giovanni thought everything Red was saying was pure garbage. All of that teamwork thing was going to make a Pokémon strong. Giovanni would never believe that.

"That is the biggest load of crap I've ever heard," Giovanni spat, "The only reason I was stuck with that Bulbasaur is because you took the best possible Pokémon I could work with. That Bulbasaur was deemed to be the worst of the bunch."

"You're not helping," Red told Giovanni.

"That Charmander would've been my Pokémon if I picked first!" Giovanni yelled, "Then you would be stuck with that worthless Bulbasaur and never win!"

Red heard what Giovanni said and didn't believe it as it was a load of crap. Red then looked at Bulbasaur. Since Giovanni has cut him loose, that made him a wild Pokémon. Then Red had an idea that not only would help Bulbasaur but prove Giovanni wrong.

"You're wrong Giovanni, and I'll prove it," Red uttered.

"By having a battle with me?" Giovanni questioned, "Because now that I have a strong Pokémon, I can beat you."

Red was only looking at Bulbasaur. He wasn't going to look at his rival, or possibly his enemy.

"No," Red answered, "I'm going to catch this Bulbasaur and raise it myself."

Red approached Bulbasaur and crouched down to his level. Red smiled as he was looking at the Seed Pokémon. Bulbasaur looked at Red wondering what he was going to do.

"Bulbasaur, I'm sorry about how Giovanni is treating you. If you want, you can come with me. Together we will prove Giovanni wrong about you," Red told Bulbasaur.

Bulbasaur could understand the kindness that came out of him. While he just met him, he almost looks like someone he can trust. Giovanni on the other hand looked absolutely disgusted with what Red did.

"Bulbasaur," Bulbasaur happily said as he now smiled.

"You're not a weak or worthless Pokémon, and together we'll be a great team," Red said as he got out a Pokeball.

Red tapped the Pokeball at Bulbasaur as he went in without resistance. The ball wiggled a couple of times before it dinged. Well for Red, this would make up for the Meowth that Giovanni stole from him. Red picked up the Pokeball and smiled at it.

"Good luck Red, you'll regret it," Giovanni spat.

"I don't regret it at all," Red spat.

Giovanni really hated Red. The angry boy looked back at Red as he began to walk away. He didn't want anything to do with him right now.

"I'm going to obtain more Pokémon like this Meowth, and you will stay out of my business," Giovanni declared.

"I don't want to get into your business at all," Red responded, "But I do feel sorry for that Meowth and whatever Pokémon come with you."

Giovanni continued to walk away. As Red watched him go out in the distance, he can't help but hate this guy. He mistreated Bulbasaur and now he might be doing that with a bunch of other Pokémon. Something tells him that Giovanni is going down a dark path.

End Flashback

Professor Oak heard that story from Red about Giovanni and how he released Bulbasaur. That day, the professor lost a great amount of respect for him, and throughout time it only got worse.

The professor was thankful that Red took Bulbasaur into his care. Like all of Red's Pokémon, he and Bulbasaur became quite a team and eventually he would become a Venusaur. Still it hurt Professor Oak that Giovanni would throw his starter away like that.

As he watches Bulbasaur, the professor can calm himself of that horrible thing Giovanni did. Professor Oak did hear from Ash that he had no plans on evolving Bulbasaur anytime and that he would do whatever he can to make him a strong Bulbasaur.

"I can't get over what Giovanni did to Bulbasaur, or should I say Venusaur," Oak said to himself, "But I'm glad Ash got himself a Bulbasaur that he would love to take time with. He really is taking after his father."

Oak didn't notice it, but this Bulbasaur took great pride in his state as a Bulbasaur. He has no plans himself to evolve right as evolution made him think of his past trainer who let him go because he wouldn't evolve.

"Ash, your Bulbasaur is doing just fine. I can't wait to tell you about how he took his role as a peacekeeper," Oak said to himself.

Silph Company-Testing Lab

Giovanni has been monitoring the process of the Master Ball ever since taking over the Silph Company. With Professor Namba leading the way, things have been going smoothly in the Master Ball and Mewtwo.

He has been watching his men go through a process of capturing a Lapras one-thousand times straight. Lapras has been crying through this whole process as her so called friend who saved her is now experimenting on her. Though Giovanni hated it, he had his scientists make sure the Lapras was at perfect health so that way the streak is actually thanks to hard work, not to potentially weakening Lapras.

"That's three-hundred and eighty-four times in a row," Namba said as Hector threw the ball again.

Lapras was sucked back inside and the ball wiggled two times before it broke out. Hector grimaced and the scientists slammed their fists on the table. Giovanni frowned when he saw Lapras get out. They had a good run going and now it stops at 384.

"Now we have to start over!" Namba angrily announced.

"Do we really have to?" Hector questioned.

"Yes, remember we have to capture that Lapras a thousand times in a row, not a thousand times!" Namba yelled as he calmed down, "But first we need to see if there are any kinks we can work out."

This was a small setback to the Master Ball project. Things were going good until Lapras broke out on the three-hundred and eighty-fifth attempt. Giovanni would hope this project would be finished soon as the cloning project at headquarters is reported to be sixty six percent complete.

"They better get this right," Giovanni said as he clenched his fists, "That pathetic Professor Oak will regret ever crossing paths with me, and so will his son, and especially Red."

Giovanni has had a huge vendetta against the Oaks and Ketchums as long as he remembers. The Oaks were responsible for trying to take Mew's DNA for themselves in order to use it on a wasteful research, and his mortal enemy Red Ketchum for turning that DNA into the Oaks along with his talks about how he should be become friends with Pokémon no matter what.

He still remembers the story of when he cut loose Bulbasaur because it wasn't a strong Pokémon to his liking and Red took it in so he could become his friend. Giovanni wanted to do everything in his power to show Red that his little friendship acts towards Pokémon are nothing but a waste of time.

When Mewtwo is ready to be in his possession, he has a lot of pain to give to him. Right now, he can recall that his son and his girlfriend are getting in the way of Team Rocket's business. He hopes to deal with them too.

Silph Company-President's Office

Ariana has been monitoring the progress on the Master Ball as well. She has not been spending much time with her husband ever since the Mewtwo project finally began the stretch run.

The truth to be told, Ariana was starting to think Giovanni would be losing interest in his wife. While they did have their time in the bed and working together, she never really got a chance to actually feel like she has been loved. The only thing Giovanni is now clearly thinking about his revenge against Professor Oak and Red Ketchum.

Not to mention that the interactions have started dipping down between them ever since their son who was supposed to take over after Giovanni passed ran away from them. Giovanni declared him dead. Ariana was aggravated with his actions as well, but somewhere deep down when she is not caught in business, she does miss him. After all, he was her son.

"I have sided with Giovanni so I can get my revenge on certain people like he is, but he doesn't want to have time for me. Did this have anything to do with Silver?" Ariana thought to herself.

Ariana had revenge plans of her own as well, but at least there was some light within her unlike her boss. Despite being evil, Ariana has learned a couple is more powerful when working together and to her, it seems like they've been working separately as Giovanni only cared about getting what he wants.

This is what Ariana believes has caused a rift in their relationship.

Flashback-4 years ago

Team Rocket HQ

Giovanni and Ariana were inside a room with a giant test tube. Inside the test tube was what would be the clone of Mew. Giovanni considered calling it Mewtwo. After getting Mew's DNA and obtaining all the necessaries, Giovanni put the project in progress.

As the years went by, numerous amounts of clones have died within a week or a month. However, his scientists have finally gotten something right as this clone has been living for the past two months. Giovanni smiled when he saw the clone.

"After so many failed attempts it seems we have finally gotten a clone that will stay stable. I say in approximately five years, this clone will come to life and prepare to do whatever I say," Giovanni said looking at the giant test tube.

Ariana smiled at the creation inside the test tube. Professor Namba and the other scientists say that this clone would exceed the power of the original Mew.

"Soon we'll have our revenge against those who defy us," Ariana said.

"Indeed," Giovanni answered, "And with the casino helping us with the profits, we'll be able to buy out the Silph Company and take advantage of those scientists."

Team Rocket has heard rumors that the Silph Company was working on a special Pokeball that would capture a Pokémon with a 100% rate all the time called the Master Ball. If this Pokémon becomes so powerful that no Pokeball could contain a capture within, then Giovanni would have Team Rocket take control of the Silph Company to speed up the process.

"Once we get close to our goals, Team Rocket will begin to seek out those who opposed us such as Professor Oak and that dreaded Red Ketchum," Giovanni stated.

Ariana had a curious look on her face when her husband said that.

"What about the people who defied me?" Ariana asked.

"Oh, we'll find them too," Giovanni stated, "But mostly the Oaks and that dreaded Red."

Ariana had a look of concern on her face. Did Giovanni even think about the people who went against her? It seems as if Giovanni only cared about getting his revenge on those he hated rather than those his wife hated.

Ariana was worried that their son Silver would have the same mindset. She did want him to think about this organization, but she didn't want him to clearly think about himself like his father is.

1 month later

Just as the scientists expected, the Mew clone was strong enough to develop and would be completed in five years. Right now, they needed to do what they can to obtain Pokémon and earn more profits for the organization. The rocket bosses were going to launch retaliation on anyone who gets in their way.

While Ariana was pleased with how things were going, she wasn't feeling completely satisfied. Giovanni never consisted on doing things together to get their Pokémon stronger. They both were powerful Pokémon trainers, but never took actions to work together as they were both the leaders of this organization.

In fact, the only time Giovanni would ever want to be with Ariana is when he wants sex which most of the time comes when Team Rocket takes a huge step forward. Ariana was a powerful woman but didn't feel completely happy. Maybe things would change when Mewtwo was completed.

"Miss Ariana," a voice called out.

Ariana looked over and saw a man with teal hair wearing a white uniform. This was one of their highest ranked executives Archer. Archer was considered the third strongest rocket behind only herself and her husband.

"Archer," Ariana muttered.

"You seemed to be in a down mood today," Archer said.

Ariana sighed. While she was evil and bent on revenge on those who were against her, she did have feelings.

"Sometimes, I wonder if Giovanni actually loves me," Ariana said.

"What are you talking about?" Archer questioned.

"Well the only time we would interact is when were on these projects or in bed," Ariana answered, "And as for our son who will be our heir, all he does is making sure he is to follow what he does when he takes over."

"Are you saying that Giovanni might not appreciate you?" Archer asked.

"Somewhere deep down, I wonder if I'm actually happy with him," Ariana said, "I know we had a son together, but does he actually love me."

Ariana has been reflecting on her past. There were people who were against her and betrayed her, and eventually down the line she met Giovanni. Giovanni knew the pain Ariana went through and had her join forces with him. They got married and had a son and formed Team Rocket together.

They would gain recruits such as Proton, Petrel, Professor Namba, and of course Archer. Throughout the time she has been the boss of Team Rocket, Archer has been the one there for her the most, even more than Giovanni, her husband.

"I know you want to achieve world domination, but you're saying it will make you happier if you do it with someone you love," Archer said.

"That's right. Sometimes, I feel like one of these days Giovanni would throw me under like everyone else has. My family, a person who I thought was a friend," Ariana explained, "I've went through that pain which led me to this path of becoming evil."

Ariana has admitted to becoming evil due to the people who went against her. It was those reasons she hasn't ever been happy in the first place.

"You're worried about getting backstabbed aren't you?" Archer asked.

"Consciously yes I am," Ariana answered.

Archer then placed his hand on Ariana's shoulder. Ariana gave a glance at Archer as he gave a reassuring look.

"Ariana mark my words, even if your thoughts become a reality, I will never go against you," Archer told Ariana, "You have proven yourself to be a compatible leader for us and all the rockets and I respect you for that."

Ariana gave out a small smile. At least one of the higher ranked executives had some appreciation for Ariana. Maybe there was someone who would never go against her.

"Thank you Archer," Ariana replied as she regained her menacing smile.

"My pleasure boss," Archer stated, "Now will you excuse me, I have to hear the reports from Professor Namba and the other scientists."

"Okay," Ariana responded.

As Archer walked off, Ariana called him out.

"Archer!" Ariana called out as Archer looked at her, "If Giovanni is ever busy and you're available, maybe we can have a small coffee break together."

Wait a minute, what was Ariana thinking? She was thinking of having coffee with another man who wasn't her husband.

"Sure, not a problem," Archer responded positively.

With that, Archer walked off. Well this ended up being awkward, Ariana scheduled a coffee break with one of Giovanni's most trust-worthy executives. Ariana wasn't sure what to make of the situation, but it made her feel a little happy.

End Flashback

That eventually escalated quickly as Ariana started to have an affair with Archer. She has felt completely insecure about her marriage at times, but the insecurities took over a bit more after Silver ran away to become a Pokémon trainer and not have any part of Team Rocket.

The truth was that Ariana felt kind of happy that she was spending time with Archer whenever he was around. One thing was for certain, if Giovanni ever found out about this, he would be guaranteed to throw her under like her so called family or her so called friend.

"Maybe I've just been going through a bad phase by having these relations with Archer," Ariana said to herself, "Maybe things will go by smoothly for us once Mewtwo is ready to fulfil our doing. Then maybe Giovanni will start to appreciate me again."

Well for Ariana, that is all she can think. Only time would tell if that would ever be the case. For right now, she had to move forward with the Master Ball and the cloning process.

But she can't ever wonder what things would be like if she really did leave Giovanni for Archer.

Team Rocket HQ

Jessie, James, and Meowth were sitting in their bunker sharing a bag of potato chips. Because of their accomplishments of giving Team Rocket a rebound and obtaining the ghost Pokémon, Proton for the time being has spared their lives. However, that didn't mean he was going to abandon his motives of killing them for their previous failures.

The truth was the trio was actually feeling guilty. The only reason they were able to obtain the ghost Pokémon was because Serena gave the Pokémon to them in hopes that they did something right and that Proton would spare them, and it worked. But Jessie, James, and Meowth feel like they don't deserve to be alive right now because it was actually Serena who helped them out, and they did absolutely nothing.

Flashback-2 weeks ago

Jessie, James, and Meowth were talking with Serena about everything they did and how Proton was going to kill them because of their constant screw ups. Serena looked at the sack that contained the ghost Pokémon Team Rocket needed in order to subdue Mewtwo when it awakens. Serena's expression looked pretty grim as if she were about to kill them.

"Jessie, James, Meowth," Serena addressed as she got the trio's attention, "Do you guys want to live?"

"Yes, we do," all three said in union weakly.

"Alright, I'm not happy about what I'm going to do for you, but it might help you guys," Serena said as she sat the sack down, "This sack contains ghost Pokémon your teammates caught, and I don't know what they plan to do with them."

The trio saw the sack and remembered why they were here. Proton and the other rockets were out to catch ghost Pokémon to help contain Mewtwo once the project is finished.

"If you leave me alone, I'll let you take this sack and you can take it to your teammates. Tell them you found it and take all the credit. I don't want them to know that I lent you a hand," Serena told the trio.

Jessie, James, and Meowth looked at the sack in disbelief. Serena was actually going to give them the ghost Pokémon Team Rocket caught.

"Take it now and go before I change my mind," Serena ordered.

"Alright," the trio said in union as they grabbed the sack.

The trio ran off with the sack and tried to find a place to hide. Before they got out of Serena's sight, Jessie looked back at Serena.

"Twerpette…I mean…Serena…thanks," Jessie said as there was a hint of kindness.

"You're welcome. I'm not happy about what I did, but I hope this helps you," Serena told Jessie, "No go now."

Jessie took Serena's words by heart and ran off with James and Meowth. The twerpette really did them a favor back there.

End Flashback

That moment back there at the Pokémon Tower helped the trio realize that despise their actions, there are good people out there and Serena jeopardize her clean record in order for them to live.

"That twerpette really did help us back there," Meowth said eating a chip.

"Tell me about it, we're alive thanks to her," James said as he got a handful of chips, "And despite being an enemy of Team Rocket, she treated us better than the other rockets."

"Yeah," Jessie said as she reflected on what happened, "You know despite the twerps getting in our way, I feel like the twerps beating the crap out of us felt better than the treatment we get here."

"You're right Jess, they're not to kill us like Proton," Meowth said, "I mean they were angry after what we did at the casino, but then they realized they knew better not to kill us."

The trio reflected on everything that has happened in their time with Team Rocket. Somehow they got titles of admins despite their number of failures, and most of the times the rockets are always torturing them and now coming to the point where they're on the brink of death by the people who are supposed to be their teammates.

They've started to realize that the people here in Team Rocket including their bosses treat them horribly. They're supposed to whip them into shape after a failure, not try to possibly beat them to death. In fact, the treatment that the trio has endured, and the kind actions of Serena made them remember one thing.

Jessie, James, and Meowth were actually good people back in their days.

"It's just we all had a rough life," James muttered as he can think of his past.

Flashback-13 years ago

Mansion

There was a big mansion somewhere located in the Kanto Region. A very wealthy family lives in that house. One of the family members was a little boy with lavender hair and he had a pet Growlithe who was his best friend named Growly. This was James.

James was playing with Growly when suddenly his parents came in. Both of his parents wore fancy clothing and had showed authority. Being wealthy can sometimes have other people look up to you.

"James my boy, we have some news for you," James's dad told.

James looked over at his father. He was wondering what in the world would his father want. Judging by the looks on their faces, this was something serious.

"Mama, papa, what is it?" James questioned.

"We have found someone for you," James's mother answered.

James tilted his head in confusion. Why would he need someone for him? Then appearing into the room was a girl with red pigtails in a yellow bow wearing a pink dress. She was also holding an Oddish.

"James, this is Jessebelle. We have arranged her to be your future wife," James's father said presenting the girl.

James's face started to look pale when he saw that girl. Jessebelle immediately ran up towards James knocking Growly out of the way. The red-haired girl gave a lovey dovely look at the lavender haired boy. His parents made this girl his wife!

"Oh James, you look so handsome," Jessebelle said in a lovey dovely tone, "I'm so happy that our parents agreed to have us live happily ever after."

James was starting to freak out. This girl was creepy as hell.

1 year later

James has been losing his sanity ever since his parents presented him Jessebelle a year ago. She would be brought over once every week to socialize with James whether it came to Pokémon, fancy clothes, or living arrangements. She was a little girl and was already in the mindset of getting married which was going to happen. It was a nightmare when Jessebelle came into James's life, just imagine when they get married and are together all the time.

James felt like this wasn't fair. All human beings should be allowed to choose who they want to marry, but not James. His parents decided his marriage life. However, there was someone James knew that always kept his mind in check and put a smile on his face. That was his best friend Growly.

Then one day James was going to meet with Growly only to discover he was not there. He was always around to give James a friendly hello, so why wasn't he there?

"Growly, where are you?" James asked looking around, "I want to play with you before Jessebelle."

"Oh James!" a voice shrieked.

James's spine shivered when he heard that voice. Jessebelle entered the room giving James the most admirable look possible. James just couldn't stand it. She didn't love or have feelings for this girl at all.

"Oh, hi Jessebelle," James stuttered.

"Oh James, what do you think of my new coat?" Jessebelle lovingly asked, "It was made out of a Growlithe."

James looked at the coat and it looked like it was made from the fur of a Growlithe. That had to disgust James that she was wearing something that had Growlithe's fur. Growly was going to be angry when he saw that.

"Jessebelle, I don't know if Growly would like seeing you in that," James stuttered.

Jessebelle's then showed a huge smile on her face. James didn't like where this was going.

"James, this coat was made out of Growly," Jessebelle told James.

James's eyes widened when he heard that. There was no way that coat was made out of a Growly.

"You see James, since I get to marry you, your parents get the pleasure of giving me whatever I want. I always wanted a fur coat made out of the fur of a Growlithe and no one could find a Growlithe. So, I then turned to Growly and asked if he could be made into a coat," Jessebelle explained, "They said yes, now I can look beautiful in this coat all the time for you."

Jessebelle was showing a happy expression while James feels like his heart was ripped out of his chest and stomped on repeatedly. Did they really do that to Growly?

"But, Growly was my friend," James stuttered as tears came from his eyes.

"James, I'm the only friend you'll need in the future," Jessebelle lovingly said, "Your parents want you to be happy with me, and Growly was just some Growlithe so there was no need to have him around anymore."

James almost wanted to vomit when he heard that. His parents actually let his Pokémon, no, his best friend die and favor Jessebelle over him. What kind of parents would do something like that!? Parents were supposed to let their kids be happy and teach them about making their life decisions, not make the decisions for him.

This was a nightmare for James. Jessebelle was already becoming creepy, but now his parents favor her needs over his. This is not what parents were supposed to do. James was not miserable.

They say money can't buy happiness, and with all that happened to James, it's assured that he can believe that saying to be true.

End Flashback

James would immediately run away from his family and Jessebelle as killing his beloved Growly so his so-called finance can have a fur coat was the last straw.

Jessie on the other hand didn't have to deal with parents like that, because she didn't have parents at all. Jessie was actually an orphan who ended up living in a run-down orphanage.

Flashback-15 years ago

Orphanage

In a small town, there was a rusty looking building that was home to many children who didn't have any parents. Standing in front of the building was a little girl with red hair that was sticking back. She wore a white dress with black overalls, white socks, and black shoes. She also had a black backpack with her.

This girl was Jessie as she was being sent to live in this orphanage. Her parents were Pokémon researchers, and they got killed in an expedition of searching for Mew. The place looked like a dump. Then a stern looking older woman with brown hair was looking down as Jessie.

"This will be your new home," the woman said in with authority, "Now get inside so we can assign you a bed."

If losing her parents was bad enough, the hell she would go through at this orphanage would be worse. It seems as if this woman had no remorse for Jessie which made her feel a whole lot worse. Chances are she didn't have remorse for any of these children.

6 months later

The orphanage Jessie lived in was a nightmare. The bed she slept in were mostly old and lumpy, the food they were served was disgusting gruel and slop as they weren't giving anything delicious or nutritious, and not to mention every once in a while Raticate appear in their rooms when they're sleeping where on two occasions one was on Jessie's bed.

Did child protection services ever tend to visit these places for inspection? Jessie was miserable at this orphanage and they barely did any activities except clean up their rooms and their dinner tables. Never did they go out on a field trip or had some exciting entertainment, and obviously they never celebrated anyone's birthday.

Something was telling her that the orphanage people were cheapskates and it felt more like a place where kids wait to die. Jessie and the other children were not feeling well, and they barely ever talked.

"Good morning everyone," the woman said.

Jessie and the other children look up and see that the woman who has been watching over them had a stern look on her face. She hasn't cared about these children at all, and now they're wondering what she was going to talk about.

"I just want to let you know that we have to cut back as I'm going to be saving money for a trip to the Alola Region," the woman announced.

All of the children and Jessie had sparkles in their eyes and began to cheer. It looks like she is making a sacrifice in order for the children to have an amazing vacation.

"Not for you kids, for myself. I just need some time away from here," the woman sternly said, "So for that the cutbacks start immediately, and don't be surprised if the electricity goes out as I'm not going to pay the bill."

Then suddenly the lights went out and the room went dark. This place was bad and now it became even worse.

"Hmph, that was quick," the woman said.

All of the children were scared, and Jessie just felt even more heartbroken. Does this woman even have a soul or care about these children?

2 days later

It only took two days for Jessie to become even more miserable as she now feels like she's going to die soon. There was no electricity, the blankets were not keeping them warm much longer, and the food has become even more cheap. Jessie lost her parents six months ago, and now it feels like she could be joining them soon.

"Mommy, daddy, I wish you came back," Jessie sniffled as she looked up into the night sky.

This orphanage has broken these kids spirits. Jessie was now living in complete abuse as she was told to do whatever they were told rather than take the time for them to grow up and learn about the outside world and get ready for it.

Jessie began to look outside more. She always wondered what could be out there. Maybe there was a better home for her, or an opportunity for her to do something in life. Whatever was out there, it was better than being here in this run-down orphanage.

"I hate this place," Jessie muttered as she began to get out of her bed.

Jessie immediately snuck out with her belongings as she decided to run away. Once she was out, she took one last glance at the orphanage.

"I'm never coming back here, my life will be a lot better," Jessie spat as she began to run off.

Jessie began to run far away from that place as possible. She was treated horribly there and was not happy. She would've stayed around crying near her parents tombstones all day rather than live there.

It was a scary moment for Jessie as she didn't have any Pokémon to protect her. Jessie had no idea what she wanted to do all she could think about was getting away from that place.

End Flashback

Those six months Jessie spent at the orphanage was a nightmare. She never knew what happened to those other children but didn't care as she never connected with anyone and only looked out for herself.

Then there was Meowth. It was a surprise that he could talk, but it was his past that gave him the motivation to speak human, and that didn't end well.

Flashback-7 years ago

Meowth was just a wild Pokémon who was lonely. He didn't have a family or anyone taking of him. It was just him. He always had to strive for food in any ways necessary.

One time he was at a summer camp looking for food because he was starving badly, and during that time he tipped over a basket of baseballs believing it was food. When they found out that he went into that basket, the coach hung him from a tree where he and the campers threw baseballs at him. Meowth knew he wasn't welcomed there.

His search for food in the wild never got any better as he ate some berries which turned out to be poisonous. Meowth would collapse onto the ground and lay there for a few days until he got better thanks to some rest. On the plus side, he did something in his stomach which gave him the energy to continue.

Then Meowth arrives in a city that was filled with people. Meowth was walking all over the city and saw that there were many delicious foods they served from roast to pizza, and even pie. This was a paradise of edibles for the young Meowth.

Meowth was looking around for a place he could get some food. Then as he strolled around town, he found a bakery that served delicious bread. Meowth would sneak into the bakery and get some bread for himself, but the bakers always would spot him. However, the Meowth was faster as he was able to hightail it out of there before the baker could give him a whooping.

As Meowth caught his breath, he happily stared at the bread like it was the greatest thing he'd ever seen. Just as he was about to take a bite, something caught his attention.

"What in the world," Meowth said to himself.

Over at what appeared to be a jewelry store was another Meowth who was female. She wore a red scarf around her neck, had blue bows on the tips of her feelers and wore a gold necklace around her neck as well.

Meowth's eyes were filled with hearts when he saw that Meowth. She was licking herself in front of the window of the jewelry shop.

"That Meowth is beautiful," Meowth said to himself.

Meowth really wanted to impress this Meowth, but would she really be into him. Meowth had a rough life out in the wild, and he wasn't sure if he would impress her. Meowth then realized that if he didn't do anything, he would regret it for the rest of his life. With that, Meowth ran up towards the fancy looking Meowth.

"Hello there beautiful," Meowth told the female.

"Um hello," the female replied in confusion.

"I just have to say, are you into me?" Meowth lovingly asked.

The female then looked at Meowth with a small bit of disgust. Meowth then realized he blew it. He shouldn't be asking her something like that off the bat. What was he thinking?

"No," the female answered.

Meowth then hung his head down as soon as the female rejected him.

"I'm sorry, I guess I got carried away," Meowth responded glumly, "It's because I tried to ask you out, right?"

"Well that, and something more important. I only prefer to get along with humans and you aren't a human," the female stated.

Meowth's eyes widened when he heard that. This Meowth rather be friends with humans than her own kind?

"You rather fall in love with a human!" Meowth cried.

"No, that's completely disgusting. I mean I rather spend my time with humans and maybe a Pokémon who is more in the human nature could be my boyfriend," the female explained.

So Meowth knew what this female was talking about. She would only get along with a Pokémon in the human nature. Meowth could see where this was going as this Meowth was already living like a human wearing clothes and acting behaved.

"Meowize!" a woman called out.

Meowth looked at the woman who was coming his way. She wore a fur coat, had yellow hair with a lot of jewelry, and wore plenty of lipstick. This rich looking lady must be the female Meowth's human companion. It was also learned her name was Meowize.

"What is this pathetic filthy Meowth doing here!" the woman scolded.

The woman then pulled out an umbrella and started beating Meowth up with it. Meowize seemed entertained with what her master was doing to that disgusting Meowth.

"Don't worry Meowize, this filth won't be bothering you anymore," the woman said as she pulled out a Pokeball.

Meowth looked at the Pokeball as it was an ordinary Pokeball but covered in small diamonds. The woman showed a crazy face at Meowth.

"This Pokeball indicates that Meowize is mine which also allows me to tell Meowize who she can be with. You on the other hand are a filthy slob as I only allow Meowize to interact with any Pokémon who act human," the woman explained to Meowth.

So that's what it was. Meowth wasn't acting enough of a human. Was it the only way he could get love was to act more human?

"You heard her, you're nowhere near acting as a human," Meowize told Meowth as she notices that the woman is about to return, "Well, buh bye."

The woman returns Meowize into her Pokeball and then gets into her limousine. Meowth was heartbroken that Meowize rejected her and that her human companion wouldn't have her be around. Meowth then saw the limousine drive away and desperately wanted to go after it.

"Wait!" Meowth cried as he ran after the vehicle.

But it was too late as the limousine was out of sight. As Meowth watched the car go, he could only think of what was said to him. The only way Meowize would be into him was if he acted more human. Meowth then replaced his hurt with determination. If Meowize would only be allowed to be with a Pokémon that acted human, then Meowth was going to do just that.

1 year later

Over the past year, Meowth learnedthe ways of acting human. For starters he started to try and walk on two legs rather than all fours. Now when he went into the restaurants to steal food, he would try getting away on two legs. However, the humans were faster and better on two legs than he was and would beat him up all the time. Meowth kept the process up for a year, and despite getting beaten up every time, he did eventually get better.

The other thing Meowth did was something no one would ever expect a Pokémon to do. He tried to speak human. After the beatings Meowth took from the butcher, baker, and all the other chefs in the city, Meowth would sneak into a dance class which actually is what got him to try practicing on two legs in the first place. Meowth hears the people in the dance class recite a phrase and Meowth tried to repeat it himself. As the year went by, he was actually able to say the phrase. Of course, the one word that he would have the best effort in saying was in a kids book. There was a picture of a rocket and Meowth would be able to say the word rocket with ease as that was the first word he said.

As the year went by, Meowth was now ready to impress Meowize yet again. There she was sitting minding her own business in front of the jewelry store. Meowth was now holding some pink flowers in his hand as he was ready to impress Meowize.

"Hey Meowize, remember me," Meowth told Meowize.

Meowize looked over at Meowth as he was holding flowers in his hand while standing on two feet. What really surprised Meowize was that Meowth was speaking human.

"It's me, the Meowth you rejected over a year ago," Meowth told Meowth.

"It's really you?" Meowize questioned in surprise.

"Yeah, I'm talking and I'm standing on two legs," Meowth said presenting himself, "You wanted to be with someone who acted more human, and that's what I've become."

Meowize was looking at Meowth. She wondered why Meowth went through that transformation. Then after taking a close look at Meowth, Meowize said something that caught Meowth off guard.

"So, you went from a filthy alley Meowth, to a freak," said Meowize.

Meowth's eyes widened in shock when he heard that. Meowize called him a freak. He did all of these things for love only to be called that.

"You think I'm a freak!" Meowth cried.

"Yeah, and I don't mingle with freaks," Meowize said as he turned her head and walked off.

Meowth's heart broke yet again, but this time to pieces. He put all of that effort in to walk on two legs and speak human only to be called a freak and get rejected once more. This female Meowth wanted nothing to do with him no matter what.

After that, Meowth replaced all of his love with hatred. If he was going to be considered a freak and no one wanted him, then he would never return and hope that she regretted it.

End Flashback

It was a long time ago for Meowth. He never bothered looking for love or for friends. That was until he met Jessie and James.

And then their pasts allowed all three of them to meet for the first time. James's horrible arranged finance who got his Growlithe turned into a coat, Jessie's torture at the orphanage, and Meowth's broken heart is what brought them together as they ended up finding their way to Team Rocket.

While this organization has brought them torture, the only good thing about it was that this was the reason they were brought together. Now the three looked down on the ground as they finish their bag of potato chips knowing that despite their bad pasts, they all ended up leaving separate hells only for them to meet together in another.

"It must've been hard for all of us what we all dealt with," Meowth said looking at Jessie and James, "But if I haven't met you guys, I wouldn't have restored my faith in getting along with anyone."

"Just remember Meowth, you're not a freak. In fact, you're better than those people at the orphanage or James's nightmare finance," Jessie told Meowth.

"That's right," James told Meowth as he then looked at Jessie, "I never told you this Jessie, but Jessebelle looked almost like you."

Jessie's face then paled when she heard that. His so-called arranged finance looked almost like her. That had to be creepy. Then all of them gave out a little laugh when they heard that.

"It's a shame that we were decent citizens once before," Meowth said as he looked at Jessie and James, "Hey, if we ever get ourselves out of this nightmare organization, I say we start our lives all over. I mean you heard what Jessie said, the twerpette saved our butts back in Lavender Town."

Jessie and James look at Meowth and then at each other. Meowth was right, they were living good lives until these unfortunate events took place.

"You're right, maybe when I get out of here I could become a fashion model," Jessie said, "Or maybe a Pokémon Coordinator. I've been intrigued by those contests."

"Hey, maybe I could do stand-up comedy," Meowth said, "Sure that Meowth rejected me, but I refuse to let my ability to speak human go to waste."

James looked down on the ground and then back at his friends. They had plans on what they could do if they escape Team Rocket, and now with James just reflecting on his past, he now knows what he wants to do.

"I might consider becoming a Pokémon doctor," James declared, "And I do flunk out and never get the mindset, then I'll consider a Pokémon daycare."

"Really?" Jessie asked.

"Yes, and I'll learn to treat Pokémon right. Not like my parents or that horrible Jessebelle," James declared.

"Glad to hear that Jim," Meowth said with encouragement.

So, the trio had their hearts set out on what they would, do if they ever escape Team Rocket. However, the trio then realizes their reality and know that they're on thin ice and that obtaining the ghost Pokémon is what just kept them alive. It would be a miracle if they ever escaped the clutches of Team Rocket, or that horrible Proton.

Right now, they can only dream.

Fuchsia City-Claude's House

In a small suburban part of Fuchsia City, there was a house that could hold a normal family. Inside that house lives a man with short black hair wearing a light blue sweater, green pants, and slippers.

This was Claude, it was about three days since he was fired by Shepard from the rangers and now he's been feeling down. For the last two days, Claude has sat on his recliner with a defeated look drinking coffee. He has taken pride in looking out for Pokémon in Southeast Kanto and was terminated for hiding information on the whereabouts about a Munchlax that Shepard has been hunting down.

Claude loved Pokémon and though he never became a trainer, he wanted to take his actions to help Pokémon, and now he can't do it anymore. He has considered looking for other job opportunities where he can look out for Pokémon, but they're in other regions and Claude has spent most of his life in Kanto. He didn't want to leave the region he grew up in. It was here in Fuchsia City where he met his wife Sherri. Just like Claude, Sherri loves and cares for Pokémon just like Claude, and she has always been supportive of her husband. When Sherri heard the news that he was fired, she was devastated. All he was doing was protecting a Pokémon, but it was from his own boss.

After Claude finished his coffee, he looked out the window in despair wondering what he would do from there. Of course, there was the Safari Zone with all sort of exotic Pokémon where he could patrol there, but he likes to be out in the wild-life and the Safari Zone feels more like a tourist attraction. Claude looked at the picture containing himself, his wife, and two children. His kids are out becoming Pokémon trainers leaving him alone with his wife. He doesn't know what he could say to them.

The truth was, despite loving, his job has a ranger, he has never really been pleasant with his boss Shepard.

Flashback

Southeast Kanto-20 Years Ago

After going through the required training and meeting certifications, Claude was certified to be a ranger. Today was Claude's first day on the job and he was already in his proper attire.

Claude arrived at the ranger station where there were another group of new coming rangers next to him. Claude stood next to one of the new rangers who happened to have short brown hair. As Claude stood there for a few minutes, the newcomer next to him looked to his side.

"First day?" the man asked.

"Yeah, I'm kind of nervous," Claude answered.

"Me too," the man responded, "By the way my name is Pedansky."

"Pleased to meet you, I'm Claude," Claude said introducing himself.

The two shook hands and smiled at each other. Pedansky was the first-person Claude would meet in his new job. However, the handshakes stopped when a nearly middle-aged man stepped out. This man wore a light brown mountaineer hat, a beige button up shirt, black pants, and shiny black shoes.

"All recruits up front!" the man called out.

Everybody began to line up and stood with complete authority. The man walked back and forth looking at each ranger that was in front of him with a stern stare.

"Welcome everyone to your first day of being a ranger, I am Shepard the head ranger which makes me your boss," Shepard said to everyone.

Everyone stood and looked at Shepard. He truly did have a high sense of authority over everyone.

"Now you have met your requirements and your job is to make sure that these areas are rid of any troublemakers. You never know when a poacher comes in or an unstable Pokémon coming out to randomly kill a traveler or one of us. I've been in this business a long time and I've seen my share of rotten eggs," Shepard stated in a bit of a dark tone.

Claude was processing what his new boss was saying. Get rid of troublemakers. While it is true that any sort of criminal activity such as poaching, very wild Pokémon, or disruptive trainers could bring a negative effect to the area, Claude wasn't sure if it sounded like they're on offense rather than defense.

"Now if you all don't lay on your asses and do your jobs like you're supposed to, we won't have any problems with each other or in this area," Shepard stated, "What it means is you make sure you do what you're told and not what you want!"

Claude, Pedansky, and everyone else can see that Shepard means business. Claude would make sure to do the best job he can. But there was something that didn't seem right about do what you're told and not what you want.

1 week later

Claude has been on the job for a week and he's been enjoying it. He has been paired up with Pedansky for training assignments and the two have been getting along. While Claude has been getting along with everyone, it's Pedansky he has been connecting with the most. They have been doing workouts, orienting assignments, and combat training in case they do encounter a threat.

Right now, they were practicing at a nearby indoor shooting range where they need to hit the target and hit it fast with handguns, shotguns, and rifles. The guns would only be used in case of an extreme situation so it's not like they'll walk around shooting people and Pokémon, they're mostly for defensive purposes.

"You're pretty good," Pedansky complemented.

"Thanks, I really want to be ready for any potential poachers," Claude commented, "I'll do anything to make sure I can protect any Pokémon that I see in danger."

Claude looked at his handgun. While he would be armed with a gun and taser, he never knows when he could be disarmed which is why he started looking around the shooting range.

"I shouldn't always rely on a gun to get the job done. It might make the job easier, but it won't solve everything," Claude said as he looks around, "I should always check my surroundings to see if there can be an alternative or something that might make things better."

"That's what I'm liking about you Claude is that you always are thinking of ways to go beyond for the Pokémon's sake," Pedansky commented with a smirk.

Claude couldn't help but smile at Pedansky's comment. Pedansky was one guy that Claude could respect. Maybe this would be one of those guys he could hang out with and have drinks with sometimes.

Then coming into the room was Shepard. The two men put their guns down and gave him a salute. Shepard had his hands on his hips narrowing his eyes at the two men.

"How have you two been doing?" Shepard questioned.

Shepard walked over and looked at the targets. He glared at Claude's target and could see that he has been dead on the bullseye, and when he looked at Pedansky's target, he could see that a couple of holes were off to the sides.

"Seems like you're doing some good work rookie," Shepard responded to Claude as he then turned to Pedansky, "As for you rookie, work on your aim. I put people on a short leash who don't precisely hit their targets dead on. Because if you don't, those crumbums will get to walk around free doing whatever dark deeds they want."

Claude was looking over at Shepard and wondered if he was a little hard on him. He was going to fire him for not doing well with his shooting. This was Pedansky's first week and he was still learning, and Shepard was going to cut him because of that. Claude felt a little uneasy with how Shepard handled Pedansky.

But then again, this was his boss and he just knew him so he shouldn't try to confront him right about now. Claude figured he should just give him time.

"Yes sir," Pedansky uttered giving a salute.

"Good," Shepard responded in a low tone, "Because I don't want any slackers on my turf."

Shepard then turned towards Claude. Apparently the head ranger had an idea.

"Rookie, since you've been doing so well, why don't you help improve this rookie's aim," Shepard ordered Claude.

"Yes sir," Claude responded giving a salute.

"That's what I want to hear," Shepard replied, "Now will you excuse me, I need to make sure everyone is doing their job."

With that, Shepard held his hands behind his back and walked out of the shooting range. Pedansky and Claude looked at Shepard and realize he was tough. Pedansky was shaken by Shepard's presence.

"Man, Shepard is tough," Pedansky muttered.

"Yeah, guess he wants the best out of us," Claude replied.

5 years later

In the past five years, Claude has helped Pedansky in any way possible since they've been getting along. Claude even has brought Pedansky over to his house to have dinner with his wife when they weren't working. They've started as work buddies and have grown into good guy friends.

Now with more experience, Claude was now patrolling the area with other rangers in hopes of keeping vile beings and Pokémon out. Despite doing his job, Claude has figured that there could be more than just taking down the bad eggs. Claude has taken his oath and helped Pokémon all around Southeast Kanto such as making sure their habitats were safe, and that they had plenty food. Of course, it was against Shepard, but as long as he wasn't looking, he was good. Pedansky had some respect for him for bending the rules to help out Pokémon who were in need.

Then one day when Claude was doing his rounds, he found a Pidgey crying on the grass. Claude looked over at the Pidgey and then got out of his jeep and cautiously approached the Pidgey. Claude looked at Pidgey and saw that she wasn't hurt, but she was lost as her parents weren't around.

"Hey there little one," Claude responded.

The Pidgey stopped crying and looked at Claude. Claude was smiling at Pidgey to show that he wasn't a bad guy. The smile didn't look forced, but meaningful.

"Coo," Pidgey cooed.

"Are you lost?" Claude asked kindly.

"Coo," Pidgey responded meaning yes.

Just as Claude expected, this was a Pidgey separated from her parents. Since this Pidgey was a baby, it didn't look like she could fly just yet. At least not for a long duration. Claude figured that he should look for this Pidgey's parents so she could be back home. However, there was a possibility that Pidgey's home might not be in his assigned area. Claude adjusted his hat and was considering taking that chance.

"Do you want me to help you find your parents?" Claude asked.

"Coo," Pidgey happily responded meaning yes.

"That's great, I'll do everything I can to help you reunite with your parents," Claude happily told the Pidgey.

Claude put Pidgey into his jeep and began to drive around. However, for Claude, he could only drive around in his assigned territory and there may be a possibility that Pidgey's parents might not live in his area.

Claude drove around his area for approximately an hour and searched everywhere, but he couldn't find anything. Just as expected, this poor Pidgey's parents didn't live around where he is. Claude wanted to do everything he could to help this poor Pidgey. He then stopped his jeep and looked around. There was a road, but it would take him out of his assigned area, and Shepard was very strict about where all of the units were. Claude didn't want to get in trouble with his boss, but his heart was telling him to help out this Pidgey. Claude couldn't help himself.

He decided to take the road and venture through other areas.

Claude was driving around for almost another two hours and suddenly Claude spotted something in the sky. It looked like bird figures searching for something.

"I wonder," Claude said to himself as he got out his binoculars.

Claude looked through and saw two Pidgeots flying around the wooded area, and judging by the looks on their faces, they looked worried. Claude had a theory that these Pidgeot were Pidgey's parents.

"I think I found your parents Pidgey," Claude told Pidgey as he got of his jeep.

The Pidgey was now having mixed feelings as she saw Claude hop out of his jeep. Claude went into his trunk and pulled out a flare gun. Claude figured that if he shoots a flare in the sky, he can draw the Pidgeot's attention. With that, Claude fired the flare gun and a red firework came from the sky.

The two Pidgeot were intrigued by that flare coming from the ground and into the air. Both of the Bird Pokémon were curious what that might have been. Was it danger, was it a trap? Whatever it was, the two Pidgeot needed to take a look for themselves.

Claude watched at the two Pidgeot approached him. Claude went to his jeep to pick up the Pidgey, but then everyone stopped when they heard gunfire. The two Pidgeot froze in place and Pidgey cried while Claude stood there shaking. Where did that gunfire come from?

"Attacking a human, I see," a voice called out.

Everybody looked to the side to see that it was Shepard holding a shotgun. Shepard had a vicious look on his face and directed it towards the two Pidgeot.

"If you think you like to go out attacking humans, then you can go to hell," Shepard uttered.

"Shepard wait, I was the one who lured the Pidgeot over here!" Claude exclaimed.

Shepard then gave Claude a stern look in the eye. He was impressed with his skills, but the one thing that he despises was his tendency to not follow orders at times. Claude was holding a Pidgey in his arms.

"You see this Pidgey was separated from her parents and I was going out looking for them," Claude explained until he heard a gun click.

"This is not your assigned area!" Shepard yelled.

"Ranger Shepard sir, you're scaring the Pidgey!" Claude argued.

"I don't care! You were not following orders!" Shepard yelled.

"Listen, this Pidgey was lost and I wanted to reunite her with her parents," Claude explained turning towards the two Pidgeot, "And I believe that these are her parents."

The two Pidgeot now were feeling very protective and approached Claude.

"Attack and your dead," Shepard uttered.

"No, he just wants his child," Claude stated as he handed Pidgey to the Pidgeot.

The Pidgey was crying hysterically as Claude handed him back to Pidgeot. Pidgeot took a look at the Pidgeot and was able to recognize that this was their daughter. Pidgeot took the Pidgey and waddled back to the mother Pidgeot.

Both Pokémon immediately flew off with Pidgey. They would've acknowledged a thank you for reuniting them with their daughter, but all gratitude was thrown out the window when Shepard confronted them. Claude almost wanted to cry a joyous moment was ruined by his boss's actions.

"Hope your happy. That Pidgey was already completely traumatized being separated and you may traumatized it even more when you fired your gun," Claude stated.

"Then you should've stayed at your post like you're supposed to," Shepard stated.

"I wanted to help a Pokémon, and this was me going beyond. If we are going to protect the Pokémon, then we have to show that we're looking out for them," Claude told Shepard.

"And the best way to do that is to follow your assignments and we won't have this problem again!" Shepard argued as he glared at Claude, "Now here is your warning. If I ever see you outside of your assigned area again and you're doing something that you were assigned by me to do, you can kiss this job goodbye."

Claude wanted to argue with Shepard, but there was no point. If he were to continue this conversation, then things would get much worse. With that, Claude just got back into his jeep and drove off. As he drove, he looked up in the sky and wondered how things could've been different if Shepard haven't intervened.

End Flashback

Claude couldn't bear to hold that memory of him when he helped that Pidgey. All he was doing was helping a Pokémon by leaving an area to expand the search, only to be chewed out by his boss instead of receiving gratitude from him or the Pokémon. Now he has been terminated from his position for leaving an area again to check in on a Munchlax that Shepard was been going after. At least he says he would leave Munchlax alone, but he wasn't sure if he can take his word for that.

Maybe it was for the best that Claude were to be away from that toxic man. He cares more about punishing wrong doers rather than keeping everyone safe. Claude was trying to figure out his next plan of action, but he didn't want to travel somewhere he wasn't familiar with.

"Claude, sweetie," a voice said in concern.

A woman was walking into the room with her hands over her heart. She had short brown hair and hazel eyes and wore a white sweater, blue leggings, and green slippers with white socks.

"Sherri, I have no idea what I'm going to do," Claude said in distress, "All I just wanted to do was help out a Munchlax and make sure it was safe. Not only because I love Pokémon, but I want you and the kids to have someone to look up to. Now I don't where to get another job and what to do for money. I don't want to move because I grew up, you grew up here, and the kids grew up here."

Sherri listened to what her husband said. He had so many memories here in Kanto along with his family, and he doesn't want to pluck the roots or throw away what he loves to do because of his heartless boss.

"Claude, to tell you the truth, I think it was best that you were no longer part of that squad. As I've heard from your friend Pedansky, your boss Shepard seems to be a toxic man," Sherri explained kindly.

"I know, but what am I going to do," Claude said with his hands covering his face, "We haven't even told the kids yet."

"I know, there in Unova right now and there's no telling how we're going to break the news," Sherri said patting Claude on the back, "But don't give up Claude. You can find another profession with Pokémon where you can help them."

"Take your wife here, I've never become a Pokémon trainer, but I've taken a study in Pokémon medicine. In fact, I've been shadowing Nurse Joy at the Pokémon Center to learn about Pokémon medicine," Sherri explained.

"Yeah, and this is coming from someone who used to be a Pokémon groomer," Claude muttered with a slight chuckle.

"It's not funny, when I accidently snip that Furfrou's ear when trimming her, my heart sank and I was shaking in fear of what I've done," Sherri explained.

Sherri made a point. She used to be a Pokémon groomer cleaning and grooming Pokémon. Then one day a Furfrou came in and Sherri was supposed to give her a trim. But Furfrou couldn't stand still and it eventually lead to freak accident where Sherri accidently snipped off a part of Furfrou's ear. Sherri was completely devasted and couldn't stand watching that Furfrou bleed.

Thankfully, Furfrou was okay and everyone understood that it was just an accident. But still, Sherri knew that this was out of her reach to help Furfrou feel better. Then when she was at the Pokémon Center with Furfrou, she was so intrigued by how Nurse Joy was able to help Furfrou both physically and emotionally. It was that freak accident that encouraged Sherri to quit grooming and study Pokémon medicine.

"Sorry about that," Claude replied.

"It's okay," Sherri responded, "The point is after that day, I wanted to do more to help a Pokémon's well-being which was what you were doing."

Claude took the words of his wife to heart. These two love Pokémon and their will to push themselves to help out a Pokémon even more made their marriage stronger. Claude and his wife were proud of what they did, even Claude was happy about helping that lost Pidgey. Claude then got up from the recliner and hugged his wife.

"I was just doing the right thing, and not only did Shepard never appreciate what I do, but I get chewed out and punished for it," Claude said as he was about to cry, "It just isn't right."

"I know it's not right," Sherri said hugging her husband back.

"I just don't know where I go from here," Claude muttered.

Fuchsia City-Airport

"Now arriving from Viridian City," the PA announcer announced.

It was a long flight from Lumisone City to Saffron City, only to then take another flight from there to Fuchsia City. There were two people who came off the plane. One was a man with neat shiny raven hair all styled up wearing a purple shirt, black pants, and brown loafers. Another was a woman with long blue wavy hair and wore a light blue button up blouse, black pencil skirt, black pantyhose, and black high heels. These two would wear lab coats, but they weren't as of right now.

These two people were Augustine and Sophie Sycamore. The Kalos League has just ended, and Professor Sycamore was able to schedule a flight to Kanto. They arrived in their destination of Fuchsia City as they were going to meet with Ash and Serena about Frogadier and Braixen.

As they were at the baggage claim, Professor Sycamore was able to retrieve their belongings. He looked into the bag to make sure that the valuables he had were still there, and there he found two small brown boxes.

"The boxes are still here, now to check to make sure the valuables are still in there," Sycamore said to himself.

Sometimes airport luggage can be lost or lapsed, but it never hurts to check. As Sycamore opened the boxes, he breathed in relief and smiled that what he had in there was still there. He figured that if he was going to meet with Ash and Serena, they should know about the contents of those two boxes since they have done a great job with Frogadier and Braixen.

"Here Sophie, hang on to this," Sycamore said as he gave Sophie one of the boxes.

"Alright," Sophie replied as she took the box, "Are you sure we can let them see what's in here?"

"Sophie my dear, after hearing from Professor Oak on how Ash and Serena have gotten Frogadier and Braixen to grow since they got them from us back when they were Froakie and Fennekin and still hang onto them through this dark time they're going through, they earned the right to know about the contents of these two boxes," Sycamore stated.

Ash and Serena have had a hard time reaching out to them, and Professor Oak had no luck. Professor Sycamore could only hope that their time with Froakie and Fennekin before going to Ash and Serena can help them.

Fuchsia City-Outside of the airport

As the two exited the airport, Sycamore and Sophie both could see something. There seemed to be a large presence of police heading towards the east side of the city. Was there some sort of criminal activity taking place?

"What do you think is going on?" Sophie questioned.

"I don't know," Sycamore answered.

As they were walking down the sidewalk, they could see a bunch of officers with assault rifles who appear to be ready for combat. Was there a dangerous crime taking place? Sycamore and Sophie don't know much about Team Rocket, but it could be them. Whatever was going on caught their attention. Sycamore pulled out his phone as looked at the map of Kanto.

"According to the map of Kanto, if Ash and Serena were coming to Fuchsia City parting from Lavender Town which meant they would be coming in on the east side," Sycamore stated as he looked ahead, "Which means whatever is going on over there might prevent them from coming in."

It was something to worry about as they were coming here for their next gym battle and contest. There must be some sort of crisis that could stop them.

5 minutes later

Sycamore and Sophie were at the edge of Fuchsia City as there was a huge police presence. Both of them could even see a lot of officers with handguns and assault rifles, and they almost feel like they want to bring a tank in.

"Alright, if he happens to come in here, prepare to attack," one of the police sergeants announced, "But please help those in need coming from over there."

Their eyes widened when they heard that. There was some sort of catastrophe that was about to take place out there and those poor people and Pokémon were going to be caught in the mess. Then they noticed another man next to the sergeant. This man had spiky red hair, he wore a dark blue uniform with orange lining, a black belt, black boots, and a red and black cape.

"Thank you for helping with the patrols Lance," the sergeant said while taking a bow, "It's an honor that a member of the Elite Four is going to help us."

"Not a problem, not only am I doing this for you guys, but for the Pokémon out there as well," Lance responded, "As a member of the Pokémon G-men, I will do whatever I can to help these Pokémon."

Lance had a calm expression, but he knew it was going to be rough, especially since he will most likely not be able to save every single Pokémon, but he would help the Pokémon he does see needs help not just from the danger, but for emotional support after this was over.

Professor Sycamore looked at that man and recognized him. He knew that was Lance of the Kanto Elite Four and a member of the G-men. Lance has been in Kalos a few times in his tenure as a Pokémon G-men, but he never was around when Froakie and Fennekin were around.

"That's Lance, maybe he can help us," Sycamore said.

"I think he's busy," Sophie stated.

"Well it won't hurt to ask," said Sycamore.

As Professor Sycamore was walking up to the Lance, an officer put his hand up and stopped him in his tracks. Sophie was right next to him as she stopped too.

"I'm sorry, but we can't let anyone through for safety precautions," the officer said, "I also would advise you plan to find a place to take shelter in case we have to put the city on lockdown."

"But I wanted to speak to Lance about something," Sycamore said as he introduced himself, "I'm Professor Augustine Sycamore from the Kalos Region and this is my wife Sophie."

"Pleasure to meet you," Sophie said greeting the officer kind of nervously.

"We figured that was Lance and he could help us with something," Sycamore told the officer.

"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid Lance is busy. We have a huge crisis on hand, and the rangers out in the area are prepared to take action," the officer explained.

Sycamore and Sophie were now feeling worried once more. Something was going on out there and the police force were stepping it up.

"It's been reported that the violent Pokémon hunter Siegfried is in the Kanto Region," the officer said darkly, "He is in the southeast portion of the region and Fuchsia City is the closest to where he is."

Sycamore eyes widened with fear when he heard that while his mouth hung open as well. Sophie heard what the officer said, and she felt like she wanted to cry. They flew from Kalos to Kanto to help Frogadier and Braixen, and it looked like they now knew what the problem was.

.

.

.

.

.

Siegfried was in Kanto, and to make matters even worse, Ash and Serena were going to be caught in the middle of it.

Well there you have it, that explains why Frogadier and Braixen were acting so troubled all this time. They could feel that Siegfried was coming.

So, here's a recap of the flashbacks

Annie ran away from home to become a Pokémon trainer because she thinks her parents are taking everything away from her. In reality, the parents were actually doing their jobs as parents, and Annie was just being a complete spoiled brat and took it way too far by running away. You'll eventually know what happened to Annie soon enough.

Now Grace who was a Rhyhorn Racer, she originally wanted to be a Pokémon Coordinator like her father. But after her father disappeared, she couldn't bear to be around contests and took part in Rhyhorn Racing where she would meet Jade, and of course marry her and have Serena. I haven't revealed the name of Grace's father, but it will be revealed sometime in the story as there will be answers on what happened to him.

Bulbasaur was Giovanni's starter and he despised him. He took advantage of Red to catch a Meowth and release Bulbasaur which may have begun the hatred of Red and Giovanni.

Ariana has been getting some appreciation from Archer as Giovanni has been to focused on Team Rocket's business rather than her which may have led to the affair between her and Team Rocket's number one executive.

James of course lived the wealthy life but had an arranged marriage where his so-called wife got his Growlithe made into a coat, Jessie lived in an orphanage that was cheap and particularly abusive, and Meowth found love but was rejected just like in the anime, minus Persian's gang.

Claude has not been on good terms with his old boss in the time he has been around, so maybe getting fired was a blessing. And his wife Sherri is now studying to become a Pokémon doctor thanks to a frightening experience with a Furfrou.

Alright, I'd figured this would be a good stopping point as I prepare to write the big arc that I've been waiting for. This is the arc I've been looking forward to writing as of right now.

The Siegfried Arc.

I will unveil who's Ash's and Serena's Pokémon team will be for this upcoming battle as they will not rotate Pokémon during this arc.

Ash's Team will consist of: Frogadier, Pidgeotto, Charmeleon, Scyther, Primeape, and Krabby

Serena's Team will consist of: Braixen, Kadabra, Wartortle, Pinsir, Slowpoke, and Eevee

I'm still going to write this story, but I might consider not posting anything until I'm done with the whole arc in cases of not only so you can get everything and have more time to prepare for the M rated material, but if any ideas come up I can possibly rewrite and put them in. I know you've waited for two months, but you may to wait a while again before the next chapter comes in.

I will tease you with the upcoming chapters as this arc will be seven chapters long.

Chapter 45: Enter Siegfried

Chapter 46: Shattered Hearts

Chapter 47: Marks of a Traitor

Chapter 48: Sanctuary Lost

Chapter 49: Siegfried's Power

Chapter 50: ?

Chapter 51: ?

I won't unveil the titles of the chapters 50 and 51 since they contain huge spoilers. There likely will be an eighth chapter, but that will serve mostly as an epilogue to this arc.

I will confirm that after this arc will be Fuchsia City where finally Ash can compete for his next badge and Serena can compete for her third ribbon.

Stay tuned as the encounter with Siegfried is coming up.