A/N: I've decided to have areas that are different between versions, be a combination of the two. So Route 4 and Opelucid City for two examples.

The following morning Ash and Hilda collect their healed Pokémon, and both Ash and Hilda decide to show some love for their Pokémon, Brushing, tickling and generally showing affection for their Pokémon.
"That's cute," Nurse Joy said as she watched them play with their Pokémon.
"Regular positive interaction with your Pokémon is very important to develop close bonds," Ash said as he continues to play with his Pignite, Pikachu and Rufflet, while Hilda continued to play with her Dewott, Simisear and Herdier.
After a little while, Ash asked: "So, where next?"
"Well, we can head north onto Route 4, on the way to Nimbasa City and the Desert Resort," Hilda said, to which Ash nodded, and replied "Sure, lead the way"
"OK then" Hilda replied, and she returned her Pokémon while Ash returned Rufflet and Pignite, and Pikachu leapt up to Ash's shoulder. They then headed out.

When they get to the centre square of Castelia City, they spot a mysterious figure standing nearby. Spotting them, he turns around.
"Hello, Ash and Hilda I believe?" the figure asked, to which Ash replied "Yeah, I'm Ash, and this is Hilda. Who are you?"
"I'm Colress. And, sorry if it's an inconvenience, but, if it's OK with you, may I have a look at your Pokémon?" Colress asked, to which Ash replied "Uh, OK, if you want, just be careful", and he allowed Pignite to be looked at, while Hilda did the same with Dewott.
"Oh! How interesting! Both your Pignite and Dewott seem to display more self-confidence than the others of the same species. And you two are trainers with three, and four, badges, respectively. Also, I can sense that Ash here has more experience than he's letting on" Colress said, looking to Ash and Pikachu. Ash nodded and said "Your sense is correct. I'm actually something of a veteran trainer, this is my fifth journey through regions. I originated in Kanto, where I got Pikachu here as my starter"
"Interesting. Oh, and if you're wondering, I'm a scientist, and my current project, I'm researching how to bring out the power in Pokémon. Is it possible to bring out their maximum power through the bond they share with their Trainers? Or is there another, different method? Ash, I'd like to test my theory by battling you on Route 4. Is this OK with you?" Colress asked, to which Ash replied "Sure, I'm always up for a challenge"
"Excellent. Then meet me on Route 4 to the north here" Colress replied, and he headed off.
"Strange guy," Hilda said, to which Ash added "Yeah, but we're already on our way to Route 4, so let's go," Ash said, and when Hilda nodded, they headed out.

Ash and Hilda soon arrive on Route 4, and Hilda discovers that it's very different from how her brother described it. On one side, there are houses with gardens out the back, and on the other side, there are extremely old ruins.
"Do you like the contrast?" came Colress' voice as they approach, to which Ash replied, "It's so strange, what's going on?"
"Well, they were running a construction project, but it initially got delayed by sandstorms, then was partially cancelled when the ruins to our left were exposed by the sandstorm" Colresas replied. He then turned back and looked at a bunch of rocks blocking the path.
"You're probably wondering what's blocking the path. These are the Pokémon known as Crustle. Observe, with this device I create to energise Pokémon, I'll awaken them and they'll clear off" and at this, he pulled a strange device out and waved it, and the Crustle awoke and departed.

Watching from nearby, Jessie, James and Meowth observe what is going on.
"That's another strange device, it seems Neo Team Plasma is quite astute with technology," Jessie said, to which James replied "Yeah, we'll have to report it to Giovanni"

Back to Route four, Ash commented "Wow, that's a powerful device"
"Yes, it is. But I'm curious. Were those Crustle just lying here due to having no energy with those huge boulders?" Colress asked, to which Hilda replied "Potentially, but some may be used to the big rocks"
"Yes, maybe" Colress responded. He then added "Team Plasma said we should recognise the potential in Pokémon and liberate them from humans. I disagree. Conversely, it should be humans who bring out the hidden potential in Pokémon. Now, I'm here to battle you, Ash, to see if you're a trainer who can bring out the hidden potential of Pokémon"
"Alright," Ash responded. Colress then replied "Now, Elgyem, be our test subject" and Elgyem materialised.
"Elgyem?" Ash asked, grabbing out his Pokédex.
"Elgyem, the Cerebral Pokémon. Rumours of its origin are linked to a UFO crash site in the desert 50 years ago" his Pokédex said. Ash nodded, then said "Well, Rufflet, I choose you" and Rufflet materialised.

Battle: Rufflet and Pignite VS Elgyem, Klink and Magneton
"Elgyem looks pretty slow but strong. So, Rufflet, stay on guard, and use Slash" Ash said, while Colress called "Elgyem, use Psybeam". Elgyem fired off a multi-coloured beam of Psychic energy, but Ash called "Quick, Rufflet, dodge it" and Rufflet just avoided the Psybeam, then his claws glowed white and he Slashed Elgyem, dealing Moderate damage.
Colress, however, responded "Elgyem, quick, Psybeam" and this time, the multi-coloured beam of Psychic energy hit Rufflet, dealing Considerable damage.
"Another Psybeam" Colress called, but Ash was ready.
"Block the Psybeam with Rock Tomb, then charge in and use Slash" Ash commanded, and Rufflet grabbed the rocks and threw them in front of the incoming multi-coloured beam of Psychic energy, and it cancelled both out. Rufflet then raced in and slashed with it's glowing white claws, dealing Moderate damage.

"Remarkable, this guy really is a veteran trainer," Colress thought to himself after watching Ash's combo.

"Now for an Aerial Ace," Ash said, and Rufflet lunged at Elgyem while streaming sky-blue energy from it.
"Elgyem, use Psybeam," Colress said, and Elgyem's multi-coloured beam of Psychic energy hit, at about the same time, Rufflet hit with Aerial Ace. Elgyem took Moderate damage, while Rufflet took Considerable damage.

"Elgyem, are you OK?" Colress asked as Elgyem fell back, and Elgyem, breathing heavily, nodded cautiously. As Rufflet fell back, Ash called "Are you OK Rufflet?" to which his Rufflet called, saying it was.

"Now Rufflet, use Rock Tomb" Ash called, while Colress responded "Elgyem, dodge it, then one more Psybeam" and Rufflet grabbed a couple of rocks and threw them at Elgyem. Elgyem managed to avoid it, but as it fired its multi-coloured beam of Psychic energy, Ash commanded "Rufflet, quick, use Aerial Ace". Exactly the same thing happened as last time, and it resulted in a double KO.
"Elgyem, return," Colress said, while Ash added "Rufflet, return" and both Elgyem and Rufflet were returned.
"That was a successful test Elgyem, now rest up," Colress said, while Ash said, "You did great Rufflet, now take a long rest".
"Now, Klink, be our test subject," Colress said and Klink materialised. Ash nodded, then said "Now Pignite, I choose you" and Pignite materialised.

"Another Pokémon I've never seen before," Ash said as he got out his Pokédex.
"Klink, the Gear Pokémon. Two bodies comprise a fixed pair. They spin around each other to generate energy" Ash's Pokédex said. Ash nodded, then Colress called "Klink, use Thunder Wave" and Klink fired a beam of blue electricity at Pignite, but Ash saw this coming and said "Pignite, use Substitute" and Pignite used a quarter of its max health to hide behind a doll, which prevented Pignite from being Paralysed.
"Get in there Klink, strike with Vice Grip to destroy that Substitute," Colress said, and Klink tried to use its body to squeeze the Substitute, but it failed to break it.
"Pignite, quick, use Fire Punch" Ash called, and as Klink tried to squeeze the Substitute, Pignite shot out from behind it, with a fist cloaked with fire, and punched Klink, KO'ing it in one hit.
"Yikes! I wasn't kidding when I said it was going to be one-sided. now Klink, return" and Klink was withdrawn. Colress then added "That was a successful test Klink, now rest up. And, for my final Pokémon, Magneton, be our test subject", and Magneton materialised.
"Now here's a familiar Pokémon from the Kanto region," Ash said to himself as Magneton materialised.

"Magneton, use Shock Wave," Colress said, and Ash replied, "Shoot the Substitute ahead of you Pignite, then rush Magneton behind it and strike with Fire Punch". Magneton shot a bolt of blue electricity at Pignite's Substitute, while Pignite pushed the Substitute ahead as it cloaked its hand with Fire, and as soon as the Substitute broke, Emboar lunged at Magneton.
"Magneton, use Thunder Wave" Colresss called, and although Emboar was able to strike with Fire Punch, dealing Significant damage, a beam of blue electricity flowed from Magneton to Pignite, Paralysing him.

"Ugh, Paralysis, not good," Ash thought to himself as Pignite fell back, Paralysed.

"Magneton, keep up the offensive use Shock Wave," Colress said, and it was then that Ash got an idea.
"Pignite, catch the Shock Wave with a Thunder Wave" he called, and Pignite cloaked its fist with electricity, and used it to not only reduce the damage taken from the Shock Wave, from Significant to Considerable but was also able to reduce the effects of Paralysis. Pignite then restored a quarter of his health with his Sitrus Berry.
"Magneton, use Tri Attack," Colress said, and, at about the same time, called "Pignite, spin while using Fire Punch", and Pignite cloaked both fists with fire and started spinning, and although he took Considerable damage.
This, however, just activated Pignite's Blaze ability and powered up his spinning Fire Punch, which he slammed into Magneton

and KO'ed it.
"That was a successful test Magneton, now rest up," Colress said as he withdrew Magneton. Pignite ran up to Ash and they hugged, and Ash said "Well done Pignite, that was awesome" and Pignite cheered.
Battle conclusion: Ash wins.

"Splendid! You're quite the Trainer!" Colress said, to which Ash replied "You're pretty good yourself"
"Thanks. But having seen the battle, just like the Gym Leaders in each area or the Elite Four and Champion in the Pokémon League, you bring out the power in Pokémon by being kind to them! That's the kind of person you are. I'm extremely grateful for your help. This is a token of my gratitude" Colress said, and he gave Ash a Protein.
"A Protein, that'll be good for the money," Ash said, to which Hilda replied "They can be given to Pokémon to raise their Attack"
"I know, but I don't like drugging my Pokémon" Ash replied. Colress nodded, then added "It's so frustrating! If only we could talk to Pokémon to bring out their power! But there's no way a person like that could ever exist! Ah, before I go, I've got one more thing to do", and he fully healed all of Ash's Pokémon.
"Thanks," Ash said, and Colress replied "No problem. Well then, Ash and Hilda, I hope to see you again sometime" and with that, he departed. Hilda then turned to Ash, and said "Should I tell him about N?", to which Ash replied "I think you should, honestly"
"Alright. Now let's get further on into Route 4" Hilda replied, and both Ash and Hilda headed further in.

Ash and Hilda encounter two Backpackers, and they challenge them to battles.
"Woobat, let's go," Backpacker Rachel said and Woobat materialised, while Backpacker Roland said "Riolu, let's go" and Riolu materialised.
"Rufflet, I choose you" Ash called, and Rufflet materialised, while Hilda added "Dewott, let's show them what we can do" and Dewott materialised.

Battle: Rufflet VS Pidove and Woobat
"Woobat, use Air Cutter," Rachel said, and Woobat shot sky-blue energy-infused wind at Rufflet.
"Rufflet, use Defog, then follow up with Rock Tomb," Ash said, and Rufflet used the flap of its wings to alter the trajectory of the Air Cutter just enough to barely miss the Air Cutter, then he picked up and threw the rocks at Woobat, KO'ing it in one hit.
"Oh no, Woobat, return," Rachel said and Woobat was withdrawn.
"Now, let's see if you can handle my Pidove," Rachel said and Pidove materialised.
"Rufflet, use Slash" Ash called, and Rufflet's claws glowed white, but before it struck, Rachel said "Pidove, use Detect" and Pidove avoided Rufflet's Slash attack.
"Now use Air Slash," Rachel said, and Pidove generated a blade of sky-blue air and shot it into Rufflet, dealing minor damage.
"Rufflet, quick, use Rock Tomb" Ash called, and Rufflet grabbed a couple of rocks and threw them at Pidove, but, again, a Detect caused it to miss.
"Quick, Ruflet, Slash" Ash called, and Rufflet's claws glowed white, and it Slashed Pidove before it could dodge another attack, dealing Significant damage.
"Another Air Slash Pidove" Rachel commanded, and Pidove shot another blade of sky-blue air at Rufflet, but Ash called "Dodge it Rufflet and end this with Aerial Ace", and Rufflet was able to avoid the blade of sky-blue air, and, with streams of sky-blue energy streaming behind him, Rufflet slammed into Pidove and KO'ed it.
"Oh no, I lost," Rachel said as she withdrew Pidove.
Battle Conclusion: Winner, Ash

Meanwhile, Battle: Dewott VS Riolu and Timburr
"Riolu, use Quick Attack," Roland said, and Pidove dashed at Dewott.
"Brace yourself Riolu, then when Riolu hits, unleash a Water Pulse" Hilda commanded, and Dewott stored the ball of water in its hands, just behind the hands. When Riolu hit, dealing Minor damage, Dewott shot the ball of water, which hit Riolu and dealt massive damage.
"Follow up this with Hidden Power" Hilda called, and Dewott generated orbs of ice and shot them at Riolu. However, when it hit, Riolu had used Endure and was left with one Hit Point.
"Riolu, use Force Palm" Roland called, and Riolu's hand glowed Orange, and it shot at Dewott, ready to slam it into him.
"Dewott, counter with X-Scissor" Hilda called, and Dewott's Scalchop glowed teal, and it struck, blocking the Force Palm and KO'ing the Riolu.
"Argh, Riolu, return," Roland said as Riolu was returned. He then said "Timburr, let's go" and Timburr materialised.

"Timburr, use Bulk Up to even the odds," Roland said, and Timburr charged and grew all at once, increasing its Attack and Defence stats.
"You forgot about something. Dewott, use Water Pulse" Hilda called as Roland commanded Timburr to use Bulk Up, and in the time it took Timburr to Bulk Up, Dewott had generated a ball of water and shot it at Timburr.
"Timburr, dodge it and use Rock Throw," Roland said, while Hilda called "Another Water Pulse Dewott". Timburr avoided the first Water Pulse but was hit with the second Water Pulse after throwing the Rock at Dewott, dealing Severe damage to Timburr, and Moderate damage to Dewott.
"Timburr, strike Dewot with Wake-Up Slap" Roland called, and Tmburr cloaked its open fist in Orange energy and charged at Dewott.
"Dewott, dodge it and use Hidden Power" Hilda called, and Dewott was able to narrowly avoided the Wake-Up Slap and shot orbs of ice at Timburr, KO'ing it.
"I lost, dang it," Roland said as Timburr was withdrawn.
Battle: Hilda wins

The two backpackers fell to their hands and knees, and it was discovered that, once again, they had been mind-controlled by Neo Team Plasma.
"Thanks for liberating us," Roland said, to which Ash replied, "Who did this to you?"
"Neo Team Plasma, a Grunt with a Joltik and another one with a Foongus used a strange device on us, to stop people from leaving the area or getting in, and especially stop them getting into the Desert Resort" Rachel responded as they pulled themselves back to their feet. Roland turned to Dell and said "The troublemakers you battled were also Neo Team Plasma controlled. We think they're doing something at Desert Resort"
"Alright, I'll go and inform the other Policeman. You two get to Nimbasa City and rest. Ash, Hilda, I'll restore the health of your Pokémon" Dell said, and he healed their Pokémon.
"Now, Ash, Hilda, wait here. I'll be back with the other Policeman, and we can all head to Desert Resort together, to investigate what's going on" Dell continued with, to which Ash replied "Sure". Dell nodded, then departed.

Soon, Dell returned, along with the other Officer's.
"Alright, let's get going," Dell said to Ash and Hilda, who nodded, and they headed for the Desert Resort.

Meanwhile, hiding in the Desert Resort, Team Rocket are once again talking to Giovanni.
"So, what news do you have?" Giovanni asked, to which Jessie replied "There is a man called Colress who challenged the twerps to a battle. He also had a strange device that allowed him to, as he quoted, energise Pokémon"
"Interesting. What is the context around this device?" Giovanni asked, to which James replied "There were Crustle blocking the Route. This Colress guy pointed his device at the Crustle, and they dispersed", to which Jessie added "It's called the Colress machine, developed by that Colress man himself"
"Alright. Your next assignment is to find out more of what it can do, keep an eye on that Colress guy and figure out what's going on. I don't want any regional villainous teams to mess up our plans this time" Giovanni said, to which Jessie, James and Meowth all said at the same time "Yes boss". The communication was then cut.
"Well, you heard the boss, let's get to tracking Colress," James said, to which Jessie responded, "I wonder what Giovanni has planned, and why Team Plasma needs to be eliminated before those plans can be carried out". They nodded and departed.