Chapter 1: A Hero's Return, The Quest for Battle Frontier!
We find ourselves entering Viridian City. Here most Kanto trainers come here when they're just starting off their journey but entering town we see a trainer who just finished a journey.
"Viridian City sure hasn't changed since we last came here, huh buddy?" Asked a young boy with spiky hair is and his lighting bolt like markings on his face. He had a black and red hat with a green Poké Ball on it, a blue sleeveless hoodie with a gold trim and white hood, a black short-sleeve undershirt with a red stripe, black fingerless gloves with light green borders, light blue jeans, and blue sneakers.
"Pikachu." Said a yellow Pokémon resembling a mouse with red circular cheeks and a lightning bolt shaped tail.
This was Ash Ketchum, and he was just coming back from his journey in the Hoenn region.
For the past three years Ash and Pikachu have been traveling together with their friends but upon finishing in the Top 8 Ash decided it was time to head home.
"Pallet Town's only a couple of miles away, so no use of stopping," Ash said, in which Pikachu nodded. But before that, Ash's eyes spotted a poster on the wall nearby. "What's this?" He asked before reading it.
POKÉMON BREEDER EXTRODINAIRE!
"If you're planning to be a good Pokémon breeder than this tournament is just for you. Bring the best out of your Pokémon and show the world how well groomed and raised your Pokémon are. Coming soon."
"Wow, imagine Brock was here," Ash said surprised. "He would love this."
"Pika Pikachu." Pikachu agrees as Ash grabs a copy.
"Well when we get home we can give him a call and show him." Ash said putting it in his backpack.
Now back to Pallet Town, and this time, nothing was going to stop them..except a familiar building off in the distance gotten their attention.
"Pikachu, check it out!" Running in front of it, the building looked something as if seen in the Aztec days. "It's the Viridian Gym, and it's back running."
"Pika," Pikachu said blown away.
"I remember the last time we came here." Ash recalled.
"Hey you." A voice calls out.
Looking over Ash saw a man in a Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses walk over.
"You wouldn't happen to be here to challenge the Viridian Gym Leader?" He asks.
"No, I already have this gym's badge." Ash said.
"You don't say," the man takes off his sunglasses to get a good look at him. "You seem like a strong and experienced to get a badge from this gym."
"Well I wouldn't say that," Ash replied with a sheepish smile. "But I have been a trainer for about 3 years. So I think I've gotten good."
"3 years? Impressive. So you have a name?" He asks.
"My name's Ash."
"Well Ash my name's Scott and it just so happens I'm scouting for strong trainers." He said.
"You're not one of those pyramid scheme guys are you?" Ash asks causing Scott to chuckle.
"No don't worry, I'm not anywhere near those guys. You see Ash, I look around for strong trainers to see if they're good to take on the Battle Frontier." Scott says, getting a confused look from Ash.
"Battle Frontier? What's that?"
"You see spread all over Kanto are 7 special battle facilities where at each one is a Frontier Brain and you manage to beat one you get a Frontier Symbol." Scott explains.
"Oh so it's kind of like Gym Battles." Ash said.
"Oh no Ash, Frontier brains are much different than your average Gym Leader. Frontier Brains are some of the best trainers you'll ever find. Many have tried but to this day I have yet to find one who can conquer the entire Battle Frontier." Scott said.
"Woah. Not one?" Ash asked surprised.
"Nada. I guess some just don't have the right stuff when taking on the Frontier Brains." Scott shakes his head.
"You don't say." Ash said blown away.
"Oh Scott stop scaring the young lad." A female voice said.
Walking over they see an elderly woman with a purple outfit, walking stick and blonde hair walk over.
"Agatha, it's been awhile." Scott greets her. "How you been?"
"Still up and running, this old gal isn't giving up on just yet." Agatha said with a short laugh.
"Good to know, gotta give these new kids a scary challenge every know and then." Scott smiled.
"Scary Challenge?" Ash asked, along with Pikachu with another confused look.
"Scott just likes to think a little fear helps weed out the weaklings." Agatha rolls her eyes.
"And it does." Scott chuckles.
"You mind helping me bring my stuff inside?" Agatha asks.
"Do you work here?" Ash asks.
"I should say so, I've been the Gym Leader here for months now." Agatha declares.
"G-Gym Leader?" Ash gasped.
"Well temporary Gym Leader. Just until the owner comes back into town." Agatha corrected herself. "And who might you be young man?"
"My name's Ash."
"Well Ash are you here for a gym battle?" Agatha asks.
"Actually I already have the Earth Badge." Ash smiles surprising her.
"Impressive, this isn't an easy gym to beat." Agatha smiles.
"That was a long time ago though back when I was a beginner. And there were a few questionable things back then.." Ash trailing off remembering how his gym battle was when he gotten the Earth Badge. "But that's all in the past."
"Well what do you say you have a battle with Agatha for fun?" Scott suggests.
"Really?" Ash asks.
"What better way to see your progress since then? Besides I need a challenge, I had two battles yesterday and I beat both trainers easily. I'm not bragging but I could really use a trainer who can give me a run for my money." Agatha said.
"Well I just finished in the Top 8 back in the Ever Grande Tournament." Ash informed them.
"Hey, that's not a bad spot," Scott said impressed. "Agatha, I think Ash would be a pretty good opponent for you, if he can back up his claim."
"Maybe," Agatha agreed. "So what do you say Ash? Up for a good battle?"
"How can I say no?" Ash smiles.
"Scott, would you mind being the ref for this battle?" Agatha asks.
"Not at all." Scott smiles.
Making their inside, Ash and Pikachu were blown away on how the exterior of the battlefield looked completely different than what it was 3 years ago. Guess when it rebuilt, the builders renovated it.
But now wasn't the time for sightseeing, now was the time to do Battle.
"This will be a one-on-one battle between the challenger Ash; and the Viridian City Gym Leader, Agatha! Trainers select your Pokémon!" Scott announced.
"Pikachu I'm going with you." Ash said.
"Pikachu!" Leaping off his shoulder Pikachu runs onto the field.
"A strong looking Pikachu, in that case. I choose Gengar!" Agatha said calling out the fully evolved ghost type.
"Woah a Gengar.." Ash recognized that Pokémon all too well. He takes his PokéDex out.
"GENGAR, THE SHADOW POKÉMON. GENGAR IS THE FINAL EVOLVED FORM OF GASLTY. IT CAN ABSORB ANY SURROUNDING HEAT, LEAVING A SUDDEN CHILL."
'They're tricky Pokémon, better be careful.' Ash advised himself, ready to start.
"Let the Battle begin!" Scott starts the match.
"Pikachu, start things off with Thunderbolt!" Ash said, beginning the match.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said firing a bolt of electricty at Gengar.
"Gengar dodge it!" Agatha said as Gengar flew up dodging the attack.
"Now use Shadow Ball!" Agatha's Gengar fires a sphere of dark energy from its hands at Pikachu.
"Pikachu, send it back with Iron Tail!" Pikachu jumped while his tail was glowing and bats the Shadow Ball back at Gengar. Eyes widening the Shadow Ball smashes into Gengar making it fly backwards dealing super effective damage.
"That's a new one." Agatha said impressed.
"I'll say." Scott said eyeing Ash with interesting.
"Now Thunder!" Ash said as Pikachu released a powerful electric attack.
"Gengar use Icy Wind!" Breathing a cold gust of air Gengar stops Pikachu in his tracks.
Pikachu cringed, feeling the ice encrust on his feet. "Pika!"
"Calm down Pikachu! Use Iron Tail and break yourself free!" Ash said.
"I don't think so, Gengar! Lick Pikachu!" Agatha ordered. Gengar flew in and slapped Pikachu with its tounge, making him cry out.
"I still can't get used to that attack." Ash cringed.
Pikachu winced, luckily he didn't get paralysed. "Pika.."
"Now Gengar, use Shadow Punch!" Agatha said. Gengar's hands become outlined in a black and purple aura and sends two blasts towards Pikachu.
"Pikachu dodge with Quick Attack!" Dashing out of the way Pikachu charges in towards Gengar.
"Normal attacks don't work on Ghost types." Agatha said.
"Oh I know I just wanted to get close! Iron Tail!" Switching out of Quick Attack, Pikachu whacks Gengar with Iron Tail.
"I guess that was just luck on my part." Ash grinned.
"Very impressive Ash." Agatha grins.
"He's good." Scott said.
"Gengar Double Team!" Agatha said as Gengar made copies that completely surrounded Pikachu.
"Now hit'em with Shadow Ball!"
"Use Thunderbolt on all of them!" Firing Thunderbolt straight up it rained down taking out all the copies before hitting the real one.
But the real one's Shadow Ball flew at him. "Dodge and Iron Tail while it's dazed!"
Leaping over Shadow Ball, he swings in with a glowing tail knocking Gengar to the ground.
"Now Thunder!"
"Hypnosis!" Before Thunder was released Gengar launches its attack putting Pikachu to sleep.
Ash gasped, "Oh no."
"Now Dream Eater!" While Pikachu was fast asleep Gengar flew in and drained Pikachu while he slept knocking him out with swirly eyes.
"Pikachu is unable to battle! Gengar wins! Victory goes to Agatha!" Scott declares.
Ash runs over and picks up his fallen Pikachu, "Are you OK buddy?"
"Pikapi." Pikachu groans.
"Well done Ash, you showed real creativity. Not to mention you gave me quite a battle." Agatha smiles.
"Thanks Agatha but I'm nowhere near as good as you." Ash said.
"Well they don't give the title of Elite 4 to just anyone." Scott declares shocking him.
"E-E-Elite 4?!" Ash jumped. "You?!"
"Second to only Lance himself." Agatha smiles proudly.
"I can't believe it...I battled an Elite 4 member without even knowing it."
"If I told you when we met you might have been intimidated, this allowed you to come at me with everything you had." Agatha explains.
"Huh, I guess you're about that." Ash said.
Little did they know, up in a Meowth Hot Air Balloon, two people and a Mewoth were spying on Ash.
One was a man with short blue hair and the other was a woman with long red hair.
"I hate to admit it, but even after it lost to that Elite lady, that Pikachu is still impressive." The woman said.
"Agreed, not to mention managing to get good hits on her strongest Gengar." The man said.
"If we could snag that Pikachu for the boss, we'd be set for life." Meowth said.
Down below, Ash and Scott were walking out.
"I can't believe I battled an Elite 4." Ash said.
"Are you still interested in the Battle Frontier I mentioned earlier? I should say that all the Frontier Brains are just as strong as Agatha." Scott warns.
"As scary as that sounds, I actually really want to do this." Ash said.
"Pikachu!" And Pikachu was on board with it
Moving in the three of them eavesdrop on the conversation.
"Okay now I've explained the main rules and guidelines but I need to say one last crucial part. You're given the location of the first 6 Battle Facilities right off the bat, but if you want the 7th one you have to get the other 6 symbols to get that location." Scott explains.
"So first get the normal 6 and then I'll get to challenge the 7th Brain.." Ash summarized before nodding. "Scott, you've gotten yourself a deal, I'll do it!"
"That's what I like to hear." Scott smiles when suddenly a mechanical claw flew in and grabbed Pikachu.
"Pikachu!" Ash gasps.
"What was that?" Scott asks confused.
And a laugh filled the air as figures flew up from behind the gym.
"Prepare for Trouble, from the skies.."
"From beyond the stars, a nasty surprise!"
"An evil as old as the Galaxy.."
"Sent here to fulfill our destiny.."
"Plus, dere's me!"
"To denounce the evils of Truth and Love.."
"To extend our reach to the stars above!"
"Jessie!"
"And James!"
"And Meowth are da name's!"
"Anywhere there's peace in the universe.."
"Team Rocket.."
"Will be there.."
All 3: "To make everything worse!"
"Wobbuffet!" A blue blob Pokémon appeared with a salute.
"Chime~!" Along with a wind chime-like Pokémon.
"Team Rocket!" Ash growls.
"Who are they?" Scott asks.
"You must not be a very good talent scout to not recognize us." Jessie said.
"We're a devoted to taking the right Pokémon we want." James scoffs.
"And since we have our new Pokémon right here.." Meowth said pointing to Pikachu, who was tied up at the bottom of the hot air balloons nest.
"It's the right time to say, Bye-Bye!" They mocked flying away.
"Oh no you don't!" Ash said reaching for a Pokéball.
"Golbat, Air Cutter!" Slices of air appears and cuts the rope that binded Pikachu, shocking the trio. Ash ran up and caught his partner.
"What just happened?" Meowth asks when Agatha appears by the door with her Golbat.
"Pokemon thieves aren't welcome here. You would be wise to leave while you can." Agatha glares.
Jessie growled, "And you should be wise on not to mess with us! Seviper, go!" She throws out a black snake.
"You too Cacnea!" James said throwing out a mini cactus Pokémon, in which instead of battling, hugs his face. "Ow! Enough of this! Didn't we throw this away with the old Team Rocket?!"
"Seviper use Bite!" Jessie said as Seviper slithered in with glowing fangs.
"Pikachu Quick Attack!" Ash said as Pikachu dashed in and rammed into Seviper before it got to Agatha.
"Golbat use Acrobatics!" Glowing bright Golbat flew in at Seviper and dealt multiple quick aerial strikes.
"Woah never seen that move before." Ash said surprised.
"Never hurts to have a flying type learn this move, especially if it's fast." Agatha winks giving Ash a little tip.
He nodded, liking the idea and went back to kicking Rocket ass.
"Cacnea, Pin Missle!" James said as Cacnea fires needles downwards.
"Quick Attack!" Pikachu avoids them all easily. "Now Thunder!"
"Pikachu!" Pikachu roared, releasing a strong electicty blast that struck both Cacnea and Seviper into Jessie and James.
"Now Air Cutter!" Firing slices of air, Golbat cuts a giant hole in the balloon which when combined with Thunder creates a powerful explosion.
"Why is new Team Rocket ending up the same old way?" Jessie whines.
"I say out with the new and in with the old!" James said.
"It's good to know da more ding's change, the more dey stay da same.." Meowth sighed.
"TEAM ROCKET'S BLASTING OFF AGAIN!"
"WOBBUFFET!" They all disappeared into the sky's distance.
Soon Scott was getting into his red car while Ash and Agatha were nearby.
"Off so soon Scott?" Agatha asks.
"New trainers won't go to the Battle Frontier by themselves. I got to set things up for them. I expect to hear from you soon Ash." Scott said looking at him.
"And I'll be rooting for you to give the Battle Frontier a good time, just like you gave me." Agatha tells him, in which Ash smiles.
"Thank you and I won't let you both down." Ash promised. As Scott drove off and Ash waves goodbye to Agatha, he continued his way home.
'The Battle Frontier..I can already tell, this is gonna be great!' Ash thought with a big smile on his face.
Making his way through route 1, Ash arrives on the outskirts of Pallet Town.
He sighed feeling the familiar wind in his hair. "It feels like a long time since we both came back, huh buddy?"
"Cha." Pikachu sighed, happily agreeing.
"I bet mom's gonna be psyched to see us again." Ash said as he headed down to the road right towards his house.
Upon entering Ash was immediately greeted by a mime Pokémon.
"Mime Mime." It smiles
"Hey Mr. Mime where's Mom?" Ash asks.
"She's inside the kitchen waiting for you," a new voice said coming inside the room. It was a girl the same age as Ash. She had orange hair in a ponytail, wore yellow sleeveless vest, matching shorts, and wore orange ankle boots. "Long time no see Ash, Pikachu." She greets them with a smile.
"Misty?" Ash said surprised.
"Pikachupi!" Pikachu smiles happily while leaping off of Ash's shoulder to greet her.
"It's good to see you both again." Misty smiles.
"I'll say, not that I'm not happy but what are you doing here?" Ash smiles.
"Prof. Oak said you were coming home. So I thought I'd visit you," She explained.
"Oh man if Brock didn't have to go back it would be like old times." Ash said.
"How is Brock?" Misty asks.
"Pretty much the same but thanks to you Max has taken to the job of pulling his ears now." Ash smirks.
"Ah, I have a new successor to follow in my footsteps." Misty giggled.
"Misty who's at the door?" Walking in a woman with brown hair, a pink shirt, blue skirt and sun hat on her head noticed them.
"Hi mom." Ash smiles happy to see her.
"Oh honey you're home!" His mother, Delia, said happily hugging him. "Welcome back and how are you Pikachu?" She asked scratching his head.
"Cha~." He replied with a sweet smile.
"I watched you both battle you were amazing." Delia smiles.
"I saw your battle against that Katie girl. She was a sneaky one." Misty said.
"Tell me about it. But once I broke through her strategy the match was mine." Ash said
"But that Tyson sure was a tough cookie," Misty recalled the boy that knocked Ash out of the tournament.
"Y-yeah," Ash recalled that battle. "His Meowth was pretty tough."
"And all this time I thought Meowth weren't that strong." Misty said.
"No that only applies to one annoying and pathetic Meowth." Ash smirks.
Meanwhile in the forest Meowth let out a sneeze.
"Where did that come from?" Meowth sniffles.
"Azu. Azurill." A little Azurill came in from behind Misty.
"It's okay Azurill, they're friendly." Misty said picking her up. "Azurill meet Ash and Pikachu."
"Azurill." It smiles.
"Aww is this yours Misty?" Ash asked in awe.
"Yeah, Tracey got me it back when it was an egg. I wanted Prof. Oak to check her out once she hatched." Misty said.
"So I guess that's why you decided to pay a visit." Ash realizes.
"Yep once Azurill is looked at it's back to managing the Cerulean Gym." Misty said.
"Well how about you two go see Prof. Oak while I get a few things set up. You and Pikachu must be starving." Delia said looking at her son.
On cue, Ash's stomach growled, making him blush liglty. "You can say that again," Ash said with a light chuckle.
"Good to know you haven't changed too much." Misty laughs.
A few minutes after Ash and Misty left Delia took off her hat. On the table, Delia looked at all 8 badges Ash got in Hoenn.
"He never fails to amaze me." Delia smiles when she heard the doorbell ring. "Now who could that be?" She asked going to the door.
Upon opening it she is greeted by a Combusken, Bulbasaur and Munchlax surprising her.
"Oh well, can I help you?" She asked them expecting people, not Pokémon.
"Hi there." A new figure appeared behind them. It was a girl with brown hair wearing a red t-shirt with a dark blue circle around her neck, dark blue bike shorts, white skirt, a pair of black socks, red and yellow sneakers, a red bandanna with a white Poké Ball print, a yellow waist-pack, and dark-blue and white gloves. "Are you Mrs. Ketchum?"
Up on the hill, Ash and Misty arrived at building with a windmill.
This was laboratory of the famous Prof. Oak. Where Ash gotten his very first Pokémon, who do you think it was.
As they arrive at the front they see a jeep parked by the door.
"Oh looks like Prof. Oak has a visitor." Misty said.
"Wait, I've seen that car before." Ash pauses wondering where.
"Well let's see who's here." She said leading him to the front door and rung the doorbell.
"Coming." A male voice said.
A minute later, the door opens revealing a teenage boy with black hair, a green shirt, shorts and a headband. "Ash, Misty." He smiles.
"Hey Tracey, nice to see you." Ash greets his Orange Island companion.
"Me and the Professor saw your matches on TV. You were great Ash." Tracey said leading them in.
"Thanks, but I guess I still need to get stronger to win a league." Ash admits.
"From failing you learn much more than from success that's what Prof. Oak says." Tracey said as they entered to see two men in labcoats working.
One was an elderly man with white hair and the other was a bulky man with brown hair.
"Prof. Oak!, and..Prof. Birch?" Ash gasped.
"Hey Ash, good to see you." Prof. Oak said as they turned to him.
"You're one short." Prof. Birch said as he stepped out of the way to reveal a little boy with black hair and glasses.
"Max, you're here too?" Ash said surprised.
"Good to see ya Ash." Max waved with a smile.
"It wasn't that long ago. But what are you doing here? I thought you went back home?" Ash asked.
"I did but when Prof. Birch was asked to come to see Prof. Oak I knew I had to come with." Max said.
"Hope you didn't mind a little visit Ash?" Prof. Birch says.
"No, if anything I'm really glad to see you guys again." Ash smiles.
"Pika." Pikachu smiles.
As Ash was talking with Prof. Oak and Prof. Birch, Max was with Tracey and Misty helping feed the Kanto starters.
"These Pokémon are so little and cute," Max was in awe petting Charmander and Bulbasaur, but when he tried reaching out for Squirtle, the Pokémon to start crying in fear. "Oh I-I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to scare you Squirtle!" Max backed off.
"SquirtleSquirt..," the Squirtle pouts and goes back to eating its food.
"Pay it no mind Max, that little guy is just a little oversensitive," Tracey said sketching.
Looking over Max saw Tracey's sketch was so accurate.
"Wow, you're good." Max said.
"Thanks Max, before I started working for Prof. Oak I was a Pokemon Watcher." Tracey said.
"It must be the best job ever, getting to work for Prof. Oak." Max said.
"Yeah well it wouldn't have come true if I hadn't met Misty or Ash," Tracey recalled. "I can still remember it like it was yesterday."
"It's thanks to Tracey we were even able to navigate those Orange Islands." Misty said.
"Sounds amazing." Max said when all three Pokemon yawned.
"I think these three could use some rest." Misty noticed.
"Alright, back in the balls you go." Tracey was just about to do so.
"Wait, Tracey can I do it?" Max asked.
"Sure thing Max, they're all yours." Tracey smiled.
"Charmander, Bulbasaur return." Max said returning them. "Your turn Squirtle."
However when Max tried to return him Squirtle got scared and ran away.
"Squirtle come back!" Max said trying to catch him
After being chased by Max around the lab, the crying Squirtle jumps into the arms of the girl from earlier who has just come up the stairs to meet them, along with Delia. "Oh my, what's with all of the fuss up here?" Delia asked.
Max froze, seeing the girl. "M-M-May?"
"Max, what are you doing scaring little Pokémon like that?" The girl known as May chided the boy.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to.." Max said looking down.
"Wait a minute, what are you even doing here anyway?" May asked, making Max gulp, as he stuttered to explain himself.
"It's my doing." Turning around, they see the Professor's and Ash walking back. "I brought Max along with me with as my guest."
"Well talk about lucky." May said.
"It's great to see you May." Ash smiles.
"Yeah right back at you." May smiles.
Prof. Oak suggests they all talk downstairs for tea and talk. "So May, what brings you here to Kanto?" Ash asked drinking his tea.
"She arrived right after you and Misty left for the lab Ash. May told me that she planned on competing in Pokémon Contests here in Kanto." His mother informed, surprising him.
"Seriously? There's gonna be contests here?" Ash asked, turning to May in which she nods.
"Yeah it was just announced on TV back home that a Grand Festival was planned here in Kanto. I just to go and enter it. But I wanted to see you first." May nodded.
"Well in that case maybe you should travel with us again. I plan on taking on the Battle Frontier." Ash said getting their attention.
"The Battle Frontier?" May asks interested.
Ash explained to them all everything that happened to him earlier on, including how the Battle Frontier works. "I get to go all over Kanto again and see who good and strong the Battle Frontier is."
"Wow, that sounds amazing. I'd love to come with you guys." May said.
"I think that's a great idea." Prof. Oak said.
"Can I come with you guys too?" Max asked hopefully.
"Sure as long as Mom and Dad say their good with it." May said nonchalantly drinking her tea.
"You didn't even ask your parents if you could come?" Ash asks causing Max to chuckle nervously.
"It happened really fast." Max gulps.
"And I thought Norman would agree with this." Prof. Birch raised an eyebrow. They didn't knew he left up until now.
May was enjoying the moment. "Oh Max, this is gonna be good." She said to herself.
"Hey lay off will you! I bet you didn't told mom and dad where you were going." Max points out.
"Oh I did, in advanced by the way." May teased saying how she gotten the easy way out. "You just rushed out in your own way without them knowing."
Max fumbled in his words, Ash stepped in before a fight broke out. "OK guys, let's just talk about something else." He said trying to be Brock in this situation. "We can talk to your parents about this later."
"If you're going to take on the Battle Frontier I need to do some shopping for a new outfit for you." Delia said standing up.
"In the meantime, Ash. Why don't you go and see all of your Pokémon?" Prof. Oak suggests. "I told them all that you were arriving."
"That's a great idea, I can introduce everyone to my Hoenn Pokemon." Ash smiles.
"I wanna see them all." May said eager.
"Me too!" Max as well.
Leading them out back to Prof. Oak's fields, they spot a Snorlax sleeping against a tree.
"Hey Snorlax." Ash smiles walking up to it.
"Wait, Ash this is your Snorlax?" Max gasps.
"You tell me!" Ash laughs as Snorlax lifts Ash and Pikachu on his shoulder.
"Snorlax." It smiles.
"Oh wow, my Munchlax would love to meet you. Hey, in fact." Taking out her Pokeballs, May lets out Combusken, Bulbasaur and Munchlax.
"Combusken!"
"Bulba!"
"Munch!"
"Guys, meet Ash's Snorlax." May greets them to the large Pokémon.
"Snorlax." Snorlax waves.
"Munch." Munchlax smiles at his evolved form.
"Hey May where are Beautifly and Skitty?" Ash noticed.
"At home, my Mom just fell in love with Beautifly and Skitty just loves my dad's greenhouse." May said.
"I see, well they would've loved it here." Ash said, before the ground began to shake.
"What's that?" May said when a giant dust cloud approached.
"There they are." Ash said as Max and May look in shock and awe to see 30 Tauros, a Heracross, Bayleef, Bulbasaur, Kingler, Muk, Noctowl, Totodile, Cyndaquil and Phanpy run to them.
"No way, those are all yours?" May said blown away.
"Hey you guys! Good to see you!" Ash waves. Now all of the normal Pokémon stopped, but the Tauros herd didn't.
"Incoming!" Max yells as they leaped out of the way to avoid being trampled.
"Why do you have so many Tauros?" May pants.
"Uh...little incident at the Safari Zone." Ash chuckles.
Ash was then snuggled up by his Bayleef, who was extremely happy to see him. "Oh Bayleef, good to see you too." Ash said with a laugh.
"BayBay!"
"Ash this is incredible." Max said.
"Thanks but I still have my Charizard and Squirtle away and...and a few other Pokemon I haven't seen in a while." Ash said getting their attention.
"You mean there's more that aren't here?" May asked. "Why?"
"There were well circumstances that made me realize they were needed elsewhere. Some Pokemon I gave to other people who need them more and some I had to release." Ash admits.
"You gave them up?" Max looked shocked.
"It wasn't my choice. They seemed more happy with what they're doing now and I can't just be selfish and keep them away from their dreams." Ash said with a smile, but it was a sad one. "But to be honest, I miss them. And I hope none of them forgotten about me.."
"Pikapi." Pikachu said missing them too.
"Wow, I could never imagine having to release any of my Pokemon." May said looking at her Pokemon.
"You are happy you have these guys with you Ash? Are you?" Max asked him.
"Of course I am Max." Ash nodded. "Just wish I can see those other guys, just one last time and see how they're doing."
"Maybe you will. Maybe they're out there right now." May said putting her hand on his shoulder.
"Maybe..thanks May." He said beginning to smile again.
"Phan Phan." Phanpy said walking up to Pikachu.
"Pika." Pikachu zaps Phanpy with some electricity causing it to smile enjoying it.
"Hey your Phanpy likes Pikachu's electric attacks." Max said amazed.
"Since it doesn't affect Phanpy, it just tickles him." Ash smiles.
"Bulbasaur." Ash's Bulbasaur greets May's.
"Bulba." May's Bulbasaur happily says as they shook vines, great to see each other again.
"Come on out everyone!" Throwing his Pokeballs into the air, Ash calls out Grovyle, Corphish, Swellow, Torkoal and Glalie. "Guys meet my Pokemon from the Hoenn Region."
Corphish and Kingler shake claws, while Totodile dances with Glalie, Cyndaquil greets Torkoal, Noctowl greets Swellow, and Pikachu plays with Phanpy. Grovyle and Heracross also shake hands.
Nearby May noticed the Squirtle from earlier walking up to her.
"Hey there Squirtle, you look a lot happier." May said.
"SquirtleSquirt!" Oh it was very happy, when it was around May.
"Why hello there young trainers." Looking over they saw two TV reporters, an agent and a cameraman approaching them.
"It's your lucky day, you're the next interview for Pokemon Sunday Showcase." The female anchor said.
"I love that show." May smiles.
"Well you're in luck, because this week's segment is, "Hometown Trainer kid Makes Good!" And that would be Ash Ketchum." The anchorwoman said, surprising Ash.
"M-me?" Ash asked.
"Word is you finished at the top 8 of the Ever Grande Championship." The anchorwoman said.
"Well but I wouldn't say I did great." Ash said rubbing the back of his head.
"True, he only got to the Top 8, not like he actually-" Before Max could finish May smacks him on the back of the head. "Ow! What was that for?!"
"You called him out on the same thing after the Silver Conference, I'm not dealing with this again." May said.
Ash mouthed May another thank you.
"Wobb-" Before the cameraman could say anything the Anchorman covered his mouth.
"Uh cut! Our cameraman wants a better angle of the shot." The agent said. "How about we get all the kid's buddies and Pokemon in the shot too." The agent said.
"Really?! We're gonna be on TV?!" Max said excitedly.
"Hope there's a good hair and makeup." May blushes.
"Me too and I can't go on the air looking like this." Misty blushes.
"You're all fine. Now all you just step back so we can a good angle." The anchorman instructs them and the trainers and Pokémon backed up. "More." They backed up again. "Eh a little more.." They backed up again, big mistake as they all fell down a pit in the ground.
Trying to escape, Noctowl and Swellow flew up only to see a net stop them.
"What is going on here?" Misty asks.
(Cue Team Rocket Motto)
"Team Rocket, why am I not supposed I'll see you 3 again?" Misty said annoyed, seeing her old foils.
"Cuz they never change." Tracey held his head.
"Not true! Didn't you hear the new Motto?!" Jessie yells.
Ash ignored her ramble and turns to the middle stage gecko. "Grovyle. You know what to do."
"Gro." He leaps and slices the net with Leaf Blade.
"Meowth I told you to make the net strong against every attack!" Jessie snaps.
"Since we always get hit with electric I thought we could save a few bucks." Meowth gulps.
"Alright Team Rocket, listen up!" They hear Ash said and see every one was out of the hole. "I want you three cleared out of the Ranch now and never come back, or else!" Ash threatens them.
"Well someone's being brave. Meowth time for Plan B!" James said.
"Got it!" Meowth presses a button on a remote, causing the ground to start shaking. When the dust clears, a huge purple robot with air suction arms stands over the group.
"Now this makes up for the net." Jessie said.
"With the money we saved with the net we made this." Meowth said.
They turn on the robot's suction arms, generating a vacuum.
Bracing themselves everyone tried to hang on and fight the strong wind when the vacuum sucked in Totodile and Charmander.
"Bulbasaur Vine Whip!" Ash said as Bulbasaur grabbed them both and pulled them back in.
This impressed May's grass type.
"Squirtle!" Squirtle hugs May in fear.
"Don't worry Squirtle, I promise I'll keep you safe." May assures. She soothes his shell, making him slowly calm down.
"Turn up the suction Meowth, I want to see flying twerps and Pokémon!" James said.
"Roger dat!" Meowth said cracking up the juice.
"Snorlax, Tackle that machine!" Ash yelled.
Using the vacuum to increase his speed, Snorlax rams into the machine sending it smashing to the ground.
Along with Team Rocket thrown out of it. "Well that didn't work." Jessie growled.
"Time for Plan C!" James said.
"Grab Pikachu and call it a day!" Meowth said.
"Seviper go!" Jessie said calling out her snake.
"Cacnea go!" James said but Cacnea immediately hugs him. "If we all agree to be new and improved that includes you!"
"Seviper, use Poison Tail!" Jessie said as Seviper's tail glowed purple.
"Cyndaquil, use Quick attack!" Ash points.
Charging in Cyndaquil's flames grew largely in size as he rolls into a ball and spins towards Seviper ramming into it.
"That's not Quick Attack." Ash looked shocked.
"Ash, that was Flame Wheel!" Misty gasped.
"Amazing, Cyndaquil learned a new attack." Tracey said in awe trying to sketch this.
Even though he hasn't used Cyndaquil for a long time, Ash was happy to hear this. "Alright Cyndaquil, use Flame Wheel!"
"Quil!" Surrounding himself with flames again Cyndaquil charges in.
"Seviper Poison Tail!" With a glowing tail, Seviper swats Cyndaquil away.
"Cynda!" Cyndaquil falls back onto the ground.
"Cacnea Pin Missle!" James said as Cacnea fires needles at Cyndaquil while he was down.
"Bulbasaur Petal Dance!" May said as her Bulbasaur fired Petal Dance blocking the attack.
"Now Bulbasaur, Use Vine Whip on Seviper!" Ash said as his Bulbasaur stretches his vines out and slaps Seviper away to get Cyndaquil. "Are you OK Cyndaquil?"
"Cynda." Cyndaquil groans shaking it off.
"Just leave the rest to us." Ash pets him with a reassuring smile.
"Alright Seviper use Bite!" Jessie said as Seviper flashed its fangs and leaps at some of the other Pokémon.
"Heracross use Megahorn!" Ash said.
"Hera!" Heracross flies in with a glowing horn and stabs Seviper with a strong blow.
"Now Combuksen follow it up with Sky Uppercut!" May points.
"Combusken!" Combusken's claws glowed as she struck Seviper with a crushing blow to add onto it.
"Cacnea use Needle Arm!" James said as Cacnea leaped in with a glowing arm.
"Corphish, Kingler Crabhammer!" With glowing claws both crab Pokemon overpower Cacnea and knock him back.
"What is this?! A mix of old and new?!" James exclaimed.
"Looks like it." Ash grinned to the other Pokémon. Seeing the Pokémon faces, they were all grinning for one thing. Kicking some was once more!
From the hill, Prof. Oak and Prof. Birch were watching.
"Amazing teamwork and to think they all just reunited." Prof. Birch said.
"Nothing brings others close together like a common enemy." Prof. Oak said.
"Are you sure we can't help them?" Prof. Birch asked.
"No, I think they have it all under control." Prof. Oak smiles.
"Seviper use Haze!" Jessie said. Acting quickly Seviper makes a cloud of dark haze hoping to hide away.
"Swellow, Noctowl!" Flying in both Pokemon flap their wings blowing it away revealing Team Rocket huddled in fear.
"Nowhere to hide now." May said.
"Bulbasaur use Solar Beam!" Ash said.
"Bulba!" Bulbasaur fires a stream of light from his back bulb and sends Cacnea and Seviper blasting off.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Jessie gulps.
"Make a run for it?" James gulps.
"Great minds think alike." Meowth gulps
"Not so fast!" Tracey and Misty stopped them. "These grounds are an important habitat to the Pokémon!"
"You're not getting away with just coming here, messing it up!" Misty said. The group of morons tried apologizing, but what good would that do?
"Marill/Azurill! Water Gun!"
"Hey! Knock it off! I'm getting soaked!" Jessie screams.
"Then how we dry you off!" May said as Combusken and Cyndaquil blast them with Flamethrower and Fire Spin.
"Stop! We're clean and dry now!" James screams.
"Well let us change you for it! Pikachu, Thunder!" Ash said as Pikachu zaps Team Rocket with strong jolts of electricity along with their robot, which explodes in the process.
"This couldn't have gone worse!" Jessie whines.
"I know, our clothes are all dirty again!" James whines.
"Quit complaining, at least YOU'SE clothes.." Meowth groans.
"TEAM ROCKET'S BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" "WOBBUFFET!" And disappear into the great beyond they go.
"See? I told you they could handle it." Prof. Oak said.
"I guess you're right all along." Prof. Birch smiled, crossing his arms while they watch the young ones cheer for their victory.
Back up at the lab, Tracey calls back Charmander and Bulbasaur but like before Squirtle burst into tears afraid.
"Come on Squirtle, I'm just trying to get you in your Pokeball." Traceys said as Squirtle ran off and hugged May.
"Oh Squirtle, it's OK. There, there." May said soothing him.
"Oh geez, what do I do know?" Tracey sighed.
"Not a thing," Prof. Oak says with a smile.
"Looks to me that Squirtle has chosen his new trainer all by itself." Prof. Birch said shocking May.
"Really?" May gasps. "Prof. Oak is that okay?"
"How could I possibly say no? I believe Squirtle has become quite attached to you." Prof. Oak said.
She smiled hearing this. "Well Squirtle, looks like starting today, the two of us are partners."
"Squirtle!" Squirtle happily hugged her.
"So cool." Max smiles.
"By the way, May would like to leave your Bulbasaur here with me?" Prof. Oak asks.
"That's a great idea, I bet Ash's Bulbasaur could teach mine a thing or two." May nods.
"Speaking of which, Ash. You must've been surprised seeing Cyndaquil learning Flame Wheel." Prof. Oak guessed.
"Sure was." Ash nodded.
"Well that's because it wasn't just itself that pushed itself harder, but all of your other Pokémon were working hard in their own way just in case for your return." Prof. Oak explains.
"Seeing them out there today, I could tell I'm gonna need every single one of my Pokemon to help me win this." Ash said.
"So you're going to using your old Pokémon again?" Misty said.
"Yep and I already know one." Ash said looking to Cyndaquil.
"Cynda." Cyndaquil smiles.
"What do you say Cyndaquil? Up for traveling with me again?" Ash asks.
"Quil! Cynda!" Cyndaquil jumped into his arms for a hug.
"I'll take that as a yes." Ash laughs hugging back.
"Now then, we have a something that'll come in handy for both your journeys," Prof. Oak says taking out a red and yellow device, which both resemble a Gameboy Advance SP.
"A new PokéDex!" Ash said taking the red one while May takes the yellow.
"I love it, thanks Professors!" May said.
"I don't suppose you guys have anything for me?" Max asks.
"As a matter of fact I do Max. Here you go." Tracey said holding out the PokeNav. "I downloaded all the Frontier Data onto your PokéNav
"Wow thanks Tracey." Max smiles when Tracey bends down.
"And here's a little something extra." Holding out his hand, Tracey puts an empty Pokeball in Max's hand.
"Wait Tracey what are you?" Max asked confused.
"Just in case something "extrodinaire" happens in your journey." Tracey said with a smile.
Hearing this Max smiles widely at the thought.
"So Max, where's the closest one?" Ash asks.
"The Battle Factory and it's right near Cerulean City." Max read.
"It is?" Misty asked surprised.
"Hey guess that means we can travel around for a little while." Ash said smiling. "It'll be like old times."
"Cool, you were going to go back tomorrow weren't you Misty?" Tracey asks.
"Yeah I'm starting to get a little worried about the gym." Misty said.
Looks like they have a temporarily old travel partner on their roster.
Going through his Pokemon, Ash had decided to take Corphish and Phanpy with him, Cyndaquil and Pikachu.
The very next day...
The group were now ready to leave all of Pallet Town behind. And as a goodbye gift, Delia made Ash a new pair of clothing.
He now donned a red sleeveless jacket with a white collar and stripe, black undershirt, a new yellow backpack, he kept his baggy blue jeans, his black and green gloves and his black and blue sneakers were replaced with black, red and white ones.
"I love new the look Ash." Max said loving the outfit
"Yeah red it's a good color for you." May said.
"Hey look at that, you and May have matching colors." Misty giggles.
"Heheh, I dont think that was intentional." Ash laughed with an embarrassed blush.
"Yeah didn't your mom say she got it?" May laughs with an equally embarassed blush.
"Oh just thought it would a new change from the blue." Delia said.
"It's perfect mom, I like it I really do." Ash said quickly.
"Pikapi?" Pikachu wondered why Ash was being so weird.
"Wish me luck mom." Ash said.
"You don't need it sweetie." Delia smiles.
"Come on guys, let's hit the road."
As Delia watches them walk away she smiles softly. 'Oh honey our son has grown up so much. I hope you can see him soon.' Delia thought.
"Hey you guys forgetting someone?" A familiar voice asks.
Looking ahead they see a teenage boy with spiky brown hair, a brown shirt with a green shirt under.
"You guys didn't think you were gonna leave on without me did you?" He smirked.
"Brock!" All of them smiled, seeing the final member of the group.
Now the old and new gang were back together once more.
Travelling once again in the Kanto Region; Ash has a new quest in mind: to conquer the Battle Frontier. While May is planning on entering and winning the Kanto Grand Festival. What new surprises and new adventures will happen in their new trip around the region. Why, you'll have to stay tuned and find out.
Party Data:
Ash (On hand): Pikachu, Cyndaquil, Phanpy and Corphish
At Oak's Lab: Bulbasaur, Kingler, Muk, Tauros (x30), Snorlax, Heracross, Bayleef, Totodile, Noctowl, Swellow, Grovyle, Torkoal, Glalie
May (On hand): Combusken, Munchlax, Squirtle
At Petalburg Gym: Beautifly, Skitty
At Oak's Lab: Bulbasaur
Brock (On hand): Forretress, Mudkip, (?)