Chapter 2

Ash and Serena are now at Oldale Town, where they met a man working in the Poke Mart. "Hi, there! I work at the Poke Mart. From what I can see, you're trainers from other regions, am I right?"

"We are." Ash and Serena say in unison.

"But being super kindhearted as I am, I'm going to give you useful advice." The man says. "First of all, that's a Poke Mart there. Just for our blue roof. We sell a variety of goods, including Poke Balls for catching Pokemon! I'd like you to have these as part of a special promotion!"

He gives them potions and Ash accepts them. "Potions can be used anytime, so please use them wisely. And this is a Pokemon Center! Look for a red roof! Ask Nurse Joy inside, and she'll restore your Pokemon's health. That's it. That was the advice from me - the supremely kindhearted clerk. Have a great journey."

After he leaves, Serena says, "So unlike Kalos, the Pokemon Center and the Poke Mart is separated..."

"In Kanto, they do the same, so I am not that surprised." Ash says. "Since we are here, I have to call my mother to tell her that I am fine."

Ash goes to the videophone and he calls Delia. After talking for a while, Delia smiles and says, "That's great, there is finally a girl that can help me take care of my son."

"Mom...stop embarrassing me." Ash says with a blush. Serena says, "Don't worry, Ms. Ketchum. I'll make sure that he won't be doing anything reckless."

"Anyway." Delia says, "Ash, as you can see, Professor Oak has something to ask you, so I'll call him over."

This causes the two of them to be confused, and Professor Oak comes into the house and then he says, "Hello, Ash. And for you as well, Serena."

"Professor Oak? What are you doing in my house?" Ash asks.

"Well, my boy. I have something that needs your help." Professor Oak says. "As you can see, I have a rare egg that people might be wanting to get their hands on it. So I think that maybe if I send it to you, it will be safe."

Ash and Serena look at each other with confusion, and Ash says, "Okay...we'll accept the egg."

Professor Oak nods as he sends the egg, which is blue colored and Ash takes it. After saying something related to being a couple and stuff, they end the call and Serena says, "Looks like your mother is quite similar to mine."

"I know." Ash says, "They like to tease us a lot. Though I wonder what is inside the egg..."

"Whatever it is, I am sure that we won't let anyone take it." Serena says with a smile.

Ash says, "By the way, the last time I come to this town, there is a place known as Oldale Ruins, it contains a secret chamber, said to be the bridge between the modern era and the ancient Pokémon world."

"Really?" Serena says, "Did you go there before?"

"We went there, but we encountered a criminal group known as Team Magma." Ash says, "But we don't need to worry about them since they are already gone."

"If you say so." Serena says as they head to Route 103, and they also look for some Pokemon.

As Wingulls flying by, Ash says, "That's Wingull, Wingull rides updrafts rising from the sea by extending its long and narrow wings to glide. This Pokémon's long beak is useful for catching prey."

"I can tell." Serena says as she notices Blue colored Shellos, "And those are Shellos, right? I heard that their shape and coloration vary, depending on its habitat."

"We are on the eastern side, which is why it is blue colored." Ash adds.

As they hear some noises, they also notice a Chatot, "Chatot can learn and speak human words. If they gather, they all learn the same saying."

"Same saying...same saying..." The bird says as it flies away, causing the group to laugh.

"So is this where we are going? Route 103?" Serena asks, and Ash says, "No. If we go here from the Water route, we will arrive at Mauville City, which is not we are going. We are going to Petalberg City, which is past Route 102."

By heading to Route 102, they are in awe at the sight of different Pokemon. in the water, they see some Pokemon floating and relaxing, Serena asks, "Wow, those are Lotad! I remember them from Goodra's wetland."

"Yeah, Lotad is said to have dwelled on land before. However, this Pokémon is thought to have returned to the water because the leaf on its head grew large and heavy. It now lives by floating atop the water."

As he turns around and they see on the trees relax some Pokemon. "And those are Seedot, Seedot looks exactly like an acorn when it is dangling from a tree branch. It startles other Pokémon by suddenly moving. This Pokémon polishes its body once a day using leaves."

"Seedot looks really cute." Serena says.

"Well, are you going to capture new Pokemon on the route?" Ash asks Serena, who shrugs and says, "I am not sure, I want to look for some more."

"Of course, it is your decision after all." Ash says with a smile.

Just then, Ash notices a Ralts that is looking at him curiously. Ash bends down and asks, "Hello there, little guy. Are you lost?"

The Pokemon suddenly uses Telepathy and she asks, "Who are you?"

Ash and Serena are surprised at first, but Ash says, "My name is Ash, and this is my partner Pikachu."

"And my name is Serena." Serena says.

Ralts smiles and she jumps around, and Serena asks, "What's wrong?"

"Ralts has the ability to sense the emotions of people. If its Trainer is in a cheerful mood, this Pokémon grows cheerful and joyous in the same way." Ash says. "I guess we are cheerful, that's why she does that."

After calming Ralts down, Ralts says, "You guys are interesting. Can I join you?"

Ash and Serena are shocked, and Ralts just jumps into Ash's arms, not wanting to let go, Ash says, "Okay, okay. Welcome to the team, Ralts."

Ash takes out the Pokeball and captures the Ralts, Serena says, "She really acts just like a baby if you ask me."

"I agree." Ash laughs. "But think about it becoming a Gardevoir in the end. Diantha has a strong-looking one and we can raise one to become as strong as her."

"Why didn't you think that your Ralts will evolve into a Gallade?" Serena asks, and Ash says, "Can't you recognize the voice? It is female. Gallade can only be male."

"Oh." Serena says, and they also notice a Surskit. "A Surskit, I think I remember that Viola has used it back in the gym, right?"

"Yeah. If Surskit senses danger, it secretes a thick, sugary syrup from the tip of its head. There are some Pokémon that love eating this syrup." Ash says.

"Well, we are not going to try it out." Serena says as she looks into the water. "And I can also see Tympole there in the water as well."

"Really? I never know that Pokemon from Unova would be here as well." Ash says. "By vibrating its cheeks, it emits sound waves imperceptible to humans. It uses the rhythm of these sounds to talk. I had a Palpitoad, so I know about it."

"That's cool." Serena adds.

As they almost reach Petalberg City, they also notice some Pokemon are living with Ralts, Ash says, "And these are Gothita, they intently observe both Trainers and Pokémon. Apparently, they are looking at something only Gothita can see."

"That sounds creepy, but I know one since Nini used it in her Showcase." Serena says.

After getting to Petalberg City, Ash says, "This is Petalberg City, in this city, there is a gym."

"So are you going to challenge it?" Serena asks, and Ash shakes his head, "Nope, but trust me, the gym leader of this city is a good friend of mine."

This causes Serena to be confused, and Ash just brings her to the entrance of the gym. After Ash knocks on the door, a boy with glasses comes out and he gasps, "Oh my, Ash! You're here!"

"Hello Max, it is great to see you again." Ash says as Pikachu also hugs him. "Hello, Pikachu. It's good to see you again."

After the greeting, Max rushes into the house and calls his father, who also comes and greets Ash. "Ash, it is great to see you again."

"Likewise, Mr. Maple. Is May also at home?" Ash asks, and Norman says, "Unfortunately, you missed her as she has already left this morning. Why don't we go inside and we can talk?"

After getting inside the room, Ash decides to introduce Serena to them. Max says, "Ash having a girlfriend? That is something that I have never expected..."

"Well, I know what you mean, believe me, I also had a hard time figuring out what love is." Ash says as Serena giggles a little. "So you and your sister travel with Ash throughout the Hoenn Region, right?"

"Of course, and even with another person named Brock." Max says. Ash says, "Oh, Brock is my friend who has traveled with me throughout the four regions. After Sinnoh, he decides to apply into a medical school to become a Pokemon Doctor."

"Really, are you sure he did it wasn't because he wants to impress Nurse Joy?" Max says as they laugh. Norman and Caroline come into the room and Norman asks, "So Ash, what brings you two here in Hoenn?"

Ash says, "I am here to try the Hoenn League again, while Serena here is trying to take part in Contests."

"If you're trying the Hoenn League, that makes us rivals." Max says, and Ash says, "You're participating as well?"

"Of course, but I just started my journey." Max says as he shows his Treecko. Ash says, "I see you have a Treecko as your starter. That is great, maybe this guy can help you."

Ash sends out his own Sceptile, and Max says, "Sceptile, it is so nice to see you again." Max says with delight as Sceptile also greets Max. "I heard that it has beaten a Darkrai in the Sinnoh League, that's so cool."

"Wait, you mean Sceptile has defeated a Mythical Pokemon? Why didn't you tell me about it?" Serena asks Ash, who sighs and says, "I don't think that is a good thing to tell, it just reminds me of my loss in the Sinnoh League."

"Ash, that guy just has two Legendary Pokemon, you should be proud that you have beaten his Darkrai." Max says, "Not to mention you almost win the Kalos League as well."

"Wait, you saw that as well?" Ash asks, and Norman says, "We have watched that match together, you have a special Greninja that nobody has seen before, that is enough to be on the news."

"Wow..." Ash rubs his head. "I never know it is such a big deal."

Caroline says, "And I think I have seen you in the news as well, you are the one that almost defeated Aria as a rookie. May has been speaking highly of you."

"Really?" Serena blushes a little, and Max says, "Of course she is. After all, you won the Master Class on your first try, not many people do that."

Just then, Ash's stomach is grumbling as Ash says, "I guess I am a little hungry."

The others just laugh and Max says, "Same old Ash. Since you are here, how about you two stay a night with us?"

"Are you sure? We don't want to be a burden." Serena says.

"Don't worry, you are not a burden and we will love you to stay here for the night." Caroline says as the two smile.

And as you can see, Max is here in this story as Ash's rival, while May is going to be Serena's rival, even though you won't be seeing her here. And for someone asking if Brock is going to return, let's say he won't be in this story. Sorry for that. And if Ash will get a Torchic, Ash won't. He has a Fire Type, and I am going to give him a Fighting Type.

Ash's Pokemon: Pikachu, Charizard, Sceptile, Ralts, Egg, Glalie, Gible, Leavanny, Boldore, Noivern

Serena's Pokemon: Braixen, Pancham, Sylveon, Mudkip, Wurmple