Park

Brock's Onix had at least been put through its paces by being at a disadvantage in terms of numbers, but he still ended up coming out on top. By then bringing out Rhyhorn and Graveler, he was able to effectively subdue the Team Rocket members for Officer Jenny.

Warehouse

James came to and couldn't see anything leading him to think he was blind. He quickly realized it was a note tapped to his face. Upon taking it off, he read it:

Jimmy,

Our group is alike in many ways, but you've always been different from Jessie and me. You were more empathetic than we could hope to be. What you said, is something we need to think on. It's something we will think on. Betraying Team Rocket isn't something we can take lightly.

Signed,

Jessie & Meowth

James closed his eyes and sighed. The breeder then tucked the note into his bag before deciding to check on the others.

Pokemon Orphanage: Day's Later…

Once reports were given, Officer Jenny hauled the five grunts Brock captured away. There were no signs of Petral, Hun, and/or Attila to be seen, but at least things around Lavender Town were getting back to normal. Cubone took a liking to Serena after she protected him.

Upon learning about his mother's passing, she offered to take the little ground type in. That was something Cubone took to immediately joining Serena. She ended up switching Wartortle out for him with plans to rotate her team like Ash does.

Currently, Ash, his traveling companions, and Cross ended up going to Mr. Fuji's that same day. For Cross, it was to bid them farewell as he intended to press on; however, Ash and his group wanted to stick around a few days more. They still had personal business to attend to.

As they entered, they heard Mr. Fuji. "No Reina, I must go right away."

"No, you just got back, so you can't leave already." Reina snapped.

Cross cleared his throat. "Alright, what's the problem?"

"Cross!" Reina exclaimed with excitement.

Something everyone, except Ash and Cross, noticed was that Reina had developed a bit of a crush on the tough trainer.

"Cross, my lad, you've done too much already." Mr. Fuji dismissed. "I couldn't possibly ask more of you or those other young ones with you."

"Well, why don't you at least tell us what the problem is?" James requested.

"Alright." Mr. Fuji sighed. "There is a Snorlax blocking the road west to Celadon City. I've been asked to go with my poke-flute to wake it up."

"A Snorlax, huh?" Cross questioned interested.

"That's right, but I say he should stay here after what he's been through." Reina answered.

"Well, these four wants to hang around town for a bit longer, but I'm hitting the road anyways." Cross shrugged. "Give me the poke flute, and I can use this as a great training opportunity."

"Oh, I could not ask you to do that." Mr. Fuji replied.

"Good thing you're not asking, huh?" Cross smirked. "Honestly, I might just catch the guy, so my team has a good training partner. Either way, battling it out with a Snorlax would be no bother for my team."

Mr. Fuji thought this over before nodding. "Very well, I will entrust you with my poke-flute."

Cross took the flute before coming to stand before Ash. "I'll admit, this was interesting." He smirked. "Still, your nothing compared to me, but I've met worse trainers."

That was honestly the nicest thing Cross has ever said to Ash.

He smiled. "We'll see how I compare to you in the league or if we meet on the road again."

Sure, Ash could battle him now, but he figured that could wait. They did just deal with Team Rocket after all.

"Later days Ash." Cross opened the door and Torracat joined him. "Oh, look after Serena." He smirked. "After all, you wouldn't want anything to happen to your little girlfriend."

Serena and Ash both blushed unable to come up with a response. Cross chuckled as he left the house and headed on his own way.

With Cross gone, Mr. Fuji decided to address the other heroes of their town. "Now, what may I do for all of you?"

"I was hoping you may have some bug or psychic type pokemon on hand that I could adopt into my team." Ash spoke up. "Maybe even a dark type or a ghost line that isn't Gastly."

"I am sorry to disappoint you lad, but I do not have any of those typings here." Mr. Fuji stated.

Ash dropped his head. "I was looking forward to possibly finding one here."

"Mr. Fuji, what about the Warrior of the Woods?" Reina questioned. "He's a bug type."

"Hm, normally I wouldn't suggest he go after that pokemon, but perhaps he will be the trainer for him." Mr. Fuji stated.

"Warrior of the Woods? A bug type?" Ash became excited. "Tell me more. If he's strong enough to have a tittle, then that's the type of pokemon I'm looking for."

"The Warrior of the Woods is actually a Scyther that lives in the woods just outside of town. Any trainer who comes close is attacked, and he has yet to be captured." Mr. Fuji was sketching a map. "From what we understand, he was one of several pokemon a trainer had.

This trainer would whip his pokemon to have them face their weaknesses head on. After the authorities got involved, he was released, but his past experiences has given him a deep hatred for people."

"Sounds like he needs a nice, strong trainer to reopen his heart." Ash declared proudly as he pointed his thumb towards himself.

"Yeah, if anyone can befriend that pokemon, it's Ash." Serena declared.

"I believe as such myself, so here is a map to his last known location." Mr. Fuji nodded as he passed his sketch to Ash. "I have faith in your ability to catch him."

"Alright, who wants to come with me?" Ash asked.

"I'd like to stay here and learn whatever you can teach me Mr. Fuji." James declared. "I'm in training to be a Pokemon Breeder, and I have no doubt you've picked up quite a few tricks taking care of all these pokemon."

"Indeed, I have." Mr. Fuji smiled. "I'd be honored to teach one of our heroes what I know. Especially if it means my techniques can live on beyond this town."

"Do you know a thing or two about rock types?" Brock asked.

"Why yes I do." Mr. Fuji replied.

"Alright, I'll stay here with James then." Brock stated.

"Well, then I'll go with Ash, so he's not out there alone." Serena looked to him with a blush. "If that's okay with you?"

Ash gulped; however, only Pikachu heard it. Sure, he's happy to spend time with Serena, but since Brock's talk, his head has been all over the place. He would prefer it if one of their other friends came along, but he couldn't force them to.

Ash just gave Serena his signature grin and thumbs up. "Of course, you can come Serena."

Lavender Streets

Ash was nervous because it was just him and Serena. It hasn't been like that since they left Viridian City. Now, it isn't just two friends with their starters. They were experienced trainers with full teams. Ash stared off into space.

"Hey Ash?" Serena spoke up snapping Ash out of his thoughts. "What are you thinking about?".

"Oh, nothing." Ash replied hastily.

"Right..." Serena replied with a hint of disbelieve. "Anyway, should we get going?"

"Sure, let's go." Ash replied with a friendly smile.

They walked side by side. Ash was nervous because he was walking quite close to Serena. His mind told him to run, but he simply couldn't pull himself away. He looked her way, as he saw the light bounce of her skin, and felt his chest tighten again.

Serena was on cloud nine. If only they were aware of each other's feelings, then this could almost be a date. Just her and Ash walking side by side. All it'd take is a couple of inches, and they'd be holding hands. She took a quick glance to see if it would be worth the risk.

When Ash saw her sapphire blue eyes glance his direction, his head ended up turning the opposite direction. He really wanted to stare into those beautiful, blue eyes all day long, but his head was just so messed up thanks to Brock's talk.

"Brock said he couldn't be certain how Serena felt." Ash loathed this. "How can I work out my feelings if I don't know Serena's feelings?"

Serena pouted. "What has gotten into him? Ever since Brock spoke with Ash, he's been acting different. He's distressed, distracted, and confined. Does this mean he doesn't share my feelings?" She looked at him. "Hey Ash?"

Hearing her sweet voice drew Ash's attention. "Yeah Serena?"

"What's wrong?" Serena asked.

"N-nothing's wrong." Ash stuttered. "Why?".

"Really Ash?" Serena asked while looking him directly in the eyes.

"I can't be honest. What if Brock just sent me on a wild goose chase?" Ash gulped before nodding. "Really Serena." He gave her a nervous smile. "I've just got a lot on my mind."

"Why is Ash lying to me?" Serena gave a sad sigh. "Alright, I just worry about you is all."

"You don't need to worry about me Serena." Ash reassured with his signature thumbs up and toothy grin.

Seeing that made Serena return the smile. "Alright Ash, just let me know if I can help."

"I will Serena." Ash then noticed the route just ahead. "Come on Serena, we're almost there!"

Serena giggled as Ash ran off before she took off after him.

Pokemon Orphanage

"The first thing you should know is that Mr. Fuji always says every pokemon is a part of our family." Reina stated.

"That is a commendable attitude Mr. Fuji." James commented.

"Thank you, lad." Mr. Fuji smiled before putting a hand on Reina's shoulder. "Of course, that extends beyond the pokemon here. Reina here was left on my doorstep as a baby, so I have raised her as my wonderful granddaughter all this time."

"This Mr. Fuji really is a kind guy." Brock thought.

"Ah, where are my manners?" Mr. Fuji questioned. "Reina, would you be a dear and put the kettle on, please. A good cup of tea is the perfect complement to good conversation."

"Of course, Mr. Fuji." Reina replied happily before skipping towards the kitchen.

"Before we go to the table, would it be alright if I asked you two a question?" Mr. Fuji requested, and the trainers nodded. "A young girl by the name of Green left on her journey from this very town." His eyes portrayed a deep sadness. "Have you met her?"

"Green?" James nodded. "Yeah, we saw her back in Cerulean City, and she even competed with Serena at the Battle Chateau."

"She also threw pokeballs at Ash and Serena's heads and spoke about a friend of hers she was looking for." Brock added.

"I see." Mr. Fuji shook his head and the sadness seemed to dissipate. "I'm sorry to ask such a strange question, but I do worry for that young one. If you've seen her, I'm certain she is fine." He walked to the table. "Anyways, let us adjourn to my table for what you've come for."

It certainly was an odd thing to ask, but they could tell Mr. Fuji was deeply concerned about Green. They followed him towards the dining table where they started talking about breeding techniques. Reina soon returned with the tea and joined in on the conversation.

Outside of Lavender Town

"Here we are." Ash announced as the two trainers stood before the forest. "You guys ready?"

"Pika!" Pikachu replied confidently.

Serena nodded. "Yeah, let's go."

The small group started their trek into the forest keeping their eyes peeled for Scyther. They did not have to search long as that very bug pokemon came out of the forest with a steel wing leveled at the trainers.

"Look out!" Ash exclaimed.

He pushed himself and Serena down to the ground as Scyther flew by overheard. Both trainers stood and saw the bug/flying type holding its mantis claws out in an offensive manner.

"This has to be the Scyther Mr. Fuji was talking about." Serena commented.

"That means it's battle time." Ash declared. "I choose you, Charmeleon!" The lizard appeared ready for battle. "Scyther, I am Ash Ketchum from Pallet town, and I have come here to find the wild pokemon who's been attacking trainers. You fit the description."

Scyther just glared at Ash.

"Be careful Ash." Serena stated with concern evident in his voice.

"Of course, Serena." Ash replied with a thumbs up.

Serena blushed at the gesture.

Ash glared back at the bug/flying type. "Scyther, I challenge you to a battle!"

Scyther growled threateningly as she was out for blood. This pokemon was just done with the whole trainer routine. Scyther charged straight for Chameleon starting the battle.

Ash vs Scyther

Scyther used fury cutter.

"Dodge it Charmeleon." Ash ordered.

As Scyther tried to slash her claws at Charmeleon, the fire type jumped out of the way. Scyther didn't let that deter him as her, and she went to slash Charmeleon again.

"Keep dodging Charmeleon!" Ash shouted.

Scyther kept up with the furry cutters while Charmeleon skillfully dodged. Whether ducking, jumping, or side stepping. No matter what angle the bug/flying type tired, the fire type was too quick to be hit. After around the twentieth slash, she stopped and was panting.

This was the opening Ash needed. "Charmeleon, fire fang."

The fire type's fangs ignited before he bit them into Scyther who cried out in pain. Once Charmeleon let go, Scyther stood defiantly and slashed her claws together. Astral swords appeared around her increasing her attack by two stages. She had used swords dance.

"Oh no, swords dance." Serena remembered how much trouble Petral's Raticate had been with that move. "Be careful Ash!"

Ash didn't reply with words, but he gave her a thumbs up before continuing the battle. "Charmeleon, use flamethrower!"

Charmeleon breathed fire at the bug/flying type. Scyther tried to dodge, but she was too slow resulting in her taking the attack head on. Even this was not enough to take down the Warrior of the Woods.

Scyther growled at the trainer and pokemon. She would not be fooled by their charade. Her time with that trainer showed her humanity's true colors. In an act of pure rage, Scyther charged Ash gearing up a slash.

"ASH!" Serena shouted in fear.

Charmeleon saw what was going to happen, so he lunged at Scyther before sinking his teeth into the warrior using bite. This stopped the charging pokemon allowing Ash to sigh in relief.

"Thanks, Charmeleon!" Ash shouted gratefully.

Despite this restraint, Scyther started moving once more managing to drag Charmeleon along.

Ash got well out of her path before giving the next move. "Charmeleon, use fire fang again!"

Charmeleon's fangs glowed with fire energy as he opened his mouth and immediately sunk them back into Scyther before the warrior could charge his trainer. He then let go as Scyther collapsed to the ground. Even still, Scyther tried to get back up.

All this bug/flying type saw was red. How dare this boy show her up? What gives him the right? After the pain and suffering she was put through, why would dhe want another human to work for? She works fine by herself.

"You're doing great Ash." Serena commented. "I think Scyther is ready for a pokeball."

Scyther turned to the girl. She was already on edge, and that girl's annoying little voice just invaded her ears. The bug/flying type managed to stand before charging her. Scyther's claw was out, yet she was disoriented resulting in the blunt end angled at Serena

"Look out Serena!" Ash shouted.

Ash pulled out a spare pokeball and jumped in front of Serena. He couldn't let her get hurt. He just couldn't. As he took the blunted claw to his stomach, everything became clear to Ash.

"ASH!" Serena yelled.

Charmeleon and Pikachu were just as devastated by this happening. As Scyther's claw stuck Ash in the stomach, he cried out in pain. His spare pokeball fell out of his hands rolling into Scyther. As Ash fell to the ground, he was in so much pain that he couldn't move.

He lay motionless as blackness took over his vision. The last thing he saw before all the light was gone was the pokeball shaking violently. It was clear that Scyther was trying to break out with everything she had. Ash completely lost his vision while hearing the pokeball ding.

Lavender Town: Evening…

Ash moaned as he struggled to open his eyes. Eventually, he opened them to find himself surrounded by his friends and pokemon.

"W-what happened?"

"Ash!" Serena exclaimed before hugging him.

"Hey Ash, how are you feeling?" James asked.

"A little sore." Ash replied as he rubbed where Scyther struck him. "What happened to Scyther?"

"You were able to catch her, and she was transported to the lab." Brock explained.

"Okay." Ash replied before bringing out his pokedex to check out his latest catch:

Scyther, the Mantis Pokémon. Its claws are sharp as swords, and it is a powerful flyer. This Pokémon is rarely seen by humans and almost never captured.

Type: Bug/Flying

Ability: Technician

Sex: Female

Move(s): Leer, Quick Attack, Fury Cutter, Wing Attack, Double Team, Double Hit, Slash, Focus Energy, Agility, Counter, Feint, Night Slash, Counter, Swords Dance

"Thank you for saving me Ash." Serena stated softly.

"No problem." Ash replied weakly before his stomach growled. "Sorry."

"Don't worry Ash." Brock stated. "We can get you something to eat." He walked over to the door. "Who else is coming?"

"I will." James stated.

Once the two trainers were gone, the two ten-year-olds were silent for a good moment.

"Hey Ash, I need to speak with you." Serena stated shyly.

"Sure." Ash nodded. "What's up?"

"Uh, can we do it in private?" Serena asked as she glanced at Ash's pokemon.

"Okay." Ash replied uneasily. "Guys, do you mind waiting outside?"

The pokemon agreed and left the room closing the door behind them.

"Ash..." Serena trailed off.

"What is it, Serena?" Ash asked even if he had a good idea what this was about.

"I... I... I..." Serena stuttered.

"... know." Ash finished for her.

"W-what?" Serena asked blushing.

"It took a long time, but I think I realized what Brock was trying to tell me beyond what I heard." Ash explained. "I mean, I hope I'm right about this." He grabbed her hand and they blushed. "Serena, I'm not sure about my feelings, but I have feelings for you. That's what it is, right?"

It took Serena a moment to registrar what Ash was saying.

"You mean, you have a crush on me like I have a crush on you?" Serena asked nervously.

Ash nodded and Serena felt her heart doing jumping jacks. She tackled Ash into a giant hug not caring what they looked like right now. She was just happier than ever before. Ash returned the gesture.

Serena then decided to take what felt like a proper risk. She lifted her head up and planted a kiss on his cheek. Ash was stunned before he kissed her cheek back. After years since meeting, Serena had finally got what she's craved. She was finally together with Ash.

Days Later…

"Hey mom." Ash spoke as his mother appeared on the video phone.

It has been three days since Ash caught Scyther. Due to the injury he suffered, the group stayed put at the pokemon center. Everyone was able to get some good training in; however, Ash wasn't able to take part, like he normally would, due to his injuries.

To both Ash and his pokemon, it felt wrong. They've always trained together. It was part of their bond, but the pokemon understood. Now what they couldn't understand was what Scyther did to their trainer. All of them were mad, but three of them were utterly furious.

Namely: Charmeleon, Dratini, and Pikachu. Pikachu was Ash's partner while Ash had saved Charmeleon and Dratini. Those three wanted blood, but everyone calmed down as Pikachu knew Ash wouldn't approve of them hurting Scyther.

"Hello honey." Delia replied with a bright smile. "It's always nice to see and talk with you."

"Oh, Ash is on the phone." Grace walked into view. "Hello Ash, is Serena there with you?"

"Ms. Yvonne?" Ash questioned in surprise.

Hearing her mother's name, Serena walked towards the phone. She was going to call her mom after they called Ash's as the plan had been to reveal the news to each mother together.

"Not to be rude, but what are you doing there?" Ash asked.

Serena then jumped in front of the screen. "Hi mom."

"Hi Serena, it's so nice to see you again." Grace replied cheerfully.

"Hey mom, guess what?" Serena asked barely containing her excitement.

"What is it dear?" Grace asked.

Ash knew what was coming and tried to just sink into the seat out of eyesight. Naturally, Delia noticed her now red-faced son. She knew Serena's news had something to do with him.

"What's the matter Ash, you look a little red?" Delia asked in an expecting tone. "I hope you're not getting sick."

Ash turned even redder. At this point, he wanted out of here, and only doubly so when Serena started giggling.

"You know, I might be." Ash stated hastily as he stood up. "I'll get Nurse Joy to check it out."

He tried to walk away but was stopped by Serena grabbing his hand in full view of the screen. Ash was forced to turn around, and his red face only intensified as he saw both their mothers looking at the hand holding.

Seeing the hand holding, Ash's red face, and the tiniest hint of pink in Serena's cheeks, it didn't take long for either Delia or Grace to figure out what was going on. Both smiled, happy that Serena was able to break through Ash's denseness.

"Well, this certainly is a surprise." Delia spoke. "My little boy has grown up and got himself a girlfriend."

"Mom!" Ash exclaimed.

"Congratulations Serena." Grace stated happily. "I knew you could do it."

"We are both so happy for you." Delia replied.

"Naturally, we fully support you two." Grace added.

"Ash, make sure you treat Serena properly." Delia requested, but it sounded more like a demand.

"Will do." Ash replied sheepishly.

Ash and Serena were relieved their mothers approved of them. Of course, their relief diminished just a bit as their mothers had been waiting to tease their children over this.

"Just make sure you stick to separate beds." Grace teased.

Ash's red face returned.

"Mom!" Serena shouted in embarrassment.

They were only ten. Why would they even suggest something like that? Delia, on the other hand, couldn't control herself and burst into a fit of laughter. Of course, they trust their kids, but it was fun to tease them.

"Well Ash, we best be going." Delia eventually stated.

They said their goodbyes before ending the call. Ash had already sent in Hitmonchan for Scyther hoping that spending time together would quell the bug/flying type. The thought about Scyther only caused Ash to bring her pokeball out.

He looked at it sadly. "Why does Scyther type hate people so much. Maybe battling together will help us understand one another better."

He shook his head and stood only for Serena, who was holding her hands behind her back, to speak up. "Hey Ash, can you do me a favor?"

"Sure Serena." Ash nodded. "Anything."

"Can you start introducing me as your girlfriend?" Serena asked with a blush.

Ash shrugged his shoulder. "Sure, I can do that."

"Great, thanks Ash." Serena hugged him happily and pecked his cheek before latching onto his arm. "Shall we go?"

"Y-yeah." Ash stuttered.

He was taken aback by the affection, but it made Serena happy. Plus, it's not like he disliked it. It was just surprising. Soon, the pair walked outside, joined James and Brock, ready to continue their journey.


Reader: Thank you.

Elemental-Aura:

Saffron Dojo-

Honestly, I actually liked Ritchie, but him starting the League Curse cannot be denied. Yep, there's still plenty of journey left to develop all the rivalries. Serena knows who 'Her Ash' is. Some new guy ain't going to divide her attraction after all these years. Nah, those guys are fine. I just preferred Kiyo a bit more than them. I felt that way about Hitmonchan as well. All in all, some affective training all around. That idea with Machop and Ditto is a good one.

Saffron Gym-

Sabrina's father needed a name and Arcana just sounded to perfect. Also, I don't think anyone else in Pokemon, from any source has it, but I may be wrong. Yeah, she isn't psychotic. I mean, despite the bad Giovani has done, at least he prevented that. Sometimes, a miraculous evolution will be just the thing to get you a win. Even in the anime, that's often the case. Honestly, I wouldn't have minded seeing people who get those evolutions still lose. It proves that they needed to grow more.

Despite Ash maturing, certain parts of his personality would still remain like his desire to rematch the correct gym leader to his journey. You best believe Ash will be working hard towards that rematch while not ignoring the challenges directly in front of him.

Serena's Rival-

In defense of ICY, it was meant to be Ash's first journey all over again, so I can see why they made Verity the way they did. Still, was lazy of them to basically make her Misty with the quirk of Dawn's unevolving Piplup. Nah son, I bring in ICY characters, you best believe they getting a little depth. Cross and Verity are actually characters I'm glad to have expanded as I did.

Lavender Town:Part 1-

Rocket Encounters are far less in this story by the sole fact that Jessie, James, and Mewoth haven't been chasing Ash and his friends, so I make up for it by utalizing events from elsewhere and/or attempting to come up with my own. To be fair, I'm betting Brock wasn't expecting that level of anger from Serena even with all his experience raising girls himself. Sorry, Ash, figuring it all out didn't come until this chapter.

Lavender Town:Part 2

As for James, glad you liked it. I took inspiration from Jessie meeting that Blissy in Johto and ensured it ended differently than trying to make James seem like a hero. Petral is the Admin known for being prepared for anything. Honestly, his team of Koffings and Weezing did not portray that. Again, glad I was able to show that this was a threat and how Serena overcome that threat.

As for Cross and Ash, Cross still wasn't all that happy fighting with Ash, but he wasn't about to let it get in the way of beating down on Team Rocket. Essentially, his rivalry with Ash was less important that stopping Team Rocket. Through this experience, Cross did manage to garner unintentional respect for Ash. Honestly, that's what I wish the first season could have done with Ash and Gary.

Yeah, Gary's respect for Ash came in Johto, but I felt like they could have done more in Kanto with how often those two met up. I would have loved it if they battled more, that's definitely coming for Ash and his rivals in this story, but they could have at least had moment of Ash and Gary being put into situations where they had to work together. Again, this was the first series and they certainly nailed it in later serious. Can't complain to much in that regard then.