Author's Note: So glad that someone thinks Popplio is perfect for Serena! I've always thought it was what she should have had since I first saw it. And the G.S. Ball only available to Kurt and his family's production line. In other words Kurt got one from the future that has a Celebi in it, and his son is responsible for creating them.

6: Pidgeot Comes Home

"It's so good to talk to the person that raised such a sweet girl," Delia said over the video phone to Serena's mother, Grace, "I honestly never expected a girl like her to fall for my rough and tumble wanderer of a son."

Grace chuckled on her end of the line, "I could actually see it coming to a point, Delia, because that girl of mine was so shy around him that she could barely get a word out whenever she tried to get her feelings out in the open." She laughed, "But I'm certainly glad that she got her man, if you don't mind my saying so. I expect those two to be married within the year!"

Delia laughed herself as Grace cackled loudly, "Oh, I wouldn't bet on that." Ash's mother sighed, "My boy is wonderful, of course, and he's my pride and joy, but my word is he dense when it comes to certain things!"

"Oho, I believe it, deary, I believe it." Grace nodded, "But my girl knows how to get her point across when she needs to, so I won't be betting against her."

Delia nodded with a small sigh, "They are of that age when their hormones are at their worst," she agreed, "Though I won't put it upon them to be irresponsible, I do pray that we might be grandmothers soon."

"HA!" Grace hooted, "That'll be the day. I love my Serena, but her shyness might get the better of her again if she's not careful, and young men in general aren't known for their patience for that sort of thing."

Delia nodded in agreement, "My husband was the same way when we were young and foolish." She said, "And Ash will have more than enough patience with Serena for sex. She's the first girl he's ever really noticed and put real time into bonding with." She said with a smile on her face, "She's definitely something special."

Grace made a point of crossing her fingers, "I can only hope, Delia." She sighed, "Heaven knows that the first heartbreak is the worst of them all, especially when we both know she loves him."

"That is true," Delia said, "but I have enough faith in my son to think that things will turn out just fine between them," she smiled with certainty, "Oh, they'll fuss and fight just like any other couple their age, but I'm not worried about them splitting up. She means too much to him for that to happen."

ガラル

After the incident in the Vast Poni Canyon, Ash and company returned to Professor Kukui's lab to rest and let Paul and Ash's injuries heal. It was lucky for both young men that the professor was as good at patching people up as he was at being a Pokemon researcher. Ash's stitched shoulder had come out of the incident with the Kommo-o with three popped stitches, which were quickly and painlessly replaced.

Paul's left arm, however, was not so painless. he needed over a hundred stitches just to close up the claw wounds left by the enraged Dragon-type. Kukui explained that due to Kommo-o using their clawed hands for foraging, fighting, and grooming, their claws delivered nasty wounds that were highly prone to infection. Paul was lucky that Ash had gotten to him so quickly, or else a bad infection would have set in right away. Dawn was frantic when she heard that, but was calmed when the professor said that the wound was fairly clean thanks to Ash's treatment.

Meanwhile, Ash was busily training his new addition, and found an unlikely partner in a little Pokemon called Rockruff. The little green-eyed Pokemon was a battler through and through, and in the week since the incident, Ash's near constant companion.

Serena adored the little Pokemon herself as he would always cuddle up in her lap when at rest.

During their stay, the professor also updated their Pokedexes to include Alolan Pokemon. Now Serena was more impressed with herself since she now knew that her Popplio was an Alolan starter Pokemon. Very rare, and quite a bit more powerful than the average Water-type. Kukui was also interested in the Poke Balls that Ash and Serena were using.

When Ash explained to him that they were made by an artisan family located in Johto and Hoenn, the man was a little disappointed, but was aware that some of the Apricorns used to make the Balls grew on the Alolan island chain, and wanted to know if the craftsmen wouldn't mind teaching a few people that might be interested.

Ash smirked at the thought of old Kurt teaching on the Alolan islands how to make his special Poke Balls, and readily gave the professor the man's contact information. Not a day later the professor announced that Kurt would be taking a small vacation in Alola.

Soon, however, it was time to for Ash and Serena to return to Kanto, as much as they wanted to stay longer, the tournament was drawing closer, and Ash would soon need to be on his way to the Galar Region to face the Champions of the other regions.

The professor gave the youngster warm wishes and sent them off with a sad smile. But he had given Ash something. Rockfuff. The little Rock-type suited the boy's style of battling, and the professor was glad to see him happy with his new trainer. The little Pokemon now rested inside of a Fast Ball on Ash's jacket while Riolu sat on his shoulder, and Serena's Popplio dangled from her arms as she waved from the deck of the boat that was leaving the tropical paradise behind.

Serena smiled as she leaned against Ash's good shoulder, "We should come back here again," she said dreamily. "I've never felt so peaceful since coming here."

Ash nodded, "We'll be back," he smiled, "And we'll stay longer. Maybe even get a house we can stay in."

Serena looked up at him, "A...house...?" She said slowly, "Ash...that's..."

Ash was blushing slightly, but nodded all the same, "A ways off, I know...but, I can see it as easily as breathing."

Serena beamed at him, and closed her eyes as she leaned on him, "So can I."

Across the deck, Dawn was looking at the couple jealously, but sighed before turning away to look out over the ocean as a pod of Wailmer and Wailord swam by. [Figures. I couldn't get Ash's attention when I realized I was crushing on him, and I thought I was gonna catch Paul of all people's attention?] She sighed to herself in depression. [I'd have better luck with Barry!]

"Hey...Dawn," Paul quietly grumbled from behind her, his left arm still in a sling.

"What is it?" She asked, trying to remain civil with him. It wasn't her fault that he hadn't picked up on any of her advances. Boys were just stupid that way.

Paul frowned as he picked up a slight tone in her voice, but chose to ignore it for the moment. "I was just wondering what you were planning to do after we land in Kanto?"

Dawn shrugged, "Probably head home since the Contests have all been canceled because of this dumb tournament," she groaned, "I was so looking forward to this year, too!" She palmed her face in exasperation, "But leave to a bunch'a battle hungry champions to ruin it for the rest of us."

Paul frowned, [So that's what she's upset about?] He wondered, before scratching the back of his head, "Look, I know that you're not much of League battles, but...since you'll just be heading home...why not come to Galar...with me?"

Dawn turned to him, thinking she'd misheard him, "I'm...sorry...?" Dawn felt heat rising to her cheeks, "D-did you just - ?"

Paul screwed his eyes shut, "For the love of Arceus, yes!" Paul almost shouted, "I want you to travel with me!" He frowned at her and scratched the side of his face, almost looking bashful, "I...I like having you around..."

Slowly, Dawn's blush began to brighten, and she began to smile, "Well, that's a good thing, then," she stepped closer to him and looped her arms around his right arm, "Because I like being around you...you know, now that you're not such a jerk anymore."

Paul gave the girl an irritated smirk, "I'm already having second thoughts."

Dawn gave him a look, "Would you rather travel with Barry?"

"Hell no!"

ガラル

The boat docked a few days later.

Being back in Kanto was a blessing in more than a few ways as it gave the teens a chance to get some distance from Barry and his mouth. While Barry helped Tracey in getting the boat stowed away, Paul and Dawn accompanied Ash and Serena back to Professor Oak's lab so that he could have his Meltan examined, and, while doing so, Ash and Serena told the Sinnoh trainers about his involvement in the upcoming tournament.

"You're in the Master Rank just because the League you won was legitimized by the PLA?" Paul frowned, "Figures, you've always been lucky like that." He said as they came up to the lab.

Ash agreed with him, "I wasn't expecting it, either." He said, "If I entered this thing, I thought that I'd be starting out at the bottom like every other trainer."

"You do tend to get lucky," Dawn pointed out. "Remember all the trouble you managed to get us into?"

"And I got us right back out, didn't I?" Ash frowned at her.

Paul snorted, "Probably right into more trouble."

"Probably right into more trouble." Ash said in a bad imitation of Paul's voice that had the girl's giggling.

Paul growled, "That's not what I sound like."

Ash grinned at him, and opened the door, "Hey, Professor, we're - ACK!" Ash suddenly found himself tackled around his middle, "What the - ?!"

"Hi, Ash!" Said a young sounding voice from in front of them. "Max, I think you're hurting him."

"Oops, sorry," the person that was holding onto Ash loosened their hold. "Hey, Ash!"

Ash looked down and found himself staring at a young boy with wide rimmed glasses. "Max?" The boy began to grin, "Max Maple is that you?!"

The last time Ash had seen the young Hoenn native, he had barely reached up to his waist, but now the young man in front of him was well up to his chest. Max grinned and rubbed his nose, "Yup! I grew up, didn't I?" He smirked.

Ash smirked right back and flicked him in the forehead, "Still a beanpole to me." He grinned as the boy yelped and rubbed his head as Ash looked over the top of his head, "Bonnie, what're you doing here?"

The little girl was a sight for sore eyes after leaving Kalos, and not much had changed. "Well, after you guys left, I got special permission from Professor Sycamore to become a trainer." She giggled, and pulled out a strange-looking Pokedex that resembled a Rotom's face on the back, "I can battle and catch as many Pokemon as I want, but I'm not allowed to have anything to do with the Gyms or the League for another year."

"That's great!" Serena beamed as she rushed in to hug the little girl. "You and Dedenne are already such a good team!"

Max puffed out his chest, "And I'm here to sign up for the World Coronation Tournament!" He said proudly, "May and Drew are already on their way to the Galar region for the opening matches."

Professor Oak came out just them with a smile on his face, "And they already know that you are to be in those matches, Ash." He said as he greeted the four new arrivals. "And thank you, by the way, for the data you were able to gather on Meltan." He smiled as he looked at Serena, "Both of you have given me quite a lot of new research material thanks to your time in Alola, which I hope was enjoyable for you both."

"It was," Serena blushed.

Max looked at the older girl, and frowned, "Hey, Ash, just who is this lady?"

Ash just grinned and moved to place his good arm around her shoulders, "Max, I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Serena," he said proudly.

His reaction was not what Ash expected, "Hey, what about my sister!"

Dawn and Paul snickered as Ash found himself at a loss. "Max, come on, your sister is three years younger than me, and I had no interest in girls back then," he explained.

"Yeah, and now I'm gonna be stuck with that Drew-jerk for a brother-in-law!" Max groaned.

Ash bit back a laugh that threatened to erupt at the very thought of May of all people being interested in a prick like Drew. "How's Pikachu?" Serena asked, saving Ash from further questioning.

However, the professor's face fell, "I'm afraid that the poor fellow is still recovering," he said as Ash frowned, "I did tell you that his electrical pouches would need time to recover, my boy, and I'm afraid that if I sent him with you to Galar for the opening ceremony, then those battles would damage him irreparably."

Ash palmed his face and sighed, "Alright, I know he won't like it, but send him to my mom." He said, "No offense, Professor, but if anyone can nurse him back to health, it's her."

"None taken, my boy; I quite agree with you," he said, before frowning deeply, "We also have another problem with one of your Pokemon." He said, "Your Pidgeot is refusing to return to her Poke Ball. While it's not a huge problem, it would make treating her easier. Perhaps you can figure out why she's refusing."

Ash shook his head, "I think I can guess."

"You have a Pidgeot?" Was the collective question from Paul, Dawn, Max and Bonnie.

Serena smiled at all of them, "He does, and she's absolutely beautiful!"

"And she wants a battle," Ash told them, "And I don't blame her. Not after - "

Serena clutched at his good arm, "Ash, stop it, you know that it wasn't your fault."

"And the sooner you battle and re-capture her, then better she'll be," Professor Oak said, "She's already got the attention of your top battlers like Charizard and Infernape, even Sceptile wants to have a go at her."

Ash nodded and took off his jacket, "Would you mind taking care of the Pokemon I brought back with me?" He asked as the man took the jacket, "Meltan's in the Level Ball."

"Of course, my boy," he nodded, "Though I dare say that they'll wish to see this battle as well. I know I would."

Ash rotated his right shoulder stiffly, "It's gonna be a good one, I'll say that much." He looked back at Serena, who nodded.

"Be careful of your shoulder," she told him.

Ash smiled and kissed her on the cheek as he went around to the open range area of the ranch where all his Pokemon were. Serena and the others followed after him as his Pokemon caught sight of him.

"All of these belong to him?" Paul frowned as he witnessed a veritable stampede as his Tauros reached him first. Serena yelped as they tossed him up and over their backs like a rag doll, only for a Bayleef to reach out with her vines, and pluck him out of harm's way. Next came a Gliscor that Dawn and Paul recognized right away as it landed smack dab on top of him. Next came an overly affectionate Muk, as well as a Gible that chomped on Ash's head.

Professor Oak came out just then and chuckled, "This is the normal greeting he usually gets from his more seasoned Pokemon." He said just as his Charizard landed and blasted Ash in the face once more, "Though I will say that Charizard is the most extreme of the bunch." He frowned, "He's been doing that since his days as a Charmeleon."

"But his shoulder!" Serena yelped.

"They know," the professor smiled as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, "Haven't you noticed that they're avoiding his shoulders?"

Paul had noticed, especially with the way Charizard was acting. It was larger than the average Charizard, and he had no doubts that it was powerful enough to outright flatten even his most powerful of Pokemon. However, he noticed that while he was a big Pokemon, he was only being affection by using his flames, and not being physical with his trainer as some of the other were, and they were only rubbing up against his legs or his stomach. Even the smaller ones were avoiding his shoulders and perched on his arms, or his good shoulder at least.

Then came Pidgeot.

Now Paul had seen many Pidgeot in his time as a trainer, and knew that they were strong enough to carry two or three people if the need called for it, but this beauty of a Pokemon was more than twice the size of an average member of her species, easily as big as a normal Charizard would have been, and looked strong enough to carry five people on her back comfortably.

"She's huge!" Max breathed out.

"She's gorgeous!" Said Bonnie and Dawn together.

Ash, meanwhile, had untangled himself from his Pokemon's affections, and now stood before the giant Pidgeot. He reached up and stroked the feathers on her head, and she cooed in response. "Well, old girl, after so long, I think you're owed this." He said to the Bird Pokemon, "How about it? Battle me one more time?"

Pidgeot looked at her trainer, a gleam in her big brown eyes. "Pidgeo!" She dipped her head, and spread her wings, and launched into the air.

Ash grinned, "Charizard! You're up!"

"RARGH!" Charizard blasted into the air in a rush of heat and dust from his wings, and was after Pidgeot in a matter of seconds. Ash had his eyes locked upward immediately. Pidgeot was faster than Charizard even on his best day, but Charizard had more power. In that regard, they were evenly matched. Pidgeot's speed rivaled Charizard's power.

"Hit her with Flamethrower!" Ash called up as Charizard gave chase. Once the attack was launched, Pidgeot easily dodged out of the way, but only to be right in the line of fire with Charizard's second shot. Charizard knew how to compensate for his lack of speed, and easily predicted where Pidgeot would move after he made a shot, and clipped her left wing.

Pidgeot glared back at the massive dragon, and made a quick u-turn(not the move) to aim herself right at him. She then flapped her wings, kicking up a powerful Hurricane.

"Steel Wing to block it!" Ash called out again. Obeying the command, Charizard's wings glowed brightly before he whipped them through the oncoming Hurricane. He was met by Pidgeot's own Steel Wing attack and knocked out of the air as she slammed into him.

"Grab her and use Seismic Toss!" Ash shouted as Charizard locked his arms around Pidgeot, trapping her wings. Charizard looped through the air rapidly, his large body a blur of motion as he then hauled Pidgeot over his shoulder and sent her rocketing toward the ground. Dizzied by the rapid movement, Pidgeot had no time to stop herself before she hit the ground in a storm of dust.

Ash reached for an empty Ball, but the thought of re-capture was short-lived as Pidgeot shot up from the dust cloud, and slammed right into the descending Charizard in an Aerial Ace attack. She then sent him spiraling to the ground in a heap with a Whirlwind attack.

Charizard tried to rise, but the powerful gusts of wind were keeping him down. "Come on, Charizard, you've faced stronger than this!" Charizard growled in agreement, and pushed himself up, "Try using Overheat!"

Charizard roared and unleashed a powerful column of flames toward Pidgeot, the winds only making it stronger.

Serena watched in amazement as the flames reached Pidgeot, even as she slowed them with her attack, but was hit full force in the chest. She was sent high from the force of the attack before Charizard let up, and she began to fall. Ash had a pink Ball primed and ready as he threw it toward the descending Bird Pokemon. Before she was drawn into the Ball, the Bird had a small smile on her beak. Her trainer had never lost her trust.

The Love Ball dropped to the ground and PINGED right away as Ash stepped up and picked it up. "Welcome home, Pidgeot."

ガラル

"Must you leave so soon after getting back?" Delia asked as her son packed a new backpack. "I know that Galar is far away and all, but - "

Ash looked back at his mother, "Don't worry, Mom, I made some arrangements before I left the ranch," he said, "You'll be coming, too."

Delia blinked at him, "I will? Oh, darling, that's so thoughtful of you!" She smiled happily and gave her son one of the famous Ketchum bone-crushers. Ash yelped on account of his shoulder, making her let go right away, "Oh, I'm so sorry!" She gasped, "When will that be healed, anyway? It's been nearly two weeks!"

Ash tapped at his shoulder with his fist lightly, "It was pretty deep, so it'll take probably a month."

She nodded with a worried sigh, "I'm certainly glad you have Serena, now, Ash," she said with her hands on her hips, "At least now I'm not the only that'll worry about you whenever you go off on some daring adventure."

"She's the one that'll be there to pull my ass out of the fire if it comes down to it," Ash chuckled, "And probably knock me around for good measure."

Delia nodded in approval, "Good."

Ash snorted as Pikachu bounded into the room and scampered up to his good shoulder, "Yeah, buddy, I know you wanna be the one battling with me out there," he scratched his oldest partner under his chin, "But you know what the professor said. No battling for you for a long time, yet."

"Piii," Pikachu's ears drooped at that.

Ash smiled and picked him up and placed him in his mother's arms, "Now, don't tell me you don't like the idea of spending time with Mom?" He smirked at the little Pokemon, "Rest, relaxation, and as much ketchup as you want."

That cheered him up, "Pika pika!"

Delia giggled and pat him between his ears, "It'll be good to have someone else besides Mimey to keep me company." She told the ketchup-loving mouse. "You can even help me in the garden from time to time to keep all the Bug-types out."

"Just no Electric-type attacks," Ash warned him. "Professor Oak says that if you use them much more, the damage won't heal, and then no Thunderbolts."

Now, Pikachu loved his trainer, and his family, but the idea that he wouldn't be able to give him a jolt every now and again did not sit well with him at all.

"That reminds me, Ash," she pointed to his jacket, "Which Pokemon are you taking with you?" She asked, tapping at the Love Ball on the left side of his jacket, "I know this one is Pidgeot," she then pointed to the Level and Friend Balls on his right, "And these are Riolu and the little Meltan that Professor Oak wanted you to catch." She then pointed to a Fast Ball below those two, as well as a Heavy Ball below Pidgeot's Love Ball, and a Lure Ball below that one. "But what about these three?"

"Those are Boldore, and Palpitoad," Ash pointed to the Heavy Ball and the Lure Ball, "I wanted to use them in battle since the professor said they wanted to come." He took off the Fast Ball, "And this is Rockruff." He said and released the little canine.

Rockruff gave a happy little bark as he jumped against Ash's knees.

"Oh, my!" Delia squealed in delight as she bent to pet him, "What a little darling!"

"Pika pi!" Pikachu said in greeting.

Rockruff liked his mother immediately, and raised his paw in greeting to Pikachu. Ash grinned at the little Rock-type, "Professor Kukui suggested that I take him with me before we had to leave." He rubbed the back of his neck with a slight grin, "I couldn't turn him down, either. Serena liked him too much, and so did I."

Delia giggled as Rockruff licked her hand, "I can see why," she smiled, "But, dear, don't you think you should take one of your more powerful Pokemon?" She asked, "We're talking about the world's most powerful trainers; Champions, Ash. I know that you've officially become the Orange League Champion, but these people have battle for far longer than you have, and Lance is Champion of two regions while the man at the top has never, ever been defeated. At least take Infernape or Charizard."

Ash nodded, "I'll do some thinking when I know for certain who I'm up against." He said, "Some of these guys are specialists."

"Fair enough," she nodded as she set Pikachu down and let him play with Rockruff. "Ash, my dear, I don't mean to nag you like this, but if my son is going to go against the world's best trainers, then I want you to show the world how and why you got to be in the seventh spot."

Ash smiled, and reached out to hug his mother. "Don't worry, Mom. I'm gonna make you proud, this time."

"I'm always proud of you, sweetie." Delia smiled, "I just wish your father was here to see you, and tell you just how proud he would be of you."

Ash looked at her, "I'm sure he's been keeping track." He sighed before he smelled dinner cooking, "Looks like you took Serena's suggestion at helping you cook."

"You could tell?" Delia asked.

"Of course," Ash smiled, "I spent a whole year enjoying her cooking, and her's always has a hint of sweetness to it."

Delia rolled her eyes, "Now I know you're your father's son." She laughed, "He said something similar about my cooking at one point in time...though he wasn't as nice about it back then."

"And what happened?" Ash found himself asking.

"I broke my favorite frying pan over his head." Delia smirked, and headed down stairs, "Don't forget to wash up. And get to bed early tonight. We're supposed to get an early start in the morning."

ガラル

The next morning started early for the Ketchum household as Ash, Serena and Delia were loaded up into Professor Oak's car, crammed full of people with Paul, Dawn, Barry, Max and Bonnie along for the ride.

Pikachu was sat in Delia's lap, while Ash's Riolu was plastered to the window looking out at the scenery. They traveled to Vermilion City and caught the earliest flight to Galar. Professor Oak bid them all a fond farewell as they boarded the plane and set off once again for the Galar region.

ガラル

Author's Note: So the boring stuff is finally over, and the tournament is about to begin. Won't say much else except that the battles, I hope, will be good enough that you will all enjoy them. Also coming up is May and Drew meeting the group.

Anyway, ya'll know what to do if you wanna see what happens!

Adios Amigos!