A/N: Welcome to yet another Pokemon fanfic that I'm putting out into the universe. This one is inspired by Challenger, by darkfire1220, The Road to be a Pokemon Master (series) by FanaticLAguy06, and this 3 chapter fanfic that I read when I first discovered this part of the internet called Back to Basics by Nightmare Sired Muse. The 3 chapter story started off so well, but it never continued. I have yet to read the bio of this writer to find out why (if there is even an explanation given), but for that 3 chapter story, I wanted it to keep going. So I thought, better yet, why not make it my own? I would also like to add that there is one more dose of inspiration for this series. A webcomic by Surfacage that I keep seeing snippets of on various platforms of the web about the Pokemon Go gym leaders called And the World Will Turn to Ash, [correct me if I'm wrong about any of that as I have yet to read the entire thing but the artwork is "lit" as the millennials say].

This is my first fanfic...enjoy.

Prologue

It has been almost three years since Ash Ketchum started his journey, and in that time he won the Silver Conference, partook in countless battles and fought to dismantle the terrorist group known as Team Rocket. It was a journey marked by determination, endurance, and of headlines as the young rookie won his first conference. One would think that he would be happy and eager for his next adventure, but Giovanni's last words haunted him on that dark day.

"Beware boy, we aren't the only Rockets"

Was it a last ditch effort on his part to scare him before he succumbed to his injuries, or was there something more sinister lurking in the underbelly of the Kanto and Jhoto regions? To this day his past still haunts him: a man in chains, a savage battle, death, blood, and destruction.

...

A loyal pikachu found himself conflicted. His best friend was suffering and all he wanted was for him to find his spark again. He had no doubts about returning to the battlefield and starting a new journey despite the danger that seemed unavoidable, but would that be the best for Ash? A light snore echoed in the quiet room of the Ketchum residence as pikachu watched his trainer slumber with a tense expression on his face. At least this would be a night without terrors and cold sweats. There were far too many of those. The mouse quietly climbed out of bed as the conversation from earlier replayed in his mind.

Facing his team, Ash spoke with shame and sorrow. "I know I haven't been the best trainer, and I know you have all suffered for my...ignorance," he spat. "I was a fool and I'm sorry." Concerned, pikachu and his comrades rushed to him before he held up his hand to stop them. "Look, I care and value all of you, but soon I will be leaving for Kalos. I don't know how often I will come back to Pallet, and I have no plans to leave if we encounter Rockets over there because I will fight them and eradicate them if I have to." His team paused in hesitation, but waited for Ash to continue.

"But, I still want you all to be there with me. I couldn't have asked for a better team. Some of you may not want to continue battling or run head-first into danger and I will not force you. I know better than to seek danger on purpose, but understand that I won't stand still and let others suffer if I see it." With ferocity, he looked at them straight in the eye, "think about it."

/

Pikachu slipped out the door and began his search. He needed to remind his master that they all were a team, and that they would follow him through hell if they had to. He needed to tell him, and there was only one way he knew how to do it. Pikachu only had one secret from Ash, and it was time he told him.

Off into the still night, the mouse began his search.

One thing was for certain, stagnation was unacceptable. Stagnation leads to nowhere; and there was no way he would accept it.

Chapter One: To Begin Again

On a bright fall morning, a young teen rolled over in his bed willing himself to rise, he yawned and stretched and knew that it was about time he should get out of bed. A sudden bolt of electricity was just what he needed for he sat upright in an instant, "Pikachu, what was that for? You know I was about to get out of bed you little turd. It's still early!" The yellow mouse laughed while the sound alerted yet another electric creature in his bed. The doppelganger giggled and Ash greeted him with a smile, "Hey Morph, good morning, you're up early." The little mouse just stared at the two before scampering off in laughter. The smell of delicious pancakes was the final push Ash needed to get dressed as he was looking forward to savouring his mother's home cooking one last time before heading out on his journey.

Downstairs, a woman in an apron with light brown hair greeted him, her short ponytail tied neatly and firmly as it didn't move an inch while she turned around to face him. "Hello sweetie, I'm glad you're awake."

Ash yawned, "Good morning mom, is the cafe not open today?"

She smiled, "We are, but I'm not going to pop in until later. I left Mr. Mime in charge today, there is no way I am missing out on time with the pride of Pallet Town!"

He blushed, "Mom, you have got to stop calling me that, the Silver Conference was ages ago"

"Oh but it's true," she said cheerfully. "Also, what's with this ages nonsense; you're way too young to be that cynical already; the conference was barely even a year ago." A ding from a kitchen timer went off and Delia walked toward the oven. Ash looked over and realized what was cooking. "You made pancakes and muffins?"

Without a beat she responded, "Of course silly, you're leaving today aren't you?"

Realizing what that meant, his eyes watered a bit, "Thanks mom."

Delia was an amazing cook, and her food always tasted better when she cooked it at home. Was it the extra touches that she put into her food when she was cooking here, or something else? Regardless, if it was one thing Ash loved most out of all her scrumptious dishes was her pancakes. He often joked that she should add them to the cafe menu, but she would always say that if she did that then she would have to keep the shop open all day to serve them. Instead, Delia ran her little coffee and pastry shop as a morning thing, then worked with the professor in the afternoon. In her eyes, the cafe was one kind of fun, while research and working alongside pokemon was another. She often said that she needed both in her life to be sane. While Ash wasn't sure how much she actually enjoyed working at the cafe, he knew that his father wanted them to have an alternate source of income should something happen to him.

Ash cared a great deal about his dad, but until more recently, he felt a bit bitter about him being gone so often. Yet, after all that happened to him this past year, he came through when he really needed him.

"Dad is not coming today is he?" Ash asked without much hope in his voice.

Delia paused as if to say something but ultimately decided to stay silent, "No, he's too far away on assignment, but he wishes you luck."

Ash shrugged, "Okay then." He glanced at his mother and hastily added, "Don't worry mom, I'm not mad about it."

Roughly 30 minutes later, Ash found himself at the front entrance of Professor Oak's lab. Three taps on the door announced his arrival, to which an elderly man in a white lab coat answered.

"Ash, my what a surprise- you're up earlier than expected!"

"Hey!" remarked the teen, but he knew he deserved it. He was not a morning person and everyone gave in greif about it- speaking of grief, his friendly yet somewhat arrogant rival walked in with a smirk that Ash swore would one day become permanently etched on his face.

"Well, well, well, look at what the meowth dragged in, a mess and a rat," sneered his fellow rival.

"Watch out Gary, pikachu is feeling generous with the shocks today." On cue, pikachu sparked his cheeks to back up that statement before flashing Ash a devious grin.

"Okay okay, you win," he said, holding up his hands in mock defeat. "Anyway, where is the other little trouble maker?"

Ash shrugged, "Morph is off doing its own thing."

Professor Oak stepped back into the main room. "Hello Gary."

"Hey Gramps," He responded.

"So, have you two decided what region you are traveling to next?" he questioned.

Ash immediately answered, "yes, Kalos." While that answer didn't surprise the professor in the least, it did trouble him and despite his best efforts, a brief wave of concern flashed his face- not unnoticed by Ash.

"Interesting choice… and you Gary?"

"Kalos, besides, I can't have Ashy-boy showing me up at the next region's league too. Consider my journey a challenge to ya, and this time I won't be in second place!"

Now it was Ash's turn to snicker, "So your only goal is to beat me then?"

"No, I was already going there anyway. I hear they have some strong pokemon," he said defensively.

Ash laughed, "sure sure."

Professor Oak intervened, "Okay you two, that's enough." The playful banter subsided. "Have each of you decided which pokemon you are taking with you?"

Gary spoke first, "I'm starting fresh gramps, only Blastoise and I."

He turned then to Ash, "and you?"

"I'll take pikachu and Morph of course, phanpy…. and hitmonchan for now."

The professor nodded, "alrighty, I'll go fetch them for you."

"Thanks professor."

One of the most obvious differences between Ash and Gary was not just Gary's overall teasing, sarcastic, and slightly arrogant nature, but it was that he thrived in the spotlight. Ash could only guess that it was because he wanted to stand out in a family well-known for their accomplishments. He also surmised that there was a part of Gary that felt a twinge of satisfaction from defeating others in battle as well as the excitement from the surge of adrenaline that followed. Ash supposed that in that way he was similar to the hot-headed teen. Personality wise however, Ash sat on the opposite end of the slope, and felt that humbleness was a respectable trait to possess. He also knew that after his last encounter with Team Rocket that any more future bouts with criminals could be more dangerous if he became too well known to the public.

Ash frowned, for unknown to most he was conflicted. The rush he experienced during battle and the strength that was gained was addicting, but if he continued on this path of winning and competing in leagues, would he be able to stay out of the spotlight? Truthfully, he had a secret desire to become a high-ranking member of the PGF, the Pokemon Government Forces, which was something his family wasn't supportive about. Some of the most well-respected trainers were a part of this elite group which included some Elite Four members, champions, and a handful of ACE trainers that made up the bulk of the Elite Division. Just to be recruited to the Trainee Division meant years of experience, an internal review, and a required recommendation by one of those members. Whilst he secretly wanted to join, he couldn't deny his anger with the league for recent events. He was also aware that it would be harder to join and go undercover if he achieved fame, he still considered it. While he was displeased with the League as a whole, he hoped that perhaps he could make things better, and more importantly, fully eliminate criminal organizations. He didn't care for the PGF, but the clearance that being a member would give him- that was enticing.

While the professor was out of earshot, Gary turned to face Ash, placing his consciousness back to reality. "So, in all seriousness, meet me at the usual place after you say your goodbyes to Mrs. Ketchum."

Ash arched a brow at him but before he could respond, the renowned professor returned- pokeballs in hand. "Here you go Ash, phanphy's and hitmonchan's pokeballs."

"Thanks professor, " he said, before placing them on his belt.

"Ash, do you mind staying after I update yours and Gary's pokedexes? I want to have a brief chat with you before you leave." Ash inwardly grimaced, the professor may have asked as though it was a request, but his tone said otherwise. Ash shot an apologetic look at Gary to which he nodded at in return. They knew it was best not to incur the professor's ire.

"Yes," he said reluctantly.

"Great, and it looks like the pokedexes are finished updating." He grabbed their devices from the table before handing them over.

Gary shouted as his enthusiasm could no longer be contained, "Thanks Gramps!" He then turned to Ash, "be careful loser."

He grinned, "Bye Gary, you be careful too. I'm looking forward to giving you the beat down."

Gary snorted and all but sprinted out the door. The professor turned to Ash and lightly smiled, "quite the energetic one isn't he?"

"yeah," he muttered.

"So, I'm sure you were expecting me to ask you this, but why -and look at me and answer honestly- why Kalos? Is it because there is a rumor that there is a possible active Team Rocket faction over there?"

"No," he lied, and the professor, seeing through him so clearly sternly remarked,

"Look Ash, you may have put a stop to their efforts close to home, but leave the remaining members to the PGF and let them handle it. We don't even know if they are just using that name to ensite fear or if they are actually associated with the former Team Rocket here.

Ash started to raise his voice, "So let them run amuck and continue to kill, steal, or who knows what else?"

"No," Oak fired back, "I said leave it to the professionals."

"That's what we tried to do the first time, look at how well that turned out!"

"Yes, and you lost your friend, and two others are crippled; do you really want something worse to happen?"

That struck a nerve and any hope of Ash not losing his temper vanished. He shouted in disbelief, "SOMETHING WORSE!"

Professor Oak took a deep breath before addressing him one last time, calmly yet intensely, "You know what I meant Ash, they could have done more than kill your charizard. They could kill everyone you care about- not just go after your pokemon. They could hurt you and your family. Think about how your mother would feel if something happens to you, or even, what would happen to your pokemon that depend on you to be there for them. Did you even consider how I would feel?"

Knowing that Professor Oak was right, stung, and Ash felt guilty for deep down, he still blamed himself most of all for what happened. Not looking the professor in the eye, he replied, "I'm sorry." He paused slightly, "I understand where you're coming from." He then looked up to face the professor, "I'm not going to actively look for them, but I will defend myself if they come after me or anyone I care about."

Professor Oak frowned at his declaration, "Ash."

The determined teen made his way to the door. "I'll see you around, professor, take care of yourself."

Oak sighed. The professor knew that Ash did the things he did because he cared deeply for others and his pokemon- no matter how misguided or reckless that made him at times. There was only one thing left for him to say at this point, "Please be safe."

Ash nodded then headed out the door, and from there, said his goodbyes to his mother before grabbing the remainder of his things. He turned towards his amorphous friend who now assumed the shape of a pink blob. "Come on Morph, it's time to say goodbye." With excitement, the limber pokemon made its way to Ash before flopping itself on the top of his head to which Ash chuckled. Pikachu then walked into the room and made himself comfortable on Ash's shoulder. Ash felt like a ferry with passengers and wondered how ridiculous he looked.

Just on the outskirts of town, Ash made his way towards his rival. "What's up Gary?"

The spiky brown-haired teen smirked, "you look ridiculous."

He laughed, "I could say the same thing about you with how much gel you put in your hair."

Gary smiled, "fair enough." He then pulled out a small box and gave it to Ash. "Here, this is for you."

He took the box and looked inside it; his eyes widened upon realizing what it was. "A pokenav, really? These are expensive."

His rival shrugged, "Well, it was my idea but everyone pitched in." Ash gave him a look prompting further explanation.

"Look, it became apparent that you need to be able to reach someone in an emergency. Why you didn't get one sooner is a mystery given that I've had one since starting my journey so…" He trailed off.

"Thanks man."

Silence fell between them and Gary, being the type of person who loathed any form of mushyness no matter who it was from, spoke first, "Alright, get going loser or you will miss your flight."

Grinning, Ash put the device on his wrist.

"And another thing," Gary called as Ash walked away, "next time you come face to face with a Rocket, call me first for backup and we'll give them hell."

Ash yelled back, "count on it!"