Pokémon Journey:Adventures in Kalos

Hey guys Paradox here and welcome to Chapter 38. Finally we are at the end of the Summer Camp Arc,final stretch before finally we get to Shalour City. So with this last installment. Let's enjoy the show.


"Success is not final,failure is not fatal:it is the courage to continue that counts."-Winston Churchill


Chapter 38: The Last Hurrah

It was early in the morning when Serena was the first to rise out of bed only to get a brush out and then brushing her hair to fix her pillow head. As she was doing so she saw Ash beginning to squirm in his sleep. At first she thought it was cute,but Ash still continued to squirm around to the point where he was doing it hastily. "Ash,Ash" Serena when to his bedside only to see the him squirm a lot more and then began to move around in his bed. He then started to mumble but Serena couldn't make out what he was saying. Serena then noticed the expression on his face as he looked afraid,he was the midst of a nightmare.

"Ash,Ash!" Serena began to shake him to awake.


"Ash,Ash!"

"W-who's there." Ash said. Ash found himself nowhere. Everywhere he saw was pitch black with only a spotlight following him as he walked around. No Pikachu,No Clemont nor Bonnie not even Serena. "Hello,anyone?!" He shouted. As he was walking the setting began to change,right to the forest. More specifically the forest where he was last night. All the sudden his reality was broken when a dark creature broke through a wall when there was nothing there. It then spoke in its dark,frightening voice.

"You can't escape your destiny." Ash reached to his belt only to realize that his PokéBalls were gone. With only one option he ran. He ran and ran when he looked back to see the creature disappeared. When he looked forward he bumped into a familiar figure. "Xerneas?" Ash said. "You can't escape your destiny." It said. "You too?!" Ash spoke with a lump in his throat. "YOU CAN'T ESCAPE YOUR DESTINY!" It spoke again much louder. Ash had no other choice and ran away. He ran and ran until someone else stopped him. "Drake!" Ash said. "You can't escape your destiny." He said. "No...no,no,no." You can't escape Ash. You can't escape your destiny!" Drake said.

Ash then ran away from him. From there voices along the path he took began to overwhelm him as ran. Ash manage to take a quick peak,only to see that it was people he knew,ranged from his mom,to Brock,Misty all the way to Clemont and Bonnie. There he saw Serena stop in front of him. "You can't escape your destiny Ash." Ash said. As the voices kept echoing in his mind,Ash felt going insane and tried to the block the noise. But they still cut through through the point where Ash couldn't take it anymore.

"AAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"


"Ash!" Ash then woke up hyperventilating quickly to where almost like they just revived him with shock panels. "Ash are you alright?" Ash looked up to where he saw Clemont,Bonnie,Serena,and Pikachu hovering over him. He couldn't speak as he was still hyperventilating. Instead he got up quickly and went to the restroom. "Ash,Ash wait up." Serena said as she ran after him. Split by a lock door,Serena heard the water running,and figured not wanting to overwhelm Ash when he comes out and decided to wait as the others got dressed for the day. Then Ash will hopefully be ready to talk.

Ash continued to splash cold water on his face as he stare to his reflection in the bathroom mirror. He thought of the dream as to where he thought of his late night conversation with Xerneas. All those people,his friends,family telling him he can't outrun his fate as if their lives depend on it. Which brought back to the conversation with Xerneas. While intriguing,and also invading Xerneas told him of his hidden powers. How else Xerneas even knew in the first place Ash didn't know. But Xerneas sounded like it WANTED Ash to train as an Aura Guardian without even having the slightest pang of remorse of saying no.

Regardless last night made Ash bitter towards the Stag as if he could begin training by a quick snap. But there's also the risks of such newer forms of potential that can be used wrongly,something the Ash believes that Xerneas had missed,only focusing on the possibilities.

"Ash,come out." Ash looked towards the door to where he could here Bonnie yelling. "Bonnie he'll come out when he's ready." Clemont said. "But I still need to go. It's not like I could go in the wood-" Bonnie's comment stopped as Ash finally unlocked the door and came out. "Thank you." Bonnie thanked while rushing in.

"Ash are you alright?" Serena asked. "Uh..um." Ash kept stuttering as he words couldn't escape his tongue. Serena then helped him towards the sofa as they took a seat. While rubbing his back and shoulders to help him relax. "It's ok,it's ok." Serena said as Ash took deep breaths to calm down. "I'm alright." Ash finally spoke. "Ok,what happened." Serena asked.

"..Just a nightmare." Ash said. "Really? You were pretty spooked for it to be just a nightmare." Serena said. "You want to talk about it?" Serena said. "Maybe later,right we got to prepare for today." Ash said. Serena nodded and reminded herself to bring it up eventually. Keyword being eventually since who knows when Ash will be ready to talk.

At the front of the main building everyone united for the final event to end the camp with. "Alright everyone,we finally made it to the end. Everyone here has proven to work alongside their team and your fellow Pokémon. For that we are gonna have a test to see how you would demonstrate that. And so that the final event is a Pokémon Tourney." Said the professor. Everyone cheered that the last event everyone could go out with a bang before Summer Camp ends.

"Now in this year's Summer Camp. It's now anyone's game. Now with Teams Froakie,Squirtle,and Fennekin are tied for first position with ten points each. However the winner of this event not just receives ten points but will jump to the top. And that team will be inducted in the Summer Camp Hall of Fame." Said the Professor. "Alright,the Tournament will begin after lunch,so make way for the mess hall for a delicious meal." Everyone nodded and walked down to the mess hall.

Like before Teams Froakie and Squirtle sat together at a table while talking about today's events. "So...finally here." Said Shauna. "Yep,it all ends here." Said Serena. "With this event. One of us will be in the Summer Camp Hall of Fame." Said Trevor. "Yea,we'll finally settle that battle we had on the first day,right Ash." Bonnie said. Ash however wasn't paying to mind the conversation. Instead his mind dwelled on the nightmare he had last night. What everyone's been telling him. You can't outrun your fate.

"Ash?" Ash snapped out of it to look at everyone staring at him. "You have bags under your eyes. Are you sure you're alright." Shauna asked. "I'm fine...I'm fine." The fact that Ash was still under and that he's showing clear sign of anxiety told everyone that he's far from fine. Serena meanwhile still hopes to find some sort of way to help him come forward.

After lunch the Tourney began with Teams Mudkip and Charmander as the first contenders with Team Mudkip taking the victory. With that Teams Treeko and Chikortia went next and Team Treeko won the battle.

The next four hours were long and twenty minute breaks seem to make up the more. By then only five teams remained composed of Teams Froakie,Squirtle,Fennekin,Chespin,and Torchic. Next battle was between Chespin and Torchic. A narrow battle between both teams but in the end Team Chespin took the win with one of their members left standing.

The battles continue to be fought valiantly as Teams Froakie,Squirtle,Fennekin and Chespin remaining. Team Squirtle and Fennekin fought theirs long and hard,but with coordination Team Squirtle won their battle to head to the final match. Which now brings to Teams Froakie and Fennekin match which took place mid afternoon.

"Froakie,Water Pulse." Ash said,zeroing in on their only opponent. "Quick hold that Water Pulse with Psychic Espurr." As the Water Pulse continued to zone in,Espurr managed to hold it progress with blue psychic power. "While they're distracted,Use Pin Missile Chespin." Said Clemont. "Back that up with Flamethrower Fennekin." Both Pokémon nodded and fired their chosen moves,each closing in on Espurr,finally connecting upon impact creating smoke. Espurr was then revealed to be fainted once the smoke dispersed. "Its over,Team Froakie is the winner,which means they're going to the finals." Said the Professor.

Everyone applauded for Team Froakie's victory as both teams showed their respect for such a great battle. "Now the final will commence this evening at five o'clock." Said the Professor. Clemont looked at the time to see that they only got only an hour and half to prepare for their final match. "With that,may the two triumph and one emerge victorious." The professor continued then left back to the front stage at the mess hall. While there he saw Madam Catherine preparing tonight's feast.

"Hello Madam Catherine,how goes tonight's feast?" He asked. "A little slow actually. My three chefs went to gather the vegetables and meats awhile back,but so far they still haven't return." Catherine said. "It's sounds troubling,don't worry I'm sure they'll be back soon." The professor said.


As a door fully shuts,revealing three people in their undergarments all taped and tied up,Team Rocket finally finishes on putting on their uniforms.

"Come on,come on! We have to hurry." Jessie said. "Why the sudden rush Jessie?" James asked. "Because,the soon we get our hands on a group of Pokémon,the sooner we can leave long before anyone notices." Jessie said. "So we're not going after the twerp's Pokémon?" Meowth said. "We're not taking any chances with that twerp or his friends,not this time." Jessie said. "She's right,the twerp will see us coming from a mile away." James said. "Alright,alright *sigh* I just can't believe I have to stand on Wobbuffet's shoulders again." Meowth said causing Wobbuffet to pop out like always.


After turning in their Pokémon in to Nurse Joy for a checkup,Ash and the team went over strategies over their final battle. "Alright,so we saw their matches,we at least have afew ideas to counter their techniques." Said Clemont. "Well,we need to stay on our toes to not be totally expose." Serena said. "For that,we need at least some sort of cover while set this trick we're going to do." Ash said. "Alright,here's what we're going to do." He continued.

Meanwhile outside the Pokémon Center Team Squirtle was going to check in their Pokémon in with Nurse Joy when three others came by with a pink cart. "Hello trainers we just wanted to come by to congratulate on your success to the finals." Said Jessie in a much higher voice. Team Squirtle thanked them for the gesture,and tried to walk away. "Do you need assistance with your Pokémon?" James asked. "Yea we were just going to get them checked by Nurse Joy." Shauna said. "Nonsense,we'll take care of them." Said Jessie. "Yes,not only we're excellent chefs,we're also license Pokémon Caretakers." Said James. "Beside Nurse Joy has a lot on her plate at the moment." Meowth added.

As Team Squirtle talked whether to trust these people,Team Rocket sneered in secret about catching these fools out of their Pokémon. "Alright,we'll check into the the Pokémon Center later for them." Said Tierno. "Very well." Jessie said as Team Squirtle then put their Pokémon in the cart. "Ok that's that." Said James. "Take care of them." Tierno said as they head to another part of the village. As soon they were out of sight,Team Rocket ran all the way to the forest in a flash. As soon as they entered,Jessie released Pumpkaboo.

"Leech Seed." Pumpkaboo followed and fired a seedling from its root and latched on to all three Pokémon as they felt the vine around them tighten and slowly drain their energy away. "Alright,you three are hereby part of Team Rocket." Meowth said as all three of them laughed.

Twenty minutes later

As Ash and the gang receive their Pokémon from Nurse Joy,Team Squirtle come in to receive theirs. "Hey guys,what's up." Ash said. "Nothing,just here to receive our Pokémon from Nurse Joy." Tierno said. Overhearing their conversation,Nurse Joy came over. "I beg your pardon?" She said. "Our Pokémon,the three chefs who came by and dropped them off here." Shauna said. "But...I only treated the Pokémon of these folk." Nurse Joy pointed to Ash and co. "But that's impossible,they said they would take care of our Pokémon." Trevor said.

"Guys,what did these chefs look like?" Ash asked. "Easy,while they were wearing chef hats,one had short blue hair,another had long red hair,and the last one had short brown hair,but for some reason he sure didn't sound normal." Shauna said. Ash then thought back to the details. Short blue hair,long red hair,abnormal voice;all three features were enough for Ash to find out who had their Pokémon.

"*sigh*They just won't take a hint." Ash said to himself. "Ash,something is wrong isn't it." Shauna asked. "No contest,these guys mean a whole different kind of "care." Ash said. "They're here." He continued. "Who?" Trevor asked.

"Team Rocket."

Right away all of Team Froakie internally groan to themselves. Just when all was going fine. "Who's Team Rocket?" Tierno asked. "A group of petty thieves I've been dealing with for a long time." Ash said. Right away Team Squirtle were shocked,and internally embarrassed with a slight case of anger. They just gave their Pokémon to a group of thieves. "Don't worry guys,we'll get them back." Ash said. "How?! We don't even know where they went." Trevor said. "I already have an idea,but I'll need need some sort of item from one of your Pokémon." Ash asked.

"Well,I have the brush I use to brush Bulbasaur." Shauna said as she took out a green brush from her bag. "What's your idea Ash." Serena asked. "Well,this." Ash said as he had Pikachu sniff the brush. "Of course,Pikachu will be able to catch Bulbasaur's scent." Clemont said. "Right." Ash said as he saw Pikachu was done sniffing. "Do you have the scent buddy?" Pikachu nodded and headed outside with everyone following suit. "Alright to buddy?" Pikachu took a good whiff and then pointed to the forest. "That where they went." Clemont said. "Alright Fletchinder come out." Ash said as he released the flame Pokémon out of its Pokéball.

"Pikachu climb aboard." Pikachu followed suit and climbed on top of Fletchinder. "Alright,follow the scent and we'll be right behind." Ash said. Both Pokémon nodded and flew off. "Let's follow them." Everyone nodded and ran off to the forest.

While in the air both Pokémon look around on ground level to spot Team Rocket,all while Pikachu continued to sniff around for Bulbasaur's scent. Under a tree lining the duo spot the three thieves having a little lunch on the ground. Finally knowing their location they went back to tell the others.

Meanwhile the two teams continue to run through the forest. "You think they found them yet." Tierno said. "I have faith in them." Ash said. Not long after Pikachu and Fletchinder found the others. "Did you find them guys?" Ash said. Both Pokémon nodded and showed them the way. "Alright let's go,but watch yourselves." Ash warned the others.

As Team Rocket celebrated their victory they come to realize such victory would be cut short. "You!" Team Rocket turn to see Ash and others standing across from them. "Oh hello campers,we were um,um taking a break from collecting various vegetables and berries." Said Jessie. "You're not fooling anybody. The jig is up!" Ash shouted. Team Rocket were disappointed to not fool them,and instead snickers as they revealed their uniforms.

"Ha,prepare for trouble then twerps."

"And make it double,you'll certainly be hurt."

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To expand our reach to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight,fight,fight."

"Meowth that's right."

"Oh,I'll blast you three off at the speed of light alright." Ash growl. "Don't dare use our motto against us." Said Jessie. "Give us the Pokémon and maybe...you'll can run away for a change." Ash said. "Ha,give these Pokémon." Jessie the cart showing a weak Bulbasaur,Charmander,and Squirtle wrap in an energy stealing vine. "No." Tierno said as he along with Shauna and Trevor worried about their Pokémon.

"You know,we didn't plan of running into you twerps,but since fate smile on moi. Give us Pikachu and maybe we'll give you back the Pokémon." Said Jessie. Ash clench his fist deeper. No way they were following such demands. "You can't be serious." Said Serena. "Ha,since we're the only ones with a bargaining chip,we make the demands." Said James. "Yea,so twerps. Deal or No Deal." Meowth responded. Ash snarled at them,but then something else beat them to it. Somehow a strong gust of wind blew from the opposite direction manage to make Jessie lose the cart,causing it to roll over to the group. Team Squirtle manage to unravel the wine around their Pokémon as they then hug and express their relief.

"You guys. Are you alright?" Tierno asked. All three Pokémon weakly nodded as they were about to pass out. "At this point,they really need to go to the Pokémon Center." Said Clemont. "Right but first." Ash said as he turn back to the confused trio.

"Why'd you let the cart go!" James said. "It wasn't my fault." Jessie said. "Nice going Butterfingers." Meowth said,but all three then heard Ash clear his throat,getting their attention. "Uhhh...can we go now?" Jessie said while nervously smiling along with James and Meowth. "Yea...you can go." Ash said then nodded at Pikachu. The latter then fired a powerful Thunderbolt,sending them sky high.

"Not exactly the exit I was hoping." Said Jessie.

"Does it matter." James asked.

"Not to us." Meowth said.

"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" They said as they flew. The gang cheered as they finally rid of Team Rocket. "Thanks for your help guys." Tierno said. "It was nothing guys." Clemont said. "Beside Ash did the majority,right Ash." Serena said but then looked to Ash,who was distracted. "Ash?" They said.

Ash didn't respond,instead something,just how...he could sense its presence. "I know you're here." Ash said while closing his eyes. When he opened them,he looked slightly up with a slightly agitated look on his face,to see Xerneas standing before him. The others meanwhile were shocked completely as to how this thing just appeared out of thin air. "Ash who is that!" Serena asked. Ash meanwhile was still eyeing Xerneas in the eye.

"Why?"

"Because It appeared you needed assistance against those three." Xerneas said. "Not that...I mean why?!" Ash demanded. "Do you think I'm stupid?!" Ash said. "Not in the slightest. After all you are the Chosen One." Xerneas said. "Chosen One?" Everyone wondered why Xerneas called him that.

"Stop calling me that for a minute. I have a name." Ash said. "Very well,I suppose I may have a response to your question." Xerneas said. "You think it was a coincidence that I just happen to have a nightmare about what you told the other night. I know it was you...I know you're the one who sent it to me in the first place!" Ash snarled.

"...you're wisdom knows no bounds Ash Ketchum. Yes I did sent you the nightmare." Xerneas confessed. "Now why would you do that?! Are you trying to push me to train!" Ash yelled. "*sigh*...I would admit to say that I was lying if I told you no." Xerneas replied. "You really don't understand anything about human judgment. You think it's that easy. To just learn how to wield a greater power in a snap? Guess what it's not. I'm not a Legend like you. There are risks to be considered." Ash said.

"There are risks to be considered. You must understand trouble will come." Xerneas said. "I dealt with trouble before." Ash said. "Not of this magnitude. This is bigger then any one man,more then yourself...and myself or any other Legend. But for you,this is the trouble that you can't deal with as Ash Ketchum." Xerneas said. "What are you saying?" Ash asked. "You must understand. The nightmare was only meant for motivation. Should you do this. You'll become someone else...something else." Xerneas said. "...that's exactly what I'm afraid of." Ash said,calming down. "You have every right to be. But sometimes when you dug yourself too deep is when you know you're learning to achieve. When you emerge to feel...reborn,adapted,and ready. You learn to stand firm and plant your feet." Xerneas said. Ash meanwhile couldn't say anything to counter what Xerneas said. He blinked and when opening his eyes again...Xerneas was gone. "Plus on record as Chosen One,you're already a Legend yourself." Ash heard that comment in his head.

"This is becoming a habit." Ash said. The others meanwhile just there speechless as Ash then walked back to them. "We gonna talk about this." Serena said. "I owe it to you guys." Ash said. "We should head back." Ash said with the others finally nodding to follow.

Following the afternoon Teams Froakie and Squirtle met on the battlefield as setting sun came down. Prior to the battle as their Pokémon were being heal back to Heath. Ash took the time to explain everything from the nightmare all the way to his heritage. Team Squirtle were surprised to hear of Ash having such potential,but Ash asked them of their secrecy with the information and all three promised not to reveal anything to anyone.

Back to the battle

"Alright we finally made it. Now the victor of this match will be guaranteed into the Summer Camp Hall of Fame." The professor said. "Alright you ready to settle this?" Team Squirtle said as their Pokémon took position.

"Always." Team Froakie vowed.


Team Froakie vs. Team Squirtle: three on three

"Alright Pikachu,Lets start with Thunderbolt." Pikachu followed by shooting a powerful bolt of lightning. "Block it with Water Gun,Squirtle." Squirtle obeyed and fired a powerful current of water,blocking and canceling the Thunderbolt.

"Use Energy Ball on Pikachu." Bulbasaur then fired a green ball of plant energy towards the Mouse Pokémon. "Block that with Vine Whip." Chespin then jumped and extended his vines and blocked the Energy Ball with a powerful blow. "Use Flamethrower on Bulbasuar." Fennekin then fired a powerful stream of flame towards the Seed Pokémon. "Protect Bulbasuar with Rapid Spin." Squirtle then retreated into his shell and spun around and moving at a fast pace. It managed to deflect the Flamethrower while taking minimal damage.

"Chespin,Pin Missile." Chespin then fired a wide spread of green missiles,aimed at at all three opponents. "Quickly Dodge." All three Kanto starters then jumped just before the Pin Missile impacted on the ground. "We have to somehow cut through." Said Serena. "I think I have an idea. Have Chespin launch Pikachu with Vine Whip." Ash said. "Chespin,do it." Chespin then jostled Pikachu and launched him like a catapult. "Now Pikachu use Iron Tail." At high speeds,Pikachu launched a powerful attack of steel,plus with the maximum velocity managed to hit Charmander with the strength and speed of a bullet.

Charmander was launched back at high speeds and wound up landing on Bulbasuar. Bulbasaur,who weakly got up,stood firm,but Charmander stayed there with swirls in his eyes. "No,I'm done guys." Trevor said as he return Charmander. "Don't worry,we'll get it back." Tierno said.

"Pikachu use Quick Attack." Pikachu glowed under a clear aura,and charge in at high speed. "Send him back with Rapid Spin." Squirtle launched a spinoff inside his shell and collided with Pikachu,sending him back.

"Flamethrower/Pin Missile on Bulbasuar." Both Pokémon then combine both attacks and then launched,leaving Bulbasaur too shock to move. Both attacks impacted on the Seed Pokémon,who then revealed fainted when the smoke dispersed. "Aww,its all up to Tierno." Shauna said as she returns Bulbasaur. "This is gonna be a stretch." Tierno began to sweat.

"Use Quick Attack." Pikachu then attacked with a high speed tackle. "Let's grove Squirtle." Squirtle then started to dance around and did a front flip to dodge the Quick Attack. "Use Water Gun." Turning around in mid air,Squirtle launched a blast of water towards Pikachu,sending him back. "Use Rapid Spin before he recovers." Squirtle then did a spin inside his shell and launched himself. Ash acted fast and thought of a counter plan. "Stay there." Ash said as Squirtle continued to zone in.

"Wait,wait." Ash watched as Squirtle then got just close. "Now slam the top shell with Iron Tail. Pikachu did a short hop with a Steel Tail and slammed the top of Squirtle's Shell,sending a shockwave and launching the shell upward like a person flipping a coin. Squirtle then popped out of his shell once he landed back on ground,feeling dizzy and losing his balance. "Squirtle snap out of it." But Squirtle didn't heel as he continued to stumble around. "Use Thunderbolt." Pikachu then decided to finish this with a powerful bolt of lightning,shocking Squirtle and causing an explosion,leaving Squirtle fainted,and a clear victor.

"Time,all Pokémon on Team Squirtle is unable to battle. Which leaves Team Froakie the winners." Said the professor.


The other campers applauded for Team Froakie's victory while Team Squirtle thanked them for such a great battle. "Congratulations guys." Shauna said. "Yea,an honor battling you guys." Trevor said. "Thanks guys." Team Froakie said. "Alright,Team Froakie did it." Bonnie cheered from the side along with Dedenne.

During dinner,Professor Sycamore then came to the front stage. "Alright everyone,we finally reached the end. We had a very fun time here,and have learned a valuable experience. Please use this experience and knowledge along with you on your journeys." Everyone applauded while finishing dinner and then finally heading off to bed.

The next morning,Team Froakie posed for their winning photo while Team Squirtle waited on the sidelines. "Alright everyone,smile." The professor said as the photographer took the picture. "Alright,well you three...have a great time on your journey and Ash...say hi to Drake for me." The professor said.

"Will do" Ash said as the Professor left back inside. Meanwhile Team Squirtle came by. "Well guys we'll see you down the road." Tierno said. "What will you guys do now." Serena asked. "We'll walk back to Cyllage City together,then maybe spilt." Shauna said. "What about you guys?" Trevor said. "We'll heading Shalour City." Ash said. "That's great,but one thing Ash?" Shauna asked.

"Uhh...sure?" Ash said nervously.

"Who's Drake?" She asked. "My older brother,we spilt back in Geosenge Town for awhile,but we'll see him once we get to Shalour City." Ash said. "That's good,we'll see you guys soon. And Serena? Let's see that Showcase soon." Shauna added. "I'm looking forward to it." Serena said as Team Squirtle left. "Well guys shall we get going?" Ash said. "You know it. On to Shalour City!" The group cheered as they finally walked to the path of Route 11 to Shalour City.

In a room inside the main building they just finish hanging Team Froakie's portrait along with many of the past winners including a young Diantha and her team. Showing the highest form of partnership and teamwork. Something that Team Froakie would remember as the Journey continues.


Boom done. Well guys with this chapter we wave goodbye to the Summer Camp Arc. Next chapter will finally lead to gang finally arriving in Shalour City after like years of waiting thank god. Well now matters arose in Ash's mind and the lines of judgement cloud his head. What will he chose? Next chapter is where all problems collide and decisions will be made. Stay tune. This Paradox signing off. Goodbye.