Today's chapter as mentioned in the last chapter will feature the Bug type Elite Four, Aaron. Originally it was just supposed to be a battle, but now, this story needs to be centered around Butterfree for a while. I have big plans for the bug type that will eventually be revealed one day, but it would need the ingredient of a good story line.

So please enjoy chapter 94, and feel free to review any suggestions.

Location: Emeragrove Town.

Storyline Date: 29th January, 2023.

"Alright, Butterfree!'' Ash hollered, "Use Aerial Ace! And Pikachu, Quick Attack!''

"Free~!" Butterfree zipped haphazard patterns through the air, his speed leaving several after images trailing behind his approach. Pikachu at the same time launched himself at the butterfly, milky white aura rocketing him forward.

The two pokemon clashed in mid-air, Pikachu's tough skull crashing into Butterfree's. Ash heard the bug squeak in pain and even felt a little pain stirring up in his heart, but Butterfree's momentum shoved the electric type back, skidding across the grass.

After toppling over, Pikachu rolled back with an approving grin, crossing his arms. "Pika, Pikachu!'' He'd like to try that again.

"Well, if Pikachu says so, then he is definitely right,'' Ash hopped into the clearing, stopping the training regime. With sparkling eyes, he gazed into the eyes of Butterfree, ''You are getting stronger Butterfree. I am proud of you.''

"Free~" that was all the bug wanted to hear. In glee, he fluttered and landed on Ash's hat, hands latched tightly to the headgear.

"Oh…Dracovish needs to learn something from you, once in a while…'' Ash chuckled.

"C'mon, you know you find it cute." Lucario said as he lightly punched his trainer's arm in a teasing manner.

May huffed, observing their training session, perching on a log. Ever since Ash had his battle against Crasher Wake yesterday, his training ordeals with Butterfree hadn't stopped since they arrived in Emeragrove Town. While she had completed her morning run with her Pokemon an hour back, she was unwillingly obliged to return to the clearing and wait for Ash to cease his training.

Her mind kept running about her upcoming PWCE Contest, and she still had to make up her mind on which Pokemon to choose. Swablu and Flaaffy already had their turn and did their best, yet the expected results were not yielded in the Hearthome City Contest. Not that she held either of them accountable, but a shiny, lustrous gold ribbon with expensive clothing in well-tended vines seemed very dreamy, but also necessary. Dawn was a quick planner in setting off to Unova to tend to the advice of Elesa, the Nimbasa City's Gym Leader.

May sighed again, this time a heavy heave. She was sure somewhere around the globe, Ursula, Robert, even Solidad were chasing their Ribbons. She read about them on social media and tracked their achievements. Zoey had won her First World Contest Ribbon too, the same day Robert earned his. She rolled her eyes with a disinterested gaze, only to be able to focus on her plans ahead. It felt petty inside, everyone else was working hard, while she sat around just after two to three hours of training per day.

In Ash's opinion, it seemed enough. Too much training would only lead to too much pressure, and she had to admit, he had a point there. Rather than thinking about presenting herself at the World Grand Festival, she just had to take one step at a time. But if her mind raced faster than her body, then that was out of her control.

She began to think about her Pokemon and evaluated her choice to choose any two from her roster. There were the most experienced veterans she had – Blaziken, Beautifly, Skitty and Glaceon. As elegant they were in their performance, their battles were just as fierce. They just had to be a part of this contest, and without them, she couldn't win. And if they teamed with powerhouses like Venusaur and Munchlax, that would be quite the framed strategy. And that leaves with the rookies - Smeargle and Mismagius. That was a teamwork made in heavens. Smeargle's artistic capabilities with a gift to learn almost all the moves, with a supernatural force like Mismagius, that could just take May to another level.

She felt a pressing weight on her head, and giggled as a tentacle tickled her in the cheek. Her pupils rolled up, finding Beautifly's inverted face gazing down upon her.

A smile picked up in the corner of May's lips. "Looks like we'll be hitting our stride soon, huh Beautifly?''

"Beaauuuuu~'' the butterfly sang.

"You seem excited today,'' the coordinator chuckled.

"Oh Beautifly! There you are!'' a panting, mild concerned male voice carried over from behind, straightening May up, catching her off guard. "How many times have I told you not to run off like that?"

May struggled for words, spinning around to confront whoever had the nerve to claim her Pokemon as his…or was it really even hers? If she remembered correctly, she had sent off Beautifly two days ago and brought over Munchlax in exchange. And suddenly the lightning of realization stuck her. If this Beautifly that was a little bigger, stubbier and emanating a different aroma wasn't hers, then…it would certainly belong to the tall man standing in front of her.

No stranger to green heads, this particular man had a lime shade on his wavy hairstyle, but with an odd long cowlick waving on top. He was either on a diet or knew how to maintain his shape, because his body and fat were two polar opposites. From his attire, the best reasoning could be that he was from some biker gang who still wears a sleeveless orange zipper, and those baggy trousers, well…better suited for a Scraggy than this oddly looking fellow.

"Umm…hello? Can I have my Beautifly back?'' the man requested.

May doubled over, realising that Beautifly was still perched on her head. Sweating, she unfastened the bug type down in her hands, and forwarded it back to the trainer.

"Thanks,'' the man beamed, carefully accepting the bug type in his arms. "Beautifly must have really taken a shine to your shampoo. But that habit has got me in a lot of trouble.''

Blushing, after having accepted that as a compliment, May tilted her head. ''Oh you don't have to tell me that. I had to write a florist a fat check just because of my Beautifly.'' May hung her head, ashamed at the memory.

"I am happy to know that you own a Bug type Pokemon too!" the stranger was delighted, "otherwise kids these generations are just a tad bit crazy for Dragon type and Dark types. One may consider Bug Types inferior, but they are magnificent species that are far mightier than meets the eye."

May giggled. ''You seem to know a lot about Bug types. Are you an entomologist?" Lost in her conversation though, it had just come to her that this was the person they had come to Emeragrove in the first place. Blue orbs widened, disbelief written on her features. "Hey, wait a second! Aren't you…?"

"Hey, it's Aaron!" Ash exclaimed excitedly, a wide smile on his face as he rushed in quickly, followed by Butterfree, Lucario, and Pikachu. "You finally made it!'' He let out a jovial chuckle, echoed by a cry of greeting from Pikachu.

Taking his eyes off May, the man revealed to be Aaron of the Elite Four, greeted in a friendly manner, "Ash! And Pikachu too!"

"Been so long!'' Ash reached first, throwing his hand out for a handshake, ''I was looking forward to our meet this morning!''

"That makes the two of us,'' Aaron laughed, gladly participating in the handshake with one hand whilst the other held the Beautifly. ''I actually was on my way to meet over, however this bad guy just took off."

"Pika!" the little rodent waved from behind Ash's shoulder.

"Beau~" the Hoenn butterfly cheered in merry, elongating its tentacle to tickle Pikachu in the face, and the sensation just broke the mouse into a shrill of laughter.

"And what's this?" Aaron then said. "Seems you've finally got a Lucario on your team now. Many of us here in Sinnoh always figured a Pokemon like that would fit you."

"Yes, I agree." said Lucario telepathically. "And yes, I can talk. Don't question it."

"...Um…"

"He said don't question it." Ash drawled bluntly. Thanks to his and Lucario's aura link, he knew the jackal was fed up with people questioning his ability to communicate every single time.

"...Alright then." Best pretend that never happened.

"Anyways, I couldn't really contain myself when Crasher Wake called and let me know you guys were gonna pop. It would be a shame to miss the chance to meet the Champion of Alola Region.''

The praise amused Ash instantly, and he chuckled, with a finger scratching his cheek, trying his absolute best to be modest. ''I wouldn't really say that. You are more of a celebrity in these parts than I will ever be.''

"Oh, I wouldn't say that,'' Aaron assured, ''You are quite the big talk after your battle with Lucian. It just so happens that we were all at a general meeting, and you were brought up. And you would be happy to know, all of us, including the Champion, are very much impressed by your progress. She even looks forward to meet you in the Masters Tournament.''

A most self-satisfied smile danced on Ash's lips, and his chest puffed with pride. "Oh man! Cynthia really said that?! Now I am double fired up!''

"Ash! Introduce us, you blockhead!'' May scolded, jumping between the two trainers, with a hand outstretched that hastily shook the Elite Member's hand. ''Hi, I am May Maple! I am a Coordinator!"

Bewildered, and a little worried that his skinny hand could fall off from the socket, Aaron could only manage a brief laugh, ''You don't need to introduce yourself May. Everybody knows about the Princess of Hoenn. You are no less than a celebrity than Ash.''

Snorting, with his hands folded behind his head, and immediately began the analysis of comparison ''Yeah but I became Champion beating a Deity Legendary Pokemon. She became a Top Coordinator by-" Ash stopped himself, nearly choking on his words. He couldn't believe what he was about to say in the flow. A shiver ran down his spine, as he felt the weight of the universe collapsing down on him.

Or, May's flaring set of eyes, at least. Same thing.

"You wanna finish that?'' she mumbled, voice as monotonous but scarier than a witch of Saffron City. She knew he wouldn't say that. She didn't need to be a brawler, her simple glare could uproot his bigmouthed tendencies.

"No, that's okay. You know I am proud of you…'' Ash nervously chuckled, sputtering out something that could placate her. He'd seen enough of her vindictive proclivity from their past journeys.

Ash's shivering didn't escape Aaron's eye, as he laughed at the cowering of the great Champion, and decided to bury the topic. He walked past the two individuals, turning his attention to Butterfree.

"And I guess you are the reason for my consultation today,'' Aaron smiled, holding a hand out to touch Butterfree's abdomen.

"Free~" the bug affirmed.

As soon as the contact was made, Aaron began to sense the insect's feelings. Everything around them disappeared. There was a stillness in the air. It was the kind of day even a feather would fall without drifting one way or the other. The grass was straight and silent, the leaves dangled more as if they had been painted there. Should a person be able to feel the beating of the birds' wings - that would have been the only breeze. It was still, utterly still.

The bug type specialist heard a flutter, and he closed his eyes, travelling through Butterfree's feelings. If ever there was magic powder, it was that iridescent glow of the butterfly wings. It cast a spell on his eyes so that his soul was brought into the moment with a fullness. Aaron felt as if his thoughts were more tuned in somehow, as if he were a radio that's found a frequency that is both more calm and more intense all at once. That instant of seeing those petal-wings brings a serenity that held him as if in some universal camera flash.

"I sense kindness in you. You are very brave and loyal to your trainer, are you not?'' Aaron opened his eyes, irises glimmering.

"Free~"

"Butterfree is very special to me,'' Ash nodded, walking up. ''It was only a Caterpie when I first met him."

"Can you run me the whole story?'' Aaron asked.

"Yeah, it was back around twelve years ago! We were returning to Kanto from Unova, and happened to stop at Wayfarer Islands, and it was the migrating season. That's where I met this Caterpie, who wanted to evolve like the rest of its species, but sadly couldn't. And I helped Caterpie evolve all the way to a Butterfree so that it could migrate away.'' Ash narrated with brief detail. ''I believed that we had formed a bond, and it was hard for me to let Butterfree go. But then, six years ago, I met Butterfree again in a national park in Johto. And I decided to catch it.''

"Hmm…if I remember correctly, didn't you mention that your first capture was a Caterpie when we first met?" Aaron cocked a brow. "Is that why it was a tough decision to part ways with this Butterfree in the first place?"

Nostalgia came in waves as Ash resisted the urge to choke up. It would look ridiculous as a grown man. "Well, it was. Every time this Butterfree is with me, I reminisce about my first Butterfree, and I can't stop thinking about it." A smile crossed the trainer's face, the image from years ago clear in his mind.

With a soft considerate look on her face, May tried to imagine it. Ash certainly loved his partners, if nothing else. Yeah, her man could be hardheaded - not that she was entirely excluded from that - but the moment things got tough, there was no one else she'd rather have in her corner.

"Okay…maybe I am sensing the problem that lies here,'' Aaron put up a serious face, glancing once again at Butterfree.

"Problem?'' Ash was shaken from his thoughts, wondering why would the Elite Four member address the situation that way. He was still transparent about the situation at all.

"Ash, Butterfree is strong and from what I gather, it is Butterfree's choice to stay with you. I think the reason that he's loyal to you is because he is greatly indebted to you." The bug specialist explained.

"Indebted?'' Ash repeated.

"Since you have played a pivotal role in his evolution, Butterfree chooses to be strong for you." Aaron stated, "Because he feels you. He becomes one with your soul, and you both synchronize your feelings in a battle, is that right?''

"Of course it is!'' Ash admitted, albeit in a louder tone. "The same happens with all my Pokemon. I am still not sure of the problem that lies here."

"Well,'' Aaron twisted his lips, trying to think of an example. "Let me try this in an easier way. When you and Pikachu train or battle, before you issue a command, Pikachu already senses what's in your mind. Feelings and compassion travel in both ways within your hearts. And due to the natures of Lucario's, I can see the same going with yours as well. But in this Butterfree's case, it's heart is trying to communicate with you, and you are trying to communicate back with Butterfree through here," Aaron placed a finger first on Ash's chest, "but only it's not reaching Butterfree completely, because here in your mind, you are thinking about the other Butterfree."

"Are you trying to infer that that Ash's mental image of his first Butterfree is causing a miscommunication between Ash and Butterfree?'' May raised a brow.

"No, he's saying that there's a disproportional obstruction in the transverse waves of mine and Butterfree's feelings,'' Ash mumbled solemnly. "I hate to say this, but it's true."

"Yeah, I like Aaron's explanation better!'' May deadpanned.

"Well, in simple terms, you keep thinking about your first Butterfree and those emotions stir up, which still means that the relationship between you and the current Butterfree is still defined on the paradigm because of that old Butterfree, which will be a demerit eventually.'' Aaron described. ''Has there been any accidents lately?''

"Umm…well, just yesterday, things got a little out of hand when we were having our battle against Crasher Wake. Butterfree's Electroweb got a little out of control.''

"Hmm… If your Butterfree can use Electroweb, then obviously he is well trained. I think we just need to bring your partnership a little more at the center, and we'll be good.'' Aaron chimed.

May puffed her cheek, clearly sensing that she had been out of the loop for this whole time, and she couldn't stand being ignored. She frowned, puffing her cheek, as Ash kept steering the conversation. May tried to be polite, but now she was getting really bored. She understood most of what they were saying, but it meant a hill of beans to her. Still, they were so engaged in this conversation over a sensitive subject that she felt it would be rude to try and change it, however, if she couldn't be a part of it, she could use the League Member's services as well.

"You got all of that just from one touch with Butterfree?'' May marvelled. "That's really amazing, Aaron.''

"Well, to answer your first question. I am an entomologist and outreach Director of SFAS Entomology department,'' Aaron smirked. "Butterfree told me everything that I needed to know.''

"Aaron, I have a request,'' May asked, clasping her hands, ''Can you take a look at my Beautifly as well?''

"That will be no trouble at all, May." Aaron agreed with pleasure, "My day will just get better the more bug type Pokemon I see.''

"Cool then,'' May chirped, ''Let me just have a quick jog to the Pokemon Center and bring her in. I'll be back soon, ok!''

"Oh," Ash bashfully said, suddenly feeling worse that he couldn't throw May any attention. However, this Butterfree news came as quite a bit of a shocker. She must have felt left out. "Alright, see you later…"

"See you, May.'' Aaron bid, and they watched her spurt out of the garden, after collecting her belongings.

Ash let out a heavy sigh, and stared down at the swaying grass which Aaron noticed. "I really thought I knew Butterfree all this time, but now, I feel like I still haven't established a bond with him anymore. I…I guess…what you said was absolute bullseye. Mine and Butterfree's relationship is still rippling because of the other Butterfree.''

"Correction,'' Aaron corrected. ''You have to find that bond that you have already established. Ash, you are an amazing trainer. Whether it's your skill in battle or by the way you interact with all your Pokemon, I'm always so impressed. But every Pokemon is unique, and it is that uniqueness that supports the bond between a trainer and a Pokemon. If those two Butterfree are different, you have to treat them differently too.''

"Does this mean that I have to forget my first Butterfree? "Ash raised his head, but his eyes meant that question more deeply than his voice.

"Not at all,'' Aaron grinned, gazing down at his Beautifly, ''you remember what transpired between me and Beautifly. There was never a day I didn't think about the Wurmple I left behind. And see what that caused, Beautifly came back to me and we grew stronger together. You don't need to forget about your old Butterfree. You just need to create new memories with this one. And I know just the best way we can start.''

Fidgeting with something in his loose pants, Aaron outstretched an arm, fingers clasped tightly on a gleaming Pokeball, ''by challenging you to a battle!''

Ash felt a little taken aback, Aaron wanted to go through all of that trouble just to help Ash and Butterfree find each other. Maybe he wanted to do this for Butterfree. This man's love for Bug Type Pokemon is really applaudable. "If you think that's the correct way, then I won't turn you down,'' he assured, grinning.

"Then let me take you on. Not only will this help Butterfree, but I will also learn for myself how far have you come. I am the only Sinnoh Elite Member you haven't had a battle with, so let's get this underway!'' That compassion for assistance had just transformed into a fiery determination in the green eyes of the Elite member as he further continued, ''So let's have a two-on-two match!"

"I accept!'' Great! At least it's established that he's the one being challenged. There's a self-feeling of pride when being challenged by a member of the Elite Four, but no time to get giddy now.

"Too late for that." teased Lucario again, this time through Ash's mind.

"Hey, this is my moment right now. Let me be giddy in my thoughts."

The two trainers went their separate ways, taking their spots on each side of the clearing, enough for them to be a battlefield. Aaron stood straight and stoic, with his Beautifly hovering next to his head. He held his thoughts calm, suppressing them to release them at the time of the battle. Ash stood on the opposite end, Pikachu on one shoulder, Lucario at his side, while Butterfree perched on his hat.

"Alright! I still haven't beaten a member of the Sinnoh Elite Four yet, and man they are the strongest trainers I have ever known. I can't mess this one up." Ash tensed, a first closed rather than tight. For all the helpful and kind nature Aaron had, Ash hadn't seen what the entomologist could do in a battle.

"Alright!" Aaron spoke up, like he was scolding. He enlarged a Pokeball and launched it into the fray, ''Heracross Go!''

The capsule swung in the air, and the large beetle appeared. Its size and structure revealed enough that it was owned by a member of the Elite Four. A standing proof of being the strongest beetle in all of Sinnoh. The wings spanned behind the exoskeleton, and the brute beetle flexed its armory body, to show off its strength.

"A Heracross," Ash frowned, well experienced to know that the species must not be underestimated. A Pokeball was tossed forward, revealing the hyperactive bat that circled around the battlefield, a booming roar left as the pokemon materialized.

The bug type tried to intimidate the dragon by displaying his massive horn. Undaunted, the bat broke into a fighting stance.

Ash's eyes narrowed. Heracross was capable of learning a diversified moveset that could give the bug type a versatile attacking approach. And while he had a limited amount of knowledge on Aaron's skill, he knew that the Elite trainer became spunky during Pokemon battles. He had to be careful and expect the unexpected from Aaron and Heracross.

"Watch yourself, Noivern!'' Ash warned his Pokemon.

"Pika pi!''

"Free~"

"Show them your teeth!"

A feral, angry howl was his response as his dragon type moved into fighting range. Heracross's wings buzzed harder at the approach.

Giving a punch of his own, Aaron elected to commence the battle. "Close Combat!''

Heracross zipped about, and in no time at all, with a beckoning speed, threw a punch forward at the Sound Wave Pokemon. The dragon maintained his clarity, only to sidestep at the last moment, and swirl around, embarrassing Heracross with his first miss.

The punch connected with the ground behind Noivern, penetrating the earth and the art left behind was a sizable crater. Noivern returned his focus to the Singlehorn Pokemon, assaulting back with a whiplash of his tail.

The appendage went right for the beetle's chest, but was swatted away, much to the dragon's surprise. The deflection knocked off the bat off balance, and left him open for a major counter attack.

"Close Combat!'' Aaron bellowed, eyes frowning in the process.

"Hera!'' Heracross cried out, punching forward, one that snapped into Noivern's face, while another smashed into the dragon's shoulder. Noivern gawked, as wind was knocked out of his lungs. In seconds, the assault became a pummelling as Noivern was beaten back and forth by heavy punches and thrusts the Singlehorn Pokemon was using.

Fighting through the pain, the dragon staggered back, feeling several sore spots on his body. The dragon's breathing got shallower, as his body radiated the pain. But the dragon would openly welcome more, since every scar, bruise or ache on his body left him with a lesson.

"That's alright, Noivern. You have taken worse,'' Ash quietly spoke, and threw his hand out. ''Boomburst!''

The Sound Wave Pokemon shrieked that could have broken the tolerance of the ears as an array of well-placed soundwaves gushed forward from Noivern's ears.

"Dodge and use Megahorn!''

Using the most powerful bug type move known, Heracross brandished his longhorn in a forest green glow, and lurched forward. The dragon shuddered at the horn that was growing larger in his pupils as his furs bristled. Now would be a good time for his trainer to issue a command…

"Jump and use Acrobatics!'' Ash cupped his mouth.

"Vern!'' the dragon bat leaned forward, using a brief momentum he had maintained in driving Heracross past them, before a single jab of his horn could bash into his midsection. The horn was about to lodge against the ground, before Heracross regained his bearings.

Ash grinned as his Pokemon escaped and began glowing into an aura of cyan blue, and a few erratic zips later, bashed into the back of the bug type, with enough force to send the beetle reeling.

"Very good," Aaron clapped with genuine praise, but his eyes glinted that this contest was far from over. ''Rock Blast!''

Whipping around, Heracross pointed one of his open palms towards Noivern. Boulders were gathered and fired towards the dragon type, one at a time in a several-fold volley. The rocks whistled as the cut through the air. Noivern let out a bellowing shriek, when the first rock hit in the face, and the others following began pelting him.

Ash bared his teeth and clenched his fist. The attack was a nasty one to get hit by and Noivern was vulnerable to it. The bat swayed as the final rock came and crashed into the hand, earning an elicit wail. The bruises came bold and wild, and this was a moment where Noivern was tempted to have a stronger hide or exoskeleton, but that was not the dragon's role in this world. There is damage to the skin, yet damage to the pride takes a longer time to heal.

To Aaron's surprise, the dragon raised himself back up, and this time with a very unforgiving glare in his eyes, dug those talons into the grassy floor. The dragon batted his wings once or twice, as he yelled out a loud booming roar.

"Your Pokemon share the same fire as you Ash,'' Aaron smiled, noting how tenacious and strong Noivern really was. "Refusing to give up.''

"Too bad, it never fades,'' Ash threw a fist forward.

"Then perhaps, it becomes our responsibility to face you with our full power!'' Aaron furrowed his brows, pressing hard on his belt. Ash curiously squinted forward, unaware of what really resided in the buckle, only to gasp when Aaron revealed by simply removing his hand.

"A Key Stone…''

A Heracronite hovered in front of Heracross' face, and it began to bulk larger than its previous form. The single horn on his head grew into a large spike with two smaller spikes in the front. The forearms thickened at the cost of the spines, and his body thickened to a certain extent.

"Now come at us with everything you have got,'' Aaron smirked.

"With pleasure,'' Ash closed his eyes, ''Dragon Claw!''

Noivern was quick to take off, shooting forward with two sets of large, razor-sharp claws from which emerged an emerald aura resembling the hands of a wyvern. He was soon upon the evolved rhinoceros beetle, who stood unfazed in the eye of the attack. One slash hardly grazed the bug type, but the second left a deeper impact as the claw raked across Heracross' chest.

"Heat Wave!'' Ash grinned, following up.

Noivern's wings fanned over his foe, whipping up a terrible, sweltering gust that was filtered with shimmers of red and orange. Heat Wave cascaded over Mega Heracross with double intensity, hot as ever, and such an attack was impossible to evade and point blank range, and the massive beetle was swallowed in whole.

He let out a loud grunt, suffering from the blistering heat that covered him, and buzzed his wings harder to fight off the heat's wrath. The Singlehorn Pokemon closed his eyes, remaining calm for a bit, and remained upright before fending off strongly against the scorching gust. Sprinkles of powder around the Mega Evolved Bug type as he glared at Noivern coldly.

"I get riled up fighting strong opponents,'' Aaron smirked, ''Heracross, use Pin Missile!''

Heracross readied his horn that took an emerald sheen, activating all the bug type power within. A barrage of explosive, green pins were fired from the extremity that blasted away Noivern, bombarding the circumcentre of the dragon with several flashes of light.

Noivern let out a loud squall when the volley of explosives struck him. When the smoke withered, Noivern was hunched over, dealing with another wave of pain, and a look of fury etched on his face.

"That Pin Missile was too strong, and quite large in numbers,'' Ash observed.

"That would be the work of Skill Link, an ability Heracross achieves on Mega Evolution. Every multi strike move will be increased to their maximum attack." Aaron explained, ''Now you know why I will be using both Rock Blast and Pin Missile in this battle. Heracross, end this with Rock Blast!''

Heracross aimed and fired several masses of rocks.

Another loud thump echoed in the clearing as Noivern's talons dug the floor, and grumped gruffly.

"Not if we have anything to say about it,'' Ash snickered, ''Noivern, use Dragon Claw!''

Emerald extensions ripped out from real mass, and sliced the first boulder into shards. Swerving past another few projectiles, the Sound Wave Pokemon quickly closed the distance between himself and the bug, and followed his approach with a drawn back arm.

"Counter with Megahorn!'' Aaron ordered.

"Hera!'' Heracross dug his feet into the ground, powering up his horn and blocked the incoming attack.

Both titans struck forward at the same time, and lustrous green crashed against glowing emerald. The grass blew, and ground quaked under the duress of the two powerhouses, and even being a brawler, it didn't boast Noivern's defenses, and the dragon was sent flying back, before finding footing after a rough skid. He winced, scratching off his chest.

Seeing the chance, Ash took it. Placing an arctic skyblue crystal on his Z ring, and a series of multicolored lights began enveloping both trainer and Pokemon alike. Aaron gasped as he continued watching the synchronization of lights, knowing that this was a distant power up called a Z move.

"Is it real? Am I about to see a Z move?'' Aaron stuttered.

"And even experience it,'' Ash smirked, crossing his arms across his chest, ''Noivern! SUPERSONIC SKYSTRIKE!''

"Rawwhhhhhhhh!'' the lights embedded deep into the dragon's core, as he rocketed forward, a stampeding charge paved the way for his momentum. Ascending high into the air to employ the devastating Z move, Noivern achieved the ancillary altitude before sky diving, bombing down towards Heracross like a guided missile. His assault gained an overpowering glow at its front; centripetal force tearing air merely by being close to it.

Aaron however wasn't ready to submit. Throwing his hand out, ''Use Pin Missile!''

Another barrage of explosive needles burst forth from Heracross's horns, however that wasn't enough to keep the dragon at bay. The Sound Wave Pokemon roared forward, while the bug type braced itself.

Noivern smashed into Mega Heracross with all of his might. Greeted by a groan of pain, the Sound Wave pokemon circled back above, the glowing image around him fading.

"Heracross…!" Aaron watched on in awe, collar waving by the shockwave.

The smoke soon withered and dispersed, showing Heracross withered back to self, to be flat on his back.

An exhausted, bruised Noivern hovered lower, landing to huff and let out an eerie shriek.

"Alright, Noivern! We did it!" Ash leaped in the air, Pikachu on his shoulder gleefully cheering higher.

"Way to go!" congratulated Lucario.

"Roaaa!'' Noivern growled in joy, hunching over.

Heracross was swallowed in a red flash, retreating into the capsule held in Aaron's palm. "Well done, Heracross. We will train harder to be stronger.'' With a soft smile, the Elite tucked the device away in his trousers. "I see that you have retained your unpredictability. Not many trainers can face the wrath of my bug types."

"As you can see how I tremble with fear,'' Ash grinned, ''Noivern, return.'' The Sound Wave's Pokeball was extended, and the trainer returned him in a flash of red light.

"Cocky? I thought that that was my job!'' Aaron smirked, before pointing a finger forward. ''Let's give them a buzz, Beautifly!''

"Beauti~" the insect fluttered around the Elite member, waiting for his foe.

"Beautifly is no easy sport to beat. We will need to try our best, Butterfree,'' Ash threw a hand forward, ''Let's show them!''

"Free~!'' the excited Butterfree zipped into the fray, volunteering to be Beautifly's opponent.

"Ash, why don't you start with the first move,'' Aaron offered, tensing his brows to sound more like a tutor. ''Command Butterfree with all of your feelings!''

"Alright then,'' Ash tugged down the brim of his cap, ''Butterfree, use Electroweb!''

The soft hairs on Butterfree's body erected, as he began enveloped in a golden static that produces a net of sizzling electricity, firing it forward to enrapture its Hoenn counterpart.

"Beautifly, use Silver Wind!''

"fly~!" Beautifly furiously beat his wings, summoning a powerful silver gust. Winds tore open the netting of electricity and reduced them to frizzles. Butterfree was blasted with the Silver Wind, tossing him back towards Ash. He held himself against the winds, dragging himself airborne into a halt.

"Holy crap…that was some power,'' Ash gawked, wiping sweat from his brow.

"Pika…'' Pikachu agreed.

"Amazing…"

"Alright Beautifly, use Sunny Day!''

Beautifly cast an elegant, glowing orb over the clearing. The sun's rays intensified, shining down on a very pleased looking Beautifly, who basked happily in his favored element.

Flashing his eyes open, Ash punched the air, ''Butterfree, use your Silver Wind!''

A gigantic wave of silver picked up and rushed towards Beautifly at a dangerous pace. Aaron smirked, worrying about nothing.

"Beautifly, Silver Wind again!''

Beautifly beat his wings, launching a buzzing spiral of air pressure. A whole volley of silver razor-like crescents carried forward an unforgiving wind current, looking like they could cut through the thickest slab of rock. The Silver Wind wouldn't stand a chance, that is…if it would not be able to stand a chance alone.

Employing one of his on-the-spot-quick-thinking strategies, Ash threw a hand out, ''Quick, use Psychic!''

Each of those mini eyes that compounded Butterfree's two sets of eyes glowed eerie blue, and the battle between Silver Winds were held in Butterfree's telepathic grip.

"Alright Butterfree,'' Ash muttered, ''let's go!''

"Free~"

Maintaining the psychic hold, Butterfree began commanding both the attacks to swirl up. Swirl into something devastating. The combinations of Psychic, Silver Wind and Air Cutter started the birth of a compact bluish silver twister of energy that was hurled right into Aaron's starter Pokemon.

"Beau~'' the insect whimpered, upon being toppled off by the combination.

"Marvellous,'' Aaron chuckled, ''your critical thinking can turn the tides anytime. I can see you in tune with Butterfree's soulful side. Yes, you are connecting. Lesson 2, merge your souls." Narrowing his brows, Aaron threw a punch, ''Beautifly, Psychic!''

An indigo wave burst out from Beautifly's glowing eyes, as if to scan the field. Butterfree braced itself for the supernatural assault, only to blink and find out he wasn't the intended captive.

"Butterfree, watch out!''

"Free?''

There was a swoosh, some movement in the air, that made the furs on Butterfree's body erect. He whipped around, and thanked for his several eyes right after the moment he dodged a glowing rock. Curse those rocks from Rock Blast that were still present on the field. Multiple such volleys came right after, each one of them mind controlled and made Butterfree's escape harder.

Admiring Butterfree's speed, Beautifly switched tactics and assembled the rocks all around the other butterfly, surrounding him into a cage full of rocks.

Ash's heart raced when he got the wind of Aaron's ploy. He yelled as loud as he could, ''Butterfree, quick! Use Electroweb!''

Butterfree, trusting his trainer's instincts, concentrated and sent a loose current at one rock. A network of golden strings began to be transmitted at each rock, and was redirected back. The electrical currents began to propagate around the glowing rocks. The electrical current would extend and strike a rock, to be reject to another rock to another, and this began to respect the laws of reflection. The incident current extended as it struck multiple surfaces, and that began to diffuse reflection.

"What is he doing?'' Aaron mumbled, cocking a brow.

With no surface to hit, the current was transmitted at an uncalculated angle that passed over one of the hovering rocks, and straight at Beautifly. The Butterfly Pokemon shrieked upon being electrocuted, focus shattered to release the apprehended rocks, which was clearly visible in Beautifly's dismay.

Aaron's lips twitched. The technique was insane. Smiling to himself, he ordered. "Beautifly, recover with Morning Sun!''

Sunny Day began to highlight Beautifly's body, a healthy glow taking over his body. Beautifly soaked in generous, boundless sunlight, mewling happily with his tentacle turned up towards the projected sun. A golden, sparkling blanket of light coated the Pokémon, healing his scratches and injuries to leave his coat pristine.

"Man,'' Ash's brow creased, as he bit his lip. ''With Sunny Day in effect, Beautifly will heal twice as much, and we would have to start from scratch again."

The glow faded once Beautifly had completely recovered.

"We just have to go for the kill,'' Ash hollered, punching forward. ''Aerial Ace!''

In an intricate formation, Butterfree had rocketed himself forward, causing Beautifly's vision to get disoriented. Butterfree sprung high above Beautifly, ready to bash his skull into the other butterfly.

"Ha!'' Aaron boasted, ''Psychic!''

"What?!" Ash exclaimed. Unfortunately, it was too late to correct the course-correct. Held into a psychic hold, Butterfree was brutally hurled back where he was careened right into the bark of a tree, and felt something crack upon hard collision. Luckily, it was the trunk…

In retaliation, Butterfree fluttered to get in the air, only to find out that…he was glued by some sticky, adhesive liquid.

"What the-!'' Ash grimaced, "Butterfree, get outta there!''

"I don't think so,'' Aaron smirked.

"What kind of Psychic was that!'' Ash snapped.

"It's the sap of the tree that's holding Butterfree. All we did was pin him there,'' Aaron brushed from fingers into his hair, ''Do you know why I chose Heracross in the first place?''

A sudden bolt of realization flushed into Ash's senses, ''That's right! So that you could locate the spots of the trees leaking sap!''

"Bingo,'' Aaron laughed under his breath, ''A Bug type Specialist must know his battlefield inside and out. Well, at least this battle was thrilling. Beautifly, Solar Beam!''

"Damn it!'' Ash cursed, clenching his fist. He couldn't meet his gaze with Butterfly, but he realized the bug was looking at him.

His mind began travelling back in the past, and doing exactly what Aaron had instructed against. His first catch…Caterpie…

Solar energy gathered around Beautifly immediately thanks to the harsh sun, and a blinding light was subsequently fired at Butterfree.

Ash gulped, the harsh blinding explosion flashed right in front of him, yet he couldn't do a thing. His fists balled tighter, and he hung his head down, face hiding behind the brim of his hat.

"I am sorry Butterfree…I let you down…''

The smoke dispersed to reveal a scorched Butterfree lying in the center of the torn up tree and its branches, body limp and eyes turned into swirls.

"Butterfree!'' Ash gasped, rushing towards his Pokemon.

"Pika!''

A little bit guilty on his account, Aaron silently recalled Beautifly back into his capsule and buried it somewhere into his baggy shorts.

"Ash…you had it, and then you let it go,'' he spoke in a monotonous voice, somewhere knowing that the frustrated trainer could hear him, ''you will figure it out, and when you are ready, come see me.''

The Elite nodded his head respectfully, and started to head in the other direction, leaving the battle between the two trainers without a conclusion.

The adrenaline of the battle was still bubbling in Ash's veins. Seeing Butterfree sprawled like that, he felt deflated and humiliated. He felt he had betrayed Butterfree. One thing was for sure: Aaron was right. Ash and Butterfree yet were to establish a strong bond.

He remained quiet, mental gears turning. His nervous, quaking hand touched the bug type, slowly asking him to wake up.

"Butterfree,'' Ash swallowed, ''Butterfree, get up buddy."

"Free~"

The red eyes of the butterfly opened as the Butterfly Pokemon gained consciousness, and they saw his trainer's face upside down.

"Butterfree, I am sorry that I let you down…'' Ash apologized humbly, yet there was a break in his voice. The expressions of near betrayal on Butterfree's face were too much for Ash to bear, and he turned away. "I really thought we could win. But we couldn't be as good as…''

"Free~'' Tears began to sting and flood into the bug's eyes, quivering fangs holding them back from spilling. Regret had already done its job, causing Butterfree to feel distraught. Buzzing his wings, the Butterfly took off in the air, heading deeper into the forest.

"Butterfree!'' Ash cried, running to chase behind.

"Pika!''

"Wait for us!"

"No, you two! Stay here,'' Ash forbidden, making the mouse and jackal halt their sprints. Their ears perked up as both stood flummoxed.

"But… why?"

"May will be back soon, and she'll lose her way if she doesn't find one of us. You two and rest of my Pokemon stay here!'' Ash unloaded his pocket with all the capsules, handing them over to Lucario. ''I'll bring Butterfree back,'' he gave the two an assuring smile, ''We just need some time alone.''

"Pika.'' The mouse nodded, receiving the message loud and clear. He blinked, looking up to the Pokeballs Lucario held as their master ran into the direction of the forest, with an aim to bring Butterfree back.

"Alright, here I am!'' May hopped into the clearing, beaming as she held her Pokeball up. Blinking in confusion as all she could see the carnages of the field, she could deduce a battle took place here. Lucario and Pikachu stood in front of her with blank expressions.

"Umm…where is Ash?''

"It's kind of hard to put into words…''

For an experienced traveller like Ash, the trekking through the woods was an easy stroll, yet the mood was not fitting into that. Ash distressfully began to follow Butterfree's aura, and it was getting nearer. And boy, those emotions in Butterfree's aura were not pleasant. Not angry, but just sorrow. Butterfree needed some answers and that curiosity made Ash haste faster.

In a canopied clearing, the young man stopped his chase, breathing in the fresh air. Butterfree's aura seemed stronger than her. There was a brief rush of satisfaction mixed with pride when he came all this way detecting Butterfree's aura all by himself. Well, one less job for Lucario.

If winter had ever truly come to put the forest to sleep, it awoke from that slumber vigorously. The entire forest was buzzing terribly. It was like fear given a terrible texture; like rattling down to their bones, iron on steel. But, that was how it was for the humans and they could function despite their discomfort. A glance to the left gave a view of several Oddish running in a single-file line behind a Vileplume. The occasional tree cropping up from the dirt was peppered with Kakuna and Metapod patiently awaiting evolution. A swarm of Mothim buzzed around from tree to tree, while some Aipoms swung on from one branch to the other.

"They seem to be running from something..." Ash mused aloud, only to be interrupted by a loud growl. It could be heard throughout the forest, not only catching Ash's attention, but scattering many of the nearby Pokemon who quickly slipped into obscurity.

Ash's gaze was turned towards the source of the cry, his eyes meeting the fearsome glare of a fully evolved Ursaring - one that was closing in on him at a frightening pace. Ash wanted to be optimistic, but he was pretty sure those eyes spelled 'murder.'

"Oh balls,'' Ash gulped, every fiber in his body regretting entering the forest without a Pokemon. "Of all the rotten luck…" he groaned, regaining his composure for fear of being skewered.

A loud, blood-curdling roar drowned out Ash's voice. She didn't relent, homing on the disoriented trainer with an intent to injure, possibly worse.

Ash had his eyes shut, bracing for the worst, when a pained roar assaulted his ear drums.

Arms that shielded his face slowly drooped down, as Ash opened his eyes, his hues turning him at the bear, that was held off by an electrical netting, and the normal kind writhed into a golden electricity. In fact — she realized, as she was falling, tailed by wisps of black smoke and charred fur — it was far more than she'd bargained for. It took frantically slashing the net to re-orient herself before hitting the ground.

Yelping, the bear shook her head and dashed off into the woods.

Ash blinked, as a shadow loomed above his head. He squinted as his eyes blindly met the sun, when the figure of the saviour neared.

"Free~"

The Butterfly Pokemon descended, beating its wings slower until his feet touched the ground. His antennae drooped, and wings sagged. The bug type looked up at its trainer apologetically, deflated out of hope.

"Butterfree,'' Ash felt a choke in his own voice. ''I…am sorry if I wasn't the perfect trainer for you. I felt it too you know when Aaron said that the bond between us seems a little superficial, and I screwed it all up. I proved him right, but Butterfree…" Ash crouched down, and picked up the dismayed insect in his arms. "It's not entirely true you know…''

"Free?''

"I have seen you grow right before my eyes, just like I saw my Caterpie…" And right at that moment Ash felt like he should have bit his tongue.

"Free…Butter…Butterfree?''

"No Butterfree,'' Ash shook his head, smiling passionately in response to the inquiry, ''You were never a replacement for my old Butterfree. You were always unique to me just like everyone else. It's a different thing that I miss that Butterfree terribly, but I know,'' Ash gazed up at the sky, ''wherever he is, he is happy and wants me to be happy as well."

He softly stroked Butterfree's head, ''Butterfree, I am indebted to you and I can never repay you for what you have done.''

"Free~"

"That's right. Had I not met you, my old Butterfree would have just been a memory, and that story would have been incomplete. But when we first met, it was all because of you that I was able to relive all those moments with Butterfree and even those which I couldn't. But it got us further, and all I was doing was seeing that old Butterfree's face in yours. For that, I humbly apologize, Butterfree."

"Free~" The bugs eyes swelled up, as a wing wiped away Ash's tear.

"Butterfree," Ash set him down on a tree trunk chair, ''When I returned to Kanto after becoming the Alola Region Champion, I set out on a new journey years ago, when I first heard about the Pokemon World Championships. I decided to gather all my Pokemon including the ones I let go. Pidgeot, Greninja, Lapras, Goodra…except Butterfree. And you know why that is…?''

"Free?''

"Because the reason I released him in the first place was because he was in the wrong place, with me?'' Ash fought back tears, finally unlocking the gates to those emotions he never shared with, not even Pikachu. "He belonged with his group. He belonged with his mate. His dreams were different from mine."

Ash exhaled heavily, and smiled down at Butterfree, "But that doesn't give the way to the reason I came looking for you. I stumbled upon you at the National Park, and that's when I first realized that our meeting was our destiny. We were brought together for a reason, and together, we need to find that.''

"Free~" the bug nodded.

Using his forearm to wipe away those tears, Ash beamed a positive smile. ''Butterfree, you are very special to me. It's not that I don't remember any of our memories. Every time you dozed off, it didn't really tick me off, instead I felt it to be really funny. And look, today, we just created a new one.''

"Butterfree?"'

"You saved an disarmed me from an Ursaring." Ash smiled, ''Just like Pikachu saved years ago from that flock of Spearow. And now, we are best of friends. So what does that tell you, Butterfree?''

"Free~"

Taking his paws in his own hands, Ash gazed Butterfree in the eyes, seeing his mini reflections in hundreds of those eyes, ''I promise you, whatever stands in our way, we will always be a team. I cannot forget my old Butterfree, but I can surely detach him from you. Together we will follow our passions. I am so proud that you have changed so much, that you become better as you mature. Let's get stronger together…''

"Free!'' the bug type stood up, and launched himself into the trainer's arms.

Embracing back, Ash tried not to extra squeeze him. ''I love you too Butterfree.''

They separated, and while they wouldn't show it, they were holding back tears. One of them, who was stronger, stood back up, and stationed his arms on his waist.

"Now let's get back to base camp, and train for the day,'' Ash punched higher into the air, ''After all, we gotta prove something to someone!''

"Free~~"

And that is the end of the first part. Second chapter is coming soon. And I ain't done, until I write Ash vs Aaron once again. My ideas are clamoring to be typed, and it will be out soon. Now, heading on to the anime…

Even if this could be the last arc of Ash Ketchum, can you think of a better farewell. His older mons trained his new ones – a sight that we wanted to see for years, and it finally happened. A good farewell for them too. Well, they lived their screen. And finally the World Cup Masters Tournament is underway!

Pretty amusing when you think that Ash who couldn't get past a few regional Leagues, has beaten the strongest trainer of a region. Like how CRAZY it is that! Man, I was thrilled. Pikachu is now officially known as "Metagross Slayer!" and come to think of it, no actual strongest Metagross exist in the Pokemon Universe than Steven's, and now, it is checked. And now, he's headed to face Cynthia, the beauty and beast combined. This could just be Ash's greatest challenge.

Feel sorry for many trainers though…Alain was just crapped out by Leon. Lance vs Diantha was a good match. Iris gave her best yet she couldn't beat the unbeatable. And finally, Ash ascends. Was really thrilling to see all eight Champions (of all regions) in one place. Was hoping more of Ash and Alain interaction, but only got ourselves a brief one.

One complaint that fandom is ranting is that battles are quite short and aren't really bringing the best out of Champion's Pokemon. Mega Charizard deserved to hold his ground for 5 more minutes, and Iris's Dragonite and Ash's Dracovish should have raged on for longer period. I personally feel that Iris's Dragonite was portrayed as a jobber and I am gonna fix it in my story.

Yet Thank You Lance, Iris, Alain and Steven, that was a good performance!

With Cynthia now, Ash is gonna be using his Sirfetch'd, Dragonite and Lucario.

Sirfetch'd is what I believe must be taken out so that Dragonite could be shown as the beast. I know Dragonite is gonna fall too maybe against Garchomp, but the big fella deserves to be his absolute best against Cynthia. The big fella has defeated Mega Evolutions and two Champion level Pokemon (we can assume he defeated at least one of Wallace's Pokemon). But we yet have to see what the mighty dragon has in store. Probably a last-minute new move can do the trick, if Draco Meteor is failing the dragon. We cannot just see Dragonite turn into another Goodra.

All that can save Ash is a Mega Lucario with a Adaptability awaken and a planetary Aura Sphere. That's my best gamble. And if I thought Double Team is useless, its gonna be very effective against Garchomp's Draco Meteor. Bullet Punch is there, so I really don't know which move has Lucario retained…is it Steel Beam or is it Reversal.

But I have really high hopes for this battle, and can't wait until we are all in August.

See you soon.