Follow Your Dream - Kanto arc

by Hero Time 81

Ash was heartbroken when he found out Serena was leaving Kanto and convinced his mother to follow his love to Kalos. The result is unexpected and now follow them as they go through Kanto. Amourshipping with slight Insectivoreshipping. Aura OP Ash. Moving to AO3.

1. Chapter 1

Ch. 1: How it all began

Sitting under a tree were Ash and Serena, who had tears in their eyes for one reason – Serena was going back to Kalos.

They were 6–year–old kids who were attending Professor Oak's summer camp.

Serena's mother was told about the camp from Professor Sycamore, who told her it was an event where children can interact with Pokémon early in life and she thought it would be a good idea to send her there, while Grace attended Rhyhorn racing. Serena was scared and didn't socialize much, and like all children she got homesick so Professor Oak thought it would be better if she went back to Kalos, but as fate would have it she made a friend in the end.

When the children were sent into the forest, Serena got lost in the woods. She was more scared than ever and thought that she would never make it back home. She hurt tripped over and hurt her ankle when a Poliwag jumped out of the bush. Then she was close to tears, her leg hurt, she was lost, scared and alone in the forest and had no way back, and had almost given up.

That's when she met Ash who was chasing the Poliwag. She thought he would ignore her like the other kids, but he saw her and asked her what's wrong. She showed him her ankle on instinct and he brought out a handkerchief and helped her. He dried her tears, tied up her ankle with the cloth and told her not to give up until it's over. He introduced himself as Ash and helped her back up and accidently hugged her which caused Serena to blush. He kept smiling and encouraged her and gave her strength and went with her back to the camp, holding her hand the entire time.

Serena then opened up and they both sat under a tree at camp and talked about their lives, dreams, hobbies and Serena never felt more at home. Professor Oak then went up to them and told Serena that since she is having trouble fitting in, he asked if she wanted to go back to Kalos. She would have said "yes", but then looked at Ash and remembered that he didn't have many friends because of Gary and decided to stay for Ash. He helped her by being her friend and saving her in the forest and didn't want Ash to be alone like she was so she said "no" and was going to stay. Ash immediately lit up like a bulb and her a hug as the blush kicked right back in.

Oak smiled at the two and thought they would be a cute couple. He then told Grace and Professor Sycamore that she made a friend and she was happy to stay and showed them Serena and Ash playing.

As the summer camp continued, so did their friendship. Ash introduced Serena to his mother, Delia and she could feel her mother instincts kick in, as it was like Arceus was telling her that she was looking her daughter–in–law. At first, Serene was a little nervous, but soon found out Ash's mother was nowhere near scary as she thought. Delia took care of the two and over the days, Ash's house just felt like her home.

The two were practically inseparable and Ash was introduced to Serena's mother, Grace and she thought the way Serena was acting around Ash was adorable and felt the same mother instincts acting up and were telling her she was looking at her future son–in–law and thanked him for looking out for her.

Obviously not everything can be perfect as Gary, the bane of Ash's existence took every chance to belittle the duo and kept calling them boyfriend and girlfriend whenever they were around. Ash did tend to act rashly, but Serena pulled him in and told him that Gary just wanted to provoke him. Serena tried to make Ash act less rash and reckless as he has those qualities in excess and Delia agreed to help her. She got rid of the rash and slight arrogance that was starting to grow on him, but the recklessness to protect others was too ingrained into him and Serena gave up as he was never going to change that part of him.

Delia and Grace also became fast friends as they raised their children on their own and watched them grow. Both of them knew they were gonna be in–laws so decided to become good friends early on.

Ash and Serena did all sorts of games and activities together.

But like all things, it never lasts. Summer was coming to its end, and so was the summer camp and Ash and Serena started to feel depressed that they would never see each other again. Oak, Delia and Grace tried to cheer the two kids up. Neither Ash nor Serena wanted to leave the other, but there was nothing they could do and spend as much time together as possible and most kids felt bad for Ash, even Gary and Oak knew his grandson wasn't a total jerk.

And as we reach the last week, we reach the present where Ash and Serena are lying down next to each other under the stars at Oak's ranch.

Ash was trying his best not to cry as Gary would make fun of him, but Serena didn't have limits and was hugging his arm while crying as well.

"Serena, no matter what happens you'll always be my best friend", said Ash as he covered his face with an Poke–Expo hat he won at a competition he won with Serena.

They were silent and the sounds of night could be heard.

"I wish I could stay. You were my first and best friend, too. But mom says there were no Rhyhorn races in Kanto so I can't stay here," said Serena sadly as she hugged Ash tight and he returned it. She laid her head on his chest and he stroked her on the back, trying his best to comfort her. He then came up with a crazy idea.

"What if I come to Kalos," asked Ash which took Serena by surprise and looked at him in shock that he would go so far to be with her.

"Wait, what," asked Serena. "Are you sure? Kanto is your home."

"Serena," said Ash as he got up. "Home is where your friends and heart is. If you leave, then I don't think I can see Pallet Town as my home. Besides, I promised you that we'll always be together and I'm not gonna break that promise!"

"Thank you," said Serena as she hugged him tightly and cried on his shoulder, joyfully.

Ash and Serena raced back to Ash's house and found Delia.

"You kids are back already," asked Delia surprised as she though they were going to spend the entire night at Professor Oak's ranch.

"Mom, I know this is crazy and all of a sudden, but I want us to move to Kalos," said Ash with determination.

Delia looked at her son in shock and stayed quiet for a few seconds when she started laughing.

"Mom, I'm being serious," said Ash, but Delia continued to laugh. "What's so funny?"

"It's funny, because Grace and I thought this day would eventually come," said Delia as she relaxed a lit. "She told me there's an empty house next to hers, so I bought it and you'll still be able to see Serena."

"You really mean it," asked Serena in disbelieve.

"Of course," said Delia. "Besides, how could we separate you two when you make such a cute couple?"

"Mom," said Ash in embarrassment as both he and Serena blushed.

"However, since you both attended Professor Oak's camp, you passed a test he put on all of you and it was disguised as an exercise where you had to interact with wild Pokémon and you both did it. And since you passed it, you are eligible to challenge the Indigo conference when you turn ten, but since Serena doesn't want to challenge the league this doesn't apply to her. Professor Oak sent the names of those who passed and you're expected to do the Indigo league first and you have to come here when you turn 10," explained Delia. "Is that OK?"

"It's fine, mom," said Ash. "As long as I can be with Serena."

"Good," said Delia with a smile. "In that case, we'll be taking the same flight with Serena in a few days."

"Awesome," said Ash with a smile and hugged Serena, which took her by surprise and blushed.

A week later, Ash announced to his whole class that he'll be moving to Kalos with Serena and everyone was shocked, including Gary. Professor Oak's grandson was a bit sad, but tried not to show it. The rest looked sad as well, but got over it and decided to spend as much time with Ash and Serena as possible. One of the kids in the class, Leaf was also sad as she was a close friend of Ash's, but not more than Serena was, and was sad that one of her closest friends was leaving and might never see him again.

With the camp over, bags packed, everything paid for, Ash, Serena and Delia were ready to leave. As they left, there was a quite big crowd to wave them of, including the children from the camp, except Gary. Professor Oak drove the trio to the airport in Vermillion City, and due to Oak's driving, Serena and Delia were screaming like they were in a horror movie, but Ash was enjoying the ride, much to Serena and Delia's surprise.

"You know, Ash. There are some pretty fast Pokémon in Kalos, for example Noivern which is flying/dragon–type," said Oak.

"No way," said Ash in disbelieve. "I can't wait to see one." That statement caused Serena and Delia to look at each other in worry.

When they arrived at the airport, the professor bid them goodbye and after a couple of minutes the trio sat in the plane for Lumiouse City.

During the long 10–hour flight, Ash and Serena talked about all the Pokémon in Kalos and Ash got even more excited. Because of the long flight, Ash and Serena fell asleep pretty quickly, as well as Delia but not before taking a picture of the two sleeping children.

After the long flight, the trio got out of the plane at 6pm and went to meet up with Grace at the entrance of the airport. They got into her car and went to Vaniville Town. It was just like Pallet so Ash felt like he was home. Grace offered Delia to stay with her until all housing details are finished, but before Delia could reply, both Ash and Serena said "Yes".

After they got to Serena's house, they loaded the suitcases in the living room and by 10PM Ash and Serena were feeling sleepy and went to bed, but it took some time for Serena to fall asleep because of a thunderstorm, so Ash tried his best to comfort her.

"It's okay, Serena. It's okay," said Ash while he was hugging her. "I won't let the thunder hurt you."

"You won't," asked Serena as she was holding on to Ash for dear life.

"I promise to always be there to protect you," said Ash as he turned towards the storm outside. "I'm not afraid of you and stop scaring my girlfriend!"

"Girlfriend," asked Serena surprised and blushed.

"Yeah, because you know, you're a girl and also my friend," said Ash he tried to hide his blush.

"Thanks, Ash," said Serena as she hugged him. "For everything."

"No problem at all," said Ash as he lay on the mattress that was next to Serena's bed. "Will you be OK?"

"As long as you're here, yes," said Serena with a smile.

"OK then. Goodnight," said Ash and he fell asleep 10 seconds later.

"Goodnight," said Serena, now relaxed as she knew that no matter what, Ash will be there to keep her safe.

The next morning, Ash learnt that it was common for Serena to sleep in late. Then a Fletchling flew through the window and landed on Serena's head and launched continuous Peck attacks until she woke up.

Serena chased the flying/normal–type around the room, but the bird escaped through the window. Serena took Ash's offer to comb her hair after the mess Fletchling left, and after that was done the kids went downstairs and saw Grace in the kitchen, preparing breakfast.

"Ash, Serena, we stayed up late and managed to prepare the house next door," said Grace. "Only Ash's room is left so you two can handle it after breakfast. Delia and I have to go to Lumiouse City to fill in some forums."

The two women left and after breakfast, the kids got Ash's belongings and went to the next–door house which was bigger than the one in Pallet.

After Ash and Serena were done unpacking, they did the most predictable thing – sat on the bed and watched TV. When they got bored, Serena took Ash on a trip around the town and went into a nearby forest.

As they walked through the woods, the results of the storm last night were visible as some trees were hit by the lightning.

As they wondered around they saw a Froakie. Ash and Froakie looked at each other and felt something. It's like there was a connection, that vanished as soon as it came as Ash turned towards a Pokémon cry.

On one of the trees hit by the lightning were 4 Spewpa stuck on a branch on a tall tree. They were curled up in fright in the leaves, but the tree was visibly swaying. Ash saw this and rushed over.

"Guys, you need to get down. Jump over and I'll try to catch you," said Ash as he held out his hands, but the bug–types were too scared to move so Ash came up with a Plan B: to go up there.

"Ash, what are you doing," asked Serena who was worried for Ash as he climbed the tree.

"I have to help the Spewpa," said Ash.

When he reached the branch, he managed to get the first Spewpa and climbed down. He went up again two more times and got the second and third ones. As he went up and reached the branch, and got the last Spewpa, the tree started to tilt.

The trunk of the tree started to split in two and the one with Ash on it started to fall down. Ash wrapped around Spewpa to make sure it would be safe and even when faced the death, the young boy still put the others first.

Froakie saw what Ash was doing and couldn't believe his eyes. This boy was the most heroic human he has ever seen. Froakie began to sense that the boy was just like him, and it was something special and with his decision made, Froakie threw some of his frubbles to work as a glue to hold the trunk together. The frubbles drastically slowed the trunk and this gave Ash enough time to climb down. The Spewpa thanked Ash and left.

"Ash, are you OK," asked Serena with concern.

"Yeah, I'm alright. Thanks to Froakie," said Ash as he went up to the water–type and brought out his hand. "Thanks for the safe."

"You're welcome," replied Froakie who shook Ash's hand. "Nice to meet you, by the way."

"Nice to meet you, too. My name's Ash and this Serena," said Ash as he introduced Serena and himself.

"How did you understand me," asked Froakie surprised.

"I can understand what Pokémon are saying," said Ash.

"That's amazing," said Froakie as he jumped on Ash's shoulder.

Serena dragged Ash back home before he tried to kill himself again on their first day!

When they got back home, the parents weren't back yet so they played with Froakie. The water–type remembered that they were just kids and didn't know how to train Pokémon yet so he shouldn't have been expecting a training regimen, but did it anyway and was happy.

When Delia and Grace got back, they saw Ash and Serena playing with Froakie and Grace's Rhyhorn. Delia thought it was just like Ash to be playing with Pokémon and Grace was happy that Serena was getting along with Rhyhorn.

When they asked where Froakie came from, Delia learnt about Ash's stunt and scolded him. After he was chewed out enough, Grace wondered where Froakie came from and quickly realized that Froakie is one of the starter Pokémon in Kalos and shouldn't even be here. She said that she'll talk with Professor Sycamore about this and went back to the house.

"So Froakie is in Vaniville Town," asked Professor Sycamore.

"That's right. Do you know why it's here," asked Grace.

"That Froakie is actually very difficult to deal with. He's stronger than an average Froakie and every time a trainer chooses him he expects a lot from them and when they turn him down, he leaves and comes back to the lab," explained the professor. "He can be difficult to deal with."

"Wait a minute," said Grace. "My friend's son is actually playing with Froakie."

Grace turned the videophone and Sycamore spit out his coffee at what he saw. Ash and Froakie were having a good time.

"How on Earth did a 6–year–old earned Froakie's respect," asked Sycamore in shock. "He turned down many promising trainers, but accepted a kid!"

Grace explained what happened in the forest and Sycamore understood the kid has done was something very few trainers would do nowadays and Froakie saw potential in Ash.

"Well, Froakie is extremely stubborn about choosing a trainer and the odds of choosing another is near zero, so the best thing to do is to leave Froakie with that kid," said Sycamore.

"What," asked Grace in shock. She has never heard of a 6–year–old to have a Pokémon. A strong one at that!

"Let's meet in Aquacorde Town in a few minutes," offered Sycamore. "I'd like to meet this child. If he can earn Froakie's respect, then I must meet him. Perhaps bring his friend as well."

"Are you sure you can make it in a few minutes," asked Grace. "Aquacorde Town is not that close to Lumiouse City."

"I can just take a flight on my Garchomp," said the professor.

"OK," agreed Grace. "We'll see you in a few minutes."

Grace left the house and told Ash, Serena and Delia about Froakie's past and that Professor Sycamore wanted to meet Ash. Ash was surprised that from all the trainers in Kalos Froakie chose him as his trainer and told his new friend about his dream to become a Pokémon Master. Froakie couldn't wait for Ash to grow up and travel together. Serena couldn't tell the difference between Ash and Froakie. Delia was proud of Ash that her son was able to earn Froakie's respect. Ash said that he wanted to go, so did Serena. They got into Grace's car and drove to Aquacorde Town.

After a few minutes of driving, the group got out of the car and sat on a bench when they heard a loud roar. They looked up and saw a Garchomp coming their way with Professor Sycamore on its back.

"Hello, everyone," said Sycamore as he got off Garchomp.

"Hello, Professor Sycamore," said Ash and Serena in union and Froakie waved with his paw.

"You must be Ash and Serena. I heard a lot about you from Professor Oak," said Sycamore and turned his attention to Froakie. "Hello again, Froakie. It's been long time. I'm glad you found a trainer who can bring out the inner potential in you."

The professor explained what he did as a professor and decided to give Ash Froakie's PokéBall. It was obvious the kid had the potential in befriending Pokémon easily and so did Serena.

"Ash, I decided to give you Froakie. It's clear that his previous trainers hadn't earned Froakie's respect as much as you did so I think you deserve this," said Sycamore as he gave Ash Froakie's PokéBall.

Ash was shocked that he was allowed to keep Froakie and said "Thank you" multiple times.

"Professor, I was wondering if you can teach me more about Pokémon," asked Ash which took everyone by surprise. "Back in Pallet Town, Professor Oak was very busy teaching Gary all the time so I never got to learn much."

From all people present, Sycamore was the most surprised. He wasn't as busy as Oak, but just as knowledgeable. He thought for a second and teaching Ash about Pokémon might bring a bit more fun to the lab.

"I have no problem with that," said Sycamore.

Ash and co. looked shocked that the professor agreed that easily.

"But don't you have a lot of other duties at the lab and elsewhere," asked Grace.

"I'm not that busy as most people think and teaching a young mind sounds like fun," said the professor.

"Then can I come as well," asked Serena with determination.

"Of course you can, the more the merrier," said Sycamore with a smile. Ash and Serena celebrated, and Delia and Grace looked surprised, but happy. "We'll start tomorrow morning and drop by every day at 10pm. I'll be sending Garchomp to pick you up."

Now that everything was settled, the professor got on his Garchomp and went back to the lab, and Ash and co. went to Grace's car and drove back to Vaniville Town. During the ride, the two mothers told their kids not to distract the professor from his studies and told them that she'll teach them how to cook while Grace will teach them how to camp out.

And Ash's decision coming to Kalos with Serena is what changed his life.

The next day, Garchomp picked Ash, Serena and Froakie up, and flew to the lab. Ash sat up front with Froakie on his shoulder and Serena behind him. She took the opportunity to hug Ash from behind. It wasn't long until they were at the lab and started learning. Over the time they spent there, they learnt a lot of things, like battling, performing, type match–ups, training, breeding, abilities and more. Ash and Froakie immediately got obsessed over battling.

Serena then showed her mother that her dream wasn't Rhyhorn racing, but performing. Grace challenged Serena to a Skiddo racing and to everyone's surprise Serena won, so Grace agreed to let Serena be a Coordinator and Performer.

Ash and Serena made a lot of friends along the way. Serena befriended a Fennekin while watching a contest and became inseparable like Ash and Froakie. It turned out that Fennekin had a crush on Froakie, but the 'Bubble Frog Pokémon' didn't know about her feelings.

Speaking of the water–type, as soon as Ash learnt about battling, he had as much battles as possible with Professor Sycamore, his assistants and the Pokémon in the greenhouse that were willing to battle. Usually Garchomp would battle them, but Ash and Froakie just couldn't stop themselves and in just a few months Froakie evolved into Frogadier and then into a powerful Greninja.

Serena and Fennekin also trained hard in style and choreography, and soon she had a Delphox.

Sycamore couldn't believe what was happening. These were capable of raising Pokémon better than trainers that were years older than them.

The most unforgettable moment was when Ash and Greninja transformed. In all his years, he had never seen anything like this, but every time Ash kept doing it he seemed to faint or be knocked out. Serena tried to convince him not to rush into things, even though she knew he wouldn't listen. Ash could also felt any pain Greninja felt so if he got hurt, so did Ash. Sycamore showed this the other professors who were watching the transformation live. Professor Oak had never imagined that Ash could be such a capable kid and wished Gary was more like him. All professors thought that Ash and Greninja's transformation is remarkable, all but one.

Professor Rowan immediately saw the problem as he was an analytical man.

"Boy, the reason you keep failing is because you lack full trust in Greninja," said Rowan and turned the screen off.

Serena tried to comfort him as he was depressed, but as usual he went off his own and wet to the forest he found Froakie. He saw a family of Spewpa again stuck on a tree, but this time overlooking a cliff. Just like the last time, Ash immediately went to save to Pokémon, but at the last Spewpa the branch snapped and Ash was pummeling down a 40–feet drop before something caught him. He looked up and on the edge of the cliff was Greninja and realized that no matter what, the water/dark–type will always be there for him. As they pulled up and got back on the cliff, one of the rescued Spewpa fell of the cliff and this time they transformed perfectly as Greninja jumped off the cliff to save Spewpa. Greninja transformed and looked just like Ash with a big shuriken on his back and with some guidance from Ash, managed to save Spewpa.

After that stunt, they went back to the lab and somehow Serena Ash did something reckless, but didn't know what and yelled at him anyway. Ash did have no choice, but to tell the truth and also how he and Greninja perfected their transformation which shocked the group so they showed their perfect transformation, much to the other professors' shock and this time Rowan had a smile on his face.

Sycamore didn't have any idea who to call this phenomenon and just called it "Greninja's transformation", but then Ash came up with a lot better name for it, "Ash–Greninja". They got data and found out that Ash's brainwaves perfectly synchronize with Greninja's so Greninja mimics what Ash does, but since Greninja feels pain when hurt and that's sent as a brainwave, so Ash feels it too. Not everyone was impressed of course. When Delia found out about this all hell broke loose that Ash was getting hurt when he and Greninja were in sync, but Sycamore reasoned that Ash only thinks he's getting hurt and not actually hurt. Eventually they submitted this to the league and Ash–Greninja was made legal, but they had medics nearby in case Ash got hurt.

Sycamore still couldn't believe about the Pokémon Ash and Serena befriended.

First, Ash:

The first Pokémon changed his life forever, finally discovering the secret of why Ash can understand Pokémon.

An Aura guardian from Sinnoh, Riley, came to the lab with a Riolu that could learn Aura Sphere. The small fighting–type somehow managed to sense Ash's aura given to him by Arceus as to wield the power and be a protector. To test this theory, Ridley sent out a burst of aura, which would fully awake the guardian's aura. It was then, when the six nearly 7–year–old kid fainted and glowed blue and a very powerful–looking Greninja was trying to rip his head off and had prepared a Night Slash, but Ridley's Lucario was barely holding him off. Serena's Delphox also tried to stop Greninja with her Psychic, but it didn't work due to Greninja being part dark–type and he was immune to her psychic attacks. That's when Ridley realized that Ash was truly an Aura Guardian.

A few hours later, Ash woke up while Ridley was being scolded from Serena and Delia. Ridley felt extremely sorry for Ash if this is what he got for doing something reckless, like Greninja joked while enjoying his punishment, especially since aura guardians do reckless stunts all the time.

Once Ash was fully awake, Ridley explained that he can understand Pokémon, because he's an aura guardian, although his aura showed up quite early considering his age.

After e few of training, Riolu evolved into a Lucario and during that time, Greninja tried multiple times to beat Ridley's Lucario, but always failed even though he almost defeated the fighting/steel–type. Ash learnt that as he matures, his aura abilities will open up and for now he could only understand Pokémon.

After evolving, Lucario not only became Ash's mentor, but also one of his greatest partners, after Greninja of course. He even stayed with Ash when he was grounded.

Next came a pair of Nidoran.

One day, while Ash and Serena, along with Greninja and Delphox, were walking on Route 4, they heard a Pokémon cry. Ash and Greninja went to see where the cry came from, with Serena and Delphox behind them. When they arrived at the scene, they saw two Nidoran trapped in a cage, next to which stood a tall muscular man with a Mega–Scizor by his side. Ash quickly realized that the man was a poacher and he was the reason the Nidoran were trapped. Greninja looked at the Nidoran more carefully and was surprised to see that they were shiny Nidoran and immediately told Ash. The boy quickly came up with a plan.

"Serena, go to Lumiuose City and tell the professor and Officer Jenny what's going on. Me and Greninja will keep this guy busy," said Ash. Serena looked at him like he was crazy, but seeing his determined expression she knew that it was pointless to argue and hurried back to the lab. When she arrived there, Serena was surprised to Grace and Delia there, but that didn't matter and told everyone present that Ash and Greninja were dealing with a Pokémon poacher. The professor called Officer Jenny and informed her of the situation. After that was done, the five of them (if we include Delphox) quickly made their way to Route 4. When they got further into it, they met with Officer Jenny who was on her motorcycle, but then heard an explosion coming from nearby. The group made their way towards its source and when they arrived at the scene, they saw that Ash and Greninja, who had transformed into Ash–Greninja were battling the poacher and his Mega–Scizor.

"Scizor, use Hyper Beam," said the poacher.

"Greninja, cover yourself with Smokescreen," said Ash.

Mega–Scizor fired its Hyper Beam, but Ash–Greninja was faster and unleashed a Smokescreen. The place where Hyper Beam hit caused the smoke to clear out and Greninja was nowhere to be seen.

"Greninja, use Double Team," said Ash.

The poacher and Mega–Scizor looked above them and saw Ash–Greninja multiplying.

"Let's finish them off with Water Shuriken," said Ash. Greninja grabbed the shuriken on his back, and much to everyone's shock the copies got absorbed into the shuriken which made it larger than before.

"Scizor, use Hyper Beam," said the poacher in panic.

Scizor was about to fire another Hyper Beam, but Greninja was faster and threw the giant shuriken, which struck Scizor directly and was sent flying into its trainer which caused both of them to fly into a tree, and Scizor returned to normal.

With the battle over, Ash and Greninja made their way towards the cage with the shiny Nidoran and Greninja destroyed it with Night Slash, freeing the poison–types.

"Ash," shouted everyone which caught the boy's attention.

"Hey there, guys," greeted Ash.

"Are you OK, Ash," asked Serena worried about her crush.

"Yup. We're totally fine," answered Ash, but then put a hand over his ribs.

"What's wrong," asked Delia panicked.

"I'm fine, mom. It's just Scizor caught us off guard with a Metal Claw earlier, but that's all," said Ash. "We blocked a couple of X–Scissor attacks, so we're alright. Right, Greninja?

"Absolutely," said Greninja with a smile.

"You're lucky, since steel–type attacks are not that effective on Greninja, but bug–type on the other hand can be painful," said Sycamore.

While they were talking about the battle, Officer Jenny made her way towards the knocked out poacher and placed him in handcuffs, and went back to the group.

"Thank you for stopping this poacher, kid," said Jenny with a smile. "We've been after him for a while and always managed to get away, but not this time."

"I couldn't just let him take away the poor Nidoran," said Ash, addressing the two poison–types who were still there. "I think the reason he wanted them was because they are shiny."

Thank you again for dealing with this criminal," said Jenny.

"It's what I do," said Ash. "I want to help every Pokémon that's in need of help no matter what."

Just as he said that, Serena and Delia shared worried expressions. Delia knew she had to scold Ash for going up against a dangerous man, but after what Jenny told him, she decided to let him go with just a warning this time.

When they got back to the lab, Ash and co. were surprised to see that the Nidoran were following them. Ash made his way to them and they told him that they're thankful for saving them and wanted to join. The male Nidoran was a battler so he joined Ash, while the female one didn't like battles so she joined Serena after watching a contest. After two months, they evolved into Nidorino and Nidorina and when Sycamore was given Moon Stones, Ash and Serena evolved them into Nidoking and Nidoqueen. As time passed, Nidoqueen developed feelings towards Nidoking, just like Serena and Delphox have for Ash and Greninja.

Then came his Gliscor.

While Ash was training with Nidoking and Lucario in a nearby forest, an exhausted Gligar came out from a nearby bush. The trio looked at the beaten Pokémon and gasped when they saw Gligar's condition. The 'Flyscorpion Pokémon' was more than exhausted. He looked like it battled a herd of Tauros all by himself. Lucario used his aura and sensed that Gligar was getting weaker by the minute and they had to take him to Nurse Joy. Ash picked Gligar up and ran as fast as possible to the Pokémon Center, his Pokémon close behind him.

When they arrived, Ash immediately went to Nurse Joy and told her about the Gligar in his arms. The nurse quickly took Gligar and placed on a stretcher and took him to the surgery room, followed by Ash and his Pokémon.

While Nurse Joy was doing the best she can to safe Gligar, Ash went to the videophone and called Professor Sycamore to let him know of the situation. Sycamore told him to stay there and he'll come as soon as possible. Of course, Serena was at the lab and when she heard that Ash was at the Pokémon Center she feared the worse, but Sycamore explained that Ash was there because of an injured Gligar. She relaxed and insisted on going to the Pokémon Center with the professor, to which he agreed.

When they got there, they saw Ash, Greninja, Lucario and Nidoking sitting in front of the surgery room.

"Ash," said Sycamore which caught the boy's attention. "How's Gligar?"

"Not very well. Nurse Joy is doing her best. You should've seen him. He looked like he battled a herd of Tauros all alone," said Ash as tears formed in his eyes, fearing for the ground/flying–type Pokémon's life.

Just then, the door opened and Nurse Joy came out with relief.

"Good news. Gligar will be fine, but it'll need a lot of rest," said Nurse Joy when she turned her attention towards Ash. "Good thing you made it in time. One minute later and Gligar wouldn't survive."

"Can I see him," asked Ash, wanting to see Gligar.

Nurse Joy saw how much Ash was worried and nodded, allowing him to enter, as well as his Pokémon. Ash sat on a chair that was next to the bed and gently put a hand on Gligar's forehead.

"I'm so glad you're going to recover, Gligar," said Ash. "You're an awesome Pokémon and whoever did this to you is the biggest jerk in the world. I promise, when I find out who caused you this much suffering, I'm gonna make him pay! No one deserves to be treated like this."

Just then, Gligar slowly opened his eyes and saw Ash and his Pokemon, which surprised them, but were happy none the less that Gligar woke up and muttered in a weak voice. "Please, don't make me go back."

"What do you mean," asked Ash concerned.

"To my flock," said Gligar weakly. "I have a fear of heights and when my flock attacked me viciously with attacks like Steel Wing and X–Scissor. I tried to fly away, but our leader was faster and struck me with an Aqua Tail."

"Steel Wing and X–Scissor are not that strong. I bet Aqua Tail is what caused your injury as you are part ground–type," said Ash.

"That's not all," said Gligar. "After the Aqua Tail, the leader struck me with an ice–type move. I couldn't see what it was as I was frightened. And now, I'm all alone. I'm banished and I don't know where to go."

Ash looked at Gligar with sympathy and knew what to do.

"You're not alone. You've got us," said Ash which surprised Gligar. He never expected to be accepted by this human after he told him what happened. "We'll be your friends."

"You really mean it," asked Gligar hopeful.

"You bet," said Ash. "We'll even stay here until you recover."

When Ash said that he and his Pokémon will stay by Gligar's side, he really meant it. The first night, Delia and Grace got worried that Ash and Serena were being late, but relaxed when Sycamore called them and explained the situation with Gligar. Ash refused to leave Gligar and Serena didn't want to leave Ash alone even if his Pokémon were there.

After a week, Gligar recovered completely and immediately joined Ash's team, and after weeks of hard training, Gligar overcame his fear of heights and announced that he was ready to evolve. Professor Sycamore gave Ash a Razor Fang and one night while Ash and Serena were going back home, a wild Skarmory swooped down and grabbed Ash by the shoulders and flew away, but Gligar flew after them and thanks to the wind, Gligar was faster and struck Skarmory hard with Brick Break which caused it to let go off Ash and the boy fell down to the ground. Gligar went after him in order to catch his trainer. While falling, Ash threw the Razor Fang at Gligar who grabbed it and evolved into Gliscor, and managed to grab Ash just in time. Serena, Ash's Pokémon and her Pokémon made their way to the two and saw Gliscor using his tail to balance himself, with Ash in his pincers. The happy moment didn't last long when the Skarmory came back and tried to grab Ash again, but this time Gliscor got in the way and struck the steel/flying–type with Stone Edge. After landing two direct hits with Steel Wing and his newly learnt Giga Impact Gliscor defeated Skarmory. What surprised everyone is that Gliscor was able to move after Giga Impact.

When they got back home, the kids explained why they were a few minutes late. Delia was glad that Ash wasn't harmed and thanked the 'Fang Scorp Pokémon' for saving her son and Gliscor winked and brought his tongue out, which caused everyone to chuckle.

Then came Ash's first dragon, Salamence.

Professor Sycamore still couldn't believe that it all started with a single call from Professor Birch.

"Come again," said Sycamore. "I didn't hear you quite well."

"I'm having a problem with a Bagon," said Birch through the videophone. "Drake was exploring Meteor Falls and found a herd of Bagon, but one of them didn't fit with them so he took Bagon with him. What's more, Drake knew that Bagon was ready to evolve, but it didn't want to do a ritual – to jump from a cliff. Bagon wasn't feeling comfortable even around Drake's Salamence. I tried to get the little guy to jump, but didn't make any progress. I was hoping you guys would have some miracle."

"Why don't you try the village of dragons," suggested Elm. "They know how to handle dragon–types.

"I tried that, but didn't end very well," said Birch and Juniper nodded.

"I heard that it kept firing Dragon Rage attacks at everyone," said Juniper.

"Well, I may have the solution. Let's try with the boy in Sycamore's lab," said Rowan. "After seeing his bond with his Pokémon, then I say we let him try."

"We don't have a choice," said Birch. "What do you say, Sycamore?"

"I don't see why not," answered Sycamore.

Birch nodded and ended the call, and sent Bagon who was sleeping. Sycamore picked the sleeping Pokémon and went to find Ash, who was training with Nidoking and Gliscor and were being watched by Serena and her Pokémon.

"Ash, I your help," called Sycamore.

"What is it, professor," asked Ash. "Is something wrong?"

"Well, Professor Birch sent me over this Bagon," said Sycamore and explained the problem with him.

"No problem," said Ash. "I'll help Bagon with this ritual."

"Thanks, Ash," said Sycamore as he handed Bagon over to Ash. "I'm counting on you."

Just as Sycamore left, Bagon woke up and saw Ash smiling at him. He then looked around and saw all Pokémon, and Serena, looking at him.

"Where am I," asked Bagon.

"You're at Professor Sycamore's lab in Kalos," said Ash.

Bagon looked surprised that the boy understood him, but the more surprising thing was that he felt comfortable in his arms. It took him less than a weak to open up more to his new friends and told Ash about everything that's happened. Ash promised Bagon to help him with the jump of a cliff. After about a month, Bagon felt more confident and was ready for the big jump. He remembered how hard he and Ash have been training and didn't want to let his friend down.

Now, Bagon stood on the edge of a cliff. Ash told him he was going to be there, but there was no sign of the boy. That's until he heard him.

"Bagon," called Ash who was making his way towards Bagon, with Gliscor by his side. "You ready to do it, 'cause I am?"

Bagon was surprised that Ash was going to jump with him, but was worried that Ash will hurt himself.

"Don't worry about me," said Ash. "That's why I brought Gliscor. He's part flying–type so I'll holding on to him."

"This is gonna be fun," said Gliscor with a smile and turned towards Bagon. "On your mark, Bagon."

"Let's do it," said Bagon as he jumped from the cliff.

Gliscor grabbed Ash by the shoulders with his pincers and followed Bagon. Bagon saw them when they neared him and formed a smile. The trio soon neared the ground and in order to avoid impact, Gliscor flew underneath Bagon and the dragon–type grabbed his tail at the last moment. Bagon let go off Gliscor when he knew it was safe and landed on the ground, followed by Ash and Gliscor.

"That was amazing, Bagon," said Ash as he and Bagon celebrated. "I knew you could do it."

When they got back home, Ash explained what happened and Delia was not very happy. At first she was about to ground Ash for two months, but changed her mind and grounded him for six weeks as he jumped from a cliff to help Bagon.

During his punishment, Bagon stood with Ash the whole time and bonded pretty quickly. Their happy moment didn't last much longer as it was time for Bagon to leave, but everyone was surprised by Bagon's reaction.

"There's no way I'm going back to Meteor Falls," said Bagon as he refused to let go off Ash. "Ash and his Pokémon have showed me more respect and care for a few months more than my family had for years! I'm staying here and nobody can make me leave!"

"I also don't want Bagon to leave," said Ash after he translated what Bagon said to Sycamore, Birch and Drake. "We've become really close friends."

"Then let's test this fact in a battle between dragon–types," said Drake sternly. "If you win, Bagon can stay, but if I win it'll go back to Meteor Falls."

Everyone was shocked by what Drake proposed, mainly Ash and Bagon. The two looked at each other and felt confidence building inside them. If a battle was going to decide Bagon's fate, then Ash had no problem with that as well as Bagon.

"We accept," said Ash with determination.

"Bring it on," said Bagon as he taunted.

"Very well," said Drake as he brought his Flygon. "Are you ready to begin?"

"You bet we are," said Ash.

Sycamore acted as the referee. Ash's other Pokémon, Serena and her Pokémon were impressed at how good Bagon was doing. Drake surely did not expect that. However, things turned around when Flygon struck Bagon with Dragon Rage and Dragon Claw. Drake smirked as he knew the battle was over, but much to his shock Bagon stood up and evolved into Shelgon. Flygon went for a Steel Wing, but Shelgon somehow managed to bite Flygon's wings and surprised everybody by learning the most powerful dragon–type move Draco Meteor. Flygon couldn't get itself free from Shelgon's jaws and was directly hit by the powerful dragon–type attack, knocking it out and Shelgon was victorious.

After the battle, Drake admitted that he underestimated Ash and allowed him to keep Shelgon, who after a week evolved into a powerful Salamence and learnt un uncommon move for a Salamence, Hydro Pump.

Next was Hydreigon, who pretty often wrecked stuff.

Professor Sycamore was wiser to this headache, something was going into his lab, but this one was vicious and proved to be a problem when he received a call from Professor Juniper.

"I have a Deino in my lab and I need your help. This trouble maker comes from the Village of Dragons and rejected every starting trainer from that village, it disobeys them and sometimes attacks them. Even the Opelucid City gym leader, Draiden, doesn't know why Deino is so hard–head. Deino only listens only to Draiden the elder of the village, but no one else. They sent him to me and hoped that I could find a trainer with potential for Deino, but no luck so far. I remembered there was a kid in your lab who has dealt with this kind of situation before. Think you can let this kid get through Deino," explained Juniper and Sycamore heard this before and he better start working on a dish bowl named Hydreigon.

"It's worth a shot," said Sycamore and Juniper smiled, and sent Deino over to him. Sycamore immediately handed Deino to Ash and told him the story before going back to bed.

"Guys, let's see this Deino," said Ash and summoned the dragon/dark–type.

Deino woke up to see a kid with a ninja frog, blue jackal, flying bat–like scorpion, blue rhino-like rabbit and big dragon next to him.

"Great, are the trainers getting smaller or I've just been given to a kid," said Deino with sarcasm.

"I'm only 8! I'm not that small! And you haven't been given, you're my new friend," said Ash.

"Listen, I don't want to hurt you so just send me back and I'm not your friend," said Deino.

"No! I never give up on a friend," said Ash stubbornly.

"I don't have any friends," snapped Deino.

"Then I'll be your first friend," said Ash.

"Notice how the newcomer hasn't even realized that Ash can understand him," said Greninja which caused everyone present to chuckle and Deino just realized that small fact.

"Wait a minute. You can understand me," asked Deino.

"I'm an aura guardian–in–training," said Ash and he tried to show some aura, but only got a faint blue glow.

"I guess an aura wannabe is more like it," said Deino with less anger.

"Everyone told me I'll get better as I get older," said Ash. "Wanna play tag?"

Deino scoffed and ran off, with Ash chasing him. They did play tag, sort of. Ash tried to get along with Deino, but he was extremely disobedient and dangerous with his attacks. Good thing the other five made sure that if Deino hurts Ash, they'll make him pay.

This continued for months and the Professor was getting tired of it. He suggested to send Deino back, but Ash was too stubborn for his own good. Ash made very little progress and the other Pokémon were wondering when it was going to stop. Until one day, Deino had enough. All the trainers gave up in like 10 days, but Ash just didn't know when to quit. He never listened to him and almost attacked him a few times, but the kid wasn't scared. He even gave him a headbutt, but he still didn't give up on him.

"Enough is enough," yelled Deino. "Last chance, brat. Give up or face the consequences!"

"Consequences, I never give up," said Ash with no hesitation. "Tell me why you don't like me and if I can't change that, then I'll send you back."

"Are you kidding me? You people are all the same. I thought being with a human would be fun, but all my lousy trainers were all total scumbags. I forced to battle powerful Pokémon, like Rhyperior or Aerodactyl, and when I lost they yelled at me! All they wanted from me is to evolve and I got sick of it. It's like they want me to be a titan or something. One of those idiots even wanted to defeat me, because I was "evil" and then I snapped. If they want evil, I'll give them evil," explained Deino in tears as he let out a Dragon Rage at Ash and he took it.

All the Pokémon were outraged and went to interfere, but Ash didn't let them. "No! I will take this! I'll bear your anger ad proof that not humans are bad." Deino was shocked. He would just take the attack and didn't ask his Pokémon to fight back. He let out attack after attack, but Ash stood up every time. After Deino got tired Ash was still standing, but panting.

"What in the name of Arceus does that proof? That you're an idiot," asked Deino yelling.

"It proves that this guy sees Pokémon as friends. Even the ones that attack him. It proves that this human will never see you as a weapon, but only as a friend," said Ash

"Why do you want to be my friend so badly," asked Deino demanding.

"Because you're in pain and it hurts inside. And why should I not help others, it's human nature, said Ash with a chuckle and fell down and fell asleep.

Lucario rushed to him and examined him. "Aura exhaustion, he's pretty low. He's just tired, that was a close one." Salamence rounded on him, being told not to help his friend and watch as he took hits. "You little pipsqueak! I really want to blast you with a Dragon Pulse, but I know Ash won't like it and frankly he's just too good for you. I get you had lousy humans, heck I met some of them in that village. The village in general wasn't that bad, but the whole dragon thing went to their heads a little. They treated me like a zoo attraction. We all told you that Ash is the most pure–hearted human in the world and Pokémon don't lie! HE AND GLISCOR JUMPED OFF A CLIFF WITH ME AND FOR ME! To be his friend is my greatest honor and you better treat him with the respect he deserves."

"Look, kid. After I was beaten nearly to death by my entire flock, Ash took me to the nearest Pokémon Center so I could get healed," said Gliscor. "I was there for weeks and Ash stood there the entire time, not wanting to leave. He didn't even go home at night so he could be by my side!"

"He battled a poacher so he could save me and Nidoqueen," said Nidoking. "If it weren't for him, we'd be at the black market by now."

Deino was already shocked, but to hear such powerful Pokémon give allegiance to this kid, for jumping off a cliff, staying for weeks in hospital and battling a poacher for his Pokémon, and was re–evaluating on how he saw Ash. Greninja rounded on him as he looked at the ninja frog. "Kid, I know exactly how you felt with those trainers and I mean exactly. I was given up quite a few times as well and decided at one point to just come back here if the trainer let me down. The wannabes that tried to train me were wannabes and I had the reputation for being a Pokémon that abandons trainers. One day, I was on my way from ditching a trainer when I saw a kid. I felt this kid was different than the others and my thoughts were correct when he nearly fell of a 5-meter tree to safe some random Spewpa he didn't even know and I saved his life when he early died. I thought there was something about this kid and I decided to follow him. He learnt how to train me and, I was as he knew I was the happiest while training and spent day and night learning how to train me to make me happy! I was touched that he went that far for my sake and decided to pull all I got for him. At one point he did the same stunt with Spewpa and proved that he went that far to trust me with his life. He's a one–of–a–kind human and my best friend. You chose to close your eyes and see everyone as an enemy. When Ash wakes up you better apologize for doing this, but knowing him he would never want you to anyway."

Lucario carried him to bed and he slept for a few hours before slowly getting back up.

"Ugh, my body is sore," said Ash as he woke up.

"Why," asked Deino with a sob. He felt terrible, like he threw something deep in him and became the monster everyone expected him to be and just as monstrous as his trainers. Greninja was right, he was blind. Ash did nothing to him, but he still attacked the kid.

"Because I never give up 'til it's over," said Ash as he tried to stand up, but was caught by none other than Deino. Thanks, Deino and don't say you're sorry. I don't want you to, you were justified on how you felt about humans and I decided I would take all your anger and hate to show you there's good in humans." Ash grimaced again as he tried to stand up. "In 5 minutes."

"So, am I going back," asked Deino.

"Only if you want to," said Ash, surprising Deino. Was that what he wanted? To go back to the village and be treated like before? He decided to take up the offer as he owned this kid so much.

"I want to try to be your friend," said Deino. Ash petted his head and then fell on his back.

"Well this sucks. I can barely move and I guess I'll to wait a little before I can move properly," said Ash.

"So how are we going to play tag or however you call it," asked Deino.

"We can play later if you want," said Ash.

"OK. The others chewed me out and refused to let me go unless I apologize, but the blue frog said wouldn't accept it," said Deino.

"Yeah, Greninja always knows what I'm thinking. Do you wanna hear about my adventures to pass time," asked Ash and Deino nodded as he walked around with Ash collapsed on his back.

He heard about how he trained his Pokémon. How he met Froakie, Riolu, Gligar, Nidoran, Bagon, that blonde girl Deino saw from time to time called Serena, Sycamore and Serena's mom. Deino was impressed, the kid actually knew what he was doing.

After Ash was able to move again he left with Deino to a crowd of Serena, Delia and Sycamore. All the Pokémon refused to let Deino leave without apologizing to Ash. Even Serena and her own Pokémon.

"Ash, are you OK," asked Delia.

"I'm fine, mom. And so is my new friend," said Ash as Deino nuzzled him, much to everyone's shock. "Can Deino stay here?" Sycamore spitted his coffee out before regaining control over his mouth. "Ash, are you crazy? That Pokémon attacked you and put you on a bed and you want me to keep him!" Deino told Ash that he can tell his story to others.

"Professor, I'll tell you Deino's story…," said Ash and explained why Deino was so temperamental with humans and was all better now and didn't want to go back to the Village of Dragons where they would hate him and it wasn't justified! Serena, Delia and Sycamore felt pity for Deino, even Serena's Pokémon. Everyone present was sad after hearing his story and consoled him. Deino was shocked that humans can be compassionate.

"Well, I'll have to talk to the Village of Dragons for what they did to this poor Pokémon," said Sycamore angrily.

"Ash, you're grounded for 3 weeks," said Delia and Ash was surprised.

"But I did the right thing," said Ash.

"I know, but I can't reinforce the hero stuff in you or you'll do something even more reckless," said Delia and Ash was disappointed.

"They do realize that he's supposed to be hero since he's an Aura Guardian," said Deino.

"Yeah, but they do this to Ash all the time," chuckled Salamence. "Reminds me of when he jumped off a cliff for me, his punishment was worse."

"Well, I'm staying with Ash for his punishment," said Deino.

"I did the same thing," laughed Salamence.

Ash was grounded for 3 weeks and Deino stood with him the entire time. The dark/dragon–type felt bad for attacking Ash and realized just how good this kid was. Sycamore called the Village Elder and Drayden and told them what Deino went through and Ash was present with Deino by his side.

"Deino, I want to apologize on behalf on the Village of Dragons. I never thought any young ones could do such a thing," said the elder.

"I suggest removing any Deinos being given to new trainers. The young ones need to prove they're worth a Pokémon," said Drayden harshly. He was going to have a word with the trainers that had this Deino.

"Can Deino stay here," asked Ash as Deino nuzzled him.

They were unsure if this was the same Deino that caused so much trouble, but the Elder smiled when she saw how close Ash and Deino were becoming. "Yes he can. Take care of Deino. He's been through a lot and I know that you won't only be a great trainer for him, but also a great friend." Drayden smiled, this was the type of trainers he respected and Ash wasn't even a trainer. "Child, promise that no matter what, you'll always take good care for him." Ash held out him pinky. "Promise." Drayden and the Elder laughed. They wished him good luck and disconnected.

Ash trained Deino and soon evolved into Zweilous and Ash was overjoyed that now he had two friends and they both chuckled. Two heads that can never agree they found something that they did agree on.

Training was now much easier and evolved into a powerful Hydreigon, but he never let that go to his head and remained Ash's friend. What was surprising was that after becoming a Hydreigon, he learnt the egg move, Earth Power, from both his parents which were both a Hydreigon.

Everyone was glad that Hydreigon was no longer a heartless jerk, but that didn't mean that he would stop wrecking the lab from time to time. This caused Sycamore even more headache. If Arceus kept giving these children such big and powerful, then his lab would be in ruins before the kids' 10th birthdays.

Next were Gallade and Gardevoir. These two were far less destructive and dangerous.

One day, Diantha decided to drop in to visit Sycamore with Gardevoir, who just had 2 baby Ralts. When she entered the lab, the first thing she saw was an 8–year–old kid riding a Salamence and had a Gliscor and Hydreigon in tow.

"You're not going to win," said Hydreigon.

"Sorry, I can't hear you. You need to work on your speed," said Salamence before flapping his wings, blowing Hydreigon backwards.

"Hey, that's cheating," said Hydreigon.

"Catch me if you can," said Salamence.

"Not a problem," said Gliscor as he flew pass Salamence and crossed the Finish line first.

"Great speed, Gliscor," said Ash while the two dragons were shocked that Gliscor beat them in the race.

Needless to say, the Kalos Champion got the shock of her life watching that. A bit further from that she saw a girl inside of an electrified Fire Spin.

"Delphox, keep up the Fire Spin, and Nidoqueen keep using Thunderbolt," said the girl and Diantha was wide–eyed at that.

Sycamore then came out of the lab room. "It looks like I've got some explaining to do."

"If you please," said Diantha.

Sycamore explained the whole story of Ash and Serena, and both Diantha and Gardevoir thought it was sweet and Diantha knew what Gardevoir was thinking.

"Professor, I came here to ask you to look after Gardevior's newborns for a couple of days. Although, I'd like to meet these children," said Diantha with a smile.

"Of course! I've gotta tell you, those two sure know how to raise Pokémon," said Sycamore. "They could be the front runners of the next generation."

Diantha chuckled and it was around lunchtime when she met with the kids.

"Ash, Serena. This is Diantha, the Kalos Region Champion," said Sycamore.

"Can we have a battle," asked Ash as he jumped from his chair and rushed to her and so did Greninja.

"Why so bad," asked Diantha.

"I want to know my weaknesses and work on them with Greninja," said Ash. Diantha was surprised by the boy's answer. She couldn't say 'no' to the kid and not feel bad about it.

"Very well. Let's go to the battlefield," said Diantha and everyone looked at her surprised.

Ash, Greninja, Diantha and Gardevoir were on the battlefield and Sycamore would be the referee. Ash's other Pokémon, along with Serena and her Pokémon were not far watching.

"Let's do it, Greninja," said Ash as the water/dark–type got ready.

"Let's give it our best, Gardevoir," said Diantha as Gardevoir braced herself for a hard battle.

"Let the battle begin," said Sycamore.

"Use Water Shuriken," said Ash as Greninja fired multiple shuriken towards Gardevoir, but much to the duo's shock Gardevoir easily dodged them. "That's fast."

Gardevoir was then covered in yellow aura and fired a powerful blast of electricity towards Greninja.

"Greninja, use Double Team and then Smokescreen," said Ash. Greninja multiplied himself and Gardevoir's electric attack struck the clones, missing him, and then unleashed a Smokescreen which covered the entire battlefield.

"Gardevoir, use Psychic on the smoke," said Diantha. Gardevoir's eyes glowed blued and lifted the Smokescreen, only to be hit by Aerial Ace, which caught her off guard.

"Good work, Greninja," said Ash.

"So you used Smokescreen as a distraction. Not a bad strategy," said Diantha. "Gardevoir, use Shadow Ball."

"Greninja, counter it with Night Slash," said Ash. Gardevoir fired a purple ball towards Greninja, but the 'Ninja Pokémon' countered it with Night Slash. "Now use Ice Beam!"

Greninja fired an Ice Beam, but Gardevoir fired a Moonblast which overpowered the ice–type attack and struck Greninja hard, sending him flying backwards.

"Greninja," said Ash as he ran towards his Pokémon. "Are you OK?"

"Yeah. I've taken worse," said Greninja as he stood up.

Both Ash and Greninja felt their hearts synchronizing. They mimicked their movements and were surrounded in a water tornado, which "exploded" and a giant shuriken was formed on Greninja's back.

Diantha looked in shock from Greninja's transformation, and so did Gardevoir. They had never seen anything like this before.

"That's something you don't see every day," muttered Diantha.

Greninja then grabbed the shuriken on his back, Ash mimicking him, and threw it at Gardevoir, who got hit by Water Shuriken.

"Gardevoir, Greninja is a lot more powerful now, so let's give them a challenge," said Diantha as she touched her Mega–Ring and Gardevoir Mega–Evolved.

"It's Mega–Gardevoir," exclaimed Ash as he saw Diantha's Mega–Gardevoir and looked at his partner. "Let's show them what we can do, Greninja."

"Gardevoir, use Shadow Ball," said Diantha.

"Counter it with Night Slash," said Ash. Mega–Gardevoir fired a purple ball, but Ash–Greninja sliced it in two with his dark blades. "Now use Ice Beam."

"Stop it with Thunderbolt and then use Moonblast," said Diantha. Mega–Gardevoir fired her electric attack and countered Ice Beam, and then fired a Moonblast.

"Greninja, dodge it with Double Team," said Ash. Ash–Greninja multiplied himself, avoiding the fairy–type move. "Now use Aerial Ace!"

"Gardevoir, use Protect," said Diantha. Ash–Greninja charged towards Mega–Gardevoir with Aerial Ace, but Mega–Gardevoir shielded herself with Protect. "Use Magical Leaf."

"Slice them with Night Slash," said Ash. Mega–Gardevoir fired a Magical Leaf, but Ash–Greninja countered the attack with Night Slash. "Use Smokescreen."

"Stop it with Disable," said Diantha. Ash–Greninja fired a little bit of smoke as Mega–Gardevoir used Disable. "Use Shadow Ball."

"Counter it with Ice Beam," said Ash. Mega–Gardevoir fired a Shadow Ball, but Ash–Greninja managed to counter it with Ice Beam. "Time to end this, Greninja. Use Double Team and then Water Shuriken!" Ash–Greninja multiplied himself and then grabbed the giant shuriken on his back and all clones got absorbed into it, making it bigger.

"Gardevoir, use full power Moonblast," said Diantha when she saw the size of the shuriken. Gardevoir formed a much larger Moonblast and launched it towards Ash–Greninja who threw the Water Shuriken.

The two attacks collided in the middle of the battlefield, and the collision caused an explosion, which formed a huge cloud of dust. When the dust cleared, Ash–Greninja and Mega–Gardevoir were panting heavily, but then Ash–Greninja collapsed and returned back to normal, as Ash also fell on his knees and Sycamore called the battle to Diantha.

Diantha was beyond shocked. She gave it her best and this young and inexperienced kid fought better than most beginner and few intermediate trainers. He almost beat her and that transformation was nothing she had seen before. It wasn't Mega–Evolution as he didn't have a Mega–Ring and a there's no Mega–Stone for Greninja, so what was that?

Ash managed to get back on his feet and so did Greninja, with a little help from Lucario and Nidoking, and they both nodded.

"Thank you for the battle," said Ash and Greninja bowed to acknowledge them and they fell asleep from exhaustion. Ash was a kid and the transformation took a lot out of him and couldn't keep up with the continuous energy drain. One of the Ralts saw their mother fight and was sensing a lot of pure feelings inside the boy, but couldn't get good reading because of his age.

Diantha waited 3 hours for Ash and Greninja to wake up; plenty enough time to get to know Serena in a less life–risking manner and the other Ralts was also reading a lot of pure feelings inside Serena. After Ash and Greninja woke up, they were greeted by Diantha and Gardevoir.

"Are you alright, Ash," asked Diantha.

"Uh, yeah. We almost won, but we weren't strong enough. We managed to beat a Mega–Scizor before, but this was on a whole new level," said Ash.

"Ash, you and Greninja are pretty strong," said Diantha. "That transformation you two can do sure looks amazing. I'm impressed by the power you and Greninja possess."

"Then, can we have a rematch," asked Ash, which earned a giggle from Diantha.

"Sure. I'd like to have a rematch, but let's do it when you become a trainer," said Diantha. She then turned to Sycamore and told him about the two Ralts she was leaving with him for a while and left when she told him what they need.

Over the next few weeks, both Ralts wouldn't leave Ash's or Serena's side. The older Ralts was male and was interested in battles and joined Ash's training with his other Pokémon. The younger Ralts was female and took an interest in dancing and performing and joined Serena's team.

When Diantha and Sycamore saw this, they realized the Ralts had chosen their trainers on their own and handed them over. Gardevoir didn't want to separate from her children, but Ash and Serena promised to play with them and be good friends to them. Diantha left the Ralts there and she would check up on them every now and then with Gardevoir and gave the Ralts to Ash and Serena.

Over time, both Ralts trained and evolved into Kirlia. Serena's Kirlia evolved into Gardevoir, while Ash's Kirlia was deliberately stopping his evolution, and using Ash as a translator, they discovered Ash's Kirlia didn't want to become like his mother and sister, so Sycamore gave him a Dawn Stone and evolved him into Gallade, learning Focus Punch in the process. Gallade became a protective brother to Gardevoir and sometimes prevented Ash from doing something reckless, and Serena and Delia were grateful for that.

Next was Yanmega. That bug really did cause trouble. Sycamore remembered his call from Professor Elm.

"So what was the problem," asked Sycamore.

"Well, you see, for weeks there's been a Yanma near Goldenrod City that's attacking trainers who are competing in a Bug Catching Contest. We managed to capture it, but every time we bring it out of the PokéBall it attacks us and we don't know what to do. I think we might've angered it by capturing it," explained Elm.

"But aren't Yanma usually peaceful Pokémon," asked Sycamore.

"Yes, but this one is pretty aggressive. I was thinking if that boy in your lab can help. Juniper told me he managed to get through an aggressive Deino, so maybe he could help Yanma," said Elm.

"OK. Send Yanma. I'm sure Ash will be more than happy to help it," said Sycamore.

"Thank you, Professor," said Elm and he ended the call and sent Yanma.

Sycamore then went up to Ash, who was training with Gliscor and Nidoking, and Serena and her Pokémon were not far.

"Ash, I need your help with something," said Sycamore.

"What is it," asked Ash.

"I just received this Yanma from Professor Elm," said Sycamore and explained the situation with the aggressive Yanma.

"So this Yanma is aggressive and attacks trainers for no reason," asked Ash.

"Yeah. Do you think you can figure out why it's so aggressive," asked Sycamore.

"Sure, no problem. I'll give it a try," said Ash and Sycamore handed him the PokéBall, and left.

"Ash, are you sure about this," asked Serena as she came up to her crush.

"You bet I am," said Ash and threw the PokéBall, sending Yanma out. Just as they expected, Yanma immediately started firing Air Slash in all directions before Gallade used Psychic to hold it in one place.

"Hey, what's the big idea," asked Yanma when it realized it couldn't move.

"Hi, Yanma," said Ash and the bug/flying–type turned its attention to the boy and saw all the Pokémon.

"Who are you and what do you want," asked Yanma harshly.

"I'm Ash and you're at Professor Sycamore's lab," said Ash.

"I won't let you capture me," hissed Yanma.

"Listen, I'm not going to capture you. I just want to talk," said Ash. "Why are you attacking innocent trainers?"

"Innocent," shouted Yanma. "Those trainers are everything but innocent! I found a pretty good pace for a rest, but then all of a sudden trainers started disturbing me and tried to capture me. I attacked them, because they wouldn't leave me alone!"

"So you're attacking trainers, because they wouldn't leave you," said Ash.

"Smart kid," said Yanma when it gave Ash a sad look. "But it doesn't matter now. I'm far away from Johto and I probably won't go back. Not that I want to. I didn't have any friends and all those trainers probably won't leave me."

"Do you want to stay here? We'll be your friends," said Ash.

Yanma was surprised. No one before wanted to be friends with her. She had to choose. Go back to Johto where trainers won't leave her alone and have no friends, or stay with the kid and be friends? For her the choice was easy, but needed to make sure on one thing. "Under one condition. I want to become stronger."

"You want to become stronger," asked Ash and Yanma nodded. "OK. No problem." Ash then told Gallade to free her from the Psychic.

Again, Yanma was surprised and then saw the powerful Pokémon, like Salamence and Hydreigon. If the kid can train Pseudo–Legendary dragon–types, then training her won't be hard.

It took Ash nearly 2 weeks and Yanma became a lot stronger. She learnt Ancient Power and evolved into Yanmega. She felt like she was the strongest bug–type and nothing could beat her. When Sycamore and Elm saw this, they were shocked that this was a Yanma that used to attack everything she saw. Now she was friendlier, but when it came to battles she was giving her best and even the other flying–types run for their money. Over time, she even learnt an egg move, Silver Wind, and was dangerous with her Speed Boost ability. Sycamore was glad that this one didn't wreck his lab like the two dragons.

Next was Houndoom. He was heart–broken at first, but got over his sadness and became one of the fiercest Pokémon Sycamore had ever seen. And it all started while Ash and Serena were training with their Pokémon and that day was unforgettable for another reason, but a good one.

All the Pokémon knew Ash had a crush on Serena and vice versa, but they were too shy to admit their feeling, and the Pokémon at the lab were tired of waiting and decided to help their trainers.

Greninja decided to take Ash out for some "training". But little did the boy know, Delphox also took Serena out for some "training" at the same place where Ash and Greninja will train, but stayed hidden from Ash and Greninja behind a bush and listened to their conversation.

"Look, pal. Everyone knows you like Serena so it's time to tell her," said Greninja.

"What!? I don't have a crush on Serena," objected Ash while blushing, but Greninja looked him suspiciously. "How did you figure that out?"

"Seriously? Your face becomes redder than a tomato even when her name is mentioned," said Greninja and giggled when Ash face palmed.

"OK, I admit. I do love Serena, but I don't know how to tell her. I don't even know if she likes me," said Ash.

"Ask her," said Greninja when he saw Serena and Delphox coming out from behind the bush.

"OK, but what if she–," started Ash, but was interrupted when he got tackled in a tight hug from Serena.

"I love you, too, Ash," said Serena and let go of Ash and kissed him on the cheek, which took him by surprise.

"Serena, how did you find out," asked Ash and he got his answer when he saw Greninja giving a high–five to Delphox. "Let me guess, we were not coming here to train."

"Ya think," asked Greninja.

"I'm so happy right now," said Serena.

"Yeah, me too," said Ash.

The four made their way back to the lab and announced the news to Sycamore, who told Grace and Delia. The two mothers were happy for their children and knew for sure that they're gonna be in–laws.

Unfortunately, Ash and Serena's good mood ended while training. Ash training with Yanmega and Serena with Nidoqueen. Their training was interrupted by a very annoying boy, named Calem. When Serena saw him, she ran up behind Ash with fear.

"Serena, what's wrong," asked Ash worried.

"That's Calem. Before I went to Kanto, he used to bully me all the time," said Serena as tears formed in her eyes.

"Why hello there, Serena," waved Calem with a smirk. Ash, Yanmega and Nidoqueen took defensive poses. "I see you finally got to find yourself a boyfriend, but I don't care because you're coming with me."

"What makes you think you're getting Serena," asked Ash angrily.

"I love her and she belongs to me," said Calem.

"Listen, Serena is not some kind of an object for you to take. She chooses who she wants to be with," said Ash with narrowed eyes.

"I'll get her even if I have to fight for her," threatened Calem as he brought out a PokéBall.

"If it's a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get," said Ash and Yanmega took her place in front of him.

"A bug–type? Not a problem for me," said Calem as he brought his Pokémon, which revealed to be Houndour, but Ash, Serena and their Pokémon looked in horror when they saw that the fire/dark–type was badly beaten and barely moving. "Help me," said Houndour.

"What happened to Houndour," asked Ash.

"Nothing's wrong with him," objected Calem and gave his first command. "Use Flamethrower."

Houndour opened its mouth and unleashed nothing but a small Ember, which Yanmega easily dodged.

"Can't you see Houndour barely moves," asked Ash. "Don't make him fight!"

"He's my Pokémon and he should do what I say and I say use Flamethrower," said Calem.

"You have to heal him at the Pokémon Center," shouted Ash when Houndour didn't manage to unleash his Flamethrower. Not even an Ember came out this time.

"Don't tell me how to treat my Pokémon," shouted Calem.

"He won't listen," Ash told Serena.

"What are you going to do? Houndour needs help and fast," said Serena, still hiding behind Ash.

"I've got an idea, but it's risky," said Ash. Yanmega, use your weakest Silver Wind."

"Dodge that," said Calem. Yanmega fired her weakest Silver Wind which struck Houndour.

"Now use Hypnosis," said Ash. Yanmega send out a Hypnosis and Houndour was put asleep.

"Wake up, you useless mutt," shouted Calem, but Houndour wouldn't wake up and returned the fire/dark–type to its PokéBall, but immediately after that, Calem released it. "You're worthless! You can't even defeat a bug–type! I don't want to do anything with you!" Calem then looked at Ash and Serena. "You win this time, but I will be back. Serena will be mine," said Calem and walked away.

Ash went to pick Houndour up and ran towards the Pokémon Center, followed by Serena, Yanmega and Nidoqueen. When they arrived at the Pokémon Center, Ash told Nurse Joy what happened to Houndour and she immediately called for Wigglituff and put Houndour on a stretcher, and brought him into the surgery room. Ash, along with Yanmega and Nidoqueen stood outside the room to wait for Nurse Joy while Serena called Sycamore and her mother to tell them what happened. Of course, Delia was at the lab and she also learnt what happened, as well as the Pokémon that were at the lab. Gliscor felt pity for Houndour as he knew what it was like to be badly beaten.

Three days had passed and Houndour was still not waking up. Nurse Joy said that after all the beating Houndour took, the chances of surviving are pretty low.

After a week, Houndour was still in bed. Ash was sitting on a chair that was next to the bed, Serena was leaning against one of the walls with tears in her eyes, Sycamore as at the door, and all of Ash's and Serena's Pokémon were watching through the window, along with Delia and Grace. Lucario was going into the room from time to time to check on Houndour's aura and it was getting weaker by the minute.

"Don't give up, Houndour," said Ash as he patted Houndour on the head. "You're an amazing Pokémon. You know, Gliscor was also like this. He was badly beaten and his chances of survival were not good, but he didn't give up and survived. If he can survive a bad beating, so can you. I believe in you, Houndour."

Then, like a miracle, Houndour slowly moved one of his paws. Ash noticed this and called Lucario to check on Houndour's aura. The 'Aura Pokémon' sensed Houndour's aura getting stronger. Ash's eyes filled with tears of happiness. He knew Houndour would make it. Sycamore called Nurse Joy over and she confirmed that Houndour was waking up. Apparently, he had heard Ash's voice when he talked to him. And that's when Houndour opened his eyes for the first time in around a week.

Another four days had passed and Houndour was out of the Pokémon Center and decided to stay with Ash as he was no longer Calem's Pokémon and didn't know where to go.

In less than a month, Houndour regained his confidence and learnt some powerful moves like Solar Beam and Inferno. Everything was getting better and better, until one day...

Serena was training with her Pokémon when they were all suddenly covered by Sleep Powder coming from behind a bush, and fell asleep. From the bush came out none other than Calem with a smirk on his face, and a Venomoth by his side.

"I told you you're gonna be mine," said Calem and dragged Serena away, without noticing her hat falling.

After a few minutes, her Pokémon woke up and found their trainer missing, noticing only her hat on the ground. They quickly went back to the lab and told Ash what happened and showed him the way to the place they were training. He sent Gliscor, Salamence, Hydreigon and Yanmega to search the area from the sky. Everyone split up in all directions and after an hour of searching, they couldn't find a trace of Serena or a clue. That is until Gliscor showed up and told them about a house that was 2 miles away. The most suspicious about the house was a Quilladin guarding it.

Ash and co. followed Gliscor to the house and hid behind a bush. Houndour growled when he saw the Quilladin and told the gang that this was Calem's Quilladin. Ash then realized that Calem kidnapped Serena. Everyone then heard a scream from inside. Houndour came out of the bush and launched a Flamethrower at Quilladin, knocking it out. Nidoking then busted in with Megahorn and everyone went inside. Ash and all the Pokémon looked angry.

Calem looked at them with a smirk at laughed.

"Do you honestly think you can beat me," asked Calem. "I told you Serena would be mine." Then the roof got destroyed and revealed the flying–types and Hydreigon. "There's nothing you can do safe Serena. She belongs to me and only me!" This only angered Houndour as he roared loudly and evolved into Houndoom. "Venomoth, take care of that weakling!" Venomoth fired a Sludge Bomb, but Houndoom dodge it and launched a Flamethrower which knocked Venomoth out. Calem recalled his fallen Pokémon and tried to escape, but got blasted by Hydro Pump from Salamence and then got electrocuted by Nidoqueen's Thunderbolt.

Serena made her way to Ash and hugged him tightly.

"It's OK, Serena, it's OK," said Ash comfortingly as stroked her back gently.

"I was so scared," cried Serena.

The two then went back to the lab on Salamence's back, while Gliscor was holding an unconscious Calem with his tail. When they arrived, Serena explained what happened and Sycamore called Officer Jenny and she took Calem with her.

After about a month, Houndoom became a vicious fighter and even out–matched Salamence's and Hydreigon's Flamethrower, which made both dragons pretty embarrassed.

As for Serena, Ash never let her out of sight. They were non–stop together and their Pokémon stood with them the entire time, even when Ash and Serena were at home and this turned out to be a problem for Delia as Hydreigon and Salamence barely fit in the rooms and pretty often there was something broken.

Then came the pair of twin sisters.

One day, Sycamore gave Ash and Serena a pair of Eevee to raise them by everything they learnt so far.

Ash's Eevee was acting like a spoiled little girl and spent as much time as possible with her "daddy", while Serena's Eevee was more mature for her age, even though she enjoys all the beauty techniques Serena knows.

After a few more days, Ash's Eevee marveled in battling with Ash's other Pokémon and started training. She even nearly defeated Salamence. Likewise, Serena's Eevee loved the beautiful combinations Serena and her other Pokémon did and started training for contests and performances.

After a couple of weeks, Serena's Eevee evolved into Sylveon thanks to all the affection she showed her. Ash's Eevee also wanted to evolve, but Sylveon was too girly for her so Ash gave her a choice and she thought carefully:

Vaporeon – Greninja was the top dog in water and no one could match him.

Flareon – Houndoom and two fire–breathing dragons were enough.

Jolteon – Speedy with spikes and might accidently shock Ash… No way!

Leafeon – No thanks. Not that big of a fan.

Sylveon – Too girly for me.

Espeon – Needs a lot of concentration and patience from what Gallade said.

Umbreon – How am I supposed to sleep if my rings glow in the dark?

Glaceon – Powerful and deadly, that's what I like!

She basically said everything out loud and Ash had sweat drops at some of the comments. His other Pokémon decided to drop the comments because of her age.

"If Glaceon is your choice, then you have to touch an Ice Rock and the only place we can find one is Frost Cavern, but how are we going to get there," said Ash.

"Yeah, if only you had a Pokémon that can fly," said Greninja sarcastically when he gestured to Gliscor, Yanmega and the two dragons.

When it was late at night, Ash opened his eyes, got out of bed and opened the window, and saw Hydreigon outside with Eevee on his back. Ash changed his clothes, put a jacket on as it was pretty cold in snowy areas at night, and jumped on Hydreigon's back behind Eevee and flew away towards Frost Cavern.

When they arrived there, Ash climbed down from Hydreigon and Eevee jumped in his arms for warmth. Hydreigon lit some fire in his mouth and the trio got into the snowy cave, using the fire in Hydreigon's mouth for light. It took them over an hour and eventually found an Ice Rock, but when they neared it, an Ice Shard stopped them in their tracks. Ash and his Pokémon turned around and saw two Mamoswine.

"Stay where you are if you know what's good for you," threatened the Mamoswine on the right.

"Look, we don't want any trouble," said Ash. "We just came here so Eevee could evolve into Glaceon by touching the Ice Rock."

"We don't care! You are intruders and you must leave right now, or we'll attack," said the Mamoswine on the left.

"OK. We'll leave after Eevee touches the Ice Rock," said Ash and Eevee made her way to the Ice Rock and touched it, and evolved into Glaceon. "Now we'll leave, but why did you attack us?"

The two Mamoswine looked at one another and thought if they should tell this random boy about their problem and after a minute they nodded and gestured for the boy and his Pokémon to follow them. When they entered a room, Ash and his Pokémon saw a Swinub.

"The little guy was beaten by a trainer and his Tentacruel. At first, he wanted to capture it, but changed his mind when Swinub was barely moving and left him for dead," explained Mamoswine. Ash and his Pokémon looked sad, but then Glaceon went up to Swinub and used one of her new moves, Heal Bell and Swinub regained his health. Everyone was surprised by Glaceon's action.

When Swinub was fully healed, Mamoswine showed Ash, Glaceon and Hydreigon the way out and bid them farewell, and the trio flew back to Vaniville Town. When they got to Ash's opened window, the boy got into his room and changed into his pajamas and told Hydreigon and Glaceon to go back to lab, but the two Pokémon were too tired and entered Ash's room and immediately fell asleep. The scene was a surprise for Delia in the morning and she was furious after Ash woke up and told everyone what he did in the middle of the night and was grounded for three months. Glaceon stood with Ash during his punishment and just as when she was an Eevee, she allowed only Ash to pet her.

The last one was one of largest and heaviest Pokémon in the world – Steelix.

While Ash was training with Salamence, Gliscor and Glaceon in the forest, an injured Onix came up to them and he was very wet. Luckily, Ash's other Pokémon were there and somehow they managed to carry Onix through the streets of Lumiose City. Sycamore fainted when he saw the giant snake–like Pokémon at his door being held by all of Ash's Pokémon, except Glaceon and Yanmega.

Serena and her Pokémon wondered why Sycamore fainted, but got the answer when they saw Ash and his Pokémon carrying a sleeping Onix through the lab's door. Delphox and Nidoqueen blushed when they saw Greninja and Nidoking carrying such a giant Pokémon. Because of Onix's size, nearly all walls got broken.

When Onix woke up, he saw the three humans and all the Pokémon. He thought they were going to attack him and tried his best to move, but Gallade's and Gardevoir's Psychic managed to hold any kind of movement.

"It's OK, Onix," said Ash as he petted Onix. "We're here to help you. Who hurt you that bad?"

"The only thing I know is that I was traded a lot of times so my former trainers could evolve me," explained Onix.

"That's rough," said Lucario.

"I bet the only thing those trainers wanted from you is to evolve," said Salamence and Onix nodded.

Ash told Sycamore, who had recovered, what happened to Onix and the Professor said that Onix can stay at the lab as long as he didn't break a lot of things which was a very difficult task.

Two weeks have passed and Onix became friends with Ash and his Pokémon and started training with them. After a few more days, Onix became really powerful and said that he was ready to evolve, so Sycamore gave Onix a Metal Coat and did mock trade, and Onix evolved into Steelix, which was a nightmare for Sycamore as Steelix was bigger than Onix and what's more, Steelix had learnt Heavy Slam after evolving.

Good thing these were Ash's Pokémon, but Serena also got her own set of strong Pokémon, apart from Delphox, Nidoqueen, Gardevoir and Sylveon.

The first one was a Dragonite. Sycamore couldn't believe how a little vacation can turn into an adventure.

During a little vacation in Cyllage City, Serena found an injured Dratini on some rocks near the beach. It was in a very bad state so she and Ash, along with Glaceon, took it to the Pokémon Center. It would've taken Nurse Joy a few days to recover it if it wasn't for Glaceon's Heal Bell. During the recovery, Lucario was sensing Dratini's aura and he confirmed that this Dratini was female and a baby. Of course, nobody understood what he said so Ash translated for them. After Dratini woke up, Lucario told her that Serena had found her and brought her to the Pokémon Center for recovery. Just then, Serena entered the room and Dratini jumped in her arms.

Over the past few days, Dratini and Serena became real close and the dragon–type became interested in performances and contests and started training with Serena, and after a few weeks she evolved into a Dragonair and then into a Dragonite, and learnt Steel Wing. Dragonite also developed a crush on Ash's Salamence.

Next was Serena's own bug–type.

While Ash and Serena were training with Yanmega and Sylveon when an Air Slash was fired their way, but Sylveon used Protect to defend the kids.

Ash and Serena turned their attention to the source, revealing to be an angry Masquerain. The bug–type fired an Icy Wind towards Ash, but Yanmega defended her trainer with Ancient Power, which surprised Masquerain.

"Back off," shouted Yanmega, but then she took a closer look at Masquerain and he looked kid of familiar. Then it hit her – that Masquerain was her mate! Yanmega went over to Masquerain and nuzzled him, much to Ash's surprise.

"Am I the only one who's confused here," Ash asked Serena.

"You're not the only one," answered Serena.

Yanmega then went back to Ash and told him that Masquerain was her mate, which shocked Ash.

"I thought you told us you didn't have any friends," said Ash.

"Yes. I didn't have any friends, but I didn't say I have a mate," said Yanmega.

You have a point," said Ash.

Masquerain then went up to Yanmega and told to go with him, but much to his surprise Yanmega landed on Ash's head and told Masquerain that she had found a trainer that made her happy, all the friends she made when she came to the lab and how strong she had gotten thanks to Ash's training. Masquerain was surprised and then went up to Serena and told her that he was impressed with her training and asked if he could join and Serena gladly accepted.

It took some time for Masquerain to adjust to all the Pokémon at the lab. Eventually, after a few more days he and Serena became very close and when he wasn't training he watched Yanmega racing with Gliscor, Hydreigon and Salamence. He was proud of his mate of how strong and fast she had become.

Her next Pokémon was Walrein. He caused a lot of trouble for the trainers in Lilycove City.

Sycamore received a call from Professor Birch and was informed about a powerful Spheal that caused trouble in Lilycove City by battling water–type Pokémon and pretty often injured them. Birch was hoping if Ash or Serena can stop that Spheal and the two kids were more than glad to help, but there was one small problem – Spheal refused to be caught so Ash and Serena had to go to Hoenn with Sycamore. Delia and Grace allowed Ash and Serena to go to Lilycove City as long as they stood with Sycamore the entire time.

When the trio arrived in Lilycove City, the first thing they saw was the line of people at the Pokémon Center and they assumed that it was because of the troubling Spheal as all the trainers were holding all kinds of water–types. Ash decided to take Greninja with them as he was the only water–type they had. They made their way to the beach and couldn't believe what they saw.

A Spheal was attacking trainers with Ice Ball and Water Pulse. When a Water Pulse was fired towards a girl, Greninja intercepted the attack with Water Shuriken and jumped in front of Spheal, with Ash, Serena and Sycamore following him. Multiple trainers gathered to watch the battle between Greninja and Spheal.

"Enough is enough," said Greninja harshly. "First, you harm every water–type Pokémon you see, but now you're attacking innocent people and I have to stop you."

"They're far from innocent," yelled Spheal. "I attack them, because they don't have water–types and I live for battling water–type Pokémon."

"Well, you just found your new opponent," said Greninja.

"That's what I like to hear," said Spheal, but then saw Ash, Serena and Sycamore behind Greninja. "Don't tell me you know these humans."

"These humans are my friends and Ash is my trainer," said Greninja. "We train hard so we could be unbeatable when we take on the Kanto League. While Serena trains her Pokémon for contests and performances."

"Contests and performances," repeated Spheal and then came up with an idea. "I have a deal for you. If you win, I'll join and try to get along with her, but if I win you'll never disturb again."

Of course Ash also understood what Spheal was saying and translated to Serena and Sycamore. Serena felt touched when Ash told her that if Greninja wins, Spheal would join her team.

The battle began and Spheal fired a Water Pulse, but Greninja countered it by slicing it with Night Slash and then struck Spheal with Aerial Ace. Greninja then fired a barrage of Water Shuriken which Spheal wasn't able to dodge, and then unleashed a Smokescreen which Spheal cleared out with Water Pulse only to see multiple Greninjas charging in with Night Slash, but Spheal blew them away with Blizzard, destroying the copies but the real Greninja was nowhere to be found. Just then Greninja came from underneath and struck Spheal with Aerial Ace followed by Night Slash which was too much for Spheal to take and was knocked out. Greninja won the battle and now Spheal would join Serena's team.

The gang then brought Spheal to the Pokémon Center to heal after the beating from Greninja. After he recovered, Spheal asked Serena to join her team ad she gladly accepted. Most of the trainers at the Pokémon Center were surprised that Spheal was defeated by a soon–to–be trainer.

After Ash, Serena and Sycamore came back to Kalos, Spheal was introduced to the rest of the Pokémon at Sycamore's lab and he started to train with Serena and her Pokémon. Over the past few weeks they became close and Spheal evolved into Sealeo and then Walrein. However, battling was still in Walrein's blood so she used him in contest battles. Things got tense from time to time as Walrein developed feelings for Delphox, but she didn't return his feelings as she was already in love with Greninja.

Her next Pokémon was a heartbroken Jynx.

While Ash and Serena were making their way to the lab, Serena heard a cry so she and Ash went to the source of the cry. When they arrived, they saw a Smoochum sitting on a bolder crying. Serena went up to the crying Pokémon and asked her what's wrong. Ash translated to Serena and told her that Smoochum was abandoned by her trainer after she lost against a Dragalge. Serena asked Smoochum if she would like to go with them to the lab and the ice/psychic–type happily accepted the offer.

When they arrive at the lab, Smoochum was shocked to see so many Pokémon especially the big ones like Salamence and Steelix. Smoochum saw Serena's training for contests and performances and eventually joined in. After weeks of training, she actually wanted to battle one of Ash's Pokémon. Ash decided to use Hydreigon and during the battle Smoochum evolved into Jynx and learnt Draining Kiss, but even with her super–effective fairy–type move, she still lost the battle after taking a Flash Cannon and Flamethrower in a row. After the battle was over, she confirmed that this battle was what she needed to evolve. Jynx had a passion for battling, so Serena decided to use her for contest battles along with Walrein.

Then came Kingdra. That water/dragon–type was really misunderstood from his parents, brothers and sisters back in Johto.

Sycamore received a call from Professor Elm who had a Horsea with a family problem.

"So you've got a Horsea who is being ignored by his family," asked Sycamore.

"Yes and I hope those kids you've got can help it feel better," said Elm.

"I'm sure they will," said Sycamore.

"I'm glad to hear that," said Elm and ended the call, and send Horsea to Sycamore.

The Professor then went up to Ash and Serena who were training with Lucario and Delphox and told them about Horsea's situation. The kids felt sad for Horsea and promised to take good care of him.

Horsea was glad that someone was finally paying attention to him. Soon, he got interested in Serena's training for contests and performances so he decided to join her team and it didn't take long for him to evolve into Seadra and then Sycamore did a mock trade with a Dragon Scale and Seadra evolved into Kingdra, and learnt Draco Meteor in the process. For the past few days, Serena and Kingdra became really close and refused to go back to Johto to his family as Serena, Ash and their Pokémon have treated him better for a few weeks than his own family ever since he was born.

Then came Serena's final Pokémon – a very shy Altaria.

While Ash and Serena were training, Lucario sensed that they were being watched form a nearby branch. The gang looked around and saw a Swablu standing on a branch, but as soon as they saw it, Swablu gasped and covered her face with her wings. Unknown to her, Hydreigon sneaked out from behind and grabbed the normal/flying–type, which freaked Swablu out, and brought her to Ash and Serena.

Serena took Swablu from Hydreigon and much to her surprise, Swablu nuzzled her.

"It looks like Swablu wants to join your team," said Ash.

"Is that true, Swablu," asked Serena and Swablu nodded.

It took her some time, but Swablu overcame her shyness and she and Serena became close and after a couple of weeks of training, she evolved into Altaria. After a few more weeks, she developed a secret crush on Ash's Hydreigon, but it wouldn't be called a secret as the only one who didn't know about it was Hydreigon himself. The other Pokémon tried to give her some encouragement, but she was too shy to talk to Hydreigon as he was always racing with the other flying–types. The only time they spend together was when he was teaching her how to master Dragon Breath.

These were all the Pokémon Ash and Serena befriended for the four years they stayed and learnt at Sycamore's lab.

Now, everyone was at the airport, saying their goodbyes to Ash as today he was going to Kanto.

"Well, this is it. Today I start my journey to become a Pokémon Master," said Ash. All of his Pokémon were in their PokéBalls, except Greninja.

"Ash, I'm sure you're excited, so here's your Pokédex," said Sycamore as he handed Ash the Kalos Pokédex. "I'm giving it to you, because the Kanto one uses an old system and only scans Kanto native Pokémon and won't be able to scan your current Pokémon. This is also your identification so don't lose this Pokédex or you won't be able to register for the Pokémon Leagues. There's one more thing, the president of the Pokémon League knows about your progress so you'll be able to carry up to 18 Pokémon."

"So that means I can take all of my current Pokémon with me," asked Ash happily.

"That's right," answered Sycamore and Ash jumped in joy. "I also got this for you. It's a Holo Caster and it'll allow you to contact us at the lab wherever you are. We have put some nice sum of money and it even has a built–in map so you won't get lost."

"That's amazing. Thanks, Professor," said Ash as he put the Holo Caster in his back pack for now as the others also wanted to say their goodbyes.

"Ash, I want to thank you for all you've done to Serena," said Grace. "Ever since you came in her life, she's never been happier. I also want to thank you for saving her from Calem."

"You don't need to thank me. I would do anything to keep Serena safe," said Ash. "I'm sure if we encounter Calem on one of our travels, Houndoom would be more than happy to wipe the floor with him."

"OK, let's forget about Calem for the time being. I also want you to have these," said Grace as she gave Ash a box which contained Super Potions, Revives and all kinds of medicine.

"Thank you, Grace," said Ash and he put the box in his back pack. Then Serena approached him.

"Stay safe in Kanto and I expect a call every night, and don't do anything reckless," Serena told her boyfriend.

"About the reckless stuff, I can't promise that, but I'll try," said Ash as he scratched the back of his head and earned a chuckle from Greninja.

"I also got you this," said Serena as she handed him a badge case.

"That's great, Serena. You're the best," said Ash happily and hugged her.

"I also have something else for you," said Serena shyly. Ash looked confused, but then Serena grabbed him by the jacket and kissed him. Ash was surprised by the kiss, but returned it anyway. Serena pulled away when she needed air. "I wanted to do it for a while."

"Good," said Ash as he was still surprised from the kiss. He snapped out of his thoughts when Greninja waved his arm in front of his face. Delia approached next.

"I'm going to miss you a lot, Ash. Make sure to stay in touch and I'll make sure to come and watch you compete in the Indigo League when the time comes," said Delia and hugged her son. The others (except Greninja) also joined the hug.

While everyone was saying their goodbyes, Delphox went up to Greninja with tears forming in her eyes.

"I'll miss you," said Delphox and hugged Greninja tight.

"I'll miss you, too," said Greninja as he returned the hug. "Don't worry. We'll see each other soon."

"Try to stay out of trouble," said Delphox as she cried on his shoulder. "I'll be thinking for you every day."

"Me, too," said Greninja and broke the hug.

"I hate to break the touching moment, but we need to go," said Ash. Greninja went up to Ash, but not before giving Delphox a kiss on the cheek.

"It'll be boring without at the lab," said Sycamore when he remembered something. "I almost forgot. One of my assistants and Professor Birch found these a couple of day ago and I want you to have them."

Sycamore handed Ash something no one expected, a Mega–Ring and two Mega–Stones.

"You really want me to have them," asked Ash.

"Yes. These are Mega–Stones for Lucario and Salamence," said Sycamore. "I don't know what to do with them, so I want you to have them."

"Thank you very much," said Ash and accepted the gifts. "We really need to get going now, or we'll miss the plane."

"See you soon, Ash," said Serena as she and Delphox waved Ash and Greninja.

Ash and Greninja got on the plane for Cerulean City and waved goodbye to their friends. Professor Oak told him he would pick him up as he needed to get an official starter from him. Despite the time apart, Ash knew that he and Serena will always be together.

To be continued…

Here's the 1st chapter of the story. I hope you enjoyed it and I'll try to update it as often as possible.

Ash's Team:

Greninja (M), Lucario (M), Gliscor (M), Nidoking (M), Salamence (M), Hydreigon (M), Yanmega (F), Gallade (M), Houndoom (M), Glaceon (F), Steelix (M)

Serena's Team:

Delphox (F), Nidoqueen (F), Gardevoir (F), Sylveon (F), Dragonite (F), Walrein (M), Kingdra (M), Masquerain (M), Jynx (F), Altaria (F)

I'll see you soon and until then, have a nice day.

R&R