"Ash,

I bet you're wondering how I found you. It was tricky and took up much time, but I eventually did. That's unimportant. I do have a proposition for you old friend. There's a tournament on the horizons, held only for the best of the best. I hope for this to be returned soon. I'm sure you've caught plenty of new Pokémon, so I pulled some strings to erase the six party limit for you so you can bring the whole gang. If you do decide to join, come to Olivine City, I'll be in the Johto branch of the Battle Frontier.

Signed,

Scott."

Ash sighed and lowered the letter. He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. Scott was persistent when he wanted to.

"Hey Raichu?" Ash called to his companion. The mouse looked up at him.

"Scott found us, and asked us if we want to participate in a tournament for the best of the best."

Raichu smirked. "Rai rai, churai chu."

Ash gave a small smile and looked out over Tohjo Falls. He chose this area as his final place of living. Ash has been all over the regions, even to the far away Kalos region. The things he bore witness to would forever stay in his mind.

He felt a light weight on his shoulder. "Hey Ninjask, what do you think?"

The bug type looked over the letter, not really understanding it until Raichu explained what it said. Ninjask gave the best smile it could and nodded his head.

Ash smiled and turned to Raichu, "Can you signal the others?"

Raichu nodded and released an Electroball followed by a Thunder attack. Within several minutes, Ash's Pokémon were near him.

"Everyone, I have exciting news. Our old friend Scott has personally invited us back to a tournament where only the best of the best compete!" He gave a dramatic pause to let it sink in. "Now, who wishes to join me in our resurgence into the public eye?"

His Pokémon all looked at each other. One by one, limbs rose until everyone agreed in solidarity to do this. Ash smiled, "Then let's go!"

His Pokémon gave off cheers of rejoice, some even launching attacks.

Ash smiled and started looking at the letter again. He put down his backpack and pulled out everyone's Pokeballs, putting the paper inside. "We all have to go to Olivine city. Everyone return!" Red beams started firing everywhere. Eventually, it was him and one Pokémon.

"Can you teleport us to Olivine please?"

His Pokémon nodded as it's eyes glowed blue. In a flash, they were gone.

In an instant, Ash found himself in front of the lighthouse in Olivine city. He smiled as memories came back. He returned his Pokémon and walked to the Battle Frontier gate on route 40, Raichu on his heel.

He walked in, and as if Arceus had planned it, Scott walked in. The two locked eyes, immediately recognizing each other. Scott muttered the people he was with and walked up to Ash.

"Hello old friend. It's been a long time."

"It has, Scott." The two shook hands, and Scott led Ash to a private room to talk in.

Raichu sniffed around the room as Ash and Scott began to talk.

"I suppose you've made your choice?"

"Yes, I've decided to join." Ash replied, a bit stoically.

Scott smiled, "I'm glad to hear that Ash."

There was a bit of a pause, Raichu came up and put his head under Ash's hand. Ash smiled slightly and scratched behind the electric types ears, earning a "Rai~" from the mouse.

"I suppose you're wondering how I found you."

Ash gave Scott a look, "That would be a good question for which I would like a good answer."

Scott laughed and leaned forward, "You see, after you disappeared, everyone went nuts. After a few years most gave up, but I had an itch that you were alive. After all my leads turned dry, I gave up for a year. Then I remembered a young man I encountered in Sinnoh, you might remember Riley. He helped track your Aura and led me to your general vicinity in Tohjo Falls."

Ash day and looked at him. After a minute a smile crept on his face, "Scott you never cease to amaze me."

Scott chuckled and leaned back. "Truth is, everyone is still thinking of you Ash. Delia, Brock, Misty, everyone."

Ash sighed as he felt his conscience be tugged at. "I truly do feel bad for disappearing for several years. But I did what I had to. There are reasons and if somehow things could be change, I'd rather it have happened just as it did."

Scott gave a small smile. "Well, at least now you're ready to return?" There was a bit of hope in Scott's voice.

Ash smirked at him, "A chance to go up against the absolute best in the world? Of course I'm ready!"

Scott smiled. "Good, now I need to see how well you've developed. An old friend is here with us."

Ash shot Scott a puzzled look and turned toward the door, and saw Noland walk through the door.

"Hey Ash, long time no see."

Ash chuckled, "Yeah, it's been a while Noland."

Ash stood and shook his hand, not taking his eyes of Noland. Something was up.

"Where is this battle going to be?"

"Why Ash, here at Battle Frontier HeadQuarters, we have a multitude of practice battlefields." Scott stood and led the two down a hallway. After five minutes of walking, the three entered a room with a dirt battlefield and a high ceiling. Ash and Noland walked to opposite sides of the field.

"You have it, don't you?" Ash asked Noland.

Noland shot a smirk and held up a Pokéball, "She finally decided to join me. However, this time we will have victory!" Noland tosses the ball in the air, and to confirm Ash's suspicions, an Articuno came flying out.

Ash smirked and looked down. "Ready to roll Raichu?"

Raichu gave a squeak in confirmation and ran onto the field.

"Will there be a judge?"

"No need, I feel we're both connected to our Pokémon to know when enough is enough."

Ash nodded, and stood. He was waiting for Noland to strike.

"Hail, into Blizzard." Articuno cawed and whipped a severe hailstorm, dropping the temperature to freezing temperatures and blasting forward an even colder block of air.

Ash sighed, he was starting strong already. "Raichu, use Rain Dance followed by a Thunderbolt." Raichu nodded and shot up a blue ball, which replaced the hail storm with rain. Raichu managed to dodge some of the Blizzard attack, but some struck him in the leg. Raichu shook it off and blasted Articuno with a powerful Thunderbolt attack, which the legendary definitely felt.

"Use Agility." Articuno cawed once more and flashed a bright pink.

"Raichu, Thunder attack!"

Raichu began to crackle as electricity collected in his cheeks. Soon, he was fully charged and launched the powerful attack.

"Mirror Coat."

Articuno glowed a silvery pink and absorbed the Thunder attack, and released it right back at Raichu.

Ash grit his teeth, "Quick Attack into Iron Tail!"

Raichu shot forward, tail glowing and ready to strike.

"Protect."

Raichu's tail harmlessly bounced off a green bubble around Articuno. "Ice Beam, then Sky Attack!"

Articuno fires a dark blue beam of frozen energy, which struck Raichu dead on, freezing him in the process.

"Raichu!" Ash cried out as Articuno began collecting energy. Pretty soon, Articuno was surrounded by a beautiful blue aura of energy, and struck the frozen electric type which brute force.

Raichu flopped back, but stood on his feet, a big bruise on the right side of his chest.

"Alright, use agility into Thunderbolt then Electroball!"

Raichu nodded and was cloaked in a pink energy for a few seconds, and zoomed up to Articuno who was recovering and unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt attack followed by an Electroball.

"Thunder Pikachu! Don't let up!"

Raichu jumped onto Articuno's back and began collecting electricity.

"Articuno use Hail!" Articuno's eyes flowed and a hail storm appeared once again.

Raichu finally let loose the devastating Thunder attack, which even seemed to have left a paralysis on the ice type as it recoiled in sharp pain. The legendary flung Raichu from its back after several seconds of the agonizing attack.

"Raichu stay on guard!"

Raichu went on all fours, glaring at Articuno who was staring back. "Iron Tail!"

"Counter with Steel Wing!"

"Dodge it Raichu and give it all ya got!"

Raichu managed to dodge Articuno's glowing wings and deliver a power Iron Tail to its head. This made the legendary bird freeze for a second, before falling over fainted.

Noland sighed with a sad smile. Ash laughed and ran out to the field and hugged Raichu. "We still got it huh buddy?" "Rai!"

Scott chuckled while the three reconvened bear the doors. "It seems you're still in good shape Ash. It'll be good to have you back."

Ash nodded. "It's good to be back."

He picked up Raichu and the three exited the room back to the conference room.

"You should talk to her Ash."

"Who are you talking about?"

"Your mother. She deserves to know you're alive and well."

Ash sighed with regret. He missed his mom over everyone.

"And her, Ash. She deserves to know too."

Ash got defensive as they entered the room. "I can't Scott. After being gone for five years, nearly dying several times, I can't just waltz in!"

Scott sat down across from Ash. "She needs to know."

"Know what?" Ash retorted.

"The truth Ash! You need to tell her what happened out there! I don't know exact details, but just by looking at you, you've changed. You have a thousand yard stare when you're not battling. Something happened to you Ash. It changed you."

Ash huffed. "I'll call my mother. I'll see how I feel after that."

Scott reclined back as Noland simply stared at Ash. "Fine. There's a video phone in the main foyer. I assume our meeting has come to an end today?"

Ash nodded. "I think so. I'll keep in touch. Where is this tournament being held?"

"It's being held at the Vertress stadiums in Unova."

Ash nodded. "Alright, when does it start?"

"In about a week give or take. I'd suggest you get moving if you wanna make it there on time."

Ash smirked, "No worries I'll be there right on time."

The two shook hands and Ash bid farewell. He made his way to the foyer and reached the video phone. He dialed his mother's number, but hesitated to hit the call button. What if she didn't recognize him? What if she was too upset? What if she moved?

Ash sighed and pressed the button. "Here goes nothing," he murmured to himself.

After a few agonizing seconds, the screen lit up with the image of Delia Ketchum, a little aged but still young looking and attractive.

"Hey mom," Ash said a bit dumbly.

"A-Ash?" His mom's voice choked out before she started sobbing. "I thought you died! I never heard from you!"

Ash felt regret and sorrow shoot up his spine. "I'm perfectly okay mom. I'm alive and well. I missed you."

Delia smiled through tears. "I missed you too Ash."

"I made sure to brush my teeth everyday, and change my underwear once a day. I'm healthy and doing great. I called in to check up on you. I know it's been a few years since you've heard from me, and I'm sorry about not keeping in touch I truly am. Unfortunately, I had to do what I did. I wouldn't change it. But everything is better and I'm still a-okay!" He gave a toothy grin and big thumbs up.

Delia chuckled and smiled, "Oh Ash, I'm just glad you're okay. When will I see you in person?"

"Well, Scott invited me to the World Leaders Tournament in Unova. I'll be appearing for the first time in civilization there."

Delia smiled widely. "Oh I'll be there! I was invited by Professor Oak to watch Gary contend! I can't wait to see you there Ash!"

Ash smiled at his mom. She always was so happy.

"Alright mom, I gotta go now, I'll see you in a bit okay? I promise this time."

Delia smiled at Ash, 'Okay sweetie please be safe. I love you!'

"I love you too mom!"

'And don't forget to change your-' Ash cut it short, not wanting to be embarrassed.

"That went better than I expected," he softly spoke to himself. Delia always was soft on him.

Ash walked outside and took in the fresh air. Olivine was always a nice city for him.

He took out a Pokéball and opened it up.

"Ala?"

"You gotta do this in a few tries, think you can do it?"

"Kazam!" The psychic type nodded. Alakazam closed his eyes and in a series of flashes, they were at Vertress City.

Ash smiled, "Thanks Alakazam, you were great as always. Have a good rest I'll get Nurse Joy to heal you."

He returned his companion and turned to the arenas. His loss to Cameron really stung. Just how could a rookie trainer beat him like that? He tightened his fist and walked towards the main hall, locating Nurse Joy.

"Nurse Joy, would you mind healing my Pokémon?"

She smiled at him, "yes of course."

He placed Raichu and Alakazam's Pokéball on a tray and she took them into the back. Ash sat on a couch and waited.

"Didn't expect to see you here."

Ash turned his gaze to see the purple haired veteran off to the side.

"You recognize me?"

Paul smirked, "Of course I do Ketchum. I could never forget the face of someone who beat me in the Sinnoh league."

Ash grinned and walked up to Paul.

"You know everyone gave up hope on you. Even Misty, Brock, and Gary. They had hope the longest but that faded. Yet here you are, back at it again, back from the dead to compete for it all."

Ash sighed at Paul's words. Yes, they stung but he knew they were all true. "Paul if you knew my circumstances then you'd understand."

"Oh I understand. But others won't. You did what you had to do, to protect yourself and your friends and family. I respect that, but you can't just come back out of the blue 'here I am' with that goofy grin. It won't work this time."

Ash sighed. Paul was right. "Well, what would you do?"

Paul smirked, "I'd just tell them and face the consequences. You got yourself into it, and you're gonna have to deal with it."

The air grew tense around the two. Ash and Paul never saw eye-to-eye on anything. Ash considered Paul his best rival, the one who pushed Ash to change his ways to be a better trainer. Paul felt the same way about Ash. They clashed on so many levels, but their characters caused each other to grow and change for the better.

"Let's battle. Old times sake."

Paul grinned. "You're on."

Ash grinned and retrieved his Pokémon from Nurse Joy and the two went outside to the training field.

"One on one. I'm hoping by now in your career you know when to call it quits."

Ash nodded. "I've caught new Pokémon on my travels Paul, and all of us are stronger than ever before. Prepare for it, I choose you Staraptor!"

Paul smirked, "Drapion stand by for battle!"

The flying type materialized in the air, flapping its powerful wings and letting out an intimidating caw. Drapion landed with a heavy thud, and clacked it's pincers together.

"Staraptor use Quick Attack!"

Staraptor folded her wings and was cloaked in a white light, diving at Drapion in a fast pace.

"Protect into Cross Poison!"

A green bubble spawned around Drapion who's arms became soaked with poison.

"Staraptor evade and use Double Team!" Staraptor rolled out of the way and began making multiple copies of itself surrounding Drapion.

"Drapion Stone Edge!"

Drapion growled and summoned a series of sharp stones, sending them at all the copies making them disappear.

"Brave Bird!"

In the smoke, a blue light was seen at Drapion' left. "Grab it Drapion!" "Use Close Combat mixed with Brave Bird!"

Drapion turned and readied itself as Staraptor closed in, but the bird halted itself began sending a flurry of kicks and wing hits covered in flaming blue energy, dealing massive damage.

"Drapion grab it!"

Drapion's tail swooped around and wrapped around Staraptor while it's two arms grabbed her wings.

"Crunch!"

Drapion reared it's head back and bit Staraptor's wing with dark jaws. The flying type recoiled in pain as the hit did critical damage. "Hyper Beam Staraptor!"

Staraptor formed an orange sphere of energy in her beak, which caused Drapion to frantically look at Paul. "Throw her and use protect!"

Drapion heaved Staraptor away and threw up a green shield. Staraptor paused and stayed in the air, waiting for protect to run out. "Her and I practiced this Paul, a lot of us did. Our endurance is greatly exceptional, can your Drapion hold out?"

Paul looked worried for a second, then regained composure. Ash smirked, he wanted Paul to bring his A-game.

"Drapion use Stone Edge on the field." The poison type dropped its shield and used Stone Edge on the dirt, creating a make shift barrier. "Now use Toxic Spikes on the rocks."

Drapion tail glowed purple as purple spikes were shot out into the wall.

"Staraptor, shoot up and use Hyper Beam!"

Staraptor went high up, and looked straight down firing the beam of energy. The beam hit the compound which sent Drapion flying. The poison type was visibly shaken, but could still keep a fight.

"You sure you want to keep going? Drapion looks a little rough."

Paul looked at his Pokémon. Drapion was banged up pretty bad, but knew he could keep going.

"Drapion, Pin Missile!"

Ash sighed, "Use Gust and then use Sky Attack."

Staraptor blew away the Pin Middle attack and became cloaked in a white light. In a quick manner, Staraptor flew and struck Drapion which knocked out the dark type.

"He's finished Paul."

Paul clenched his fist. He felt at a loss of words. It had been a while since he battled, but has it been that long?

"Are you competing Paul?"

"Yes. It seems I have gotten rusty."

Ash grinned. "Once the battles start, you'll do great. It's been a while, huh?"

Paul nodded as he returned Drapion and Ash returned Staraptor. The two walked into the main building and Nurse Joy healed their Pokémon.

Afterwards, the two had headed to a local café to catch up on what they had been doing.

"You know Paul, if I didn't know any better, I'd have reason to believe you and Dawn might have some romance between you two," Ash snickered.

Paul sighed and pinched his nose. Ash was still a kid at heart. "I'm just traveling with her so she isn't lonely. She talks constantly about the times she had with you and Brock. I give her company."

Ash started to giggle again, "Oh I'm sure you do Paul."

This caused the purple haired trainer to blush. "Alright then Ketchum, what have you been up to?"

Ash got quiet really fast and sat straighter. No one had known where he disappeared to, but a few had guessed he was the new trainer that went by Red who entered the battling scene. That was not true, just mere coincidence that they looked similar.

"What do you want to know?" Ash said in a rather hushed tone.

Paul leaned forward, "The truth. I have some theories but I want to know exactly what happened. What happened with Team Rocket?"

The words sent a chill down Ash's spine. Raichu poked his trainers thigh to get him out of the trance.

"You really want to know?"

Paul nodded, his eyes secretly pleading to know the truth to what exactly happened with Ash five years ago. Five years since his face has been seen in the public. Five years since the collapse of Team Rocket. Five years since Giovanni has been seen alive too.

"Well, all right," Ash sighed heavily adjusting his cap. Raichu sighed too and jumped into his trainers lap. "It all started five years ago, after I had returned home from a training stint in Mount Silver."

AN: First and foremost, hello people! Yes I swear I'm Venoms Cross, but I can no longer access my old account. So, I created this one! I'm focusing on the three stories rn(this one, Kindred Spirits, and Anomaly) and I'll probably finish them before writing new ones. Maybe. But I'm gonna continue these stories and pump out new content for y'all and sorry about the hiatus on everything! Any questions feel free to PM me

Anywho, this rewrite is being a lot different than my original one lol oh well, I hope it will be better. This is just the introduction, hopefully it'll be a good and long story with a thrilling conclusion. Oh well. We shall see in due time. Read and review, I hope you all enjoyed.