"Huh, that's odd," Goh remarked as he ate breakfast at Professor's Cerise's lab. He was currently checking his Rotom Phone since he got a text from Ash.
"What is?" Chloe asked. Yamper and Cinderace were eating their fill.
"Ash said he can't help with whatever we are doing today," Goh said.
"Really?" Chloe repeated. She knew Ash was one to never be busy. She wondered what had come up for him not to be able to come to the lab today.
"Yeah, well it wasn't much," Goh informed her, "I heard about this eating contest where the winner gets to win tickets to Unova! I was hoping for Ash to join me but I guess not. I'll just enter with Skwovet."
Chloe rolled her eyes and just went back to eating cereal but couldn't help and wondered what Ash was dealing with to have him miss a competition.
Ash was currently dealing with a lot now. Since the appearance of his previously owned Pokémon, even with a Legendary and Ultra Beast, Oak was jotting down notes nonstop. Delia had come over and saw the many Pokémon herself before asking Ash the same questions, which he explained when and how he caught the returning Pokémon she never saw.
After Oak was done with his notes, he asked the same question to Ash, "How and where did all these Pokémon come from?!"
Ash sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, unsure how to explain where and when he both met/caught these Pokémon. He decided to break it down lightly, mentioning when he encountered/caught Haunter and Primeape in Kanto, Lapras in the Orange Islands, Tyranitar when he was a Larvitar in Johto, and mentioned the brief moment he commanded Nebby to save Lusamine.
He felt like he didn't need to explain where Butterfree, Pidgeot, Goodra, Greninja, or his Alola Team came from.
"As for how they got here… I'm not sure. But I'm glad to see them again," Ash admitted.
While he wouldn't mention it aloud, releasing his Pokémon was never easy. The one that probably hurt him the most was Butterfree, one of his first captures while Greninja was second since he was in Kalos but the region was in need.
Now with Oak and his mom occupied for the most part, Ash had sent out his current party and they were mingling with one another.
Dragonite had given hugs to every Pokémon on the corral, even the ones who resisted. Muk hugged back, the Dragon Pokémon not caring with the Sludge Pokémon on her. Now she was in the middle of a conversation with Goodra, Noivern, and Gible. At least the two fully evolved Pokémon, the mini land shark was just not understanding what was happening.
Gengar was learning from Haunter, the latter showing him some tricks he picked up from his years with Sabrina. Right now, the Shadow Pokémon was trying to do the smoke bomb trick that the Gas Pokémon used upon his arrival.
Lucario and Greninja were demonstrating their abilities to Charizard, Sceptile, Heracross, Krookodile, Lycanroc, and Infernape. The Aura Pokémon and Ninja Pokémon impressed the gathered group with their moves and were applauded for their strength.
Farfetch'd was in the middle of practicing with Hawlucha, Primeape, and Scraggy. They were in the middle of a 4-way battle with each other, the Wild Duck Pokémon doing exceptionally well as he deflected the Wrestling Pokémon's attack.
Meanwhile most of the returned Pokémon had gotten enthralled with their own conversations.
Butterfree and his mate chirped with Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Leavanny, the three Pokémon sitting down as they heard the many stories of their relationship throughout the years.
Pidgeot excelled in the air with the rest of Ash's Flying-type. The birds were having a race. Swellow and Staraptor were clashing for second-place, Talonflame in fourth and Unfezant in a steady fifth. Rowlet was sleeping alongside Noctowl, the Owl Pokémon watching on the sidelines since he was not as fast.
Incineroar displayed his Fire-type moves that impressed Quilava, Torkoal, and Pignite with a Flamethrower. The Heel Pokémon smirked and asked the other Fire-types to show him what they could do. Quilava showed his Eruption, Torkoal his Heat Wave, and Pignite his Brick Break.
Melmetal had impressed Boldore, Torterra, Snorlax, and many of the Tauros as some of the other bulls were grazing now. The Hex Nut Pokémon demonstrated some of its moves, its Double Iron Bash impressing its audience the most.
Tyranitar was ecstatic with Donphan, the two former baby Pokémon indulged in their conversation. Bayleef and Snivy were watching them.
Totodile was dancing nonstop on Lapras' back, the plesiosaur talking with Kingler, Corphish, Oshawott, Buizel, and Palpitoad, and Glalie. The Transport Pokémon got to know the other Water and Ice-types of her former trainer's team.
Naganadel hovered with Gliscor, the Fang Scorpion Pokémon gliding steadily with the Poison Pin Pokémon.
Nebby yawned before snoozing in the shade of a tree, even though Professor Oak was jotting down notes of the legendary nonstop.
Ash could only sweat drop while the professor continued to write more and more about the Steel/Psychic-type. But he still couldn't fathom how some of his former Pokémon got here. The more he continued to think about it, the more of a headache he got.
He decided to just drop it for now, since despite Solgaleo being a Legendary couldn't use telepathy to speak to the trainer.
Then he had a theory, Ash pulled out a spare Pokéball and tapped it against Nebby. A red light swallowed the legendary before the ball rocked back and forth. Instantly, a ding sounded and Nebby reappeared and snoozed.
Ash and Oak were gobsmacked at what just happened. Ash Ketchum had just captured a legendary.
The mere processing almost broke them, Ash being more in shock. While he had Melmetal, a mythical Pokémon and only one in existence, and Naganadel, an Ultra Beast, Nebby was a whole new level.
Before Oak could ask, Ash instantly realized something: he needed to recapture all his currently returned Pokémon except for his Alola Team as they had their Pokéballs with them somehow. Racing about, Ash tapped everyone, asking about a few like Butterfree, his mate, and Tyranitar. They agreed and were now a part of his family.
Ash plopped down, exhausted from running all over the corral. Since he just caught/re-caught Pokémon, he was out of breath with a few. Haunter had decided to joke around, vanishing whenever Ash tried to get him until the Gas Pokémon finally was captured. Ash decided to rest for now.
That option soon ended as he was tackled by someone.
Dazed, Ash looked to see a face he thought he would never see again.
"Bianca?"
The girl from Alto Mare had tackled the trainer and nuzzled against him. But hearing the name, she shook her head.
Ash racked his brain, trying to understand why 'Bianca' was here but then he came to another realization.
"Latias?!" he whispered in shock.
This enticed an eager nod from the disguised legendary before she was pulled off by a boy. The boy had black hair covered by his yellow-black hat, a red jacket, black shorts, and red-white sneakers. The boy admonished Latias, who was embarrassed for her actions.
Ash drew a blank at the sight. Why was this boy scolding Latias like that? Then he had another suspicion. "Latios?"
The disguised blue Eon twin sighed before turning to Ash and gave a curt nod before leering at his sister. Latias just huffed in annoyance before speaking, 'Don't give me that look… It's been forever since I have seen him!'
'That is still no need for tackling him!' Latios retorted, 'Ugh, I'm only doing this to keep you out of trouble.'
'I can take care of myself,' Latias pouted.
"What are you doing?" Ash questioned since he could hear their conversation.
Latias just sweated lightly before Latios approached the Chosen One, 'She is thanking you and is offering to join your team.'
'Brother!' The Red Eon Twin scolded while Ash for the second time -or fourth time since Tyranitar, Nagandel, and Nebby returned- today had his mind blown.
Latias… wanted to join him? Why? And thanking him?
"Why me? And thank me?" Ash questioned.
'Yes for saving Altomare,' Latios said.
"Oh, it was no big deal," Ash dismissed, "I'm pretty sure anyone else would do the same."
'I would like to disagree on that,' the Blue Eon Twin told him, 'While yes, humans are selfless, we have never met someone as selfless as you. Thanks to your efforts, the Soul Dew is safe again.'
"Well, you're welcome," he said, blushing with embarrassment.
'And as a reward for your actions, I would like to join,' Latias said.
"But… Why me?" the boy questioned, "Are you positive that no one else should earn the right to capture you?"
'Nonsense,' Latias said, 'You have proven to be quite the capable trainer! At least in my eyes…'
'While I would normally disagree with my sister joining a trainer, she is right. However, you are going to need my approval,' the brother said.
"And how do I do that?" Ash questioned.
Latios, in his human disguise, smirked, 'In a battle. One-on-one.'
"A battle?!" Ketchum exclaimed and caught the attention of his mom and Oak.
"Ash? Who are your friends?" Delia asked.
Ash began to sweat profusely. He wasn't sure how to explain to his mom and the professor that he was being challenged to a battle by a Legendary Pokémon. Ash began to come up with a lie, "Oh, this is Bianca and her brother… Ethan! Yeah! I met them on my Johto trip." It wasn't too much of a lie, just the name Ash came up for Latios' human disguise.
'Ethan? Hmmm… I'm not against that,' Latios mused in his head.
'I find it fitting,' Latias giggled as her brother rolled his eyes.
"Ethan here was challenging me to a battle and I accepted!" Ash proclaimed and kept the reasoning behind the battle to himself. Having to prove himself to be a Legendary is something he's not entirely used to. He's done it time and time again but hardly through a battle.
"Oh! You can use the battlefield in the corral. I had it made in case trainers ever decided to battle right as they got their starters," Oak insisted.
"That will work! Now I just need to choose my Pokémon," Ash thought aloud. Recalling how Latios was speedy and excelled in the air, Ash opted for the most logical choice to be a Flying-type. He was considering Pidgeot but refrained since she just joined. Naganadel was a viable option but the Poison-type factor might make her susceptible to Latios' Psychic-type nature. Charizard had the strength but not the speed. And many of his Flying-types were not probably fast enough. That led him to thinking about Dragonite.
Sure, she was a Dragon/Flying-type but Ash figured she could take him. After all, he did want to show his previous teammates what his latest team can do.
"This match is a one-on-one between Ethan and Ash," Oak refereed. There was a small set of bleachers so his mom, Latias, and Ash's Pokémon were watching the fight.
"You ready, Dragonite?" Ash questioned with a grin.
"Broo!" the Kanto pseudo-legendary roared.
Ethan, on the other hand, wasn't exactly sure how he was supposed to battle. Would he have to reveal his true form to the other two humans?
Ash waited for a minute before realizing the same problem. "Right," he muttered before turning to his mom and Oak, "Uh, there is something you should know about Ethan…"
"What is it?" both adults asked.
'Ash…' Latias telepathically warned.
"Well, how else are they going to understand," Ash explained before turning to Ethan, "You, uh, might have to… you know?"
'Ethan' sighed, 'Very well. I hope they can keep this a secret.' He shined brightly before reverting back to his Pokémon form.
"Is… that… a…" Oak weakly gasped as Delia's eyes widened in shock.
Ash facepalmed, "Oh brother," as most of his Pokémon sweatdropped.
'Guess the jig is up,' Latias lamented before morphing into hers as well. Delia jumped in shock as the girl next to her was another Legendary Pokémon.
"Ash… why is Latios battling you?!" Oak shouted.
"A long story," the boy admitted, not sure if he could tell the Professor and his mom the situation before returning to the battle, "Right, Latios?"
The blue Dragon/Psychic cracked a grin, 'More than ready.' Latios blew a chartreuse colored breath towards Dragonite that Ash recognized as Dragon Breath.
"Dodge it!" Dragonite zoomed over the draconic air before the blue Eon Pokémon appeared in front of her. His head shined blue and rammed the dragon in the chest.
"Dragon Claw!" the Kanto Dragon Pokémon let her claws turn to teal, extending themselves before slashing Latios twice since he was close. The jet-like dragon broke off and fired a multicolored beam of draconic energy towards the orange dragon.
"Hurricane!" Dragonite flapped her wings, sending a strong current of wind that encompassed the beam before clashing. "Add more power into it!" Dragonite continued to pour the current, making her Hurricane stronger and stronger but she was merely struck as the Dragon Pulse hit her. But her weather attack managed to disorient the blue Eon Twin.
Ash clenched his fist, a little frustrated even though the battle had just begun. He only remembers battling one other Latios and that was Tobias'. And even then that was a tie between him and Pikachu. But he was quick to think, "Dragon Dance!"
Dragonite spun around, purple energy increasing her attack and speed to make her stronger.
Latios managed to recover and zoomed back in with blue psychic energy.
"Meet him with Dragon Claw!" Dragonite took her claws, fueled with draconic energy, and slashed the blue Eon Pokémon, disrupting the Zen Headbutt.
"Now Hyper Beam!" Dragonite charged a magenta beam and unleashed it at point-blank, hitting the legendary away with such force in the air. She stopped herself and had recharged her strength for the time being as Latios hovered.
'Not bad,' the blue Eon Twin noticed, 'But now it's my turn.' He began to fly all over the place, using various Dragon Pulses and Dragon Breaths to damage the Kanto Dragon Pokémon.
"Dragonite!" Ash yelled in fear. He knew battling Legendaries were tough but the ones he had battled had been owned by trainers. He was fighting a wild Legendary Pokémon, something he doesn't come across on a daily basis. And Latios was fighting with instincts.
Ash hoped Dragonite's recovery time was enough, "Use your Hurricane to surround yourself!"
The orange dragon didn't hesitate and whipped a strong current of air to cover herself. The draconic attacks began to stop their attacks, only bouncing off the windshield.
'Impressive,' Latios noted before charging a concentrated psychic energy ball and fired it in the shape of a beam.
The Luster Purge struck the Hurricane shield, the orange dragon began to strain a bit from the concentrated psychic blast.
"Hang on, Dragonite!" The Kanto pseudo-legendary continued to hold up her shield, straining but was able to hold up to the signature move of the Blue Eon Twin.
Latios grinned before firing another draconic energy beam towards the Hurricane barrier. The Dragon Pulse struck the air-compacted barrier before it rose to the sky and condensed into clouds.
"What's happening?" Delia asked the professor.
Oak thought for a moment before speaking, "Of course! Dragonites are known for their weather manipulating properties. And if I hazard a guess… Dragonite must have just learned a new move!"
Ash, having overheard what Oak had said, pulled out his Rotom Phone to see what new move it was. And he was soon excited. "Okay, Dragonite. Let's go with… Draco Meteor!"
Dragonite roared and summoned her strength and used the recently displayed Dragon Pulse to her advantage. The Dragon Pokémon began to rain down purple meteors across the battlefield with her weather properties. Latios zoomed all around the air before getting clipped by one that sent him tumbling into getting struck repeatedly. The blue Eon Pokémon hit the ground, kicking up dust before flying slightly off the ground. And he had a look of satisfaction.
Ash picked up on it and called Dragonite off, the Kanto pseudo-legendary nodded and flew down to her trainer.
'An impressive battle,' the Blue Eon Twin said as Latias rushed over and pressed her claws to her brother's scales, using Heal Pulse.
'Now do you see why I chose to join him?' his sister said.
Latios thought for a moment before nodding, 'Yes. I can see why. He is quite impressive. Having used Hurricane as a barrier is unexpected. And using my own attack to create Draco Meteor is nothing short of a feat.'
'So, now that is settled,' Latias happily said, relieved that her brother approved of Ash as a capable trainer.
'Yes… however,' Latios began.
"What is it?" Ash asked, coming over with Dragonite and his other Pokémon behind him.
'You have given me something to think about,' the blue jet-like Pokémon explained, 'If you are going to capture my sister, she can be strong under your guidance. That being said… I too would like to join you.'
And Ash was knocked off his feet for the third -or fifth- time today. One was great, two was awesome, but three Legendaries?! The boy needed a moment to process.
"Wait, they want to join you?!" Oak exclaimed as he heard the telepathic conversation while Delia just giggled to herself. "You can't blame them, Samuel. After all, Ash is an impressive trainer."
'Indeed he is,' Latios agreed, 'And I can also keep a better eye on Latias. Making sure she doesn't do anything rash.'
'Brother,' Latias rolled her eyes before Ash brought out two Pokéballs.
"A-are you two sure? What about the Soul Dew in Alto Mare?" Ash asked. He didn't want to take the two Legendaries away from their duties.
"Oh, no need to worry about that," Latias dismissed, 'We have more siblings, remember? We are one of the few Legendaries that have more of our species.'
Ash recalled the other Eon duo and black Rayquaza from the Hoopa incident and nodded, "Okay then… Welcome to the team!"
Both Eon Pokémon pressed the Pokéballs and were absorbed into the sphere. The captures were instant and both of them appeared out of the ball due to being in Oak's lab.
'Wow, that felt odd,' Latias remarked.
'Perhaps it will be something to get used to,' Latios said.
Ash just smiled wide. Today had been a bit hectic but he just gained more members of his family. And he was happy about it.
Oak coughed, "Now that is squared away, Ash I believe you owe me and your mother an explanation about why Latios decided to battle you."
Ash's sweat returned before going into detail about his trip to Alto Mare. His mom was shocked to hear such a tale and gave her condolences to the Red Eon Twin for the loss of her brother. Oak was shocked to hear everything about the boy's adventure before also giving his sympathy.
"Well, that's quite the adventure you had," Oak said, still processing that the boy had selflessly saved two legendaries and a town.
"It reminds me of the Shamouti Island incident," Delia added before addressing her son, "Just… promise me that you won't do anything like that again. Ok?"
Ash thought for a while before saying, "Sorry, mom. I can't just turn away from a Pokémon in need. If I'm going to be a Pokémon Master, I have to face every obstacle. Some may seem impossible but that's a challenge I am willing to take."
Delia heard her son's words and just nodded with a smile. 'Just like his father.'
Oak clapped his hands together, "Well, now that has been settled. How about some dinner?"
All the Pokémon and Ash agreed before heading off the battlefield and calling it a day.
"So you won the competition?" Ash asked over the Rotom Phone.
"Yep!" Goh beamed, "And as a plus, Skwovet evolved into Greendent!"
"That's great!" Ash congratulated, "So what did you win?"
"Tickets to Unova!" the capturer exclaimed, "I still have to fill up the Pokédex over in that region. So, it will be worth it!"
"Awesome! I'll see you tomorrow!" Ash said as they said their goodbyes and hung up. Ash had danced around the fact that his returned Pokémon, Latios, and Latias had been caught as he felt like that would overwhelm Goh.
But he just shrugged and went to sleep, excited for another trip to the Unova region.
A/N: The Latios is a different one, since there was multiple ones towards the ending in Heroes. Again, I have a certain tier regarding legendaries in anime terms. There are multiple Latios and Latias. At least per region and they all come from Southern Island. Hence why Tobias has one, at least in my head canon.