Haha, what up everyone, did ya miss me!? Just as I have promised in the "Pokémon: Returning the Favor" one-shot special, here's the new chapter. Now, I'm sorry that this chapter took so long, especially with how I said that I was gonna focus on this story, but some things came up and my attention was diverted. I'll make up for that by sticking to my word and focusing on this story for a bit. To prove it, I'll update it again next month, so look forward to it.

Anyway, just like I said in the one-shot, I'm really proud of Ash for his accomplishments in Pokémon Journeys. I'm gonna admit that I'm a little worried as I have seen some guys making youtube videos saying that Ash won't be Pokémon's main character after Journeys, so I just hope that's just bullcrap and that he'll remain as the main character. It wouldn't be the same if some no-name took over his spot that Ash has held since the beginning. Enough of that, time to answer some reviews.

stonerex1305: I've seen that too, but it won't work for this story.

KennyBoy: Hey there, I am glad to see you're enjoying this story. About Dawn, sorry I just forgot to add her to the Harem list. She'll keep her place in the anime, don't worry about that. And about Unova, Ash will completely DESTROY that bullshit region, I really hated how Ash lost to Cameron, he should have won! Damn writers.

Pokemon Titan 5: He won't be needing that.

Kenetix411: I am glad to hear that you're enjoying yourself. About Movie 7 and 8, I got my plans for those, especially Movie 8 as that was one of my favorites as it introduced Lucario.

GA Pokemon Fan: Hard pass.

KristinalUzumakiPrime23: I'll consider it.

Cipherdragonite: NOT GONNA HAPPEN! Some rules are meant to be broken, but the four moves one isn't one of those ones.

Guest: I admit that is an interesting idea, but how would the Kanto Pokémon League work if the Kanto Grand Festival is literally right next to it?

Scooby Doo 150: I'll consider about Zinna traveling with Ash and becoming part of his harem or not. Just don't be disappointed if I decide not to.

fanfic meister: Thank you for being one of my big supporters.

Reader: I was thinking the same thing. Drew better watch out for May because has the perfect counter for his Roselia. Guy and Nicholai, I'll think about it. No Hisui Pokemon, at least not yet. Shauna, Tierno and Trevor are from Kalos, so no to them getting their starts from Kanto. May will still get her Squirtle.

Tony Anderson: I'm glad that I surprised you like that. I might make Ash's Dragonite female, but I need to hear the thoughts of others in the matter.

With those reviews taken care off, it is time for the chapter. Just a reminder, the profile page has also been updated, so check it out. Now, read and enjoy.


Chapter 22: An old friend returns.

A week has passed since the gang had said goodbye to Natasha and continued on their way to Fallarbor Town. During the past week, only two events had happened since then. During their travels, the gang came across a beautiful lake called Lake May, much to the Pokémon Coordinator's joy to hear that a lake shared her name. Ash spotted an Illumise flying up above the lake, before May spotted a Volbeat that came over to the Illumise.

The two Bug-types seemed to be practicing something by flying around each other, before a Nurse Joy caught their attention by greeting them. She explained to them that an event called "The May Festival" was about to take place. She explained that Illumise and Volbeat do a dance in this event, before pointing them towards the two's trainers. Volbeat's trainer was a male adult called Romeo, and the Illumise's trainer was a female named Juliet. Brock fell once again and tried to get to Juliet, alarming Nurse Joy as she told them to stop him. Luckily, Chatot came out and used Peck to knock his trainer down.

Soon practicing for the May Festival began with the gang and citizens of the town watching. Nurse Joy explained that legend said that anyone in love that watches Volbeat and lllumise dance was to be blessed with super good luck, catching Ash, Verity and May's attention at that. Verity cuddled Ash's right arm after hearing that, getting him a little embarrassed, while May stared at him longingly.

Juliet was a natural, but the same couldn't be said for Romeo as he was a bit of a klutz. Even with encouraging words from Ash, Romeo still messed up with practicing, but the fault wasn't solely his as his main Volbeat chased the Illumise around. Romeo dropped his baton, which his Volbeat tried to save, but the others that Romeo released knocked into Illumise, sending her and them into the lake. Juliet couldn't find her Illumise and dived into the water to search for her, knocking into Romeo and sent him crashing into the water as well.

The gang acted with Verity sending Piplup, Kingdra and Vaporeon out to help, along with Brock sending Marshtomp and May with Azumarill. Ash and Brock dived in to help as well, saving Romeo and Juliet, while Kingdra, Vaporeon, Marshtomp and Azumarill saving the Volbeat. Piplup found Illumise at the bottom of the lake and save her. With the incident taken care of and everyone back on land, Nurse Joy checked on Illumise, before she woke up. Nurse Joy told Juliet to take Illumise to the Pokémon Center for a check-up, which she agreed. Before the two left, Nurse Joy told Romeo to take his Volbeat to the Pokémon Center as well.

Romeo thanked everyone for their assistance, which they shook off his thanks and introduced themselves. The adult man seemed envious of Ash's energetic personality and passion, before he knocked into Kingdra, which earned him a Skull Bask that sent him back into the water. After saving him once again, they went to the Pokémon Center for Romeo to heal his Volbeat. Despite hearing his Pokémon were healed, Romeo's sprits were still down. The gang decided to help him practice, which seemed to lift his spirit up as he agreed.

He took them all to his house, before they began practicing. To the gang's surprise, Romeo and his Volbeat were actually very impressive; they even learned that his lead Volbeat was named "Beat". Everyone told Romeo that he would do great in the festival with this performance, but Romeo explained that the problem was with performing with Juliet. Verity and May listened with great detail as Romeo explained that Beat goes out of control when near Illumise, before the Petalburg girl asked him how he acts around Juliet.

Romeo explained that he gets a tight feeling in his chest, and that his heart starts beating fast and that his hands get all sweaty, and last of all, he gets clumsy and a lot of other things not needed to be mentioned. He openly admitted that he was hopeless around her, thus confirming the suspicions of May, Verity and even Ash as he caught on. Romeo was in love with Juliet, just like how Ash was with Verity.

Romeo was unsure at first if he was really in love with her, telling the gang that he and Juliet were childhood friends, lighting up May's matchmaker senses as she adored stuff like this. She could even tell that Beat was in love with Illumise, getting him nervous. Romeo realized that he was in love with his old friend, but was unsure if he could confess to her, or act normally around her. May decided to help him out with confessing his feelings, and asked Ash for his help by cross dressing as Juliet.

His reaction was… not what everyone had in mind.


(Flashback)

"NOT ON YOUR LIFE!" Ash shouted out in rage with his eyes briefly glowing rainbow colors and with anime shark teeth, getting everyone to take a step back in surprise, even Pikachu, Beat and the other Volbeat were a bit taken back by his reaction. "Wow… Ash clearly doesn't want to go through with May's idea". Brock commented with slightly wide eyes, edging away from his old friend with Sorrel, Max, Lucario, Jirachi and Piplup following his lead. "You can say that again". Sorrel said in agreement with wide eyes, having never seen his sworn brother like this before

May gave a nervous smile at the enraged Rainbow Hero, before she held her hands up in a peaceful manner. "C-come on Ash. Romeo needs help confessing his feelings to Juliet, so-". The brunette began, before she was cut off by the Rainbow Hero himself. "I don't care! If you think I'm gonna cross-dress, you've got another thing coming! I'm willing to do anything for my friends, but this is not one of them! I can't, and I won't do it!" Ash snapped at May, before he shot around and crossed his arms with a ticked off look. The Pokémon Coordinator gave a sigh as she realized that nothing she could say would change his mind.

Everyone had a sweat drop, even Pikachu himself from Ash's shoulder, before Verity gave a deep sigh and walked over to her boyfriend. "I can clearly see that you're not gonna cross-dress, so I guess we can go with my idea". The Twinleaf girl said to her boyfriend, getting Ash to turn his attention to her. "And what is that, exactly?" Ash asked in a calmer voice, keeping his temper controlled when speaking to her.

Verity gave a grin in response, before she grabbed hold of Ash's right hand with her left hand, getting him to raise an eyebrow at her. "Let's talk to Romeo about us and how we ended up together". She answered, getting Ash to slightly widen his eyes in surprise at her idea. "We were just as nervous as him confessing our feelings for each other, so talking to him about it might help Romeo". Verity explained to her boyfriend in hopes of him better understanding the idea.

Ash looked down in thought for a few minutes, before he tilted his head up and nodded to Verity. "Okay, I guess that I can go with that". The Rainbow Hero told his girlfriend, getting Verity to smile brightly at her boyfriend. The two then turned to look at Romeo, who had been watching them, before they walked over to him, missing May's small envious look.


(Flashback end)

Ash and Verity talked to Romeo privately inside his house, while everyone else waited outside. It actually took some time as they only came out at night time, but Romeo looked and sounded ready to confess to Juliet, much to the surprise of Sorrel, May, Max and Brock. Unknown to them was that Juliet had listened in and blushed at hearing Romeo's confident voice full of life, especially when Verity confirmed that Romeo was ready to confess that he liked her.

Brock had discovered her, much to everyone's surprise, before she came over and told Romeo that she thought she saw Volbeat at the lake and wondered if it was his. Romeo told her that it wasn't, getting her worried as her Illumise had disappeared, alarming everyone. Romeo sent out his Volbeat as they could find her by following her scent, which everyone approved and Juliet thanked him for. They began the search, even staying up the whole night, before Beat caught her scent and set out with everyone following.

Beat led them all to a cliff, where Ash, Romeo, Sorrel, Pikachu and Lucario climbed up, while the others stayed behind to find another way. Juliet watched her childhood in awe and even with a slightly dreaming expression. Once Ash, Romeo, Sorrel and their Pokémon made it to the top, they were greeted by the unexpected sight of Team Rocket dressed in Volbeat and Illumise doing their annoying motto.

Turns out, they stole Illumise with a trick and were waiting for the Volbeat. They attempted to steal them with a vacuum machine attached to their hot air balloon, getting almost all of the Volbeat, except for Beat. Ash and Pikachu were pulled into the strong vacuum with the Rainbow Hero trying to stop it using his body. The rest of the gang caught up and witnessed Ash and Pikachu block out the vacuum with Romeo and Beat taking the chance to free Illumise.

Team Rocket turned their vacuum onto full power and fully absorbed Ash and Pikachu, much to the gang's horror. They tried to catch Volbeat and Illumise, but Pikachu used Thunderbolt inside the machine and caused it to stop. Romeo took the chance to destroy the machine with Beat using Double-Edge, destroying it and free, Ash, Pikachu and the Volbeat inside. The only downside was that they were all dizzy from being spun inside of the machine.

Jessie sent out Seviper to retrieve the Volbeat, but Juliet had her Illumise use Sweat Scent to pull them away from harm. All the Volbeat recovered, before Romeo commanded all of his Volbeat to use Signal Beam. They all fired and blasted Team Rocket off. Everyone cried out in joy at their victory with Illumise giving Beat a kiss on the cheek, much to his embarrassment. Romeo then confessed his feelings to Juliet, who was a bit embarrassed and said that it was so sudden.

Brock tried to take this chance to get with her, only to be shot down as Juliet confessed she loved Romeo. She even revealed that she and Romeo made a promise to each other to get married when they grew up, bringing much joy to him. Romeo and Juliet shared their first kiss in front of the gang, who all just watched with smiles, except for Brock, who was in his usual heartbroken mode.

Later that night, the gang watched Romeo, Juliet, Volbeat and Illumise perform for the May Festival.


(Flashback)

The gang and the citizens watched from the stands as Romeo and Juliet direct their Volbeat and Illumise happily with their own separate batons. "Wow… Romeo seems so much more comfortable now". Ash commented with a wide smile on his face, sitting in between with Verity on his left, and May on the right. Pikachu sat on his lap, Piplup sat besides Verity on her left and Sorrel, Max, Brock, Lucario and Jirachi watched from the seats behind them.

"He's like a different person than yesterday". Max commented with a smile, getting Jirachi, who was sitting on his right, to nod in agreement. 'He even feels different than before'. Jirachi said with a smile, watching the humans and Pokémon express their love in their performance. "My Dad told me one time that everyone's at their happiest when they're with the person they are in love with". Verity told her friends as she wrapped her arms around Ash's left hand, getting him to look at her.

"And he was right. Just like how Dad is with Mom, Romeo and Juliet are so happy together now. And I'm happy with you, Ash". The Twinleaf girl told her boyfriend with a happy smile, before she gave him a peck on the cheek, getting Ash's cheeks to slightly turn red, but he still smiled at her. "Right back at ya". The Rainbow Hero replied as he gave a kiss to Verity's right cheek, getting her to blush now.

Ash leaned back as the Twinleaf girl rested her head on his shoulder, before he turned to look at May, just barely catching her staring at him and Verity in envy, before she turned her head around to avoid his gaze. Ash's expression fell at seeing this, before he gave a sigh. "Hey May, I'm sorry about before". Ash apologized to the brunette, getting May to widen her eyes. "Huh?" May said in confusion, turning her head to look back at Ash, who gave her a sad smile. "I shouldn't have snapped at you like that earlier. It's just that cross-dressing sets me off. I'm sorry I reacted like that". The Rainbow Hero explained for her to better understand, before he lowered his head in shame at his actions.

May grew a smile on her face after listening to her crush's words. She lifted her right hand up and placed it on Ash's chin, getting him to widen his eyes as May tilted his head to look at her. "It's okay Ash; I'm probably to blame as well. I should have taken into consideration how you would have felt about it, but I'm glad to hear that you're apologizing. It means a lot to me". The brunette told her crush, before she leaned in and gave him a kiss on the right cheek.

"…!" The Rainbow Hero widened his eyes in surprise as May leaned back, before she wrapped her arms around his right arm and rested her head on his shoulder. Ash stared down at her with wide eyes as May closed her eyes in peace. Neither of the two noticed Verity watching them with her left eye open. She gave a small amused chuckle, before she closed her eyes and went back to leaning against Ash's shoulder.


(Flashback end)

The next morning, the gang continued on their travels, eventually having to travel through the mountains. However, their traveling was interrupted by a small boulder falling from above, getting them all to look up to see a Bagon standing at the edge of a cliff, who looked down at them. Ash grew slightly interested at seeing the Dragon-type Pokémon, before May grew slightly intimidated at hearing Bagon's head was rock hard as steel.

Brock tried to reassure her that Bagon wouldn't attack her as he thought it was a wild Pokémon, but that theory proved useless as the Bagon jumped up and began diving down towards them, much to their alarm as they cried out, before they ran off. Luckily, the Bagon didn't Skull Bash them, but a nearby boulder, reducing it to rubble. Although it did flail its arms around like it was trying to fly.

Bagon was unharmed from the impact and glared at the gang as they stopped running to look at it. Assuming that it wanted to battle, Sorrel released his Aerodactyl to battle. As the Rock and Flying-type flew into the air, Bagon watched Aerodactyl fly, before he chased after him, climbing up the cliff back to the top. Aerodactyl closed in to attack, but Bagon jumped off the cliff and began flailing its arms and legs again, before it started falling. Aerodactyl dodged the falling Bagon, who Skull Bash another boulder and reduced it to ruble.

This time, Sorrel commanded Aerodactyl to attack with Steel Wing, which the Rock and Flying-type obeyed. However, out of nowhere, a purple haired girl with some kind of glasses on appeared. She commanded the Bagon to dodge, which it did, revealing that the girl was her trainer. The girl then began questioning the gang why they attacked her Bagon, which they explained what happened and mistook her Dragon-type attacking them.

Understanding the situation, the girl apologized and took her glasses off, revealing her violet eyes. Brock became love struck again and flirted with her, before Chatot gave him another Peck barrage on the head. But the gang did learn that her name was Michelle. The gang introduced themselves to Michelle, before they saw that Bagon climbed up the cliff again. Bagon jumped and flailed its arms and legs around again, before he started falling, crashing into another boulder, and then into its trainer's arms.

Sorrel took notice of Michelle's glasses and how it seemed computerized. She explained that she modified her glasses to help Bagon in battles and to help achieve its dream of flying someday. She explained that her Dragon-type had a dream of one day flying in the sky just like Aerodactyl. Ash, Verity and May could relate to Bagon's want to fly someday, even though the Rainbow Hero has flown a few times in the past.

Brock just remembered from research that Bagon could only fly once it reached its final stage, Salamence. At the mention of Salamence, everyone remembered Butler's one and how powerful it was. Michelle told the gang that she wanted to help her Bagon evolve as soon as possible. Deciding to lend a helping hand, Ash challenged her and Michelle accepted the challenge.

Ash went with Pikachu against Michelle and her Bagon. The battle was a bit troublesome as Michelle's glasses were a bit of a problem, but Ash and Pikachu continued to battle and soon, the tide turned to their favor. However, their battle was interrupted by the arrival of Team Rocket via a helicopter. However, the surprises didn't stop there. Meowth shot out of the helicopter, wearing a remote control jetpack and headed towards Pikachu. However, surprisingly, he kidnapped Bagon instead. Ash immediately sent out Flygon, who unleashed a Hyper Beam at the helicopter, landing a direct hit and causing them to drop the remote controlling the jetpack.

The jetpack went crazy with Meowth and Bagon along for the crazy ride, before they disappeared from view. Jessie and James went after their teammate, leaving the gang alone with Michelle picking up the remote controller. She tried it out, but they were too far away for it to work, before they went after Team Rocket and Bagon. They searched with the help of Grovyle searching through jumping across tree branches.

During the search, Michelle told Ash that she was really impressed with how he raised his Pokémon and trained them. The Rainbow Hero thanked her praise, but told her that the sole credit went to his Pokémon for their hard training. Brock and Sorrel disagreed with Ash, having seen his Pokémon train hard to the bone with his help. Michelle asked the Rainbow Hero if encouragement was what he did, which Ash told her that was also needed, along with the will to never give up. He told her that it was like her Bagon wanting to learn how to fly and wanted to help in any way he could. Michelle understood what he was telling her and wanted her Bagon to evolve just as much as he did.

The gang then found Team Rocket and Michelle demanded her Bagon back. They refused though, which earned them all a Focus Punch from Pikachu that sent them slamming into their helicopter. Bagon took this chance to run over Michelle with the jetpack in hand. Team Rocket got back into their helicopter and grabbed Pikachu through a mechanical arm. They locked Pikachu in a cage and took off on their helicopter in hopes to escape.

However, Michelle figured to use the jetpack and remote controller to chase after them with Piplup coming along for the ride. Together, they all rescued Pikachu and sent those losers flying. For the rest of the afternoon, Bagon continued to enjoy flying with the jetpack with Pikachu and Piplup enjoying the ride as well. Soon, the sun began to set with Bagon, Pikachu and Piplup coming down to the gang. But then, Bagon evolved into Shelgon, much to Michelle's joy as she hugged her evolved Dragon-type. The gang continued on their journey and parted ways with Michelle and Shelgon.

Everything had lead to today, where the gang was waiting by a lake in a town. 2 days ago, Ash had received a letter from an old friend to meet up in this town, which the Rainbow Hero was more than willing to do. Right now, May and Max were crouching down at the edge of the river to look down at their reflections with Jirachi hanging on his best friend's head.

Ash, Verity, Sorrel, Brock and Lucario were standing 2 feet away from their traveling companions with Pikachu riding on his best friend's left shoulder and Piplup was being carried in Verity's hands. Ash, Brock and Pikachu had happy smiles on their faces as they waited for their old friend, while Verity, Sorrel, Piplup and Lucario looked excited to meet the new arrival. The Twinleaf girl turned to look at her boyfriend with an excited smile. "She'll be here any minute now, right?" Verity asked with a voice full of excitement, getting Ash to turn and nod to her.

"You bet. Any second now". The Rainbow Hero answered, before both him and her turned to look back. Just then, Ash grew a massive smile on his face upon seeing a shadow cloaked figure running up towards them. "Pika!" The Electric-type cried out in joy, before Ash thrust his right hand into the air and waved to the figure. "Misty! Over here!" The Rainbow Hero cried out in joy, getting the attention of May and Max as they stood up and looked in his direction.

Then, Misty stepped into the light and revealed herself, along with a surprise. Ash, Brock and Pikachu all gasped in shock at seeing their old friend had changed both her looks and her outfit. Misty's new outfit looked based off of the Water-type evolution of Eevee, Vaporeon! She wore a form-fitting halter top in a myriad of folding which includes an ocean blue, baby blue, and slight peach-tan to complete it. Halfway down her elbows and extending to her wrists, are beautiful and elegant bell sleeves. They represented a Vaporeon's fins, having a combined color of blue, grey, and a bit of black striping in the mix. For bottom-wear, Misty had a flowing ballroom gown of sorts that is puffy, but not overly so, giving her a noble yet also somewhat dainty look.

Her hair had been let down of its usual ponytail and is now a bit more stylishly ruffled to still show her tomboy-ish side, yet still look nice enough to show her more feminine qualities. Upon her ears were shiny red earrings similar in shape to raindrops. She also wore a tiara that is white and looked somewhat similar to mini-clouds of sorts, adding to her appeal. Finishing off her look is a Vaporeon styled tail attached to her gown, blue dress sandals and a small ankle charm on her right leg. It had a total of three colors in a specific pattern: white, red, & finally, blue; it then repeats from there one last time to fully encircle the charm. Finally, in her arms was her beloved Togepi, who looked as happy as always, and her red bag that she was carrying.

The Cerulean City Gym Leader grew a massive smile on her face upon seeing the faces of her old friends, but her main attention was on the Rainbow Hero. "Ash!" Misty exclaimed in joy to see the raven haired boy again. She quickly tossed Togepi over to Brock, who caught the Fairy-type in his hands, before she wrapped her arms around Ash and brought the Rainbow Hero into a massive hug with her head on his right shoulder.

Everyone widened their eyes in surprise at the Gym Leader's actions with Ash's cheeks turning slightly red at his old friend's actions. Misty, on the other hand, had her eyes closed in joy at feeling her crush in her arms again. "…I've missed you so much…" The Water-type trainer said to the Rainbow Hero with no care that they had an audience. Ash widened his eyes in surprise, before he grew a smile of his own as he wrapped his arms around Misty's back. "I've missed you too, Misty". Ash replied to his old friend, having missed her a lot during his travels in Hoenn.

Everyone smiled at the two old friends, even Pikachu, who was watching from atop his partner's head. Togepi gave a small cry from her spot in Brock's arms, happy to see her "mother" happy again. Max and Jirachi watched Ash and Misty with happy smiles, before they looked at each other and changed their looks into mischievous looks. Max went next to his sister on May's left side, before he began nudging her with his right elbow, getting May to look down at him.

"Looks like you've got some competition for Ash, sis". Max said with a smug look on his face, one that Jirachi mimicked perfectly. 'Very BIG competition'. The Wish Pokémon remarked with a toothy grin, getting May's face to turn bright red with stream coming out of her face. "Sh-Shut up!" The brunette snapped in a low voice to not draw attention from the others. Max and Jirachi both quietly chuckled in amusement at May, before they all went back to watching Ash and Misty hugging each other in joy.


(Play Pokémon Journeys opening: 1, 2, 3, version 2)

With a green background, three mirrors appeared, one vertical with a rainbow background, the second with a blue background and the third had a green, with all three mirrors showing three familiar pairs of legs to three certain trainers. These windows then closed before opening again, this time showing Ash, Verity and Sorrel all running with eager looks. Ash was running forward, Verity was running right and Sorrel left. The mirrors all closed and disappeared to reveal the title "Pokémon Legend of the Rainbow Hero" in colorless letters, before the Rainbow Wing fell past it, changing the letters all into a rainbow color.

'Hey, you still not ready? C'mon, hurry up!'

The three old friends were standing in a triangle position with their backs towards each other with different coloured grounds below them. Ash's ground was a rainbow colour, Verity's an electric blue and Sorrel's a green color. Ash put his cap on his head with a grin, before adjusting his backpack. Pikachu and Espeon then appeared, jumping onto his shoulders, much to the Rainbow Hero's joy.

'You all packed and ready to leave?'

Verity knelt down for a moment, before she stood up to reveal that she was holding Piplup in her arms with the two partners smiling happily at one another.

Sorrel and Lucario were standing right besides each other with the two looking through Sorrel's notebook that he was holding with his right hand. The two partners looked at each other and smiled.

'I'll show you this wide mysterious world'

Ash, Verity, Sorrel, Pikachu, Espeon, Piplup and Lucario were all gathered together, talking to one another happily. It changed to show Sorrel adjusting his right shoe with Lucario stretching his paws out next to his trainer, while Verity had her arms wrapped around her boyfriend's right hand as she gave him a peck on the cheek, resulting in Ash's face turning flushed with Pikachu, Espeon and Piplup laughing in front of them. It then changed to show Ash and Sorrel standing in front of one another, giving a fist up to each other, before Verity appeared from below and wrapped her arms around her two old friends' shoulders, bringing them into a group hug with her eyes closed happily and the two males smiling.

'And skip the slow send-off'.

Ash, Verity and Sorrel then ran out of a Pokémon Center into the outside world. Inside the Pokémon Center, Brock watched them ran out from a bench next to a window, Max and Jirachi were playing together, before they turned to look out the door. May was handing in her Pokémon to Nurse Joy, before she turned around and gave a warm smile.

'Be it through fire or through water'.

'I'm fumbling blindly through the days'.

'When I don't even know what the next second will bring'.

Ash, Verity and Sorrel were all standing in front of a computer screen as it showed pictures of the legendary trio of Kanto, Moltres, Zapdos and Articuno in three separate pictures with the background showing a map of the Kanto Region. The screen then changed to show Lugia and Ho-Oh in two separate pictures with the background showing a map of the Johto Region.

The computer screen changed to show three separate pictures of Groudon, Kyogre and Rayquaza with a map of the Hoenn Region as the background. The screen changed to show a single picture of Dialga, Palkia and Giratina together with a map of the Sinnoh Region as the background. It changed once more to show a single picture of Zekrom and Reshiram flying around each other with Kyurem in the center with a map of the Unova Region as the background.

The computer screen changed to show two separate pictures of Xerneas and Yveltal with a map of the Kalos Region as the background. The screen then changed once more to show two separate pictures of Solgaleo and Lunala with a map of the Alola Region as the background. Finally, it changed to show a single picture of Zacian (Crowned Sword) and Zamazenta (Crowned Shield) in front of their shrine in the Slumbering Weald.

Ash, Verity and Sorrel were looking over a folding map, before Ash turned excitedly to Sorrel and said something to him, getting him and Verity to turn their attention to him with the Pokémon Coordinator telling her boyfriend something. Pikachu, Espeon, Piplup and Lucario all sat down besides one another and snacked on some cookies gathered around their trainers.

'Each and everyone one of my memories'.

Ash's left rainbow colored eye showed the brightly flashing Rainbow Wing, before the screen zoomed out to show the Rainbow Hero in his transformed state, falling towards a bright light when Ho-Oh came by and flew around with the camera spinning around as well. Ho-Oh flew off as Ash did a flip as he pulled out a Master Ball with his left hand that gleamed with psychic energy, before it burst open with a white beam coming out.

'Can always be found inside a Ball'.

The white beam cleared to reveal Latios flying in the sky with Marshadow on his back, before Latias joined him from the right, now flying besides her brother.

A Poké Ball hit the ground and rolled over to Ash's feet. The camera changed to the inside with round shadow showing the outside with the red top transparent. Ash, Verity and Sorrel gazed at the Poké Ball in wonder, before the Twinleaf turned to look at her old friends. The three stepped back at the device opened with a blue light filling the screen.

'On 1, 2, 3, dive in!'

A spot light shined down on Ash as he thrust his right hand out with a grin, before all his Pokémon charged ahead with spot lights on all of them as well. Pikachu, Espeon, Venusaur, Blastoise, Grovyle, Raikou, Zoroak, Snorlax, Timber, Sableye, Corphish, Meganium, Tauros, Kingler, Muk, Typhlosion, Nidoking, Gallade, Kabutops, Skrelp, Rapidash, Gengar, Primeape, Hitmonlee, Ampharos, Ursaring, Donphan, Feraligatr, Tyranitar and Trevenant all charged ahead on ground, while Latios, Latias, Charizard, Tailow, Pidgeot, Heracross, Scizor, Lapras, Dragonite, Magnezon, Skarmory and Noctowl flying above them with Marshadow riding on Latios' back and Lapras floating through Espeon's Psychic attack.

Pikachu suddenly sparkled with electric, before he leaped and fired Thunderbolt at Sorrel's Aerodactyl, who dodged it by flying by.

'I've got the future plans I imagined in my pocket'.

Verity's Milotic came out of nowhere with a spot light on her and fired a Mud Shot attack at Sorrel's Lairon, striking the Rock and Iron-type and sending it sliding across the ground past Sorrel, who cried out in surprise. From the side jumped in Lucario with his paws together with an Aura Sphere in between them, getting Sorrel to smile as his Aura Pokémon fired the Aura Sphere, causing the camera to turn around to show Verity standing behind her Milotic, having wide eyes as the blue sphere grew closer.

The screen changed to show Team Rocket all together in the forest with Jessie standing to the right, James to the left and Meowth in the middle. Then from the side, their Pokemon came out and stood behind them. Jessie had her Pokémon Seviper, Dustox, Wobbuffet, Trubbish and Gothita gathered behind her, while James had Cacnea, Axew and Parasect behind him.

The three losers gave confident looks, before the two humans brought out Poké Balls and threw them as their Pokémon cheered, before the devices burst open to reveal bright white lights.

'Greeting someone new is always fresh'.

Ash stared up at the sky in amazement as Mega Latios faced off against Primal Kyogre in the air above with it raining heavily around them. Latios charged up at Luster Purge, before he fired at Kyogre, who narrowed its eyes at the approaching attack.

'No need to hesitate! Try!'

Atop a grassy hill with dark cloud covered skies, Verity's Lopunny and Sorrel's Poliwrath stood 10 feet away from each other, before they charged in and began sparking in hand to hand combat with neither of them having the advantage.

Ash, Pikachu, Espeon, Latias, Zoroark, Donphan, Corphish and Dragonite all jumped up and cheered with a rainbow background. Verity, Piplup, Furret, Glameow, Vaporeon, Tangrowth, Kingdra and Lopunny all jumped up and cheered with a blue background. Finally, Sorrel, Lucario, Luxray, Accelgor, Lairon, Victreebel and Poliwrath all cheered with a green background.

'Let's have a fight!'

Atop the Sky Pillar, Ash, Verity and Sorrel all stood side by side with Pikachu riding on his trainer's right shoulder with Mega Sceptile, Mega Houndoom and Mega Gardevior in front of them, all facing up at the sky where a shiny Mega Rayquaza was roaring down at them.

'1: Once the battle is done'.

The Hoenn Region champion Steven and his Mega shiny Metagross appeared with a silver background. The screen changed to show a stadium, where Steven waved his left hand out, giving a commanded as Mega Metagross unleashed a Flash Cannon attack. The camera shifted to show a Dragonite counter the Flash Cannon with a Hyper Beam attack with Lance standing behind the Dragon and Flying-type, having an excited grin on his face.

'2: And we're laughing or crying'.

The Johto Region champion Lance and his Dragonite appeared with a dark blue background. The screen then changed to various photos, the first showing Ash holding up the Johto League Silver Conference trophy in his hands, the second showing Verity holding up the Slateport Pokémon Contest Ribbon in her right hand, the third revealing Sorrel researching a set of ruins with his back turned to the camera.

The fourth photo showed all three friends and their partner Pokémon all together. Verity was in the middle, having a wide smile on her face with her eyes closed with her right hand wrapped around Sorrel's shoulders and left hand around Ash's shoulders, bringing the two smiling males into a group hug. Piplup, Pikachu and Lucario were all in front of their trainers in the photo, smiling wildly at the camera. The final photo showed them all leaning in towards the camera with happy faces.

'On 3, let's be friends!'

The screen changed to show Professor Oak, Tracy, Misty, Delia, Azora, Togepi and Slyvia all together in Professor Oak's backyard with Misty and Azora holding their Pokémon in their arms. Professor Oak and Tracy smiled at each other; Misty hugged Togepi happily with the Fairy-type crying out happily. Delia placed her hands down on Azora's shoulders and smiled down at her, getting Azora and Sylvia both to smile up at her.

The screen changed to show Forina with the sky black, before Jirachi flew through his homeland, leaving a sparkling trail with various nocturnal Pokémon about. A wild Ludicolo jumped into view in a forest, surrounded by several confused Marshtomps, before they all began dancing.

'Any day and every day, that's always been my rule'.

Ash, Verity, Sorrel, Pikachu, Piplup and Lucario stood on a cliff overlooking a city next to a tree with a blue sky filled with clouds. Time began changing as the sky changed to reveal a more clear blue one, then an orange sky as the sun began to set and then a beautiful night sky filled with stars.

The screen changed to show the Raizen Mountains, then to Mount Tensei, right where Ash battled Ho-Oh so long ago.

'With this unpredictable, boundless world awaiting'.

In the Petalburg City Gym, Norman opened his determine filled eyes, before the camera zoomed out to show that he was in the Petalburg Gym's battlefield with his Slaking in front of him. Norman crossed his arms, while Slaking roared as it began pounding its chest like a gorilla.

The screen changed to show Ash kneeling down, before he got up on his feet and walked into an opening surrounded by a white light with Pikachu by his right side.

'Let's go! Every time you trip and fall'.

With a yellow background, Pikachu's ears perked, before both he looked up at Ash as he walked forward with a wild smile that grew wilder as he looked down at Pikachu with a rainbow background. With an icy blue background, Piplup cried out as she looked up.

'Let's go! You pick yourself up by my side'.

With a blue background, Verity walked forward with a grin, before it grew as she looked down at her partner. With a silver background, Lucario's ears perked, before turned his head right to look at Sorrel as he walked forward, before he turned to look at his trusted partner with a green background.

Three mirrors appeared and showed the three old friends in separate mirrors with their Pokémon team. Sorrel was in the left mirror with his Lucario, Entei, Luxray, Aerodactyl, shiny Ariados and Poliwrath around him, facing their direction with a green background. On the right mirror, Verity stood with her Piplup, Suicune, Lopunny, Vaporeon, Kingdra and shiny Gardevior besides her as they faced right with a blue background.

In the middle mirror in between the three was Ash with Pikachu, Flygon, Grovyle, Magnezone, Timber and Tauros, all facing forward with a rainbow background.

'I choose you'.

Sorrel lifted his left hand, Verity raised her right hand and Ash held up both of his hands, before all three friends hi-fived each other.


(Opening song finished)

A little bit later after Ash and Misty had finished hugging each other, the gang was standing across the Water-type Gym Leader by 5 feet with her holding Togepi in her arms again. "It's been some time since we've last saw each other. Ash, Brock, you both look different compared to the last time that I saw you guys. But you look just as cute as ever, Pikachu". Misty said with a soft smile, getting Pikachu to blush a little at her words.

"Out of all of us, you're the one that's changed the most since we last saw each other". Ash replied to his old friend as he sized her up, taking a good look at Misty's new outfit. "I agree with Ash. What even is that outfit you're wearing?" Brock asked in fascination, getting Misty to look down at her outfit for a moment, before she looked up at her former traveling companions. "Oh, this? This is just my Sygna Suit". The Water-type Gym Leader answered, getting everyone to blink at her.

"Sygna suit?" The gang questioned in confusion, having never heard of that before. "It's a new invention that was recently created. It's meant to match the appearance of a Pokémon, and to give Trainers a stronger connection to their Pokémon. Wearing the outfit is said to make the Trainer feel as if they have become their Pokémon". Misty explained to the gang in a rather excited tone, much to their fascination as they listened with great care. "Wow… That sounds incredible…" May said in awe, clapping her hands together in delight.

Misty looked towards the brunette and nodded to her, before she looked down at her outfit again. "My Sygna suit is based off of Vaporeon". Misty told her friends, getting Brock to frown in confusion. "But you don't have a Vaporeon". The former Gym Leader stated, getting Misty to let out a laugh, before she gave a smug look. "FYI, my outfit and looks aren't the only things that have changed. My skills as a Trainer have improved as well. Isn't that right, Togepi?" The Water-type Gym Leader said as she looked down at her Fairy-type, who smiled up at her.

"Toge-toge pi!" Togepi called out happily, lifting her fingers up into the air. "Really? How much better have you gotten?" Ash asked with a curious look, getting Misty to smirk at him as she crouched down and placed Togepi on the ground, before she stood up. "I'll show you". The Gym Leader answered with a confident grin on her face, before she brought out a Poké Ball, two Great Balls with her right hand and three Dive Balls with her left hand.

She turned to look at the lake, before she let out a cry as she tossed all of the devices into the air. The devices all burst open and released bright white beams with four of them going into the water, while the remaining two formed in the air. The two beams in the air cleared to reveal a Dragonair and a swan-like Pokémon with primarily white plumage.

The unknown Pokémon's beak is long and yellow topped with a black cere, and it had several white feathery features adorning its head. The more rounded of the features are to the sides of its head, and the more pointed feature is atop. It possessed a long, curving neck. Two light-blue feathery features, similar to those on the sides of its head, are present on the underside, and its large wings are positioned so that they curve away from its body. Finally, its legs are small, and its webbed feet were dark. Both it and the Dragonair cried out in the air as they stayed air-born.

Four splashes erupted out of the water to reveal a Gyarados, Vaporeon, Lanturn, and Quagsire with all of them crying out. Ash, Verity, Sorrel, Brock, May, Max, Pikachu, Piplup, Lucario and Jirachi all cried out in awe at seeing the six powerful Pokémon before them. "Wow, just look at them all!" Verity exclaimed in awe with wide eyes of amazement at seeing Misty's Pokémon. "Piplup!" Piplup remarked from her trainer's arms, looking at the six larger Pokémon in awe.

"Gyarados, Vaporeon, Lanturn, Quagsire and a Dragonair! But what's that last one?" Max questioned, looking up at the swan-like Pokémon in the sky, getting Misty to smile at him. "That is a Swanna, a Pokémon from the Unova Region". The orange haired girl told Max, getting him and Jirachi to smile in awe. 'Wow'. The Wish Pokémon commented as he looked up at the terrifying Gyarados, who was staring down at him and the others.

"This is incredible". May commented in awe with wide eyes, before she brought out her Pokédex with her right hand and began scanning the Pokémon, starting with Gyarados. "Gyarados, the Atrocious Pokémon. A Water and Flying type. Rumors exist of a town that made Gyarados angry. That town was burned to the ground in one night, leaving no trace". The device buzzed, getting May to shiver in fear as she could imagine that. She moved on to Misty's Vaproeon and scanned it.

"Vaporeon, the Bubble Jet Pokémon. A Water type. Vaporeon evolves from Eevee, a Normal type, into a form adapted for movement in the water. The cells of its body resemble water molecules, so it can hide itself in the water, as if it had melted into it". The Pokédex buzzed, before May redirected it to the Lanturn and scanned it.

"Lanturn, the Light Pokémon, and the evolved form of Chinchou. Lanturn's antenna light is strong enough to penetrate the ocean, and can be seen on the water's surface". The device buzzed once more, much to May's amazement as she directed it to Misty's Quagsire now. "Quagsire, the Water Fish Pokémon. Quagsire has an easy-going nature and doesn't care if it bumps its head on boats and boulders while swimming". The Pokédex buzzed, getting May to lift an eyebrow, before she directed the device to the flying Dragonair, who was looking down at them.

"Dragonair, the Dragon Pokémon. Dragonair has the ability to manipulate the elements as it wishes". The device buzzed, much to May's amazement as she looked up at the Dragon-type for a moment, before she turned to look at Swanna. She didn't bother to scan it as she knew that her Pokédex wouldn't be able to scan it. But it seemed like Ash had the intention to scan it as he brought out his Pokédex with his left hand and scanned it.

"Swanna, the White Bird Pokémon. Swanna uses its bill and long neck to deliver powerful strikes repeatedly". The device buzzed, before the Rainbow Hero turned to look at his former travel companion, who was looking at her Pokémon with a proud look. "I'm honestly amazed that you've managed to capture these Pokémon, and they all look strong". Ash said in amazement, getting Misty to smile as she knelt down and picked up Togepi again.

"You bet they are. And they're not the only new additions I caught since we last saw each other; I have more Pokémon back home. With my new outfit, Pokémon and skills, I've honestly been on a winning streak". The tomboy girl told the Rainbow Hero with an honest smile as Dragonair and Swanna flew down to the lake and began enjoying a nice swim with the other Water-types.

"But that's enough about me. I think there's some new friends of yours that I haven't officially met yet". Misty stated, looking past Ash and Brock towards Verity, Sorrel, May, Max, Piplup, Lucario and Jirachi, who were all looking at her. "You two must be Ash's old friends, Verity and Sorrel, right? Ash has told me a whole lot about you guys". The female Gym Leader said with a happy smile, glad to finally meet the two people that Ash traveled with at the beginning of his journey.

The two Sinnoh residents and their Pokémon returned the smile to the tomboy girl. "Funny, Ash has told us much about you as well". Sorrel replied to the Gym Leader, recalling the times that his sworn brother told him about Misty. "He told us that you're the new Gym Leader for one of Kanto's gyms, the Water-type gym, right?" Verity asked with a curious voice, which Misty nodded to her.

"That's right, the Cerulean City Gym". The orange haired female answered, before she took notice of Piplup in Verity's hands. "Lup?" Piplup remarked, tilting her head to the side as she took notice of Misty staring at her. "That's your Piplup, right? The Water type starter of the Sinnoh Region, right?" Misty asked with a voice that was filled with curiosity and excitement, causing the Twinleaf girl to look down at her starter with a smile.

"Yup. Piplup here was my first Pokémon". Verity confirmed as she hugged the Penguin Pokémon gently, earning a happy cry from Piplup. Ash watched the two females interact with a smile, before he suddenly widened his eyes upon realizing something. "Pika?" Pikachu said in confusion, staring at his partner as he had noticed Ash's eyes widening for some reason. The Rainbow Hero turned to look at his girlfriend with an eager look as he knew something that would make Misty's day.

"Verity, could you show Misty Suicune?" Ash asked the twinleaf girl, getting everyone's attention as they looked at him, while Misty immediately grew sparkling anime eyes. "Suicune?! THE SUICUNE?! You have it?!" The female Gym Leader asked in excitement as she latterly brought her face right up to Verity's, causing everyone to smile in a nervous manner at how excited she suddenly got.

"Y-Yeah… Would you like to see her?" Verity asked in a nervous voice, edging a little bit away from the older female, who's eyes sparkled even more than before. "YES! A thousand times, yes!" Misty exclaimed in excitement, causing everyone to sweat drop a bit more. Both Verity and Piplup continued to smile nervously, before the Pokémon Coordinator reached into her shorts' back pocket and brought out a Dive Ball.

Verity enlarged the device, before tossing it into the air. The Dive Ball burst open and released a white beam that struck the ground near the lake, before falling back into Verity's hand. The beam took shape, before clearing to reveal the Aurora Pokémon, Suicune. The Water-type legendary let out a loud and powerful cry, while Misty gazed in complete amazement with wide eyes at the sight of Suicune.

"Toge…pi!" Togepi cried out in excitement from her "mother's" arms, right before Misty rushed over and began looking over Suicune in close detail, much to the Aurora Pokémon's confusion. "I…can't…BELIEVE IT! Suicune's really right here, in front of me! This is like a dream come true!" The female Gym Leader exclaimed in delight, getting Suicune to blink in confusion.

Everyone watched with nervous sweat drops as Misty seemed to be anime bouncing around Suicune to get a look in every angle. Ash then gave a small cough to get Misty's attention, causing her to turn towards the Rainbow Hero and his traveling companions. "I can get that you're excited Misty, but May and Max haven't had a chance to say hello yet". Ash reminded the tomboy girl, gesturing to the Maple siblings with his left hand.

Misty widened her eyes in realization, before she sweat drop and smiled nervously as she turned around and walked back up in front of the gang. "Sorry about that, I got easily distracted at seeing Suicune". The female Gym Leader apologized, giving a small bow of her head as her Vaporeon, Lanturn, Quagsire and Swanna all laughed/chuckled at their trainer, before they resumed swimming.

Misty then looked towards May, Max and Jirachi, who were sticking out from behind Sorrel and Lucario to get a better look at her. "You must be May. And you're Max, right? And the little guy is Jirachi, correct? Hi there". Misty greeted with a warm smile at the three. In an instant, May was standing in front of the older female, leaning towards her with an eager look on her face.

"Hi to you too! We've heard so much about you!" The brunette exclaimed with an eager voice, getting Misty to blink a little at her greeting. "Hi Misty". Max greeted in a normal fashion, staying behind the others as Jirachi waved his right hand at her. 'Hello'. The Wish Pokémon greeted with a smile, before bringing his hand down on Max's head again.

"Toge toge". Togepi said cheerfully from Misty's arms, causing Max to finally notice the Fairy-Type. "Cool, a Togepi". The 8-year-old boy said as he walked passed Ash, Brock, Verity, Sorrel and Lucario to get a better look. May looked down at Togepi with an adoring expression as she brought out her Pokédex with the left hand and held it out towards the Fairy-type, before flipping it open. "Adorable". The brunette stated, before she scanned Togepi with the Pokédex.

"Togepi, the Spike Ball Pokémon. Togepi is said to exude a relaxing aura that grows stronger when treated nicely". The device buzzed, giving out information about the Spike Ball Pokémon with May turning to look back at Togepi. "Togepiii!" The Fairy-type cried out happily, raising its little arms into the air with her eyes closed. "It's thanks to Togepi that I was even able to meet up with you here". Misty revealed, and then proceeded to tilt her head down to look at the Pokémon she's cared for since it hatched from an egg. This earned curious expressions from everyone as they wondered what she meant.

Later on with Misty and Verity recalling their Pokémon, the female Gym Leader lead everyone to a large building in the town, before she gave Ash an envelope. The Rainbow Hero held it with his left hand and opened it with his right hand, before almost pulling out what seemed to be an invitation with a picture of Togepi on it. Ash widened his eyes upon reading the invitation's title.

"Whoa, it's an invitation to the Togepi Festival". The raven haired boy said in surprise, getting Sorrel curious as he walked up next to his sworn brother, before looking over his shoulder to look at the invitation. "A gathering of all Togepi trainers". The Pokémon Professor-in training read the invitation, before proceeding to look up at the building that Misty lead them to. "And it's being held in this hotel". The Gym Leader told the group, revealing the building to be a hotel.

Ash, Misty, Brock, May, Max, Verity, Sorrel and Lucario were all standing in front of the hotel's entrance, while Pikachu, Togepi, Piplup, Jirachi and Togepi were standing besides one another on the ground behind the others. The Rainbow Hero turned his head left to look back at his old traveling companion. "Let me guess; you were generous enough to consider letting us join you on this festival, is that right?" Ash asked the teenage female, getting Misty to look back at him and nod.

"That's right. Since I heard that you were all nearby the festival when I received this, this was the perfect change for us to meet up and catch up on old times". The female Gym Leader answered, snatching the invitation out of her crush's hand with her right hand. "The only problem is that you can't get in without me and Togepi". Misty added as she knelt down to pick up the Fairy-type Pokémon and hold her in her arms.

Misty then turned around, having a smug expression as she began walking towards the hotel. "Those are the rules". The female Gym Leader stated as she opened her eyes, having closed them when she turned around. "Toge". The Spike Ball Pokémon remarked from her "mother's" arms, before two figures appeared out of nowhere in front of Misty, getting the orange haired girl to slightly gasp.

They were both wearing long orange robes with a jagged hem, red boots, gloves and belt with a white mask and hood with red and blue borders resembling Togepi. The male figure had a shaggy mustache and straggly beard, while the female had a neatly trimmed handlebar mustache. The shades of their hoods covered their eyes from view, hiding their identities.

"Welcome my children". The female adult greeted the gang with an odd accent in her voice that sounded a bit familiar. "We represent the Togepi Festival operating committee, yes". The male adult introduced him and his co-worker, before bringing his hands together and rubbing them. "We have the distinct honour and great pleasure to be your guides today". The man added as most of the gang looked confused, while Ash, Sorrel and Lucario had their eyes slightly narrowed.

Misty gave an unsure nod to the two adults, before the female one took notice of Togepi in her hands and came up to her, causing the female Gym Leader to lean back a little. "A darling Togepi". She said with a sly smile, before the male adult came up as well, making Misty lean back a bit further. "Yes, indeed, darling". He said with his own sly smile, much to Misty and Togepi's uncertainty. "Toge". The Fairy-type said from within Misty's arms.

The two adults then looped arms with Misty on both sides, before pulling her off of the ground. "Now, my Togepi Festival invitee!" The female adult called out, throwing her right arm out to the side. "Only one trainer and one Pokémon, please!" The unknown male said out loud as he threw his left arm out to the side. "Yes, but…Excuse me?" Misty said in uncertainty, suddenly feeling like this was a bad idea.

"No excuses, chop chop!" The two adults exclaimed as they scurried into the hotel anime style, getting the gang concerned as they began running up to the entrance. "Hey…Misty!" Ash exclaimed in concern for his friend, before the front door closed and sealed off with a steel latch on the inside.

Misty, who was still being carried, looked over her left shoulder to the front door in concern as the two adults continued to carry her off. "You'll be staying in the VIP room". The male adult told the female Gym Leader as they went up what appeared to be an escalator, and into an empty steel room. "With your very important Pokémon". The unknown female added as she and her co-worker placed Misty down on her feet.

"Tada!" The man cheered as he and his co-worker ran out down the escalator, while Misty looked around her surroundings in confusion. "This is a VIP room?" She questioned, before turning to look down the escalator to see the two adults down on ground size. "Yes, just make yourself at home". The woman answered, giving a wave with her right hand, while the man had his arms crossed. "But…where are you two going?" Misty questioned in uncertainty as the escalator closed, leaving her and Togepi trapped. "Togi?" Togepi said in concern, wondering just what is going on.

Outside, the adult man thrust up his hands in triumph. "Togepi is ours!" He exclaimed without the accent, revealing his identity to be James the whole time, pointing his fingers out. "Wo…bbu!" Wobbuffet cried out in his usual cheerful voice, giving his normal salute, which only served to annoy the disguised Jessie as she pushed him away.

She brought out a communicator-like phone with Team Rocket's symbol on it, and brought it to her ear. "We've got them both, Meowth. Pull up!" Jessie told the Normal-type, giving permission for them to take off. On Meowth's side, he was standing on top of a wooden box in front of a wheel in what appeared to be a cockpit, holding his own communicator-like phone with his right paw. "Aye-aye! Time to take off!" Meowth exclaimed as he reached up and pulled on a pulley, before giving out a laugh.

Outside of the hotel, the whole building suddenly began collapsing with Ash, Brock, Verity, Sorrel, May, Max and Lucario standing in front of the entrance, while Pikachu was on his best friend's left shoulder, Piplup being carried by the Twinleaf girl and Jirachi hanging on Max's head. They all looked around in surprise at the hotel's sudden destruction, before crying out as the doors fell forward in front of them.

"We need to make some distance, now!" Sorrel told the group with narrowed eyes, which everyone listened to his suggestion and ran away to make some distance. The whole building soon collapsed, slowly revealing to be concealing a zeppelin. The gang watched in a safe distance in disbelief, before the zeppelin began to take off from the ground.

"Misty!?" Brock exclaimed in concern for the Gym Leader, getting Max to turn towards him. "She's in there, Brock". The young boy told the former Gym Leader, while Ash gritted his teeth in concern. "Misty! / Pik-pika!" Ash and Pikachu cried out, before the Rainbow Hero took off running after the zeppelin, which the rest of the gang chased after him.

They ran towards a cord that was connected to the zeppelin that was taking. Ash grabbed hold of it first, and then Brock, Verity, Sorrel, Lucario, Max and May as the zeppelin flew higher into the sky, bringing the cord up higher into the air. The gang held in tight as Piplup had to hang onto Verity's shirt with the Twinleaf girl having to use both hands to hold the cord. It was the same with Pikachu as he was holding onto Ash's shoulder, while Jirachi started flying around Max in circles.

The zeppelin built up altitude and rose up higher in the sky. The gang held on tight with Ash looking directly up at the zeppelin. May, on the other hand, was looking down below with an excited smile. "It's time for more of May's expectations". The brunette said with an eager smile, getting Max to look down at his sister with an unimpressed face. "Oh please". He scoffed, getting Jirachi to blink in confusion as he stopped flying around Max in circles, right besides his head.

Inside of the Zeppelin, Misty had felt the change of gravity inside the sealed off room, getting the orange haired girl to look around in confusion. "Are we moving, Togepi?" The female Gym Leader asked her beloved Spike Ball Pokémon. "Toge…" Togepi replied to its "mother", having no idea if they were or not. Misty grew concerned as she turned around; wondering if this was yet another plot from a certain group she knew of. "Where are they taking us?" She questioned in concern, tilting her head up as she wondered where she was being taken to.

Back with the rest of the gang, they successfully managed to climb up the cord to the doorway next to one of the engines with the strong wind blowing past them. "Pi…ka". Pikachu grumbled out, climbing atop one of the engines, before he turned his head upon hearing the doorway open. Ash, Brock, Sorrel and Lucario had pulled the door open, while Max, May and Verity held onto a railing with Piplup still clutching Verity's shirt, and Jirachi floating next to Max's head.

"Pika". The Electric-type added as Max and the girls entered first, right into a cargo vent, on a steel platform. Max sighed in exhaustion, May smiled brightly as she folded her hands behind her head and Verity gentle took hold of Piplup. "That was close". Max remarked with his eyes closed as Jirachi flew in and landed atop his head. "No, that was great!" May disagreed, having enjoyed the experience, getting Verity to chuckle a bit at her words. "You like living dangerously I see". The Twinleaf girl joked with a small smile on her face. "Piplup". Piplup giggled as Ash, Brock, Sorrel, Pikachu and Lucario came in, before the Pokémon Breeder closed the doorway.

Back outside, the zeppelin flew out of the town and into the sandy desert, going in what appeared to be a random direction. In the cockpit, Jessie and James had joined Meowth with their hoods off, revealing their faces and hair. The two humans kept watch up ahead, while the Normal-type kept driving the vehicle.

Eventually, a sandstorm came into view in the middle of the desert, yet the three didn't seem worried. "Ahh, we're right on course". James stated as he tinkered with a few buttons to prepare the zeppelin. "Meowth, steer us straight into that sandstorm". The former rich boy told the Normal-type, turning to look back at the approaching sandstorm. "Hang on to ya beach towels!" Meowth warned his friends, knowing that this'll be a bumpy ride.

With the gang, Brock pushed open a port-hole window to get a look outside and saw the sandstorm in the distance. "A sandstorm? How are we gonna get through that?" The former Gym Leader questioned in caution. His words caught the attention of the others inside as Ash swiped around to look at his old friend. "Sandstorm?! That's not good". Sorrel pointed out in alarm, while Brock pulled down the port-hole and looked at the gang.

"Get ready for a big hit, guys! Grab something!" Brock warned his traveling companions, receiving nods from both Ash and Verity. May, on the other hand, just screamed in excitement with her eyes closed, anime style, even holding her left hand up like she was holding a microphone. "Could this be the last expectation for May?!" The brunette questioned out loud in a dramatic fashion, getting a frown from Max. "Come on! Would you please give it a rest!" The 8-year-old complained to his sister with Jirachi nodding in agreement. 'Yeah, give it a rest'. The Steel and Psychic-type remarked, having his eyes slightly narrowed at May.

The zeppelin soon flew into the sandstorm, which proved to indeed be strong as it shook the whole thing. Everyone inside either grunted, cried out or moaned as they held on tightly. Team Rocket held on to the controls, the gang held onto nearby railings with their Pokémon keeping a hold on them. Misty sat down with her back against the wall, holding onto Togepi for dear life, who cried out in concern.

Eventually, the zeppelin flew through the sandstorm into clear skies, unharmed. It then started flying towards a pile of Rocky Mountains, something that Team Rocket smiled at. "Well, that was easy". Jessie remarked with a sly smile on her face, considering what they just went through as "easy". "A day at the beach. Maintain altitude!" James told Meowth, facing forward to look out the screen.

Meowth steered the zeppelin towards a clear path in the Rocky Mountains. "Ready? Prepare for landing!" The blue haired male told his teammate, which Meowth gave a salute. "Aye-aye, sir!" The Normal-type exclaimed dramatically, closing his eyes for dramatic effect. "And there it is". Jessie remarked, causing Meowth to breathe out with a grin as he opened his eyes to see their destination. "The Mirage Kingdom". The Normal-type identified as the zeppelin passed through the mountains and came across a lush green forest with a town in the forest, and a castle up a mountain and a temple off in the distance.

With the gang, Sorrel had pushed up the port-hole window to get a look outside, and saw the castle and town. "Looks like we've arrived in our destination. You'll find this hard to believe, but it looks like we're coming in for a landing in a kingdom". The Pokémon Professor in training told his traveling companions, getting them all curious as Ash, May, Max, Verity and Brock looked out the window, pushing through Sorrel and taking up space that made him uncomfortable at the lack of free space.

"What is this place?" Verity questioned, not recognizing this place at all. "Who knows, but we're coming in for a landing". Max pointed out as the zeppelin was flying down towards atop a mountain that looked to be a runway. "Get ready guys. Things are about to get serious". Ash told his friends, having a feeling that things are about to get crazy.

Nearby in what appeared to be a garden and maze put together, there was a young woman sitting down near a fountain. She wore an elegant blue dress with jewelry and a blue hat with a red gem. She had beautiful blue eyes, light skin and long dusty rose coloured hair. The young woman took notice of the zeppelin landing on a nearby mountain and looked up towards it in wonder, wondering what its purpose was.

The zeppelin then came in for a landing with its front latching on to the top of a scaffolded tower with a clasp at the top. Back inside the zeppelin, Misty stood up on her feet, before she looked down at Togepi in concern. "Are you alright, Togepi?" The orange haired girl asked her beloved Fairy-type in worry. "Toge-toge". Togepi replied with a happy look, throwing her little hands into the air as she was perfectly unharmed.

Togepi's response brought a smile to Misty's face. However, it was quickly whipped off when a door opened to reveal Jessie and James with their hoods back up to hide their identities. "So, a pleasant flight?" James asked with the accent back and arms folded behind his back. "We hope so. I'm pleased to announce we have arrived at the Togepi Festival stadium". Jessie told the female Gym Leader, who narrowed her eyes at them, completely on guard in case things went sideways. "Toge…" Togepi commented from her "mother's" arms, a bit clueless to what's going on.

Not too much later, the disguised Team Rocket led Misty and Togepi outside, right the parked zeppelin. Misty had wide eyes as she looked around her surroundings, before she looked at the disguised Jessie and James. "Welcome to Mirage Kingdom". Jessie said with a pleased voice, getting the female Gym Leader to slightly tilt her head. "Mirage Kingdom?" Misty questioned, having been told nothing about coming here, noir of its existence.

"Misty!" A familiar voice called out, getting Misty to lightly gasp in relief as she turned around. A few feet away from her, next to the escalator were Ash, Verity, Sorrel, Brock, May and Max standing besides one another with Pikachu, Piplup and Lucario besides their trainers, while Jirachi floated above Max. All of them had narrowed eyes, except for Ash who was smirking a bit from this unexpected trip.

Misty gasped in delight to see the Rainbow Hero and his traveling companions. "Ahh, Ash! You guys!" The tomboy girl called out in joy to see her friends were here. "Toge…piii!" Togepi cried out happily, waving her fingers around a bit. The gang then came running up towards Misty with Ash in the lead. "Are you alright?" The Rainbow Hero asked in concern, worried that she might have gotten hurt. "I'm fine, don't worry". The female Gym Leader answered, reassuring the raven haired boy that she was unharmed.

The disguised Team Rocket, on the other hand, didn't look too happy at the sight of Ash and his traveling companions. "The twerp... just great". Jessie remarked with a frown, not bothering with the fake accent anymore. "We don't take kindly to stowaways!" James snapped, keeping up the accent unlike his partner.

"What's the big idea of bringing Misty here?!" May questioned the two disguised losers with narrowed eyes. "One of you better tell me what's going on!" Brock exclaimed, stepping forward to glare at the two. "Or better, just take off the disguises! We already know who you guys really are!" Sorrel called out, stepping forward with Ash, Verity, Max and Lucario steeping up next to their traveling companions. "Rrraaahhhh!" Lucario growled out at the two, now recognizing them from sensing their auras.

Misty turned around to look at Jessie and James with her eyes narrowed as well. "Now, take off the disguises". The female Gym Leader told the two, earning chuckles from both Jessie and James, to her slight confusion. Meowth then appeared out of nowhere in between his two partners and landed on their shoulders.

"Okay, but first…" The Normal-type began as Jessie and James grabbed hold of their disguises with their right and left hands. "…time for us to…" Jessie continued for Meowth, now having an eager smirk on her face. "…bring something back from the dead!" James concluded, causing the gang to frown in confusion, wondering what they could mean by that. The two human adults then leaped into the air, pulled their disguises off and threw them, covering them from view for a moment.

(Pokémon Anime Song - Roketto-Dan yo Eien ni)

Jessie, James and Meowth all landed on the ground, now wearing white pant suits with black stripes along the side, black belts with a gold buckle on the waists. They also had black collars, cuffs and white captains' hats with a black brim and high black boots with the pants tucked in. Finally, they finished their looks off with burgundy short capes with a black and gold trip at the top with a gold chain with two gold clasps to hold the capes together.

In Jessie, James and Meowth' right hands were microphones that they all held. The two humans then went back to back with each other, their heads tilted down and their microphones held up in front of them with a galaxy background. Then, spotlight shined down on them as they then turned to look at the camera, both having matching grins as they brought their microphones closer to their faces. "You know us as Team Rocket, and we fight for what is wrong! We're tired of our motto, so we thought we'd try a song!" Jessie and James sang together in perfect synchronicity, turning around to face the camera fully.

The background changed to a fully bright one with Jessie and James rushing past one another, both with confident grins on their faces. "Jessie!" The female adult called out her name loudly with a sense of enjoyment. "James!" The former rich boy called out his name with the screen changing to show the two posing at the camera with a black background and multiple lights behind them. "The speed of light, prepare to fight!" The two continued on as the bright lights in the background unleashed bright lights, blinding the screen for a few moments, before clearing to show Meowth, standing in front of a green background charms like his own in it, holding his microphone up. "Meowth, that's right!" The Normal Type called out with a massive grin on his face.

The screen then changed to show Cacnea, Axew and Parasect all together with a black background with yellow bright colours crossing over behind them. Cacnea had his arms held up into the air, Axew was slashing the air with its right claw and Parasect held its pincers out to the camera. The screen changed once more to show Seviper, Dustox, Wobbuffet, Trubbish and Gothita together with the same black background, only had blue bright lights crossing over behind them. Seviper had its mouth wide open to the camera, Dustox flew with its usual grin, Wobbuffet was giving a salute with his right hand, Trubbish had a sleepy expression and Gothita was smirking confidently on Dustox's back.

The screen changed once more to show Jessie, James, Meowth and all their Pokémon all together with a black background behind them with red lights cress crossing behind them, facing the camera. James had his arms crossed, Jessie was resting her left hand against her hip and Moewth had both his paws up. Axew was ridding atop of Parasect's back, Trubbish was on Seviper's head and Wobbuffet was still saluting.

"I am the handsome one!" James singed with a focus and in the zone expression on his face with his eyes closed and holding up his right fist with a colorful bubbly machine background behind him. The former rich boy then faded from view and was replaced by Jessie, who had a conceited and arrogant expression. "I'm the gorgeous one!" Jessie sang with a voice full of life, holding her microphone up to her face.

The screen then changed to a black background with different coloured swirls. Jessie, James, Meowth, Wobbuffet, Axew, Cacnea, Parasect, Dustox, Seviper, Trubbish and Gothita were all rolling left in different styles with their bodies. "Looking good is lots of fun! We get some things wrong, but we keep rolling along!" The two humans sang together, despite rolling around with their Pokémon.

The screen then changed back to show Team Rocket standing with their Pokémon with the black background with the red lights. It changed again to show Cacnea, Axew and Parasect back together with the black background and yellow lights. The screen turned back to show Wobbuffet, Dustox, Seviper, Trubbish and Gothita all together with the black background and blue lights. The screen changed again to show Jessie and James, only their heads were enlarged a bit and were giving silly faces at the camera with a black background that had green light cress crossing together.

The screen changed one last time to show Jessie, James and Meowth standing over the planet somehow with a small light behind them as they continued to sing. "We want to capture Pikachu, we hope to do it soon!" The three sang together, the two pumping their left fists up as they continued on, while the Normal-type pumped his tail up. "And when we do, we'll be the new stars of this...!" Jessie, James and Meowth continued, before giving a dramatic phase for a few seconds, and then did different poses. "CARTOON!" The three finished as the screen changed to show Jessie and James standing back to back to one another, holding their microphones with both hands and their eyes closed. The spotlight shining down on them then turned off, signaling the end of the song.

(End music)

Jessie, James and Meowth all stood 10 feet away from the gang, still wearing their outfits and holding their microphones. Ash, Brock, Misty and Pikachu all had unimpressed faces from listening to Team Rocket's song, while Verity, Sorrel, May, Max, Piplup, Lucario and Jirachi all blinked in surprise. Togepi just had a child innocent look on her face, as usual.

"Why…did they just sing?" Max questioned, confused at why Team Rocket would sing a song. May gave a shrug, while Brock looked at his confused traveling companions. "It's something they picked up when we first encountered Jigglypuff, but have only done it a few times instead of their motto. The last time they did it was back in Johto, and that was a while ago". Brock told the gang, getting them all to shiver upon the mention of the Fairy-type Pokémon and its…"singing".

Jessie, James and Meowth all tossed their microphones over their shoulders, before grabbing hold of their suits and tore them off, revealing the two adults wearing their Team Rocket uniforms underneath. Ash and Misty shook their heads to regain their focus on the situation, before they glared at the three.

"So, how'd you like our song?" Jessie asked with a smug grin on her face, as if she just got away with something that cannot be taken back. "Did it bring back memories of the good old days?" Meowth asked with a curious voice, before crying out in surprise as Wobbuffet came out of nowhere underneath him and gave his usual salute. "Wobbu…wobbuffet!" The Patient Pokémon cried out in an eager manner, not minding that he wasn't in the song.

"It brought back memories all right, but that's not the point!" Ash snapped, bringing his right fist up a little. "Ash is right! Haven't you guys learned your lesson yet?! Still trying to capture Pikachu, even now?" Misty questioned the team of losers as Meowth jumped off of Wobbuffet's head and landed on his feet. Jessie and James brought their hands up and wagged their index finger at the gang. "Hmm mm". The two adults hummed with their eyes closed, before bringing their hands down and looked at the gang.

"Not this time". Jessie said with a grin, getting Ash to raise an eyebrow at hearing they weren't after Pikachu. "We're mixing things up. This time our eyes are on your Togepi!" James exclaimed, pointing his right hand's index finger towards the Fairy-type in Misty's arms, much to the surprise of the gang. "Togepi!" Ash, Misty, Verity, May, Brock, Sorrel and Max called out in surprise, while the Pokémon just blinked. "Toge-toge…piii!" Togepi called out with a cute eager voice, probably from becoming the center of everyone's attention.

"Wobbuffet!" Wobbuffet cried out from next to Meowth, who had a grin on his face. "Let's get grabbing!" The Normal-type cried out, before leaping forward with his claws out, ready to start a battle. However, a gloved hand then grabbed Meowth's head, stopping him. The hand belonged to a middle-age man that had dark gray hair and mustache.

He was wearing gray pants with a gray over shirt with a purple sash around his waist, a black high v-shape cowl over the neckline of the shirt with gold epaulettes on his shoulders. He had a dark blue cape, black gloves and boots and finally, a black cossak-like hat with a gold trip on it. Meowth looked up at the adult man holding him, who had a frown on his face.

Everyone blinked upon seeing this unknown man stop Meowth and wondered who he is. Team Rocket, on the other hand, knew who this man is. "Colonel Hansen!" Jessie exclaimed in surprise, staring at the adult man with wide eyes. James then gave a smile as he gestured to Togepi with both hands. "Behold, there's Togepi for you". The former rich boy said to the man, before Jessie smiled and clapped her hands together. "You see? I told you we wouldn't let you down, now didn't I, huh?" The female adult asked with a pleased tone, yet the man known as Hansen wasn't pleased. He turned around and threw Meowth right into James, making the two cry out as they crashed into the ground, all the while watched by Jessie and Wobbuffet.

"Your plan is a failure!" Hansen snapped at the three, getting Jessie, James and Meowth to look at him in confusion with the former rich boy sitting up from the ground and with the Normal-type hanging on his head. "I instructed you to bring me a Togepi, not these trainers!" He scolded Team Rocket in anger, getting Ash to narrow his eyes in realization that it was this guy responsible for Jessie, James and Meowth bringing Misty here.

"So, you're the one behind this?!" The Rainbow Hero questioned, stepping forward pass his old traveling companion and pointed his left hand's index finger at Hansen, getting the adult man to turn towards him. "Yes, that is correct. I am the Mirage Kingdom leader; Colonel Hansen and I need a Togepi!" Hansen introduced himself to the gang, before he stepped forward. "You will hand over your Togepi and leave my kingdom at once". He ordered, immediately causing Misty to glare at him at his demand to take Togepi.

"Toge". The Fairy-type said in concern, before retracting itself deeper into its "mother's" arms. "Not on your life, pal! I wouldn't give you Togepi, even if the world itself depended on it!" The female Gym Leader exclaimed strongly, refusing to let this man anywhere near the Pokémon she's raised since it hatched. Misty's words only made Hansen narrow his eyes at her.

"In that case…" The colonel said as he brought up his left hand and snapped his fingers. "Shed…inja!" A voice buzzed as something flew up from behind Hansen into the air. It was a Pokémon based on a cicada's shed exoskeleton. Most of its body was light brown, but the abdomen is gray. It has four protrusions on its underside instead of legs; the top pair is brown, while the lower is gray. There are round protrusions on the side of its head with narrow slits for eyes. Two lines encircled its abdomen and a white halo floated above its head. On its back is a pair of tattered wings divided into three wingtips. A hole was in between its wings as well.

Everyone became alarmed at the sight of the Pokémon with Ash and Misty taking a step back. "What's that?" Ash questioned with wide eyes locked on the flying Pokémon, having never seen one before. "It's a Shedinja!" Sorrel identified the Pokémon, revealing its name to his friends and sworn brother.

The halo above Shedinja's head then faced forward towards the gang. "Shed…INJA!" The Bug and Ghost-type cried out as its halo absorbed white sparkles that appeared, before gleaming white, and then fired a white beam of energy, striking the ground in front of the gang, causing an explosion and powerful shockwaves that forced them all to cover their eyes.

The smoke from the attack quickly cleared to reveal the spot that Shedinja's attack had hit now had a small hole and was slightly scorched. The gang all gasped as they stared right where the attack hit, while Jessie, James and Meowth all cried out as they stepped back with the two humans' eyes anime dots, while Meowth's were anime wide. Hansen turned his head left to look at the three as they gasped at the aftereffects of his Pokémon's attack.

"You three brave hearts wait right there". Hansen told Team Rocket, before turning back towards the gang, right as Ash stepped forward and glared at him. "You trying to pick a fight with us just to get Togepi?! Well, congratulations, you've got one!" The Rainbow Hero exclaimed, before holding up an enlarged Poké Ball with his right hand. "Pika!" Pikachu cried out from Ash's left shoulder, ready to leap into battle at any moment.

Hansen just chuckled as two more Pokémon flew in out of nowhere, besides Shedinja. "Ninnn!" The two new Pokémon cried out, both being the same spices. They were small, cicada-like Pokémon with two pairs of wings. Their bodies are mostly black with accents of yellow and gray. Most of their heads is yellow, but there is a solid band of black between the gleaming red eyes. The band expands into a circular pattern on their forehead, between two pointed crests on the sides of the heads. The underside of their heads is gray and segmented, making it somewhat resemble a veil. On their backs is a patch of black with a stretch of yellow, shaped like an upside-down letter Y. Most of its carapace and abdomen is black, but there was a ring of yellow near the tip. Their gray insectoid arms extend from its chest and had their small, yellow claws turned inward. There was a similar pair of back legs. They both have large, veined wings with triangular, red tipping.

"Ninjask!" Max called out with wide eyes at seeing the two, revealing the names of the new Pokémon. However, just then, three things came crashing down on the ground in front of Hansen, kicking up dust that covered their forms. The sand quickly cleared to reveal 3 new Pokémon standing in front of Hansen, facing the gang as well.

One of them a centipede-like Pokémon that stood with the front half of its body raised vertically off the ground. Its segmented body was dark magenta, except for its smooth, dark gray underside. Long, slightly bent horns similar to antennae extended from its head, as well as an identical pair of horns on its rear. Purple bands decorate those horns, and teardrop-shaped rings of the same color mark each body segment, one on each side of its body. It possessed four pairs of short, purple fore-claws on the body segments that make up its neck. The four hind legs are longer, thicker, and spaced farther apart. Each hind limb had curved dark gray bands around the middle. "Scolipede!" The unknown centipede Pokémon cried out strongly with its eyes narrowed.

The second one is a large, purple, scorpion-like Pokémon. Its eyes were a pointed shape, with blue-colored upper portions. It has two small, pointed protrusions between its eyes, and one on the back of its head. It also has protrusions on its jaws, two on the upper and three on the lower, with large, fang-like, white-colored features extending from its mouth. Its body is composed of many violet-to-lavender body segments which ended with a tail with two stingers. The scorpion-like Pokémon has four segmented legs with pointed toes. The thing that stuck out the most was its huge claws. The scorpion-like Pokémon roared out in an angered manner at the group of heroes.

Finally, the last one is an orange Pokémon resembling an insect or crustacean. Its most distinguishing feature is its enormous shell, which resembled a cut-away block of sediment with multiple layers and strata visible. The tips of its pincers and six feet are dark gray. It has two glaring yellow eyes. It also possesses a straight tail that is concealed underneath its shell. "Crustle!" The orange Pokémon cried out, lifting up its pincers at the group.

The gang all became alarmed at the three new Pokémon before them. "What are those?" May questioned with concern as she took a small step back from the three rather intimidating Pokémon. "I don't know, I've never seen those Pokémon before". Max replied to his sister with an uncertain look, having never read anything about those Pokémon before. "I know what they are. That's a Scolipede, Drapion and Crustle. They're Pokémon from the Sinnoh and Unova Region". Sorrel said with a frown, revealing the names of the three unknown Pokémon before them.

Ash brought out his Pokédex with his right hand, activated it and scanned the three with Scolipede going first. "Scolipede, the Megapede Pokémon. Scolipede catches its opponents with great speed and attacks using horns on its head. Scolipede is highly aggressive and will not give up until victorious". The device explained about the Bug and Poison-type Pokémon, before Ash redirected it to Drapion next.

"Drapion, the Ogre Scorp Pokémon. Its claws give off a deadly poison and they are powerful enough to turn an automobile into scrap iron". The Pokédex buzzed, giving out information about the Poison and Dark-type Pokémon to the Rainbow Hero, who then directed it towards Crustle.

"Crustle, the Stone Home Pokémon and the evolved form of Dwebble. With its powerful legs, Crustle can travel great distances while carrying a heavy stone on its back". The Pokédex buzzed, before Ash deactivated it and returned it to his pocket. "They sure don't look friendly". Verity commented with narrowed eyes, before she took notice of something rather strange.

Misty was shaking in what appeared to be a terrified manner; her teeth gritted against one another in fear and squealing a bit. Togepi didn't look terrified, or concerned by her "mother's" shaking form. May, Max and Jirachi took notice of the female Gym Leader's terrified look and turned to look at her in confusion. "Misty, what's wrong?" May asked the older female in confusion, wondering why she looked terrified when she was completely defiant just a few moments ago.

Brock turned to look at the orange haired girl and gave a nervous smile and look as he knew why she was acting like that. "Misty actually has a great fear of Bug-type Pokémon". The former Gym Leader revealed to the clueless trainers, getting a sweat drops from Sorrel and Lucario. "Shedinja, Ninjask, Scolipede and Crustle are part Bug-types, but Drapion is a Poison and Dark-type". Sorrel pointed out that one of the six wasn't a Bug-type, yet Misty's terrified expression didn't change as she shook her body around.

"Bugs really bug me, even if they aren't really bugs, they just need to look the part!" Misty exclaimed, before suddenly stopping and giving a nervous grin, getting sweat drops from Verity, May and Max. Jirachi and Piplup just giggled a bit as they found Misty's fear amusing.

(Play Pokémon Anime Sound Collection - Johto Trainer Battle)

"Drapion, Screech attack!" Hansen commanded with his eyes narrowed. Drapion cried out in response, before releasing a high-pitched screech and released a beam of invisible shockwaves at the gang, causing them all to cry out as they all covered their ears from the loud screech, while Misty just shut her eyes as her arms was busy holding Togepi. 'My ears!' Jirachi exclaimed in pain, having his eyes shut and hands over the sides of his head where the ears are.

"Good! Now Crustle, Rock Wrecker!" Hansen ordered the Stone Home Pokémon, pointing forward with his right hand's index finger. "Crust…!" Crustle called out as it brought its claws together in front of it and a small gray stone with a red aura around it formed in between them. The rock then grew larger until it was as large as Crustle itself. Crustle then fired the giant rock at the group, getting Verity to gasp, before she looked down at Piplup, who had her flippers over her ears.

"Piplup, quick! Use Hydro Pump!" Verity commanded her starter, getting the Water-type to open her eyes to reveal a determined look. "Piplup pi!" Piplup cried out as she opened her beak, before releasing a powerful stream of water with white rings of water around it. The Hydro Pump pushed passed the invisible shockwaves and collided with Rock Wrecker, stopping it in its tracks, before both attacks dispersed.

Drapion at that moment stopped its Screech attack, causing the invisible shockwaves to disappear. The gang all recovered from the surprise attack and glared towards Hansen and his Pokémon. "You want a battle? You've got one! Go, Tauros!" Ash exclaimed as he reared his right hand back, and then threw the Poké Ball forward. The device burst open and released a white beam that quickly took shape, before clearing to reveal Ash's Tauros, who let out a fierce cry.

"Horn Attack!" The raven haired boy ordered his Normal-type, getting the Wild Bull Pokémon to cry out as it began charging forward with its horn pointed forward. "Scolipede, Double-Edge!" The Colonel commanded his Bug and Poison-type. "Scoli…pede!" Scolipede cried out, charging forward as it became surrounded in streaks of white aura.

Taurous and Scolipede then collided and head butted one another, stopping each other in their tracks as they struggled to overpower one another. "They canceled each other out!" Ash exclaimed in surprise, while Hansen didn't so much as blink. "Ninjask, Hyper Beam!" The colonel commanded without hesitation, switching commands to his two Ninjask.

"Ninjask!" The two cried out as they flew above Scolipede and Taurous, before orange balls of energy appeared between their arms, intending to fire on the Wild Bull Pokémon. "Not on my watch you don't!" Sorrel exclaimed, now holding an enlarged Ultra Ball with his right hand. "Aerodactyl, Aqua Tail go!" The 12-year-old male cried out as he threw the device into the air. The Ultra Ball spun around in the air, before suddenly stopping and burst open, releasing a bright white beam.

The boom took shape, before clearing to reveal Aerodactyl, who gave out a fierce battle cry. The Flying and Rock-type's tail then became surrounded in swirling water, before it spun around and slammed its tail into the two Ninjask, landing a direct hit and ruining their concentration, causing the orange balls of energy to disperse. Hansen gritted his teeth in annoyance at seeing this.

Back with Tauros and Scolipede, the two stopped their struggling against each other and leaped away from one another, landing 10 feet away. However, Tauros' face had a purple colour and was breathing slightly heavy, before purple electricity appeared around it. "Tauros has been poisoned!" Max cried out in alarm, easily able to recognize that Tauros had been poisoned somehow. "Scolipede's ability must be Poison Touch!" Sorrel exclaimed in realization, seeing that as the only way that Tauros could have gotten poisoned.

Hansen chuckled upon seeing this, before he pointed forward with his left hand. "Now Scolipede, Venoshock!" The adult man told his Poison and Bug-type Pokémon, seeing this as a chance to deal some damage. "Scolipede!" The fully evolved Pokémon cried out, before firing two streams of purple, poisonous liquid from its horns. Venoshock shot out and struck Tauros, causing an explosion with smoke that covered the Normal-type from view.

The smoke quickly cleared to reveal Tauros still standing strong, but was breathing a bit heavier than before. Ash gritted his teeth upon seeing this, before he swiped his right hand out. "Don't give in! Rock Slide!" The Rainbow Hero commanded the Normal-type, which Tauros let out a cry and raised its head to the sky. Multiple stones then appeared behind Tauros in the shape of a ring, before they all shoot out towards Scolipede.

"I will not allow that! Use Protect, now!" Hansen demanded with a frown. "Scoli…" The Megapede Pokémon said lowly, forming a turquoise force field in front of it. The rocks all collided with the force field, but were all deflected, making Ash frown at seeing his attack blocked. "Now Drapion, Thunder Fang!" The adult man commanded his Poison and Dark-type, pointing towards Aerodactyl in the sky.

Drapion cried out as its fangs glowed yellow and sparks of yellow electricity surround them, before leaping towards Aerodactyl, who widened his eyes in alarm. At that moment, Brock tossed out a Poké Ball with his right hand. "Marshtomp, stop Drapion and protect Aerodactyl!" The Pokémon Breeder called out with a serious tone in his voice.

The device burst open and released a white beam in front of the Flying and Rock-type, taking shape before clearing to reveal Marshtomp, who held his fins up with narrowed eyes. "Marshtomp!" The Mud Fish Pokémon called out, right before Drapion bite down on his right shoulder, causing Marshtomp to be surrounded in electricity.

Yet, Marshtomp took no damage from the Electric-type move thanks to being part Ground-type. "What!?" Hansen called out in surprise, while Sorrel turned to look at Brock and gave him a thankful smile. "Thanks Brock". The Pokémon Professor in training thanked his traveling companion, getting Brock to give him the thumbs up with his right hand. "Don't mention it. Now, Marshtomp Mud Shot!" The Pokémon Breeder commanded, getting Marshtomp to grow a smirk on his face.

"Mar Marshtomp!" The Mud Fish Pokémon cried out, opening his mouth and firing multiple small balls of mud right at Drapion's face, landing a direct hit and causing the Ogre Scorpion Pokémon to cry out, before releasing its hold on Marshtomp. The two fell to the ground with Drapion crashing down on his back, while Marshtomp landed on his feet.

(Music end)

Hansen growled in anger at seeing this, before he turned to look Team Rocket, who was watching the battle take place. "Don't just stand there and watch! Aid me!" The adult man snapped at the three, getting Jessie, James and Meowth to turn towards him. "Oh, right". The three said as they nodded together at Hansen.

Jessie tossed a Luxury Ball out, while James threw a Poké Ball. "Go Gothita! /Cacnea, go!" The two called out as the devices burst open and released white beams. The two beams quickly took shape, before one of them cleared to reveal Jessie's Fixation Pokémon, Gothita. "Gothita!" The Psychic-type cried out, while the second beam cleared to reveal Cacnea. "Cacnea!" The Grass-type called out, before changing its course and went back, getting Gothita to slightly widen her eyes in surprise.

The Cactus Pokémon attempted to give its training a loving hug, but James managed to catch it right before Cacnea could wrap its arms around his neck and then held him at arms distance. "When will you learn? Attack the other way!" James scolded with a small frown, no hint of anger in his voice, just annoyance at almost getting another world of pain, causing Cacnea to blink at him.

"Shadow Ball, go!" Jessie commanded with a wide smile, holding her left arm out. "Gothi gothi!" Gothita cried out, putting her hands together as she formed a black and purple ball of energy in between them. She then fired the Shadow Ball towards the gang. "Lucario, send it back with Bone Rush!" Sorrel called out, holding his left fist up, before thrusting it out. "Rrraaa!" Lucario roared out, before he brought his paws together, then spread them apart, creating a light green bone of energy. Lucario spun the bone around in his paws, before rearing it back like a baseball bat. Once the Shadow Ball was close enough, Lucario swung the energy bone, hitting it right back towards Gothita, who cried out in alarm.

"Cacnea, Needle Arm!" James commanded his Grass-type, pointing forward with his right hand's index finger. "Cac…nea!" Cacnea cried out as its right arm glowed white, before he leaped forward and swung it at the Shadow Ball, causing the black and purple ball to disperse into sparkles. "Gothita". Gothita said with a smile at seeing her teammate protect her.

"Crustle, Solar Blade!" Hansen commanded the Bug and Rock-type, his eyes narrowed from how troublesome that this battle was becoming. "Crustle". Crustle said as it began absorbing sunlight into itself. The sight made Ash, Brock and Sorrel widen their eyes in alarm. "That's not good". Brock remarked with wide eyes, knowing how powerful Solar Blade is as it was like a physical attack version of Solar Beam.

Ash slightly gritted his teeth, before he turned to look at Verity, May, Max, Misty, Piplup and Jirachi behind him and his two male friends. "Verity, May, Max, take Misty and go hide!" The Rainbow Hero told his traveling companions, getting them all to look at him in surprise. "But Ash…" Misty began, only for Ash to stop her by holding his left hand out to her. "We'll be fine. They want Togepi, and won't stop until they have her. We'll come find you when we're done here, now go!" The Rainbow Hero told his friends, before turning to look back forward.

"Gothita, Shockwave!" Jessie commanded, thrusting her left arm forward. Light blue electricity surrounded Gothita's body, before it released a beam of light blue electricity from its feeler. "Pikachu, Iron Tail!" Ash commanded his best friend, getting Pikachu to grin as he leaped forward off of Ash's shoulder. "Pikachu!" The Electric Mouse Pokémon cried out as his tail gleamed white, before he flipped over and deflected Shockwave to the ground.

"We've got his back, so don't worry". Brock told the females, child and their Pokémon, taking a moment to look over his shoulder to give them a reassuring grin, before returning his attention to the battle. "We can't protect you and battle at the same time. This way, we'll be able to focus on the battle, and they won't get what they want". Sorrel added, before swiping his right arm out to the side.

"Aerodactyl, Fire Fang!" The Pokémon Professor in training commanded Fossil Pokémon, getting the Flying and Rock-type to cry out, before the insides of its mouth became covered in flames. Aerodactyl then flew down towards Crustle, who was still charging up energy. "I don't think so! Drapion, Brutal Swing!" Hansen commanded his Poison and Dark-type. Drapion let out a cry as both its arms glowed pink, before it leaped in front of Crustle.

The Ogre Scorpion Pokémon then swung its left arm, right as Aerodactyl came down on him, causing Fire Fang and Brutal Swing to collide, before creating an explosion that pushed the two away from one another. Aerodactyl flew back into the air as the flames in his mouth died down, while Drapion was pushed back with a little bit of flames surrounding its left arm, before they grew much larger and engulfed the Poison and Dark-type fully, causing Drapion to cry out in pain.

Hansen gritted his teeth in rage at seeing this, while Ash turned back to look at his four friends and their Pokémon. "Now's your chance! Go!" The Rainbow Hero urged his friends, getting Verity to grit her teeth a little, before she nodded. The Twinleaf girl knelt down and picked her starter, before standing back up. "They're right, we need to go now. Ash, Brock and Sorrel will be fine". Verity told her friends, getting May, Max, Misty and Jirachi to turn towards her, before they all nodded.

"Okay". Misty replied to the younger female, before she turned to look at the back of Ash's head. "Just promise me you'll be okay". The female Gym Leader requested, getting a chuckle from Ash as he looked over his left shoulder towards her. "You of all people should know that I've faced a lot worse than this back in Johto". The Rainbow Hero replied to the tomboy, causing Misty to chuckle as well, before she, Verity, May, Max and Jirachi all took off in a random direction towards the edge.

Hansen noticed them attempting to escape, causing him to narrow his eyes, before he looked up towards Shedinja, who had remained air-born since it fired Solar Beam. "Shedinja, get them! Don't let Togepi near the princess!" He told his Bug and Ghost-type, pointing towards Misty as she, Verity, May, Max and Jirachi neared the edge of the mountain.

"Shedinja!" Shedinja cried out, turning before flying after the group, more exact Togepi. "Cacnea, Thunder Punch!" James commanded with a massive grin. "Cacnea!" The Cactus Pokémon cried out, right as its right hand became surrounded by yellow sparks, which grow into a ball of electrical energy. Cacnea leaped and right-hooked Lucario right in the cheek, getting the Steel and Fighting-type to groan in pain with his eyes closed.

"Fight back with Copycat!" Sorrel called out, holding his right fist up. "Rrraaa!" Lucario cried out as he shot open his eyes, before he was surrounded in a waving aura of light. In his eyes, Lucario relayed how Cacnea used Thunder Punch. The aura changed to a yellow colour as his fist fist became surrounded by yellow sparks, which grow into a ball of electrical energy. The Aura Pokémon then rammed his fist right into Cacnea's face, blasting the Grass-type back.

At that moment, Crustle finished absorbing energy as the sunlight energy formed into a large yellow ball of light above its head. "Crustle!" The Bug and Rock-type cried out, raising its right pincer towards the ball of light, causing it to surge around its pincer. "Crustle's finished powering up Solar Blade!" Brock called out in alarm, getting the attention of both Ash and Sorrel as they looked and saw a large blade of energy appear around Crustle's pincer.

"I've got this! Pikachu, Volt Tackle!" Ash exclaimed, thrusting his right hand forward. "Pika-pika-pika-pika-pika!" Pikachu cried out as he fell on all four, before running towards Crustle, before its body then becomes surrounded by golden electricity. Crustle swung its energy blade of light down towards Pikachu, who leaped up into the air. Both Volt Tackle and Solar Blade collided with one another, creating sparks of energy between the two, before the two attacks' collision created a massive explosion.


(With Verity, May, Max and Misty)

Meanwhile with Verity, May, Max, Misty, Piplup, Jirachi and Togepi, the four humans were running down the mountain as carefully as they could with Verity and Misty carrying their Pokémon, while Jirachi rod atop Max's head. The three stopped upon hearing a loud explosion back up the mountain, getting them all to look up to see smoke coming off at the top.

"You think they're okay up there?" Max asked with concern for his idol and traveling companions, getting Misty to look down at him with a reassuring smile. "They'll be fine. I don't know much about Sorrel, but Ash, Brock and I have been through much more dangerous things than that guy back in Johto". The female Gym Leader told the young boy, getting both him and Jirachi to smile a little at her words.

"Misty's right, the boys can handle themselves. Right now, we need to focus on getting Togepi as far away as possible". Verity stated, turning to look at Togepi in Misty's arms, who cutely tilted her head to the side. "Yeah, about that? Why would they want your Togepi anyway?" May asked the older female with a curious voice, which Misty gave a shrug with her shoulders. "Beats me. Togepi isn't really that powerful, and she doesn't really battle". The female Gym Leader answered, turning to look down at the Fairy-type in her arms.

"Let's save the chit chat for later". Max told the three girls, before continuing on his way down the mountain. 'Yeah, later!' Jirachi called out in agreement, before he flew after his best friend. Verity, May and Misty followed the 8-year-old boy as he lead them down into a garden with a maze, all the while Verity kept carrying Piplup in her arms.

They soon got lost in the maze as they really didn't know which way that they were going. They eventually stopped for a break in a random part of the maze to catch their breath. May poked her head over the hedge to look around their surroundings. "I don't see anyone, or anything nearby. I think we're in the clear". The brunette told her friends, turning her head right to look down at her brother, who was holding Jirachi in his hands.

Misty poked her head over the hedge to take a look as while, while Verity turned to look back up the mountain, where she and Piplup saw multiple explosions going off at the top. "Ash…Sorrel…" Verity said in concern for her boyfriend and old friend, hopping that they were alright back up there. "Piplup". Piplup said with a worried expression, thinking about Pikachu and Lucario.

However, just then Shedinja flew down into their view, glaring down at them. "Shed…inja!" Shedinja buzzed out, alerting the others as they turned around to see the Shed Pokémon. Misty became creped out at the sight of the Bug-type, while May, Max and Jirachi all gasped in surprise. "Oh no, a bug". Misty groaned in horror, getting Verity to sweat drop, while May brought out her Pokédex, activated it and scanned the Bug and Ghost-type.

"Shedinja, the Shed Pokémon. Shedinja possesses a hard, powerful body, giving it strong defenses". The device explained, giving out information about the Shed Pokémon. May deactivated and closed her Pokédex, before putting it away as she and the other stared up at the Bug and Ghost-type floating above them. "It must have gotten pass Ash and the others somehow". Verity theorized, her eyes narrowed and guard up. "Something tells me it still wants Togepi". May remarked as Shedinja flew closer to them.

(Play Pokemon Sound Anime Collection - Johto Rival Battle!)

Misty whimpered in fear, before transforming her terrified expression into a defiant one. "I'll protect Togepi!" The female Gym Leader exclaimed with conviction, refusing to allow anything take away her Togepi. She spun around and brought out an enlarged Great Ball with her right hand. "Vaporeon! Blizzard!" Misty commanded as she tossed the device out.

The Great Ball burst open, releasing a white beam into the air that took shape, and then cleared to reveal Misty's Vaporeon, who had a deep frown. "Vaporeon! Va!" The Bubble Jet Pokémon cried out, opening her mouth and released a blizzard from her mouth at Shedinja. The blizzard attack landed a direct hit on Shedinja, but to everybody's surprise, dealt no damage whatsoever to the Shed Pokémon. "What the!" Everyone called out with wide eyes. "Piplup!? /Vaporeon!?" Piplup and Vaporeon exclaimed with wide eyes as the Bubble Jet Pokémon landed in front of her trainer.

"What just happened?! That was a direct hit, wasn't it?" May questioned with wide eyes, turning to look at Verity for an explanation. "It was, but it just didn't harm Shedinja". The Twinleaf girl replied to the younger female, before tilting her head down in thought. "How could it be unfazed by Blizzard? Wait a second". Verity said to herself, before looking down at her short's right pocket. She placed her hand inside the pocket and brought out her Sinnoh Pokédex.

She took it into both her hands, before she opened and activated the device. Verity began to look up data on Shedinja, while Jirachi flew out of Max's hands and frowned at the Shed Pokémon. 'I'll take care of him'. The Wish Pokémon declared, before closing his eyes and bringing his fists up. 'Thunderbolt!' Jirachi cried out, and then proceeded to release a powerful bolt of yellow electricity from his body at Shedinja.

Jirachi's Thunderbolt attack struck, but just like with Blizzard, felt no damage to the Shed Pokémon. "Even that didn't work?!" May called out in shock at seeing even a Legendary Pokémon's attack not working. "Shed…" Shedinja buzzed out as a pink, light blue, and dark blue fireball appeared in front of it.

"That's Will-O-Wisp!" Misty called out in alarm, recognizing the attack and causing Max to gasp in concern. "Jirachi, look out!" The 8-year-old boy called out in concern, right before Shedinja fired the fireball at Jirachi. 'Ahh!' The Wish Pokémon exclaimed in alarm, before he flew higher up and dodged the Will-O-Wisp, getting Max to sigh in relief. Jirachi quickly flew back down and into Max's arms, who held him in a tight hug.

Verity finished going through data on Shedinja on her Pokédex, and what she found made her gasp. "So that's why our attacks didn't work! Shedinja's ability; Wonder Guard!" Verity cried out in surprise, getting everyone to look at her. "Wonder Guard?" May questioned in confusion, getting the older female to turn towards her and nod. "It's an ability that Shedinja has. It enables them to take no damage whatsoever from attacks that aren't super effective against it. Shedinja is a Bug and Ghost-type Pokémon, so only Flying, Rock, Ghost, Fire and Dark-type moves will work against it". The Twinleaf girl told her friends, getting them all to gasp as they looked up at Shedinja again.

"Shed…" The Shed Pokémon began as its halo pointed upwards again and began gathering energy from the sun. "It's charging up another Solar Beam attack!" Verity pointed out in alarm as Piplup frowned up at the Bug and Ghost-type. "May, quickly! Combusken!" Max told his sister, turning to look up at her and getting the brunette to widen her eyes in realization that her starter could defeat Shedinja.

"Oh, right". May said as she looked to her fanny pack and placed her right hand in it to find her starter's Poké Ball. "Aha! Here it is!" The oldest Maple sibling called out, bringing her right hand up to reveal that she was holding a Poké Ball in it. However, she was too late as Shedinja had just finished absorbing enough energy. "Inja!" The Bug and Ghost-type cried out, firing a bright white beam right at the ground.

Solar Beam created an explosion that blew Verity, May, Max, Misty, Piplup, Togepi, Vaporeon and Jirachi all into the air with them all crying out. The force of the explosion even loosened Misty's grip on Togepi, causing the Fairy-type to be blasted out of Misty's hands, getting her to gasp in horror. "Togepi!" The female Gym Leader cried out as she tried to reach out and grab her baby, but was unable to reach her. "Piii!" Togepi shouted out as she was blasted away from both her caretaker and Shedinja to unknown parts.

(Music end)

Back in the middle of the garden, the young fashionably dressed woman was now cutting some flowers off of the bushes with a pair of Pruning shears. She had just successfully cut off a single flower, but then she heard a loud splash in the fountain. "Huh?" She turned around, before rushing over to the fountain. "Oh…" She gasped upon seeing Togepi floating in the fountain's waters, unconscious and a little bit hurt.

The young woman smiled a happy smile upon seeing the Fairy-type Pokémon. "Togepi!" She exclaimed in joy as she placed the Pruning shears down, before reaching into the fountain. The rosy hair coloured girl gently took hold of Togepi and brought her out of the fountain and held the Spike Ball Pokémon up. "Finally, you've finally come here to be with me. Togepi!" The young woman exclaimed, before she turned around and took off to find a close friend of hers.

Nearby, there was an adult woman, wearing a similar dress to the rosy hair coloured girl's one, only a darkish red colour, watering the flowers with a Squirtle-them watering cane. "Miranda!" A voice called out to the woman, getting the now named Miranda to blink in surprise, before she turned around and smiled at the young blue dressed woman.

"Yes? What is it my princess?" Miranda asked with a caring smile, not noticing Togepi in the princess's hands. "Look! Togepi!" The rosy hair coloured girl answered, getting Miranda to finally notice the Fairy-type in the princess's hands, getting her to gasp in delight. "That's wonderful!" The female adult exclaimed in joy, rising up to her feet and walked over to the younger female to get a better look at Togepi.

"Yes, but the poor thing has been hurt. Miranda, could you please tend to it?" The princess pleaded her friend, tilting her head down to look at the unconscious Fairy-type. It was at that moment that Togepi began to awaken and noticed that she wasn't with her "mother" anymore. "Toge?" Togepi said in confusion, wondering where she was and what happened to Misty.


(With Ash, Brock and Sorrel)

Back at the top of the mountain where the zeppelin was parked, more explosions continued to take place as the battle between Ash, Sorrel and Brock against Hansen and Team Rocket continued. Ash, Brock and Sorrel stood 20 feet away with Pikachu, Tauros, Lucario, Aerodactyl and Marshtomp in front of them, all having determined expressions. Drapion, Scolipede, Crustle, Cacnea and Gothita stood in front of Hansen, Jessie, James and Meowth, while the two Ninjask flew above them.

"Tauros, Iron Tail! /Scolipede, Superpower!" Ash and Hansen commanded at the same time, both pointing forward with their right hands. Tauros and Scolipede cried out, before the Wild Bull Pokémon's tail turned glowing white, while Scolipede's body became surrounded in an orange aura. The two charged towards one another, before Tauros spun around and Scolipede rammed its head forward.

Tauros' tail and Scolipede's head clashed against each other with Iron Tail and Superpower going against one another. The two struggled to overpower one another, before the force of their attacks pushed both Tauros and Scolipede back with them sliding against the ground. The two stopped in front of their receptive groups and glared at one another.

Aerodactyl cried out as it spread its wings out and took flight, something that Hansen noticed and sneered at. "Use Hone Claws!" Sorrel commanded, holding his right fist up. Aerodactyl cried out as its claws extended glowed red. The Fossil Pokémon then spun around in mid-air as an orange glow shots up along Aerodactyl's body. "Crustle, Rock Wrecker!" Hansen commanded with a deep frown.

"Crust…!" Crustle called out as it brought its claws together in front of it and a small gray stone with a red aura around it formed in between them. The rock then grew larger until it was as large as Crustle itself. Crustle then fired the giant rock up at Aerodactyl, who glared down at the approaching rock. "Steel Wing, go!" Sorrel called out with narrowed eyes, which the Rock and Flying-type cried out as its wings glowed blue and white.

Aerodactyl charged down and smashed right through Rock Wrecker, causing the giant rock to shatter. The Flying and Rock-type continued on down to Crustle and landed a hit as it flew past, pushing the Bug and Rock-type back a few feet. This caused the Cornel to let out an enraged growl at how the battle was going against him.

"Gothita, use Pound!" Jessie commanded with a wide smile, thrusting her right hand out. "Cacnea, let out a Pin Missile!" James called out, pointing his right hand's index finger forward. "Cacnea!" The Cactus Pokémon cried out as the spikes on his arms started gleaming white, before holding them out and fired white, arrow-shaped streams of pins. "Gothita!" Gothia cried out as its right arm glowed white, before she took off, charging forward.

"Marshtomp, use Protect!" Brock commanded, holding his open right hand out. "Marshtomp mar!" Marshtomp cried out, before raising his hands up and formed a green force field in front of its body. The white, arrow-shaped streams of pins struck the force field, but were unable to break through. Gothita charged forward and swung her glowing arm at the force field as well, but was unable to break through it either.

"Great, now Water Gun!" The Pokémon Breeder called out with a grin on his face. "Marshtomp!" The Mud Fish Pokémon cried as the force field disappeared, getting Jessie's eyes to widen in alarm. "Quickly, get yourself out of there with Confusion!" The female adult told her Psychic-type, keeping her panic under control. "Got gothia!" Gothia called out with wide eyes, before they started glowing blue.

Right before Marshstomp let out a spiral of water from its, Gothita's body was outlined in a blue light as she floated up into the air, causing the Water Gun to miss her and head straight towards Cacnea instead. The Water Gun struck the Grass-type in a direct hit, but once it dispersed, Cacnea was revealed to be completely unharmed and was instead lightly glowing an aqua green colour aura.

"It has Water Absorb!?" Brock exclaimed in surprise to see that James' Cacnea had a rare ability. James gave out a smug laugh with his hands on his hips, while Gothita floated down next to Cacnea on its left. "My Cacnea is more than just a hugger! He has a lot more surprises than you think!" The former rich boy laughed out, getting Brock to frown at him.

"Drapion, Rock Smash now!" Hansen commanded the Poison and Dark-type with a slightly anger filled voice. Drapion cried out as its right claw gleamed red-orange, then charged towards Lucario, who just narrowed his eyes at the Ogre Scorpion Pokémon. "Counter Rock Smash with Metal Claw!" Sorrel commanded his partner, thrusting his right open hand forward.

"Rrraaahhh!" Lucario roared out, before crossing his arms up in a cross. The spikes on the top of Lucario's paws glow white as they gleamed, before transforming into three claws. The Fighting and Steel-type swung his arms out, before leaping towards Drapion. The Ogre Scorpion Pokémon swung its glowing claw, while Lucario thrust his right arm forward. The two attacks clashed against one another and bounced off of one another with the force of the collision pushing the two Pokémon back from each other.

"Now, Aura Sphere!" The Pokémon Professor in training called out, making Lucario smirk as the three claws disappeared and his spikes return to normal. The Aura Pokémon then brought its hands together and created a blue ball of aura energy in between them. Lucario then cried out, thrusting his hands out and firing Aura Sphere, which landed a direct hit on Drapion's face and pushed the Poison and Dark-type back greatly. "Nice shot!" Brock praised with a wide smile on his face. "Mar!" Marshtomp commented with a supportive smile.

"I have had enough of this!" Hansen exclaimed in rage, before pointing forward with his left hand's index finger. "Ninjask, Hyper Beam!" The Colonel commanded his Ninja Pokémon, wanting this over with right now. "Ninjask!" The two Ninjask cried out, before orange two balls of energy appeared in between their hands.

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt go!" Ash commanded his best friend, thrusting out his right fist. "Pika! Pikachu pi!" Pikachu cried out as he unleashed a powerful bolt of electricity from his body, right as the two Ninjask fired orange beams of energy from the balls. The two Hyper Beams came together to form a single Hyper Beam, before clashing against Thunderbolt that stood strong. The two attacks struggled greatly to surpass one another, before they created a big, powerful explosion that left a smokescreen around the field.

Ash, Sorrel, Brock, Pikachu, Lucario, Marshtomp and Tauros all stood together as the smoke surrounded them completely, before Aerodactyl came down and landed next to its trainer. They all kept their guard up as they looked around their surroundings. "Nin…" A Ninjask buzzed out as it flew out of the smoke and into view, getting Ash and Pikachu to look up at it.

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt now!" The Rainbow Hero ordered the Electric Mouse Pokémon. "Pi…chu!" Pikachu cried out as it fell onto all four, before unleashing another bolt of electricity towards Ninjask. However, the Ninja Pokémon completely disappeared when Thunderbolt was about to strike it. "Is that Double Team?" Ash questioned in surprise, while Pikachu ceased using Thunderbolt.

Another Ninjask came out of the smoke, and this time Brock acted. "Mud Shot!" The former Gym Leader called out to his Mud Fish Pokémon. "Marshtomp mar!" Marshtomp cried out opening his mouth and firing multiple small balls of mud right at Ninjask, yet the Ninja Pokémon disappeared right before the attack could hit. "That one knows Double Team as well?!" Brock called out in surprise, while Ash turned to his Tauros, before he knelt down and took his bag off.

"This smoke is becoming too troublesome! Lucario, sense their aura". Sorrel told his partner Pokémon, getting Lucario to look up and nod to him. "Rah". Lucario replied to the 12-year-old boy, before facing forward as Ash brought out a Full Restore and sprayed it on Tauros. The Aura Pokémon closed its eyes and brought its right hand up to its chest spike, before its appendages raised up.

Tauros gave a relived cry upon being fully healed, while Ash closed his bag and placed it back on, before he stood up. Lucario then suddenly opened his eyes and let out a distressed cry as it suddenly took off. "Lucario!" Sorrel exclaimed as he chased after his Pokémon, causing Ash, Brock, Pikachu, Tauros, Marshtomp and Aerodactyl to chase after them. They all stopped behind Lucario, who was now looking down into a deep hole.

Everyone gasped upon seeing the hole and gathered around it. "What's a hole doing here?" Ash questioned with slightly wide eyes, staring down into the hole. "It must have been the Ninjask. I bet you that they know Dig". Brock remarked as he knelt down to get a better look to see if this hole was caused by Dig. "They must have abandoned the battle to chase after Misty and the girls". Sorrel said with a frown, getting Ash to lightly gasp as he looked up at his sworn brother.

"Pikapi!" Pikachu exclaimed in concern for the orange haired female. "We gotta go after them before they catch up to the others!" Ash stated as he turned to look at Taurous, before he brought out the Wild Bull Pokémon's Poké Ball and recalled the Normal-type. Brock and Sorrel nodded to their friend, before they recalled Marshtomp and Aerodactyl to their Poké Ball and Great Ball.

With their Pokémon secured, Ash took initiation and jumped into the hole first. "Pika!" Pikachu exclaimed as he jumped in next. Sorrel and Lucario were silent as they jumped after the Rainbow Hero and his starter then. "Let's see where this leads to!" Brock yelled out as he finally jumped in after his traveling companions to chase after Hansen and Team Rocket.


(Not too long later in the castle)

Sometime has passed since the young princess of Mirage Kingdom found Togepi and asked her friend Miranda to help heal the Fairy-type. They returned to the castle, where Miranda left to inform the King, while the princess took Togepi to her room. Right now, the rosy hair coloured girl was crouching down in front of Togepi, who was sitting on a soft cushion. They weren't alone as the princess's mother, the Queen was watching from the side.

The queen had similar coloured hair to her daughter's, only slightly darker and was wearing an elegant green dress that a queen would wear. She watched as the princess hum happily as she placed a bandage on top of Togepi's head, before retracting her hand. "There, see? You'll be fine". The young woman told Togepi with a reassuring smile.

"To…ge?" Togepi said with an uncertain, but thankful tone to the princess. The queen came up to her daughter's side and leaned down to look at her. "Wonderful. Now, the Succession Ceremony can take place tomorrow". The female adult said in delight, receiving a nod from her daughter. "Yes, mother". The rosy hair coloured girl replied to her mother, just as delighted as her. The sounds of footsteps caught both females and Togepi's attention as they looked over to the entrance to Miranda standing by the door.

Then, the king of Mirage Kingdom and the princess's father rushed in. He appeared to be in his late middle age years, already having a light gray beard and hair. He wore a blue outfit with a red cape, light navy pants and blue shoes, wielding a staff with his right hand that had an egg at the top. "You see? There, Your Majesty". Miranda said with a smile directed at Togepi.

The King gasped in delight at seeing the Fairy-type. "Look father, it's a Togepi". The princess told her father as he came over and slightly leaned down to get a closer look at Togepi. "My stars! It is a Togepi". The King said in disbelief at seeing that it was indeed a Togepi. "Toge…?" The Spike Ball Pokémon said in confusion, wondering why everyone was reacting that way upon seeing her.

The King gently knelt down on the ground in front of Togepi, right next to his daughter. "This is truly a miracle. To think a Togepi would appear at the perfect time". The ruler of Mirage Kingdom remarked with a smile full of joy. "Yes! And now I found, my perfect partner!" The rosy hair coloured female exclaimed as she picked up Togepi and hugged the Fairy-type in joy. Miranda had brought out a handkerchief as she was starting to cry from the joy that she was experiencing. "Truly, a miracle. Yes". The female adult said with joy, wiping away the tears in her eyes. The King gave a happy nod and hummed in agreement. "Toge?" Togepi said in confusion as she looked around, wondering what will happen to her.

Suddenly, 5 multicoloured lights appeared in the room, getting everyone to look up at them in surprise, before they cleared to reveal Verity, May, Max, Misty and Jirachi. The four humans were standing up with Verity carrying Piplup in her arms, while Jirachi was floating up above, having his eyes closed and tags glowing multicoloured, indicating that he had just used Teleport.

The Wish Pokémon opened his eyes and gave a happy look, while Misty looked around and spotted Togepi in the princess's arms. "There you are, Togepi!" The female Gym Leader exclaimed in relief to see her Togepi safe and sound. The princess stood up on her feet fully and looked at the orange haired girl in confusion, keeping Togepi in her arms. "Toge! Toge togepi!" The Spike Ball Pokémon cried out in joy, getting the rosy hair coloured girl to look down at Togepi.

Miranda quickly stood in front of the princess in a protective manner and spread her arms out. "Who are you?" She questioned with a small glare, getting Verity to narrow her eyes at the older female. "That's what we should be asking you". The Twinleaf girl replied with slight hostility in her voice. "Piplup pi!" Piplup cried out in agreement from her trainer's arms, ready to leap into action. "Why not tell us what's going on here?!" May called out from next to Verity, while Jirachi flew up to the back of Max's head and leaned down on it.

"Yeah, are you the guys who sent that Hansen guy to steal Togepi?" Max questioned with a frown, getting the King of Mirage Kingdom to widen his eyes in surprise. "Did you say Hansen? Wait, is this your Togepi?" He asked in surprise, turning to look at the Fairy-type in his daughter's arms. "Yes, it is! That's my Togepi!" Misty answered with a glare, ready to set action at any moment.

Togepi let out another cheer of happy cries, not noticing the princess's sad look directed at it. "I'm afraid I don't understand. Please, could you explain yourselves?" The king requested, wanting to understand the situation better in case there's been a misunderstanding. "Sure, fine! Someone named Colonel Hansen hired Team Rocket to bring Misty and Togepi here to the Mirage Kingdom, and then tried to steal Togepi. He even attacked us with his Pokémon when Misty refused to give up Togepi". May explained to the male adult, causing him, the queen, the princess and Miranda to widen their eyes in realization.

Just then, Hansen ran into the room with an expression full of panic on his face. "Majesty, I didn't know you were here!" The Colonel said to the king, stopping right behind the ruler of the Mirage Kingdom. Instantly at the sight of Hansen, Verity, Misty, May, Max, Piplup and Jirachi all became on guard. "You!" Misty exclaimed, pointing her left hand's index finger at Hansen.

Suddenly, the doors that lead outside were knocked down and kicked up dust, causing everyone to look towards the destroyed door. They saw Lucario standing right outside, holding down a light green bone, indicating that it was him who knocked the door down with Ash, Sorrel, Brock and Pikachu right behind him. "There you are!" Sorrel called out with a smirk as he, Ash, Brock, Pikachu and Lucario rushing inside and stopping besides their traveling companions.

Hansen quickly got in front of the royal family and spread his arms out in a protective manner. "Leave the intruders to me, I'll deal with them!" Hansen told the royal family, acting as a loyal protector to hide his true objective. "Intruders?! You brought us here in the first place!" Brock exclaimed in anger at Hansen's accusing them of being intruders.

Hansen gritted his teeth and was about to call for his Pokémon, that is until the king stopped him. "That's enough Hansen, you've done enough for today. Leave now". The Mirage Kingdom ruler told his Colonel, causing Hansen to look at him in shock over his left shoulder. "But sire…" Hansen began, only to be cut off by the king. "You'll do as you're told". He told Hansen, getting him to growl with his left eye twitching in anger.

Hansen slightly tilted his head right to look at Togepi in the princess's arms for a moment, before he turned around and began walking away. "Hey, get back here!" Ash exclaimed, wanting to get back at Hansen for attacking them. "Ash, that's enough". Verity told her boyfriend, getting the Rainbow Hero's attention as he looked at the Twinleaf girl for a moment, before he nodded.

Hansen then fully left the room, leaving the gang with the royal family of the Mirage Kingdom. "Toge togepi!" Togepi cried, reaching out towards Misty with her tiny arms, still not noticing the princess's sad look. "I'm afraid that there's been a terrible misunderstanding. We never intended to steal from you, please forgive us". The King said to the gang, getting Sorrel to look at him. "If what you're saying is true, then why did Hansen attack us?" The Pokémon Professor in training asked as his Lucario's energy bone dispersed.

"Hansen acted on his own; we had nothing to do with his actions". The princess answered in place for her father as she stepped forward, getting Misty to look at her. The female Gym Leader was able to see the honesty in the rosy hair coloured girl's eyes and could see that she meant her words. The tomboy let down her guard and took a step forward. "I see, but what's that bandage doing on Togepi's forehead?" Misty asked with a slightly cautious voice, making the princess grow a trusting smile.

"I found Togepi injured in the garden, so we treated it". The rosy hair coloured female answered, receiving a thankful smile from Misty. "That's so nice. Thank you". Misty thanked the princess, giving a humble bow of her head. She then lifted her head up to look at the princess, who was still smiling at her. "My name's Misty, the Gym Leader of the Cerulean City Gym". The orange haired girl introduced herself with a humble voice.

"I'm Sara, I'm the princess of Mirage Kingdom". The now revealed Sara introduced herself, holding the skirt of her dress as if to bow. Brock instantly became smitten with Sara as he found her beautiful. "Wow…a princess". The former Gym Leader said in his usual love sick voice. May had her hands clapped together as she stared at Sara in awe. "It's an honor to meet you". The brunette said in awe, truly grateful for the chance to meet a princess. "Toge toge…piii!" Togepi called out happily from Sara's arms.

Later on, the royal family lead the gang to the throne room, where the King and Queen sat down on their thrones, while Ash, Verity, Sorrel, May, Max, Brock, Misty, Sara, Miranda and Lucario stood a few feet away. Pikachu was on Ash's left shoulder, Verity and Misty were both holding Piplup and Togepi in their arms in separate styles, finally Jirach was sitting atop Max's head. "I sincerely regret having caused you all so much trouble. Regrettably, Hansen has been disrupting things all over the kingdom. And now it's apparent he was plotting to steal your Togepi for his own needs". The king said in regret to the gang of heroes, before Sara turned to look at Misty.

"Please believe me; we never had any intention of stealing anything from anyone, especially your Togepi". The Princess told the female Gym Leader, getting Misty to turn to look at her. "The instant Togepi saw you; I knew right away you were its trainer". Sara said with a sad look, while Miranda brought out a handkerchief to wipe away tears that she started shedding.

"And then, I realized having a Togepi come here for me is too good to be true". The princess added, getting Misty and the gang to frown in confusion. "Come here…for you?" Misty said in confusion, tilting her head to the side. "Toge?" Togepi commented from Misty's arms, wondering what Sara meant. "We must remove these youngsters from our Mirage Kingdom immediately before Hansen tries something else". The king stated, getting Sara to nod in agreement while Ash raised an eyebrow up at him.

"If the guy is such a problem, why not just kick him out or something?" The Rainbow Hero asked with a curious tone, getting the Mirage Kingdom ruler to turn to look at him. "If only it was that simple young boy, but it isn't". The king told the 12-year-old boy, getting Ash to slightly grit his teeth as he was still a bad mad at Hansen for trying to hurt his old friend and take Togepi away.

The king then turned towards Miranda. "Prepare the zeppelin". He told the family's loyal friend, which Miranda slightly bowed her head. "Yes, Your Majesty". She replied to the king, more than willing to follow his order. "But wait, please". Misty pleaded as she stepped forward, catching the attention of both Sara and the king. "Please sire, can you tell us what this is about?" The female Gym Leader requested as she wanted to know why Hansen wanted Togepi, receiving an understanding look from the old king.

Later, Sara and Miranda escorted the gang and their Pokémon to the temple outside of the castle, where they explained the situation to them as they did. "For centuries within our kingdom, Togepi have been worshipped as our guardian Pokémon of liberty and peace". Miranda began to explain as she and Sara stood across Ash, Verity, Sorrel, May, Brock, Max and Lucario with Pikachu, Piplup, Togepi and Jirachi still in the same positions as before.

"Ever since the beginnings of our recorded history it has been the duty and mission of anyone ascending the throne to seek out and find a Togepi". The female adult continued to explain, spreading her arms out to gesture to the temple and its pillars supporting the gate. The gang listened with great attention as Sara and Miranda explained the history of the Mirage Kingdom royal family. "Mission?" Misty questioned in wonder, while Ash looked up at the gate above them. "Toge". Togepi commented, surprised at the history this kingdom had with her kind.

"Mission indeed. And this is how Sara's father; the King earned his throne". Miranda revealed to the gang, getting Sorrel curious as he stepped forward. "If that's true, then what happened to his Togepi?" The Pokémon Professor in training questioned in curiosity, getting Miranda's attention as she looked at him. "Returned from whence it came". The female adult answered, placing her right hand on her chest with a peaceful look, before opening her eyes.

"In our kingdom it is Togepi's final departure that proves beyond a shadow of a doubt the right and duty of the current monarch to rule the land. And in that way, Togepi has proved that Sara's father has ascended to the throne; to rule as the proper King of Mirage Kingdom". The loyal friend of the royal family explained to the group of heroes, much to their amazement as May and Max leaned pass Misty to look at Togepi.

"Togepi sure is one awesome Pokémon". May remarked, getting the female Gym Leader to look at the brunette and her brother. "Who'd have known". Max commented with a smile, which Jirachi gave a nod of agreement. 'Who, who'. The Wish Pokémon said with a bright smile on his face, amazed at the connection Togepi has with this kingdom.

"This would have been accomplished in a ceremony to be held in this very temple tomorrow. But at alas…" Sara said with a sad smile, getting Misty to look at her. "What ceremony?" The orange haired girl asked the princess, getting Miranda to smile at her. "The ceremony giving the right to succeed the throne to the one that seeks out Togepi". The adult woman answered, before she looked at Sara in concern.

"Sadly, I have not been very successful in finding my Togepi in time for the appointed day". The Mirage Kingdom princess said in sadness, while Miranda looked back at the gang. "Without a Togepi, the ceremony cannot be preformed". Miranda revealed, getting Ash's attention as he tilted his head down and looked at her and Sara. "I get it now. My Togepi was taken for the ceremony". Misty said in realization at why Hansen wanted her Togepi so badly.

"It seems to me that Hansen was secretly plotting to use your Togepi, so as to selfishly crown himself as the successor to the throne". Sara theorized, folding her hands at the skirt of her dress. "I also share in the belief that Hansen wants the power of this guardian Pokémon Togepi all for himself". Miranda told the group, getting Misty, May, Max, Brock and Jirachi to gasp in concern, while Ash, Verity, Sorrel, Pikachu, Piplup and Lucario narrowed their eyes.

"Misty, so what kind of power does Togepi have?" Max asked as he turned and leaned a bit towards Togepi, who turned to look at him. "Toge?" Togepi said in an unsure voice, not really certain if she possessed incredible power. Ash was silent as he thought back to the journey in Kanto and Johto for any incredible events that involved Togepi, but came up with nothing.

Sara continued to look down in sadness, only to blink as something bounced right in front of her in anime style. It was Brock, who took Sara's right hand in a gentlemanly manner with a wild smile. "Worry not my fair princess!" The former Gym Leader exclaimed, tilting his head up to look at Sara, who was honestly a bit confused at his actions. "Yes, it is my one purpose in life to rescue you from this political turmoil". Brock continued, not noticing a twitching hand reached out for his right ear until it was too late.

Brock was roughly pulled away from Sara, who looked up, only for her and Maranda to sweat drop at seeing Brock flailing around, while Misty kept a hold on his ear with an irritated expression. "There's enough turmoil for one day". The orange haired girl said with an irritated look, ignoring Brock's protests as he flailed around. Ash gave a small chuckle at seeing this, while Pikachu laughed out brightly. "Just like the good old days". The Rainbow Hero commented with a gentle voice upon thinking back to when he traveled with Misty.

May, Max and Jirachi were a bit taken back by Misty's style of restricting Brock, while Verity, Sorrel, Piplup and Lucario all looked impressed. "Whoa". Max gasped in surprise at seeing how Misty handled Brock. 'Yeah, whoa'. Jirachi commented from atop Max's head, having wide eyes. "Now that's brutal, I like it". Verity remarked with a smile full of fondness at how Misty handled the lovesick Pokémon Breeder. "Pip pip piplup". The Twinleaf girl's Water-type said with an impressed smile.

"I outta take notes of this". Sorrel said with slightly wide eyes, getting Lucario to let out a growl of agreement. Misty then threw Brock behind both her and Ash, sending him crashing into the ground. The orange haired girl then walked up to the Mirage Kingdom princess and stopped in front of her. "Please Princess Sara, there's got to be something we can do". Misty pleaded to the princess, wanting to help her somehow.

Yet, Sara just shook her head at the younger female. "No, you have all been exposed to enough danger already. You must leave the Mirage Kingdom at once". Sara told the Gym Leader, causing Misty to grow an uncertain look as she really wanted to help. "But… Without Togepi, what will you do?" Misty questioned in concern, wanting to know what will happen. Sara just gave a simple smile in response.

"Don't worry about me Misty, it'll all work out". The princess reassured the Water-type trainer, but Misty wasn't really convinced. "Toge…" Togepi said from within Misty's hands, while the rest of the gang all looked at one another.


(Meanwhile in another section of the kingdom)

With Hansen, he was in his chambers, tending to his Pokémon. He stood in the middle of his room, carrying a bag of Pokémon food with his left hand, while his Drapion, Scolipede and Crustle stood in front of him. Shedinja and the Ninjask were flying above the other Pokémon. Hansen and his Pokémon weren't alone as Jessie, James and Meowth also occupied the room. Jessie had her back against the wall, having her arms crossed. James was sitting down on the couch and Meowth was sat down on the ground in a cat-like position.

"It is my destiny that I acquire the throne of this kingdom. And with the power of Togepi, it shall be so!" Hansen exclaimed, tossing Pokémon food to his six loyal Pokémon, which they all caught and began to eat. "And the Mirage Kingdom shall finally face a new age!" He added, tossing a single piece of food towards Shedinja, who ate it all in one bite.

Jessie gave a silent scoff, but nodded to the Colonel. "Sure, whatever you say. But remember the deal we made". The dark pink haired woman told Hansen, getting James to nod as he rested his left arm on the couch's armrest. "We help you capture Togepi and become king…" The former rich boy continued for his partner, until Meowth finished for them. "Then you share the kingdom's riches with us". The Normal-type concluded, getting Hansen to turn towards them and nod.

"Yes, I know. As soon as I have ascended the throne and acquired my royal power as ruler of this kingdom, you shall also get your just rewards and my thanks". Hansen replied to the three, before he turned to look out a window towards the temple nearby. "But first, we need to capture Togepi before tomorrow's succession ceremony". He stated with an evil grin, getting Jessie, James and Meowth to grow their own grins.


(Later/ with the gang)

At the top of the mountain with the parked zeppelin, the gang stood in front of Sara and Miranda with an escalator behind them so that they can board the zeppelin. Pikachu was on Ash's right shoulder, Piplup being carried by Verity, Jirachi hanging on Max's head, Lucario standing besides Sorrel and Togepi in Misty's hands. "Now Misty listen; you must leave the Mirage Kingdom, before Hansen and his agents capture your Togepi". Sara told the female Gym Leader with a serious expression, while Misty still had an unsure one.

"Toge". Togepi said from in her caretaker's arms. "All right". The female Gym Leader said to the princess, deciding to just follow Sara's suggestion and lave. However, suddenly the wind picked up strongly, causing everyone to cry out as they shut their eyes. Just as sudden as the wind picked up, it died down and everyone re-opened their eyes. But that was when Max saw something that made him and Jirachi gasp in surprise.

May noticed her brother's sudden gasp and turned to see what caused it, before she widened her eyes. "Hey, look over there guys!" The brunette called out to everyone, getting them all to turn towards the temple, before gasping at seeing some sort of mirage of itself hanging upside down above it. "What the heck!?" Sorrel cried out in surprise, fully turned to look up at the reflection. "Rah". Lucario growled with wide eyes, both sensing something and not sensing something from the reflection.

"Unbelievable". Misty said in awe, wondering what they were seeing what now. "We were just there not too long ago". Verity remarked as this was a new experience on her. "Just what's going on?" Ash questioned, wanting to know what is happening and what's causing it. "Pika". Pikachu said from his partner's shoulder, also looking up at the mirage.

"That's a mirage, right?" Max questioned with an uncertain voice, getting Brock to shake his head. "I'm not so certain. Mirages only happen in a desert. This could be something else". The former Gym Leader told the 8-year-old boy, wondering if this was a mirage or something else. Togepi stared up at the reflection with wide eyes, as if she was waking up from a dream. "Toge…" The Spike Ball Pokémon moaned, before suddenly crying out and reached for the reflection, much to Misty's surprise as she looked down at Togepi.

"Huh?" The female Gym Leader said in confusion, then suddenly Togepi's body glowed blue, before it died down. Togepi then floated out of Misty's hands and started float towards the reflection, much to everyone's amazement. "Togepi!" Misty exclaimed, watching her little baby Pokémon float away. 'Is she flying like me?' Jirachi asked with a curious voice, staying atop Max's head as he didn't see the need to fly.

Everyone watched as Togepi floated and reached out towards the reflection, crying out at the same time as well. "Could it really… be?" Sara questioned with wide eyes, as if she recognized what they were seeing right now. "Yes. Somehow, Togepi must have sensed that beyond the mirage there is Paradise". Miranda confirmed with a smile, getting Verity to look confused at what she said.

"Paradise?" The Twinleaf girl questioned in confusion as she had no idea what Miranda meant. "Toge toge…toge". Togepi continued to cry out, however, Shedinja flew out of nowhere and blocked Togepi's path towards the mirage. "Shedinja!" The Shed Pokémon buzzed out, getting everyone to gasp in surprise to see him. "Oh no, not Shedinja again!" Max called out with wide eyes, having hopped to not see the Bug and Ghost-type again.

"Shed…inja!" Shedinja called out as its halo pointed upwards, gathered sunlight energy, before glowing completely white. Misty gasped upon seeing Shedinja power up another Solar Beam attack, before she frowned and run towards her still floating Togepi. "Togepi!" Misty exclaimed in concern, before jumping up and taking the Spike Ball Pokémon into her hands.

"Inja!" The Shed Pokémon cried out as it fired Solar Beam. Everyone cried out as they ran to the side, managing to dodge the Solar Beam as it struck the ground and created an explosion. Hansen appeared from the pathway connected to the castle with Drapion, Scolipede, Crustle, the two Ninjask, Jessie, James, Meowth, Trubbish and Axew behind him. "Give up!" He demanded with a tone wanting complete submission. "Hand over Togepi and pronto!" Meowth called out with a grin on his face.

Ash, Verity, Sorrel, May, Max, Brock, Misty, Sara, Miranda and Lucario all regrouped together, before they turned to face the opposite side. "Hansen…" Sara whispered as Miranda stepped in front of her in a protective manner. "Not on your life! You want Togepi, you're just gonna have to take her!" Ash snapped at Hansen with narrowed eyes, making the adult man narrow his eyes at him. "I second that! You're not taking Togepi, and nothing is gonna change that!" Misty added in, getting Hansen to let out a "hump" as Shedinja joined besides the two Ninjask.

"Fine then! Shedinja, Solar Beam!" The Colonel commanded, rearing his right hand in, before swiping it out forward. "Shed…inja!" Shedinja cried out as its halo pointed forwards, gathered sunlight energy and glowed white again. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt to counter!" The Rainbow Hero commanded his best friend with narrowed. "PI-KA…CHU!" Pikachu cried out as he leaped into the air and unleashed a bolt of electricity from his body, right as Shedinja fired Solar Beam.

The two attacks collided with one another and created a powerful explosion, which left a smokescreen, but it quickly cleared away. Pikachu fell down to the ground and landed on all four in front of Ash and glared at Hansen with his cheeks sparking with electricity, while the adult man placed his hands on his hips. "You can't win!" The Colonel stated, getting a scoff from Ash as he serious doubted that.

"Stop Hansen!" Sara pleaded, but Hansen paid her no mind as he turned to look at Jessie and James. "What are you waiting for? Attack them". He told the two members of Team Rocket, which Jessie and James nodded to him as they faced forward. "Trubbish, Dark Pulse!" Jessie commanded with a grin, thrusting her left hand out. "Axew, Rock Tomb!" James cried out, pointing forward with his right hand's index finger.

Both Trubbish and Axew cried out, before a ball of purple rings of energy appears in front of the Poison-type's mouth. Trubbish then fired a beam of purple rings of energy from the ball. Axew created a red orb of energy between its hands, before the Dragon-type threw it into the air. The orb of energy then expanded and solidified into multiple large boulders that all fell down towards the gang, who looked up at the falling rocks in surprise.

Ash brought out an Ultra Ball with his right hand and enlarged the device. "Flygon, help us out with Sandstorm!" The Rainbow Hero exclaimed as he tossed the Ultra Ball into the air. The device burst open with a white stream coming out that took shape, before clearing to reveal Flygon who had a grin on his face. "Fly!" The Mystic Pokémon cried out as he spread his wings out further, before he began spinning. A sandstorm twister appeared around Flygon and the gang underneath.

Dark Pulse slammed into the Sandstorm tornado, but was deflected. The falling rocks also collided against Sandstorm, but were all shattered upon making contact. With the two attacks no longer a threat, Flygon stopped spinning around, causing the sandstorm tornado to disperse to reveal everyone that was protected by Flygon's Sandstorm was unharmed.

Hansen growled in anger at seeing this. "I've had enough of this! Shedinja, Will-O-Wisp! Ninjask, Hyper Beam! Scolipede, Venoshock! Drapion, use Screech attack and Crustle, Rock Wrecker!" The Colonel commanded his Pokémon, starting to get really irritated right now. All five of Hansen's Pokémon cried out as Shedinja fired Will-O-Wisp, the two Ninjask fired Hyper Beam, Scolipede two streams of purple, poisonous liquid from its horns, Drapion released a high-pitched screech and released a beam of invisible shockwaves and Crustle created and fired a giant rock.

The six attacks all drew closer to the gang, who were mostly paralyzed in fear. Ash gritted his teeth as Flygon hurriedly flew down to its trainer, while Verity and Sorrel brought out a Dive Ball and Timer Ball. But before they could act, Togepi started glowing a bright blue colour from Misty's arms, much to her surprise. The Fairy-type Pokémon then floated out of orange haired girl's arms, then a blue force field generated out of her body and expended outwards, blocking Will-O-Wisp, Hyper Beam, Venoshock, Screech and Rock Wrecker, before pushing pass them completely.

The bright force field grew so large that it covered the top of the mountain completely. Ash, Verity, Sorrel, May, Max, Brock, Misty, Sara, Miranda, Pikachu, Flygon, Piplup, Lucario and Jirachi all watched in awe as Togepi continued to glow brightly as she saved them. "A Safeguard? But how?" Sara questioned in surprise, wondering where all this power came from as Togepi didn't display any of it before.

The temple's reflection's gate was glowing a light blue colour like that of a portal, as if responding to Togepi's power. Sparks of energy appeared in the glowing portal, before a white beam shot out towards the bright light from Togepi's Safeguard. It connected with the bright light, causing it to grow larger and brighter, so bright that it forced Hansen, Jessie, James, Meowth and all their Pokémon to cover their eyes.

The light eventually died down and disappeared with the beam retracting into the portal. The glowing portal then disappeared, but the reflection remained. Hansen, Team Rocket and their Pokémon opened their eyes, only for Jessie, James, Meowth, Trubbish and Axew to cry out in surprise upon seeing Ash, Verity, Sorrel, May, Max, Brock, Misty, Sara, Miranda, Pikachu, Flygon, Piplup, Lucario, Jirachi and Togepi gone.

Team Rocket all cried out in surprise at the sudden disappearance of the gang. "The twerps are gone!" James called out in surprise, before rubbing his eyes to make sure they weren't playing a trick. "Axew!" Axew cried out with wide eyes. "Where'd they go?" Meowth questioned, clearly wanting to know where they all disappeared to. "What's going on, Colonel Hansen?" Jessie questioned Hansen, turning to look at him, who was staring up at the mirage about the temple.

The temple's reflection then slowly disappeared from sight, yet that didn't worry Hansen as he turned around to face Team Rocket. "Follow me to the temple!" He told the three and their Pokémon, before he began walking off to the temple. Shedinja, Ninjask, Scolipede, Drapion and Crustle all followed after their master, while Jessie, James, Meowth, Axew and Trubbish walked behind them as Hansen lead them.


(Unknown location)

In a world with a blue sky with clouds, Ash, Verity, Sorrel, May, Max, Brock, Misty, Sara, Miranda, Pikachu, Flygon, Piplup, Lucario and Jirachi found themselves in a green forest that had similar borders on the tree trucks. Togepi floated down to the group as they looked around their surroundings in confusion. "Miranda, where are we?" Sara asked her friend with a confused tone, getting the older female to turn towards her with a smile.

"Princess, we are now inside the Togepi Paradise deep within the mirage". Miranda revealed with a wide smile, getting Misty, May, Max, Brock and Jirachi to gasp. Flygon flew down and landed next to Ash, who returned his Dragon and Ground-type Pokémon to its Ultra Ball, while Pikachu climbed up to his left shoulder. Verity and Sorrel put away their Dive and Timer Balls, before Piplup jumped out of Verity's hands and landed on the ground.

"A…paradise?!" Misty questioned in surprise, which Miranda nodded to her. "Yes Misty. I've been here once before with Sara's father, the King". The female adult answered, before she turned her head with a sad look upon seeing most of the forest in the distance ruined. Some of the trees were dried out, others knocked down and the sky above them was a dark colour with dark clouds.

"The Mirage Kingdom has always protected the Togepi Paradise, and has been protected in return. Our two worlds existed in a delicate balance, but much has changed since I was here last". Miranda said in sadness at seeing the Togepi Paradise not what it once was. "They're wilted". Max commented, reaching his right hand out to a dried up bush, only for it to wither away at his touch. Max and Jirachi gasped in horror upon seeing this, followed by everyone else.

"They should be thriving here!" Sorrel exclaimed with a frown, getting Lucario to snarl in agreement, while Togepi floated off to look at her home world. "You see; Togepi are all born here before going out to touch the hearts of people. And they return here, after their mission is complete". Miranda explained with a sad face, getting Misty to look down at her chest, right where her heart was. "Togepi sure touched my heart". The female Gym Leader said with an honest voice as she had really grown to love Togepi ever since she hatched.

Verity turned to look at the orange haired female with a curious expression. "Misty, how did you even find Togepi's egg?" The Twinleaf girl asked the female Gym Leader, causing Misty and Brock to lightly gasp, before their expressions fell at Verity's question, while Ash and Pikachu looked away to the side. They remembered how they found Togepi's egg, and how it wasn't Misty who found it.

It happened back in their Kanto journey where they came across a mining field full of people, mining for Pokémon Fossils. Team Rocket had tried to blow up the cavern with dynamite, but Ash, Pikachu and Squirtle tried to stop them, only for Pikachu to set it out himself by accident. That little accident sent them all deep underground except for Squirtle, who managed to avoid it.

There, they encountered Pokémon thought to be extinct, such as Kabuto, Kabutops, Omanyte and Omastar, who were not very happy. Jessie and James had attempted to capture them, but failed badly. Left with no choice, they battled the horde of Rock and Water-types with Ash sending out Charizard. Sometime later in the battle, Kabuto, Kabutops, Omanyte and Omastar all just ran off in terror, much to the confusion of Ash, Pikachu and Charizard, while Team Rocket were just overjoyed.

However, something else came in and managed to land a sneak attack on Charizard. It was a wild Aerodactyl. Charizard, ticked off at the sneak attack, began battling Aerodactyl with the intent to get payback. It was then that voices from atop of the cave, which had been sealed off by boulders from the dynamite, called out to Ash. Just as things were looking up, Aerodactyl swooped in and grabbed hold of Ash with one of its feet and flew towards the exit.

Charizard chased after the Rock and Flying-type with Pikachu jumping on. They all managed to get out and back into the outside world. Charizard dropped off Pikachu to Misty and Brock, before chasing after Aerodactyl, who flew away with Ash still held in its grip. Out of options, Misty had Jiggulypuff, who was there at the time, sing one of her songs, sending everyone to sleep, including Aerodactyl.

Charizard managed to save Ash when the Rock and Flying-type dropped him, before falling to the ground asleep. Ash had rolled off of his Fire and Flying-type's back, before coming to a stop and wrapped his arms around a Pokémon Egg that was suddenly there. That egg eventually hatched into Togepi, but Misty was the one that it imprinted on, not Ash.

Just as Misty was about to open her mouth to answer Verity's question, Ash beat her to it. "It doesn't matter how Misty found Togepi. What matters is that Togepi was meant to be with Misty". The Rainbow Heron told the group, getting Verity, Sorrel, May, Max, Piplup, Lucario and Jirachi to look at him. The raven haired boy turned to look at Misty and gave her a reassuring smile, which Misty gave Ash a thankful smile.

Suddenly, Togepi, who had floated off to look at her home, cried out, before floating off somewhere, getting everyone to shift their attention to the Fairy-type. "Togepi! Wait!" Misty called out, before she ran after Togepi with the others right on her tail. Togepi lead them all deeper into the withering forest before eventually, more Togepi came into view.

There were five in total, and they all looked exhausted. Togepi floated down to her kind with a worried expression. "Toge togepiii". The Fairy-type said to one single Togepi that was lying down on hard ground on its front. "Toge…" The wild Togepi groaned out, opening its eyes to look up at Misty's Togepi.

Everyone caught up and gasped in horror at seeing the exhausted Togepi. "Ahhh!" Misty gasped out in horror, while Ash grew an expression full of concern. "What happened to them?" The Rainbow Hero questioned with wide eyes, before Sorrel stopped right beside him with Lucario on his right. "I don't know Ash". Sorrel answered with an uncertain voice along with a sad expression. "Pika". Pikachu commented, hanging onto the back of Ash's head to get a good look.

Brock knelt down and gentle took hold of a single Togepi. Verity had her hands over her mouth at seeing such a terrible sight. Just then, she faintly heard an exhausted cry to her right, getting the Twinleaf girl to look in that direction. "Was that…another Togepi?" Verity questioned with a low voice, before she began walking off to find the source of that cry. Piplup took notice of her trainer walking off and chased after her.

"How could this be happening? I thought this was their paradise, so what could have done this?" Misty questioned in sadness, both of her hands folded on her chest. Max turned to look up at his sister with narrowed eyes. "Quick May, your Pokédex!" The 8-year-old boy exclaimed to his sister, getting May to look at him in confusion. "Maybe we can learn something". Max explained to the brunette, getting Jirachi to nod in agreement.

'Yeah, good idea Max!' Jirachi praised his best friend, while May brought out her Pokédex from her fanny pack, open and activated it and scanned Togepi. "Togepi, the Spike Ball Pokémon. Togepi is filled with an energy that makes people happy. When treated well, Togepi shares this energy with others, but when it comes near a human with an impure heart, this energy quickly disappears, leaving Togepi exhausted". The device explained, giving out hidden information about the Spike Ball Pokémon.

Everyone looked at May as she stared at her Pokédex, puzzled by what it said. "An impure heart?" Sara questioned in confusion, while Misty frowned as she knew someone who fit that description. "I'll give ya a guess. His name starts with an "h" and ends with an "n", not to mention is a six letter word". Misty said with anger in her voice, getting Ash to let out a growl as he knew exactly who she was talking. "Hansen…!" He growled out in anger, now really ticked off with that usurper.

"You're both right. It certainly must be because of Hansen's evil plotting that all of these poor Togepi are in so much pain and sadness". Miranda said in realization that Hansen's evil affected Togepi Paradise and turned it into this. Just then, Verity and Piplup walked back up to the group, getting everyone to look at her. "Verity, where did you-?" May began, only to stop herself upon seeing the Twinleaf girl carrying something in her arms that wasn't Piplup, who was actually walking besides her trainer on Verity's right.

To everyone's surprise, Verity was holding another Togepi in her arms, but this one was different. This Togepi's body had a more pinkish shade, and its red and blue unfilled shape pattern was reversed, even its egg shell in pearly white. One thing that remained was the exhausted look on the Fairy-type's face as Verity carried it.

"Toge…" The different coloured Togepi moaned out with exhausted eyes, getting Verity to look down at it in concern. "I heard something crying out earlier and went searching, where I found this little one". Verity told her friends with a sad voice. "Pip…" Piplup said with a worried expression, looking up at the Togepi in Verity's arms.

"That's a shiny Togepi". Sorrel identified the different coloured Togepi, recognizing that it was a Shiny Pokémon. "Poor thing". Sara said in pity, walking up to Verity in order to get a better look at the Shiny Togepi. Suddenly, the sky above everyone flashed a bright electric blue colour, before dying down, but had still caused everyone to look around themselves in surprise.

"What was that?" Ash questioned with wide eyes at that unexpected development. "Pika". Pikachu commented, not having the answer himself. "Toge!" Misty's Togepi cried out, taking off in a random direction. "Ahh! Togepi!" Misty gasped out, before she and the others chased after the Fairy-type with Verity still carrying the Shiny Togepi in her arms.

The sky flashed once more, only this time did the landscape change. What remained of trees with life suddenly withered. Togepi floated passed the withered tree, as if she knew where whoever was responsible for this was. Ash, Verity, Sorrel, Misty, May, Max, Brock, Sara, Miranda, Lucario and Piplup all chased after Togepi, while Pikachu and Jirachi stayed hanging onto their best friends.

Soon, the Fairy-type lead them to a blue circular portal that give them a visual at what's happening. They saw on the other side Hansen, Jessie, James, Meowth, Drapion, Scolipede and Crustle. Shedinja and the two Ninjask weren't visible, but they had no doubt that it didn't mean they weren't close. "Really? This guy again?" Brock said out loud with an annoyed voice.

"What are they up to this time? Are they trying to come through to here?" Ash questioned with narrowed eyes, not knowing what exactly Hansen was doing. "Pikachu pi". Pikachu shrugged his shoulders, unsure of the reason. "Toge!" Togepi exclaimed, before charging forward into the portal, causing Misty to widen her eyes in surprise.

"Togepi!" Misty called out in concern, before she ran after the Fairy-type. Togepi floated into the portal and disappeared, mostly likely returning to the other world. "Togepi, wait! You can't go alone!" Ash called out to the Fairy-type as Misty tried to run into the portal, yet instead was pushed back.

The Rainbow Hero managed to catch Misty as the portal pushed her off of her feet, before they both looked at it in confusion. "It won't let us pass!" Misty said in alarm, now worried for her Togepi as she was going off into battle alone without any of them. Verity slightly gritted her teeth in concern as she tightened her hold on the Shiny Togepi, who for some reason, looked a bit more energized than before.


(Meanwhile with Hansen and Team Rocket)

Earlier, Hansen had lead his Pokémon and Team Rocket to the temple. Jessie and James had taken that chance to recall Trubbish and Axew as Hansen lead them. There, Hansen commanded Shedinja to use Solar Beam on the temple's gate. The Shed Pokémon obeyed and fired Solar Beam, which had struck a blue portal that suddenly appeared in the gateway.

Jessie, James and Meowth were surprised at this, while Hansen grinned evilly as he commanded his two Ninjask to help out by using Hyper Beam. They attacked the portal two more times, until suddenly the attacks bounced off and the portal way turned into a blue sphere, where Togepi floated out. "Togepiii!" The Spike Ball Pokémon cried out as the blue sphere shrunk, before dispersing.

Hansen's evil grin intensified at the sight of Togepi, while Jessie, James and Meowth were surprised at this. "Look who dropped by!" Meowth called out in surprise at seeing Togepi. "I guess that time, space stuff's the real deal". James remarked with wide eyes, seeing that Hansen had a plan after all.

"Good, now… Scolipede, Venoshock!" Hansen commanded the Megapede Pokémon, which Scolipede stepped forward. "Scoli…pede!" The Poison and Bug-type cried out as it fired two streams of purple, poisonous liquid from its horns. The two liquids shot out towards Togepi, who tried to float up higher in the sky to dodge, but Venoshock redirected itself and landed a direct hit, causing an explosion.

Togepi fell out of the smoke created from the explosion and crashed onto the ground, unconscious. Jessie, James and Meowth all widened their eyes in horror upon seeing this. Drapion went forward and picked up Togepi with its right hand. The Dark and Poison-type then turned around and walked up to Hansen, who had an evil grin on his face. Drapion handed the unconscious Togepi to its trainer, who let out an evil fit of laughter as he held up Togepi as if it was a trophy.

Hansen was so caught up in his moment of triumph that he didn't notice the small glares that Jessie, James and Meowth were all giving him. They all had history with Togepi in the past, especially Meowth as he once cared for the Fairy-type when it was still just an egg. So, seeing Togepi get hurt enraged them, but they kept their emotions controlled to not ruin the deal they made.

The Colonel looked over his right shoulder to look at Team Rocket, who quickly drew natural expressions to not draw suspicion. "Time to go!" Hansen declared, which Team Rocket nodded to him. The Colonel then lead the way as he, his Pokémon, Jessie, James and Meowth left the temple with Togepi in hand.


(Back in Togepi Paradise)

With the gang, they had all saw what just transpired. Misty, May, Verity, Sara, Miranda, Piplup, Jirachi and the shiny Togepi all looked horrified, while Ash, Sorrel, Brock, Pikachu and Lucario looked enraged at what they just saw. Ash and Misty growled in rage with the Rainbow Hero's eyes flashing a rainbow colour for a moment, before the female Gym Leader ran up to the portal.

"Togepi! Togepi!" Misty exclaimed, stopping in front of the portal and began ramming her hands on it like it was a door that could be busted down. She then began trying to shove her way through with her shoulder, while Ash joined his old traveling companion and attempted to push his way through. "Darn it, it won't open!" The Rainbow Hero exclaimed, completely enraged as he tried to push through without having to reveal his Rainbow Hero powers.

"Step aside, we'll blast our way through!" Sorrel exclaimed in anger as he held up his right fist, just as enraged as his sworn brother. "RRRAAAHHH!" Lucario roared out, before bringing his hands together, ready to let out an Aura Sphere. However, just then the Shiny Togepi in Verity's arms began to glow a blue colour, getting Verity to look down at the Fairy-type in surprise.

"Togepi!?" Verity called out in surprise, getting May, Max, Sara and Jirachi to look at her in surprise. The blue portal suddenly changed to a bright white colour, causing Ash and Misty to step back in surprise. The glow grew bright and engulfed everyone.


(On Earth)

Back on the Earth, a bright white light appeared right in front of the temple's gates. It grew large, before eventually dying down to reveal the gang, who all looked surprised at their surprise return. The Shiny Togepi in Verity's arms stopped glowing, before growing a slightly exhausted look on her tiny face. "What the!?" Sorrel called out in surprise, turning to look at Lucario, who looked just as confused as him.

"We're back in our world". May stated, honestly looking a bit relived that they weren't trapped in another world. Verity looked down at Togepi in her arms and gave a thankful smile to the Fairy-type. "Something tells me you and your friends had a hand in our return home. Thank you Togepi". The Twinleaf girl thanked the Spike Ball Pokémon, getting the Shiny Togepi to return the smile at Verity.

Ash stepped forward, before ramming his right hand into his left arm. "Now that we're back, it's time for Hansen to learn that he just made the worst mistake of his life the moment he hurt Togepi!" The Rainbow Hero exclaimed with hostility in his voice, ready to make the Colonel pay for hurting Togepi. "Pikachu pi!" Pikachu cried out in agreement from Ash's shoulder, thrusting his right hand into the air.

A little bit later, Ash, Verity, Sorrel, Misty, May, Max, Brock, Sara, Miranda, Piplup and Lucario were walking through the streets of the town. Pikachu was riding on Ash's right shoulder, the Shiny Togepi still being carried by Verity and Jirachi was now flying next to Max's face. They were all discussing their battle plan for when they head off to battle against Hansen and his six powerful Pokémon.

"Shedinja, Ninjask and Scolipede are all Bug-types, so they're vulnerable to Fire, Flying and Rock-type moves. It would be best to go with Pokémon that have moves of those types". Max told the group, walking besides his sister, who grew a smile at his words. "If that's the case, Combusken can handle them with Fire Spin and Peck". The brunette said with a smile, before she brought out her starter's Poké Ball from the fanny pack with her right hand and looked at it.

"That still leaves Drapion and Crustle. Drapion is a Poison and Dark-type, meaning only Ground-type moves will be able to deal massive damage to it. Crustle's both a Bug and Rock-type, so only Rock, Steel and Water will work on it". Sorrel pointed out, reminding the group about Drapion and Crustle as they don't have the same weaknesses as Hansen's other Pokémon.

At Sorrel's words, Ash and Misty grew a smirk as they had the perfect Pokémon to deal with them. "Leave Crustle to me and Magnezone, we'll blow it away with Flash Cannon". The Rainbow Hero told the group, bringing out Magnezone's Great Ball with his right hand and looked at it. "I'll handle Drapion. My Quagsire knows Earthquake and is part Ground-type, so we should be able to handle that thing". The female Gym Leader told his friends as she brought her bag forward and opened it to look inside.

This caused the rest of the gang to smile as it meant they had a very good chance to defeat Hansen. Suddenly, a very familiar voice called out from out of nowhere. "Attention please!" The voice called out, getting the gang to stop as they looked up at a broadcast screen, where they saw Jessie holding a microphone. She didn't just catch their attention, but also the nearby citizens of the Mirage Kingdom as they stopped their daily activities and looked at the broadcast screen.

"I have an urgent announcement from the Mirage Kingdom. A brand new king has just been chosen mere moments ago, and he is none other than your regent and mine, Colonel Hansen! Let me hear that applause!" Jessie announced out loud, much to everyone's shock, especially Sara's. "I must be dreaming". Miranda said in disbelief, knowing full well that meant Sara's father wasn't the King anymore.

"And no, it's not a dream! Even your guardian Pokémon, Togepi gives a big thumbs up!" Jessie called out, as if she heard Miranda as the screen changed to show Hansen sitting down on the throne with an unconscious Togepi resting on his lap. "How's that! In just a few moments, we'll be taking you to the big coronation ceremony going on right now at the temple! Have a nice day". Jessie bid farewell, giving her left hand at the screen, before the channel changed to show the Mirage Kingdom's symbol.

Sara looked at Miranda in panic and concern for her parents. "Where are my mother and father?" The princess questioned her loyal friend, worried that something could have happened to her parents. "Settle down now, everything will be alright". Miranda told the young female in hopes of reassuring her, which she could honestly need right now. Ash narrowed his eyes a bit, before he spoke.

"We'll have to split up then". Ash declared, before he turned to look at Sorrel, Max, Brock, Lucario and Jirachi. "Sorrel, you, Max and Brock go with Miranda to find the King and Queen. May, Misty, Verity, Sara and I will go to the temple to handle Hansen". The Rainbow Hero told his sworn brother, which the Pokémon Professor in training nodded in understanding to him. "All right, leave it to us". Sorrel replied to the Rainbow Hero, before he turned to look at Sara.

"We'll find your parents Sara, I promise". The 12-year-old boy told the Mirage Kingdom's princess with a determined tone. "Rrraaahhh rah!" Lucario growled out with his own determined expression, getting Sara and Miranda to smile in thanks. "Thank you". Sara thanked the gang, thankful for their help to save her parents and homeland. "Alright, the plan's set. Let's get going". Ash told the group, receiving nods of agreement from everyone.

The group then split up into two with group 1 being Ash, Verity, May, Misty, Sara, Pikachu, Piplup and Shiny Togepi heading towards the temple, while group 2: Sorrel, Brock, Max, Miranda, Lucario and Jirachi went another direction to search for the king and queen.


(Meanwhile)

In the throne room of the castle, Hansen sat down on "his" throne with a smirk, looking down at the unconscious Togepi resting on his lap. After he had captured Togepi, he came here to report his "finding" to the King and Queen. They of course didn't believe him as they knew that was Misty's Togepi, so Hansen played the role of someone who "found" Togepi, giving him the right of succession. He had Team Rocket and the palace guards take the King and Queen away to the dungeon, leaving him with the throne.

"All right, Your Majesty…" A familiar voice began, getting Hansen's attention as he tilted his head up and saw Jessie, James and Meowth standing 10 feet away with the three of them having expecting expressions on their faces. "We've fulfilled our part of the deal, now it's time for you to uphold yours". Jessie continued with her hands on her hips, which James nodded in agreement.

"We've helped you become King, now it's time for you to pay up and give us the riches we were promised". The former rich boy stated, having his arms crossed. "Yeah, now cough up the items, jewels and money you promised". Meowth requested as he held out his right paw, as if expecting Hansen to hand him something. Yet, Hansen didn't rise up from the throne and just kept smirking.

"I have no need for you three anymore". The new "King" told Team Rocket, making Jessie, James and Meowth gasp in surprise at his words. "Leave my kingdom immediately". He ordered the three, causing Jessie, James and Meowth to all grow enrage at him backstabbing them. "You lying, back-stabbing arrogant punk!" The dark pink haired female adult growled out in anger at Hansen's treachery.

"We upheld our end of the bargain, but you won't do the same! How dare you go back on your word!" The blue haired male exclaimed with narrowed eyes, lightly holding up his right fist. "You're gonna pay for this!" Meowth cried out with a frown, pointing his right paw towards Hansen, who didn't look threatened, nor did he care about their words.

"Crustle, Rocker Wrecker. And Ninjask, Hyper Beam". Hansen commanded as his Crustle and two Ninjask appeared out of nowhere from behind the throne and began charging up their attacks. "I'll fix you! Seviper, Haze!" Jessie cried out, bringing out a Poké Ball with her right hand and tossed it forward. The device burst open and released a white beam that took shape, before clearing to reveal Seviper. "Seviper! Se…viper!" The Fang Snake Pokémon screeched out, before releasing thick, black smoke from its mouth. The smoke quickly covered the room, causing Hansen to cover his eyes, while Crustle and the two Ninask coughed out.

The smoke quickly vanished, but Jessie, James, Meowth and Seviper were all gone. This made the smug look on Hansen's face disappear and be replaced with an annoyed frown, while his Pokémon powered down their attacks. "They're quicker to react than I thought. But it doesn't matter. It's not like they'll cause any trouble for me". The usurper said with complete confidence as he looked down at Togepi on his lap.


(A little later)

At the top of a random building in the town, Jessie, James and Meowth all stood together on the rooftop, looking out across to the castle with angered expressions. "The nerve of that power hungry Hansen, using us like that!" James growled out with teeth gritted against one another, an indication of his anger.

"We helped him get da throne, and how does he repay us? Try to have us blast off, that's how!" Meowth yelled out in anger, jumping into the air and flailing around. Jessie was silent as she stared towards the temple; where she saw the mirage from before appear upside down above it once more. "The ceremony is starting up. If we're going to get some payback on him, now's our only chance to". Jessie told her teammates without turning to face them, getting James and Meowth to look at her.

"True, but a battle against him and his six bugs would prove to be a bit challenging though". James stated as they had 9 Pokémon in total with his Parasect being the only fully evolved one to face off against Hansen's six fully evolved Pokémon. "Talk about bad odds". Meowth remarked as his expression fell, only to brighten up upon spotting something down on the street.

The Normal-type saw Lucario running through the streets with its eyes closed and appendages up with Sorrel, Brock, Max and Miranda following after the Aura Pokémon with Jirachi flying next to his best friend. "Lucario should be able to sense the King and Queen's aura somewhere, he'll lead us to them!" Sorrel told his friends, believing in his partner to find where the King and Queen are.

Sorrel's voice caught the attention of both Jessie and James as they looked down and spotted the group. The two adults stared for a moment, before they and Meowth all grew mischievous grins. "You two thinking what I'm thinking?" Meowth questioned with a smug voice at finding the perfect way to get some payback. "We sure are!" Jessie and James answered together, before they began laughing.

Back with Sorrel, Brock, Max, Miranda, Lucario and Jirachi, the Aura Pokémon continued to lead them, keeping his eyes closed to focus on his aura sight. However, suddenly Lucario gasped and shot open his eyes, before suddenly stopping in his tracks. Sorrel, Brock, Max, Miranda and Jirachi all stopped as well and looked at Lucario's back in confusion. "Lucario, why'd you stop?" Max asked the Steel and Fighting-type in confusion at him suddenly halting. 'Is something wrong?' Jirachi asked in concern if something had happened that made Lucario stop.

The group then heard a familiar trio of laughter, getting them all to look forward to see Jessie, James and Meowth drop in out of nowhere and land in the middle of their path. The three all had smug expressions as they looked at the opposite group that was frowning at them. "Team Rocket!" Sorrel, Brock and Max exclaimed with narrowed eyes, while Lucario growled at them.

"You don't look happy to see us". Jessie pointed out with a smug grin, resting her hands on her hips. "We thought you guys would like to know where the King and Queen are". James said as he crossed his arms in a cool-guy manner. The former rich boy's words caught Sorrel, Brock, Max, Miranda, Lucario and Jirachi by surprise as they blinked.

"Wait, you're telling us where the King and Queen are?" Max questioned in surprise that Team Rocket was helping them when they were working with Hansen not too long ago. Meowth nodded at Max with a smug smirk on his face. "Dat's right. Hansen put them in a west chamber under Hansen's house". The Normal-type revealed, causing Miranda to look down in thought for a few moments.

"Wait just a minute, they might be onto something". The adult woman stated as that chamber was where they kept important prisoners. Brock, Max and Jirachi all smiled brightly, while Sorrel and Lucario narrowed their eyes at Team Rocket. "Why are you helping us? Weren't you guys working for Hansen not too long ago?" Sorrel questioned the three with a suspicious voice, wondering why they were helping them.

At his words, the expressions of Jessie, James and Meowth changed into ones of anger. "Because that backstabber back stabbed us and tried to give us a blast off!" Jessie answered in anime anger, stomping her right foot on the ground. "We helped him because he promised us riches, but didn't keep his word". James explained to the group, before Meowth jumped into his left shoulder. "So now we're getting payback on that punk". The Normal-type said with a glare on his face.

Jessie then suddenly stopped stomping the ground in anger and gave an innocent smile. "Now that that's taken care of, we'll be on our way now". The dark pink haired woman said as she waved her left hand at the group. Right at that moment, Seviper erupted out of the ground right in between the two groups. "Seviper! Se…viper!" The Fang Snake Pokémon screeched out, before releasing thick, black smoke from its mouth. The smoke went around and surrounded Team Rocket and Seviper, covering them from view for a few moments.

The smoke then cleared to reveal them all gone, much to the slight surprise of Sorrel, Brock, Max Miranda, Lucario and Jirachi. "Where'd they go?" Miranda questioned with slightly wide eyes, which Brock gave a shrug with his shoulders. "Forget about them, now's our chance to find the King and Queen. Miranda, lead on". Sorrel told the adult woman as he turned to face her, which Miranda nodded to him. The adult woman then began leading the way with the others following after her.


(Meanwhile at the temple)

At the Mirage Kingdom temple, Hansen walked out and stopped right in front of the gate, before he looked up at the reflection above him. He had just been appointed the successor by a priest of the temple and was almost ready to be declared the new King of Mirage Kingdom. He just needed to do one last thing.

The adult male then held up Togepi towards the mirage with the Fairy-type still unconscious. "Togepi, now use Metronome! Use your hidden power to open the door! I command you to use your long hidden power this instant!" The usurper ordered the unconscious Fairy-type in his hands, demanding it to open the gate to the Togepi paradise. However, something then stopped the "King" before he could continue.

"Magnezone!" Magnezone cried out as it flew into view above Hansen, getting him to widen his eyes. "Huh? Shedinja! Ninjask! Scolipede! Crustle! Drapion!" Hansen called out, bringing Togepi into a tight hold. Shedinja and the two Ninjask flew down out of nowhere in front of Magnezone, while Scolipede, Crustle and Drapion all came out of the temple and stood in front of their master in a protective manner.

The six growled out at Magnezone, who didn't even flinch as it floated down to the temple's entrance underneath the gate, where Ash, Verity, Misty, May and Sara stood with Pikachu, Piplup, Combusken and Quagsire stood, all frowning at the false king with the Twinleaf girl still carrying the Shiny Togepi in her arms, who was also frowning at Hansen. "Well well, we meet again". Hansen sneered at the sight of them once again standing in his way, before his caught noticed the Togepi in Verity's hands.

"Give back my Togepi right now!" Misty demanded from Hansen, taking a step forward with her eyes glued to Togepi's unconscious form. "Quagsire quag!" Misty's Quagsire cried out with a frown on its usual blank face. "You won't get away with all that you've done!" May exclaimed, holding up her left fist slightly. "Combusken!" Combusken cried out in agreement, rearing her hands up as she was ready to attack.

(Fight! (Hoenn) Elite Four - Pokémon (Anime) Music Extended)

"Please Hansen, stop all of this now and return Togepi. All of this won't end in your victory". Sara pleaded with the Colonel, yet he paid no heed to her words as he pointed forward. "Crustle, crush them with Rock Wrecker!" The usurper commanded the Stone Home Pokémon. "Crustle!" Crustle cried outs, bringing its claws together in front of it and a small gray stone with a red aura around it formed in between them. The rock then grew larger until it is as large as Crustle itself. The Bug and Stone-type fired the large bolder towards the group, which Ash was quick to react.

"Magnezone, Flash Cannon go!" The Rainbow Hero commanded, thrusting his left hand out. "Magnezone! Zone!" The Electric and Steel-type cried out as a white orb of energy with light blue energy formed in front of its body, before firing a white beam of energy with blue energy. Flash Cannon blasted right through Rock Wrecker, destroying the large rock, and continued on to Crustle.

"Crustle crust!" Crustle called out in panic, before retracting itself into its shell. Flash Cannon hit Crustle's shell hard and caused a few small cracks, before eventually dispersing. Crustle came out of the shell, looking unharmed, but not undamaged. "Crustle must have used its ability, Sturdy to survive Flash Cannon". Verity commented, recognizing that as Crustle using its ability.

"That won't be a problem! Combusken, Fire Spin on Scolipede!" May commanded, pointing her left hand's index finger towards the Poison and Bug-type Pokémon. "Com-bu…sken!" The Young Fowl Pokémon cried out, opening her mouth as a ball of fire appeared within it. Combusken then shot out a vortex of fire towards Scolipede. "Use Protect!" Hansen ordered the fully evolved Pokémon with narrowed eyes.

"Scoli…" The Megapede Pokémon said lowly, forming a turquoise force field in front of it. Fire Spin rammed into the force field, but dispersed without breaking through. "Yes, now Double-Edge!" Hansen added with an evil grin on his face. "Scoli…pede!" Scolipede cried out, charging forward as it became surrounded in streaks of white aura.

Misty gave a grin upon seeing this, before thrusting her left hand out. "Quagsire, put Scolipede to sleep with Yawn!" The female Gym Leader commanded the Water and Ground-type, confidence filling her voice. "Quag…sire…" Quagsire said slowly, opening its mouth as a clear bubble came out. The bubble floated up to Scolipede's face and popped, getting the Bug and Poison-type to widen its eyes.

Suddenly feeling drowsy, Scolipede slowed down a bit, stopping Double-Edge, before falling to the ground on its side, asleep. Hansen gasped upon seeing this, while Misty gave May a supportive grin. "Now's your chance to take out Scolipede, May". The orange haired girl told the younger female, getting May to smile at her in a thankful manner. "Thanks Misty. Combusken, Focus Energy!" The brunette commanded the Fire and Fighting-type Pokémon, swiping her right hand to the side.

"Combusken com!" Combusken cried out as its body proceeded to become outlined in a red aura. "I won't let you! Shedinja, stop it with Cut!" Hansen commanded his Shed Pokémon with a deep frown. "Shedinja!" Shedinja cried out, flying down towards Combusken to stop it. "Piplup, stop Shedinja with Drill Peck!" Verity called out, eyes narrowed in a deep frown. "Piplup pip piplup!" Piplup cried out as her beck glowed white and she started spinning like a drill.

The Penguin Pokémon soared through the air and slammed right into Shedinja, landing a direct hit and pushing it back. Hansen gasped at seeing this, while Piplup stopped spinning and landed on her feet. "Now Combusken, Fire Spin once more!" May commanded her starter once more, swiping her left hand up. "Combusken!" The Young Fowl Pokémon cried, before firing another vortex of fire from its mouth.

The vortex of fire circled around the sleeping Scolipede, covering the Bug and Poison-type in a pillar of flames. The pillar of fire quickly dispersed to reveal Scolipede complete scorched with swirls in its eyes. "Scoli…" The fully evolved Pokémon groaned out, causing Hansen to grit his teeth in anger. "Curses! Drapion, Brutal Swing!" The angered adult male called out, switching commands over to the Poison and Dark-type.

Drapion let out a cry as both its arms glowed pink, before it leaped towards Combusken and landed a neck hold strike, pushing the Fire and Fighting-type back. Combusken cried it as it slide across the ground on its back before stopping in front of May, who looked down at her starter in concern. "Combusken, are you alright?" The brunette asked with worry for the Young Fowl Pokémon.

"Combusken". Combusken answered, sitting up first and then standing back up on its feet. This made May smile in relief at seeing her starter alright. "May, have Combusken jump onto Magnezone". Misty told the younger female, getting May to look and nod to her. "Combusken, jump onto Magnezone!" The brunette called out to the Fire and Fighting-type Pokémon.

"Combusken sken!" The Young Fowl Pokémon yelled out, leaping into the air and landing on top of Magnezone, who didn't seem to mind Combusken standing on top of it. "Zone". The Electric and Steel type beeped as it floated up into the air. "Now Quagsire, Earthquake!" Misty commanded the Water and Ground-type Pokémon with a confident grin. "Quag quagsire!" The Water Fish Pokémon said out loud, before jumping up and landed hard on the ground, causing making white shockwaves come out of the ground.

The white shockwaves shot out and struck both Drapion and Crustle, getting the two to cry out in pain from the Ground-type move. "Crustle, use Endure!" Hansen told his Rock and Bug-type Pokémon, which Crustle stood strong despite being hit by the white shockwaves. "Now Piplup, Ice Beam attack!" Verity commanded, thrusting her left hand out while she held Shiny Togepi with her right arm.

"Pip…lup!" Piplup yelled out, opening her beak and formed a light blue ball inside it. The Water-type then fired multiple light blue beams from the ball right towards Drapion. The multiple light blue beams struck Drapion, slowly encasing it in ice with the Poison and Dark-type's eyes now having swirls. "That's another one done!" Misty remarked with a wide smile on her face.

Up above in the air, Magnezone and Combusken were surrounded on two sides by the two Ninjask. Combusken was looking at the Ninja Pokémon back to back, while Magnezone didn't seem concerned. "Ninjask, Hyper Beam!" The usurper commanded his Ninja Pokémon, going with their best attacks. "Ninjask!" The two Bug and Flying-types cried, creating two orange balls of energy in front of themselves.

"Combusken, jump to dodge!" May cried out to her Young Fowl Pokémon, getting Combusken to look down and nod to her. Combusken cried out as it leaped into the air, while Magnezone stayed still. "Magnezone, protect yourself with Light Screen!" Ash called out to his Magnet Area Pokémon, finally getting a reaction from Magnezone. "Magnezoneee!" The Electric and Steel-type cried out, and then a golden box appeared around it.

The two Ninjask then fired two orange beams from the orange balls right at Magnezone, striking the golden box around it. The two attacks lasted for a few seconds, before dispersing. The golden box disappeared as well, but Magnezone didn't look like it took very much damage as Hyper Beam wasn't very effective against it.

"Combusken, dive down and use Peck attack!" May yelled out to her starter, causing Combusken to grow a smirk. "Com…busken!" The Fire and Fighting-type cried out as it spun around to redirect itself, before beginning to dive down towards the Ninjask on the left. The Bug and Flying-type looked up in surprise, right before Combusken pecked it hard with its beak, landing a direct hit.

Combusken spun around in mid-air to behind Ninjask and continued to fall to the ground. "Magnezone, charge em with Discharge!" Ash ordered, thrusting his right hand into the air in a dramatic fashion. "Magne…zone!" The Electric and Steel-type exclaimed, firing a light blue bolt of electricity from its red eye into the air. The bolt of electricity split into two and then fell down and struck the Ninja Pokémon, zapping the two of them extremely.

The light blue electricity then dispersed, revealing the two Bug and Flying-types with sparks briefly appearing around them. The Ninjask that got hit by Combusken's Peck attack had swirls in its eyes, before it slowly floated down to the ground. The other Ninjask, however, was still conscious, but was recoiling from the powerful Discharge attack that it took.

Combusken landed on the ground in a superhero landing with her right arm out to the side. "Combusken, finish up the second Ninjask with Sky Uppercut!" The oldest Maple sibling commanded the Fire and Fighting-type, causing Combusken to shot open its eyes. "Combusk…en!" The Young Fowl Pokémon exclaimed, bringing its right arm in front of itself, before the claws started glowing light blue.

Combusken then leaped into the air, spun around and then swung its right claw up, landing an uppercut on Ninjask, leaving a while trail behind its claws as it did so. The Ninjask was sent soaring into the air, before going crashing down onto the ground besides the other Ninjask, now having swirls in its eyes as well. Magnezone floated underneath Combusken, allowing the Young Fowl Pokémon to land safely on board.

Hansen growled with building anger upon seeing the tide of the battle shift towards their favor. "Crustle, use Shadow Claw!" The usurper commanded the Stone Home Pokémon with anger seeping out of his voice. "Crustle crust!" Crustle cried out as its right pincer was surrounded by a black aura with a purple outline. The aura then took the form of a claw, before Crustle shot out of its shell towards Quagsire and swiped Shadow Claw at the Mud Fish Pokémon, landing a direct hit and pushing Quagsire back.

"Stay strong Quagsire! Fight back with Waterfall!" Misty cried out, thrusting her left hand outwards. "Quag…sire!" The Water and Ground-type cried out, motioning its hands up into the air. A geyser of water somehow erupted out of the ground, before it shot out towards Crustle, who had wide eyes of surprise. "Endure!" Hansen angrily shouted out, getting the Rock and Bug-type to narrow its eyes as Shadow Claw dispersed, before it scurried back into its shell and hid inside of it.

The pillar of water struck Crustle's shell, but was unable to break through. Waterfall dispersed, and then Crustle came out of hiding with a smug grin. "It'll just keep hiding in its shell, using Endure to survive our attacks unless we do something. Combusken, Fire Spin!" May exclaimed, thrusting out her right fist towards Crustle.

Combusken let out a cry in response, opening her mouth with a ball of fire inside, intending to unleash another vortex of fire. "Shedinja, stop it with Sucker Punch!" The new "King" commanded his strongest Pokémon with gritted teeth. "Shed!" Shedinja cried out, before blasting forward at incredible speed, headbutting Combusken in the stomach, making the Young Fowl Pokémon widen her eyes in pain as the force pushed her off of Magnezone.

May gasped in concern for her starter, watching Combusken crash onto the ground on her back. "Are you alright?" The brunette asked in concern, which the Fire and Fighting-type groaned out as it sat up from the ground, getting May to smile. "I got this! Gardevior, come out and use Psychic to bring out Crustle out of its shell!" Verity called out, bringing out an enlarged Heal Ball with her left hand and tossed it forward, keeping a hold of Togepi with her right hand.

The Heal Ball burst open and released a bright white beam that took shape, before clearing to reveal Verity's shiny Gardevior with a sparkle briefly appearing around her. "Gardevior…" The Fairy and Psychic-type said softly, before its eyes began glowing light blue. Crustle suddenly surrounded by a light blue light, before suddenly getting lifted out of its shell and into the air, much to its panic.

"Now's our chance! Piplup, Hydro Pump!" Verity commanded her starter with a confident smile. "Piplup pi!" Piplup cried out as she opened her beak, before releasing a powerful stream of water with white rings of water around it. The Hydro Pump struck the air-born Crustle right on the face, sending it crashing down to the ground on its back, only it now had swirls in its eyes.

Everyone cried out in joy at seeing all almost all of Hansen's Pokémon defeated, while the usurper gritted his teeth in pure anger, before losing his composure completely.

(Music end)

"I've had enough of this! Shedinja, forget about the Pokémon and attack their trainers with Solar Beam!" Hansen shouted out, not longer caring about winning the battle and only wanted the obstacles gone. The halo above Shedinja's head then faced forward. "Shed…INJA!" The Bug and Ghost-type cried out as its halo absorbed white sparkles that appeared, before gleaming white, and then fired a white beam of energy.

Solar Beam completely passed through Gardevior, Combusken, Quagsire, Piplup, Combusken and Magnezone and headed towards Ash, Verity, May, Misty, Sara, Pikachu and the Shiny Togepi in Verity's arms. This caused Gardevior, Combusken, Quagsire, Piplup, Combusken and Magnezone to cry out in panic for their trainers, while the group of humans and Pikachu cried out as Solar Beam drew closer to them.

Suddenly, the shiny Pokémon in Verity's arms began glowing a blue colour, getting the Twinleaf girl to look down in Togepi and gasp in awe. The Fairy-type Pokémon had a frown on its face as it floated out of Verity's arms, before becoming surrounded by a blue force field. The Solar Beam slammed into the force field, but was unable to blast through it.

Hansen gasped in surprise at seeing this, while the Pokémon all breathed out in relief as their trainers were safe from harm. Ash, Verity, May, Misty, Sara and Pikachu were all staring up at the shiny Togepi protecting them in awe. "Togepi's using Safeguard!" May called out in surprise, having thought that the shiny Pokémon had lost its powers. "It must have regained some of its power". Sara remarked with wide eyes, wondering how the shiny Togepi regained power.

Misty's Togepi in Hansen's arms groaned as she finally regained consciousness and opened her eyes. Both Solar Beam and Safeguard dispersed to reveal the shiny Togepi floating in the air, but there was a surprise to behold. The temple's reflection's gate was glowing light blue like a portal with more Togepi floating out. Everyone gasped in surprise at seeing this as the five Togepi floated next to the shiny one. "It's the Paradise Togepi!" Sara identified the Togepi that appeared, despite them not looking so exhausted now. "But why are they here?" Verity questioned, keeping her eyes on the Togepi that she had been caring for recently.

"To…ge. To..ge". The six Togepi said together as they began waving their arms back and forth, just like when a Pokémon used Metronome. "No, you must leave, it's too risky! Go back to Paradise!" Sara called out to the group of Fairy-type Pokémon, having her hands together like in a prayer. The Togepi continued waving their fingers, before holding their arms up as they all began glowing a light blue aura around themselves.

The six auras surrounding the Togepi all shot out beams towards the one in Hansen's arms, getting him to gasp as he looked down. The six beams merged into one as they met their target, but did no damage. The combined beam disappeared, but Misty's Togepi began to gleam a bright light blue colour and was covered in a blue sphere. The sphere grew and pushed Hansen's arms off of Togepi, before suddenly enlarging and blasting the usurper away. Togepi floated in the air with its eyes closed, before opening them to reveal a determined look as it floated forward, only to suddenly start glowing a bright white colour with the blue sphere dispersing.

The gang and their Pokémon all gasped upon seeing this, knowing exactly what was happening to Togepi as they've seen the same process happen so many times. Togepi's shape began changing as it grew larger, its arms growing and gaining two wings on its back and two legs as well. Misty gasped a little as she watched Togepi evolve before her. The white glow soon died down to reveal Togepi's new form flying in the air.

It was a dainty, bipedal Pokémon that is small in stature. It is white with a red and blue triangular ring pattern on its body. It also had a relatively long neck and long legs and a pair of wings on its back, giving it a vaguely angelic appearance. This is Togepi's evolved form, Togetic, who gave a happy cry. "Togepi…!" Ash called out with wide eyes of surprise, having never thought he'd see Togepi evolve into Togetic. "She evolved". May pointed out, also having wide eyes at seeing the evolution. "Pika". Pikachu commented from the Rainbow Hero's right shoulder. "It's a Togetic now". Sara said in surprise, just as surprised as she had never seen a Togepi evolve.

Togetic smiled brightly as she flew down to Misty and stopped in front of her with the orange haired girl smiling just as brightly. "Togetic!" Misty said in relief, receiving a happy cry from the now Fairy and Flying-type Pokémon. "Are you okay?" She asked Togetic, which the Happiness Pokémon gave her a reassuring cry.

"Thank goodness". The female Gym Leader said in relief, only to blink as Togetic turned to look back at Hansen and frown, before flying up into the sky with everyone's eyes following her. Togetic flew up to the group of Togepi and spoke to them with a smile, receiving cries of agreement from the six of them. They all then turned to face Hansen with Togetic in the lead and glared down at him.

The usurper had gotten back on his feet and was glaring Togetic and the Togepi. "You dare evolve?! The end is near; I'll capture every one of you! Shedinja, Solar Beam!" Hansen commanded, before Shedinja flew down in front of him with its halo already glowing and collecting energy. "Shed…inja!" The Shed Pokémon cried out, firing another powerful Solar Beam.

Solar Beam was blocked once more by Togetic using Safeguard once more, protecting her and the Togepi behind her. "Ha! So much for Guardian Pokémon winning on defense only". The usurer sneered with a grin on his face. "We'll just see about that!" Sara called out, getting Hansen's attention as he looked to see the Mirage Kingdom princess stepped forward in front of the gang with their Pokémon gathered around them.

"You misjudge the power of kindness. The kindness that Misty and all of her friends have given to us. It is this kindness that you could never understand that has given power to Togetic!" Sara exclaimed with conviction as Togetic's force field began growing larger, so large that it began like a mini-planet and released a bright light.

Hansen gasped in horror at witnessing Togetic's power, while Ash, Verity, May, Misty, Sara, Pikachu, Magnezone, Piplup, Gardevior, Combusken and Quagsire watched in awe. Misty then narrowed her eyes as she decided to end this herself. "Togetic, leave the rest to me". The female Gym leader said as she brought out an enlarged Poké Ball with her right hand.

(Play Pokémon 2019 OST: Satoshi and Go)

At Misty's words, Togetic powered down her force field and ceased glowing completely. The Fairy and Flying-type looked down at her "mother" and gave an approving cry, as if telling her to go ahead. The orange haired girl held up the Poké Ball, before she gave the device a kiss. "Gyarados, I choose you!" Misty cried out, giving a little spin around before throwing the device out.

The device burst open and released a whit beam that shot out, before clearing to reveal a torrent of water. "RRRRRAAAAA!" The Atrocious Pokémon roared out as it submerged from the water, spun around in a dramatic fashion before facing Shedinja with a fierce expression. Ash grew interested upon seeing Gyarados being sent out to battle. "This outta be interesting". The Rainbow Hero remarked with his eyes having a hint of excitement in them. "Pika-pika". Pikachu commented from Ash's shoulder, looking forward to see what happens next.

"Oh Ash~" Misty said in a sing sang voice, getting Ash to turn to look at his old traveling companion, only to see something surprising. Misty suddenly had her hair pulled up in its old style, but the most shocking thing was that a small Keystone was attached to the hair band. "Well? Does it look great on me?" The orange haired girl asked with a cute wink with her left eye. Ash, Verity, May, Pikachu and Piplup all cried out in surprise upon seeing the Key Stone that Misty possessed. "You have one?!" May called out in surprise that even Ash's old traveling companion had one of those as well. Misty just giggled in response, before she turned forward and her grin slightly grew.

She briefly closed her eyes, before opening them with a look that radiated with complete trust and confidence. "Strongly, valiantly, beautifully!" Misty chanted, and then waved her right hand forward before tapping the Key Stone attached to her Mega hair band, causing it to let out a powerful burst of energy that made her hair start blowing, as if a strong wind was blowing it. "My sweet blue heart!" She continued as she waved her right hand away and brought her left in an "okay" gesture underneath the chin with a cheeky wink.

Misty flung her arms forward as she twirled around on the spot on her left foot and right leg bent and left arm flung downwards, while the right arm was raised upwards. "Mega Evolve!" The orange haired girl cried out as she took a pirouette ballerina pose with her right foot planted right behind her left, right before the Key Stone let out a rainbow flash, followed by four streams of energy shooting out towards Gyarados.

A Gyaradosite Mega Stone appeared out of nowhere on Gyarados' head crest, before releasing a powerful bright orange colour. The Water and Flying-type unleashed a mighty roar as four orange streams of energy shot out of its Mega Stone and reached out towards Misty. The streams of energy from both Key Stone and Mega Stone connected with each other, causing a bright white light of energy that covered Gyarados.

Everyone watched in awe as Gyarados' body changed from a white light into a powerful orange bright light as it underwent Mega Evolution. The Atrocious Pokémon roared once more as its body changed in an instance, before the orange bright light flashed off to reveal its new form.

Gyarados had become bulkier. The fins on its cheeks had become longer and gained a yellow tint. Its crest was larger and black now, and its barbels also gained considerable length. A large spike extended downward underneath its chin, and it now had a black underside with a red stripe around the edges. The yellow spots along its body were now replaced by raised red scales. Two large yellow fins with blue spines had appeared on its back. Most of the other fins along its back had disappeared, now replaced by two rows of blue spikes. There were now four yellowish, spiky fins near its tail: two on its back and two on its underside.

Mega Gyarados roared out to the heavens with so much power, kicking up a powerful gust of wind as the Mega Evolution symbol briefly appeared in front of its head, expended outwards before disappearing completely. Ash, Verity, May, Sara, Pikachu, Piplup, Gardevior and Combusken gasped in awe, Magnezone had wide eyes, Togetic with the Togepi all smiled, Hansen and Shedinja looked petrified, while Misty just grinned with confidence.

"W-w-what is this?!" The false King of the Mirage Kingdom questioned in horror, taking two steps back from the monstrosity before him. "It's called Mega Evolution! Gyarados, Flamethrower!" Misty commanded her Mega Pokémon, getting Hansen to gasp out in shock. Mega Gyarados breathed n red energy, before releasing a red-orange powerful stream of fire from its mouth.

Gyarados' Flamethrower attack not only completely engulfed Shedinja, even continuing on and engulfed the screaming Hansen as well. The stream of fire soon cleared completely to reveal both Hansen and Shedinja completely scorched as their bodies were black, as if they had gotten completely burnt. "Shed…shed…inja". The Shed Pokémon groaned out, floating down to the ground, before collapsing face-flat on the ground, much to Hansen's disbelief. "Shedinja!" The usurper cried out in disbelief that even his Shedinja was defeated as well.

(Music end)

The gang all smiled at seeing this, while their Pokémon cheered in joy for their victory. "Now that's some Mega power! Where'd you even get a Mega Stone for Gyarados anyway?" The Rainbow Hero questioned as he turned to look at Misty, who only gave a cute wink with her left eye at him. "That's a secret Ash; just know that you're not the only one who can Mega Evolve their Pokémon now". The orange haired girl answered Ash, before giving a small giggle. May and Combusken both stared at Mega Gyarados in awe at how powerful it is when it Mega Evolved.

Mega Gyarados was suddenly covered in a chrome-like sphere as it transformed back into its normal form. The sphere disappeared to reveal Gyarados back to normal with no sign of its Mega Stone, before it began roaring down at Hansen, who glared up at the Water and Flying-type. "Why you sniveling…" The usurper growled out in anger, twitching with unbearable anger as he spoke.

"Hansen!" A familiar voice called out as both of Hansen's eyebrows and mustache burnt off, right before he gasped in surprise. Just then, Sara's father, mother, Sorrel, Brock, Max, Miranda, Lucario and a few palace guards came into view from the staircase with Jirachi ridding atop Max's head, all of them having a deep frown on their faces. Hansen gasped now in horror as they all joined Ash, Verity, May, Misty, Sara and their Pokémon, while Gyarados moved aside to clear their way.

"Hansen, you're finished. Guards, seize him!" The King commanded the guards, holding his left hand out to the side, while he held his staff with the right hand. "Sire!" The Mirage Kingdom troops called out, before charging forward, passing through Hansen's defeated Pokémon, before pointing their spears at him in a circular formation, trapping him completely. Hansen growled in rage as the soldiers cracked around him, before leaning forward with a defeated look on his face, finally accepting defeat.

He was tied up and was escorted by the guards to the dungeons, all the while crying over his defeat. What he didn't know was that in the distance, Team Rocket was watching him through binoculars, sitting down on a rooftop and looking satisfied. "Aww, poor old King Hansen. Thrown out of his own kingdom". Jessie said in satisfaction as she pulled down the binoculars.

James pulled down his binoculars, also looking satisfied at seeing getting their payback successfully. "Good, serves him right for stabbing us in the back". The former rich boy said with a smug grin on his face, while Meowth pulled down his binoculars. "Speaking of serving, de the only kind of serving he's gonna get is time in da dungeon". The Normal-type stated as he knew that Hansen was gonna spend a long time locked up. "Wobbu…wobbu!" Wobbuffet cried out with a salute as he popped out of nowhere once again.


(Later on at sunset)

The sky was beginning to turn orange as the day was entering the afternoon stage. At the temple, the King and Queen had left to attend to matters, while Ash, May, Misty and Verity had recalled their Pokémon except for Pikachu and Piplup. Misty even put away her hair band with the Keystone. Now they, along with Sorrel, Brock, Max, Sara, Miranda, Lucario and Jirachi all watched Togetic and Togepi cry out in joy that the evil affecting their home was gone now and everything would return to normal.

"Look how much happier they are". May said with a happy smile on her face at seeing the Guardian Pokémon of the Mirage Kingdom overjoyed. "All thanks to Togetic". Max remarked with his hands resting on his hips, which Jirachi nodded in agreement. 'Yeah, Togetic was awesome out there'. The Wish Pokémon stated, honestly inspired by the Happiness' Pokémon's bravery.

Just then, the Shiny Togepi flowed down from the other Fairy-types and into Verity's hands, which she caught the Fairy-type with a happy laugh. "Way to go, Togepi! You were so brave out there to help your friend, I'm proud of you". Verity praised the Spike Ball Pokémon in her arms, earning a delighted smile from Togepi. "Toge-toge". The Fairy-type said in joy, waving its arms around a bit.

The air-born Togepi began floating back up into the air towards the mirage's gate with everyone watching them go. "Toge-toge". One Togepi bid farewell as it floated up to the mirage's gate that the portal opened once more, before entering and returning to Paradise, followed by the others. "Well, there they go. Back to Paradise". Brock said with a smile, while Verity looked at the Togepi in her arms. "I am so grateful". Sara remarked with her hands folded in front of her, watching the Togepi leave with a happy smile.

"I guess it's time for you to go home now, little guy". Verity said with a slightly sad voice, getting the Fairy-type to grow an uncertain expression. "Togepi…" Togepi said with a sad voice, before digging itself deeper into Verity's arms, getting the Twinleaf girl to look down at her in confusion. "What's wrong? Don't you want to go home?" Verity asked with a confused voice, wondering why Togepi hasn't returned to its home yet.

"It's time for us to go home, Togetic". Misty told the Happiness Pokémon, getting Togetic's attention as she look over to her, before flying down to the orange haired girl and began speaking to her. Togetic spoke to its "mother" gently as she gestured to the mirage's portal, before looking back at Misty, who hummed as she figured out what Togetic was saying to her. "You want to stay here?" The female Gym Leader asked in surprise, which the Flying and Fairy-type nodded to Misty with a certain expression.

"Why does Togetic want to stay?" May questioned with a curious voice as why Togetic wished to stay. "I think Togetic's afraid of someone evil will rise up and all of this could happen again. You want to stay and protect the Togepi, correct?" Sara asked the Happiness Pokémon, earning a nod from Togetic to confirm her theory. This earned an amazed smile from the Rainbow Hero at how brave Togetic has become. "Wow, that's so great". Ash stated with a smile, one that Pikachu matched on his shoulder. "Pika". The Electric Mouse remarked, proud of the Happiness Pokémon for becoming so brave and strong.

Misty had grown a sad smile at Togetic's decision as she knew what this meant. It meant that it was time for her and Togetic to part ways as she couldn't stay in the Mirage Kingdom. "I understand, you want to protect your home from returning to how desolate it was". The orange haired girl said in understanding, receiving a thankful cry from Togetic, before she reached up and gently took hold of Togetic's hands.

"Remember, it won't just be the Togepi Paradise you're protecting now, it's also Sara's family and kingdom as well. Never forget that". Misty told Togetic with a gentle voice, which the Happiness Pokémon gave a nod to her. Both their eyes began to get watery as they knew that this meant good-bye to one another.

Misty and Togetic remembered their lives together ever since Togetic hatched from an egg, how much adventure they shared together with one another. A single tear left Misty's right eye as she brought Togetic into a good-bye hug. "Togetic, I love you". Misty told her beloved baby, getting Togetic to look up at her. The Happiness Pokémon opened her mouth, but instead of its usual cry, a voice came out. 'I love you too, Mummy. Love you, Misty'. A gentle, female voice came from Togetic's mouth, making Misty widen her eyes in shock, before growing a happy smile as she hugged Togetic tighter.

Everyone smiled sadly at the two as they embraced for perhaps a long time until they reunite again. Misty and Togetic broke their embrace, took one last look at one another before the Happiness Pokémon let go of Misty's hands and began flying up towards the portal, all the while looking down at the group of humans, or more exact at Misty, who reached her left hand out towards her.

"Bye Togetic!" Ash called out in farewell, giving a small wave with his left hand. "Pika-pika!" Pikachu cried out towards the Fairy and Flying-type as well towards the Pokémon he's watched after a lot in the past. "Take care of yourself!" Misty called out to her "child", which Togetic gave one last cry, before entering the portal and disappeared. The portal disappeared shortly after with the temple's reflection up above disappearing as well.

Misty stared up into the sky where she last saw Togetic with tears in her eyes, like she really couldn't believe that her "child" was gone. Feeling a hand being placed on her right shoulder, the orange haired girl turned to look to see that it belonged to Ash, who gave her an understanding smile. He knew the pain of letting a Pokémon go very well; after all he did the same to his Butterfree, who left to be with another Butterfree it saved and fell in love with.

Misty gave the Rainbow Hero a thankful smile, before looking up at the sky again. "Well, that's that". The orange haired girl stated as Ash took his hand off of her shoulder. Verity gave the female Gym Leader a sad smile, before looking down at the Shiny Togepi in her arms. "You didn't return to Paradise, but why? Do you want to come with me?" Verity asked the Spike Ball Pokémon in her arms, getting Togepi to look up at her with a happy expression and nod to her. Verity gave a small happy smile as she brought her new Pokemon into a deep hug. "Piplup pi!" Piplup cheered from her spot besides Verity as she flapped her flippers in joy for their new friend.

Sara gave Verity a smile at acquiring a new Pokémon, before she turned to look at Misty. "Misty, I give you my word I will do everything to protect the Togepi and Togetic even without the crown". The Mirage Kingdom Princess assured the orange haired girl, who had turned to look at her when Sara said her name. Misty gave the older female an appreciated smile as she knew that Togetic was in good hands. "Thank you Sara". The Water-type trainer thanked the princess, who gave Misty a nod full of promise that she'll keep her word.

"Toge toge". A familiar voice suddenly said out of nowhere, followed with a tug on Sara's dress, getting her to look down to see a Togepi standing right next to her, looking up at the rosy hair coloured girl with a smile. "Toge-toge togetogepi". The Fairy-type said cheerfully as Sara knelt down next to it, looking a bit confused. "Togepi? Why didn't you go with your friends?" The princess asked in confusion and surprise to see a single Togepi besides Verity's new one remain here.

"Toge-toge-toge". Togepi answered, paying no mind to everyone who was staring down at it in surprise. Misty then widened her eyes in realization at what this meant. "Wait a minute…This must be the Togepi you were suppose to find, Princess Sara". The female Gym Leader told the young female, getting Sara to look up at her in surprise. She gasped a little, and then looked back at the Spike Ball Pokémon.

"Is that true, Togepi?" The rosy hair coloured girl asked in almost disbelief. "Toge! Togepiii!" Togepi answered as it jumped into the air and into Sara's arms with a happy face. Sara caught the Fairy-type with a wide smile blooming on her face. Everyone around them all smiled in joy, or laugh in joy for Sara as she stood up, holding her new partner in her arms happily. "Togepi…" The princess said in an emotionally voice, her entire being filled with delight at finally having her Togepi in her arms. "Toge-togepiii!" Sara's Togepi called out in joy, as if assuring her that this was real and not a dream.

Sara giggled as she brought Togepi into a deep hug. "That's so great, Princess Sara". Misty stated with a delighted smile for the princess. Sara stood up on her feet and gave the younger female a grateful smile. "Oh Misty, thank you; all of you". The princess thanked the entire gang for everything they've done for her and her home.

"Sara, now there's nothing stopping your Crown Ceremony". Miranda told the young woman with a happy smile, getting Sara's attention as she looked over and nodded to her. "You're right Miranda". Sara stated as she continued to hug Togepi happily. "Toge-toge". The Fairy-type said out loud as everyone smiled at Sara and Togepi, knowing that the future of the Mirage Kingdom was bright with them.


(The next day)

Just as the King said, they prepared the zeppelin for the gang to take back to the town that Team Rocket snatched them from. During that time, Misty got to know Verity, Sorrel, May, Max and Jirachi better and learned about their different dreams. Verity also officially caught her new Shiny Togepi with a Luxury Ball, and sent her Lopunny to whoever was caring for whoever was caring for Verity's Pokémon during that time as well. Eventually, their time together reached its end.

Right now, Ash, Verity, Sorrel, Brock, May, Max, Lucario and Piplup stood in front of Misty, who was standing in front of the zeppelin that was parked behind her with a staircase for her to walk up into. Pikachu was riding on Ash's right shoulder, Jirachi was floating besides Max on his left and Verity was holding her new Togepi in her arms. They were all saying good-bye to Misty, who had to return home to continue her duties as Gym Leader.

"Well, time to head back to Cerulean City". The orange haired girl remarked with a small sad smile. "Please give your sisters my best". Brock requested with hint of his love sick tone in his voice, getting everyone to roll their eyes at him. "Yeah, right". Misty replied with a shrug of her shoulders, while Max looked slightly disappointed. "I wish I could have heard more about your Gym". The 8-year-old boy said in displeasure, while Jirachi looked just as disappointed as him.

'It sounded like a lot of fun'. Jirachi said in disappointment that he couldn't hear more about Misty's Gym and how it did water shows. "Why don't you all come to Cerulean City and visit sometime. I could show you all the rest of my Pokémon; you'd all be in for a surprise". Misty suggested to the group, catching Sorrel's interest as he crossed his arms. "We'll keep that in mind in case we ever come back to Kanto". Sorrel told the female Gym Leader, receiving a nod from her before Misty turned to look at May.

"Now May, I'm counting on you to do your best in all your future contests and win". Misty told the brunette with an encouraging voice, making May grow a confident smile as she held up her right fist. "That's what I intend to do from the start!" May exclaimed, full of spirit and resolve to win her future contests. That made Misty grow a smile, before she turned to look at Sorrel.

"Sorrel, make sure to keep an eye on Ash. Trouble seems to find him a lot". The orange haired girl told the Rainbow Hero's sworn brother, getting an amused chuckle from Sorrel and Lucario. She had been told that Ash and Sorrel swore a brotherhood and it honestly surprised her a bit, but made her happy that Ash trusted his old friend so much.

"Trust me; I've already seen that happen a lot". The Pokémon Professor in training stated with his amusment seeping out of his voice, getting Lucario to let out a growl of agreement. Misty nodded in thanks, before she turned to look at Verity and her face slightly fell. Just like she learned of Ash's connection with Sorrel, she had learned that Verity was actually now Ash's girlfriend. Misty was sad when she heard about this, but understood that the Rainbow Hero had a crush on the Twinleaf girl since 2 year ago. Still, that didn't mean that Misty was ready to give up on the Rainbow Hero.

Misty swallowed her bitter feelings and gave Verity a soft smile. "Verity, I trust you to treat Ash well and with respect". The female Gym Leader told the Twinleaf girl, receiving a trusting grin from Verity. "Don't worry about that. This may be my first relationship, but I know what to do and how to treat my boyfriend". Verity reassured the orange haired girl, giving a small wink of the right eye. "Piplup! /Toge-togepi!" Piplup and Togepi cried out eagerly from besides Verity and in her arms.

Misty gave a small smile at seeing this, before she turned to look at the Rainbow Hero, who was smiling at her. "You keep up the good work of being a Gym Leader. Become one of the absolute best in the world". Ash told Misty with an encouraging voice, slightly holding up his left fist to express his support for her. This made the orange haired girl grow a confident smirk on her face.

"You got it, Mr. Rainbow Hero. And you make sure to win the Hoenn League, no matter what". Misty told the Raven haired boy, getting him to grow a confident smirk on his face. "You leave that to me. With Pokémon like Latios, Charizard, Grovyle, Raikou and Pikachu, there's no way I'll lose!" Ash exclaimed with a smirk, full of confidence that with his Pokémon, he'll conquer Hoenn just like with Johto. "Pika-pika". Pikachu remarked, throwing his right fist into the air as he was ready to battle anything in the Hoenn League when the time came.

Misty gave a pleased nod, before holding her right hand out towards Ash, who didn't even hesitate and grabbed hold of Misty's hand with his own. But surprisingly, Misty took that chance to pull Ash in close and give him a kiss on the left cheek. This action made almost everyone cry out in surprise with Verity's left eyebrow twitching in slight anger at Misty's surprisingly move on her boyfriend.

The orange haired girl pulled away to look at Ash, who was blushing a little at her, getting Misty to giggle a bit. The female Gym Leader let go of the Rainbow Hero's hand, before she turned around and began walking up the staircase towards the zeppelin. However, she suddenly stopped and looked over her left shoulder towards the Rainbow Hero.

"Hey Ash! When you get home back to Pallet Town, there's a surprise waiting for you!" The orange haired girl called out to Ash, getting him and everyone else to blink in surprise at her words. "A surprise? What are you talking about, Misty?" Ash questioned in confusion, which Misty just gave him a wink in response. "You'll find out when you come home". Misty replied, and then continued up the staircase, leaving the gang confused by her words.

Shortly, the zeppelin took off into the air with its destination being the Kanto Region this time. Back on the ground, everyone, even the Pokémon, was waving good-bye to the female Gym Leader aboard. "See ya, Misty!" Ash called out towards his old friend, waving both of his hands towards her. "Pikachu!" Pikachu cried out from behind Ash's head, waving his left hand good-bye too. "Take care, bye!" Verity, Sorrel, Brock, May, Max and Jirachi all cried out, waving their hands with Piplup, Lucario and Togepi doing the same as their trainers.

Inside the zeppelin, Misty was looking out a window towards her friends and was waving her right hand at them as well with a wide smile. Ash laughed happily as he continued to wave, while the zeppelin grew shorter in sight. It was really great to see Misty again and it made the Rainbow Hero happy. With this time with his old traveling companion, Ash was ready to continue his journey into the Hoenn Region and win the Hoenn League.


(Meanwhile in Togepi Paradise)

In the Togepi Paradise, the world was lush with green, clear skies and a happy atmosphere with no traces of sadness. Lots of Togepi, even more than helped Ash and the gang battle Hansen were present, enjoying life in their home with no concern. "To-ge toge-toge toge!" A single Togepi cried out happily as it ran through the forest with a flower in hand.

Up above in the sky flew in Togetic, acting as the new guardian for the world of Togepi now. The Happiness Pokémon looked down at all the happy Togepi below, before giving a happy smile with her eyes closed and cried out a little.


Booya! Another chapter in the bag, one that involved two episodes. I hope you all liked the surprises of this chapter, such as Misty's Sygna Suit and her already having a Key Stone and Mega Stone. If any of you are gonna ask, Professor Oak gave her the Key Stone and she got the Mega Stone from that guy in Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee who sells Mega Stones. Now, I'd like to ask you guys a few questions.

1: I've been thinking of adding an ending song to this story as well, but have not decided on a song yet. The two I have in mind currently is Pokémon's Type Wild one, but that would require some help. The next one would be Date a Live's Day to Story ending as I really liked that one. I'm still open to suggestions and would like your thoughts as well.

2: The chapter after the next one is where Ash will change his current team and swap out some Pokémon from Pallet. I'd honestly like to know which Pokémon you'd all like to see next. I asked Fanfic Meister and he suggested Pidgeot, Heracross, Skrelp, Typhlosion and Dragonite. An interesting choice and I'll admit I like it. Still, I'd like to hear all of your suggestions.

3: When we enter the Battle Frontier, should Team Rocket capture some super powered Pokémon. I was thinking of James catching a Charizard, or Gyarados. Jessie, still thinking on it. I'm just going through my options, so give me your thoughts.

Finally, 4: When the gang makes it to Fallarbor town, they'll encounter Team Aqua just like in the game. I was even thinking that's when May and Brock get Mega Stones for Blaziken and Swampert. They'll get it from some guy that sells Mega Stones like in the game as well. I just wanted your thoughts on it.

Now, with all of the questions done, I better get to work on the next chapter and on the rewritten chapter of my VRAINS story. I hope you've all enjoyed this chapter and it makes you all eager for the next one, where the gang meets Sapphire and May catches Skitty. See ya then.