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Chapter 4

The next day was kind of a blur for the group as everyone was scrambling to get their things in order to go on the move the next day. After briefing all of them on his plan, everybody in the group decided to travel with Ash. That is, everyone except Clemont and Bonnie. As bad as the two wanted to stay, Clemont had to go back to the Lumiose Gym and Bonnie had to go with him.

After a goodbye at Pallet Port where Bonnie had been getting quite emotional, the group arrived back at the Ketchum residence for the last night. Delia provided a top-class meal which was a miracle because Brock and Mr. Mime were in competition to see who could help the most. Gary and Leaf also attended and agreed to travel with the group for a while. Professor Oak and Tracey had even managed to find time to come over as well.

After the meal, everyone was taking part in some last-minute preparations. That is, except for Ash. He was sitting in his back yard under a tree. He had a great view of some of the rest of Pallet from here. He was staring at one house in particular; it was very dilapidated and looked on the verge of collapse. It looked like no one had lived there in several years.

He hadn't looked away from the house for a good while. The house belonged to Red. Every time Ash looked at this house, he felt a surge of pride and inspiration. The fact that a boy from the same town as he managed to grow and become champion.

For the first time in his life though, Ash felt none of this. He only felt confusion and a hint of betrayal. Why would Red join Team Rocket? He was responsible for defeating the first branch. None of it made sense to Ash. However, one thing he was sure of was that he was going to find answers.

When Ash returned inside, he found Gary standing there in the hallway.

"Not like you to be deep in thought Ashy boy." He said with a smirk.

"Well this isn't exactly normal time." Ash replied.

"That I understand. That was quite a revelation we had there." Gary said, losing his smile.

"How are you taking it?" Ash asked, Gary had a much more personal connection to this.

"I was young at the time Blue died, so I didn't give it much thought. Now though, all I want is answers."

"That's exactly what I'm looking for too." Ash told him.

"Guess we'll have to pair up on this one." Gary said, his smirk back on his face. "You have an Elite 4 challenge to prepare for too."

"I can handle it." Ash said with his usual enthusiasm.

"Just don't slow me down." Gary joked, and with that the two turned in for the night.

The next morning, the group was set to depart from Pallet Town. Ash made sure to get up early so he could go to Professor Oak's to see and talk to his Pokémon. After spending most of the morning with them, Ash was faced with the dilemma of who to initially take with him. As he stood looking at all of them with Pikachu stood on his shoulder, Professor Oak approached him.

"You're faced with a tough decision, aren't you?" Oak said to him as he watched the Pokémon frolic across the plain.

"No matter how many times I do this it never gets any easier." Ash sighed. "At least I'll be close enough to transfer them easily."

"I might have something to help you with this Ash." Oak said while reaching into his lab coat pocket. He handed Ash a device that looked a lot like a Pokédex, only a bit bigger.

"This is the exclusive and limited Pokédex developed by the Pokémon League and only distributed to proven and strong trainers. After your Kalos League win I applied for one for you. I assured them of your care for every Pokémon you come across and reminded them of your aid to the Pokémon world in the past. This particular Pokédex will enable you to bring and care for all your current Pokémon and anymore that you may catch."

Ash was lost for words; he just received a tool that would allow him to take all his Pokémon with him.

"Thank you so much Professor, this means so much." Ash examined it and found that all his data and his license was already transferred on to it. He then turned to all his Pokémon. "Guess what guys, you'll all get to travel with me from now on."

This was met with every one of Ash's Pokémon jumping on him in pure joy. After all this died down and they've all been returned, Ash turned to Oak.

"I guess this is goodbye for now, Professor." Ash said.

"Please take care Ash, now more than ever, you have to be careful." Oak replied in a serious tone.

"I will, goodbye Professor." Ash said with Pikachu waving goodbye on his shoulder. On his way out he also bid farewell to Tracey and began the run home.

Tracey approached Professor Oak who was watching Ash's retreating figure.

"Are you okay Professor?" Tracey asked him.

"Just worried." Oak answered. "I fear that Team Rocket is going to cross paths with Ash again. You could argue that they always have."

Tracey just nodded and, not knowing what to say, walked away.

"Please Ash, just be safe." Oak whispered.

Back at the Ketchum house, Delia was hugging Ash so tight it was like she was never going to let him go.

"Take care honey." She said to him as the rest of the group looked on in amusement. "Mind your Pokémon and remember to change your-"

"Mom I know." Ash shouted. At this stage Pikachu had fell off his shoulder laughing. "We'll be fine."

"Just be safe." Delia said to him.

"I will, goodbye Mom." Ash called to her as he and all his friends walked away while waving.

The group travelled through the Pallet countryside really enjoying each other's company. After travelling on his own for the most part during his Elite 4 challenge, Ash had almost forgotten how fun it was to travel with his friends.

As Ash continued, he couldn't help but reminisce about his initial journey. Back when Pikachu didn't listen and kept shocking him.

He passed the spot by the river where he met Misty where she didn't hesitate to point out that he took, and subsequently, broke his bike. Something that May and Dawn could relate to.

He then reached the area where the Spearow caught up with him and where Pikachu finally began to respect him, and he took out all the Spearow.

"Remember this place buddy?" Ash asked, getting a nod in return. "There was so much power in that electricity it's a miracle we didn't end up in a coma."

Ash and Pikachu shared a laugh at the notion.

The group were making such good time that they decided against spending the night in Viridian, confident that they could make it to Pewter before nightfall.

The group continued their trek as before, only this time they were challenged by the odd Bug Catcher. Soon, Ash passed the spot where he made his first Pokémon capture, Caterpie. Ash soon began reminiscing about his time spent with said Pokémon before he left in pursuit of love as a Butterfree.

It wasn't long until they approached the end of the forest, sun managing to break through the thick canopy of foliage. Ash and May were walking side by side when suddenly Ash was hit by a strange green ball of energy. He felt the wind getting knocked out of him as he collided with the ground and then heard two screams.

After getting to his feet thanks to a helping hand from Brock, Ash saw a disturbing and unwelcoming sight.

Stood before them all was two people who no-one in the group particularly liked, Drew and Kenny. What really angered Ash was the fact that Kenny was holding on to Dawn against her will as was Drew with May.

"Hello everyone." Drew said while flicking his hair and smiling, keeping a tight grip on May's arm. "What a pleasure to see you again."

"Hey, what's up?" Kenny piped up, almost like he wasn't doing anything wrong. Drew's Flygon and Kenny's Machamp stood behind them.

Gary began to reach for his pokéballs, but Drew saw him.

"Not so fast." Drew called to him. He nodded at his Flygon who held one of his claws up to May's neck. "Move a muscle and I'll advise my Flygon here to use Dragon Claw on the second-best co-ordinator from Hoenn."

"Why?" May just got out, terror evident in her voice.

"We have our reasons." Drew said vaguely. "Now, all of you, hand over all your pokéballs."

"You're bluffing," Brock proclaimed. "Both of you, you won't hurt either of them."

"That's because you still think we're the people we were years ago, people change." Kenny replied.

"Just to prove our point..." Drew nodded at his Flygon who moved his claw from May's next to her arm and scratched hard, causing her to cry out in pain.

The sound of this alone caused a feeling of rage to run through Ash's body, but he knew he couldn't do a thing about it right now.

"We were ordered to take all of your Pokémon." Kenny began to say. "So, we thought we might as well take May and Dawn as well."

"We won't harm them any more as long as you co-operate." Drew finished.

May and Dawn were having the same thoughts. How could former friends betray them like this?

The group all placed their Pokémon in the bag Drew and Kenny provided, once that was over, Drew's eyes fell on Pikachu.

"Now, the rat." Drew said coldly.

"So, we'll take your last Pokémon and our women and be on our-" Kenny started until he was interrupted by a loud cry.

Everybody looked to the sky searching for the source of the sound. Their eyes landed on a large, cream coloured bird which swooped with tremendous velocity looking to attack Drew and Kenny. It was a Pokémon Ash hadn't seen in years.

The large bird like creature began ferociously pecking at the two male co-ordinators before their Pokémon could react. The Pokémon's actions forced them to release May and Dawn and they sprinted back towards the group.

Ash looked to seize the opportunity and he ran towards the bag of pokéballs. His progress was stopped, however, by Kenny's Machamp stepping in front of him. The Machamp was about to punch towards Ash's direction but it was blocked by Pikachu's Iron Tail. Ash proceeded to run past the Machamp and grabbed the bag and doubled back. He saw that Pikachu was being put under pressure and he reached in and grabbed a random pokéball.

"Help me out here." Ash said as he threw the ball. From it emerged, of all things, Misty's Psyduck.

"Psy." It said placing both hands on his head while looking back confused.

"Ok, we can still do this." Just as Ash finished saying this, Psyduck was knocked out by a wayward Pikachu Thunderbolt.

"Damn it!" Ash shouted.

"Starmie, use Ice Beam." Misty called, Ash glanced back and saw Misty had released he Pokémon and followed the path of the ice to where it hit Flygon and the Pokémon collapsed.

"We need to run!" Drew commanded. He recalled his Flygon and Kenny recalled Machamp. After this, Kenny sent out an Alakazam.

"You may have won this time, but you were lucky." Drew smirked. "We know your every move; we always have eyes on you."

With that, the two teleported away.

Ash's was curious at what these words meant but he had to put them aside for now. He then approached the Pokémon that helped them.

"It's been a long time Pidgeot." Ash said while smiling.

The majestic bird bowed its head and allowed Ash to pet it.

"How have you been?"

Pidgeot made noises of pleasure as Ash continued to pet it.

"Good to see you're still protecting people and Pokémon around here."

"Pidgeot, long time no see." Brock said with Misty nodding beside him, after realising both were there, Pidgeot happily flew over to them.

"Do you know that Pokémon Ash?" Serena asked.

"Yeah, he was one of the first Pokémon I ever caught as a Pidgey. It was during my journey of Kanto. Just before I went on to challenge the Silver Conference in Johto, I left him here to help defend a pack of Pidgey against a bunch of Fearow and Spearows. Ever since then I always visit him just before I start another adventure.

"Are you ever tempted to take him with you again?" Max asked.

"Every time." Ash told him. "But the flock here need help badly. I can't take him and leave plenty of Pokémon defenceless.

During everyone's adoration of Pidgeot, Brock chose to approach May and Dawn.

"I know this is hard for both of you, but do you have any idea why Drew and Kenny would do this?"

Both girls shook their head but May refused to meet Brocks eyes and her fist was clenched. Brock decided it was best to let it go for now.

As the group all thanked Pidgeot, Misty had her eyes on Serena, she noticed that she was being rather twitchy the closer they got to Pewter City. The words from Drew as he left just made her even more suspicious.

Eventually the group had to move on and, after bidding goodbye to his old friend, Ash led the way to Pewter City. From there, Brock took the lead and led them towards his house where Flint and Lola were more than welcoming. Somehow, someway everyone managed to fit in the house even with all of Brock's siblings.

Misty, who had been talking to Forrest, re-entered the room and saw someone was missing.

"Where's Serena?" She asked.

"She went to use the phone a while ago." Gaz said while watching a performance video with Max and Dawn on the latter's Pokétch.

Just then Serena walked back in.

"Who were you talking to?" Misty asked suspiciously.

"Um...oh...err, my Mom, sure." Serena said looking flustered.

At this, Misty lost it.

"Look, if you want to travel with us you have to be honest!" Misty shouted, causing Gaz, Dawn and Max to look up. "Who have you been on the phone with, first at Ash's house and now here?"

The doorbell went off, but no-one reacted.

"With everything that Cilan, Drew and Kenny said, you aren't exactly coming across as trustworthy!"

Ash then ran in.

"What's going on?" Everyone ignored him.

"What are you trying to say?" Serena fired back, getting angry herself.

"It's you. You are the one who's letting the enemy know what we're doing. It's all you!"

"Know it isn't." Serena shouted.

"Misty, you're jumping to conclusions here." Ash called, trying to calm her down.

"No, I'm not!" Misty screamed. "What have you been hiding? I heard you say on the phone in Pallet that you'll see them around Pewter. Then we ran into Drew and Kenny at the edge of Pewter. Who have you been calling?"

"Me." Came a voice from behind them.

They all turned around and Ash saw a familiar face.

"Cameron?"

"Hey Ash, good to see you again." Cameron said with a smile.

"You too, but what are you doing here?" Ash asked.

"You still haven't told them?" Cameron asked Serena.

"I wanted it to be a surprise." Serena told him; she then cleared her throat. "After the Kalos League, Ash was going to challenge members of the Elite 4 and I still wanted to travel but I didn't want to hold him back. So, after the League, Cameron was kind enough to offer me the chance to travel with him. Over the time we became closer and now...err"

"We're dating." Cameron piped up with his regular enthusiasm. "You were taking too long." He explained to Serena. Misty was incredibly shocked and embarrassed.

"Serena, I'm so sorry, I had no idea." Misty said while hanging her head in shame.

"It's okay Misty, I can't blame you for being paranoid at a time like this. I forgive you." Serena said with a smile. Misty smiled back at her and then left the room.

"Didn't see that coming." Dawn said, still somewhat shocked.

"Yeah, I thought Serena had a thing for Ash." Gaz stated.

"Yo Ash, you don't mind if I tag along for a while, right? I decided to take a break from my journey, I already have 5 Kanto Gym Badges." Cameron asked.

"Sure, the more the merrier." Ash told him.

"I noticed though that Cameron and Ash have a lot in common." Iris pointed out. "They both are like little kids."

Serena decided to go outside and get some fresh air and after standing there for a few minutes, she heard the door open and looked back to see Ash.

"Hey, I think we should talk." Ash said to her.

"Um, ok what about?" Serena asked, curious about what this is about.

"Our journey in Kalos." Ash answered while taking a seat next to her. "I'm just going to come out and say this, I knew about your feelings in Kalos."

Whatever Serena had expected, it was not this.

"What are you talking about?" She said flustered, her face flushed red.

"Come on, Serena it wasn't exactly a secret." Ash said with a smile. "Even if Miette had to let it slip for me to find out."

Serena made a mental note to kill her next time she saw her.

"Knew you couldn't figure it out by yourself." Serena laughed.

"I just wanted to apologise." Ash told her. "I found out just after the league and we were still traveling for a while after."

Ash took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry for not talking to you sooner, but I just love you as a friend nothing more, and I'm glad to know you've moved on."

Serena had to smile.

"Thank you, Ash, but you don't have to apologise. You can't help how you feel, no one can. I hope you know I still love you as a friend too."

"I know." Ash said, he and Serena shared a quick hug before he got up to re-enter the house. "We need to get some sleep; the way things are going we need all the rest we can get."

Hope everyone is keeping safe please review and remember to wash your hands.