A New Season

"Scyther!" The green mantis Pokemon had scorch marks across his body as a result of his opponent's Fire type attacks but despite that it still had enough energy reserved to slice a Pokeball in half with his scythes as it flew at him!

"Oh come on that was my fifth one! Pokeballs don't grow on trees you know!" Zach groaned out as he turned to look at Scorbunny, the Fire type Pokemon was sweating and bruised up from the attacks that Scyther had unleashed, the ball had dragged on for longer than the two of them had hoped but Scorbunny's eyes were still shining full of determination as she didn't want to let her trainer down! His eyes soon took notice of her legs which were wobbling and looking like they were close to collapse, he let out a defeated sigh as he gave one final look at Scyther before reaching for Scorbunny's ball and activating the recall button. "You did great, Scorbunny. Thanks for sticking with me and not giving up," He didn't want to call it quits either but he didn't want to risk hurting Scorbunny by making her continue to fight and Riolu wouldn't be much better off thanks to Scyther's Flying type attacks!

Scyther stretched out his arms and lifted up his head before letting off a victory screech. "Scyther!"

Ash had been watching his friend attempt the capture and had found himself growing quite interested in the Pokemon, it had a strong battling spirit and no doubt would make for quite the new teammate! But it did feel a bit rude intruding on an attempted capture even if Zach had given up on it.

"You don't mind if I capture Scyther instead do you?" Ash asked curiously, turning to face his friend who shook his head in response before letting off a light smile.

"Nah go ahead, it's clear fate doesn't want me owning that Pokemon." Zach stuffed his hands into his pockets before stepping aside and allowing Ash to take over.

Ash took a step forward and smiled while his eyes looked Scyther over, the Bug Pokemon stared right back at Ash with a battle hungry expression as the trainer began reaching out for a ball on his belt.

"Pignite I choose you!"

Pignite burst out onto the field with flames igniting from his nostril as he stared his opponent down.

"Scyther!" Scyther's scythes began glowing light blue as they fired off blades of energy at his opponent!

"Dodge it and use Fire Pledge!"

Pignite leaped out of the way before slamming his fist onto the ground, causing pillars of fire to erupt from the ground and rush towards Scyther, soon trapping him as the pillars had him surrounded and began closing in before merging together as the flames met as they struck their opponent!

"Scyther!" The Bug type cried out in pain.

The fire would soon fade to reveal Scyther still standing but completely motionless as he stood there, his skin coated in soot. A cough emitted from his throat before the Pokemon fell forward, landing face first in the dirt as Ash let out a victory cry.

"Alright, welcome to the team-Pignite?" Ash's attention was briefly diverted to Pignite as the faithful Fire type's Pokemon had become engulfed in a bright blue light, his body becoming bigger and bulkier before the light faded to reveal that Pignite had evolved into Emboar!

"Emboar, the Mega Fire Pig Pokemon. The final evolution of Tepig, this Pokemon has mastered fast and powerful fighting moves and deeply cares about its friends." Zach's Rotom Phone spoke up as he scanned the newly evolved Pokemon.

"Wow, such power... someday that'll be you, Scorbunny!" The Fire type's eyes lit up with amazement as she stared up at Emboar.

"Scor..."

"Rio..." The jackal Pokemon had a similar expression as his partner due to it's Fighting typing.

"You did it, Emboar!" Ash threw his arms around his newly evolved partner before letting out a light grunt as Emboar returned the hug, crushing Ash up against him.

"Embo!"

"P-Pika..." Pikachu flattened his ears lightly as he spoke to Emboar, asking him to let Ash go.

Emboar sweated lightly as he didn't realize his newly found strength, releasing Ash before stepping back and bowing his head in apology.

"No worries," Ash grinned before reaching for a spare Pokeball and chucking it at Scyther, the Bug type disappeared in a beam of red light as the ball hit the forest floor and began shaking for a bit before shortly chiming afterwards to announce the capture complete!

"Alright, we just caught Scyther!"

"Pi Pikachu!"

"Embo!" The two Pokemon posed alongside their trainer while Zach and Riolu stared at him with raised eyebrows until Zach noticed a Pokeball still intact on the ground a few feet away from where Scyther had previously been standing.

"At least one survived," He went to pick it up and as soon as he did his Rotom Phone chimed up to alert him of a capture.

"Caterpie, the worm Pokemon. It's easy to catch and grows quickly, making it a recommended Pokemon for novice trainers."

Zach sweated upon hearing the Pokedex entry before placing Caterpie's ball next to Riolu and Scorbunny's. "No kidding, I wasn't even trying to catch it!"

"So Caterpie was your first catch? That takes me back, when I first started on my journey several years back I actually captured a Caterpie of my own as my first catch." Ash looked up at the sky as he said that, remembering the last time they had seen each other. "I haven't seen him in years, I hope he's doing okay wherever he is."

"Huh? What do you mean by that?" Zach asked with a confused expression.

"I'll tell you some other time," Ash waved it off, figuring it best not to put the pressure on Zach that Caterpie might leave him someday when he'd just captured the Pokemon. "We should get going, they're going to start the exhibition match soon and I don't want to miss it!"

The pair soon arrived in Vermilion City which had changed quite a lot over the years since Ash had last seen it, skyscrapers now donned the cities skylines while the city had seemingly grown in size as well. Ash had been expecting things to have changed upon hearing that a giant stadium was now in the middle of the city but a change of this scale? Vermilion looked more impressive than Celadon now! There also appeared to be a Pokemon laboratory present as well but Ash saw no need to plan a visit right then as there wasn't really any reason to.

They had gotten a change of clothing shortly after arriving, ditching their dojo outfits for something more befitting of the cooler Kanto weather. Ash was now wearing a jacket with a white and blue color scheme, the top half being blue while the bottom half of the jacket was white, underneath of which he wore a black t-shirt. Along with a pair of gray track pants, black fingerless gloves, and a pair of blue/white sneakers. Completed with the hat that he wore back when he first started his journey.

Zach on the other hand now wore a blue and black colored jacket that was clearly designed after Lucario, along with a pair of blue jeans and black/white running shoes!

As they got closer to the stadium Ash felt a hand reach out and grab his shoulder as a unfamiliar voice spoke out. "Thought I'd see you here, Ash!"

Ash jerked his head and noticed somebody who appeared to be a younger version of Norman outfit and all only with glasses, the voice was different but to be expected as it had been years since he last saw the kid. "Max!"

A smirk crossed Max's face as he nodded his head in confirmation, a Gallade now visible by his side. "You never did give me that battle you promised,"

Ash couldn't help but sweat lightly. "About that, I sorta forgot..."

"Don't sweat it, I suppose you're entering the Pokemon World Championship which would mean that the two of us are rivals now. So a battle between us is inevitable!"

"Yeah cause I'm gonna win!" Ash declared, clenching his fists with determination while Max shook his head and sly smirked with a teasing tone.

"Oh Ash, I know your battling style all too well so beating me won't be easy!"

"I welcome the challenge!" Ash's eyes soon focused upon Gallade. "And I'm assuming that is the Ralts you bonded with back then?"

"Yep, I beat the Hoenn League with him on my first try I might add!" Max smirked causing Ash to lightly glare at him for a moment. "I lost to Steven obviously but I'm not giving up, I'm gonna win this thing and beat Steven!"

"Not if I do it first!"

Zach's eyes darted between the two as he stayed silent, deciding it best not to say anything lest he get dragged into it.

"Well how about we settle this with a battle? My Gallade versus Pikachu, one on one. Once one of them is no longer able to continue, we'll know who the victor is!"

"You're on, let's go buddy!"

"Pika!" Pikachu's cheeks sparked as he landed right in front of Ash, Gallade leaped out in front of Max and took a defensive stance.

"Uh guys, battling in the middle of the street like this isn't a good idea." Zach suddenly spoke up, pointing out the crowded street around them.

Ash rubbed the back of his neck as he realized his friend had a point, he'd just gotten carried away from the excitement of Pokemon battles. He may have matured over the years but battling would never cease to excite him that way!

"There's a Pokemon Center right over there, should be a practice field you can use if they're like the ones back home."

The three headed towards the Pokemon Center where they'd find the practice field conveniently open, most likely due to the fact that anyone who would be using it was already at Vermilion Stadium. Ash and Max each took their position on opposite ends of the field with Pikachu and Gallade taking their own positions as they stood before their trainers.

"Hey new guy-"

"The name's Zach,"

"Alright, Zach. Do you mind counting down for us?" Max asked.

"Sure I guess," Zach took his place on the side of the field and took a quick look at Ash and Max before proceeding with the count down. "Three, two, one... begin!" He waved his arm, signaling for them to start the battle!

"Alright Pikachu let's start off with a Quick Attack and-"

"Hypnosis!"

Gallade's eyes shined a bright blue coloring as he stared directly into Pikachu's eyes, Pikachu tried to move or even close his eyes but found himself unable to do so. His legs began trembling as bags started appearing beneath his eyes before the electric mouse stumbled forward and fell face first against the dirt as Ash could hear the familiar faint sounding snores that Pikachu made when he slept. Ash gritted his teeth while clenching his fist, he had never come up with a proper strategy against Hypnosis but who could blame him? Not many trainers he'd come across utilized that sort of attack, in fact Max was the first in literal years!

"Come on Pikachu, fight it!" Ash shouted out, desperate for Pikachu to wake up so they could show Max what they were made of.

Max looked on with a smirk before throwing out his arm. "Psycho Cut!"

Gallade's forearms began glowing light blue as he started to swing his arms repeatedly, sending multiple blue colored blades of energy flying through the air where they'd shortly meet, striking Pikachu's body as the mouse continued to sleep soundly.

"Pika..."

"Pikachu, fight it and use Thunderbolt!" Pikachu's cheeks sparked and for a moment it appeared that it had worked, only for it to turn out to be a false alarm as Pikachu was clearly dreaming.

"Close Combat!" Gallade rushed forward and began repeatedly punching and kicking Pikachu at a incredible speed!

"P-Pika..." Pikachu began to stir as he opened up his eyes, looking weakened but still able to fight as he regained his footing and gave Gallade a light glare as his cheeks began to spark.

Max's eyes widened as he'd thought that Pikachu would have been out long enough to beat him.

"Let's try this again, Hypn-"

"Close your eyes and use Volt Tackle, quick!" Pikachu closed his eyes and began racing forward, chanting out as his body became surrounded in the familiar glow of electricity as he charged directly at Gallade!

"Teleport!" Gallade's body glowed a bright white color before disappearing from view, causing Pikachu to continue charging forward before crashing against a nearby tree trunk, apples began falling from the tree not long afterwards, several of them landing on and conking against Pikachu's head as he got buried in an avalanche of fruit!

"Oooh, that's painful!" Zach flinched from the sight.

"Pikachu?!" Ash rushed over and began tossing the apples aside in order to get to his best friend, Pikachu's face was soon uncovered to reveal the electric type's eyes reduced to mere swirls as he let out a cry.

"Chaaaa..."

"Ha! I knew I could beat you!" Max had a cocky grin across his face as Gallade took his place by his trainer's side. "You're a great strategist but you don't have much experience dealing with status effects!"

Ash didn't say a single word as he lifted Pikachu up, he couldn't believe that Max of all people had managed to beat him. And Max had made it look so easy too! Perhaps his time in Alola had made him a bit rusty after all, the region was nowhere near as battle focused as the other regions! This wasn't the end though, he'd fight his way through the World Championship and then challenge Max again once he was ready, perhaps the two of them could have a bigger battle as well, they only made it a one on one as they didn't want to miss out on the exhibition match.

"...Oh Arceus, the exhibition match!" Ash shouted as he jumped back up onto his feet. "We're gonna miss it!"

"Hyper Beam!" Ash paused for a brief moment as the three made their way into the stands. It was a feminine voice and quite familiar at that though Ash couldn't place it as it sure wasn't Cynthia or Diantha! Didn't the promo state that Cynthia was battling against a fellow champion?

"Dodge with Dragon Rush!"

"Garrr!" The landshark Pokemon screeched out. A blue aura surrounded him as he swiftly maneuvered out of the way before striking his opponent in the back!

"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh! It's Cynthia!" Hearts appeared in Zach's eyes as soon as the battlefield came into view.

"Rio!" The jackal pup climbed onto his trainer's shoulder for a closer look, the two shivering with excitement as they went into fanboy mode!

"She's so amazing!"

"Rio!"

"Heh looks like she's facing off against the new Unova champion!" Max remarked with a sly smirk as his gaze fixated upon Cynthia's opponent. Zach's gave didn't linger from Cynthia but Ash was quick to look and tilted his head at the sight. That girl looks just like... but it couldn't be, Iris never had an interest in the Pokemon League challenge before perhaps this was a sister or her body double? He was well familiar with those as he'd encountered James' former fiancée who bore a striking resemblance to Jessie, Princess Salvia whom resembled Dawn and lastly Ritchie who even had the same Pokemon that he did!

"Haxorus use Dragon Pulse!" The opponent cried out.

"Hax!" A blue-green dragon shaped energy beam formed within Haxorus' mouth and fired off towards his opponent, the attack exploded upon impact and Garchomp let out a light grunt. Although the battle had apparently been going for sometime Garchomp looked as if he were merely scratched while Haxorus' breath had grown heavier as the Pokemon looked on the verge of passing out!

"Oh boy, she's gonna do the thing!" Zach uttered a shout of excitement as Cynthia pulled up the sleeve of her coat in order to activate her Mega Ring!

"Garchomp, let's show Iris just how strong our bond can be with Mega Evolution!"

"Gar!"

"Wait-That's actually Iris down there?!"

"Pika pi?!" Ash and Pikachu's jaws dropped as they learned that their friend had seemingly beaten one of the other Champions in order to take their title!

A bright pink glow enveloped Garchomp's body as he transformed into Mega Garchomp, the landshark uttered out another loud screech as the light faded away to reveal his form!

"Gar!"

"Oh wow, it's just as awesome as ever!" Zach gushed.

"Rio..."

Iris tensed up at the sight of the Mega Evolution but kept a cool head as she ordered another attack. "Haxorus use Guillotine!" It was really the only shot they had against Garchomp now. Haxorus lowered his head as he took aim at Garchomp and prepared to pierce the landshark with his tusks!

"Hax!"

"Giga Impact!" Cynthia swiftly ordered with a throw of her arm. Yellow and purple aura surrounded Garchomp's body as he took off like a rocket, blasting off across the field before throwing himself against Haxorus! Haxorus let out a cry as he was sent hurling through the air before crashing down in a collapsed heap before Iris as swirls filled his eyes.

"Hax..." Haxorus groaned out.

"Alright, way to go Cynthia!" Zach cheered alongside the rest of the crowd while Ash silently gazed towards Iris as he clapped his hands.

'I wonder how she went about becoming champion...'

"That was incredible, I've got to get a Mega Evolution of my own!" Zach's eyes were lit up with excitement.

"Heh, good luck with that. You'll have a real hard time finding a key stone let alone a Mega stone outside of Kalos and Hoenn!" Max smirked.

Zach immediately turned to Ash and clapped his hands together, for a moment it looked as if he'd even get on his knees and beg as he asked Ash the question. "Can we please go to Kalos or Hoenn soon?"

"Sure thing, I've actually been meaning to get my hands on a Mega Ring but it just sorta slipped my mind during my Kalos adventure." Ash rubbed the back of his back as he let out a nervous laugh. "Besides if trainers like Diantha and Cynthia have Mega Evolution then I'm to assume that other competitors will also be utilizing it. Best to keep an even field with the competition!"

The crowd soon went quiet as a well dressed figure stepped out onto the battling field with a microphone in his hand, his eyes scanning the crowd for a brief second as he began speaking into the microphone.

"Thank you all for attending the exhibition match as you all know I started the Pokemon World Champion alongside my good friend Mr. Goodshow, may he rest in peace, in order to unite trainers from all across the world but I've realized with how big and popular this event has gotten that it is no longer fair to only let the top eight compete in a tournament once the season is near its end, no... this year the top 100 will all enter a massive battle filled tournament where the winner will be declared World Champion!"

"Who is that guy anyways?" Ash muttered out, he'd seen matches of the World Championship before but had never actually seen the man speaking before.

"That's Chairman Rose, current chairman of the Pokemon League and founder of the revamped Galar League." Zach informed his friend. "He used to be quite the battler back in his day but he's retired now."

"And a refresher of the rules as I'm sure there are trainers looking to join up this season, using your Rotom Phone you can seek out challenges anywhere they're located across the entire Pokemon world! You have to be within a close distance to do so, but once you track a challenger down you can select the 'challenge' button and they must accept else risk forfeiting and giving up some of their points! Of course there are some special circumstances, no trespassing or doing any illegal acts to reach another challenger, if you're discovered doing so you'll be automatically disqualified from the competition. And if you're in the hospital, we have a special button that'll lock you out so nobody will bother your healing process. Also all World Championship matches will be viewed and recorded by my special Rotom Drones to ensure that there is no cheating!"

Rose snapped a finger and a yellow drone with Rotom's familiar face across the front of it appeared by his side, hovering in the air.

"Registration is now active and quite simple, all you have to do is synch your Rotom Phone or Poryphone with the official Pokemon World Championship app so we can make sure all your Pokemon are legally obtained and also receive any necessary information that all official Leagues require. Let's make this our best year yet, the 2020/2021 season starts now!"

The screen above the field lit up to showcase various competitors as they signed up from across the world, Ash could even make out a few familiar faces as he saw Paul, Korrina, Lt. Surge, the eldest of Brock's siblings, Barry, Palmer, Brandon and various others flicker by.

"And done!" Max put away his Rotom Phone before giving Ash a challenging look. "I'll see you soon, Ash. I've gotta get to work on grinding up my rank!" He got up and left, not giving Ash much of a chance to say goodbye as Ash had been busy registering himself for the competition. Ash was about to speak up only to realize Max had already disappeared within the crowd, he looked towards Zach and for a moment thought he was registering as well only to realize that he was merely playing Magikarp Jump.

"Hm? You're done?" Zach glanced at Ash before pocketing his own Rotom Phone. "I'm ready to get going whenever you are-er... where are we going exactly?"

Ash realized that he had a point, he had to start building up his rank somewhere but where?

"Why not start with Kalos? I haven't heard from my friends there in a long time although I'd like to head back home and let my Pokemon know what's up first!"

"Sounds like a waste of time if you ask me, you should begin working on your rank right away! As for me, I'm off to challenge the Gym Leader! Apparently he's participating so this is a good opportunity to booster my ranking!" Max remarked.

"So I guess this is goodbye for now then?" Ash questioned.

"Heh, obviously! But don't worry, I'm sure our paths will cross again in the future."

"And then we'll have a rematch, next time I won't lose!"

"Ha! Keep telling yourself that, at the rate things are going I'll be the World Champion!" Max flashed Ash a smirk before taking his leave. Ash silently glared after him before turning his attention back towards the battlefield.

"Wait, Iris!" Ash raced down the stands to try and shout out to her, hoping that the two could talk as it'd been quite some time since they'd done so but upon getting there Iris and Cynthia were already gone.

"Cooo!" A Pidgeot descended from the treetops resulting in Scorbunny uttering a terrified shout as she hid behind her trainer's legs!

"S-Scor!"

However Pidgeot had no interest in her or even her trainer as the bird dug his talons into Ash and pinned his back against the ground! "Cooo!"

Ash let out a chuckle as he gazed up at his Flying type. "It's good to see you too Pidgeot, I was actually hoping that we'd run into each other!"

"Ah so that's why you chose the long way? I was wondering why we went this way."

"Is Fearow still around?" Ash questioned before looking towards the sky as if he expected to see that feisty bird glaring down at him.

Pidgeot swiftly shook his head. "Cooo!"

"Has he been around recently?" Pidgeot shook his head. "How long, months?" Pidgeot shook his head. "Years?" Pidgeot nodded in response.

"Coo for how many years?" Ash continued to question.

"Coo, cooo, cooo, cooo!"

"That many, huh? You've been relatively trouble free right?" Pidgeot gave a swift nod of confirmation resulting in a smirk forming upon Ash's face. "That's great! Pidgeot, I'm currently participating in the Pokemon World Championship and I'd be honored if you came back and helped us though if you'd rather stay here with your flock, I understand." It had been years since they'd seen each other after all.

Pidgeot nodded without delay causing Ash and Pikachu to smile as Ash pulled Pidgeot's old Pokeball out from his bag. "Welcome back to the team Pidgeot, I look forward to battling with you again!"

"Pi Pikachu!"

"So this is Pallet Town, reminds me of home..." Zach commented as his eyes wandered over the landscape of the small town.

"Take it Wedgehurst is the same size?" Ash questioned.

"Oh no, Wedgehurst is a bit bigger. We've got an actual train station!" Zach exclaimed.

Ash let out a light chuckle as the two made their way towards Professor Oak's lab and Ash was in for quite the surprise as the door opened up to reveal Iris herself, still dressed in her champion gown. Iris' eyes grew wide at the sight of her friend and she was quick to throw her arms around him!

"Ash, you're back!"

"Hey Iris," Ash chuckled as he returned the hug with one of his own, it didn't mean anything however as the two were just friends simple as that! "So you're a champion now?"

"That I am!" Iris boasted as she pulled away from Ash to thumb towards her chest. "You inspired me to compete in the Unova League and after a lot of training and hard work, I was able to win the Vertress Conference and beat Alder!"

"That's awesome, I bet you're way stronger than Alder! How about we battle right here and-" Iris wagged her finger and silently shook her head.

"I swear you can be such a kid sometimes! Now isn't the right time or place for it, we'd just wind up destroying Oak's lab and possibly even the town itself! We'll definitely battle later though," Iris smirked before waving her hand. "But until then why don't you come in and join us? Your friend Brock is here and cooked us a large feast in celebration of his engagement to Olivia!"

"Brock's engaged?!"

"Pika pi?!" Ash and Pikachu's jaws dropped for the second day in a row.

Zach simply tilted his head as he didn't know who either of those people were. "Whose Brock?"

"Oh just you wait, Brock's the absolute best when it comes to cooking!" Iris gushed as she grabbed hold of the boy's hands and yanked them into through the doors of the lab before dragging them towards the dining room.

"Ash!" Misty shot up from her seat upon spotting her long time friend and former companion! "It's so good to see you again!" She'd let her hair grow out and ditched her usual outfit for a simple light blue jacket with a white one piece bathing suit visible beneath it.

"Hey Ash!" Dawn greeted him with a wave while Tracey gave a nod of acknowledgement.

"It's good to see you again Ash!"

"Ash!" Brock suddenly appeared and pushed Misty away from Ash in order to pull his best friend and brother figure in for a bear hug! "I was hoping you'd arrive here, there's something that I wanted to ask you! There isn't anyone more fit of being my best man than you, would you accept that honor?"

"Y-Your best man?!" Ash tensed up at the question before realizing that this was the second wedding he'd be attending which made him feel an unusual sense of loneliness. Unlike Brock and Zach, Ash never really put an effort in getting a girlfriend nor did many girls even get his attention. He remained completely in the dark to Anabal and Angie's emotions and only realized Misty and Serena's when it was too late, no doubt the four of them moved on. Cilan was convinced that Iris liked him and that's why she constantly teased him but Ash wasn't so sure. Giselle definitely got his attention and he found Lillie cute but he pushed those feelings aside to focus on his goal! Though it was time to push this emotion aside as he didn't want to ruin his best friend's moment! "O-Of course!"

Brock smiled and pulled his friend in for another hug before walking back towards the kitchen. "The food will be ready in just a few seconds!"

"And soon it'll be tasting time!"

"Simisage!" A series of familiar shouts could be heard from the kitchen, revealing Cilan and Simisage's presence.

Ash shot a quick look around the room before realizing that most of his companions were hear part from a few. "Where are Gary, May and the others?"

"Lillie, Mallow, Lana, Kiawe and Sophocles are all busy with their respective goals but they were sure to inform me they'll be at the wedding." Olivia informed while giving Ash a light wave.

"And Gary's ventured off to the Alola region to research Ultra Beasts," Professor Oak explained. "As for May, she's looking after the Gym while her parents take a much needed vacation."

"I see."

Zach meanwhile stood back as he felt overwhelmed by the large gathering, merely watching as he didn't feel right joining in. Dawn noticed him standing back and offered a light smile as she stood and made her approach.

"What a cutie!"

"Huh?!" Zach's cheeks glowed a dark shade of red as Dawn's words snapped him out of his trance. However it wasn't him who she referred to as she reached for his shoulder to pet Scorbunny!

"Scor!" Scorbunny let out a content coo as Dawn stroked her cheek.

"The name's Dawn, pleasure to meet you!" Dawn offered Zach a smile as she offered her other hand to him.

"Z-Zach, t-the name's Zach!" Zach stuttered out.

Dawn tilted her head before flashing a light smirk. "No need to worry, I don't bite!"

"It's n-not that... I'm just not good with crowds." Dawn formed an understanding smile as she realized that he was just shy. "E-Especially when there's attractive girls around!"

Zach's eyes widened and his cheeks glowed a dark red color as he realized what he'd just said, although it was true he hadn't intended on flirting with Ash's friends out of respect. Dawn covered her mouth as she began giggling, finding his behavior rather cute and not taking offense to it. "Well you can sit next to me if you like, I'm good company!"

Zach's cheeks began turning back to their light color and his nervous expression turned to that of a smile as he calmed down. "I-I'd like that!" He felt relieved that he'd have somebody to talk to during their time here as Ash would no doubt be busy talking to the others and spending time with his Pokemon, and he didn't want to take away from that.

Dawn smirked and waved her hand as she gestured him towards the dining room table. Cilan and Brock walked out from the kitchen not long after the two took their seats, carrying various pots of food to the table as the room filled with a delicious aroma!

"That smells delicious..." Zach began to drool.

"Just wait until you taste it, I can't decide whose the better cook between these two!"

"Pika pi!" Pikachu chimed in agreement with his trainer.

"Oh please, it's no contest!" Brock laughed out.

"Right, cooking is an art! I don't care if somebody prefers somebody else's dish to my own!" Cilan remarked.

"Well I think Cilan's is the best!" Iris boldly stated only to go silent as soon as she got a taste of Brock's cooking. "Mmm, this is good!"

"So Brock... when's the wedding?" Ash asked between bites, it only came to him to ask now. That way he wouldn't get carried away with the adventure and miss out on the wedding!

"About six months from now!" Brock excitedly exclaimed. "And I can't wait!"

"Nor can I!" Olivia giggled out as the two gave one another loving looks. Ash couldn't help but frown lightly at the sight and quickly began stuffing his face to mask his emotions. Ash's gaze did linger around the room though, spotting Tracey and Misty giving each other looks as they held spoons up to the other's mouth. And upon looking to his right in the hopes of a distraction he could tell that Dawn had taken quite a liking to Zach as the two were deep in conversation with one another. Even Iris appeared to have found somebody though she didn't mention them by name, almost as if she was embarrassed to say.

"Your boyfriend's welcome to join us if you like!" Brock offered.

"Boyfriend, right! Hahaha... I'll be sure to tell them!" Although she laughed a nervous expression began to form.

Ash gazed down at his plate and began to silently wonder if perhaps he was too focused on his dream, perhaps it wouldn't hurt to try and form a relationship with somebody.

Ash's Pokemon were all for his new goal and cheerfully cried out! Charizard, Bulbasaur and Squirtle rushed to embrace Pidgeot as he was welcome back to the fold while Totodile, Buizel, Oshawott and Corphish were quick to greet Slowpoke. Although he wasn't necessarily a Water type, he seemed perfectly at home near the lab's lake! Kubfu hanged back from the others and seemed right at home with Sceptile as the two stood with their backs up against a tree.

Ash then switched out a few members of his team before saying his farewell to Professor Oak and the others.

"Bye Ash and thanks again!" Brock waved. "Good luck with your journey!" He honestly wished he could go with him, as a traveling doctor he could basically go anywhere but he didn't want to abruptly leave once he and Olivia were married.

"Good luck Ash, I hope we can battle soon!" Iris waved.

"Be sure to catch plenty more Water types!" Misty playfully suggested.

"We'll take good care of your Pokemon like always!" Tracey added.

"Good luck you two!" Dawn waved. "I'm sure our paths will cross again soon!"

Ash and Zach waved at their friends until they disappeared as they reached the bottom of the hill. Thankfully they didn't have far to go as Delia's house was just around the block, however upon entering the yard a figure leaped out from the shadows of the night and began whacking the top of their heads with a broom!

"Mime, Mr. Mime!"

"Ow!"

"Scor!"

"Rio!"

"Pika..." Pikachu snarled out, his cheeks began crackling with electricity as he prepared to zap the culprit.

"Ow-Pikachu don't it's Mimey! Mimey, it's us we-"

"Chuuuu!"

"Ahhhh!"

"Rio!"

"Scor!"

"Mime!" Everyone dropped to the floor as Pikachu electrocuted them, the porch lights lit up the front yard as Ash's mother stepped out.

"Mimey what's going on-Oh my goodness, Ash!" Delia rushed to her son's aid as Pikachu apologetically rubbed the back of his neck.

"Pika..."

"Ash are you okay?!"

"Yeah, don't worry about me I'm used to it..." Ash lightly chuckled as he stood to his feet while Mimey helped Zach back up onto his feet.

"Mime, Mr. Mime!"

"What on earth are you even doing coming home this late? Don't you know it's dangerous? Of course Mimey mistook you two for burglars!" Ash nervously sweated as his mother lightly scolded him. "Sorry mom but I kinda got carried away visiting my Pokemon!"

Delia took a deep breath before offering her son a warm smile as she pulled him in for a hug. "Oh I can't stay mad at you, it's so good to see you again!"

"You too, mom!" Ash returned the hug which Delia held for a lingering moment before glancing towards Ash's newest friend.

"I take it your friend is sleeping here?"

"Of course," Ash nodded in confirmation.

"Then you sleep on the couch and let him take your bed!"

"What?! No way!" Zach was quick to say while rapidly shaking his head back and forth. "N-No offense Mrs. Ketchum I know you mean well but this is Ash's house, I'll take the couch and he can have the bed! It wouldn't feel right sleeping there..."

Delia couldn't help but smile at that. "Well the couch is right inside, I'll see you two in the morning!" She let out a yawn before walking back into the house. The two were quick to follow her with Zach heading towards the couch while Ash went up to his room. As Pikachu climbed in alongside him Ash stared up at the ceiling with a smile.

"Tomorrow we'll set off and start our new adventure, I can't wait to see who our first Championship opponent will be!"

"Pi Pikachu!"

I hope Emboar's enough to stop complaints of Ash losing, if Max had lost then he wouldn't be a threat at all. But yeah, I basically confirmed that Mega Evolution will be happening. It won't happen for awhile but I promise that it will, patience is key.

Champion Iris is a thing, yes. Some things Journeys did and even some episodes will be adapted!