Well here it is guys, the moment many have been waiting for. The Betrayal. I've already planned out the traitors based on characters I feel never got along 100% with Ash or never respected him as a trainer. And this chapter will also reveal who is firmly on Ash's side. With that let's get this over with!
After 7 long hours, the plane finally touched down in Vermillion City and soon Ash was wide awake again. As he looked to his right, he saw Serena still dozing on his shoulder and smiled. He really was blessed to have someone as beautiful and supportive as Serena to be his significant other and couldn't see any other scenario where they wouldn't be together. He then saw Pikachu also yawning and opening his eyes, the yellow mouse saw his trainer smiling at his girlfriend. Pikachu just smiled as he was happy to see his trainer in such a state and soon an announcement came through the speakers.
"Attention passengers this is your Captain speaking. We have officially landed in Vermilion City. In a few minutes we will be dismissing you all. Thank you for flying with Wingull Airlines and we hope you have a nice day."
Serena soon also woke up and realizing her position, smiled at her boyfriend and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Ash then said, "Well, it looks like we're back in Kanto. We should get ready to leave."
Serena nodded and a few minutes later, the plane was officially docked and the jet bridge was firmly attached to the doors ready to bring the plane's passengers into the airport. Ash, Serena and Pikachu were among the first to leave the plane since they were given First Class courtesy of Professor Sycamore and once they arrived at the gate, they started waiting for their friends. After they all gathered together, the gang then arrived at the arrivals and Ash soon saw a familiar face. He had brown spiky hair that was brushed to the side and black eyes. Wearing a confident smirk to go with his black shirt and jeans, it was none other than Ash's close friend and first rival Gary Oak.
"Ashy-boy! It's good to see you again." teased Gary.
"Gare-bear! Feeling's mutual." teased back Ash as the two childhood friends shared a fist bump to signify their brotherly bond.
"So these are all of your friends huh? It's nice to meet y'all. You probably know who I am but to clarify, my name is Gary Oak and I am an assistant to my gramps, Professor Oak. I'm also your chauffeur back to Pallet Town. Fortunately, since Gramps was able to know you were all coming, he told me to bring a van instead of a car. So hop on in." Gary said as he pointed to said vehicle.
The gang did as they were told with Ash sitting in the front so that the two could talk more and catch up.
"So I saw your Kalos performance, Ash and gotta say, that was one of the most epic battles I have ever seen. And to end in a tie no less, you and Alain are by far among the strongest." praised Gary.
"Gee thanks Gary. But all I can say is that it was a team effort. Everyone on my team pulled their weight and overcame the biggest obstacles to get there. So enough about me, what have you been up to since Sinnoh?" asked Ash.
"Well, after the whole Team Galactic mess, Professor Rowan sent me to Hoenn to study the weather patterns there to understand the unique effects they had on Pokemon. Through that I found out that certain moves become absolutely devastating under certain weather conditions. As a matter of fact, you experienced one yourself albeit partially." said Gary.
"I did?" Ash asked.
"Yup, during your Battle Frontier match with Spencer. You remember when your Sceptile used Solarbeam?" pointed out Gary.
Ash thought back and remembered it clearly now. "Yeah... so you're telling me the weather played a vital role in Sceptile achieving the move?"
"Yep. But since it was only natural sun, that was why it took time to charge. But through my studies, if you and Sceptile use either the move Sunny Day or are under areas with harsh sunlight, Solarbeam won't need any charging time and can be fired on the get-go. Same goes for your Bulbasaur." said Gary.
"Wow. Didn't realize that weather could be so helpful, but now that I think about it, it makes more sense. Whenever Goodra would use Rain Dance, I could see that it looks more refreshed and Greninja's moves are powered up even more." said Ash.
"That's another thing I also found out about while studying the patterns. It seems that certain Pokemon have abilities that activate in the weather. Your Goodra must have the ability Hydration which cures it of any ailments when in the rain." surmised Gary.
"I see. So what did you do after Hoenn?" asked Ash.
"Well after Hoenn, I was given an opportunity to go to Unova so I headed there and joined a group of scientists to study Pokemon habitats and seasons. I also met a guy who claimed to know you. Had green hair, wore a white shirt and black cap and spoke kinda softly." said Gary.
"You must have met N. He's a really nice guy who can actually understand Pokemon. Like he told me that he could hear them as if they were humans." explained Ash.
"Wow. That must be one amazing skill to have. If all of us could have that skill, I think it would play a great role in understanding a bond between a trainer and Pokemon." said Gary.
"Yeah that would be awesome." thought Ash as Gary finally arrived at Pallet Town.
"Well we're here guys!" Ash said as everyone soon got out of the van with Gary locking said vehicle after being the last to leave. Ash then headed over to his house only to see a notice on the door.
Dear Ash,
If you're reading this note, then I'm currently at the Professor's lab. I'm baking some of your favorite dishes and I know you want to enjoy them so stop by the lab when you have time.
Love,
Mom
Ash started drooling thinking about his Mom's cooking and showed the note to the gang who then joined Ash and Gary as they started walking up the hill to the Professor's lab. When they entered, they then saw not only Delia and Oak were there but everyone else from Brock all the way to Cameron.
"Ash my baby. Oh I missed you so much!" Delia gushed as she started squeezing her pride and joy in her arms.
Ash then returned the hug, since he always embraced the warmth in her hugs.
"Ash my boy. Congratulations on winning the Kalos League even if it was a tie. In my opinion, you still won. Ah, and you must all be Ash's friends from Kalos."
"Yes, it's a pleasure to meet you again Professor, my name is Serena." said Serena.
"My name's Clemont and this is my little sister Bonnie." said Clemont.
"Nice to meet you, sir!" chirped the young blonde.
"It's an honor to finally meet you Professor Oak. My name is Sawyer." said Sawyer.
"And I'm pretty sure you're aware of who I am, Professor. But my name is Alain." said Alain.
"And I'm Mairin." said the last member of the group.
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you. As you can see, me and Delia have taken the liberty of inviting all of Ash's friends and rivals to host a party to celebrate Ash's victory. Though I can say now instead Ash and Alain's victory since the other winner is here as well."
The Kalos gang smiled and soon joined in the festivities. After a few hours, Delia then asked Ash a question.
"So Ash, what's next on your agenda?"
"Well, I've been thinking about the Alola region. Ever since you told me about it mom, it sounds like a place I would love to relax. But I also heard that there's a thing there similar to the Gym Challenge called the Island Challenge and I was thinking about giving that a go." said Ash.
Delia sighed happily. Ash was always pumped to go to new places and she couldn't blame him especially since he inherited a love for adventure from her and her husband, Ash's father.
Misty then suddenly stepped forward.
"Actually Ash, I no we need to tell you something."
Ash then looked and saw Misty along with Tracey, May, Max, Drew, Harley, Conway, Iris, Trip, Burgundy, Georgia standing to one side with emotionless expression on their faces.
"Huh? What's up Mist?" he asked confused as to why they were all together.
"You need to give up." she stated rather bluntly.
"What?" Ash asked still confused.
Misty just sighed in frustration, "You need to give up on your dream, Ash Ketchum!" she shouted as the whole room went quiet.
"What did you just tell my son?" Delia said in anger.
"No offense, Mrs. Ketchum but your son is a failure." May said with a smirk.
"I can't believe you Misty, May and all of you. After all we've been through, you're trying to put him down?" said Brock with a disgusted expression on his face which was soon mirrored by the others.
"Ash isn't the only failure here, you are one too Brock." Max said smugly.
"In fact all of you are failures since you support one." Drew said with an equally smug grin.
"Geez, and here I thought I was the only one who had a superiority complex. But it looks like there are those who can't seem to learn their lessons." taunted Gary.
"You should just shut your mouth! Filthy simian." said Harley.
"Oh if we're simians then that makes you all dirt." fired back Paul.
"You tell them Paul!" backed up Dawn.
"At least I defeated his Pikachu with Serperior when he was only a Snivy. You couldn't even beat him with all 6 of your Pokemon." said Trip.
"If I recall, who also lost to Pikachu in a one-on-one when it evolved into a Serperior, Trip? You clearly lost a taste in memory if you're relying on victories rather than defeats." countered Cilan.
"You are all little kids who can't appreciate greatness. Ash only held us back and you can all do better if you side with us." yelled Iris.
"Really, Iris? I've heard you say that phrase a million times and I honestly see it the other way around." retorted Stephan.
"Please, Ash was crap in Unova and was crap in Kalos too. I bet me and Burgundy could wipe the floor with him." smirked Georgia with Burgundy agreeing with a smug grin of her own.
"Plus Ash, how many of your Pokemon have never evolved. Everyone knows the way to true strength is to force them to evolve whether they like it or not. Your Pikachu is a living example of your failures." said Tracey.
Now Pikachu was only ticked that they were belittling his best friend but they touched a nerve when they mentioned evolution. His cheeks now sparkling, he was ready to electrocute these bastards.
Max noted this and said, "C'mon Pikachu, ditch Ash, evolve and come with me. You'll be better off without him." as he reached to grab the yellow mouse only to be electrocuted by said rodent.
"You pathetic rat, how dare you attack my brother!" yelled May.
"ENOUGH! I've had enough of all of your BS. You can all either get out or feel my wrath!" Ash yelled his eyes now glowing blue.
"I agree! Tracey you are fired and all of you are now officially banned from my property." backed up Oak with a glare.
"You can't tell us what do you old fart! Gyarados drown them all!" Misty yelled as the Atrocious Pokemon attempted to do so with an evil smile only to be knocked back by a Dragon Claw from none other than a Mega-Charizard X who was growling.
"If you're going to fight dirty, I won't hesitate to retaliate." said Alain as his quiet rage was at an all time high.
"Grrrr! Everyone attack the filth!" as she called out the rest of her team with the rest of the traitors doing the same. Soon it was an all-out civil war but it was clearly in the favor of the loyalists since not only did they have the strength in numbers but all of Ash's Pokemon heard the commotion and outraged at hearing such comments being made rushed in to protect their master. Soon the war was over and the traitors' Pokemon were all down for the count. The traitors glared in hatred as their plan was ruined. Returning their Pokemon, they made a run for it. Barry was ready to chase after them but Ash then said, "No, let them go. If we attack them without a plan, things would get even worse."
"So what do you suggest we do, Ash?" asked Sawyer.
"Well, first off, let's enjoy the party." said Ash which made everyone fall anime-style. But soon they were all laughing since that was Classic Ash. Enjoy the moments in life first then plan ahead. So the party went on and without the traitors to dampen the mood, Ash was able to reconnect with everyone and learn what they have been up to.
Brock was now an official Pokemon Doctor assistant having finished his internship in Unova.
Dawn was considered one of the greatest Coordinators of all time now and soon found herself talking to Serena giving her tips on being one.
After his loss to Ash in the Hoenn league, Morrison decided to travel to Johto where he found a passion in Pokemon Sumo. With his now fully evolved Metagross, he became a prodigy in the sport and successfully defended his title for 3 years.
Paul went on a journey to find himself shortly after Sinnoh and in the end re-caught some of the Pokemon he once released when he originally deemed them weak. With a new mindset, he went back to Kanto and decided to attempt the Indigo League and won the conference only to lose to Lorelei. But this lose didn't weaken his resolve. Instead it made him vow to treat his Pokemon like friends and incorporate an Ash-like mindset when it came to training.
Barry ended up seeking training from his father who happily obliged and after several months, the blonde rival attempted the Ever Grande Conference where he made it all the way to the Semifinals only to lose to Ash's old Hoenn rival Tyson. But the match was said to be intense and very comparable to Ash's own against the Meowth Trainer.
Cilan continued to run his gym with his brothers but soon found himself devoting more time into his Connoisseur duties. So with the blessings of his brothers, he retired his position from the gym and became the world's first traveling Pokemon Connoisseur.
Stephan decided to retire from battling as he was slowly losing his passion especially since he found a bigger one in training others to be better trainers. So when he heard of the Fighting Dojo in Saffron City, he decided to go there and soon found himself becoming one of the masters of said dojo with many wanting to seek out tips from him.
Cameron ended up seeking training himself after Riolu evolved so he traveled the regions and studied under Chuck, Brawly and Maylene to better understand his partner. Soon, he found himself being able to understand Aura and going to Cameran Palace to study the ways becoming an Aura Guardian in training like Ash though the latter had briefly took a break from his training to continue his journeys. But now hearing how his Unovan rival was studying Aura, it made him want to study it again as well.
After hearing their stories, they all revealed that they were watching Ash's own League Match and were amazed when they saw what Ash could do with his Greninja.
"Say, Ashy-boy. What do you say we have a one-on-one. I want to see that Greninja of yours in action." said Gary.
"You're on Gary." replied Ash.
A few minutes later, Ash and Gary were ready for a spar.
"You'll remember this fellow for sure, Ash!" Gary said as he called out his trusty starter, Blastoise who grinned seeing it was his trainers' rival he was going up against.
"Oh I remember him alright, this is gonna be a Water-type bonanza." Ash said as Greninja leapt from the trees and landed perfectly on the ground calm, cool and collected but prepared to fight.
"Alright then I'll start things off, Blastoise use Dragon Pulse!" Blastoise obliged and launched to blasts of energy from his cannons which took the shape of dragons.
"Greninja, blitz in close to avoid the blasts and strike back with Aerial Ace." Greninja sped in easily dodging the blows and soon with fists and feet glowing white, started striking the Shellfish Pokemon with multiple blows.
"Blastoise tank the hits and blast it with an Aura Sphere." Blastoise grimaced and cannons facing firmly at Greninja, fired an orb of blue energy which hit Greninja causing it to cry in pain at being hit by the super-effective move.
"Nice one Gary." Ash praised.
"Not bad yourself, Ash. Your Greninja's speed is off the charts if it's able to dodge a Dragon Pulse by just running. But now this is where things get really started." Gary said as he pulled out his necklace revealing a very familiar stone.
"No way... Gary is that a?" asked Ash stunned.
"You bet it is. Now Blastoise answer my heart and Mega-Evolve!" Tendrils of energy surrounded Blastoise as it began the process known as Mega-Evolution. Once the light died down, Blastoise looked now even more bulkier and while it only had one cannon on it's shell now, it's arms were also covered in shells with a cannon sticking out of each one giving it a total of 3.
"Can't believe I get to see a Mega-Blastoise. Well then, Gary it's time me and Greninja show you our power!" Ash said as Greninja's eyes glowed red and soon a vortex of Water appeared around Greninja.
(Cue XYZ Opening Theme)
It's ears turned from yellow to black, it's face gained red stripes and finally the water swirled around his back to form a giant shuriken made of water. This was the mighty Ash-Greninja and everyone who now saw it up close for the first time could only look in awe.
"That is one amazing transformation Ash but let's see if it can match to another Mega. Blastoise use Water Pulse!" Blastoise lifted one of it's arms and launched a huge orb of water.
"Greninja, slice it with Cut!" Ash yelled and Greninja, forming two blades of white energy, dashed at the Water Pulse and cleaved it in half evenly.
"Blastoise strike with Dark Pulse while it's distracted." Blastoise then lifted its other arm and fired a beam of black and purple circles.
"Double Team!" Ash yelled as Greninja formed multiple illusions of himself.
Sawyer then had a flashback and smiled as he now knew what was going to happen next. After all it happened to him in his match against Ash.
As Greninja and his illusions jumped into the air, it's Shuriken also increased in size.
"Now Greninja show Gary your true power. Water Shuriken!" said Ash.
As Greninja took of the Shuriken off its back, he raised it into the air and it grew even bigger.
Gary was now panicking and yelled, "Aura Sphere!" Blastoise attempted to fire it with his middle cannon and it clashed with the Shuriken in midair...only for it be cleaved in half by the Water Shuriken and strike down Blastoise with full force. Blastoise went down and reverted back to its normal form with swirls in his eyes.
"Blastoise is unable to battle, the winners are Ash and Greninja." announced Oak who was the acting referee.
(End XYZ Instrumental)
Gary returned his starter and walking up to Ash and Greninja, he said, "Looks like you are the strongest here after all Ash. I'm proud to still call you my rival and more importantly my friend."
The two then shared a handshake and everyone smiled knowing this was a moment for the Prides of Pallet.
After the battle, Ash then made his announcement.
"Everyone, as you all know today there were some backstabbers who tried to put us down. But we showed them that none of us were slouches. I have also decided that I will be going to the Alola region to attempt the Island Challenge. If anyone wants to join me, you are all welcome but I will never force you guys to. But before that I'm going to go on a small trip around Kanto to recruit some old friends."
Serena then chimed in, "Ash I followed you through Kalos to never leave your side."
Ash then smiled and gave Serena a kiss on the cheek which made everyone who was unaware of their relationship jawdrop. They were all pretty aware that Ash could be quite dense when it came to romance but now here he was in a legit relationship.
"Oh my baby has a girlfriend now. I'm so happy for you, dear!" Delia cried.
"Aw... mom you're making me blush. But yeah right after the finals, she confessed to me and I'll admit that I too shared them." said Ash. He then turned to Brock, "Brocko, you were with me for most of my journey and I know you've been busy but I would love it you could join me again. I really miss the good ol' days.
Brock smiled and said, "Well you're in luck, I'm actually on a vacation myself after serving for 2 years. But my answer's yes, I would be honored to travel with you again Ash."
Everyone else then said something different but the message was clear: They couldn't join him in Alola but they'll stop by time by time to hang out which to Ash was more than enough.
Ash smiled and then said, "Well it's getting pretty late and I have a full day ahead for me tomorrow. Can you meet me tomorrow here at the lab, Brock?" asked Ash to which Brock nodded.
Soon everyone began cleaning up and the gang all separated with everyone already having made reservations to stay at inns. Ash however offered Serena to stay with him at his place which she happily accepted. So with that, Ash and Serena dressed into their nightwear and snuggling together once again, slept through the night ready for a journey to begin.
Man oh man was that one heck of a chapter. So yeah the Betrayal finally happened with the traitors acting like pompous pricks. We got to see an Ash vs Gary rematch and finally the plans are set for Ash to go to Alola but not before making pitstops. I'm also making Brock a more prominent character because everyone loves the guy whether it be being a womanizer or the big brother everyone needs. So with that, the longest chapter I've probably written in my career on this site is finished and be on the lookout for Chapter 4.