Brink Chapter 5:

As consciousness bean to return to Ash, he thought he could hear voices from other people. What confused him was that he thought he heard Jessie, James, and Meowth talking to someone who sounded like…an Officer Jenny…, and they were…cooperating?

But alas, sleep overtook the poor teen, and he again passed out.

When he awoke, for real this time, he found that night had already fallen, and he had been moved to one of Professor Oak's couches, with a blanket over him.

Ash noticed that Serena had fallen asleep on the adjacent couch, and a bandaged Pikachu lay curled up on his lap. No doubt they had both been waiting for him to wake up.

He grunted and sat up, being sure not to disturb Pikachu, and managed to get out of the blanket without doing just that. Ash stood, and proceeded out onto the ranch through the back.

He was surprised to find all of his Pokémon sleeping in various positions around the entrance to the Lab. Ash would have smiled at the fact that his Pokémon had been waiting to hear news about him, but the day's events weighed heavily on his mind.

First most of his friends turn their backs on him, and then Team Rocket destroys his Mom's restaurant, and the Ketchum family's financial stability. To say Ash was upset would have been an understatement. He was downright FURIOUS.

Team Rocket had been a thorn in his side for his entire journey. Not just the Trio that had followed him, but the entire organization as well. Ash suddenly realized that he was very lucky. He had never had a Pokémon successfully stolen from him.

But what about other Trainers who were not so lucky?

His train of thought was interrupted when he heard the door to the lab open, and he turned around to see Serena standing there.

"Ash I'm…I don't know what to say…I'm so sorry…"

"Thank you Serena." Ash replied solemnly. "What happened though? I think I passed out…"

"Well, the police heard screaming and what sounded like fighting in the woods. They followed, and apparently found you fighting Team Rocket." Serena answered. "Apparently the Jenny that had followed the noise initially woke up halfway through the battle, and heard what they did to your family. They managed to arrest five Team Rocket Grunts. She also heard Jessie, James, and Meowth help save you…"

This surprised Ash.

"Which reminds me," Serena added, "Officer Jenny told me to ask you to give a statement to her. The police are still here, conducting an investigation."

Ash remained silent.

"Ash," Serena continued, "I know you probably do not want to talk to anyone right now, but the sooner you give a statement, the better."

Ash was silent for a moment, then nodded and let Serena guide him to the investigating officers.

TIMESKIP: 2 WEEKS

It had been two weeks since the fire, and things were not looking all too good for the Ketchum family. Indeed, while the insurance was being processed, the gravity of the situation had set in.

Delia was distraught. Pallet House had been in her family for years, and with it gone, she didn't know what to do. Delia wasn't sure if she could set up a new restaurant, or if it would be worth it.

Jessie and James had agreed to testify in court against Team Rocket, their being fired and nearly killed being the final straw. In addition to Ash re-capturing his Ambipom, Jessie and James had re-caught their Unova Pokémon, who had been placed under mind control with the Crowns. Although they were mostly glad to be back, James was having a hard time trying to win back the trust of his Yamask, who had been very hurt at being given away. Aside from that, Meowth and the other Pokémon were recovering well.

May was upset as well. After her famous luck ran out and she had made the fire worse during the blaze, she would leave the Ketchum's house for sometimes hours at a time. The others were worried, until Brock decided to follow her one evening, and discovered her vigorously training her Pokémon, relying less on moves like Assist and Metronome, and forming a great deal of combinations and appeals for her Contests. When Brock asked her what she was doing, she answered:

"I can't rely on luck alone forever."

And indeed, she was trying to end her dependence on luck, and expand into strategy and tactics.

Ash was the hardest hit, and at first seemed to have lost all sense of his normal previous self. He barely spoke, barely ate, and barely left his room. Pikachu and his other Pokémon were worried. Some of Ash's Pokémon began training with each other vigorously, such as Charizard, Sceptile, Infernape, Torterra, Hawlucha and Greninja, as if to try and get Ash back. Ash's behavior worsened when the group was informed that the captured Rocket Grunts were unwilling to cooperate.

Then, Ash suddenly received a phone call, and he began leaving the house to go train with his Pokémon. Somehow, not only did he seem more determined, but also more focused. Whenever someone went to go check on him, they found that he was often trying to teach his Pokémon different types of moves, as well as taking into account things like typing, physical and special attacks, and immunities.

Then one day, about two weeks after the betrayal and fire, he gathered everyone together.

Ash sat in the center of the living room, with Clemont, Bonnie, Serena, May, Drew, Brock, Gary, Delia, Professor Oak, and (oddly) Jessie, James, and Meowth, the latter three who were still bandaged from their ordeal.

Ash stayed silent for a few minutes before he began.

"I'm glad you were all able to make it." Stated Ash, "and I wanted to say thank you all for staying by me and my family through thick and thin."

Everyone smiled at this.

"When I was fighting Team Rocket in the woods," Ash continued, noticing the flinches coming from the ex-Trio, "I noticed something, several things actually. First off, some of my older Pokémon that had been at the lab for a while were not as strong as I remember. I realized that my Pokémon had been out of action for too long, and that in addition to that, I was not maximizing their attack potential."

"As in?" inquired the Professor.

Ash seemed thoughtful for a minute, before explaining. "I had Kingler use Hyper Beam. Now don't get me wrong, Hyper Beam is a strong move. But I've heard that Kingler is more of a Physical attacker, and Hyper Beam is a Special attack. As a result, it wasn't really all too effective."

This caused everyone to think a minute.

"Hm," voiced Gary, "that is a thought. I suppose most Trainers simply use whatever powerful moves their Pokémon learn, as opposed to maximizing on their potential. Quite wasteful actually."

"Yes," replied Ash, "and through this, I have come to a conclusion. I need to improve. Improve by great amounts."

Delia had tears brimming in her eyes, "Ash, if I could, I would support you in another Journey, but our financial…"

She was interrupted by Ash raising his hand to say he still had more to say, "Mom, I know about our financial situation. But don't worry. I received a call from Scott, on behalf of Lance and the Pokémon G-Men."

Everyone's eyes went wide, especially Gary, Drew, Oak, Delia, Clemont and Bonnie who hadn't met Lance, unlike the others. Those that had were still surprised though. What would the Champion of Johto be doing calling Scott, asking to speak to Ash?

Ash let the news sink in before he continued. "Lance and the G-Men heard about my adventures, or rather, my many encounters with those Villainous Teams, and what happened two weeks ago. They say they want me to give a report about what I know about them, as they don't have all that much info on them."

"Indeed," continued Jessie, briefly surprising everyone, "Team Rocket routinely conducts prison breaks and hires lawyers to help get their captured Agents freed. Look at Butch and Cassidy for example."

"Yes," James added, "They do their best to remain as transparent as possible."

"As a result," continued Ash, "they have little time to interrogate and get information. Therefore, they cannot launch anything major without good evidence. That is why they have asked me to travel again, and they will fund me. In exchange, I will gather what information on Team Rocket, and any other organizations that rise. Keep tabs on them, and gather evidence, if you know what I mean."

He paused to let the information sink in again.

"Have you agreed?" inquired Gary.

"Not yet. I asked for some time to consider their offer."

Delia immediately stood up.

"Ash," she said, "I know you want to travel, but I can't allow you to do this. It's far too dangerous! You could get killed!"

"Mom…I'll be careful…"

"NO!" She sobbed suddenly, startling everyone, including Ash, "You don't understand! You mean so much to me! I can't lose you! Not after…"

"This is about Dad, isn't it."

This stunned everyone. Never had they heard anyone talk about Ash's father. Never had any of them even MET Ash's father.

"Exactly!" Delia continued, "After your father left, he never came back! We all had to expect the worst…"

"Mom," Ash replied, "I want you to know that I love you, and I'm proud to be your son. However, this isn't about you or me. Think about it! If I don't do something about these organizations, who will? What if no one does anything? They will keep harming the world! They have to be stopped!"

Delia, who was processing all she heard, paused. 'Oh Ash.' She thought 'You're so selfless. Those traitors don't know what they've thrown away. You're more like your father than you know…'

Ash decided to continue. "The League has also agreed to help set up a restaurant in a different location, possibly at Indigo Plateau."

Getting no response, he decided to continue further. "It's not just that. I want to become stronger. I NEED to become stronger. Not just to prove my ex-friends wrong, but to protect everyone and everything I care about."

The silence hung in the air for a moment. Then…

"They'll support you? Help set up the restaurant again?"

"Yes."

Another pause, which Delia looked like she was thinking about it intently, until she finally made her decision.

"Alright Ash. I'll allow it."

Instead of whooping, as one would expect from Ash Ketchum, he surprised everyone by smiling and embracing his mother. "I'll make you proud mom. And I'll protect the world"

"But if you get hurt…" She continued suddenly, "or if anything happens to you, I want you to know that I will not tolerate it anymore."

Ash smirked, but only briefly.

TIMESKIP: 3 DAYS LATER

It had been three days since Ash told everyone his offer. During those three days, the Ketchum Family had been discussing things over video phone, setting their affairs in order in Pallet Town, and began packing up the house. Delia had also asked Mimey if he wanted to be her Pokémon, and when he agreed, he was captured in a Poke Ball.

In addition, Ash had mentioned that his remaining friends were allowed to travel with him on his new journey.

While things seemed at least semi-clear to the Ketchum's, their friends were having a difficult time deciding what to do…

Ash was busy packing up some things in his room, when he heard a knock on his door.

"Come in," he called.

Brock stepped in, looking conflicted. "Ash," he started, gazing at his oldest travel companion. "I want to join you on this journey. Really I do…" he trailed off.

"But…"

Brock smirked: Ash was able to read him, no doubt from the years they travelled together.

"I can't just give up on my doctor training," he admitted, "I've come so far, and I still have a lot to learn. I just don't think I can come with you…yet."

Ash raised an eyebrow. "Yet?" he asked.

Brock smiled, "I know you Ash, and I know you dream big. You're not content with just this. I can tell you're planning something. And I want to be a part of it."

Ash smiled, as he extended his hand. "You'll have your place in it, Dr. Harrison."

"Not Dr. yet," Brock advised, as he took Ash's extended hand in a handshake.

When Ash shook Brock's hand, he felt something small and spherical placed in his palm. He opened the hand, and though it took a second to recognize it, his eyes widened.

"Brock, I can't…"

"Don't say that, man." Brock smiled, "I kind of took it on a whim. You were the one that helped save the Black Apricorn Tree while I went after Pineco. You were the one who caught the Apricorn as well. Therefore, I think you deserve this Heavy Ball. It would be a good idea to have several different types of Poke Balls in your bag. Besides, I'm not sure I'm going to need it, and I'm sure you'll need it at some point."

Ash pondered a minute as he held the miniaturized Heavy Ball from Kurt in his hand. Then he closed his hand.

"Thank you Brock. I'll be sure to put it to good use."

"That reminds me…" Brock pondered as he turned to leave the room, "Don't you still have a Fast Ball somewhere as well?"

Gary was looking over his Arcanine's health on the Oak Lab's medical computer, when he noticed Ash come in.

"Checking over Arcanine?"

"Yeah. I'm swapping him for my Dodrio: Arcanine's been restless here at the lab without me. It'll be nice to have him with me in my team again. "

A pause.

"Ash," Gary ventured "I'm impressed with the nobility you have invested in this. I must say I'm proud to be your friend. I want to be able to help you on your journey. But I don't know if I can."

Ash was taken aback by this: normally Gary was so confident.

"Is there a reason?"

"I'm not sure if I want to travel again…" Gary admitted. "I really must say that, well, my traveling days are over for now. I'm content working in a lab, making new discoveries. But, I'm not sure how I'll be able to stand on my own, if you catch my drift. How I'll move out from my Grandad's shadow, yet at the same time live up to his legacy."

With that, it all made sense to Ash.

"You're concerned that if you travel with me, you'll miss your chance to learn from him, right?"

"Exactly. I just don't know what to do."

Ash looked thoughtful for a moment, before he answered.

"I would recommend staying and learning from Professor Oak. I sense you want to learn as much as you can: Learn to be a Professor. Not just any Professor, the greatest! Besides, I think the professor will need a strong trainer to help him defend the Lab. You know, just in case." Ash stated, as he headed out to the Corral.

Gary smirked: Truly some things never change.

Clemont and Ash were talking in the Ketchum's yard, while Bonnie played with Dedenne and some of Ash's Pokémon.

"So Clemont…you and Bonnie have to head back to Lumiose?"

Clemont sighed and nodded his head.

"After the Lumiose Conference, the Kalos League Committee was concerned about the fact that I have Clembot running the Gym. They want to administer some basic Gym Leader tests to see if a robot is really capable of running the Gym." He paused. "Bonnie really wants to keep traveling, and frankly so do I, but we have to be sure that he Gym is in good hands…er…servos. It probably won't take too long to assure the League, to be honest, but I don't want to hold you up."

Ash smiled. "Well then, why not head back and then meet me in Viridian City.I plan to head there after I help mom set up the new restaurant. I have to start training, and I hear that Viridian is a good place to start, so I might spend about a week there. Plus, I released a Pokémon nearby and…"

Ash's expression saddened and he stopped himself.

"Y-y-you mean it?" Clemont asked, feeling hopeful.

"We can continue traveling with you?" Bonnie suddenly butted in, surprising the two teens.

Ash, despite what emotions he was feeling at the moment, couldn't help but smile at his youngest travel companion's antics. He answered their question with a simple nod.

"YAY!" Bonnie cheered, and happily hugged Ash. "Thank you so much! Why the long face though?"

"I broke a promise to that Pokémon."

May and Drew were feeding their Pokémon in the corral when Ash found them, while walking into the corral with a piece of paper in hand, trying to decide what Pokémon to take with on this new journey.

May was surprised when he told them what he was doing, even more so when he mentioned that he would now begin rotating his Pokémon on hand with his Pokémon in storage.

"I thought you liked forming strong bonds with your Pokémon? Not just leveling them to get stronger." May asked.

Ash smiled. "I do. But during this whole ordeal, I noticed something. My Pokémon seem to be losing their strength, rusting, if I leave them here too long and don't raise them myself. They need to be in top shape, as any Coordinator knows. I started rotating my team when I traveled through Unova, and I found it wasn't that bad a method. I found I could still form a strong bond with my Pokémon, especially if we were training. So I've decided to start rotating my Pokémon."

May smiled. "If it's okay with you, I've decided to accompany you on this journey."

"Hm?"

"Pokémon Contests have not yet reached out after Sinnoh and Johto. So I figured I would try to re-do the Kanto region Contests, and try again from there! You know 'if at first you don't succeed, try again!'" May grinned.

Ash smiled. He was starting to form a new travel group of old friends already. It was almost as if the betrayal had not happened.

"What about you Drew?" May asked her rival. Drew looked up after apparently spacing out.

"Not sure yet," Drew stated, a little too distantly. May noticed.

"Oh…" she said, "well I know since we're rivals and all, I still may seem a little awkward again, but I was hoping you would like to travel with us too!"

Drew raised an eyebrow to indicate his surprise.

"I'll have to think about that." he stated simply, as he walked off.

"Oh…" said a slightly crestfallen May. "Well okay, I hope you decide to come with us. What do you think Ash…"

But Ash had already followed Drew.

"What's your problem?"

Drew spun around after entering the living room of the lab, taken aback by such an abrupt question.

"What's it to you," Drew replied shortly.

"May just asked you to travel with us, and you brush her off coldly. What the hell!"

"With US." grunted Drew unhappily as e turned back away. "Wow, what a great way to invite a guy as a third wheel."

"It's about May isn't it? You're jealous."

Drew stopped suddenly.

"You're jealous about the other men in May's life. I'll admit it took me a great deal of time to figure that out, but I can tell now that I've grown up a bit. I wanted to say that if you smother her, you'll push her away. She has feelings too, you know, and you can't treat her like she's an object!"

A silence followed as Ash let the advice sink in. He was getting ready for a fight when Drew suddenly stated…

"You're right."

This surprised Ash.

"I like her." Drew began, "I really like her. I've felt these strange feelings ever since I first met her on Slateport Beach. She was different than all those fangirls I have that fawn over me. She actually acknowledged that I was an individual, with individual feelings, and not some hot man or a prize to be won."

Ash remained silent.

Drew continued. "And, for the first time I felt…happy, wanted, and like an individual."

This stunned Ash. Never had he or any of his companions heard about Drew's personal life.

"So," Drew went on, "it would be hypocritical of me to treat her like an object. But…damn. I really don't want to make excuses. I just…I feel like I have always been treated like an object, or a clay for someone to mold. It's been that way all my life. My family" a pause, as Drew thought out revealing some of his most controversial experiences. "My father, to sum him up in one word, was…overbearing. He constantly wanted me to follow in his footsteps, to take over his business, and to do who he decided. He wanted to mold me into his image. And my mother wanted essentially the same. Then I discovered contests, and I felt that…I could be…someone other than me…I really don't want to hurt May, but I guess I have had a bad example. But around her I feel…"

Ash smiled. "You don't have to worry. There is nothing going on between me and her. Nothing but friendship…and mentorship I suppose. But I'll admit, I'm a Battler, and she's a Coordinator, so I suppose that there is only so much I can tech her."

"But I'm her rival, and we compete…"

"You know what I've noticed about rivals," Ash interrupted, "I've noticed that the more I compete with my rivals, the better we both become. We seem to push ourselves to greater heights, and compete to surpass not just our rivals, but ourselves as well. I've had several rivalries over the years, some good, some rather derisive. But with all of them, I've noticed that we've both been improving, and growing to better terms with each other as we grow closer. Now think. If I managed to grow close with my rivals by competing with them, how close would I get by traveling with them, eh?"

Drew stared, as if he had just realized something.

Ash turned to leave, "You know…consider it."

Over the past few days, Serena had to admit that she was torn.

After she had competed in her first Master Class Pokémon Showcase, she had received an offer: an offer that required her to contact someone after she had stopped traveling.

She wanted to accept that offer, but after Ash's conversation with them about the Pokémon Leagues' offer, she felt that she didn't want to separate from Ash just yet.

He was so selfless, and she felt he needed her during these hard times.

Which is why she was now on the video phone with Palermo right now, trying to bring herself to say the words that she felt needed to be said…

"I can't accept your offer just yet." Serena said, unable to tell Palermo 'At all.'

On the screen Palermo stared at Serena for a good while, as if trying to read her facial expressions.

Then…

"You're not telling me the full truth, are you?"

Serena was shocked.

Palermo continued nonetheless. "You don't have any confidence, and you look like you're trying to force the words out. I think you're lying to me."

Serena nodded, numbly.

"Why is it you contact me before you are done traveling?"

"Because my Kalos journey is over," Serena admitted, after a moment, "and I still feel like I need to learn things. I was going to go on another journey, to learn how to be a Pokémon Coordinator in Pokémon Conteests as well, and learn how to make others happy. Just like Aria."

Serena suspected that mentioning her greatest rival to her greatest rival's former teacher would not help, and for a moment, Palermo didn't respond.

"Pokemon Contests, correct? Males can participate as well?"

"Yes."

Another pause: then an admission.

"Serena, I'm not going to evade the truth. The Pokémon Showcase Committee has been receiving multiple complaints about the Showcases themselves."

Serena was surprised. "What do you mean? What are the complaints about?"

"To be frank, many are concerned that Showcases are rather sexist. Many feel that they are reinforcing gender stereotypes, especially since they are girl's only competitions, and that many tasks the Performers undertake are rather stereotypical and sometimes degrading and even menial."

"You feel similar?" Serena ventured, having caught on to some of the words Palermo used.

"I can't say I'm pleased to hear this," Palermo admitted, "especially since I work a great deal to promote and manage them. But I have to admit that these critics have some good points."

Serena was amazed.

"There have been talks," Palermo continued, "of possibly adapting the Showcases to a Showcase-Contest hybrid, and to eventually allow males to participate as well. I've been asked to act in an advisory capacity on this matter, and while I have heard about Pokémon Contests, I have never participated in one, or observed them thoroughly. I have heard some great things about them, however. I was wondering…"

Serena subconsciously held her breath.

"…if I could ask you to try these Pokémon Contests. See what they entail, if they are good, and if it is possible to adapt our Showcases to fit their criteria. I have also heard that others have made similar offers to some of your rivals."

Serena's eyes lit up even more!

"If you do this for me, I will be able to keep my offer open for when you are ready. Besides, I believe that a fresh perspective is always good. Will you do this?"

Serena had to resist the urge to jump up and say 'Yes!' at the top of her lungs. Instead, she settled on a big smile, and a grateful "Yes that would be good. Thank you so much."

"I'm glad to hear it," Palermo said, with one of her wry smiles, and the call ended.

'Perhaps,' Palermo thought to herself as the call finished, 'I should be thanking you…'

A couple days later…

Ash, Serena and May were packing their belongings, getting ready to travel to Indigo Plateau to accompany Delia and the Ketchum family's belongings in the moving trucks. The house that the family had lived in for years was now empty, and the yard devoid of Delia's garden: it was a rather unnerving sight for most of the Pallet Town residents, many of whom were well acquainted with the Ketchum Family. The residents were upset to see such a prominent and friendly family go, but they knew that there was little left in the town for the Ketchum's, now that Pallet House was no more.

Brock had left a day ago to return to his training in Johto, and Clemont and Bonnie were preparing to return to Kalos briefly. Jessie, James, and Meowth had been placed in protective custody to protect them until their testimony at the trial of the captured Rocket Grunts.

In spite of everything, Ash felt bad for them. True they had harassed him and his group throughout their journey, but there seemed to be something between them; a sort of grudging respect, if you will.

Ash also felt that he now had a similar uncertain future with the , he had a bit more of a difficult time trying to understand them. But as far as he knew, they had been in Team Rocket for as long as he knew them. Now they had nothing, and were wanted by said organization.

But alas, Ash still felt upset at them. They hadn't had too much time to talk to him between the conversations Ash had with the group about his new journey and when they left for protective custody, and apparently, they had not even tried for some reason.

Alas, these were his thoughts as he walked back to his former house from the Oak Lab after selecting some Pokémon to take with him. He had selected Pikachu, Charizard, Totodile, Bayleef, Sceptile, and Noivern. Although he had some stops to make on his journey as well.

As he approached his old house, he saw a small crowd of friends, including Gary and Professor Oak, saying goodbye to Delia, and eventually him too. Tears were shed and hugs were shared, and it tore at Ash's heart to leave the town he grew up in.

Eventually, deciding he needed a moment, he excused himself from the crowd and headed over to the now-empty garden that his mom loved so much. He found May and Serena there, talking about the upcoming adventure they were going to have.

As he didn't seem to be noticed right away, he stepped up to the front door, and mused. This would be the last time he looked at this familiar front door, possibly forever.

Though he suddenly remembered most of his friends turning their backs on him, and it seemed to help him a bit. His train of thought was interrupted when he noticed a Pokémon's shadow above him, getting closer.

As Ash, Serena and May looked up, they noticed a Flygon landing on the ground, and were surprised. As the Flygon landed, a familiar figure stepped off the Dragon Pokémon.

"Hey," Drew Hayden said to the surrounding group. He seemed…different somehow. Not to be deterred, he walked over to May…was that a blush on his face?

"May," Drew began, "I wanted to say I'm sorry that I walked off earlier. I…had a lot to think about…" he continued, avoiding the subject of his confrontation with Ash. "And I feel terrible about snubbing you like that. I must say that I really enjoyed these past few months traveling with you, and…although I'm not sure about traveling with a group, yet…I'm willing to give it a try."

No one said anything for a moment…then…

"Gee, I'm not sure…I was awfully snubbed…," May said thoughtfully, although everyone could tell that her voice was dripping with sarcasm.

"Well, on one condition…"

"Yes?"

A wry smirk. "You tell me why it took you so long to lighten up and travel with us."

Drew was taken aback briefly, but then he smirked, "Well, April, if you were listening, I mentioned it already. I'm not sure about traveling in a group."

"That's not a reason!"

"Yes it is. Oh, before I forget…" He said making everyone smile. "Ash, those former Rockets wanted me to give you this." And he handed Ash an unmarked envelope.

Ash quirked an eyebrow, but he took the envelope and opened it to find a letter addressed to him.

Dear twerps…err kids,

This is James here, writing the letter on behalf of all of us. Meowth is still recovering, and Jessie is still unable to bring herself to face you after…what happened. However, I think I speak on behalf of all of us when I say I wanted to thank you for what you did. Saving the life of some folk who pretty much stalked you over the course of your journey.

We also wanted to say that we are sorry for that. I know it may seem cheap to say this, but I feel it is necessary. Team Rocket was everything to us, and we followed it to out end. Not our real end so to speak, but our metaphorical journey, if you know what I mean. I must say though, it was a great experience, traveling the world, and seeing all the sights, saving it a couple of times too.

We are planning on making amends for our misdeeds by testifying in court and assisting the authorities in investigating Team Rocket. It will take a while, but after we are done, we hope to…I don't know…join you on your journey? I must say, it will be nice to see the world from a different perspective, and to be honest, I have to try and win Yamask's trust back. We really hope we are able to make it up to you this way, and prove that we are not so bad after all.

Hope you accept our apology…

James…Jessie, and Meowth.

Ash finished reading the letter and smiled. So they did care…

Maybe he could forgive them…maybe.

In the meantime, he turned to Serena, May and Drew. "Alright guys. Let's head to Indigo Plateau and help my mom set up a new restaurant, and then we'll head to Viridian City, and meet up with Bonnie and Clemont. Then…we start a new adventure!"

AN: Sorry for the late update. I have had a great deal of distractions, and it was a long chapter to write, I hope not to disappoint though! Alright, the next chapter will take place after a time skip, and hopefully I can move on to some more interesting events in this story, and introduce the OC's I have planned. I know I took a long time to set up the backstory, but I hope I made sense.

As usual: Read, Reivew, Tell me how I can improve, and thank you to all that did that so far! It has really helped me keep going!

Peace out dudes!