A quick author's note before we begin our regularly scheduled fic:

This is in regards to my choices for Ash's team in the Sinnoh league finals. I knew it was inevitable since this is the internet but someone will always whine about my decisions.

Once again we look to Swellow, Ash's go-to-flying Pokemon in the Hoenn region. Someone pm'ed me that picking Swellow for the finals is a 'monumentally stupid-ass decision' (his words not mine) and I should've brought in Pidgeot or Noctowl instead.

What is your problem with Swellow, huh guys? Yes it's a common Pokemon since it evolves from Taillow but please, stop giving it so much flak. Remember, I'm somewhat basing this on the anime and it was already shown that it's possible for even legendaries to fall.

Articuno, the three regi's, darkrai, and latios ring any bells anyone?

What's that? What about type advantages? Like I said, I already know about effin type advantages. Once more to reiterate, I'm using anime laws! Having a type advantage in the anime is helpful but isn't a-hundred percent sure that you'll have the guaranteed win.

Oh what's this? You're saying it's unrealistic for a simple Swellow to beat a legendary? Two words. BULL-SHIT. So you're saying it's unrealistic for a Swellow to win but it's pretty acceptable for a FUCKING Pikachu to beat a Regice and draw against a Latios?

Huh, you're saying that's not fair since Pikachu is at least experienced? Again, I say bullshit! Swellow is probably the most experienced flying type currently on Ash's squad with some pretty memorable feats. Pidgeotto/Pidgeot only stayed for Kanto. Noctowl stayed for Johto. Staraptor for Sinnoh and Unfezant for Unova.

Swellow stayed for both Hoenn and the Kanto Battle frontier. And in that short time, he's got a pretty impressive track record. As a Taillow, he endured multiple thunderbolts and even a freakin Thunder attack from everyone's favorite rodent. Despite having Pikachu's help, he was still able to use the electricity from the thunder attack instead of hurting him. Does anyone get it? He actually benefitted from something that could potentially kill him.

Not convinced? How about the time he endured a straight-up close range Hyper beam to the face after his defense was weakened and still managed to win. Or when he beat a Hariyama and a Donphan back-to-back in a Hoenn league match. The same match he stopped a much heavier Donphan with leg strength alone after taking too many rollout attacks.

Finally, he even had the strength to crack a Metagross' skin (?) Or armor, I think. I don't know what the hell to call it actually.

Okay that's it for now. I think this author's note is dragging on again. I sometimes ramble. My point is, Swellow is a pretty badass Pokemon. He's just usually overshadowed by Pikachu, Charizard, Sceptile, and Infernape to name a few. (I mentioned the following Pokemon since they were given the most character development in canon)

CHAPTER V: An unexpected reunion!

Last time: "Okay! Santalune city here we come!"

And now:

"Okay, I admit it! We're lost! Stupid map!"

"Pikachuuu…"

Ash could only sheepishly rub the back of his head as he listened to his starter Pokemon's grumbling. "Okay maybe I should've paid extra for that fancy pda with the built-in gps but in my defense, twenty-thousand Pokedollars seemed like a huge rip-off. So why buy it when I can get a map instead?"

The small rodent made sure to give his friend-slash-master a very cross look in response.

Raising his hands in defeat, the Pallet town trainer could only avert his gaze elsewhere. "Okay, fair point. It's not like I paid full attention to Brock's lesson when it comes to navigating…"

The raven haired youth then heard the small rhythmic taps of Pikachu's foot and he felt his ears burn in embarrassment. "…Alright, I didn't pay attention at all! I was too busy admiring the trophy! Are you happy now Pikachu?"

Ash couldn't help but glare when the small Pokemon sent him an incredibly smug look. "Yeah yeah Pikachu, you've made your point. I should've bought the pda at least."

The young male then let out a wistful sigh as he began reminiscing while continuing their trek through the woods. "Besides the whole training thing, I didn't seriously thought about the smaller details. Ahaha, we've always had good ol' Brock-o to count on huh buddy?"

The electric type agreed as well and gladly mirrored his trainer's expression. Brock was at least a good number two on his good guys list, with Ash himself being number one. Pikachu then let out a sigh as he fondly looked back at all of the meals he'll definitely miss.

Seeing his Pokemon's expression, Ash was quick to kneel down on one knee and comfort the small rodent. "I know it's tough Pikachu. I miss Brock too. I can at least promise you that I'll do a better job of leading from now on. After all, I promised him and mom that I'll take care of all of us."

"Chaaa…"

Ash then laughed a bit from the feeling of Pikachu's fur tickling him as the small rodent nuzzled him with extreme care. "Ahaha. Okay that's enough Pikachu. I think it's time we get back on track huh buddy?"

Said Pokemon happily nodded in response. Grinning, the pride of Pallet town then stood tall once more and plucked out a single Pokeball off of his belt. "Alright! Charizard, we need a little help here!"

Once the orange dragon fully materialized, the larger fire type let loose his signature earth-shaking roar that managed to scare off any wild Pokemon in the vicinity.

Charizard then noticed his surroundings and couldn't help but snort. The flame Pokemon then sent his trainer a teasing smirk as he crossed his arms in disbelief.

Pikachu just settled for a light chuckle as he scampered onto the orange dragon's back. As for Ash, the raven haired youth was quick to follow his starter's lead while blushing again out of embarrassment. "Yeah yeah. Laugh it up. Sixteen year-old Ash Ketchum still gets lost…"

The Pallet town trainer then groaned when his two loyal Pokemon proceeded to laugh like there's no tomorrow. 'Stupid Geography…It's not my fault I'm directionally challenged.'

-(scene change)-

Back on the forest below, not every Pokemon high-tailed it as soon as Charizard roared to the heavens.

Large yellow eyes looked on in awe towards the sky as the orange dragon's form slowly disappeared in the distance.

The small blue Pokemon clenched his trembling webbed hands at the mere thought of getting to that level of strength one day. That sheer power and speed? Incredible…

"Fro-Froakie!"

-(scene change)-

"Y'know when I first left home, it was a little scary. But with you here Fennekin, it isn't so bad!"

Said fire type yipped in agreement while proudly strutting her stuff on the old dirt path. Serena then giggled from her new partner's antics while making sure she keeps an eye on her pink pda.

The honey colored blonde then let out a small shriek once she felt something heavy land on top of her hat. "Oh my God! W-What is it?!"

A shrill cry then pierced the air and both Fennekin and Serena flinched from the unknown sound. The next thing she knew, Serena felt absolute pain as something sharp kept hitting her scalp.

Quickly taking off her hat, the mysterious culprit leaped off towards the ground and revealed itself to be a small brown bird who looked ready for a fight.

Rubbing her sore head, the honey colored blonde glared tearfully at her new adversary. "Geez! Just what is it about bird Pokemon that seemed to hate me?"

Fennekin also mirrored her trainer's expression and began angrily barking while standing protectively in front of Serena with a determined look on her face.

The fire type felt one of her eyes twitch when the tiny bird Pokemon responded kindly with a very rude gesture.

After recovering somewhat from her pain, Serena wasn't amused either and opted for pulling out her Pokedex instead.

"Pidgey, the tiny bird Pokemon. Among all the flying Pokemon, it is usually the most gentlest and easiest to capture. A perfect target for any beginner trainer to test his or her Pokemon's skills. Its signature moves are Gust and Sand attack."

Nodding at the information, Serena then gained a more confident look in her blue eyes. "Alright then! I'm not one to look for a fight but this is perfect for us rookies! Are you with me Fennekin?"

In response, the small fire type yipped in excitement as she settled into a more proper fighting stance.

With a wave of her one hand, the honey colored blonde was eager to make the first move. "Let's do this! Try an Ember attack!"

Said orange fox then unleashed a barrage of small flames from her open mouth. Acting quickly, her opponent immediately took to the skies and countered with a strong gust of wind.

Pidgey then repeated the same rude gesture from the air and Fennekin felt herself getting more ticked off at the tiny bird Pokemon. Another ember attack soon followed and the same sequence happened once more.

Serena then gritted her teeth in frustration as she noticed her starter flinching in pain from the strong winds. 'Not good. That Pidgey has the advantage while in the air. I can't just keep on spamming the same attacks in a row. I've got to think of something or this battle is over!'

The honey colored blonde then winced when her Pokemon failed to dodge another gust attack. Judging from how shaky the fire type's legs are, Fennekin doesn't have much stamina left. A couple more hits and it's over. 'W-What should I do?! I can't think of anything!'

Clenching both her fists in frustration, Serena knew it was wrong to panic in this situation but clearly, her nerves are getting the better of her. 'What should I do?! I can't let Fennekin down! I'm her trainer!'

As the battle went on, Serena then widened her eyes as she thought back towards a certain raven haired youth's accomplishment in the last week. 'That's it! What would Ash do…?!'

The honey colored blonde felt herself smirk as a plan began forming inside her head. "He'd think outside the box! I've got to do the same thing somehow! Fennekin, are you with me? I've got an idea!"

Despite the pain, the small fire type still had the energy to nod back with a determined look etched on her face.

"Try and bait it down with Tail whip!"

Fennekin then managed to dodge another gust attack by chance and responded by waving her tail in a taunting fashion.

Feeling more ticked off, the tiny bird Pokemon let out an indignant screech and followed it up with another gust. Unfortunately for him, the small fire type dodged yet again and repeated the same attack.

Abandoning all sense of reason, Pidgey then promptly nose-dived at incredible speeds towards his target. A text-book Tackle attack. The only thing on the flying type's mind was absolute victory.

Serena then pumped her fist in excitement as she saw the reckless charge and knew it was checkmate. "Yes! He's wide open! Use ember again Fennekin! Let's make it count!"

Gathering all her energy's reserves, said fire type then unleashed her biggest ember attack yet. One split second later, the attack easily connected and a defeated Pidgey crashed down back to earth.

Acting quickly on instinct, the honey colored blonde instantly pulled out a spare Pokeball from her bag and chucked it towards the wild Pokemon.

Serena then bit her lip nervously as she eagerly watched the red and white sphere roll back-and-forth. In actual time, it was only three seconds but for her, it may has well been forever.

The female trainer then remembered to breath when a resounding click on the Pokeball's mechanism was clearly heard.

Serena then blinked once. Then she blinked twice, and finally thrice.

Snapping back into reality, the honey colored blonde then let out a victorious cheer as she picked up her newly acquired party member's Pokeball and raised it high into the air. Right beside her, Fennekin was more than glad to mimic her trainer as well. "We did it Fennekin! We won! I even managed to catch my first Pokemon! This is amazing!"

Serena then proudly beamed at the Pokeball clutched in her right hand. "We may not have gotten a good start but I'm sure we'll make a good team, Pidgey!"

-(scene change)-

"Excuse me miss, this is the Santalune Pokemon center right?"

"Why yes it is. I'm nurse Joy, what can I help you with?"

A certain honey colored blonde smiled gratefully in return as she handed over two Pokeballs to the older woman before her. "For now, I want to recover my two Pokemon if it's alright?"

In response, the pink haired nurse was more than glad to return the smile. "It would be my pleasure! Just present your Pokedex later when they're ready to be picked up!"

Acknowledging the new piece of info with a nod. The younger girl then straightened out her back as she began to reminisce the events of the past few days. It would have been an easier trek if her newly acquired Pidgey wasn't too stubborn in the first place.

Luckily for her, the tiny bird Pokemon was easily pacified with treats for now…

Serena then let out a long sigh and can't help the sad train of thoughts that soon followed. "Some trainer I turned out to be…the first Pokemon I caught and he won't even listen to me…"

"Things aren't going so great at the start of your journey huh?"

Startled by the familiar voice, the honey colored blonde turned her head and saw it was the same nurse from before. Blushing a bit out of embarrassment, Serena couldn't help but lower her head a bit. "O-Oh Nurse joy! I didn't notice you there!...U-Ummm, you managed to hear what I said, right?"

Said older female nodded in response. She then proceeded to give the younger girl before her, a gentle smile. "Sorry about that but yeah I heard everything. Anyway, I just wanna say 'don't give up yet!'. I've seen a lot of trainers had their fair share of rough starts but they still managed to turn things around for the better! You could do the same as well! I know you can!"

Serena then felt her face grew even redder from the encouragement. Growing up, she was always weak to praises. "I appreciate the gesture nurse Joy…" A few seconds later, she then felt the same feeling of doubt creeping up on her again as she remembered all of her faults so far. "I-It's just that I can't help but feel that I'm in way over my head! I even barely know what I'm doing as a trainer! Talk about sad, am I right?"

"If you feel so inadequate then why not learn?"

Something gleamed in Serena's blue eyes as she felt them widen in shock. The younger girl then looked at the nurse before her smile in a teasing way. It was as if she knew something that only she knows. The perks of someone being more older and experienced she guessed. "L-Learn…?"

In response, Nurse joy's smile seemed to widen. "Yep! I know it's scary after taking the first step on your journey. Trust me, I've been there as well. But believe me, it won't help you in the long run if you second guess now of all times! Once you take that first step then all you can do is keep moving forward! And the only way to move forward is to learn! Then one day, you'll look back and wonder what was so scary in the first place!"

A small fire was now lit in Serena's eyes as she felt her confidence rise up once more. "W-Wow! Thanks a lot nurse Joy! It wasn't even your job to cheer me up and you still went out of your way to do it! You're incredible!"

It was now the much older woman's turn to blush in embarrassment as she sheepishly waved off the blonde's praise. "Ahehe. It's no problem at all. It was just the right thing to do, so it was my pleasure!"

Nurse Joy then grabbed a hold of a pamphlet from the counter near her before handing it over to the much younger girl. "Anyway, I'm sure you already know but the best place for you to start is at the Santalune city trainer school! I'm positive it'll help you grow more as a trainer!"

Serena's eyes widened in acknowledgement as she slowly began skimming the contents of the piece of parchment. "Yeah, I remember professor Sycamore said it was even sponsored by the Pokemon league! With all the travelling lately, it sort of slipped my mind."

The younger of the two females then smiled as she made sure to put away the pamphlet for now. "Thanks again Nurse Joy! This is exactly what I needed! I'll be sure to pay a visit with my Pokemon later!"

Said nurse was more than glad to accept her thanks. Helping rookie trainers is Just as an important aspect of her job. For her, it's in the same level of healing the sick and injured. "You're welcome! And don't be a stranger either! In case you're still having doubts then feel free to talk to me or any of my relatives. We all work in different branches of centers and you're bound to run into any one of us! Just like me, we'd be glad to help you…uuhh miss…?"

The honey colored blonde then gasped slightly and it wasn't long before she felt her face grow red once more. "Oh I'm so sorry! I didn't even introduce myself! My name's Serena Yvonne! I hope you're not too mad?"

The much older female just opted to wave her one hand in a reassuring motion. The gesture even came with a familiar smile that reminded Serena of her own mother. "Ahehe. Don't worry about it! How about we just call it even since I did technically eavesdropped on you. What'ya say Serena?"

Said trainer giggled a bit and was internally glad that there was no hard feelings between them. "It's a deal!"

A small beep then made itself known and forced nurse Joy to momentarily shift her attention to the terminal on her right. The older female then gave an apologetic smile to the trainer before her. "Oh looks like I have to get back to work for now. I'll chat with you later Serena, it's been really fun!"

"Likewise. It was really nice! I'll see you later nurse joy!"

As said nurse slowly disappeared from her view, Serena began to reminisce about her journey again but this time, in a more positive light.

She found a friend in Fennekin and nurse Joy and somewhere down the line, she's positive that she'll gain Pidgey's trust and friendship one day as well.

And last but not least, she received her mother's blessing and was free to find her own dream.

Serena then absentmindedly touched her good luck charm with a soft smile gracing her features. The charm itself is nothing but a simple bracelet with a strange jewel embedded on the band's center. 'My journey may not have a great start but it doesn't mean I should just quit and run back home! After all, you'd never give up either, right Ash?'

-(scene change)-

"Let's end this guys! Bulbasaur use Razor leaf! Totodile use Water gun!"

Two figures then fell flat on their faces in utter defeat. One was a huge yellow bee with drills for hands and the other was a small red lion cub. A Beedrill and a Litleo respectively.

Their trainer, a young man wearing blue shorts and a cap of the same color then let out a small groan before recalling his fallen Pokemon. "Aw man! There goes my hot winning streak for the day! We weren't even close to winning!"

As for Ash, the more experienced trainer sent the much younger man before him an easygoing grin before recalling his own teammates back into their respective Pokeballs. "Ahehe. Don't be too hard on yourself Joey, it was still an awesome match! You really gave Bulbasaur and Totodile a run for their money!"

The now revealed Joey then blushed a bit from the praise as he sheepishly rubbed the back of his head in response. "Ehehe. Thanks Ash! That means a lot coming from a big-shot trainer like you!"

It was now the raven haired youth's turn to look away in embarrassment as he lightly scratched one of his signature birthmarks. "Hey now, I'm not a celebrity or anything like that. I'm still your average trainer!"

The look of disbelief etched on the youngster's face was more than enough for Ash to know that Joey had a hard time in believing his previous statement.

The pride of pallet town then chuckled a bit as he absentmindedly gave the younger male before him an honest-to-good smile. "It's the truth, I swear! It's not like I'm a member of the elite four or even a regional champion yet. I know, I still have a long way to go if I want to be on the same level like Cynthia for example."

Despite Ash's opinion, the much younger trainer wasn't even the slightest bit deterred in his enthusiasm. "No way! After seeing your match with Tobias, I know you've got what it takes to definitely reach the top!"

The raven haired youth couldn't help but widen his smile as he subconsciously accepted the praise. It was a nice feeling being cheered on for once. Usually, his only fanbase were the residents of Pallet town and his close circle of friends. "Thanks Joey, I appreciate the support!"

Ash then decided to get back on track as he pulled out his worn-out map with a somewhat embarrassed grin etched on his features. "Anyway, I'd love to stay and chat but I really need to make some tracks! You mind pointing to me where I can get to Santalune city pronto?"

The youngster was more than glad to assist his idol as he pointed down another dirt path leading towards the right. "No problem! Just follow the road over there and it's a straight shot to Santalune city! You can't miss it!"

Understanding, the Pallet town trainer nodded before making his trek onwards as he bade farewell to the young trainer behind him. "Heh. Thanks again Joey! I'll be sure to see you again at the Kalos league!"

"You bet Ash! Good luck out there! Next time I'll be stronger for sure!"

"Ahaha! I'll look forward to it!"

-(scene change)-

Serena absentmindedly hummed as she gently brushed Fennekin's fur while staring at a small piece of paper that was right beside her. On it, was an illustration of the three Kalos starter's in their fully evolved forms and they were about to clash in an epic fight.

What really caught everyone's attention, including her, was the big eye-catching font right below the drawing…

'Do you have what it takes to be the best of the best? Then register and join the Kalos league now!'

The honey colored blonde then bit her lip out of anxiety as she felt her starter Pokemon slowly fall asleep in her lap. 'Should I really try for a gym battle tomorrow? I barely even won against a wild Pokemon for crying out loud!'

-(FLASHBACK)-

"-We now move onto 'Pokemon and trainer 101'."

An older female brunette then cleared her throat while straightening out her standard teaching uniform. On her left breast pocket was a name tag that read 'Ms. Chloey'. "As I was saying, this part of the class will enlighten you on some aspects regarding Pokemon and human interaction. Particularly, trainers like all of you."

The giant electronic screen behind the teacher then lit up as she continued her lecture. "I'm sure you all know by now, Pokemon are unique individuals just like us humans. There are even on rare occasions where some Pokemon even refuse to listen to their trainers due to incompatibility issues."

To further prove her point, the monitor showed footages of Pokemon like Charizard, Steelix, and Armaldo, refusing to obey their trainers by openly rebelling them. One was even hostile with his approach judging from the Flamethrower attack…

"There are two well known reasons as to why this happens. The first one is usually a difference in goals. A Pokemon who prefers to perform on stage will have issues in listening to a trainer who only likes battling."

The proctor then showed the next slides to be various gym badges, ribbons, and other assorted trophies. "The next one is experience. Pokemon usually feel more comfortable listening to a trainer who's at least good at what he or she does. Gym badges and ribbons are a good way to earn your Pokemon's respect and this usually paves the path for a better relationship between the two."

-(FLASHBACK: END)-

Serena then shook her head while she gently lowered Fennekin to a nearby couch. The honey colored blonde then tried to motivate herself as she gave one more determined look at the poster before her. 'I have to try! Pidgey is my first Pokemon and I really wanna make things right between us! I know we can be a good team in the future!'

"Ready or not! Santalune gym here I come!"

CHAPTER V: END

To be continued in: An unexpected reunion! II

Whew, that's another wrap! Sorry for the long wait guys but if you must know, I took a little break after celebrating my birthday last July twelve. (yeaaaahhhhh)

Also hot damn, look at these reviews. I'm touched. (seriously) Keep it coming guys and help this fic live on. I'll do my part as a writer and you'll do your part as the readers. Remember, don't be too lazy in showing your support. What's a few words compared to an entire chapter.

(Yes I know it's guilt tripping but it's the truth. The cold hard and unforgiving truth but the truth nonetheless)

Anyway some usual notes before we end:

a.)Sorry guys, had to split the chapter up. Ash and Serena are gonna reunite at chapter six. I felt it was a good time to cut off with a cliffhanger I guess.

b.)If you were sharp enough, then yes, Serena also has a keystone and a mega evolution stone with her. What kind of mega evolution stone you ask? Nope. Secreeet. But hey, feel free to guess.

c.)We still see some glimpses of the old Ash. Particularly, how often he gets lost. I'm trying to show he's on the road to maturity here. A slow one but at least, it's progress.

d.)Pidgey, the first AU catch. I played with the idea that Serena doesn't get along with flying types. A little shout-out to two Pokemon heroines. The first is Misty from the anime with her bug phobia and Blue/Green from the Pokemon adventures/special manga with her bird phobia.

e.)Serena is NOT going to be a battler. I'm just trying to show how much of a newbie she really is to the Pokemon world. In canon, Serena had a hard time in choosing a career path and it took her a very long time to finally make up her mind.

I'm putting a somewhat realistic approach as I decided to let Serena try the different career paths a trainer can usually branch out from before making a decision.