ASH'S POV

I woke up after having a great sleep, I decided it was time to visit Pewter City and meet my old friend Brock and earn my first gym badge. While walking through the Viridian forest with Pikachu, I heard a loud screech which made me cover my ears from its intensity. I ran towards the noise and saw that a Pidgeot was leading a group of Pidgeotto. A sense of nostalgia swept over my body as I looked at the majestic birds in flight.

"That Pidgeot looks familiar, could it be?" I asked no one in particular. Pikachu on the other hand seemed quite excited as he perched on my shoulder looking up. I decided to follow them and find out for myself. After sometime of walking, I saw a whole flock of Pidgey and Pidgeotto flying around and the Pidgeot I saw earlier was leading the group. After some time, a group of Spearow led by a Fearow attacked Pidgeot and its flock. Pidgeot screeched loudly and then the flock of Pidgeotto and Pidgey managed to beat the Fearow's group without the help of their leader. Nostalgia again swept over me as this scene was eerily familiar to me but it's been years since I last experienced this feeling, a mixture of sorrow and joy coursed through my body. The Pidgeot noticed me and suddenly flew down towards me. I was about to grab a pokeball but Pikachu began jumping up and down on my shoulder excitedly and in that one swift moment everything made sense. I was snapped back to my senses when the Pidgeot began to curl her wings around me and all my memories just flooded in as I was overcome by emotion. All I could do was embrace Pidgeot, one of my oldest friends, as a tear rolled down my cheek.

FLASHBACK

"Pidgeot, I will come again to take you with me. Meanwhile, you just take care of these Pidgeottos and train them so they can be as strong as you one." I said with a hint of regret in my voice. As I walked away, the pain I felt was eating me alive, it was Butterfree all over again.

After that, I came after few months but saw that Pidgeottos were yet unable to fight on their own so I left again hoping that one day will come when I'll be with my friend again. Years later, after my Unova trip, I returned but sadly I was unable to find them. I felt like maybe it just wasn't meant to be so I left one last time, hoping that fate will one day shine down upon us.

END OF FLASHBACK

She pointed towards a pokeball on my belt indicating that she wanted to come with me again. "Are you sure Pidgeot, will the flock be okay with you gone again?" I asked, a bit of reluctance made its way to my voice as it seemed too good to be true at this point. Pigeot nodded and let out her loudest battle cry as if to say she was never surer of anything in life. "Pidgeot, I have six Pokémon on me right now so when I recall you, you'd be sent to Professor Oak's lab so maybe tell your friends goodbye before I do that kay?" I informed her. Pidgeot turned around and bid her flock goodbye for one final time and if it was Arceus' way to just reaffirm that it was time for her to join me again, four of the Pidgeottos were engulfed in a blinding white light and evolved into Pidgeots and they led the flock into the skies and disappeared over the horizon. I dug into my bag and pulled out Pidgeot's pokeball that I always kept with me. In fact, I actually never released any of my Pokémon in the conventional sense, I always just let them out to follow their happiness but I refused to allow them to be captured by another, I'd protect them no matter where I was. "Pidgeot, you remember this pokeball buddy? I promise you that I'd recall you to my team soon okay, meet all your new friends at the lab and I'm sure Professor Oak will love that." I said with a smile on my face. Pidgeot nodded as I pet her beak and Pikachu nuzzled her affectionately. I returned her to her old pokeball and it instantly disappeared from my hand and went back to the lab. I couldn't help but smile as I walked to Pewter City, today was going to be a great day.

ONE HOUR LATER

I finally reached Pewter City and just took in the sights. It brought back all these wonderful memories from when I first visited this town for the first time for my first gym badge. I decided to surprise Brock so I put on a hood and I went inside the gym.

"I came here to challenge the gym leader of Pewter City" I said in a heavier voice so that Brock couldn't recognize me. He was sitting on the big rock where I first met him and was treating Pokémon. I remembered that he is a Pokémon doctor now which made me smile seeing my friend succeed at his dream.

"Later, boy. This gym is closed for an hour to challengers." said a Brock, who sounded like he was very busy. I walked up to him and removed my hood and his reaction was priceless, he was shocked.

BROCK'S POV

I was shocked to see Ash, it seemed like ages when last we met each other.

"Ash, what a pleasant surprise! When did you return to Kanto and how was your Kalos and Alola journeys? I asked.

"I came few days earlier." said Ash. Then he started to tell me about his plan. He told me about his journey to Kalos and his victory in Alola. Though he did not tell him about him being the Kahuna Nui of Alola. He wanted it to be a surprise.

"It's great Ash. I will be cheering for you. You can call me anytime if you want anything and I will be cheering for you at the league as usual." I said. I was going to ask him to battle when suddenly, a voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Brock, Let's have a battle. It's time for earning that gym badge." he said.

"I was going to ask you the same if I'm being honest!" I laughed out.

NORMAL POV

We both went to the battlefield and took our places. "Let's make this interesting Brock and have a full 6v6 battle. What do you think?" Ash asked with excitement in his voice.

"It's great. Let's do it." Brock said.

BATTLE BEGINS

"Golemn, I chose you" said Brock.

"Sceptile, it's battle time" said Ash. "You may make the first move, Brock."

"Golemn, Stone Edge!" said Brock.

"Dodge it Sceptile and use Quick Attack on Golemn" said Ash.

"Golemn, Focus Punch on Sceptile quickly." said Brock. Both moves collided creating an explosion. "Golemn, don't allow them to attack you so use Rock Tomb to capture Sceptile and then use hyper beam on it to finish it."

"It seems like Brock wants to finish this once and for all so we would do the same. Sceptile use Leaf Blade on the rocks to break free then use our combination move. Let's do it!" said Ash. After that the hyper beam collided with the rocks causing it to explode, it seemed like game over for Sceptile but suddenly, something green sparkled behind Golemn and then Golemn fell to the ground with the swirly eyes. "I knew practicing that Quick Attack and Leaf Blade combination would come in handy!"

"Golemn is unable to battle, victory goes to Sceptile!" the referee announced.

"Great Strategy, Ash. You always surprise me." said Brock.

"Go Crobat. Do your best." said Brock.

"Sceptile return, take some rest. Now, go Unfezant, I choose you." said Ash.

"Ash, you can have the first move." said Brock.

"Unfezant, Use Air Cutter then, use Gust." said Ash.

"Crobat, use Swift and then Cross Poison." said Brock. Both moves collide making an explosion and then out of nowhere Cross poison came through the smoke.

"Unfezant, dodge it!" yelled Ash. Sadly before Unfezant could dodge it, he was poisoned. "Quick, use our combination. I know you can do this."

This way all of Brock's Pokémon fainted by using the combination moves we trained for in Pallet Town. Ash's Pokémon were seriously injured, with Pikachu battling Ludicolo. Infernape with Chansey. Charizard with Blissey. Now, only Steelix was left for Brock. Ash saved Greninja for later and brought back Unfezant. He knew that Steelix was Brock's strongest Pokémon so he decided to tire him out. Brock surprised him by mega evolving Steelix though, Steelix grew larger, almost twice its previous size and turned solid metallic black and its eyes and mouth glowed a deep red color. It grew excess fin-like chin projections, protruding quartz crystals, clashing blue-ringed segments and orbiting diamond shards. This power boost led to Unfezant and Infernape battling Steelix but they were tired so they eventually fainted.

"Greninja, let's do it!" said Ash.

"Go Steelix", Brock said.

"Go Greninja", said Ash.

"Greninja, use Cut", said Ash.

"Steelix, Iron Tail" said Brock. Both moves collided creating a lot of smoke.

"Greninja, use Double team and then use Aerial Ace," said Ash.

"Steelix, wait for my signal and then use Crunch." said Brock. Greninja used Double Team and when he was about to use Aerial Ace but then Brock signaled and Steelix used Crunch. Both moves collided and both were injured.

"Greninja, multiple Water Shuriken on Steelix's head", said Ash.

"Steelix, use Gyroball and then use Stone Edge." said Brock. Both moves collided causing a large explosion.

"We need to get stronger and stronger. Let's go Greninja! Full Power!" Ash shouted while raising his right hand in the air. Greninja changes into Ash-Greninja. A great water Shuriken grew in its back while its appearance looked like a mirror image Ash.

"That's something new Ash! Mega Steelix don't let up! Let's win this battle!" said Brock.

"Steelix, Use Gyroball and then use Crunch." said Brock.

"Greninja, dodge Gyroball and then wait for my signal and then use Double team." said Ash.

Mega Steelix used Gyroball which was dodged easily by Ash-Greninja, As Mega Steelix was about to crunch Ash-Greninja, then Ash signaled. "Greninja, now!" Greninja used Double Team and multiple Ash-Greninja appeared surrounding Mega Steelix. "Greninja, now use Cut."

"Steelix, we would do a head on attack. Use Dragon Rush, when you will collide with Greninja, then use Crunch to overpower Greninja causing it to flinch in pain and then Gyroball to finish him off!" Brock shouted. The attacks struck in quick succession and Ash felt like his body was tearing itself apart as he fell to one knee from the pain. Something he told no one except his Kalos friends was that in Ash-Greninja form, their minds and body are one so while they think on a same wavelength, Ash also feels the pain Greninja does even if it's to a lesser extent.

"Greninja, are you ok? Can you continue?" Ash panted out between deep breaths. Greninja slowly stood up with its battle stance and nodded.

"Greninja, let's finish this once and for all. Use our signature move." said Ash. (Signature Move was the move that they practiced on training)

"Steelix, don't let them! Use your all power. Use Stone Edge and then Gyroball." said Brock.

"Greninja, first use Double Team to dodge from Stone Edge and then use Cut to block the Gyroball and Aerial Ace to send back Steelix where he came from." said Ash. Steelix slammed into the ground and slowly got up.

"Steelix, are you okay? Dragon Rush and then use Crunch." said Brock.

"Greninja, it's time for our signature move. NOW!" said Ash. Greninja used Double Team, then used Cut and Aerial Ace to counter Crunch and also land many attacks on Mega Steelix. He then launched multiple Water Shuriken on Mega Steelix causing it to faint from the quick-fire blows. Mega Steelix reverted to Steelix and then fell to ground with swirly eyes.

"Mega Steelix is unable to battle and the winner is Greninja." said Referee.

ASH POV

"It was a great battle, Ash." said Brock.

"Indeed, It was." I replied.

"So where are you heading next, Ash." asked Brock.

"Going to Cerulean City to visit Misty hopefully then I will continue my training for the Kanto League. See you around Brock." I said.

"It's almost night, Ash. You could leave tomorrow. You can stay with us for the night." said Brock.

"Thanks Brock, I really appreciate this," I smiled.

SOMEWHERE FAR AWAY

"We are almost ready. We will just attack after the regional Pokémon leagues are over so that no one comes in our way." said an unknown voice.

"Yes Sir!" everyone said in unison.

PEWTER CITY, ASH POV

I bid farewell to Brock and headed towards Cerulean City. "It's been so long since I have seen Misty. Ever since the Togepi incidence in the Hoenn, I have not met Misty in person. The only other time was when I visited Kanto during our trip from the Pokémon School." I said aloud.

When I was halfway to Cerulean City, I heard a noise coming from the distance, it sounded like a battle. 'What's that noise,' I thought and went towards it. After following the noise for a bit, I saw three persons whom I never wanted to see again in my life and I was instantly filled with rage.

"What are you doing here Team Rocket? Creating another trouble for the world?" I questioned rather angrily but when I saw what they were up to, I gasped. They had captured many flying Pokémon and two Butterfree were fighting them off or trying to at least.

NORMAL POV

Something I never wanted to hear in my lifetime again soon followed

"Prepare for trouble!"

"And Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people within our nation."

"To denounce the evil of truth and love."

"To extend our reach to the stars of above."

"Jessie!"

"James!"

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light!"

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth, that's right!" said Team Rocket trio.

"Leave those Pokémon alone Team Rocket" Ash warned them.

"And what will you do if we choose not to twerp?" asked Jessie.

"It's obvious that I will rescue them." Ash replied confidently. He was used to fighting with Team Rocket and defeating them by now.

"So you will not understand until we beat you twerp and now your friends are also not here." James smirked evilly. One thing was for sure that they never give up.

"Go Arbok," said Jessie.

"Go Weezing," said James.

"Whoa you got those two back huh, talk about nostalgia. Never mind that, Pikachu, Thunderbolt on Weezing and Arbok!" said Ash. Before that Mimikyu popped out of the pokeball using a Shadow Claw.

"Weezing, use smokescreen." said James.

"Arbok, Poison Sting." said Jessie.

"Oh no, you don't! Greninja and Unfezant, I choose you." Ash shouted. "Unfezant, use Gust and then Air Cutter to blow away Smoke Screen and land an attack on Weezing." On the other hand, Pikachu was fighting with Mimikyu on his own. Air Cutter landed on Weezing causing it to faint. "Greninja, use Water Shuriken on Arbok."

"Arbok, use Acid to block the Water Shuriken", said Jessie but the Water Shuriken overpowered Acid landing a critical hit on Arbok causing it to faint.

"Jessie, we will lose like this so, let's go full power." said James. "Carnivine, Inkay, Cacnea, Victreebel and Mareanie. Stand by for battle."

"Seviper, Gourgeist, Dustox and Wobbuffet. Destroy them." said Jessie. Before they could attack, both of the Butterfree used Sleep Powder on them causing them to sleep as they were caught off-guard.

"Pikachu, it's your turn. Full power Thunderbolt." said Ash.

"Pikachuuuu!" Pikachu released a full power Thunderbolt causing all of them with their Pokémon to blast off.

"Pikachu, use Iron tail, Greninja use Cut and Unfezant use Air Cutter to release all of the Pokémon trapped in the net." Ash said.

ASH'S POV

The moves collided releasing all the Pokémon so I turn my attention towards the Butterfree duo who were cuddling me. Everything fell together after that.

"Butterfree! It's wonderful to see you back!" I yelled with excitement. "How was your life and journey together? You have gotten stronger, buddy." I said. Butterfree and his pink mate pointed towards one of my pokeballs. "Oh, I see. Do you want to join us on our journey again?" The Butterfree duo nodded in excitement.

I dug into my bag and pulled out Butterfree's old pokeball and I looked at him for a second before speaking, "Butterfree when I return you and catch your mate, you will both be transferred to Professor Oak's lab okay? I'll transfer you back to my team soon but I'll leave your mate at professor Oak's as I don't want her to get hurt battling with me. Is that okay?" Butterfree nodded so I pulled out a new pokeball in my other hand and told the pink Butterfree to click on it to become my Pokémon as well and she cooed happily as she pressed the pokeball with her head. I returned my original buddy and then both pokeball disappeared from my hands and went to the lab. I smiled for a second thinking how lucky I was to get back my old friends as well as a new one. It's only then did I realize I still had to transfer Pidgeot to my team and I mentally face palmed myself. "How dumb can I get?" I muttered.

After that I headed towards Cerulean City.

TWO HOURS LATER

I reached Cerulean City and there was a hustle and bustle about the city which was quite opposite to the usual peaceful nature. 'There must be something going on in the city, I must find out!' I thought and went forward when I saw three persons blocking the way.

"Well look who it is, it's the kid who previously beat us. What was his name? Yes, Ash Ketchum. Hahaha, let's beat him and take all of his Pokémon for revenge." the trio said.

"Go, Hitmonchan."

"Go, Hitmonlee."

"Go, Hitmontop."

"Oh no you don't. Go Pikachu, I choose you Sceptile and let's go Greninja." I yelled.

"Tile!"

"Chu!"

"Ninja!"

They all yelled their battle cries.

"Let's end this fast so we can see what's going on here guys." I said to them with confidence.

"Oh, so you want to know about the WATER POKEMON BATTLE TOURNAMENT. You see, that Misty, the gym leader was challenged by some challengers. They demanded to hold a WATER POKEMON BATTLE TOURNAMENT and whoever wins will take gym or enslave Misty." the Trio said.

"What are you talking about?" I asked in a surprised tone.

"Yes, Misty would have two options if she loses. She will either handover the gym or she will become the slave of the person and do whatever they say and continue to be the gym leader. I would rather want the second one and have fun with Misty." one of the trio grunt replied with an evil smirk.

"You will suffer for saying that last part!" I yelled with anger.

"Greninja, Water Shuriken." I yelled.

"Hitmonchan, Dynamic Punch."

"Hitmonlee, High Jump Kick."

"Hitmontop, Rolling Kick."

The trio commanded their Pokémon.

Water Shuriken collided with Hitmonchan causing the Pokémon to flinch in pain. "Greninja, use cut to finish him." I said in a calm voice, fully trusting my Pokémon. The move collided with Hitmonchan causing him to fall on the ground with swirly eyes.

"Let's finish this fast. Pikachu use Quick Attack to gain momentum and use Iron Tail to hit Hitmontop." I chuckled while saying that.

"Sceptile, dodge High Jump Kick and use Quick Attack to gain momentum and finally use Pound and hit Hitmonlee." I said nonchalantly. Pikachu used his tail to hit Hitmontop into the sky while Sceptile does the same thing to Hitmonlee.

"Now, Pikachu. It's time to blast off their trainers along with Hitmonchan! Let them join their blasting off friends. Full Power Thunderbolt." I said to Pikachu with a smirk while they stood in fear waiting for the impact.

"How can we always lose?" they asked.

"Because you use your Pokémon as tools to do bad work. Pokémon are our friends and also we should do good things and then only good things will happen to us. Enjoy your trip!" I replied.

"Pikaaaachuuuu", Pikachu yelled causing electricity to sparkle and hit the trio sending them blasting off.

"Greninja, we are going to enter the tournament and we will win this for Misty but for a surprise, I will wear a disguise." Ash winked. "It's time to help my friend in her time of need, no one is going to hurt her!"