Chapter Six, The More the Merrier

It was nearing the afternoon and after the group had exchanged a few more stories the pink mist slowly started to fade. Cress had been the first to notice and point it out. They waited a few more moment to make sure the mist had disappeared and stepped outside, they saw some people as well, holding their Pokemon close.

"We should go check the Pokemon Center. I'm sure Cilan and the others will be there," Dia said as the brothers summoned their Pokemon back in their Pokeballs and nodded in agreement. Eevee took her place on her shoulder and Zorua in her blue shoulder bag and they hurried to their destination. They saw people cautiously stepping out of the safety of the buildings, their Pokemon clutched closely against them. They saw the Pokemon Center just as a police car pulled up and Cilan, Ash, and Iris stepped out, waving to the car as it sped off.

"Cilan!" Dia shouted to get his attention. The green-haired connoisseur turned around and held out his arms as Dia tackled him to an embrace. He's quite used to her displays of affection and with a decade worth of friendship you'd pick out a thing or two. "We've been so worried, did you ran for cover? Your Pokemon and you weren't harmed, right?"

"Dia, we're fine. Please don't worry. We helped stop the pink mist by accompanying Dr. Fennel to the Dream yard," Cilan explained, pulling back from the hug.

"The Dream Yard? What could you possibly find there? The site's been abandoned not too long ago," Chili asked.

"Turns out a group called Team Rocket's been behind all of it. They captured a Pokemon called Musharna to release that pink mist all over the city but we managed to save it," Ash said, eyes hardening at the mention of the infamous team.

Dia felt the bubbling anger in her stomach, her eyes narrowed and mouth turned into a frown. That's the second time she heard that name and no doubt it's the same group from the harbor a few days ago that nearly stole Zorua and Pikachu. She felt Zorua nudging her balled fist, turning whiter as her hands tightened, and her anger slowly died down. She gave the Pokemon a reassuring pat on his head and scratch his chin in thanks.

"Well, at least you're all safe and sound. Come, let's go home and have some rest. You're welcome to join us Ash," Cress smiled at the boy.

"O-Oh, well I really don't want to intrude, the Pokemon Centre-"

"There's no need for any of that, sweetheart, it's the least we can do," Dia winked, looping her arm around his. "And you're also welcome, Iris, what do you… say. Where did she go?" They all turned their heads to try and find the purple haired girl but found no trace of her.

"Looks like she ran off again," Ash sighed.

"Will she be alright? It's beginning to become dark," Dia said worriedly.

"Knowing Iris she'll be fine, she's got her Axew with her."

"If you say so. Now, off we go! Cilan's cooking awaits us!"

"Awesome!"

"Pika, Pi!"

The following day found the group outside the Striaton Gym, the sun having just made its way to the sky. Cress and Chili were staring at their brother with shock at his declaration. Ash was waiting patiently a few feet ahead, watching the triplets, while Dia was getting a cup of coffee from the triplet's cafe.

"You're going on a journey?"

"You're serious?" Cress said, managing to snap out of his state of shock.

Cilan nodded. "I'm as serious as can be. After Ash and I had our battle, our talks convinced me that I just couldn't resist the urge anymore. It's so clear, there's more to the pairing of Pokemon and trainer than I originally thought, much more! I know this will help me become an even better Pokemon connoisseur."

The two brothers shared a look before giving their older brother an encouraging smile. "In that case, we won't stop you, bro," Chili grinned.

"We want you to be happy and become the best connoisseur," Cress smiled.

Cilan's smile stretched so wide that it made his cheeks hurt and he gave his brothers a tight embrace. "Thank you both so much."

"Don't worry about the Gym, we'll take good care of it while you're away and good luck to you." They pulled apart just as Dia arrived at the scene, a cup of coffee in her hand and looking fresh, the same could not be said for her two Pokemon. Zorua was inside her blue bag, head popping out and eyes nearly closed, while Eevee was practically slumped on her shoulder, half awake.

"Did I miss the farewell hug?" She grinned and embraced the trio. She pulled back enough to give Chili and Cress a peck on the cheek. "I'm going to miss you guys."

"You never really told us the reason why you came back," Chili said.

"Well, you know my mum, she'll stop at nothing to get what she wants and that is, apparently, my visit back home," Dia laughed. "She wants a great big homecoming, but I told her that I'd like to explore Unova again and join Ash on his journey before going back home."

"You're joining Ash? I have decided to follow him as well!" Cilan beamed, happy that his best friend would be joining them.

"Really? This is going to be so amazing, traveling with you here again, just like the old days!" Dia squealed, hugging her green-haired friend. They both said their last farewells to the brothers, waving as they walked farther away with Ash and on to their journey.

Eevee made herself comfortable in Cilan's arms as the group made chatted and got to know each other. "So where are you two headed?" Ash asked.

"Wherever you're headed! I want to go on your journey with you. Plus, you haven't answered all my questions yet," Cilan smiled and Ash gave him a questionable look.

"The same goes for me," Dia joined. "I believe, Ash, that journeying with you would be more than just a journey, it would be an adventure! And since your goal is the Unova League, I'd be there to give you some advice."

Ash smiled genuinely and nodded, his Pikachu squealed in delight. "Alright! Let's travel together. So which way are we headed?"

"Let's see…" Cilan pulled out his map, the pad coming to life once Cilan pushed the button. "Looks like the next Gym would be the Nacrene Gym at Nacrene City."

"That's just a few days north," Dia commented, remembering the Gym. She gained her fourth badge at that Gym, she smiled at the memory of thinking that her hard work finally paying off once she gained that badge.

"Boo!" The trio jumped and yelled in fright at the sudden appearance of Iris. The girl was hanging upside down on a branch, grinning cheekily at their expression. She flipped off the tree with ease, maintaining her cheeky expression as she stared at them. "Did I scare you?" She mocked.

"Of course, you did!" Ash shouted, glaring at the young trainer.

"I have a great idea!" Cilan exclaimed. "Why don't all four of us travel together? It seems to me the way we compliment each other as a winning team, makes for a great recipe."

"Yes, that sounds fantastic! The more the merrier I say," Dia nodded.

"What do you think Iris?" Ash asked, happy at the thought of a new travel buddy. "Let's make our dreams come true together. I want to be a Pokemon Master, Cilan wants to become the world's greatest Pokemon connoisseur-" Cilan puffed his chest out. "- Dia wants to win the Unova League, and you… What did you wanna be again?"

Although the Unova League is what brought her back to the Unova region, it was never really her goal. She didn't bother to correct the young trainer, but her real goal was something far greater than winning the Unova League. She could just feel her determination still burning bright as it has been for years, that moment back then is what made her what she is now, and soon she'll return the favor.

"It's a secret," Iris giggled, her Axew popping out of her bushy hair, and ran ahead of them.

The three trainers laughed at her antics and followed, starting their journey together.

Sorry for taking so long and for the short chapter, but I started getting bored with Pokemon for a while until Pokemon Sun and Moon came out. It was just like, BAM! 'Girl wut u doin sittin here doing nothing? Get up, Get writing and stop making your poor readers wait!' That, and there was a reviewer in my other fic who really wanted an update. So thank them because they encouraged me and made me guilty enough to get my ass up and update XD

Anyway, I made a schedule for this and so updates will be every two weeks (so next week won't have an update but the week after that) on a Sunday UTC time.

Again, I'm sorry for making you wait, but I hope this will satisfy you enough to wait for the next update. I won't be focusing much on grammar, I'll be editing this once I'm done with the whole fic. But if you see any big mistakes then PM me :)

Btw, if ya'll into Kung Fu Panda, I've made a fic, updates every Wednesday. Have a read and send a review.

But that doesn't mean you can't Review this fic either, so leave one as well.

-Pugs out!