And chapter one is ago! I hope you enjoy reading this chapter which is definitely loaded with historical innuendos. If you know what they are don't hesitate to shout out!

Chapter One: Ruined Plans

'She's so pretty!' exclaimed Bonnie. Graces' face lit up upon hearing those words.

'She is, but don't let her looks fool you, my Serena is one tough fighter' she stated proudly. Although Clemont had no joined in the conversation he too thinking of Serena with great interest.

Why was Serena trying to leave town? He wondered to himself. He wondered how anyone could possibly think of leaving this place. It was comfortable, homely and most importantly, it was safe. Clemont simply could not understand Serena's actions.

'Clemont sweetie, you look distracted, can I get you anything?' asked Grace concernedly upon seeing Clemonts' serious expression.

'Huh? Oh no thank you Ms Grace, sorry I was just thinking about a few things' he explained quickly waving down her offer.

Grace realized he was hiding something but decided it would be best if she didn't pry in Clemonts' personal affairs.

'If you insist Clemont, but remember if there is anything troubling you, please don't hesitate to come to me alright' she said giving Clemont a knowing look. Clemont nodded in response.

'Well then, let me show you to your rooms' bubbled Grace excitedly, practically running up the stairs. Clemont and Bonnie exchanged amused looks before following her upstairs. It was quiet upstairs, almost too quiet, especially when they both knew that one of these rooms had to be Serena's'.

Every door was large and white with no identifying markers so there was no chance of telling whose room was whose. Clemont almost groaned out loud in distaste. He hated uniformity. It was so… bland. When he was little his father had thought him that life is made of up many different things, each one unique in their own way, but in the end when you put them together they made something spectacular. Seeing all these plain white doors was just a little bit too overbearing for Clemont.

They also reminded him too much of the Kantonian regime. They adored uniformity. They believed that doing things in an orderly and regimental manner made them superior to others who they felt took an unacceptable causal approach to life. It almost made Clemont cringe.

Bonnie was also looking at the white doors with interest, but not for the same reason as Clemont. She was too young to contemplate deep topics like life and uniformity. Instead she was trying to identify which door opened into Serena's room. Her fascination with the rebellious girl had not subsided to say the least. Despite her attitude, Bonnie still wanted to get to know Serena.

If only I could find the right door, she thought seriously beginning to question to use of having so many identical doors. Maybe Grace thought it was funny to confuse people.

'Alright kids, here we are' said Grace cheerfully upon reaching the last in a series of white doors. Clemont and Bonnie internally sighed in relief. Their door was the last down the right side of hall. At least they would have some way of knowing which door was theirs. She opened the door revealing a comfortable room, with a nice bed and if you could believe it, a laptop and television.

'Wow!' breathed the siblings in unison.

'I'm so glad you like it' she squealed clapping her hands together.

Clemont examined the room thoroughly. Along with looking like it should belong to a hotel it also had a beautiful view of the town, where he could see people going about their daily business, although to him they were moving unusually fast for leisurely shoppers.

'Ms Grace, why is everyone moving so fast down there?' asked Clemont pointing towards the people on the streets. Grace came over to take a look. When she saw what Clemont was pointing she sighed sadly.

'Oh that, well you see, the Kantonians have placed a curfew on the town. No is allowed out after 8pm' she concluded pointing out the soldiers who were moving the shoppers along in an orderly and efficient manner.

'See those men, they are in charge of distributing food rations to the people. All of the food being produced gets sent to the front so we have to live off rations I'm afraid… Things have become much harder since the invasion and with the fall of Lumiose I don't think it's going to get any better' she explained sadly.

Clemonts' head drooped in shame. After all he was the one in charge of protecting Lumiose, now all these people were suffering because of his failure. Grace turned to Clemont and realized the effect her words had on Clemont.

She gasped, cupping her hands to her mouth in horror at what she had just said.

'Clemont… I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that –

'No, it is my fault. I failed everybody' he said softly, wiping a tear from his eye. He didn't want anyone to see him like this and decided it would be better if he left the room. But as he turned to leave he felt a surprisingly strong hand pull him back. Before he could respond he was being hugged by Grace.

Clemont was no kid but he hadn't been hugged like this since his mother died many years ago. It was a nice feeling, one he had almost forgotten.

'It's not your fault Clemont', cooed Grace softly, stroking Clemonts' hair. 'There was nothing you could have done. I don't blame you sweetie, no one does' she said desperately wanting him to understand that this was not his fault.

After getting over the initial shock of being hugged by a complete stranger, he slowly reciprocated, finally letting out of all his pent up emotions. He sobbed bitterly onto Grace's shoulder, allowing his tears to freely flow down his face. He didn't want Bonnie to see her big brother in such a state but it had simply become too much of burden to bottle up his feelings of shame and self – hatred.

'Shhh, it's alright dear. You got your sister here safely. Not to mention that you managed to talk some sense into a Kantonian. Why, you didn't just talk to any Kantonian, you stood down General Red, the High Commander of the entire Kantonian Army' she exclaimed trying to boost his morale.

Clemont knew her interpretation of the events in Lumiose was stretching the truth to its limit but he didn't have the heart to tell her otherwise. She pat him on the back and gave him a warm smile.

'You have done good things Clemont, you haven't failed anybody' she assured.

Clemont wiped away his tears with his sleeve. He couldn't think of his past failures. What he should be thinking about is how he was going to make the world a better place in the future. He nodded in gratitude to Grace.

'There, that's better' she said happily.

'Now let me show your energetic sister where she will be staying' said Grace motioning to where Bonnie was previously standing. Grace actually planned on having the two siblings in the same room, that way it wouldn't be so lonely. But she just wanted Clemont to think he wasn't sharing a room with his little sister, after all she did enjoy playing jokes.

However there was a problem with that.

Bonnie was gone. Clemont and Grace looked at each other and shrugged. Neither of them had seen or heard Bonnie leaving.

'Bonnie!' hollered Clemont.

'I'm in here big brother' called Bonnie from the room next door.

'Oh dear' muttered Grace hurrying over to the door.

'What's wrong? Is she not safe in that room?' asked Clemont concernedly, hurrying after her.

Grace spun around, an embarrassed expression on her face.

'Well… in a manner of speaking' she said abashedly.

Clemont narrowed his eyes. He was starting to see the picture and he wasn't sure if he liked it.

'What do you mean, in a manner of speaking? He asked cautiously.

Grace twiddled her thumbs for a moment putting a fake smile on her face.

'Well you see, the room next door is… Serena's' she admitted almost guiltily.

Clemont rolled his eyes. Surely Serena couldn't be as bad as her mother made her out to be. Calmly he walked over to the door, which was slightly ajar and smartly rapped it three times.

'Bonnie… are you in there?' he whispered, slighting opening the door further. He felt someone grab the other side of the door knob and then the slam the door in his face.

'Sorry big brother, yes I'm in here but no boys allowed' she said mischievously from the other side of the door.

'Oh yeah says who?' asked Clemont haughtily puffing out his chest

'I do' answered a calm but stern voice from inside the room. Clemonts' chest deflated like a popped balloon. He gulped and fidgeted nervously with his collar.

That must have been Serena.

'Sorry… Serena, I didn't mean it like that' he apologised nervously. Serena took a little longer than expected to respond. It was clear that there hadn't been a male in her household in quite some time. In fact to Clemont it was quite apparent that nobody had been here besides her mother.

'Um, so listen, I was just wondering if I could see Bonnie, I mean, it's OK if you say no…' he trailed off not wanting to get into a confrontation with the intimidating girl.

I was wrong, she isn't scary at all… she terrifying! He thought breaking into a sweat as the door opened slowly.

Although he had expected to see Serena he was instead faced with Bonnie standing with dedenne on her shoulder, a childish grin on her face.

'Well now that you're done crying, I guess it's alright to let you in' teased Bonnie opening the door wide for him to enter. Clemont smiled gratefully and took a step in.

'Wait' said Bonnie suddenly closing the door, barely missing Clemonts foot. Clemont growled in irritation.

'Bonnie, now is not the time for your childish games' muttered Clemont exasperatedly. Bonnie laughed from the other side of the door.

'Sorry Clemont, I've got to ask whether Serena is OK with letting you in, after all it is her room' said Bonnie with a serious tone. Clemont stood there stunned. He knew she was right of course but he hadn't expected something so… mature to come from someone like Bonnie.

Why didn't I think of that? Geez, everybody seems to be smarter than me today'

'Serena, can I let my brother in?' whispered Bonnie. Clemont rolled his eyes upon hearing his sister's attempt at whispering. She definitely wasn't the subtle type. Although Clemont didn't hear Serena's response she must have said something because a second later the door opened revealing a very smug bonnie.

'Alright big brother, come on in but wipe your shoes first' she warned pointing at his boots.

'How about I just take them off?' asked Clemont who was concerned about scraping his dirty boots on Grace's clean floor.

'Hmm… alright then' agreed Bonnie cheerfully beckoning for Clemont to enter.

'De – denne' chirped the little pokémon hopping up and down with excitement.

'It's good to see you too dedenne' said Clemont nudging the electric mouse's cheek.

Clemont looked around Serena's room taking it all in. It was just as big as the guest room but there was no television. The bed was smaller, made for only one person he guessed. Plastered around the wall were posters of a beautiful women dressed in a white military uniform. Clemont recognised her immediately. The woman was Diantha, Supreme Commander of the Kalosian Army. She was the first female in Kalosian history to be recognised as head of the armed forces.

Serena sat at her desk, her eyes darting back and forth over the map she was studying. She had already changed into more comfortable clothes, a simple t – shirt and pants. Much like earlier downstairs she did not acknowledge Clemonts' presence making Clemont feel slightly uneasy.

'Maybe I could try breaking the ice. I should at least try to talk to her' he thought.

'So… Serena, what're you looking at there?' asked Clemont quizzically glancing at Serena's map. Serena turned to Clemont who by now was fearing the worst.

Then she did the impossible. She actually smiled.

Clemonts' jaw almost dropped to the ground. He had only known her for a few hours but the impression he got of her was a serious not to be messed with type of girl.

'Well don't look so surprised Clemont, I can be nice when I want to' she said with a wink.

'Oh no, I wasn't thinking…um, well, what I meant was –

Serena giggled causing Clemonts' face to turn cherry red.

'It's alright Clemont, I know what you meant. But I'm glad you're here. You're a general in the army right?' she asked hopefully.

Clemont nodded, withholding the fact that he had lost his title via capitulation. For now he would just see where this was heading.

'Come see what I've been working on, I know you as a military man will understand' she reasoned motioning him to come forward.

Clemont stepped forward, his inquisitive nature overruling his confusion regarding Serena's behaviour. In front of Serena was a map of Kalos shaded in two different colours, red and blue. Judging by the way it was coloured, Clemont assumed that the blue represented Kalos and the red represented Kanto. A large 'X' was crossed over Vaniville Town with a line trailing through it that went through Aquacorde Town, Santalune Forest and a few other places before finally ending in Lumiose City.

'Um… Serena what is this?' he asked. Now he believed he finally understood why Serena was attempting to escape Vaniville.

So this is why she was trying to leave, she wants to reach Lumiose. No, I'm probably just jumping to conclusions here, I mean hasn't she heard…. She hasn't heard the news yet.

Clemont dreaded having to tell Serena about the fall of Lumiose. He was more afraid of what she would do to him when she found out than he was of what impact this would have on her little 'adventure'.

'Clemont, since you're a famous general who surely has tons of experience in the field I would like you to give me some advice. I just want to know your opinion on my travel route. Is it safe?' she asked, outlining the route she planned to take once more.

She had been trying to reach Lumiose for the past two weeks but every time she was caught by the guards only increased the amount of time she could've been spending fighting on the front. Thankfully Clemonts' arrival had presented her with an Arceus given opportunity. With his expertise, she could escape and make her way to defend the capital. Unfortunately for Serena, her neglect of listening to the news had made her oblivious to the sad reality that even if she did make to Lumiose, it wouldn't matter for it was already too late.

Clemont knew he needed to tell her, after all it would be cruel not to. But how could he possibly crush her dreams like that?

No, better I tell her now than she finds out from someone else

'Well its fine I suppose, but... you see…'

'Come on Clemont, if there's anything wrong with it, you have to tell me!'

'Serena, I'm sorry but –

'Kids, come down here quick!' yelled Grace from downstairs in a distressed tone. Bonnie, who had been playing with dedenne in the corner rushed down the stairs closely followed by Clemont and Serena. Serena was not done with Clemont just yet, she wanted this plan to go off without a hitch and for that to work, she needed Clemonts' expert military opinion.

When they reached living the saw Grace standing behind one of the couches, clutching a tissue in one hand, tears cascading down her face. Serena's eyes widened in shock. She had never seen her mother cry before.

'Mom, what's wrong?!' she asked concernedly running over to comfort her.

The only sound that came from Grace was her sobs but she managed to shakily point to the television which had previously gone unnoticed. Everyone turned their attention to the television screen and gasped in horror.

The screen showed the remains of Lumiose City, in the same destroyed state as when Clemont and Bonnie left. The shock made Serena physically weak and she had to sit down just to stop herself from collapsing. Never in a million years could she have imagined something like this could happen. Bonnie and Clemont stood with saddened expressions on their faces. They knew, they were there, but it didn't make it any easier seeing their home destroyed.

The screen showed Kantonian troops marching in the street.

One, two, three, four…. One, two, three, four

Marching in perfect unison as always, their eyes eternally facing forward. The great Kantonian war machine marching across the remains of its shattered victim. A true sinister parade of death

Their pokémon followed close behind looking extremely intimidating in their battle armour as always. They stopped in front of Lumiose Tower, making a direct 90 degree turn to face the damaged icon. The sound of the marching ceased and for a moment all seemed quiet.

In front of the Lumiose Tower stood both Lance and Red. Despite them fighting on the same side they didn't seem pleased with their proximity to each other, this only further proved by their pokémon who were staring daggers at each other. Both Charizard and Dragonite looked ready to kill. When the troops had fully gathered in front of Lumiose Tower, Lance stepped forward to the podium earning a disapproving stare from Red. Everyone in the Yvonne household leaned in to hear what he was about to say.

'Citizens of Kalos, four months ago you declared war on Kanto in the hopes of attaining the impossible. The so called 'liberation' of Johto. This action was accompanied by overconfidence and arrogance. These virtues which your people have held so dear are to blame for your inevitable defeat. Much like Johto considered itself to be a state of higher culture than Kanto, so did Kalos and your ally Hoenn proclaim to hold moral superiority over our nation.

Your misguided belief in own ability without regarding ours has led to your downfall and for this you have been rightly humiliated. This will be the first step of many to create a new order on Earth. For too long you and your allies have regarded our people as mere novelties that could be ordered to do your bidding.

But no more!

By the mercy of Arceus, the natural order is beginning to take shape again. Yesterday, I received confirmation of the Kalosian High Commands' surrender. The leaders you have held in such high esteem have abandoned you…

'What is he talking about?!' shouted a scandalized Serena.

'Hush, listen and you might find out' urged Clemont, eager to understand what Lance meant. Serena gave him a hard look but went back to silently watching Lance.

That is right citizens of Kalos. I repeat, your leaders have abandoned you. They have left you to your faith, more interested in preserving their own cowardly lives than those of the people they swore to defend. As you can see, our last strike on your capital city has left it completely desolate, a faith others will share if they resist Kanto. This is your first and only warning. We can be benevolent occupiers but if you so wish in any way to continue to resist us, we promise you will not have a country to come back to. All soldiers of the Kaloian Army are to hand in their weapons with no exceptions. Any soldier or citizen for that matter found in violation of this basic law will be incarcerated and sent to Kanto to await trial.

Red shook his head disapprovingly lightly enough so only someone very close to him would notice. He didn't like this at all. It wasn't right.

That is all… for now' finished Lance who stepped away from the podium. The soldiers cheered and raised their hands. The pokémon roared and grunted like wild animals. The Kantonian flag was placed on top of Lumiose Tower by a Pidgeot and its rider earning more cheers from the soldiers below. The Kalosian flag was torn down, drifting softly in wind before being set on fire by an Arcanine earning the loudest cheer of all from the proud soldiers of Kanto.

The take – over was complete.

'Barbarians…' whispered Serena angrily.

'I knew it was bad but… I never knew it was this bad' cried Grace, whose eyes leaked fresh tears. Serena turned to her slowly, a confused expression on her face.

'Wait, you knew about this?!' yelled Serena standing up in outrage. Grace realized her mistake and turned to her daughter speechless.

'Well, Serena, I knew but… I didn't want to hurt you sweetie' she sniffled trying to take Serena's hand. Serena swatted her hand away like it was infected.

'Don't touch me! You knew what happened to Lumiose the second it happened but you couldn't be bothered to tell your own daughter? How could you?!' she yelled accusingly tears welling up in her eyes. Serena brushed past Clemont and Bonnie and ran up the stairs slamming her door behind her.

'Serena!' called Grace desperately after her daughter, but to no avail. Bonnie and Clemont exchanged guilty looks. They had also known about Lumiose and neglected to tell Serena. That that make them responsible too?

'I'm sorry kids' sniffled Grace blowing her nose. She tried her best to put on a watery smile but it was clearly half – hearted. Bonnie ran up to Grace and gave her the biggest hug she could, after all whenever she was sad hugs always made her feel better. Dedenne too, jumped from the bag and hopped on Bonnie's head giving Grace a… relatively smaller hug to say the least, but the noble intention was there. Grace stopped crying for second, only now noticing the little girl hugging her. Despite all that had happened she still managed to smile and happily hugged both Bonnie and dedenne.

'You did the right thing Ms Grace' said Clemont confidently. 'Just give Serena some time, I'm sure she'll come around'

Grace wiped a tear from her eye and nodded.

'Thanks Clemont, I'm glad you kids are here, it's feels like it's been forever since I had someone who appreciates me'

Clemont frowned deeply. He understood why Serena was upset but to be truthful it really wasn't her mothers' fault. There was something more going on here, that Clemont was not aware of, but he wouldn't pry, Grace had already been verbally attacked today.

'Well, I'm going to go get dinner started' said Grace shakily, regaining her composure. 'You kids can watch TV if you want. I'm not sure if there's anything on but… you can give it try' she added as an afterthought on her way to the kitchen.

'Poor Ms Grace' said Bonnie sadly as Grace left the room. Clemont sighed deeply and put his hand on Bonnie's shoulder.

'I'm sure that they'll be fine Bonnie, they just need some time' explained Clemont. Dedenne agreed nudging Bonnie's cheek which put a smile on the little girls' face.

'Alright Clemont, if you say so' she replied cheerfully. Clemont smiled and picked up her and spun her around before plopping her on the couch. Bonnie's childish laughter echoed around the entire house earning a smile from Grace in the kitchen who was chopping carrots and even one from Serena who was bitterly scribbling over her map.

'Now, started Clemont adjusting his glasses, let's see what's on TV'

Bonnie and dedenne clapped their approval. TV would definitely take their minds of the debilitating effects of todays' events.

Meanwhile

Saffron City, capital of Kanto. The seat of power in a state whose aims of dominating the continent seemed to be coming to fruition. The city operated much like any in the Pokémon world but unlike the lifelessness of the now obsolete Johto and Kalos, this city was bustling with life. Here, the people were relatively unaffected by the war, for the obvious reason that they were winning.

But today was different, along the streets banners had been raised and Kantonian flags hoisted above every building. Thousands of people from all around Kanto had gathered along the main street leading to the Parliament building (Made up of course) to welcome the heroes of the Kaloian Campaign, Generals Red and Lance. The two were expected back in Kanto after a comparatively swift victory in Kalos. Although the Kantonian people were adamant to go to war with Johto, they were more apprehensive of engaging in a struggle with Kalos and Hoenn who had subsequently declared war on them the day following the initial invasion.

But now it didn't matter. Kalos was defeated and there was no major power on the continent that could oppose them. Now only Hoenn was opposing their nation and they expected a swift victory there as well.

Along the main road the atmosphere was electric. The people had contained their energy and excitement for the big moment when their heroes entered the city. It was an explosion waiting to happen and all it needed was a spark. Children had gathered at the front of the crowd with their flags hoping to get a glimpse of their idols, some even had posters of Red and Lance which they hoped would get signed.

Then from the north entrance to the city the fire was lit.

Excited yelling and cheering could be heard attracting the attention of everyone further down the street. A convoy of government cars pulled in to the city driving slowly enough so everyone could properly observe the passengers. In the first two cars sat the Generals who fortunately had managed to arrive in separate vehicles. Upon seeing them the crowd went wild, cheering and waving their flags. The noise was deafening but the generals soaked it all up. Both of them stood up in their cars and waved. Children stared in awe at these mighty men hoping to grow up to be like them someday.

'Good for you sir, you deserve this' yelled Red's driver over the ecstatic cheering of the crowd. Red flashed a toothy grin in thanks and continued to wave. People were crying in happiness realizing that any premonition they had about going to war with Kalos was now rendered null and void.

This war was all but won.

The cars drove in front of the Parliament, although just outside the gates the thousands that had cheered them in the streets were clamouring to see their saviours again. Guards rushed over to support the gate which was straining under the pressure of so many excited people. Two guards opened the doors of the cars to let Red and Lance out. Once the people saw them their joyous celebrating increased tenfold, their hands reaching through the metal bars wanting to touch these Gods among men who had achieved what many had considered to be impossible. The two made their way up to balcony to allow everyone to get a proper look.

'Look at what you done for your people Red, doesn't this make every hour we fought worth it?' asked Lance optimistically as the pair of them walked towards the doors that opened to reveal the balcony.

Red gave him a hard look.

'I only did what was needed for my country and for my leader but you… what you did in Lumiose was unnecessary and was an affront to every value we hold sacred. In wartime there is a still a code of honour we abide by and you broke it Lance'

Lance looked at his superior with contempt. He was young, younger than he was. Lance had always been jealous of Red's position. It was one he coveted greatly and for it to go someone so young and inexperienced… now that he considered an affront to Kantonian values.

'I did what I had to Red. In war there is no such thing as unnecessary, everything I did was for the glory of Kanto. Everything else comes second' he said with a tone of finality pushing past him, not caring to hear his response.

Red stopped and narrowed his eyes. This war had negatively affected Lance for sure. He used to be a man of honour and now… well now it seemed that all he wanted was power.

The doors opened to the deafening cries and cheers of the people who were almost hopping up and down with excitement. Lance and Red smiled and waved like they always did in public despite their conflict with each other. No matter what the reality was the Kantonian people were never to know of any internal political problems in their country. That was of the upmost importance.

Meanwhile

'Mom, look! Red's on TV!' yelled the excited twenty – one year old. An overjoyed Delia Ketchum rushed into the living room to see her eldest son's victorious return home. Ash Ketchum sat on the couch with his faithful Pikachu staring at the TV with a big grin on his face. Both watched Red on the screen wave and smile at the adoring crowd who were screaming his name.

'That's my Red, oh and doesn't he look so handsome in his uniform' Delia stated proudly. Ash rolled his eyes at his mother's affection.

'Say mom, why don't I ever get fawned over like Red does?' asked Ash sarcastically. Delia mistakenly confused his sarcasm with an actual query and looked over at him guiltily.

'Sorry honey, but don't worry, tomorrow you will become an officer and then I'm sure I won't be the only woman doting over you' she said with a wink. Ash blushed deep red. He hadn't expected any answer let alone such a brash one.

'Pika pika' agreed Pikachu.

'Shut up Pikachu' said Ash playfully to the electric mouse. Delia laughed at their antics.

'But seriously sweetie, I want you to know that I'm proud of you and I know your father will be too' said Delia taking Ash's hand.

At the mention of his father, Ash's expression went from jovial to serious. He desperately wanted to impress his father. But it was easier said than done.

'Especially when your father is leader of the nation' thought Ash.

Indeed Ash's and Red's father, Giovanni, was supreme leader of Kanto. He had come into power several years ago with his Rocket Party. They quickly assumed complete and total control over the state but the citizens of Kanto didn't seem to mind. They desperately wanted order and stability after the chaos of the last decade. Giovanni had provided that along with a revival of the economy that got people working again. Everyone expected Giovanni to keep the people's best interests in mind and he always did. Because of this, people loved his father. Ash was determined to make not only his country proud, but his father as well.

And he knew Red would help him achieve that goal.

Flashback

Two boys, one older than the other, were playing a game of hoist of the flag, a game unique to Kanto, one which Giovanni had endorsed as the perfect game for young children to play to instil in them a sense of pride and nationalism. But there was an ulterior motive to this, as he hoped it would also create a subliminal desire for conquest and victory.

'Too late Red, I'm about to win' yelled Ash excitedly as he ran to the flag pole. Both boys were quite athletic as under Giovanni, health and fitness was emphasised as an important virtue. For a healthy nation to grow, the people had to be healthy.

'Are you sure about that?' asked Red who, being older and faster caught up to Ash with ease, plucking the flag from his smaller brother's grasp and then running away laughing. Ash stood rooted to the spot, unable to comprehend how he could have failed. Tears welled up in his eyes.

'What's the matter Ash too… slow' said Red trailing off at the end as he turned around to see his brother choking up with tears.

'If it's about what I said Ash, I'm sorry' said Red putting his hand on Ash's shoulder. Ash quickly shook his head. It took a moment for Red to catch but now he understood. He sat down on the ground and motioned for Ash to come sit next to him. Ash sat down next to him, wiping his eyes dry.

'Look Ash, I know it's hard sometimes but if you want to win, you've got to really want it and I mean really want it' said Red passionately. Ash looked up at his big brother understanding what he was saying.

'If you want to win, it takes hard work and dedication but it also takes time and patience. Nobody expects you to be good at first, but someday after all that hard work you will show them that you've got what it takes' said Red wrapping his arm around Ash in a brotherly manner. Ash listened to his words carefully.

'But does it really work?' asked Ash, still dubious about this whole hard work thing.

Red looked at Ash incredulously.

'Of course it works, look at dad. Do you think that without hard he would be where he is today, the leader of our people?'

'I guess not' said Ash wiping his nose on his arm.

'So you see Ash, it does work. All you have to do is believe and everything else will fall into place' said Red sagely.

Ash allowed a smile to creep on his face. His brother was really smart.

'And don't worry about a thing because I'll always be there to help you when you need it' said Red patting Ash on the back.

'T- Thanks Red' said Ash who had fully stopped crying. Red gave Ash a toothy grin in response.

'Red?' asked Ash innocently.

'Yes?'

'You said if I really want it, I can do it right?'

'Yes I did'

'Well then…' said Ash eyeing the flag which was on the ground next to Red's unoccupied hand.

'I really want that flag and I'm taking it!' said Ash, speedily grabbing the flag and running to the flag pole. Red was too shocked to respond and by the time he took action, Ash was already attaching the flag to its post.

'I did it! I won!' yelled Ash victoriously. Red stared at Ash with hands on his hands.

I thought him well, he thought.

'Hear me now Red, today our game, tomorrow Johto and Kalos and all the others right Red?'

Red chuckled at his brother's enthusiasm.

'You will be a champion like no other. All hail Ash' shouted Red doing an over the top bow to Ash whose face was as happy as a child on Christmas morning.

Present

Ash adjusted the last button on his new uniform. He looked at himself in the mirror. He made quite the imposing figure. The only thing he couldn't do anything about was his hair, which stayed constantly messy no matter how hard he tried.

'Alright Pikachu, ready to go?' asked Ash, packing a few last things into a bag. Pikachu who had been taking a nap on Ash's bed stretched and signalled its readiness by crackling its tail with electricity.

'Pika!' it answered determinedly.

Ash allowed Pikachu to lead the way stopping at the door frame to look at his old room one last time.

Now everything changes, I am finally a man

He made one last sweeping gaze across the room before gently closing the door and walking downstairs. Before he could reach the bottom however a white light flashed before him, temporarily blinding him causing to fall down the last few remaining steps. Pikachu just managed to hop out of the way and climbed and top of Ash who could have sworn he saw stars.

Pikachu rolled its eyes. There was only one way to resolve this.

Pikachu used thunderbolt awakening Ash who got up quickly feeling the electricity flow through his body.

'Thanks Pikachu' he said scratching his head. Pikachu gave him a thumbs up.

'Sorry honey' said Delia who stood next to him with a camera.

Of course, it had to be mom, who else would use such an old fashioned camera, he thought drearily.

'You look so stunningly handsome, I think I might just faint' chided Delia pretending to swoon.

'Mom…' whispered Ash who was as red as a tomato. Delia laughed. 'I'm just teasing dear, now come on, we've all been waiting for you' she said turning to the living room.

We've? Thought Ash dreading meeting whoever was with his mother.

I swear, if it's her gossiping buddies from Viridian City then I'm out of here, thought Ash as he entered the living room.

Luckily for Ash there were no ladies waiting for him in the living room. Instead seated on the sofa under a portrait of Giovanni were two men, one older gentlemen and another who looked around Ash's age. Ash recognised the elderly gentleman as Professor Samuel Oak, head of Kanto's science and technology ministry. In addition to that he was Pallet Town's resident Pokémon professor who was responsible for teaching Ash all he knew about pokémon and how to train them. When Prof Oak saw Ash he smiled and stood up to shake his hand.

'My, Ash, look at how much you've grown. It seemed like just yesterday I was teaching you the basics of pokémon training and now you're a soldier' he said shaking Ash's hand.

'I couldn't have done it without you professor' said Ash unashamedly. After all it was true that he couldn't have gotten as good as he did without the knowledgeable man.

'Are you sure about that Ashy boy? Because the way I see it, Gramps here didn't all that good a job' chimed in an overly smug voice. Ash's eyes widened, he would recognise that voice anywhere.

'Gary?' asked a shocked Ash looking over Professor Oak's shoulder at the younger man who was just now getting up from the sofa. When Gary stood up he was slightly taller than Ash and seemed to have grown physically yet he still emitted the same air of boyish overconfidence and cockiness that came with being Gary.

'The one and only' he replied smugly shaking Ash's hand firmly. Gary and Ash had been childhood friends, eternally competing with each other to see who the superior pokémon master was.

'I thought you were studying pokémon behaviour in Sinnoh!' exclaimed Ash still amazed that Gary had made it here.

'You're right Ashy boy I was, but after that Cyrus guy took charge I was outta there. Thought I might come back home for a while, see what Gramps here was up to. But surprise, surprise, when I come back, some guy tells me that we are at war with Kalos and Hoenn. I mean no offense to your old man but he sure knows how to choose em'. Anyway, after standing rooted to the spot for an hour due to indescribable shock I caught the first bus back home and boom, Gary Oak stands before you' he explained theatrically. Both Professor Oak and Delia rolled their eyes after hearing Gary's elaborate explanation.

'But look at you Ashy boy, all dressed up in your big – boy suit, ready to join Red on the battlefield' he teased observing Ash's brand new uniform. Say, how is the big lug anyway?' he asked.

If anyone else had spoken of his brother like that he would have been upset but Gary was Gary and nothing could change that.

'Maybe if you listened to the news once in your life you would know that Red just returned from a victorious campaign in Kalos. They've been taken out of the war' proclaimed Ash replicating Gary's smug voice.

Gary eyes widened in genuine shock and amazement.

'Wow, I never thought he had it in him… well good for him' intoned Gary, who like others who had doubts about this war, felt them fly away upon hearing of Red's victory.

'Geez Gary, you sound surprised. I think you've forgotten that Red can do anything' asserted Ash welling up with fraternal pride.

Gary rolled his eyes. Despite his years away from Kanto, he hadn't forgotten that Ash idolized his older brother. To be honest, Gary also saw Red as role model and when he was young he too wanted to be just like Red. But his time in Sinnoh had changed that. Now he wanted to be a professor of pokémon just like grandfather, maybe with hard work, he could take over his position as head of science and technology when he retired.

All in time, thought Gary.

'What do you plan to do now that you're here?' asked Ash.

'Oh Ash, always so dense, I'm coming with you of course!' he stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Ash reeled in surprise.

'Garry, you're no soldier. You can't come with me, the front line is no place for civilians'

'Wow Ash, that one hurt right here' he croaked tapping the side of his chest. He let out a fake sniffle for dramatic effect.

'You're heart is on the other side genius. Are you sure your time in Sinnoh helped you to learn anything' he burst out jokingly.

'Pokémon biology Ash, not human. But as for your complete and utter, rude –

'Get to the point Gary'

'Right… rude, unfriendly rejection of your best friend I am here to inform you that I am going as a pokémon medic'

Ash considered his preposition for a moment. Although he would never say it to his face as it would only serve to inflate his already sizeable ego, Ash knew that Gary was a fantastic pokémon biologist, the best he knew in fact, save for Professor Oak. He would be great to have around, not only could he heal Ash's pokémon but at least he would have somebody he knew to talk to when he was at the front.

'Alright, but we should really get going, the bus for new recruits leaves in ten minutes' said Ash checking his watch.

Gary nodded and the pair walked to front door followed by Delia and Professor Oak. The sun was shining bright outside, hopefully that was a good omen.

'Well Ash, this is goodbye for now' said Delia sadly, turning to her youngest son.

Ash understood what she was feeling. There was indeed the very real possibility that Ash would not come back. He enveloped his mother in a giant hug.

'Don't worry mom, I'll be back before you know it' he reassured.

Delia smiled and let a tear slide down her face.

'I love you Ash and we are all so proud of you' she sighed kissing him on the forehead. Ash had to bend down so she could reach it.

By now the bus had arrived, its destination: Viridian City. The bus honked indignantly but Ash signalled it to wait for a minute. The driver nodded in understanding and laid back in his chair.

'Take care Ash' said Professor Oak saluting him. Ash gladly returned the gesture.

'Alright Ash, let's get moving' said Gary picking up his bag. Ash nodded and the two made their way to the bus.

'Gary!' called Professor Oak.

'Yeah?'

'I'm proud of you Gary, and I know your parents would be too' smiled Professor Oak hugging his grandson.

For once Gary lost all his bravado. 'Thanks Gramps, I'll see you soon. Count on it' he promised giving his grandfather a thumbs up.

The professor nodded in understanding.

Then two adults watched as their children, who just yesterday were drinking from bottles, stepped on to the bus that would take them away from their families and loved ones, all the way to war, to hell.

Ash and Gary waved as the bus pulled away, continuing to yell their farewells until the bus disappeared behind a hill.

'Be safe' whispered Delia who remained waving even when her son was no longer in sight.

But Gary and Red would soon learn, as the old saying goes: In peace, sons bury their fathers… in war fathers, bury their sons.

Well that was intense to say the least. Ash and Gary are on their way to Viridian, Serena is still being bitter in her room, Bonnie and Clemont are watching TV, Grace is making dinner and Lance and Red have just returned after what will now be called the 'Fall of Kalos'. Get it, 'Fall of Kalos' modelled after the… ah you get it, I don't need to tell you. But important note here, this chapter was able to be produced so quickly because I am still on holiday, however because school resumes on Tuesday I will be taking a bit longer than a day or two to produce another chapter. Until next time!