A/N: Sorry for the slow updates, but this was some chapter to write. At the end of this Ash will have all his friends with him, so please tell me if there's any character that you want to see more of. R&R and enjoy the story.

Chapter 3: The Wallace Cup

Ash and his friends finally reached Blackthorn City by late morning only to learn about an ongoing event in town: The Wallace Cup. Hoping to see some of Ash's friends, the four of them rush to the venue just in time for the second round. After grabbing some seats, they watched the action with excitement.

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we are ready to begin the second round of Wallace Cup!" Wallace himself exclaimed. "Once again, we are sorry for the monthly delay, but we are glad to finally be here today!"

"Awesome!" said Serena. "I've never been to a real contest before!" Clemont then looked hopefully at Ash.

"I know you are sad about Pikachu, but I'm sure the Wallace Cup will make you feel better."

"Yeah Ash, it's going to be fine!" Bonnie said.

"Guess you're right," replied Ash. "Now I'm excited!"

Battle 1: May vs Nando

"Go May!" Ash yelled as they sat down to watch the first match. "Ash knew the loud cheers of the audience would make it impossible for the battlers to hear, but he didn't care if she heard anyway."

After Nando sent out his Kricketune, May proceeded to use her Beautifly. The bug-type battle raged the full five minutes. Aerial Aces and Silver Winds were being pulled off on one side, while X-Scissors and Sing attacks were being launched from another. Finally, towards the end of the round, a major advantage was made. Beautifly landed a direct Silver Wind after dodging an aerial X-Scissor attempted by Kricketune.

"Time," the announcer said. "And the winner is May!" the announcer exclaimed.

Battle 2: Kenny vs Harley

"In case you haven't noticed," Kenny explained, "I'm the one who's going to win the Wallace Cup!"

"Oh really?" Harley mocked. "What a laugh! The only reason I must beat you is so that I can get back on May!"

Kenny sent out his Floatzel and Harley sent out his Octillery who was also a water type. However, the battle did not last long. Even though Harley was determined, Kenny was even more determined to win. Floatzel was also more stronger, faster, and more accurate than Octillery. Kenny's Floatzel won within 70 seconds using a stunning Razor Wind attack.

Battle 3: Dawn vs Solidad

Bonnie was amazed at how Ash knew everyone and Clemont was just dumbfounded. Ash immediately beamed when he heard Dawn was up.

"Ok Piplup, spotlight!" Dawn called.

"Yeah, go Dawn!" Ash cheered.

"Lapras," Solidad said, "let's go!"

Once again, the battle took the entire five minutes. The collisions of Sheer Cold and Ice Beam resulted in an ice peak at the center of the stage. Bonnie had to keep Dedenne from the cold and everyone in the audience was also chilled.

Though Ash did not know it yet, his friends Iris, Cilan, and Brock were also watching the event sitting on the other side of the venue. Iris and Axew especially did not like the ice.

30 seconds before the end of the round, Dawn knew she had to do something fast, and she did. She gained a huge lead by attacking with a Drill Peck/Bubblebeam combination, and with that she won the match.

"Good battle,"Solidad said. "It looks like you're as good as they say you are!"

"Thanks!" said Dawn in return.

Battle 4: Drew vs Zoey

"I hope you're ready!" Drew said. "Let's go Roserade!"

"You too," Zoey replied. "Go Gallade!"

"Let the match begin!" the announcer said.

Though being the Top Coordinator, Zoey did not expect the special conditions Drew's Roserade would afflict. Drew had tougher opponents in competition than her, so Roserade won even on a water stage.

"Finish it off with Petal Dance!"

"Gallade is unable to battle," the announcer said. "Drew and Roserade are the winners!"

"I'm sorry Gallade," Zoey said. But you did great! Return!"

"And now we move on to the semifinals!" the announcer exclaimed.

Battle 5: May vs Kenny

"We have May and Kenny coming up next," the announcer said. "Let the battle begin!"

"Blaziken," May called, "on stage!"

"So how do you know May?" Clemont nervously asked Ash.

"May traveled with me in the Hoenn region. She also brought her little brother, Max, along," Ash said.

"Wow," Bonnie said, "a little brother!"

"Not going to use the field?" Kenny smirked. "Ok Empoleon, let's go!"

Serena then asked Ash, "How do you know Kenny?"

"Kenny was one of Dawn's rivals. He was also her childhood friend and I think he probably came so he could see her again," Ash commented. "Nah, it's probably how famous the Wallace Cup is, that's all.

Serena gulped in her mind. "Childhood? That's just like…like with me!"

"Let the battle begin!" the announcer cried once more.

"Blaziken, use Blaze Kick!" May said.

"Jump into the water!" Kenny told Empoleon. "Then use Flash Cannon from below!"

"Dodge Blaziken!" May said.

"Ok Empoleon," Kenny said, "now jump out of the water and use Metal Claw!"

But May's Blaziken was just too physically strong and agile. "Counter it with Sky Uppercut!"

The jab sent Empoleon straight into the air.

"Snap out of it Empoleon," Kenny said to Empoleon while it was in midair. "Use Flash Cannon on the platform to propel you up with style!"

It was here that Kenny realized that Blaziken would not do well swimming. "Now use Hydro Cannon!"

Empoleon was concealed by the temporary smoke, so it had a perfect shot. Blaziken got slammed right into the water.

"Blaziken," May cried. "Get out of there!"

But Kenny would not allow this. "Use Flash Cannon, then use Hydro Cannon three times fast!"

"Blaziken!" May cried.

At this point, there was nothing May could do but watch. But just when they needed it most, May's Blaziken had a red aura surrounding it. The Blaze ability let Blaziken easily jump out of the water.

"Not so fast!" Kenny said. "Use Hydro Cannon and then lunge in with Drill Peck!"

"Use Fire Spin!" May said.

The fire created steam to which Empoleon could shroud itself. Nevertheless, Blaziken's reflexes were now extremely fast.

"Catch Drill Peck when it comes out!" May said. Now Empoleon was immobilized and it couldn't even fire a blast with its closed beak. "Finish it with Overheat!"

"Empoleon, no!" Kenny said.

"Empoleon is unable to battle so May is the winner!" the announcer said.

Interlude

After the match, Ash watched May as she was congratulated by her parents. Nearby them were Max, Brock, Iris, and Cilan.

"Ah, all of my friends are there at those front row seats! I've got to go over there!" Ash said.

"Wait for us, Ash!" Serena said.

"Yeah Ash, wait up!" Clemont said.

Bonnie said, "We want to see your friends too!"

When they got over there, they were in for a big surprise.

"Ash!" May exclaimed. "I can't believe you're here!"

"Ash!" Iris and Clian called out while waving.

"Hello Ash, long time no see," Norman said.

"Hey Ash!" Max and Brock said.

"Hi everyone!" Ash said in return.

"Just one question though," May asked. "Where's Pikachu?"

"I'll explain it all later, when the Wallace Cup is over. Look, Dawn is finally up!" Ash pointed out.

"And now for our next match…" the announcer said. May quickly left the field.

Battle 6

"….we have Dawn and Drew!" the announcer continued.

"All right!" Ash said. "Go Dawn!" This time Dawn could hear and she confidently smiled back.

"Togekiss, spotlight!" Dawn called.

"Flygon, go!" Drew said.

"Let the match begin!" yelled the announcer.

"Flygon," Drew said, "use Sandstorm!"

"Togekiss, use Safeguard!" Dawn said in return.

The Safeguard rendered the Sandstorm useless. "Now hold Air Slash while spinning!" she said.

Because of this, the sand was cleared with elegance. "Let it rip and throw the Air Slash!"

"Dodge it!" Drew said. "Use Flamethrower and chase after it!"

"Dive underneath Flygon to get away!" Dawn said.

"Don't let it get escape," said Drew, "use Dragon Breath!"

Togekiss's elegant movement made it so it could dodge every move. As Togekiss ascended, Flygon finally had a chance to strike.

"Use Steel Wing!" Drew cried.

"Togekiss, use Aura Sphere and then use Sky Attack!"

The Aura Sphere caught Flygon off guard when using Steel Wing. Then the Sky Attack knocked Flygon out in one fierce blow.

"Flygon is unable to battle, so Dawn is the winner!"

Before the Final Match

Ash had Wallace's permission to go into the waiting room by himself to greet Dawn before the final match.

"Dawn!" Ash said. "Great job out there!"

"Wow, Ash, it's really you!" Dawn replied with joy. "Thanks!"

The two embraced in a high five, and then slowly lowered their still connecting palms in front of them.

"So what brings you here?" Dawn asked.

"I lost Pikachu to Team Rocket, and they brought him to Johto," Ash said. "I shouldn't have let him go." Ash then started to cry regretfully and turned his hat low to hide his sadness from Dawn.

Dawn then put her hand on his shoulder to comfort him. "I'm sorry about Pikachu," Dawn spoke softly before becoming determined. "When this is over, I'll go with you to get Pikachu back! No need to worry!"

"Really?" Ash asked while wiping his tears in embarrassment. He immediately went back to his usual self. "Thanks Dawn, you're the best!"

"I can help too," May said, "as soon as I beat Dawn today!"

"We'll see about that!" Dawn said in return.

"Now that the match is starting, I'll see the both of you later!" Ash said.

"Bye Ash!" Dawn said.

"See you later!" said May.

Battle 7: Final Round

"For the final match, we have May and Dawn!" the announcer said.

"Good luck to the both of you!" Wallace called out.

"Thanks!" the two said.

"Let the battle begin!" said the announcer.

Both coordinators wanted to give a Pokémon that hasn't won a final round a chance in the battle.

"Pikachu is gone, so let's win this one for him and Ash!" Dawn said. "Buneary, spotlight!"

"Munchlax, on stage!" May said.

May was the first to move. "Munchlax, use Tackle!"

"Counter it with Bounce!" Dawn said.

After hitting Munchlax, Buneary was high in the air. "Use Focus Punch when it lands!" May said to Munchlax.

After Buneary was hit, Dawn told Buneary to use a move while in midair flying backwards. "Buneary, use Ice Beam while spinning!" The field was once again solid ice, and Munchlax was also frozen.

"Munchlax," May said, "use Solarbeam to melt the ice!" Buneary was hit by the blast but only at the tail.

"Buneary, ski in for a Dizzy Punch!" Dawn said.

"Munchlax, use Metronome!" May commanded.

Much to everyone's surprise, Munchlax also got Dizzy Punch. The two collided with furious punches that lasted for about 20 seconds.

"Use Focus Punch with your right!" May said.

"Use Dizzy Punch with your right!" Dawn said hurriedly.

The resulting collision propelled both Munchlax and Buneary backwards.

"Finish it with Solarbeam!" May confidently said.

"Counter with Ice Beam!" Dawn said with determination.

The power of both blasts became so intense, the collision exploded. Both Pokémon were left on the ground with no points left.

"Neither side has any points left, so this match is a tie!" the announcer proclaimed.

"May!" Ash called out. "You know what to do!"

"Right," May said in return. "Munchlax, cut the ribbon when it comes out!"

But before May could say a word, the tired yet hungry Munchlax ate the ribbon whole.

"Oh no!" the two girls said.

"I'm so sorry," Wallace said. "You'll have to wait a while before we get another ribbon. Is that ok?"

"Ok," the two girls said with a sigh.

After the Wallace Cup:

After the Wallace Cup, Ash and his friends met up with Dawn and May in the stadium lobby. Norman and Caroline, May's parents, had something to tell Max before they left.

"Max," Caroline said, "your father and I are going to Olivine City to go on a cruise. You can travel with May for a while we're gone, but just stay out of trouble. Okay?"

"Okay!" Max exclaimed.

"I'll make sure to take good care of him!" May said in return.

"We'll meet you back here in Blackthorn after our cruise!" Norman said.

"Bye!" May and Max said to their parents as they were leaving.

All of them agreed to spend the afternoon eating a late lunch in a park right next to the Pokémon Center. Brock and Cilan were the main cooks, and everyone hung out together before the food was prepared.

"Wow, Clian," May said, "I can't believe you were a good cook like Brock!"

"I sure am!" Cilan replied. "It's part of being a connoisseur!"

"Well you could definitely cook for me," May said, "I'm always hungry!"

In the meantime, Ash acquainted Dawn with his new Kalos friends.

"Dawn," Ash said, "I want you to meet Serena."

"Hi Serena!" Dawn said. "My name's Dawn, and this is my partner Piplup!"

"Hi Dawn," Serena said, "nice to meet you!"

Serena was a little nervous seeing Dawn so close to Ash, but she knew that they must have been good friends for a long time; Serena had only known Ash for a few days after all.

"Next, I want you to meet Clemont," Ash said.

"Hi Dawn, it's nice to meet you. Good job at the Wallace Cup!"

"A little secret," Ash whispered to Dawn, "Clemont is the gym leader of Lumiose City!"

"Lumiose City gym leader?" Dawn said. "That's amazing!"

"Yeah, thanks…" Clemont said with a sigh.

"And finally, here's his little sister, Bonnie!" Ash said.

"Hi Bonnie!" Dawn said. "I'm Dawn!"

Bonnie was just marveled by Dawn all around. "Wow! You were so amazing at the Wallace Cup! And your hair is so pretty! I know!" Bonnie knelt down her trademark proposal with a shout. "You're a keeper!"

Bonnie was so overly loud, Dawn was shocked and had to wrap her arms around Ash.

"Dawn?" Ash asked.

"Oops, sorry about that Ash, no need to worry," said Dawn with a little guilt.

"BONNIE!" Clemont yelled. "You're such an embarrassment!"

Serena was laughing, but her face was turning very red. It was red of a little jealousy, but it was mainly red out of blushing. She didn't think Ash would be so attractive with how he looked around Dawn.

Lastly, they all sent out their Pokémon so they could meet. Serena was impressed by Piplup and Dawn thought that Fennekin was pretty cute. Bunnelby immediately fell in love with Buneary, but Buneary rejected him and told him all about how she loved Pikachu. Piplup and Oshawott got to reunite and talked wonders about Meloetta. Dedenne and Pachirisu scampered around together and joined Iris's Emolga. All the others joined with the other Pokémon already out playing. Of course Ash had older Pokémon on his team, but at least they got to meet Charizard. Now all of the trainers' Pokémon were out.

Just then, a huge Hummer-like vehicle drifted on the street. Ash and Dawn raced each other to the street to see who it was.

May and Max, who were getting to know Iris, were walking towards Serena and Clemont to meet them.

"So you must be Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie," Iris said. "I'm Iris, nice to meet you all."

"And I'm May, nice to meet you guys!"

"Wooow!" Bonnie quickly interrupted. "You were awesome at the Wallace Cup and your Munchlax was just amazing! I know!"

"Oh no!" Clemont said.

"You're a keeper!" Bonnie proudly exclaimed. This time, however, she would feel the effects of her own medicine. Right in front of Bonnie was no other than Max, May's little brother. Bonnie mistakenly proposed to him instead of May!

"You mean me?" Max questioned. "Well yeah, my older sister thinks I'm a keeper all right." Max smiled at Bonnie, who returned the smile. "My name is Max. What's your name?"

"My name is Bonnie, nice to meet you!" Bonnie started to get giddy for having someone her size around. "I know! Let's go play with the Pokémon!"

"We can play with May's Blaziken! Blaziken, over here!" Max said happily. "Come on Bonnie, hop on Blaziken's back!"

"Yay!" Bonnie said in slight admiration. "Let's go!"

While the two of them started playing, Ash and Dawn found out that it was Tracey and Misty that arrived.

"Tracey! Misty! Long time no see!" Ash said while running.

"Hey Ash, how's it going? I'm really sorry about your Pikachu." Tracey said.

"That's ok," Ash replied.

"Hey Ash, it's really nice to see you again," Misty said. Both Tracey and Misty had really matured physically in both body and in speech. "And I'm guessing that this girl is one of your traveling partners, right?"

"That's right!" Dawn said. "I traveled with Ash in the Sinnoh region. My name is Dawn, nice to meet you guys!"

"I'm Misty and I was Ash's very first traveling partner, besides Pikachu of course! You know how Brock's the Pewter City gym leader? I'm the water type gym leader for Cerulean City, the second gym in Kanto!"

"Wow! So you traveled with Brock too? That's so cool!" Dawn said.

"And I'm Tracey," Tracey said. "In case you didn't know, I'm Professor Oak's personal assistant!"

"You mean THE Professor Oak?" Dawn marveled. "That's amazing!"

After this all of Ash's friends gathered around to meet each other and now Cilan and Brock could join in since the food was done.

"Wow Brock, you really cook as well as Dawn says you do," Iris said.

"Thanks, but the real chef is Cilan; you're really lucky to have him," Brock said in return. "It's like he does cooking for a living!"

Everyone and every Pokemon enjoyed a hearty meal, but afterwards Tracey had to make an announcement.

"I know this is very short of a notice," Tracey started, "but as you can see, Ash does not have his Pikachu because it was stolen. That's why we are going to help him save Pikachu. Who's with us?"

Everyone raised their hands with determination. They knew just how good of a friend Ash was to them, so everyone was glad to help Ash back.

"All right, then it's settled," Tracey said. "Everyone pack your things in the truck, we are leaving for the Ice Path Pokémon Center in 30 minutes. We will go over the plans tomorrow morning and then intrude the Team Rocket base the morning after."

Drew and Kenny were watching from around a corner.

"I can't believe Ash has so many friends," Drew said.

"Well which of the girls is your favorite?" Kenny asked slyly with a grin.

"I don't say this much, but I really like May a lot. She's a really inspiring trainer, both on the inside and out," Drew said with a blush. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to sneak something into that car of theirs."

Kenny said to himself, "Drew is so wrong because Dawn is where it's at. I just have to put my heart out on the line." Then he started to yell. "Dawn! It's me, Kenny!"

Unfortunately, Ash was calling Dawn at the same time asking her to sit in the car with him.

"Aww man," Kenny said with a sigh.

"So you must be Kenny," Serena said to Kenny, who had just noticed her there.

"Well, yes I am," Kenny murmured.

"You were at the Wallace Cup!" Serena said. "So why were you calling Dawn? You must really like her."

"Stop that!" Kenny said. "I don't know what you are talking about!" He was starting to turn away.

Serena looked back at the car only to find that Dawn was sitting next to Ash, the place that she wanted to sit. Now she understood why Kenny was upset and knew how he was feeling. "Well anyways, it's nice to have seen you." Serena ran off with the others into the car. "At least I can sit behind Ash if not next to him!" she thought to herself.

The truck perfectly fit all of them. Tracey was driving and Misty was by his side. On the next row, Ash, Dawn, and Brock were seated from left to right respectively. Behind them were Serena, Iris, and Cilan in that same manner. And in the back, May and Clemont were holding an already sleeping Max and Bonnie.

It turned out Drew had put a rose in May's backseat with a note, and she would make sure no one saw it.

But the most important part was saving Ash and his Pikachu. Everyone was prepared to go as far as needed in battle to help out Ash, who was a great friend to them. As the car drove out of Blackthorn City, the sun was already starting to set.

How will Ash and all of his friends be able to save Pikachu? Stay tuned for Chapter 4 to find out!

Back in Kalos…

"We have to help get that Pikachu," Jessie said while upgrading the balloon.

"Right," Meowth and James replied.

"I can help too," Blaziken Mask (Meyer) said, appearing to them out of nowhere.

"Oh no!" the three of them said. "Don't hurt us!"

"It's all right," the man replied while taking off his mask. "If you let me ride in that balloon, then I'll be glad to help in any way I can."

Meowth whispered, "That Mega Blaziken can be a great help to us."

"All right then it's settled, you can come along too," said Jessie.

"Just give us hand with these parts," James said.

To be continued…