Wow, this has been a long time coming. So Serena's obsessive suiter challenged Ash to a battle for her affection. But, Peter is an ass about it and well, I'll let the chapter do the talking.
Pokemon belongs to the creative mind of Satoshi Tajiri and co. Any song lyrics used belong to the mentioned artists or writers.
Palette Town
Oak Ranch
Ash's POV
A challenger? But I don't think he's here for the Monarch title since the PWC had just ended a day ago. I see the way he looks at Serena, like she's some kind of trophy or something! My senses are immediately alarmed by this, Serena had told me how he had vied for her affection when he started his journey in Kalos, asking her to go with him. About how he dragged her through Vanderville after she refused to go with him, her cousin had to intervene and beat the guy.
My anger spiked at this though, how dare he?!
Serena and the others must have felt my aura, because she grabbed my hand squeezing it slightly with a worried gaze. I gave her a reassuring smile, letting my aura reduce.
Lance spoke eyeing Peter with a stern gaze, "Young man! Do you realize that challenges issued to the Monarch can't be done without a write of Challenge or out of the PWC."
"Oh, I'm sure his challenge isn't issued because of the Monarch title Lance." I say staring down Peter letting my aura flare out slightly.
May frowned in displeasure, "I can see the look in his eyes. He wants to challenge you for Serena."
Shauna clicked her tongue, "He sure is persistent. Didn't Calum say never to bother Serena again after you tried to take her on your Journey years ago."
"I'm here to take what's mine! What does he have that I possibly don't?" He says his stance stiffening.
It was Dawn who responded with a sassy tone, "Oh I don't know really. If you can't figure it out then I doubt you truly understand how she feels."
"Tsk. You dunderhead. The way you're acting won't help you, but then again if you really can't see the depth of her feelings for Ash then nothing can help you." Says Paul looking unimpressed.
Peter looked enraged by the comments they were throwing his way. Mm, I couldn't help but be reminded of a certain other guy who couldn't seem to the get girl he liked because of his attitude.
"So will you accept my challenge or not?" Peter asks smirking at thought of me not accepting.
I took a breath, "I don't like you. And I don't like the fact that you're treating Serena like some trophy to be won. You aren't entitled to her feelings, and I'm not either."
I feel Serena take my arm and turn me towards her, she had a grateful smile on her face. She gave me a soft kiss.
She softly says, "I know he won't stop unless you accept Ash. Besides, I know you don't really feel comfortable with these kinds of battles but I don't mind. Maybe it'll finally stop him from going after me."
"Are you sure Princess?" I asked her placing a stray lock of her hair behind her ear.
She nods solemnly then grins, "Yes. I know you're not doing it to get my attention or to treat me like some kind of trophy to be won. Plus, I find it kind of gratifying to know that even if your not really willing to, you're doing this to defend my honor."
I grin brightly at the last statement, because it was true. If I accepted his challenge I wasn't doing it because I was trying to win Serena over, I was doing it to defend her honor and individuality. Besides if he stepped a toe out of line she could handle him well enough. Before heading onto the field I did something that most of my friends - except the Kalos crew - didn't expect I took off my cap and placed it on Serena's head.
I grinned, "Great it still fits! Can you keep that for me until battle's over?"
"Yeah sure Mr. Monarch." She teases giggling as she walked back to lthe group.
I heard Misty gaps but Pikachu gave me a thumbs up and a smile, going to Serena and pawing one of her Pokeballs. I chuckled knowing he wanted to see Sylveon again, Serena giggled and freed the fairy type eveeloution. Sylveon nuzzled Pikachu gently, which caused my best bud to blush at the affection. I saw the ladies swarming over Serena asking her about the cap.
I roll my shoulders and cracked my knuckles, "Alright then. Let's do this!"
"What are your terms Challenger?" Sneered Gary, he obviously didn't like Peter. None of us did.
Peter smirked cockily, "One-on-one no bards match."
"Oh! He has guts! I'll give him that much." Commented Drayden, his arms crossed with a stern expression on his face.
I narrowed my eyes trying to gage his strategy. His over confidence kind of reminds of my younger self, so reckless and cocky. I smiled resolutely, I knew which Pokemon to use. I held his PokeBall put, feeling his Aura through our bond. Serena smiled as if knowing who I would use, I shook my head at that but smiled to myself.
Gary announced the match, "This is a match between Peter Hugo of Vanderville Town and Ash Ketchum of Palette Town. It will be a one-on-one no bards match. Trainers free your Pokemon!"
He went first, "Venusaur come on out."
The large bluish-green quadrupedal mon came out it's huge bud shinning. I had to smile, wondering if Bulbasaur would ever consider evolution but of course if he wanted to stay as he was forever I'd respect that.
"Greninja I choose you!" I say summoning my own mon to the field.
The frog-like mon appeared standing on two legs, in a poised stance. I knew our bond would be beneficial if he ever chose to mega evolve his Venusaur, I spotted the mega band he wore around his wrist.
"Let the battle begin!" Announced Gary.
Peter made the first move, "Vine Whip."
"Quick Attack to dodge!" I tell him.
Like a phantom Greninja disappeared the whips completely missing him. He landed a good hit on the other mon, pushing it back slightly.
Scene Shift
Third Person
As the battle began the crowd sat on the makeshift stands once more, this time Gary stayed on the field while May sat in-between her family and the girls. Shauna comforted Serena as the Blonde girl was rather worried about Ash.
"I hope Ash puts him in his place. Maybe I can give him a good kick or two." Grumbles the Hoenn burnette cracking her knuckles.
Zoey chuckles, "I hate guys like him honestly. Peter really made a horrid first impression."
"He is rather boorish isn't he? I mean he reminds of that guy Daimen we met back then." Says Misty with a sour look on her face.
Serena sighs hugging Ash's cap, "He's been after me since we've been ten, I've told him time and time again that I'm not interested. After all, the only guy I've ever liked in that way is Ash, Peter just wants me for my looks."
"Yeah. Don't worry, Ash will set him straight. And if that doesn't work we know you can send him packing." Dawn says patting the blonde's shoulder.
Serena chuckles nodding, "If Peter thinks I'll be impressed by this then he is in for a rude awakening."
"Do you think he'll use their bond?" Ailan asks curiously.
Clemont looked thoughtful,"Maybe he will. That depends on the situation. It seems that Peter holds a mega stone, but then again... Ash has beaten a mega Pokemon without having use mega evolution himself or even using his bond with Greninja."
"That is true. Ash was one of the very few trainers who could go toe to toe with my Mega Gardevoir and still have his Pokemon active." Noted Diantha, who recalled battling with Ash throughout his Kalos Journey.
Lance looked on proudly, "When I first met him I could tell he was very inexperienced and reckless. Throughout the years he grew and matured as a trainer and individual, and I can honestly say that I am glad of the man he has become."
In the field the battle was going on, with Ash was having the upper hand having taught Greninja moves that would be hurtful to grass or poison types. Peter was becoming indecisive and restless at his fast decline in this battle, as if assuming it'd be a walk in the park. Venusaur was panting hard having taken heavy damage from the multiple cuts and Arial ace attacks inflicted on it. As Ash was calculating his next move, Peter pulled out his mega ring.
"Right let's show him how truly strong we are Venusaur! Mega Evolve!" The sandy haired man shouts.
As the bonds of mega evolution melded between the stones, Venusaur grew slightly bigger the bud on his back grew taller as if becoming a tree. The transformation complete, the seed mon looked slightly rejuvenated and less battered. Ash shared a look with Greninja, telepathically communicating with the ninja who shook it's head.
"Alright bud. When ever you're ready just tell me alright." Ash says much to the confusion of most of his friends who haven't experienced seeing the phenomenon with him and his Greninja.
But the Kalos crew smiled understanding the sudden exchange between the two.
It was Trip who asked, "What did he mean by that?"
"Well, Ash and his Greninja have this bond that transcends Mega Evaluation. It is a rare occurrence between Greninja and their trainers called the bond phenomenon, we discovered this during our trip to a hidden ninja village in Kalos." Explained Clemont much to the surprise of the crowd.
The next question came from Iris, "What does the bond have that makes different from mega evolution?"
"It makes them become one. As if Greninja is a part of Ash and vice versa." Says Serena with a smile.
It was Alian who stopped all the questions, "It is better to see it for yourself and you'll all understand what we are talking about."
"When they finally mastered the bond it a was a true sight to behold." Added Wulfric the leader of the Snowbelle Gym.
Back onto the field again.
"Sludge Bomb!" Says Peter.
Ash narrowed his eyes, "Evade those and use ice beam."
Greninja did as told using agility to dodge the poisonous balls and aiming a surging beam of ice at the huge mon. A direct hit causing critical damage.
"Bulldoze then leaf storm." Ordered the challenger.
The huge mon lifted up it's hind legs and slammed them to the ground causing a slight tremor throughout the field, which caused the Frog mon to stumble and loose a little bit of it's speed. Then Venusaur let out an onslaught of leaves, creating vortex trapping Greninja in the center.
Ash smirked at this knowing what to do, "Relax Greninja. Close your eyes and sense Venusaur through the vortex. Listen to my voice."
He felt him nod through their connection. Serena and Clemont shared a smile remembering his battle against Ramos, said Gym leader laughed.
"That's it young whisper snapper. You've truly learned what is beyond the greater groves." He commented proudly.
Greninja closed it's eyes focusing on his senses, also remembering his past experiences with his trainer. He could see through the vortex and feel Ash behind him, then he sent him a mental message, much to the shock of his trainer who understood him.
"Are you sure?" Ash asked through their link wanting to make sure.
He felt Greninja nod, "Yes I am friend. Let's get stronger."
"Alright let's get stronger together then." Ash say mentally and out loud going into a prayer pose.
Again the Kalos crowd knew what this meant, but were surprised that he was doing it while the Frog mon was still within the vortex of leaves. Serena gasped, slightly worried about how this would affect Ash but seeing his slight smile she relaxed. To the shock of the rest of the crowd a vortex of water erupted within the vortex of leaves, which dispersed and revealed the water-dark type with his enhanced form resembling his trainer with a huge water shiruken on his back. This surprised the group on the stands - again not including those from Kalos - as they've not seen the transformation yet.
It was Paul who commented, "He does resemble Ash, right down to the cap."
"He looks more powerful then he did moments ago for sure. This bond somewhat healed him of his previous injures and gave him power." Says Tracy observing the ninja mon flipping his sketch book.
Brock shook his head smiling,."Leave it to Ash to have one up on us everytime. But this bond he has with his Greninja might have something to do with his Aura powers, a little like his own bond with Lucario."
"You might have something there Brock, I saw that bond when I went to Kalos with him on one of our research trips. He wanted to train his Lucario and we bumped in to Greninja trying to stop those black roots growing from the ground in the forests." Goh explained.
Bonnie's eyes widened, "Those roots came from the Kalos Crisis a few years back. Team Flare was responsible for causing those after they controlled Zygard to rampage through Kalos."
"We had to awaken Yveltal and Xerneas to help us out. That was was one of the craziest experiences of our lives! And to think Team Rocket actually helped us save Kalos." Says Serena giggling.
Dawn laughed, "Yeah well. Those three may seem bad but in the end they have good hearts. Ash has said on a couple of occasions that they are just misguided in their way in life. If only we could change their daily hobbies."
"They were greats cooks in a couple of occasions. They cooked the food in the Summer camp Professor Sycamore hosted in Kalos." Noted Tierno with a nods from Trevor and Shauna.
They turned back to the field to see Ash still having the upper hand. The Aura Guardian looked winded, and as an onslaught of leaves hit Greninja he winced as if feeling pain. Serena gasped in concern for her love.
May held her chest in worry as well, "Why does Ash look like he is in pain after that razor leaf?"
"That's the draw back of their bond. Though he isn't actually hurt, he feels the pain Greninja is experiencing when attacked." Explained Bonnie eyeing Ash worriedly though she thought the bond was cool she didn't want Ash to get hurt either.
Everyone gasped, Delia ever the concerned parent prayed that her son was alright after feeling that attack, she smiled feeling proud that her son had this deep bond with his Pokemon, he really was the strongest Aura Guardian in recent history. Grace also looked concerned for Ash hearing Bonnie's explanation, Calem could only look on in awe at his cousin's boyfriend.
"Alright Greninja use double team! Then Water shiruken!" Said Ash.
Multiple copies of Greninja graced the field. Ash and Greninja moves as one when doing the water shiruken. Blow after blow did minimal damage to Venusaur, being not so effective on the grass type. Ash knew the seed Pokemon was on it's last legs, seeing the clear tiredness it was exhibiting. One more attack was all it took.
"Use take down!" Ordered Peter in a desperate bid to take the win.
Everyone's eyes widened, with what they knew of the bond this wouldn't be good. As the great mom charged on Greninja poised to take the hit.
Ash knew what move could slow down the opponent, "Extrasensory!!"
Waves of physic energy poured out of the frog ninja as it closed it's eyes. Each wave slowing down Venusaur, but the hulking Pokemon still landed it's hit on Greninja. Ash braced himself for the impact, holding his gut as he felt the pain Greninja took from the hit. But he knew that his mon was still standing, the trainer staggered on one knee after the impact. Much to the worry of his friends, their parents, his mother, and the rest of the guests.
"Will Ash be alright?" Asked Cynthia in concern for her friend .
Diantha nods looking solemn, "He will but that impact was a hard one."
"He'll likely feel a little winded." Says Alder huffing.
Steven narrowed his eyes, "Why do I get the feeling that Mr. Hugo did that intentionally? It's like he intended for it to hurt Ash."
"I wouldn't be too surprised. I never intended for Peter to be with my daughter, that's why I was so relieved that she hadn't gone to travel with him. But then again she had feelings for Ash." Said Grace frowning at the Kalos native on the makeshift field.
Meanwhile with the two trainers still in battle, they both looked to see the swirling eyes of Venusaur. Greninja was on it's knees just like it's trainer, winded and slightly bruised from the impact. Peter glared at the two. Gary looked satisfied with the outcome, knowing that Ash would win. Everyone smiled, happy with the outcome of this battle, also believing that their friend/mentor/rival would win fairly.
Gary made the call, "Venusaur is unable to battle. Greninja wins, the victory goes to Ash Ketchum of Palette Town!"
Ash and Greninja shared a smile and a fist bump.
"Great job out there buddy. Thanks for battling today." Ash says patting the ninja mon on its shoulder.
The crowd approach him, Serena in front of everyone. She gently hugged him being careful not to hurt him, remembering all the times he used to get aftershocks from the bond even though they weren't connected anymore. She gave him back his cap, smiling as she placed it on his head.
"I'm fine Serena. It may hurt a little but it wasn't as bad as back in Kalos. My aura training helped me relieve the pain a little." He tells her knowing that she was worried about him getting hurt.
She nods her head on his chest, "I know, you told me this before. But I still worry."
"Now, you wouldn't be my princess if you didn't. Not to say that I like making you worry, but it does show you care." Says Ash chuckling at the beginning.
Everyone smiled at the interaction; the young ladies in the group swooned at how cute Ash was being, while the Guys just shook their heads at the interaction. The adults shared looks of understanding and warm smiles. Grace and Delia shared a look that all mothers would recognize in any world, they knew that in another year or so these two would be engaged. Delia thanked Arceus everyday that her son was more perceptive to the feelings of others as he grew older, not like the other boys in his age.
"You have a higher pain tolerance than most Ash with the many injuries you have sustained throughout the years you've always bounced back." Noted Brock as he checked over Greninja giving the Frog ninja a couple of berries to heal it's health.
Ash smiled, "While that's true, if I hadn't had most of you guys around to help me get back on my feet I wouldn't have survived most of those adventures. Meeting, saving and battling Legendary Pokemon isn't something to take lightly."
"You can say that again! Though it was nice to be chosen by Mesprit. But I could do without that fight between Palkia and Dialga. And going into that alternate dimension." Says Dawn shivering at the memory.
Peter was fuming as he approached fist balled in anger. He gained speed, taking off in a sprint indenting to punch Ash. But in his haste, he didn't the halwking figure behind him, ready to defend anyone who dared hurt it's trainer. The gust of wind caught everyone's attention, they all looked to see Noivern holding a struggling Peter by his claw. Now that Dragon type bat-like Pokemon regarded Ash and Serena as it's segregate parents, as they were the first individuals that he saw upon the egg hatching, he was not going to let anyone hurt them.
Though Ash knew what Peter was going to do he still gave Noivern a stern look, "Now Noivern... what is the meaning of this?"
"That good for nothing..." Gary starts approaching Peter with his fists balled up.
Though the dragon looked rather contrite at his sudden actions he did try to explain what he saw, much to Ash's amusement while Serena sort of got what the Pokemon was saying she was still a little bit confused.
"Ash, what is he telling you?" Asks the Kalos native curiously.
Ash smiles taking her hand in his, "Well... Noivern spotted Peter approaching us in anger with his fists balled up, he was aiming to punch me while my back was turned. Noivern decided to intervene and snuck up on Peter before he could land a hit. He didn't want you to get hurt either."
"I am not surprised in the least by Noivern's actions. After all you both did raise it from an egg, though it hatched rather quickly. So it is really not a wonder that it seems you as it segregate parents in some ways." Explains Clemont with a grin at the blushing duo.
Bonnie also points out, "You did help Noivern learn to fly when it was still Noibat, Ash. So I can see what it would want to protect you, Serena took care of him as well so by extension he also wants to protect her."
"Let me go you over grown bat!" Says Peter angrily.
Everyone felt their anger at this, they didn't like it when other insulted Pokemon in any way. Serena and Ash were most affected by the statement as they saw the usually gentle dragon type as one of their saerogate children. Ash saw Serena's eyes darken, the same dark azure hue they got when she had argued with him during the Snowbelle incident, this made him smirk slightly boy did Peter hit the wrong nerve.
"Let him go Noivern. It's alright now, nothing happened to both of us." Ash says calmly approaching his Pokemon.
Noivern looked at him quizzically, "Noi, Noivern?"
"Now, I know what you're thinking buddy. But Serena needs him to stand on his feet." Ash reasoned winking at the Pokemon.
Everyone else was none the wiser about Serena's emotions to Peter's insult to the bat-like Pokemon as she walked towards the three. Noivern seeing the look in the honey blonde's eyes dutifully released Peter who stood rather arrogantly as Serena approached him, the poor boy probably thought she'd give him a chance to woo her.
SLAP!
SLAP!
Peter staggered back as Serena delivered to really hard hits on his cheeks! This astonished the guys, satisfied the ladies, and slightly surprised the adults. Everyone saw the smirk Ash had on his face, they knew that he figured out what the Kalos girl wanted to do.
"Ouch Princess. I mean that one hit you gave me back in Snowbelle stung for a night. But two, really?" Ash teased hugging her from behind feeling her relax in his embrace.
She giggled leaning into him, "Yeah. Well, this time I don't feel bad about hitting the person who received them. Plus, I pelted you with snow that time as well Mr. Grump."
"Damn! I knew you had it in you girl, but that was hard. He'll be feeling those for a bit." Says May from behind them with a huge grin on her face.
Misty chuckled, "What was that about pelting Ash with snow balls?"
"Let us just say he lost his first battle against Wulfric the first time around and was brooding for a bit. I went after him and we argued about his attitude for awhile, which got us venting out our frustrations so I threw snow balls at him to try and get him back to normal." Serena explained somberly.
Ash hugged her tightly kissing the top of her head, "I was being a huge berk about the entire situation and said some really regretful things towards her, then she slapped me. Boy did that get me off my bad mood, it also opened my eyes to how much she really did believe in me."
"That was the worse argument you had on our entire journey. You both always got a long with one another that seemed off when you were at odds. But it all worked out on the end." Says Bonnie hugging them both the young blond from Lumios regarded them as siblings.
It was Zoey who spoke next, "She told us about the whole argument back in Hoenn. Glad to see that you got over your high horse and apologized to her!"
"That was something I never want to go through again! I felt really horrible about the entire thing." Ash says regretfully.
Serena not wanting him to be moping about the past and lifted his cap onto her head again, causing him to smile at the gesture. She gave him a kiss on the cheek smiling as well.
"Never thought I'd see the day Ashy-boy would take off his cap and placed on a girl's head." Comments Gary with a proud grin at his best friend.
Misty smiled fondly, "He really has grown up. The cap strangely suits her, don't you think?"
Dawn nods her head, "It does. The red cap happens to complement her honey blonde hair and azure eyes."
"His prized cap going onto a girl's head? There's got to be a story behind that. And that's one they have yet to share with us." Adds May grinning as she was intrigued by the new information.
Bonnie shook her head but smiled a tad, "It'll be an interesting one mind you. If I remember a little detail, Ash had gotten sick at that time while me and Clemont went out to find some berries or roots to help him heal. Serena of course stayed behind to nurse him back to health."
"What a sweet gesture to be born out of a not so great moment in your journey." Comments Delia smiling to the young crowd.
Diantha chuckles, "If only you could've seen how sweet these two really throughout their Kalos journey. I remember seeing Serena and Ash after the Kalos crisis helping out the injured kids and Pokemon, it was a precious sight to behold seeing such compassion for people and Pokemon alike."
"I am not really surprised at Ash's compassionate personality. I've seen it on many occasions, but to see him with a person who could equal him in that regard warms my heart." Says Cynthia happy for the young trainer who had earned her respect greatly.
Calem chuckled, "I'm glad she could handle herself. They balance each other out for sure."
Peter stood holding out a PokeBall, totally enraged by Serena's actions towards him. His sense of entitlement on an all time high at this point. He released the Pokemon to reveal a huge Fearow! Ash narrowed his eyes, Pikachu coming up from behind him, his cheeks sparking with electricity.
Gray's eyes widened in alarm, "No freaking way! How did he catch this troublesome crow?!"
"Is this same Fearow that harassed the flock of Pidgy years ago?" Wondered Misty eyes narrowing in anger.
Brock nodded solemnly, "If it is then Ash is in for a tough one that's for sure. I just hope they pull through without Pidgeotto here."
"I'm sure Pikachu can handle that oversized bird, he's one of the most powerful electric types I've ever seen. I mean Zecrum tried to suck the electricity out of him when we caught the dragon back in Univa." Says Iris with rigid confidence in the electric mouse.
"I guess I'll have to take you out the hard way then." Peter says darkly catching crowd on high alert.
Serena clutched onto Ash, "What is he planning?"
Ash being who he is gently pushed Serena behind him.
"Take him for a ride Fearow!" Ordered the deranged boy.
The crowd gasped as the large bird charged at Ash it's beak grabbing onto his hoody, taking him for an arial spin. Serena was distressed by the turn of events, Peter smirked approaching the girl.
Peter then offered, "I'll put him down if you come with me Serena."
"You hurt Ash, I'll hurt you more Peter! Besides if there's something Ash can handle is rough dealings with Pokemon. He nearly died battling a Moltres on top of a volcano. The most he can get hurt from this is a deep wound on his shoulder." Says the honey blond, eyes hardened into dark cobalt in her anger.
Peter's arm shot out his hand grabbing her wrist in a grip, "Fine then. I'll take you with me by force!"
Calem ran towards them together with Gary and Paul, but a hydro pump shot out from somewhere and hit the maddened boy causing him to be pulled from Serena and hit the ground a few meters away from her. Everyone turned to see a Poliwhirl looking surly as he stared down the assailant, the Pokemon walked to Serena who smiled and patted it on the head.
"Thank you Poliwhirl." She says making the Pokemon smile.
"Poli!"
A gust of wind suddenly hit them from behind, they watched to see the largest Pidgeot they have ever seen fly towards a falling figure from under the Fearrow. It was Ash!
"Pidgeot!" Exclaimed the bird as it doubled it's speed.
Brock was awed immediately recognizing the bird, "Glorious! Arceus that's Pidgeot!"
Misty gasped, "Oh my. She looks gorgeous."
They watched as Ash glowed blue, his Aura slowing down his decent before he landed on the large falcon. Serena couldn't see but she knew that the boy was happy to see an old friend, his Pidgeot was great and perfectly groomed! They saw Ash flying their way, he landed near the drenched Peter. He's eyes glowed blue again before he picked the boy up, Ash had a slightly bigger build due to Guardian training.
"You twisted piece of Taurus crap! I'll take whatever shit you give me, but no one hurts my Princess." Ash says furiously as he punched Peter with his fist.
Peter now sported a bleeding nose and reddened cheeks. Ash let him slump on the ground, his breathing was ragged he was clearly still angry. He felt arms wrap around his waist from behind and knew it was her, the scent of sweet pastries and lemon soothed his mind and eased his heart. Serena couldn't help but sigh in contentment.
"Thanks Ash!" She whispers.
Ash smiles, "No problem."
He had sent Pidgeot to battle, with Pikachu joining his avian friend in the fray. Noivern also wanted to join in, but was hesitating because Ash had not given him the go. Said trainer looked at the bat-like dragon type and smiled at him, he looked to Serena who just giggled and went up to pet Noivern who seemed to purr at her touch.
Ash chuckled and nodded, "Alright Noivern you can join them. I know you want some action as well, you're just like all of your brothers and sisters."
The mon rejoiced at the response nuzzling Ash before it flew off to help it's fellow mons against the Fearow. Bonnie and Clemont just grinned, know the extent of the bond their friends had with the dragon type. The others just looked on smiling at the scene. The Poliwhirl who shot the hydro pump at Peter walked to Ash and pulled at his pants.
"Poli. Poliwhirl!" Says the water type.
It was May who asked, "Have you met this Pokemon before Ash."
Ash's eyes flashed blue for a moment before he grinned in recognition of who the Pokemon was! He lifted the Pokemon off the ground and hugged it, to the surprise of the crowd.
"I guess he does recognize the Pokemon." Says Brock.
Professor Oak rubbed his chin, "Mm, I wonder..."
"Are you thinking what I am thinking Gramps?" Inquired Gary.
The older man smiled, "I suppose you're right my boy! And I don't find it coincidental at all that this particular Poliwhirl had found it's way back here after all these years."
Everyone was in a state of confusion over this, what could this particular Poliwhirl have to do with Ash and Serena.
Ash then said, "Serena, remember all those years ago on that summer. The little Poliwag I was chasing that happened to run into the bush that you hid behind in the forest injured and sad?"
"Yes I..." Her answer was paused at her surprised gasped then she continued, "Are you saying that this is that very same Poliwag?"
"Yes he is!" Ash pronounced then adds, "You really had me worried back then Poliwhirl when you didn't come back into the camp, but thank you for allowing me to meet my Princess."
The mon just smiled at the trainer, "Poli. Poli whirl."
"To think the little guy startled me half to death back then. But without that incident I wouldn't have met you, Ash. So thank you as well Poliwhirl for letting me meet My Knight." Serena says giving the Pokemon a pat on the head.
It was Diantha who spoke from the gathered crowd, "It seems as if fate has graced you in this moment. Poliwhirl saving Serena and seeing Ash again can't be just a mere coincidence."
"If there's anything that I learned from my travels is that not everything is a coincidence, somethings are meant to happen as they should. Sometimes fate paves the path we are bound to follow, other times we create our own. The path we walk is filled with surprises after all." Ash says smiling at everyone.
Samuel smiled proudly, "Wise words from one so young. But he is right, after all he did see Ho-Ho more then once."
"Well I'll be, his blessed by one of Jonto's legendary Pokemon!" Exclaimed Alder.
Professor Elm chuckles, "Yes, he has. I remembered the day he arrived and Jonto and pointed at the Photo of Ho-Ho telling me he saw it."
"Pika Pi!" Exclaimed a happy Pikachu who jumped off Pidgeot and into Ash's arms.
"Pidgeot!" Says the large Falcon who ladies beside Ash and nuzzles him with her beak.
Ash was chuckling as he felt tickled by the feathers, "Hey there old girl! I see you've been keeping the Fearow in check. How's the flock?"
"Funny thing Ash. Half of her flock made a part of the ranch's forest area home when you were in Alola. But of course we always welcome wild Pokemon here every now and again, and some even get claimed by young trainers. Explains Samuel rubbing his chin.
Ash smiles, "At least they won't get bothered by the Spearow anymore. Thanks for helping out girl."
"Pidg. Pidg. Pideot." The falcon says calling one of Ashes Pokeballs.
Gary looked stunned, "I'll be..."
The crowed was awed as they saw Ash nod in recognition taking an empty PokeBall from his belt and capturing Pidgeot with it. There was no resistance as the ball quickly locked without even a shake.
"Welcome back Pidgeot!" Ash exclaimed before bringing the falcon out again.
Pikachu was happy to have one of his many old friends back, looks like the Kanto team was complete once again. Squirtle came back after he found out Ash was going through the PWC and wanted to fight with his friends again, he evolved into a Wartortle during one of the Great Class battles. Bulbasaur was also placed into the roster at some point later evolving into a Ivysaur during one of the training sessions. Quilava finally turned into Typlosion during one of the Great class battles. Oshwott evolved into Duwott during one training session with Pignite. Gible finally completed it's evolution stages and is now a powerful Garchomp.
Ash then inspected Pidgeot's wings and smiled, "Your wings look amazing Pidgeot! Who's been grooming you today?"
The falcon flew above the crowd and landed beside the younger lemon haired Lumios sibling, Bonnie! Ash grinned giving her a thumbs up.
It was Brock who commented, "Look at the shine her feathers! I don't suppose she wants to be a Pokemon groomer when she grows up?"
"Thank you Bonnie! Learned a few tricks from the future Kalos Queen I see." Ash says giving a Serena wink which made her blush.
Aria gasped in false shock, "How dare you?! She'll have to get through me first."
"With how she's been rocking the Contest Circuits so far, I have no doubt she'll beat you in the next Master Class Aria." Comments May smirking.
Diantha laughed at the banter, "I've seen the Slateport Contest and yes, Serena has grown leaps and bounds since her first time in the Master Class Showcase. She'll surely win it all next time she enters."
Aria laughed heartily, "With support like this there is no way she will lose in the next Master class for sure."
"What are you planning to do next Serena? I mean after your successful debut in Hoenn's Contest Circuit, what's your plan?" Dawn asked looking at the honey blonde girl curiously.
Serena and Ash shared a look, passing on some unsaid agreement they had. Ash smiled and lifted Serena's hand to his lips and kissed it, she flushed slightly but gave him a tender smile in return.
Ash spoke first, "Well on our way here we talked about reveling together again."
"Really?" Asked Grace smiling at the revelation.
Serena responds to her mother's inquiry, "Yeah. I mentioned that I wanted to see Kanto. Since we didn't really get to see that much of it when came here back then mom."
"Wow, planned out your next adventure already." Mallow says grinning at the pair.
Ash shrugs, "We did talk about going to Kalos and her competing in Showcases but she wants to go through Kanto first. Plus she can do Contests here as well."
"That would bring back memories. I remembered my first run in Kanto, I was thrashed pretty hard by Solidad back then!" May says frowning slightly at the memory.
Max pats her back, "Don't be too hard on yourself, sis! I mean you were still starting out after all. Look at you now, Top Coordinator and Jonto and Kanto!"
"Max is right you know. And everyone has their Pitfalls during the beginning of their Journey. How I wish I could've done better in my first run here in Kanto. I was such a goof back then." Ash admits frowning at his past self.
Brock pats his shoulder, "You've done plenty of great things during your run in Kanto Ash. I mean you were able to prove to Lt. Surge that Evolution isn't everything in a Pokemon Battle! Then there was that time you were able to bring Sabrina back from her Psychic prison."
"Don't remind me about that one, getting turned into a doll wasn't fun. But we can't really blame her at this point. Her real self was locked within her mind. I felt bad for her after her parents told us about it." Misty points out shivering.
Gary smiled sheepishly, "Maybe you would've done better during the Indigo league if I hadn't been such a duche back then. Part of why you couldn't fully let out your full potential was because I was giving you you a hard time."
"True. But it was mostly my inexperience and irresponsibly that lead me to flunk out the league here. Maybe I should try it out again. I've always wanted to go through the Indigo League again but never thought of a time to do it" Ash says after a thought.
Misty laughed, "Well that's a thought isn't it. Imagine taking on Lance and taking the Champion seat from him."
"I have no doubt he can after how he beat Leon. At this point he won't even need to go through the whole League process since since he is the Monarch." Says Lance grinning at the possibility of facing Ash in battle.
Ash shakes his head, "It wouldn't be too much fun if I skipped the whole League process. I like the challenge."
"Champion of Alola! There's no way you'd lose Ash, but maybe I should try out the Kanto League." Gladeon with a sly smirk.
Gary laughed, "Now there's an idea worth trying. It has been so long since I versed Ash in an official League, it'd be fun to do it again."
"I've got to get me one of the Z-Rings. Those move pack a lot of power." Paul says eyes narrowing.
Kiawe chuckled, "Yeah, well good luck with that. The Island Challenges are as hard as gym battles. The Kahunas don't make the trials easy."
"Just ask Ash about it. The Grand Trials are the fun parts though." Sophocles adds look towards Ash.
Ash chuckles shrugging, "They are right. Those challenges are special within themselves, each one unique in their own ways. Each Kahuna gives out mini trials to test your strength and bond with your Pokemon. You'll have to find ways to solve problems that arise in the community."
"That's an interesting way to test out trainers." Cynthia says.
Lilie smiled then mentioned, "I remember when Ash asked us for help with his first trial."
"The one with the Alolan Ratata and Raticate! You were able to convince the Totem Gumchues to help with that one right Ash." Says Lana.
Ash nods smiling, "That one was really interesting. But it was a fun battle. I hope those Ratata and Raticate haven't been causing trouble again."
"No need to worry! Last time we checked they're all tucked into the forest munching away on the Berries and fruits there. As for the Ultra Beasts though, not much is happening there. " Says Mallow reassuringly.
Dawn's eyes shone, "Maybe we should take a visit to Alola!"
"Oh! I love that idea Dawn. I'd be great to have a group vacation on a place that is basically a real life paradise." May says excitedly.
"I'd love to go with you all! It'd be great to visit Alola again wouldn't it Brock?" Misty says looking to the accredited Pokemon Doctor.
Brock grins after a thought, "Maybe I could bring Lucy with me."
"That'd be a great idea! Maybe Anabelle can join us a well. They are best friends you know." Says May smiling.
Ash nods, "Scott has told me that the Battle Frontier hasn't been all the busy lately. Not much challengers coming in."
"So far only five trainers have gotten the Seven Symbols from the Frontier, that includes you Ash. Yet, you are still the only Trainer who has gotten a pending invite from Scott to join." Lance announces.
Ash grins, "I've written him about that actually. I'm planning to accept the position, within a year's time. Since the Frontier doesn't get that much challengers every year, I can travel every once in awhile during the lull times."
"Wouldn't you need to plan out what your facility should function as though? And what Symbol you should have?" Wonders Max.
"I've thought about the Symbol I want so far. But have no clue about how to go about the Facility." Ash admits in thought.
Mallow suggested, "Tell us about your Symbol Ash?"
"The Bond Symbol." Ash responds smiling.
Diantha smiled, "An interesting and unique idea. But what gave you that idea?"
"It was after my journeys through Kalos and Alola. The whole thing with Mega evolution and Z-moves, both emphasizing the deep and strong bonds we have with our Pokemon. I've mostly been able to understand my Pokemon better then most others. I want to test if other trainers have that same or a similar bond with their own Pokemon." The black haired teen explained.
Serena smiles hugging his arm, "That's a fitting Idea for you Ash."
"My favorite story was the history between you and Charizard how you got him to listen to you." Max says smiling at the memory.
Misty nods, "That one was really grueling and scary. After Ash lost to Blain, he broke Charizard out the Ice cube the in cased his body. Charizard's flame was brining out as well, Ash painstakingly brought it back up rubbing his hands up and down his back trying to warm him up, his hands were raw after that. Tracy and I knew he didn't rest the night before helping Charizard bring back his tail flame. After that Charizard finally trusted Ash."
"How inspiring." Noted Trevor who looked Amazed.
Dawn glanced at Paul before saying, "One of my favorite moments of Ash bonding with Pokemon was when he took in Chimchar after Paul released it."
The purple haired trainer looked down shamed by her statement, "I was such berk back then."
"Yeah you were! I mean come on no one would what did you did to Maylene all those years Paul. That was absolutely preposterous!" Comment Zoey making the purple haired Sinnoh boy sink onto a seat.
Cynthia frowned for a moment as she thought then smiled and said, "Though you treated your Pokemon atrociously back then, you treat them much better now. A little bit of tough love works, but not giving them any love at all isn't right at all. At least you learned something Paul."
Serena was trying to see if Ash got hurt in anyway during his unceremonious flight with Fearow, he noticed this and smiled. He had used his aura to stop the bleeding form the gash on his shoulder, he knew it was still open though and decided to let her patch it up. He liked that she cared so much but felt bad about worrying her all the same. He let her see the gash marks on his shoulder, to which she gasped and went closer to examine them. She sighed in relief, they weren't too deep but the sharp talons clearly broke his skin and she knew that he had his aura powers stop the bleeding. She got her backpack and took out the first aid kit.
She pulled out a few paper towels and said, "Poliwhirl could please spray water gun on this?"
"Poli."Replied the burly blue water type as he sprayed a low powered water gun on the towel.
Serena smiled, "Thank you."
"Poliwhirl!" Said the Pokemon happily sitting beside the two.
Their friends and the adults watches the scene, the girls smiling while the guys felt a little envy well up in them but were also smiling. Dawn, May, and Bonnie shared soft looks having seen this in Hoenn. Brock smiled feeling happy for his pseudo brother, Miette felt a little envious of Serena, while Shauna giggled seeing Miette's conflicted face.
"You know I don't think I'll ever tire seeing this." Dawn comments swooning slightly.
Korrina smiled, "Well they were always close back in Kalos but this is a level of closeness that transcends time. Even their Pokemon bonded so much like their trainers."
"Pikachu and Sylveon were close back when she was still and Eevee, I think she developed her own feeling towards Pikachu after Pierre's ball that time. Especially when he encouraged her during the double battle." Says Bonnie feeling a slight case of nostalgia.
Clemont chuckled nodding his head, "I still wonder how Ash could've sensed Eevee's evolution back then. I was so astonished by how he was able to read the signs so quickly, when we all thought that Eevee was out."
"We figured that's part of Ash's Aura abilities. He can sense the Will and Determination a Pokemon has to become stronger, and that is transmitted through their evolution." Brock says smiling.
Dawn nods, "That makes sense in a way."
The day continued with more battles and fun moment between family, friends, and rivals. What the future bring will be short of amazing... as the journey continues.
And that's it for this chapter everyone! I know this took longer then I expected, I was blocked off in a few places for this chapter, didn't think it'd take this long to finish it. I've also been working on two other Pokemon fanfics. If any of you are Pearl or Advanced Shippers hopefully you'll like it. Peter was completely beaten by Ash despite the type disadvantage, but if Greninja can learn Arial Ace and Extrasensory them he wasn't totally handy capped.
The bit with Serena mentioning that Ash would get a wound from Fearow's talons was inspired by a fanfic titled, Pokemon: World Coronation by HunterQwon. If haven't read it yet check it out, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. And of course Serena mentioning Ash battling Moltres was a nod to the episode in the XY anime wherein Flechinder evolved into Talonflame
Thanks for reading and following the fanfic everyone! Any suggestions you may have for future chapters or fanfics drop them in the comments or send them to me through DMs. Until next time.
Signing off,
WL_17