The radiant sun bathed Lavarre City in a warm embrace, its golden rays painting a picturesque scene for Ash, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie as they made their way towards the Lavarre Gym. The air was charged with anticipation, the prospect of Ash securing his 6th Gym Badge adding an extra layer of excitement to the day. Serena, walking beside Ash, couldn't help but cast a fond smile in his direction. Their destination loomed in the distance, a symbol of challenges and victories waiting to unfold.
"The Pokémon Center is on the way to the Gym. Should we stop there and book some rooms before we head to the Gym?" Clemont proposed, breaking the comfortable silence the group was traveling in.
"Sure thing, Clemont." Ash readily agreed, his response a nonchalant affirmation.
"Sounds good!" Bonnie chimed in with her own exuberant endorsement, the embodiment of unbridled enthusiasm.
"I'm down for it." Serena concurred with the plan. Clemont, pleased with the consensus, nodded in approval.
"Great, let's get that sorted then," he added. As the group set out towards the Pokémon Center, Bonnie, unable to contain her anticipation, darted ahead, her voice trailing behind her like a spirited echo.
"Come on, let's go then!"
"Bonnie! Slow down!" Clemont called out in vain as he chased after his sister. Serena, deciding to keep pace with Ash instead of chase after the siblings, turned towards her friend with a playful glint in her eyes as they approached the Pokémon Center.
"Looking forward to your next battle?" she questioned him. Ash matched her smile with one of his own.
"I sure am!" he shouted.
"Any idea who you're going to use yet? Valerie is a pretty tough opponent." Serena probed further.
"I actually do." Ash, displaying an uncharacteristic air of mystery, responded with a hint of secrecy. Serena, intrigued, couldn't resist the urge to pry.
"Yeah? Who?"
"Just have to wait to find out." A mischievous grin played on Ash's lips. Serena chuckled, captivated by Ash's demeanor, even when he was being coy with her.
"Since when are you the secretive type?" she teased.
"Just want to keep it as a surprise." he chuckled. With shared smiles, they continued their journey, crossing the threshold of the Pokémon Center together. The Pokémon Center's automatic doors slid open, revealing the familiar sight of the bustling atmosphere inside that greeted them as they stepped into the lobby. Of course, as always Nurse Joy was at the front desk, her cheerful demeanor ever-present.
"Welcome. How can I help you all?" Nurse Joy inquired with a warm smile. Ash took the initiative, stepping forward to address her.
"We'd like to book some rooms, please." he requested. Nurse Joy nodded in understanding.
"Of course. Names, please?"
"Ash Ketchum," Ash promptly offered.
"Serena Gabena," Serena followed suit.
"Clemont and Bonnie Tech," Clemont added, providing their last names. Nurse Joy, efficiently joting down the information until she suddenly glanced up with a curious expression.
"You're Ash Ketchum?"
"I sure am," Ash affirmed with a nod and a casual smile. Nurse Joy's demeanor shifted slightly as she shared unexpected news.
"Oh, good. I have a message asking you to call this number in Mossdeep City," she explained, handing over a small piece of paper with a number written on it.
"Really?" Ash responded, surprised by the unexpected request.
"A call from Hoenn?" Clemont chimed in, equally intrigued.
"Why?" Serena joined in, her curiosity evident.
"I'm afraid I don't know. I was only informed that you should call." Nurse Joy clarified.
"That's fine. Thanks, Nurse Joy." Ash nodded, acknowledging the message. He headed towards the video phones that lined one of the center's walls, leaving his friends in a state of curiosity. Serena turned to the others, questioning the situation.
"Should we give him some space or...?"
"I'm curious about who wants to talk with him," Bonnie interjected, always curious. Serena pondered for a moment before voicing a concern.
"But is it our business...?" she wondered.
"Not really," Clemont concluded. "Let's just wait for him in the lounge."
"Aw…fine," Bonnie grumbled. The group dispersed slightly, allowing Ash the privacy to make the call. The Pokémon Center, with its soothing hum of activity, became a backdrop to their individual musings while they waited for Ash to return.
Meanwhile, after a few dial tones on the phone, Steven Stone's calm voice echoed through the video call Ash had made, his familiar greeting filling the air.
"Hello? Stone residence," he announced. Ash's eyes lit up with recognition once he saw the familiar face.
"Steven?!" he gasped.
"Ah, Ash. Glad my message managed to find its way to you." Steven acknowledged with a warm tone. "Good to see you again."
"You too! It's been way too long!" the raven-haired trainer grinned.
"I can certainly agree with that." the Champion chuckled. "However, I'm afraid the pleasantries will have to wait."
"Oh," Ash said, noticing the shift in Steven's tone. Intrigued, Ash inquired, "So you said you wanted to talk to me about something?"
"Yes. I understand from Lance that you and some of your friends were instrumental in helping calm Kyogre and Groudon several years ago." Steven confirmed.
"Yeah. We were there." Ash nodded, a wave of nostalgia washing over him as he recalled the massive incident in Hoenn. The lives of Pikachu and all his friends hung in the balance and was one of the biggest and most frightening adventures he'd ever experienced.
"Good. I'm afraid I must ask for your help again." The seasoned Pokémon Trainer continued, getting straight to the point.
"Really?" Ash's curiosity deepened.
"Yes." Steven nodded solemnly. "Do you remember the Red and Blue Orbs that helped to control the Legendary Pokémon's powers?"
"I do. They were destroyed after the event." Ash recalled, Pikachu shuddered, a small reflection of the intense memories associated with those legendary battles and the Orb's power being within him.
"Well," Steven explained, "I've received word from Mt. Pyre that they've started reforming. Not only that, but there have been reported sightings of Teams Aqua and Magma all over Hoenn lately."
"What?!" Ash's eyes widened in surprise.
"I don't know how or why, but that's why I wanted to get in touch with you. I'd like you to come to Hoenn as soon as you can to help us solve this before it turns into a massive crisis like it did before." Steven continued. Processing the urgency of the situation, Ash went very quiet.
"I see."
"Will you help us?" Steven asked. Ash's mind raced as he thought about the potential danger and the people he cared about in Hoenn. He'd made a lot of friends during his travels there, not to mention all the Pokemon that could be harmed in such a situation. But the far more pressing matter in his mind, was the fact that a certain young lady was currently there working on making a name for herself. And he'd never forgive himself if something happened to her. That sealed the deal for him.
"Of course, I will!" he announced.
"Thank you very much, Ash. I'll arrange a flight for you right away." Gratitude filled Steven's voice.
"Thanks, Steven."
"I'll explain everything when you get here. See you soon."
"Sure thing." Ash hung up the call, Pikachu by his side. Pikachu looked up at Ash, concern evident in his eyes.
"Worried about May...?"
"I am..." Ash said as his expression mirrored Pikachu's concern. "She's over there right now…"
"I know." Pikachu nodded. "Then let's go and protect her and her home."
"Right," Ash affirmed with determination. Pikachu's smile was reassuring as they prepared for the journey ahead, first returning to the rest of their group. Serena's gaze followed Ash as he returned, a sense of urgency in his movements. Confused, she voiced the question lingering in the air.
"What was all that about, Ash?" she wondered. He took a deep breath to gather his courage before explaining.
"I'm sorry, guys, but I have to head over to Hoenn right away." Bonnie's eyes widened in surprise, and Serena felt a knot of worry tighten in her stomach.
"Huh? W-Why...?" she stammered.
"Steven Stone needs me to help him with a crisis," Ash revealed.
"The Champion of Hoenn?!" Clemont interjected with astonishment. Ash nodded, confirming Clemont's realization.
"Met him when I was traveling through Hoenn years ago," he explained. Serena struggled to comprehend the sudden turn of events.
"But you're going for... some kind of crisis?"
"Yeah." Ash acknowledged. "Hopefully it should only take a few days." The room was quiet for a few moments as the news fully settled with everyone else. Soon, a determined look crossed Serena's face and she stood up from her seat.
"Then we're coming with you."
"What?" Ash gasped.
"You can't go face something like that alone." Serena stood her ground, her conviction unwavering. Clemont chimed in, supportive of Serena's decision.
"Serena's right. We'll come with you."
"Yeah!" Bonnie enthusiastically added. Ash hesitated, aware of the risks involved.
"You guys can't. I'd never put you guys into that situation," he explained.
"We can handle it if you can. We may not be as strong as you when it comes to battling but we can still help. Besides we'd never let you do something this dangerous on your own." Serena, undeterred, asserted. Clemont nodded in agreement, his logical mind aligning with Serena's determination.
"But I," Ash stammered. He tried to think fast, but the looks on his friends' faces told him that there was no way they weren't coming with him. So, though he was still unsure, he conceded. "Ok…"
"Alright! We're going to Hoenn!" Bonnie cheered as Serena's face lit up with a soft smile. Ash exchanged a worried glance with Pikachu, who merely shrugged in response. Sighing, Ash prepared himself for the unpredictable journey that awaited them in Hoenn.
The hum of the plane's engines provided a steady backdrop as the group settled into their seats on Steven's private plane, en route to Hoenn. Excitement and curiosity filled the air, and Bonnie couldn't contain her enthusiasm.
"I can't wait to arrive in Hoenn!"
"I've always heard it's a lovely tropical region." Serena joined in, her anticipation evident.
"It really is beautiful." Ash, with a nostalgic smile, affirmed. Serena's gaze softened as she smiled at him, appreciating the chance to sit next to him in such a cozy and private setting.
"Well, maybe after we solve whatever's going on there, you could show us around a little," she suggested.
"Sure thing." Ash agreed with a nod. Serena's hopeful smile didn't go unnoticed by Ash, prompting a reciprocal smile from him. However, the conversation took a turn as Ash delved into more stories from his past. "I also made some great friends there," he continued.
"You traveled with other people there, right?" Clemont inquired, curious about Ash's previous travels. Ash nodded, his eyes glinting with fond recollections.
"I sure did. One was an old friend that I traveled with before. He used to be the Gym Leader of Pewter City from Kanto." he explained.
"Wow!" Bonnie exclaimed, wide-eyed.
"And there were two other people that I traveled with while I was in Hoenn." he continued.
"There were?" Bonnie inquired.
"Yup. They were great." Ash confirmed with a nod. "Actually, they were siblings too."
"Wow! Just like me and Clemont!" Bonnie's eyes lit up with recognition.
"Kinda. The oldest one is a girl around my age, while her brother is around your age, Bonnie." Ash explained. His comment however caught Serena's attention as she raised an eyebrow.
"A... girl?" she questioned him. Ash nodded with a playful glint in his eye, completely oblivious to the sudden onset of Serena's nerves.
"Yeah. You would like her, Serena. You two are a lot alike." he commented. The remark did little to soothe Serena's anxiety as she tried to hold her tongue.
"Oh...?"
"Yeah. Her father is a Gym Leader and everyone around her believed that she would follow in his footsteps and take over his Gym one day," Ash continued. "But she found something else to do with her life, just like you did. Something that became her passion and her dream," Ash added, his tone carrying a sense of joy in himself that was rare to see.
"I see..." the honey blonde whispered, growing more concerned by the minute about this ghost of Ash's past. In the trainer's lap, Pikachu, the keen observer, was the only one to notice Ash running his fingers over a ribbon in his pocket as he talked about this girl, a subtle gesture laden with significance.
"Wow! She sounds like the perfect keeper for Clemont!" Bonnie chimed in, still caught up in the excitement.
"Bonnie!" Clemont complained, blushing at the younger girl's intentions.
"Certainly better than other options..." Serena mumbled to herself.
After a fairly uneventful ride, the plane finally descended gracefully, landing in Mossdeep City, Hoenn, after a few hours of travel. Bonnie, ever curious, peered out of the window with excitement.
"Looks like we've landed," Clemont remarked, glancing out as well. Serena, updating her Town Map, shared their current location.
"Looks like we're in Mossdeep City."
"We sure are," Ash confirmed. Clemont, noting some activity on the runway, pointed outside.
"Looks like someone's waiting for us," he commented. Everyone looked outside and indeed, Steven Stone stood on the runway, a welcoming smile on his face as the stairs were lowered for the group to disembark.
"There's Steven!" Bonnie exclaimed. As the group made their way off the plane, Ash, eager to greet his acquaintance, headed out first.
"Steven!" Ash called out. The Champion smiled as they approached, extending a hand in greeting.
"Ash. Good to see you again."
"Good to see you again as well, Steven." Ash shook Steven's hand warmly. It was then that Steven noticed the others disembarking as well.
"Oh, friends of yours?" he inquired.
"Yeah. These are my friends from Kalos. Clemont, Bonnie, and Serena." Ash explained as he made the introductions.
"Hello." Serena greeted them with a polite smile.
"Hi there!" Bonnie chimed in.
"Pleased to meet you," Clemont added.
"Very nice to meet you all." Steven acknowledged them with a nod.
"So, what's all this about, sir?" Clemont wondered, earning other curious nods from the other members of the group as well.
"Come with me to my house, and I'll explain everything," Steven responded, gesturing for them to follow.
"Sure thing." Ash nodded in agreement. The group followed Steven, ready to unravel the mysteries that awaited them.
After a short walk, Steven welcomed the group into his house, offering them seats and promising an explanation once everyone had arrived.
"Please take a seat anywhere you like. I'll explain once everyone gets here," Steven said.
"Everyone?" Bonnie wondered.
"You called other people to help too?" Ash wondered.
"I did." Steven nodded. "It's a big situation so I wanted all the help I could get." The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as the group settled in. Soon, there was a knock at the door, and another familiar face walked in, apologizing for his tardiness.
"Steven? Sorry I'm late. I got here as fast as I—Ash?"
"Max?!" Ash gasped. Max's eyes widened with surprise as he saw Ash. His entrance drew everyone's attention. Serena however seemed to be the only one who noticed Bonnie's reaction in particular. The young girl couldn't help but blush when she saw Max, and Serena couldn't help but smile to herself. She knew that look all too well.
"I didn't know you'd be here! Great to see you!" Max exclaimed, smiling.
"Same here! What are you doing here?" Ash reciprocated the sentiment.
"Well, when Steven told me Hoenn might be in danger again, there was no way I was missing out on this," Max explained.
"Awesome! Then there's no way we'll fail!" Ash grinned. Before he could comment further, however, another familiar face walked in, adding his own comments to the conversation.
"Seems that way."
"Brock!" Ash greeted.
"Hey, Brock!" Max joined in
"Good to see you both again." Brock smiled warmly.
"Good to see you too!" Max laughed.
"This is awesome!" Ash chuckled.
"Glad you all think so. Our last member should be here any minute." Steven added. And right on cue, another knock sounded at the door. "There she is,"
"She…?" Serena gulped, suddenly feeling a pit of dread form in her stomach. Everyone looked towards the door and watched as a young brunette dressed mostly in red entered the room and her eyes landed on Ash. He returned her gaze and gasped, smiling widely.
"May!" he exclaimed.
"Ash!" she squealed happily. The shock on Serena's face was evident as May ran to Ash and the two happily embraced. "I've missed you so much!"
"I missed you too!" Ash returned the sentiment, holding her close. Serena's fists clenched tightly, her expression revealing a mix of surprise and discomfort at the sight of May being so close to Ash. Bonnie, always quick to react, ran over to May, expressing her thoughts unabashedly as she knelt down in front of the brunette.
"Wow! You're so pretty! Definitely a keeper! Won't you please take care of my brother for me?" she begged. May blinked in surprise, and Brock and Max exchanged confused glances at the unexpected turn of events.
"Uh…" May blinked. Clemont cried out in embarrassment and quickly intervened, snagging Bonnie with the mechanical Aipom arm in his backpack.
"Bonnie, I told you a hundred times not to do that!" he complained as he dragged his sister away from May.
"Just think about it, May!" Bonnie exclaimed with a hopeful smile. May, slightly overwhelmed, sweatdropped at the unexpected introduction. Meanwhile, Steven, sensing the need to bring the focus back to the matter at hand, cleared his throat.
"Ash, if you wouldn't mind making some brief introductions so everyone is on the same page?"
"Oh, sure!" Ash nodded, gesturing to his Kalos friends. "Guys, this is Clemont, Bonnie, and Serena. We're all traveling together right now back in the Kalos region." He then turned to his Kalosian friends and addressed them next "Guys, this is Max, Brock, and May. The friends I told you about on the ride here. They all traveled through Hoenn with me a few years back."
"Nice to meet you all." Brock greeted.
"You as well," Clemont added.
"Hey there," Max said casually.
"Hi." Bonnie offered a shy greeting, blushing as Max addressed her.
"Nice to finally meet you guys. Ash has told me so much about all of you." May greeted warmly.
"He has…?" Serena wondered, surprised that May seemed more familiar with them than the others.
"Oh yeah. We talk on the phone almost every week." she nodded.
"I see..." Serena mumbled as she clenched her fist, struggling to hide her discomfort. Despite her poor results, however, no one really seemed to notice her struggling as Steven spoke up, redrawing everyone's attention.
"Good. Now let's get back to the matter at hand."
To be Continued...