Chapter 5

Ash settles into his favorite spot in front of the quaint café, a steaming cup of rich hot chocolate warming his hands. His mind drifts to the ongoing turmoil of the gym battles and the daunting task of managing them.

"Sorry to interrupt, but may I sit here?" A familiar voice breaks his reverie.

Looking up, Ash's heart skips a beat at the sight of Serena's smiling face. Pikachu, ever vigilant, glares at her, ready to defend his trainer if needed. Lucario's disapproving frown betrays his concern about the unexpected encounter. With only one seat available—directly across from him—Ash weighs the risks and opportunities this encounter presents. Revealing his true identity could lead to complications, yet it also offers a chance to gauge Serena's intentions without the barrier of their past.

Taking a measured breath, Ash replies, "Sure, you can sit here."

Serena's smile widens as she settles opposite him. Instead of focusing on her own meal, she leans in to engage Ash in conversation. "So, did you create the region by yourself?"

"Not alone," Ash clarifies, his attention briefly shifting to the reports from his company's subordinates. "The region's development involved collaboration with Gym Leaders, Elite Four members, and myself."

Curious about his current task, Serena's eyes flicker to the file in Ash's hand. "What are you looking at?" she inquires with genuine interest.

Ash shares, "It's the income report for RPA Company. We offer various services, each contributing to our overall revenue."

Serena's curiosity deepens; a long list indicates substantial wealth. She can't help but wonder about Ash's financial standing, contemplating how someone his age can afford properties like an island and a castle, among other luxuries.

As they converse, Ash finishes his drink and bids farewell to Serena before leaving the café. Reflecting on their interaction, he can't deny a hint of disappointment mixed with nostalgia. Serena represents his first love and the pain of a past heartbreak, making their reunion bittersweet.

Ash is caught off guard as Alice appears with her Glaceon by her side, breaking his train of thought.

"She was trying to pry into our lives, but don't worry, she won't get the chance again, especially now that you're here with me," Ash explains, his tone firm.

Alice's expression darkens as she confronts Ash, her anger palpable. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't take him out right now," she demands, referring to Serena. "After what she did to you, how dare she show her face and ask intrusive questions?"

Ash responds with a measured tone, mindful of the consequences. "She may be the Kalos Queen, still wielding influence. But if we resort to violence, it'll only tarnish our region's reputation."

"Fair point," Alice concedes, her expression softening slightly. "Let's focus on the task at hand. Today's the day we showcase our region, starting with Otem Town."

Thanks to the coordination of Chloe and Mr. Goodshow, the visitors are divided into groups: two for Gym Leaders, one for Elite Four members, and another for Champions and other attendees. Eve, Drandon, Mark, and Alice are designated as tour guides, rotating among the groups. However, Ash and Alice find themselves leading the Champions and the remaining guests, including those they suspect of disloyalty.

Before joining the Champions' group, Ash and Alice find themselves at the bay where a familiar Pokémon leaps into their midst. It's Manaphy, a Mythical Pokémon Ash befriended years ago.

"Papa!" Manaphy exclaims, wrapping Ash in a tight hug before turning to Alice. "Mama's here too!"

"Hello, Manaphy," Alice greets warmly, offering the Pokémon a Pokepuff topped with ice cream. Ash reminisces about Alice's first encounter with Manaphy, a fond memory from their shared past.

(Flashback)

As Ash showcases his Pokémon on the ranch to Alice, a sudden blue blur knocks her off balance, causing her to fall to the ground.

"Alice, are you alright?" Ash rushes to her side, concern evident in his voice.

"I'm fine, Ash. But what just hit me?" Alice's confusion is clear as she tries to regain her composure.

Ash spots the blue Pokémon responsible for the mishap and lets out a sigh. "It's Manaphy. Looks like he wanted to join us. What a surprise."

"Hi, Papa!" Manaphy chirps, jumping into Ash's arms while Alice still grapples with confusion.

"Is that a Manaphy?" Alice asks, her curiosity piqued.

"Yeah, I met him back in Kanto. It feels like ages ago," Ash explains, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

As they chat, Ash tells Alice about the connection between Manaphy and Samiya, recounting their shared experiences. Alice then poses a question, "So May was the one who hatched this Manaphy. Does that make May his Mama?"

Manaphy, eager to set the record straight, interjects, "No, she's not Mama! You're Mama!" He leaps into Alice's arms, his affectionate gesture catching her off guard and causing a blush to spread across her cheeks.

Chuckling at the scene, Ash remarks, "Seems like Manaphy has taken a liking to you."

"Really?" Alice gazes at Manaphy, who gazes back with adoration. Her smile grows as she says, "Well, I love you too, Manaphy."

(Flashback Ends)

"So, you've had your fun swimming around the area," Ash remarks with a grin, and Manaphy responds with a cheerful smile.

Alice nods in agreement. "That reminds me, I think I should treat all of our Pokémon to some Pokepuffs as well."

"Sounds like a great idea," Ash replies as they make their way back to the ranch. Once there, they distribute Pokepuffs to each of their Pokémon, watching with delight as their companions enjoy the special treats. The atmosphere is filled with camaraderie and warmth as their Pokémon happily munch on the delicious snacks, strengthening the bond between trainer and Pokémon.

Mark and Max are staying at the FS Resort, focusing on training their Fighting-type Pokémon. Mark compliments Max, saying, "Your Gallade has shown impressive improvement. I'm really proud of your dedication."

"Thank you, Mark. Your Urshifu's strength is as formidable as ever," Max acknowledges, returning the praise.

As they converse, Max suddenly senses a presence behind him and turns to find his father, Norman, standing there. Max's expression tightens, a mix of surprise and apprehension evident on his face. He gulps nervously, relieved that May isn't with Norman, knowing she might have been distracted by her friends.

"Do I know you?" Max asks bluntly, his tone guarded, unwilling to acknowledge the man as his father.

Norman's expression softens as he tries to bridge the gap. "Max, it's me, your father. How can you say you don't know me?"

"I must be mistaken. I don't have any parents; I have many wonderful brothers and sisters," Max responds coldly, his words revealing his unresolved feelings.

Sensing the tension, Mark intervenes, asserting, "We're in the middle of training. Please respect that and leave."

Norman, undeterred, persists, "I can't leave until I understand what's happening. Did you escape your kidnapper? Why didn't you contact us?"

Max cuts through the tension, deciding to address the matter directly. "Who said I was kidnapped?" he challenges, no longer willing to engage in mind games. "You claim to be my father, yet you've never truly listened to me, especially when my best friend was falsely accused of a crime."

"He's not falsely accused. The evidence and witness statements prove he's a murderer," Norman retorts firmly. "Are you still associating with him?"

"I can't exactly hang out with someone who's on the run, trying to avoid getting caught," Max responds coolly. "He prioritizes others over himself, unlike those who spread lies like May and her group."

Mark interjects with a sigh, attempting to defuse the escalating confrontation. "Let's calm down, Max," he urges before turning to Norman. "You're Norman, the Petalburg Gym Leader, right?"

"I've seen you in battles; you're an Elite Four member from Sevestar," Norman acknowledges. "But this is a personal matter. Outsiders should stay out of it."

Max's tone remains resolute. "Then consider me an outsider too, because I'm not part of your family anymore. I'm a Gym Leader in this region, and you have no authority over me." The declaration carries a weight of finality, marking a clear boundary between Max's past and present.

Norman is taken aback by Max's assertiveness, sensing a change in his demeanor that he's never encountered before. He feels conflicted, wondering what could have led to such a significant shift in Max's behavior.

Mark steps in, reinforcing Max's stance. "Max is right, and although I'm not directly involved, you should know that Red Satoshi, the Champion of this region, is my brother. When he learned that Max had left home, he brought him here and offered him a position as a Gym Leader. He's also provided Max with protection to ensure his safety from any harm, including what you and others may have caused."

"Going against me means going against prominent figures in the region. I'm sure you wouldn't want to escalate things in that direction," Max adds, his tone carrying a hint of warning.

After a moment of contemplation, Norman responds, "Max, I need to understand everything that's happened since you left home. Why are you aligning yourself with someone accused of murder, and why did Red bring you here?"

Max lets out a resigned sigh, recognizing the need for a more private setting to discuss such matters. "Let's continue this conversation inside the resort. We'll have more privacy there," he suggests, signaling for them to move indoors where they can talk without unwanted interruptions.

As Ash and Alice eavesdrop on the conversation among the traitors, their anger simmers at the betrayal and deceit unfolding before them.

"I think that the Glaceon that Aurora has is mine! It looks just like it!" May is ranting to her friends.

"I know, and I suspect the other Elites may have our missing Pokémon too. Especially that Mark guy, he has a Starmie and it could have been mine for all I know," Misty adds. "We're going to take the missing Pokémon. Even if it's not ours, we'll still take it, since they are Elite-trained, and must be powerful too."

"Oh yeah," Iris chimes in.

"But for now, we still have some gym battles we need to test," Kiawe says, diverting the conversation.

Ash and Alice, hidden behind the wall, exchange a look of disbelief at the treacherous plans unfolding before them.

"I can't believe they're accusing us of stealing their Pokémon when they're the ones who framed you," Alice seethes quietly, her voice filled with anger.

Ash, his jaw clenched in frustration, responds, "We're not going to resort to violence, at least not yet."

Alice's gaze shifts, her eyes narrowing as she looks at her shadow. "Who said anything about violence?" she retorts sharply. "Their actions prove they don't deserve to stay at our hotels. I'll take their keys."

"Do you mean all of them?" Ash asks, intrigued by Alice's plan. "I like this idea. It's their own fault for being careless with their keys. But how do you plan to pull it off?"

"I'm a Ghost Type trainer," Alice replies confidently. "I have my ways."

After some time, Alice successfully acquires six keys and uses them to lock the traitors out of their rooms within the castle. When the traitors return and find their luggage displayed near the fountain, confusion quickly turns to anger.

"Why is our luggage out here? What's going on?" Misty demands, her voice laced with frustration.

"And our keys are missing! How could we have lost them all?" Clemont adds, irritation evident in his tone.

With no access to their rooms, the traitors are forced to stay in the Pokémon Center's accommodations, losing out on the luxurious stay they had expected.

"I bet one of those Elites had a hand in this... well, not Alice, of course. She wouldn't do something like this," Misty speculates.

Meanwhile, the boys among the traitors can't help but fantasize about the potential advantages of being associated with Alice, viewing her as a prize to be won for power and fame. This notion doesn't sit well with the girls, who regard the boys with disdain.

"But why would they do this to us? We haven't provoked them in any way," Mallow questions, puzzled by the situation.

"I suggest we gather more information. Their actions have a distinct flavor, but there's something peculiar about it," Cilan suggests, urging caution and a deeper understanding of the situation before jumping to conclusions.

And I'll end the chapter right here, Norman manages to meet Max, and they are going to have a long talk. Norman is very stubborn and he is not going to give up on finding Max, and Max decides to tell him everything about Ash's murderer. What will happen to them? And also, the common Manaphy's May's not Mama plot, since every betrayal story with May has this part, so why not add it inside this story as well? I hope you like this chapter.