Chapter 3

The path of the Ketchum Brothers has begun, so let's see how their journey in the first town went after departing Pallet Town.

Hoenn Region: Littleroot Port.

"Man, that was a nice boat trip, don't you agree, Luxio?" Ash asked as the small Luxio smiled and nodded before the two began to leave the port. Ash began to continue heading into the town, unaware of the one following him.

"This'll be good for me since I can see how strong he's become since we last met, plus I can test the technique my mother showed me to win a boy's heart," Sabrina said, confident that she could use her charm and strength to win Ash's heart. The Ketchum boy held a special place in her heart after he saved her when she gave into her power and closed herself off from even her parents.

Sabrina then continued towards Ash with Gengar in tow as Domino continued to watch the two from afar.

"Well, time to begin my mission," Domino said as she changed into some more casual clothes and began to head out to follow the boy and complete her mission while also doing some recon for Team Rocket in Hoenn in case any wannabe villain groups tried anything.

The trio then proceeded to enter Littleroot Town. Ash looked at the Pokegear and saw that he could not only meet Professor Birch but also obtain a starter Pokémon there.

Ash and Luxio continued on their path to the professor's lab. At the same time, Sabrina couldn't help but be amazed by the new region. This was Sabrina's first time leaving Kanto and seeing a new region, so she wanted to make the most of it by not only trying to see the new Pokémon but also seeing any new outfits that would suit her, as her chest was starting to feel a bit heavy and tight due to her growth spurt.

"How does mom deal with such a large chest like this?" Sabrina asked herself as Gengar chuckled at his master's misfortune before it let out a little yelp after Sabrina grabbed the ghost by its ear.

"I'm sorry, Gengar. Did you want to say something to me?" Sabrina asked, flashing her eyes for a moment. This scared Gengar before the ghost felt pain. Sabrina then beat him up with her psychic powers while Domino ate some grilled chicken from a food stall, enjoying the show.

"I knew that Sabrina was taking a break from being a gym leader, but this is honestly too hilarious to miss. The kid is heading to the professor's lab, so it's not too far if you've got a Pokémon that can use Teleport." Domino said as a Wigglytuff laughed at the Ghost Pokémon being beaten up by a human with psychic powers before Domino offered the Pokémon some of her chicken, which the Balloon Pokémon gladly accepted.

After beating up the poor prankster, Sabrina returned Gengar. She continued to follow after Ash as she wanted to introduce herself to him without Gengar interfering since the Pokémon had a knack for not only annoying her at times but also embarrassing her at times, like the time Gengar messed with her after Sabrina went through her growth spurt and had to deal with back pains causing the Gengar to call her old, infuriating the gym leader and the ghost seeing the afterlife so many times.

Domino and Wigglytuff continued eating the chicken they got before Domino threw away the trash and sighed. "Oh well, time to work again. Wigglytuff, if you would please."

Wigglytuff smiled and nodded before tapping Domino's left arm, teleporting both of them to their destination. Domino then smiled as she stayed near the lab but also far away enough that no one would be able to hear her before she reached into her knapsack and pulled out a video radio.

"This is Agent Domino, reporting to Giovanni. Over." Domino said as she started up the video and saw Giovanni's face appear before her.

[Domino. I'm glad to see that you've made it to Hoenn without any trouble. I take it you've already made it to the lab and ahead of my son?]

"Of course. Professor Birch is out of town, which will allow me to slip into the lab with his assistant in charge and obtain a starter Pokémon."

[Very good. Remember your cover that you are starting your journey as a Pokémon Coordinator in Hoenn, and your Wigglytuff was your first partner, but you wish to have some fresh ideas for your contests.]

"Of course, it'll be easy for me. I love those contests, and I can put on one hell of a show and continue to dazzle the audience with my skills as an actress." Domino said in a faux dramatic tone as Giovanni chuckled at the girls' antics, already knowing of Domino's ability to blend into any role she was given without fail.

[However, I do have my concerns about the gym leader, Sabrina, since her psychic powers can be a problem should she attempt to read your mind.]

"Already got that taken care of. It's actually thanks to that Metal Coat in my head that psychic powers can't enter my mind, although I do worry about my hard head since I have accidentally knocked out people before with a simple headbutt." Domino replied sheepishly as she had an experience with a few Steel Pokémon that nearly killed her. Still, luckily, Giovanni was able to save her and gave her the metal coat to protect her head from external damage better.

[Promise me you'll be careful, and keep in mind this Team Magma and Aqua. From what I hear, they wish to change the world by using legendary Pokémon, when I know full well that no man can control a legendary Pokémon. I've tried and failed to do so.] Giovanni said as he still recalled the damage Mewtwo did to him and his operations back in Vermillion City.

"I promise I will, and thanks for caring about me, Giovanni. You don't have to since I'm just another grunt."

[Nonsense. Out of all the members of Team Rocket, you are one of my most trusted members, and you don't cost me so much money as those three imbeciles do, unlike Cassidy after Butch left the organization after fearing Mewtwo. You and she are a lot more alike than you think, but still, be careful and make sure Ash and Sabrina only find out who you really are once I give you the all-clear.] Giovanni said as he meant every word of it since he really cared about Domino, who was like a daughter to him after he took her in and cared for her as if she was his second child.

Cassidy was another member of Team Rocket who gained Giovanni's respect, though Cassidy did act like a teenager at times since she can be a bit arrogant due to her skills. Giovanni made sure that she was properly punished when she failed since Giovanni could tell the girl was strong and well-mannered, along with keeping a cool head. Still, that arrogance would be detrimental to her skills should she not be punished, which is why Giovanni has taken on a fatherly role in her life since Cassidy's father died. Her mother wasn't a bad influence but didn't really punish Cassidy when she stepped out of line.

As leader of Team Rocket, Giovanni may be cruel and dangerous, but he sees those who earn his respect as a family because he loves the life he started with Delia and Ash. However, the only thing he can do to protect Ash and support him from afar is to ensure that Ash grows up with his mother in a good home. When he sees his son in battle, Giovanni can't help but be proud of Him as a father.

"Thanks, Dad. I really do appreciate everything you've done for me and want to repay you for all you've given me."

[Well, a nice birthday card would be nice.]

"Dad..."

[I'm only kidding. Ahaha! Promise me you'll be safe and keep an eye on Ash, though.]

"Sir, yes, sir!" Domino said in a salute before she ended the call with Wigglytuff smiling at her trainer. She then hugged Domino, who relaxed in her partner's soft embrace before sighing to herself.

"I really love you, Dad," Domino said, happy that she had a father figure like Giovanni in her life. He had taken her in when she had nothing and helped her grow into the woman she is today.

And now, Domino merely has to play the waiting game. She was planning on becoming Ash's traveling partner, which would not only allow her to keep Ash safe but also report back to Giovanni about the journey since she knows that if one travels with Ash, then that'll open a world of possibilities.

While Ash, Domino, and Sabrina land in Littleroot Town and make preparations for their adventures, Issei is making his mark in Sinnoh.

Kanto Region: Celadon City.

"Is this all Kanto has to offer?" Issei said as he left the Celadon Gym after obtaining his fourth badge, which felt like it wasn't a real battle given how Issei had only needed one Pokémon on his Team to deal with the Pewter City Gym due to Brock using only three Pokémon: Onix, Crobat, and Graveler, leading to Issei calling upon his Electross that destroyed the three Pokémon and disappointed by the gym leaders tactics which mostly relied on Rock Slide and Rock Tomb to trap the enemy which was no problem for Issei's Electross since the Elefish Pokémon was much faster thanks to Issei's training than both Rock Pokémon and with its Giga Drain and Liquidation, allowing the Pokémon to to defeat them quickly.

The Crobat was mildly amusing since the bat was able to give Issei an okay air battle. However, that failed when Electross used its own Rock Slide and Thunder Punch to defeat the bat, thus earning his first Kanto badge. Issei was disappointed but knew he had a lot more experience so that the other gyms could give him a challenge.

Sadly, this didn't happen since two of the three gyms were just as disappointing as Pewter Gym.

Misty led Cerulean City Gym, but sadly, that was also a disappointment due to Issei merely calling on his Sneasler. Sneasler wasn't amused by Starmie and Psyduck, who honestly earned the trainers' pity. Sneasler dealt with the two quickly as well, which made Issei feel like he should've gone to Johto instead.

Lt. Surge was a good battler but relied heavily on his Raichu, which Issei could respect. However, his Rampardos easily dealt with the Electric Gym. Issei smiled and complimented Surge since the veteran soldier earned Issei's respect and vice versa.

However, the fun ended there since Erika and her grass-type Pokémon were quickly defeated by Issei's Charizard. Issei kept the power of the flame to a minimum since he wasn't trying to burn the place down. This led to Issei easily obtaining his fourth badge and back to the present, where Issei sighed at the lack of skilled gym leaders.

"I'm really disappointed by the lack of strong gym leaders. No wonder so many other regions call Kanto the Boonies." Issei said before Ddraig reassured him.

[I think your Dragons battle side yearns for more intense battles and such. I'm surprised you and Surge got along despite you being able to beat him.]

'It's because Surge was the only competent gym leader who didn't rely on some ridiculous and predictable strategy. Brock was a fool, thinking he could only beat me with an Onix and Graveler, along with his mildly skilled Crobat. The forest didn't have very many Pokémon to help at the beginning, so it's understandable why some trainers prefer Squirtle or Bulbasaur to deal with the first three gyms before catching more skilled Pokémon.' Issei said as he took a bite of his burger and recalled the excitement and the thrill of battle in the other four regions, even Hisui, that really pushed Issei's skills as both a trainer and Pokémon to be refined as a sharpened blade or a Diamond that was in the rough.

Ddraig chuckled at his partner's explanation and was surprised by how he had changed from a person with little to no combat experience to a strong general who led his Team to victory with deadly strategies and tactics that took the enemy off guard.

[Look on the bright side. The other gym leaders may be able to challenge you. The next one does have Psychic Pokemon.]

'Fair point. Hm?' Issei replied as he felt the gaze of someone watching him. Then, Issei decided to finish his burger and drink quickly as he headed towards the outskirts of the town. Before Issei knew it, he was far away enough from the town to deal with his stalker.

Issei then paused, motionless in an open field. He turned around and clenched his left fist. Then he slammed it into the ground, causing a massive earthquake. A crater formed beneath him, and some of the trees blew away. The shaking ended with a groan heard from inside the forest.

"Ow, ow, ow! You really got me, huh, Issei-sama?" A voice said as Issei groaned. Issei knew who it was because he had experience dealing with this stalker.

"Hello, Aurelius. What are you doing here?" Issei asked as a woman appeared from the trees and laughed nervously as Issei recognized the uniform she was wearing. It was similar to Team Plasma but different since the colors were now crimson red with emerald green to match the Balance Breaker.

The new girl, Aurelius, had platinum blonde pony-styled pony-styled hair and heterochromatic eyes: a black/blue thunder right eye and a whitish blue fire left eye, which showed her status as a blessed human.

Back when Issei was dealing with Team Plasma, Aurelius was one of the Plasma Grunts who wasn't exactly okay with the experiments Ghetis allowed on Pokémon by the crazy scientist Colress. Hence, she kept her Pokémon at a safe distance and grew concerned about N since she could tell Ghetis didn't seem to care much about N, but the boy was fooled by the honeyed words that her former leader told the young man.

After Issei had stopped Ghetis and Cyrus from abusing the Tao Trio and the Creation Trio's powers to create a new world in favor of the old one, which resulted in Aurelius being killed protecting Issei from harm, much to Issei's shock before Mars also took a hit for Issei from Giratina, shocking the Red Dragon Emperor since the two of them were different from their organizations.

After the fall of Team Plasma and Team Galactic, many of the grunts were reformed and went about their normal lives. Still, people like N, Jupiter, Saturn, and Colress were doing community service or in prison due to their actions. N was given a second chance, but Saturn and Jupiter felt betrayed by Cyrus, knowing he didn't care about them. Colress was locked away with no technology at his disposal.

Aurelius and Mars were actually revived because Issei asked for a second chance after they sacrificed their lives to save him while they were under Ghetis and Crysus's control.

The Tao Trio revived Aurelius and blessed her with a piece of their power. In contrast, Mars was revived by being blessed with the power of Foresight thanks to Dialga and minor Shadow Magic thanks to Giratina. At the same time, Palkia gave her the ability to affect the gravity of her being and what she touches and allowed her to go into space without needing to breathe.

Issei was glad the two were okay, but after his journey in Unova and Sinnoh, Issei was approached by the two, who bowed to him and called him their master due to their being part of the Dragon Guardians.

The Dragon Guardians consist of Issei's followers who wish to serve and protect the Red Dragon Emperor and his precious people who came from the Heavens and protected the world from many evil organizations. Needless to say that Issei was a bit embarrassed that a new religion was created after him, which led to Ddraig laughing his ass off in Issei's mind before Issei thanked them, but he wasn't looking to become a God among the world despite his power. Still, they were persistent and wished to aid him, which is why when Issei was in Galar, he allowed the Dragon Guardians to fight alongside him to protect the people from Eternatus as well as Team Flare in Kalos.

Issei knew the Dragon Guardians never went too far, but he was glad that he was able to make an impact and help turn their lives around. The offerings were a bit much since Issei was a human like them, which made his followers respect him even more.

And the leader of said Dragon Guardians was none other than the girl in front of him.

"Well, I wanted to make sure that you were safe in Kanto and wanted to join you on your journey," Aurelius said, as Issei raised a brow and asked.

"Didn't I ask you guys to keep an eye on Ash while he's in Hoenn in case of any criminal organizations? He seems to be a magnet for trouble, and I don't want him to suffer because of them." Issei said as he knew the Dragon Guardians kept their vow to protect his loved ones as. Issei thanked them for their loyalty and services until Aurelius stood up and explained the criminal groups to Issei.

"We did our report, and it appears that Ash won't be alone since Team Rocket Grunt Domino and Gym Leader Sabrina are in the Hoenn region with him. It seems that Giovanni, Ash's father, wishes to keep him safe by having Domino at his side. Shall I intercept her and send a message to Giovanni?" Aurelius asked as Issei pondered this before smiling to himself as an amusing idea appeared in his head.

"No," Issei said, much to Aurelius's shock, before Issei explained his thoughts. "I know Giovanni and I don't see eye to eye on many things, but Ash and his mother is one thing we do agree on since I can tell Giovanni may seem heartless, but he does care about his family. Report your findings to Team Rocket on Team Magma and Aqua: their leaders, goals, Pokémon, grunts, bases in Hoenn, and even their most skilled trainers. I want to know if I must interfere to keep my brother and his future girlfriend safe."

Aurelius was surprised by this before realizing what Issei's intentions were with Team Rocket. 'Of course. Domino will ignite the flames of jealousy within Sabrina, which will push her to help Ash better. She will also confess her feelings to Ash, helping the boy mentally grow and better understand women. Issei-sama probably helped with that during his two weeks of training, but the boy is still thirteen, and that's when the boys slowly start to like women. It's genius!'

Unfortunately, her train of thought was interrupted by Issei calling out to her.

"Oi! Aurelius! Are you coming, or do I have to order you to walk?" Issei asked, and Aurelius, moved by her god's tone, skipped happily towards him.

"Coming, Issei-sama!"

"And stop calling me -Sama when we're in public. People will get the wrong idea." Issei said as Aurelius caught up to him and snuggled into his left arm, which made Issei see the girl as a puppy before he patted her head, causing Aurelius to squeal internally as she felt so happy and fulfilled that her god was still so kind and gentle with her despite her faults.

Oh, only one thing could make her happier.

"After we set up camp after the day is finished, we'll be sparring since I want to see if you've kept up your training. Know I won't hold back against you since you and Mars are stronger than most humans after being blessed by the Gods of this world." Issei said, which made Aurelius smile even more as she loved sparring with Issei since all eyes were solely on her, and how he both complimented and insulted her when sparring made her feel more confident about her skills since she desired to follow him until the end of time and possibly one day near his child in the future.

"Of course Issei-sama. I hope I won't disappoint you," Aurelius said as Issei chuckled at her comment and patted her head.

"Don't beat yourself up. You're a good fighter and one hell of a woman. I would definitely mark you as one of my own." Issei said this, making Aurelius feel like she was on cloud nine, with her mother telling her to go for it.

'Thank you, Mother, for helping me prepare for this moment!' Aurelius prayed to the heavens as Arceus and the other legendary Pokémon couldn't help but be amused by the Ketchum Brothers.

Things were definitely going to get more interesting.

Scene!

And here we have Ash and co. Entering Hoenn and Issei dominating the Kanto League, but that's due to Issei not only having more experience in battle but also being a much better strategist when facing Pokémon trainers due to Issei clashing with stronger champions than Lance or Steven, except Diantha.

Now Ash's Pokémon Team includes Phanphy, Heracross, Luxio, Tyrunt, Larion, Charizard, Wartotle, Turtwig, Pidgeot, and finally, Muk.

Issei's Team includes Charizard, Basilisk, Electross, Alpha(Sneasler), and Rampardos, as well as five other Pokémon that will be revealed later.

Issei will not experience the same path Ash did in Kanto due to his ability to fly and his enjoyment of battling stronger champions and trainers. Kanto won't give him much of a challenge, except for a few like Surge.

Let me know which Starter Pokémon Ash should have in Hoenn between Treeko and Mudkip. Ash will also receive a Hoenn beginner Pokémon as a 'welcome to Hoenn' gift before Domino and Sabrina join the Team.

I hope you like how I did Sabrina and Domino as well as Issei's new 'cult.' Heheheh.

See you all later. Ta-Ta!~