WOW! What a battle! That last chapter's huge final fight, including James and Jessie's character arcs going a whole new level along with the Mewto stuff, that was definitely one of my favorite chapters. Well, we're halfway through part one of the story and I hope you guys enjoy the Pokemon League.

Pokemon is owned by Gamefreak and all Pokédex entries are from Bulbapedia.

"Butts"- Humans speaking

"Butts"- Pokemon speaking

'Butts'- thoughts

"Butts"-Pokedex entries/TV commentary

"Butts"- Telepathy/Aura speech

An Overgrown Reunion

After spending the night in the Viridian Pokemon Center on the night of winning the Earth Badge, Ash had begun to lead the group out of the city and towards Pallet Town, stopping to call his mother on his Xtransciever to notify her first.

Ash: I still can't believe we got our 8th badge yesterday. That whole battle felt like a dream.

Misty: Same here, that was the most intense I've seen you battle.

Cobalt: I still can;t believe I'M the one who finished it-

Ash: Guys, quiet! I think she's answering!

The screen lit up, showing Delia, but she seemed more robotic then when they last saw her.

Delia: Thank you for calling the Ketchum residence. I'm sorry but no one is able to answer your call, so please leave a message at the sound of my adorable housemate, Blacky.

Blacky: *off-screen* You will never conquer me, ground tentacles! For I am in the sanctuary of the great goddess, Delia!

Green: Everybody's a comedian…

Ash: Hi Mom, it's Ash! I have some special news to share with you, so I'll be home for a while. I'm just leaving Viridian now, so I'll be by in a few hours. Love you. Bye. *hangs up*

Brock: Answering machine?

Ash: Yeah, but don;t worry. Pallet Town isn;t too far from Viridian, should take us an hour or 2 if we hurry.

Misty and Brock nodded before they started walking again, Ash however started unconsciously running, excitement filling him to the brim. However, he didn;t realize he was running until the others called out to him.

Misty: Ash, hey!

Azula: Wait up!

Ash suddenly stopped running, looking back to see the others running up to him, panting as they stopped.

Ash: *nervously chuckles* Sorry, guys. I'm just really excited to get home!

Brock: We know, pal. Just… try to slow it down, alright?

Cobalt: And uh, speaking of home…. Ash, would you mind if we took a detour?

Ash: A detour? Why, where?

Green: You know….

Ash looked in confusion at his starters, before gasping as he realized what they were referring to, where he then smiled brightly.

Ash: Oh yeah, of course we can! How can I forget?

Misty: What, what is it?

Ash: You see, guys. The tribe Cobalt and Green come from have been camping here when we met. Actually, the three of us met on this very route.

Brock: This route, really?

Loki: Huh, nice meeting place.

Ash: Thanks, Loki So, would it be okay if we stopped here and gave them a quick hello?

Misty: *smiles* Of course not. I mean, these guys are your family.

Loki: Eh, I guess it'd be cool.

Brock: I wouldn;t mind. It'd give me a chance to study wild Grass starter in the open… But how will you get them to come here?

Green: Oh, no worries. We got something for that, no problem.

Green then took one long blade of grass from the ground and clasped it in between in hands, taking a small breath to calm himself, Green took a breath and blew into the grass blade. The soun emanating sounded like a mix of a kazoo and a bugle as the sound seemed to echo.

Azula: What's that?

Cobalt: Members of our tribe use that as a distress signal, signalling that they need help if they're too far away from a scout. Speaking of which… We got company.

Suddenly, from the trees, a female Grovyle lurked out. Though Misty and Brock didn;t recognize her, her voice reminded Ash this was Ivena, Arthur's mate and Cobalt and Green's mother. The Grovyle looked at the Sceptile in confusion as she stepped out more.

Ivena: Arthur? Why are you out here?

Ash: Might wanna guess again, Ivena.

Ivena: *surprised* Ash?... Then… That means….

Cobalt: *sheepish* Hi, mom….

Ivena gasps in shock as she finally recongizes the Lucario and Sceptile as her sons. With emotions overwhelming her for words to come out she quickly ran forth, trapping them both in a tight hug, which the pair are eager to return. Ash and the others smile at the sight, but it's not over as Arthur, the tribe leader, comes out.

Arthur: Ivena, who blew that signal? Is everything okay?

Green: DAD!

Arthur: Green? Cobalt?

The Sceptile then leapt forth as well, joining the hug until he took notice of Ash, where he then walked up to them.

Arthur: Ash! It sure has been a while since you've been here, my boy.

Ash: Hi, Arthur.

Misty: Uh, guys?... Mind introducing us?

Ash: Oh, right. Guys, this is Arthur and Ivena, they're Cobalt and Green's parents and the leaders of the tribe.

Arthur: Do they know he can talk to Pokemon?

Green: Yeah, they do. Don;t worry, you can trust them.

Cobalt: Mom, Dad, this is Brock, Misty, and Loki. They've traveled with us for a while.

Ash: We stayed on the nxt route over training for a few days after I was let out of the hospital. Arthur even helped out sometimes and even let me join the tribe.

Brock: Woah, seriously? They let you in their tribe?

Ivena: And it;s been an honor to have him ever since. So, what brings my boys back home?

Cobalt: We recently just got our last bage needed for the Pokemon League and we were on our way back to Pallet Town, so we wanted to stop and say hi.

Arthur: Really, in only 6 months? That's incredible! Hey,,, Has that Pikachu come back to give you more trouble?

Green: It's…. Complicated. But if you guys are here, who's watching the tribe?

Arthur: Jimbo, your mother and I were out foraging when you bew that signal.

Ash: Oh. Hey, would you guys like to meet the rest of our team?

Arthur: *teasing* Well, a certain son of mine said we would when he came back.

As Green blushed embarrassingly at this, Ash dug out his other Pokeballs.

Ash: *to Misty and Brock* I'm gonna be letting out my other Pokemon for them to meet. You can let your's out too if you want.

Brock: Alright.

Misty: Sure.

And as such, all three trainers released all of their Pokemon, showing off their party's great strength…. And Perry.

Ash: Guys, this is Ivena and Arthur, Cobalt and Green's parents. Go on and give them a hello.

All of Misty and Brock's Pokemon greeted the pair, which were happy to greet back. Croagunk had really taken a liking to Arthur while John almost had a panic attack.

John: 'Oh Arceus oh Arceus, I'm meeting the parents already?! I ahvem;t even asked Green out yet! Just calm down, calm down.'

As the Mankey practiced deep breathing, Cobalt brought forth Yami, Aiden, Psi, and Azula as she carried Kestrel.

Cobalt: Guys, this is our team. Dad, I'm sure you remember Psi.

Arthur: Good to see you again, Psi. I see you're doing well.

Psi: It is good to see you as well, Sir.

Green: Yep. *gestures to others* And these goons are the rest of our party; Yami, Aiden, and Azula.

Yami: Sup?

Aiden: Hey.

Azula: It's nice to meet you.

Ivena: It's a pleasure to meet you all.

Suddenly, Ivena spotted Kestrel in Azula's arms, the baby smiling right at her, which caused her to tickle the baby's chin.

Ivena: Aw, and who's this cutie?

Cobalt and Azula became wide-eyed, they had forgotten about how to explain their relationship to Cobalt's parents.

Cobalt: Well, guys, before I tell you, I need to explain something. Azula's more than my teammate… She's my girlfriend.

Arthur: Your….. Girlfriend?

Ivena: But…. You two probably aren;t in the same egg group…

Azula: We know. But we're okay with that.

Arthur: Cobalt, answer me this at least…. Do you love her?

Cobalt: Of course.

However, instead of the two ridicling the Lucario, Arthur smirked as Iveno looked at him with an annoyed expression.

Arthur: I told you Cobalt would get a partner first.

Ivena: Hush, you.

Cobalt: So…. You're okay with us?

Ivena: Sweetheart, why wouldn;t we be?

Arthur: Cobalt, if you love her with all of your heart, that's all that is important to us.

Ivena: Now… About this little one?

Azula: Oh, uh. You see, this is Kestrel…. He's our son.

Both parents stared at the Lucario in shock and confusion, trying to piece together…. How exactly this happened.

Ash: He means they hatched from an egg I found on our journey.

Arthur: Oh. *smiles* Bringing another adopted into the family, son?

Ivena: You really are a pure Pokemon, Cobalt. *reaches out* Now gimme my grandbaby.

Brock: I am…. So lost right now.

Misty: Same.

Green: Hey, Dad. What's say we make good on that deal we made all those years ago?

Cobalt: Deal, what deal?

Arthur: Before Green left to join you, we made a promise that once he was a Sceptile, we would have a battle…. And I plan on making good on it as well. But, I have a request…. *points to Brock* I want him to guide me. Not to catch me, but to at least give me the thrill of having a partner once more.

Ash gave Arthur a confused look before he turned to Brock, who gave him a questioning look as Ivena cooed at the Togepi in her arms.

Ash: Brock, Green and Arthur want to have a battle. And, I'm not sure how to say this, but… Arthur wants to battle with you.

Brock: What? Why, he doesn;t even know me.

Arthur: Yes, but I sense something pure within you. If my boys like you, you must be something special.

Onix: *chuckles* That's Brock, alright.

Brock: Besides, I don;t even know what moves Arthur knows.

Ash: Oh, here. *hands Brock Pokedex* Use this. It should give you a rundown of Arthur's moves.

Brock: Oh, then….

He then gives the elder Sceptile a smile as he takes Ash's Pokedex.

Brock: Sure, I'll battle with you.

Brock scanned Arthur for his moves as Ash and Green took a battle stance while Arthur smiled. Cobalt, Ivena, and the others sat as they watched the battle as Misty decided to be the referee.

Misty: Okay, this will be a 1-on-1 battle with no substitutions. Battle….. NOW!

Ash: Alright, Green! Let's start things with Leaf Blade!

Green charged forth, his arm blades glowing green and elongating as he did.

Brock: Alright Arthur, you use Leaf Blade too!

Both Sceptiles clashed with one another, both of them then jumping back as they stared intensely at one another.

Brock: Now, use Dragon Pulse!

Ash: Counter with Leaf Storm!

Arthur blasted a large purple laser from his mouth as Green sent out a cluster of leaves, which only seemed to thin the beam and bit and weaken it as it hit Green in the chest, sending him back a bit.

Brock: That's the ticket! Use Iron Tail!

Arthur's tail turned metallic silver as he jumped into the air, ready to slam into his son's side.

Ash: Combine Dragon Rush and Leaf Blade! Use Draco Swords!

Ivena: "Draco Swords"?

Green yelled out as his blades glowed green while his body was covered in blueish-purple energy as he charged. As he kept charging, the energy surrounding Ash's Sceptile shrunk and covered his arms, forming dragon heads as his blades clashed with Arthur's Iron Tail, causing a large explosion and a huge dust cloud to erupt.

Aiden: Is it over?

Cobalt: …*smirks* Not yet.

The dust then settled, revealing both Sceptile standing, though both were bruised and panting out of exhaustion.

Yami: Woah… Now THAT is power.

Arthur: Alright, kid. You've given your old man one hell of a fight. But this is where it ends.

Green: I couldn;t agree more, Pop.

Brock: Alright, let's finish this with your strongest move. Frenzy Plant!

Ash: Frenzy Plant?!

Suddenly, Arthur sticks his hands in the ground, causing ginay barbed roots to come out of the ground and repeatedly whip Green over and over. Green was near collapse by the time the move was done as everyone stared in shock. However, Kestrel stared in amazement as he smiled, the battle inspiring him just as much as he saw his father beat Rhydon in the Viridian gym battle. But before either Grass type could make another move, Cobalt suddenly moved in between them and stuck his paws out to both of them.

Cobalt: That's enough. This battle is done.

Arthur: Huh?

Green: Cobalt?

Ivena: He's right, Arthur. You're not as spry as you used too. Perhaps now is the time to stop.

Arthur: …..*smiles* Alright.

The two Sceptile smiled as they shok hands before they wrapped each other in a hug, Brock smiling at the exchange as he remembered this was a battle between father and son, not just some random battle.

Brock: Thanks for the great battle, Arthur. And thanks for trusting me enough to obey me.

Arthur nods to Brock as he then addresses his eldest son, showing his pride in his skill as Ash checks his bag for some Potions. But just as he found them, Cobalt came up to him, sporting a concerned expression.

Cobalt: Ash? Dad wants to talk to you. Alone.

Slightly nervous, Ash went up to the Sceptile leader after informing his friends of what's going on. Before they spoke, Ash sprayed Arthur with the Potion as they walked off a short distance to talk.

Arthur: I just wanted to say I'm proud of how far you've come, Ash. And to wish you luck in the Pokemon League.

Ash: *slightly smiles* Thanks, Arthur.

Arthur: You're a good trainer, Ash. I can see that in you. I see it in how well you raised my boys and the rest of your team. Be confident in your abilities, but don't get cocky and never underestimate your opponent. I've made that mistake a few times, and I can tell you from experience that it always bites you in the rear.

Ash: I'll definitely make sure to remember that.

Ash then remembered a few battles of his own in school where he had gotten too overconfident and lost. Badly. Ash wished he had better words to express his gratitude besides "Thank you" for Arthur. Not only had the leader saved his life, he had taken Ash under his wing and had taught and encouraged him, helping him to become a better trainer, along with making him a part of his tribe even if he was a human.

Arthur: You're welcome, kid. Take good care of my sons. I mean, I know you have, but…

Ash: Yeah, I get the idea.

A strange look passed over Arthur's face whie in the background, Ivena hands the baby back to Azula.

Arthur: I know you will. But make sure to protect your own life as well. If anything happens to you, your team will be devastated. I would know.

The last three words were barely audible, thus causing Ash to gain a sympathetic look.

Ash: Did you have a trainer, Arthur?

Arthur: ….Yes. Her name was Jasmine.

Ash: Did- Did something happen to her?

Arthur: She passed away a few years ago. Leukemia.

Tears filled Ash's eyes and he impulsively hugged the Sceptile. Arthur stiffened in shock. He hadn't been hugged by a human since Jasmine. Slowly, he relaxed and wrapped an arm around Ash.

Ash: I'm so sorry.

Arthur: It's alright, Ash. I at least got to be with her for seven precious years. She was a wonderful trainer; caring and protective with a fiery temper, and I am grateful to have known her. You and Jasmine probably would have been friends had you known one another. You remind me a lot of her.

Ash: Really?

Arthur moved his arm away and backed out of the hug so he could look Ash in the eyes.

Arthur: Yes. You're like her in your fierce protectiveness of your team and your love of Pokémon. That's why I knew you would be the right trainer for my children. I know you'll take good care of them, and the rest of your team, both the ones you have and the ones you may get. Just…make sure to take care of yourself as well. I don't want Cobalt and Green to have to hurt the way I have.

Ash: I will…. I guess this is goodbye…for now. I'll bring them back to visit, I promise.

Ivena: You're welcome here any time as well, Ash. After all, you're a part of this tribe too.

Arthur: Goodbye, and good luck.

After Cobalt and Green gave one last farewell to their parents, Ash returned his other Pokemon as the group then went their way down Route 1, Ash trying not to run as he and the others eventually made it to the top of a hill and spotted a town not too far in the distance.

Ash: There it is. Pallet Town.

—-

In the streets of Pallet Town, Ash led the gang down one of the neighborhoods, looking around as nostalgia filled him to the brim.

Misty: So this is where you grew up?

Brock: Very rural and open. I can see how someone dreaming of a Pokemon Master can come from a small town like this.

Green: Feels real comfortable here. Lots of plantlife, a Grass type can get used to this place.

Ash: *points ahead* There's my house, you guys! It's the white one with the red roof.

The boy tried to contain his excitement, though Brock could tell he just wanted to run up to that house and greet his mother. He placed a hand on Ash's shoulder, making him look back to him.

Brock: We know you want to. Go.

Ash then looked to Misty and his three Pokemon, who smiled and nodded. Being given the okay, Ash finally let out his inner child, running up to the house as fast as he could. Though as he made it to the fence, he noticed a familiar shiny Umbreon lounging on the porch and smiled.

Ash: Hey! Blacky!

The Umbreon then looked up and opened his eyes, almost going into another panic attack. But he immediately calmed down as he saw Ash and the others as they approached.

Blacky: Ash!

Misty: Hey, it's your Umbreon!

Brock: His name's Blacky, Mist.

Cobalt: Hey, Blacky, good to see you.

Blacky immediately ran up to Ash, standing on his hind legs and looking up to him as Ash picked him up, allowing Blacky to affectionately lick his face.

Ash: How's everything been? Have you been taking care of my mom for me?

Blacky: Oh, it's amazing here! Your mom is so nice, I can look at the moon from the backyard, and best of all, NO GROUND TENTACLES!

Azula: That's great…. Didn;t know that was a requirement, though.

Blacky: *notices Kestrel* Huh? Who's that?

Ash: This is Kestrel. We'll have intros later. But for now, let's head inside.

Blacky nodded as he led the others to the door, where Ash dug into his pocket and pulled out a key, inserting it into a lock and opening it, letting the others inside.

Ash: I'm home!

From the kitchen, Delia came out, smiling at the sight of her "baby boy" having returned home.

Delia: Oh, Ash! Welcome home, sweetheart. And I see you brought your friends. *looks to Green* And is that-?

Ash: Yep, over there is Green and Azula, they evolved into their final forms. Plus, we got a new member in Kestrel… Speaking of members, how has Blacky been for you.

Delia: Oh, just a treat. It was really nice of you to have him keep me company, it feels nice having someone there… Though he does stare at the moon a lot.

Brock: Well, he's an Umbreon, it's a given.

Delia: So, will your friends be staying for dinner?

Misty: We'd love too, but we can;t stay for long after.

Azula: *surprised* What?

Ash: What do you guys mean?

Brock: I wanted to head home for a little bit. Just to make sure my Dad is running things smoothly.

Misty: And I need to check on my other Pokemon and make sure my sisters don;t neglect their gym duties again.

Ash: Oh…..

The boy looked down saly, Misty and Brock were the first friends he made besides Cobalt and Green and like his Pokemon, the two had helped him become better as a trainer. It really sucked to see them go, but he understood why they had to go. Cobalt, Green, and Azula coddled close to him to comfort him, eliciting Misty and Brock to frown before speaking.

Misty: But we'll come back as soon as we make sure everything's okay.

Brock: Yeah, there's no way you're going into the Pokemon League without us.

Delia gasped as she heard that, but smiled wide as she felt proud for her son. Hearing what his friends were saying, Ash looked at them, smiling as they shared a group embrace. Later on Ash let his other Pokemon out as they ate a delicious home-cooked dinner from Delia before Ash, Misty, Brock, and Ash's Pokemon stood outside his house, a car behind the other two kids ready to take them to their destinations.

Ash: So… I guess this is goodbye. For now, at least.

Misty: Of course. Can;t get rid of us that easily, Ketchum.

Ash, though sad at seeing his friends go, held out a hand to Brock. He smiled at the boy, he was the one that gave him his first badge, who taught him basic cooking, and most importantly… He was the reason he was able to travel and pursue his dream as a Breeder. The teen smiled at his younger brother figure, clasping Ash's hand with his own.

Brock: Friends forever. Right, Ash?

Ash: *nods* Yeah.

Green and Psi also took the time to say farewell to Brock on their own way before Misty approached Ash. This girl… She was Ash's first travel companion, the first one to know his secret, and above all, someone he really grew to care for closely. This was hard enough as it is, but now…

Ash: Misty… I-

He was then interrupted as Misty then placed a kiss on his cheek, making his face turn beet red and Brock's jaw to drop. As Misty pulled away, she hid an off cringe as she smiled at her friend. Even if they were separated for a few days, it still hurt.

Misty: Bye Ash…

Ash: Uh… Yeah…. Bye, Misty…..

Misty and Brock turned to enter the car, only to be stopped by Cobalt. The Lucario smiled at the pair before placing a paw on their shoulder, his left paw on Misty and his right on Brock. As he did this, a blue glow covered his body as his dreadlocks and handkerchief floated up a bit. But then, they froze as they heard… A voice inside their heads… COBALT'S voice.

Cobalt: You've both done so much for Ash… Thank you for being his friends… And thank you… For also being mine….

The glow around Cobalt faded as he retreated his arms and clutched his head, almost as if he was having a headache before shaking it off and smiling at them. Though astonished by Cobalt's sudden telepathy, Brock and Misty bid him farewell as well as they entered the car. Ash's party and Blacky said their farewells as the car drove off, Ash standing and tears flowing as he watched the car finally disappear.

Ash: Well…. They're gone….

Green: By the way, Co, what'd you do to them?

Cobalt: I just… Gave them my version of a goodbye.

Aiden: So…. What do we do now?

Yami: Obviously, we go to the Pokemon League! We gotta prove we're the best!

Ash: Yami, I hate to burst your bubble… But we won't be able to enter the Pokemon League yet. It's not until another 3 months.

Green: 3 MONTHS?! But it took us 6 months to get those badges! What are we going to do until then?

Psi: Obviously, we train. The Pokemon League is bound to be full of the best trainers in Kanto. And when we met Alain, I hypothesized possibly outside of Kanto.

Ash: Exactly. So that's why we need to be the best and train to our full potential. But… For now… *yawns* We take a break. It'd be nice to sleep in my own bed again.

And as such, Ash opens the door, allowing Cobalt, Psi, Green, Blacky, Yami, and Azula in as he carried Kestrel inside as Aiden went to the back to sleep in the empty shed they had since he was too big for the house. Before going inside, Ash looked up the road, smiling at where the car just left before going inside himself.

He took a breath. And smiled. He was home.

—-

Meanwhile, the wreckage of the Team Rocket base was still smoking as a chopper flew down and landed near the wreck. The door opened, revealing several grunts coming out, along with a woman with purple hair and glasses wearing a red business suit.

Woman: What happened here?

Grunt 1: The radio signals cut out before we could get a real conclusion. Place was probably burning for hours.

Grunt 2: Ms Matori, I found something!

The woman, now known as Matori walked over to the grunt to see his discovery, only to gasp in horror and cover her mouth at the sight. She turned away, almost about to vomit before she managed to keep her bile down.

Matori: Sweet Arceus…. He's….

Grunt 2: Due to how pale he is, he;s been like this for possibly 26-34 hours.

Matori gulped before shivering as she then put a finger to her earpiece.

Matori: Rocket Command, this is Matori at the sight of the mysterious flaming base. We find the base has been mysteriously destroyed and… Master Giovanni is no more. We need a conclusion as to what caused this. We need to exact vengeance in Giovanni's name.

Grunt: *on com* According to the readings on your analysis devices, it seems like some kind of Pokemon destroyed the base. The atmosphere has small trace elements of Psychic Terrain, so it was proably a Psychic-type, but I have no idea which one. No Psychic Pokemon could do something like blow up an entire lab by itself.

Matori: *horrified* A Psychic type?... It did this. And that means…. *looks up* That monster is still out there. Giovanni…. What the hell have you done?

TO BE CONTINUED….

—-

Ash's Team

Lucario: Cobalt

Sceptile: Green

Alakazam: Psi

Gengar: Yami

Charizard: Aidan

Inteleon: Azula

Togepi: Kestrel

Rotom: Sparky (at Oak's lab)

Umbreon *shiny*: Blacky (at home)

Misty's Team

Staryu

Psyduck: Perry

Gyarados: Mel (Malestrom)

Squirtle: Loki

Wimpod: Harold

Horsea: Jeff

Starmie (at gym)

Butterfree: Alex (at gym)

Tentacool: Charles (at gym)

Goldeen: Bella (at gym)

Brock's Team

Onix

Geodude

Golbat: Nightwing

Bulbasaur

Croagunk

Mankey: John

Krabby (at gym)

Jessie's Team

Arbok

Wobbuffet

Yanmega

Seviper

James's Team

Weezing

Inkay

Growlithe: Growlie

Carnivine

Heracross