Well, wasn't that just crazy?! Once again, people can get pissed at Alain beating Ash, but I think Ash really showed his stuff this time. Now with the Pokemon League out of the way, we can get to an arc I'm REALLY excited to try out.
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
The New Frontier
The next day after Ash had lost in the Top 8 of the Pokemon League he had decided for he and his team to rest for a short while before deciding on what to do next. Though this was a day he wasn't looking forward to, since this was when Brock and Misty would be heading home (or check with her sisters to make separate living arrangements in Misty's case).
But when the two learned of a party being thrown in Ash's honor, they decided to stick around. Though Arthur and Ivena had to go back to their tribe, they promised to share stories of Ash's great battling in the Pokemon League. Right now, Ash stood on a stage with Professor Oak, his parents, and his two starters. In the crowd stoo most of Pallet Town, along with Misty, Brock, Goh, Wes, Tracey, and Daisy.
Ash: Uh… It's really nice to be home and… To all of you who supported me in the Pokemon League, thank you very much.
Cobalt: Here, here.
Prof. Oak: And thanks to Ash and Gary for representing us so well. Gayr made it to the Top 16 whilst Ash making it to the Top 8.
Delia: Along with thanking the professor for hosting us here today. Now let's get this party started!
Red: A toast for Pallet's pride! *raises glass* Cheers!
Crowd: Cheers!
As the party went underway, Ash sat at pone of the tables, the rest of his Pokemon surrounding him as he lounged back.
Yami: Man, what an experience.
Green: Yeah. We really came a long way since that rat, huh?
Ash: *chuckles* Uh… Yeah.
Sparky: Zorry you lozt, Ash.
Ash: Now worries, Sparky. Sure, it sucks that I lost, but maybe this is just a sign to say that my dream of becoming a Pokemon Master is still out of reach. But I'll get there someday with all of you by my side.
Cobalt: So, the only question now is…. Where do we go from here?
Ash: To be honest, I'm not sure. I mean, there's the Johto League, but maybe I should wait until next year. After all, I'm kinda league'd out from the Indigo Plateau.
Tracey: *off-screen* Ash?
The boy looked behind him, spotting Tracey who handed him a box.
Tracey: You got a delivery.
Ash: A delivery? *takes box* Hey, it's from the Eevee Brothers!
Blacky: The Eevee Brothers?! W-W-What do they say?
Ash opened the box to show two items, one of them being a cream colored stone with a yellow sun-like mark inside and the other being a note.
Aiden: *picks up rock* What's this?
Psi: That would be a Shiny Stone. It is an evolution stone found primarily in the Sinnoh region.
Ash: *reads stone* "Hey, Ash. How are things? How's your party? Hope you guys are fne, cus we're here in Stone Town watching you kick ass in the Pokemon League. We also found out where Blacky's gone off to. Don't wrry, we're not mad but Booster kinda gets weirded out not seeing him, hope you're taking good care of him. Anyway, in this box is a Shiny Stone to evolve that Togetic of your's. We all wish you the best of luck. Sincerely; Sparky, Rainer, Pyro, and Mikey. (along with Showers, Thunders, Booster, and Token)".
Kestrel: Woah…. *reaches for stone* I can…. Evolve again?
Suddenly, Azula swipes the stone just before Kestrel could touch it.
Azula: NOPE!
Kestrel: Aw come on, Mom! *tries to get stone* Gimme!
Azula: Sorry sweetie, but I'm not letting you make me practically a Grandma before you're a year old. *to Ash* Ash, could you-?
Ash nodded as he placed the stone within his backpack, much to the Togetic's chagrin. However, despite the jovial chaos, Loki came running up to Ash.
Loki: Yo, dude!... We're kinda ready to go.
Yami: Already?
The Squirtle nodded sadly before walking off to Misty, who stood with Brock as they waited for Ash. He had agreed to walk with them to Viridian CIty with them one last time to say goodbye. Knowing it was probably best to get it over with, Ash recalled most of his current party and left with Cobalt and Green. Sparky, Blacky, and Hunter waved them off before going back to the party as Ash and his friends went on one last journey together.
Though just as they left town, a familiar honey-blonde girl came upon the party, walking into the fray and tapping someone on the shoulder, the shoulder belonging to Red.
Serena: Excuse me, but… Is something going on?
Red: Oh, nothing much, little lady. Just a party to celebrate the town's two competitors from the Pokemon League.
Serena: Oh! Well, I was wondering if this is the Oak laboratory. I need to talk to Professor Oak and have my Pokedex Passport legitimized.
Red: *points* He;s right over there.
Serena: I see, thank you…. *confused* You know…. You look familiar.
Red: Yeah, I've gotten that a lot these past 3 months.
—-
Later on, the five have reached Viridian City's exit. Ash, Cobalt, and Green stood by the city lmit as Brock and Misty were about to enter Viridian Forest.
Misty: Well…. I guess this is it… Take care, Ash.
Ash: Yeah… You too, Sis.
Loki came up to the boy, though he tried to act tough, he smiled as he shook hands with Ash, then to the two Pokemon by him.
Loki: Take care, pals. Be seeing ya.
Cobalt: Sayonara, Loki.
Green: We'll miss you, man.
Brock: HOLD EVERYTHING!
The group became alarmed, looking at Brock due to his sudden outburst.
Ash: What's wrong, Brock?
Brock: Can't let you go back without this.
Ash: Huh?
The older teen handed Ash what seemed to be 2 books and a bag.
Brock: These are some of the cookbooks I bought from the contest money I had. Since I know you might want to keep traveling, I thought you might as well learn to cook some simple stuff. I even gave you some of my special Pokemon food. *winks* There's a bag of my Pecha mix for Cobalt.
Cobalt: ….Brock, have I told you how much I love you?
Misty: And this is from me.
Ash opened his hand, allowing Misty to drop a small figure of a chibi version of Misty giving off a peace sign.
Misty: It's one of my special lures. I want you to have it, Ash. That way, if you decide to ever go fishing, I'll be with you.
The boy looked at the two in surprise, before feeling emotionally… complicated. His friends were leaving. But this time, he had no idea when he'd see them again. Cobalt and Green hugged Misty and Brock respectively, before the pair swapped and hugged the one they missed. As Ash saw this, his eyes watered as he looked down to try and hide his tears.
Ash: *wavered* Well… I guess you guys should get going now….
Misty: Well, *shoulder hugs Ash* alright then…
Brock: Take care, Ash. *ruffles Ash's hair* We'll miss you.
And so, the two humans, the first few real friends Ash had in years, turnd away and approached the forest. Cobalt and Green waved them off, equally sad to see them leave before even though his eyes watered, Ash gave a sad smile and waved back. They stood there waving until Misty and Brock vanished into the forest, unsure of when they'l see them again.
Green: Well…. They're gone. For realsies.
Ash: Yeah…. Well, we have a party to clean up. Come on, guys. *takes off backpack* Let's head home.
He packed up the Poke Chow, cookbooks, and lure into his backpack before Ash and his two starters turned around, ready to head back home. However, that';s when John, Brock's Mankey, came running out of the forest and climbed onto Green's chest.
John: By the way, before we possibly never see each other again, I've always found you extremely attractive!
The Makey then cupped the Sceptile's head before trapping him in a firm kiss before letting go, running back to the forest to rejoin his trainer, leaving the Forest Pokemon extremely flustered.
Green: *dazidly* Well….. That happened…..
As the group walked back into Viridian City, they took the time to drink in the sights before stopping upon a familiar sight; That sight being the Viridian Gym, with a large banner above the door reading "Under New Management".
Ash: Hey, it's the Viridian City Gym. They must be looking for a new leader.
Cobalt: Huh, guess Team Rocket decided to fly the coop. Well, better get going before some coincidence happe-
Suddenly, a coincidence indeed did happen as an expensive looking red car pulled up next to him. Out of the car came a man, not a hefty man mind you, but he was round. He had curly brown hair that had a small dip on his forehead. His main attire consisted of white trainer shoes and white shorts and a light blue shirt with a floral and pokeball design. He sported a pair of rounded teardrop sunglasses and a Pokemon Navigator around his neck. And finally and most importantly: was his smile; the sign that this guy could get insulted and just laugh it off.
Man: Hey there, pal. Sorry to bother you, but judging by these two next to you, would you happen to be a Pokemon Trainer?
Ash: Uh…. Yes?
Man: Perfect. See, I'm an agent. Name's Scott. And I assume you're here for a gym battle?
Ash: Oh uh, no. I already have the Earth Badge. Actually, I just got done competing in the Indigo Conference. Made it into the Top 8.
Scott: Really now? Well, that's mighty impressive. What's your name, superstar?
Ash: I'm Ash. *gestures to Cobalt and Green* These two are my partners, Cobalt and Green.
Cobalt: Hey.
Green: How's it going?
Scott: Pleasure. So, if you made it to the Top 8, you must be pretty good… *leans forward* Maybe even good enough to qualify for the Battle Frontier…
Ash: *confused* Battle… Frontier? What's that?
Green: Sounds like the tagline for a sci-fi movie.
Scott: Glad you asked. You see-
Suddenly, the man was interrupted by a scream coming from behind Ash. They turned to see an elderly woman who had crashed her bike. She had faint blonde hair and wore a purple dress with a white apron over it. In her hands was a bag of groceries, she was probably coming back from the store.
Worried, Ash ran up to the woman, helping her up.
Ash: There we go. Are you okay?
Woman: *sighs* Thank you, young man, I must've made too sharp of a turn. *awkward* I'm just glad I didn't land on the eggs.
Ash: I can carry that bag inside for you, if you'd like.
Scott: And I can pick up your bike for you.
Woman: Why, thank you. *hands bag to Ash* Just put it wherever inside.
Ash: Inside? Do you… Work in the gym?
Woman: You could say that. I'm the acting gym leader. I'm Agatha, young man. Nice to meet you.
Ash: *surprised* Agatha? As in…. THE Agatha?! The ghost specialist of the Elite Four?!
Agatha: The one and only.
Cobalt and Green were just as surprised as theur trainer. I mean, they were in the midst of one of Kanto's powerful trainers. After the initial shock, Agatha lead Ash, Scott, and the two Pokemon inside the gym.
Ash: Wow, seems a lot… Livelier.
Agatha: It's impressive what a new coat of paint can accomplish. *to Scott* Haven't seen you in a while, big man. How's the work, find any good trainers in Hoenn?
Scott: Well… If I told you, I'd need you to sign a release form.
Agatha: Ha ha, very funny. And Ash, I'd ask if you were here for a gym battle, but myself and the other elites saw you in the League. Top 8 in your first year. *nods* Very admirable. I was highly impressed by your Rotom and Gengar.
Ash: I….. *blushes* Thank you.
Scott: Eh, forget the badge. Why not battle Agatha for fun?
Ash: Well, that'd be nice… *to Agatha* As long as you're okay with it, ma'am.
Agatha: Well, I could certainly use the challenge. I battled two trainers yesterday and I beat them both before I could even yawn. It'd be nice to have a challenge. *to Scott* Would you mind being the judge, Scott?
Scott: No problemo.
Both trainers walked away and stood on the opposite sides of the battlefield, Cobalt and Green going into battle mode as Agatha smiled.
Scott: Alright, this'll be a 1-on-1 battle with no substitutions.
Agatha: Snce this isn't a gym battle, I willbe using one of my personal Pokemon. Now…..
The woman gave a sly smile as she revealed a cane behind her back, a Pokeball embedded on the handpiece.
Agatha: Answer the call of the wicked! *taps button* Gengar!
The ball opened, revealing a much bigger and stronger looking Gengar compared to Yami.
Ash: Gengar, huh? Alright then. *throws Pokeball* Psi, I choose you!
The Alakazam came from their ball, brandishing their spoons at the grinning ghost.
Agatha: An Alakazam. Interesting.
Scott: Alright, let the battle begin!
Ash: Psi, use Thunderbolt!
The Alakazam unleashed a large bolt of electricity from their spoons, which targeted the Gengar before it sank into the floor. The attack was evaded by the enemy before it formed again.
Agatha: Use Shadow Ball!
Ash: Use Protect!
Psi put up a forcefield, which dissipated the Shadow Ball.
Ash: Now, Dark Pulse!
A dark flurry hit the Gengar, sending it into the ceiling.
Scott: Nice.
Agatha: Now that is some impressive accuracy.
Ash: You haven't seen anything yet.
Agatha: Gengar, Shadow Ball!
Ash: Protect Psi, then Psychic!
Once again, the Shadow Ball was stopped by the forcefield, but it came a bit late as it scraped their forehead a tad before Psi unleashed a Psychic. However, the Psychic covered the Protect, which made Psi, along with the Protect, levitate. As Psi charged, the Protect disspated as their forehead glows blue and they become surrounded in a light blue reflective shield. Before they ould strike, Gengar sank into the shadows, avoiding the pact.
Ash: What the- What was that?
Scott: Zen Headbutt. Guess your Alakazam learned a new move.
Green: Way to go, Psi!
Cobalt: You learned Zen Headbutt!
As Psi landed, the Gengar appeared back on the ground.
Agatha: Double Team!
Suddenly, Agatha's Gengar split into several copies, surrounding Psi.
Psi: I…. Oh my.
Agatha: Use Shadow Ball!
Ash: Use Psychic on all of them!
As every Gengar charged up a Shadow Ball, Psi levitated tem all with Psychic, dissipating them all before only one was left, which was hit and crashed into a wall.
Agatha: Hypnosis!
Gengar's eyes glowed as silhouettes of them hit Psi's eyes, which caused the Alakazam to grow drowsy.
Ash: No! Psi!
Agatha: Now, Dream Eater!
A see-through copy of the Gengar came from the original, which hit Psi and dealt greath damage before knocking them out.
Cobalt: Ah, man!
Scott: Alakazam's unable to battle, victory for Gngar and Agatha!
Ash: *recalls Psi* Psi, return! You did great, buddy. Thanks.
Agatha: *pets Gengar* Thank you, old friend.
The ghost chuckled at the affection as Agatha, Gengar, and Scott approached Ash.
Agatha: Well Ash, I see you didn't get into the League due to luck. You gave me quite the battle and showed off some creative thinking.
Ash: Thank you, ma'am. But I'm nowhere near your level.
Agatha: With proper training, you CAN be, young man.
As Ash thanked the woman, he and Scott left the building, the boy intent on healing Psi at the Pokemon Center.
Scott: Hey, Ash. If you thought Agatha's battle was cool, I suggest trying out the Battle Frontier I mentioned. Just a warning, the trainers are as strong, probably even stronger than the Elite Four. Hell, maybe even more thn Lance.
Ash: So…. What is the Battle Frontier, anyway?
Scott: So basically, it works like this. The Frontier is made up of 7 battle facilities spread out through many of the 9 known regions. Each of these sites is ran by a Frontir Brain, which is basically a fancy way to call a VERY POWERFUL Gym Leader. \Challengers have to travel the world to get to these facilities and battle the Frontier Brains in order to get their respective Frontier Symbol.
Ash: Frontier Symbol? Is it like a gym badge?
Scott: Pretty much. But here's the catch; You'll be given the location of the first 6 facilities, but the 7th facility won't be revealed until you collect the first six.
Ash: Woah…
Green: We can collect new badges….
Cobalt: By battling highly powerful trainers…..
Cobalt/Green: ALL OVER THE WORLD?!
Scott: *chuckles* Well, your Pokemon seem excited. So what do you say, Ash?
Ash: 'Elite four level trainers… If this works out, I'll be one step closer to be coming a Pokemon Master.' …..*smirks* I'll do it.
Scott: *nods* Just what I was hoping for. Now, I'll need your Pokedex real quick.
Ash handed over his Pokedex, which was plugged into the PokeNac around Scott's neck. Witha confirmed beep, he gave it back.
Scott: There we go, you're all registered,
He then reached into his pocket pulling out a small plastic case and a memory card.
Scott: This here is your Symbol case and a card that has the locations of the first 6 facilities. Your first one's in Johto
Ash: Awesome. *takes items* Thans a lot, Scott.
Scott: Anytime. I gotta get going, after all, those trainers won't find the Frontier by themselves. *starts walking* I know you'll be great, Ash. Later.
Scott then got into his car and drove off as the three bid him farewell.
Ash: The Battle Frontier… Something tells me this is gonna be wild.
—-
At the Oak laboratory back in Pallet Town, the party had wound down and was almost clwaned up. Inside, Serena is seen sitting on the couch of the lab,Tracey being seen drawing her Fennekin on his sketchpad. Delia was with the professor as he typed something on his computer with Serena's Pokedex plugged in.
Tracey: I've never sketched a Kalos Pokemon before. So exotic.
Serena: Thank you. I've… Only had Kyubi for a week, but we've grown close.
Kyubi: Preach it, girlfriend!
Prof. Oak: *approaches* Excuse me, Serena. Your passport is verified and good to go.
Serena: Thanks, Professor. *takes Pokedex* Um… Professor Oak. I was wondering if you could help me with finding somebody.
Delia: Find somebody?
Serena: You see, I used to live here before my Mom and I moved to Kalos and I made friends with this biy when I was little. So, I waswondering if you knew a boy named-
Ash: *off-screen* Professor! Are you in here?!
Delia: We're upstairs, Ash!
At the mention of the boy's name, Serena looked to the staircase, where Ash, Cobalt, and Green rose up. However as soon as he spotted the girl, Ash stopped in his tracks as he and Serena locked eyes.
Cobalt: Ash? What's the matter?
Serena: A-Ash…?
She and Ash's eyes remained locked before the boy's eyes immediately widened in surprise.
Ash: Serena? Is that really you?
Delia: Wait… Serena? As in little Serena? Grace's daughter?
Serena: *excited* Y-Yeah!
Before anyone had a chance to react, she rushed over and enveloped Ash in a strong hug. Ash blinked in surprise, but smiled before returning the hug.
Green: Wait, you two know each other?
Tracey: Do you know this girl, Ash?
Ash: Yeah, Serena used to live in Pallet Town until she moved to Kalos. We were best friends when we were little.
Despite her desires, Serena pulled away from Ash, knowing the others would raise questions.
Ash: So what are you doing here, Serena? *notices Kyubi* And who's this?
Serena: I actually started on my Pokémon journey some time ago. I came to Kanto so I could start here, and… I was sort of hoping I would run into you again. I really missed you Ash.
Ash: I missed you too, Serena. It is good to have you back.
Kyubi cleared her throat, which caused Serena to immediately remember.
Serena: Oh, right! This is my partner, Kyubi. Kyubi, this is Ash, the boy I told you about.
Kyubi: Nice to meet you!
Ash: *takes out Pokedex* Kyubi, huh?
Pokedex: Fennekin, the Fox Pokemon. A Fire type. Fennekin expels hot air from its ears that can reach nearly 400 degrees to regulate its body temperature. It snacks usually on twigs. This Fennekin is level 10, Female, and has the Ability; Blaze. It knows the moves Scratch, Ember, and Tail Whip.
Prof. Oak: Believe it or not, Fennekin is the Fire starter Pokemon like how Charmander is here.
Ash: Really? Huh, interesting.
Delia: So, what took you so long, honey? It only takes 20 minutes to get to Viridina City from here.
Ash: Well…. I've got a story to tell you guys.
Later on outside, Ash and the other humans were eating at a table in the corral as Cobalt and Green were telling the story to Ash's other Pokemon.
Yami: The Battle Frontier?
Hunter: What's that?
Cobalt: We're not sure exactly. You see, there are 6 battle facilities located somewhere along the other regions with a Frontier Brain running each one.
Green: By beating that Brain in battle, you earn a symbol and by getting the first 6, you get the location of the secret 7th Frontier Brain.
Serena: Hey, that actually sounds pretty fun.
Ash: It DOES sound like fun.
Delia: *smiles* 'Just like his father. Already planning his next trip.'
Ash: So Serena, since you came all thai way…. Do you wanna come with me and my Pokemon?
Sernea gasped at the offer, her face going slightly pink before giving her response.
Serena: Yes. Yeah, I'd like to.
Ash: Great! I'm sure my Pokemon are excited too.
Cobalt: If we can beat these guys, it'll make Ash closer to a Pokemon Master. Plus, it'll get me closer to being the strongest Pokemon in the world!
Green: We gotta do it.
Cobalt: We gotta do it.
Green: We're doing it. Aiden, wanna help beat some Elite 4 level dudes?
Aiden: I'm in.
Cobalt: Azula? Kestrel? Yami?
Azula: You even need to ask?
Kestrel: You know it.
Yami: Yeah, for sure.
Green: Psi?
Psi: This will certainly be an interesting experience.
Ash: Then it's settled, Serena. We leave first thing in the morning.
Delia: 'They're leaving so soon?!... Well, he is his father's son after all.' Ash, I have something for you at the house. I better go get them if you're planning on leaving so suddenly.
Prof. Oak: And we have work to do. But we'll be rooting for you, Ash.
Ash: Tanks, Professor
Delia, the professor, and Tracey went back inside the building, leaving th two kids and their Pokemon out in the corral. Though they were excited for the journey ahead, Serena had a… Forlorn expression to say as she felt like it was wrong to hide something from Ash.
Serena: Ash, listen. You're one of my first and oldest friends. I know I might sound crazy and we haven't seen each other, but I have to tell you something if we're travelling together.
Ash: What?
Serena: Ash… I can….. Understand what Pokemon say.
Ash: You too?!
Serena: I know, I sound cra-... What did you just say?
Cobalt: Did…. Am I crazy or did Sarah just say she could understand us?
Serena: My name is Serena. Not that I blame yu forn getting my name wrong, I mean, you just met me.
Green: ….Well, that checks out.
Ash: How can you understand Pokemon?
Serena: I…. Honestly, I think I was born with this ability. I mean, my Mom can and I've been able to talk to Fletchling and Ryley; my mom's Rhyhorn, my whole life.
Ash: Well, it's…. I'm touched you trust me enough to tell me this, Serena.
Serena smiled at this, knowing the boy she sought for all this time accepted her ability. Not only that, he even had the same one.
?: *off-screen* I was wondering who was talking about a "Battle Frontier", but it turns out to just be Ashy-boy.
The pair turn to see Gary, now sporting a black jacket over a cream shirt and beige pants, along with black boots and a new backpack, but he still kept his signature necklace.
Ash: Gary!
Serena: Gary?
Gary: *chuckles, walks forward* I just said that to beat a dead Horsea. Good seeing you, Ash.
Ash: Hey, Gary. What are you doing back at the lab?
Gary: Depositing most of my Pokemon, cept for Blastoise and Jolteon. I raised the little guy from an egg, after all. So, what's this about a Battle Frontier? And who's she?
Ash: This is Serena. Remember? From Professor Oak's summer camp?
Gary: Eh…. Yeah, I think so. Good meeting you again then, Serena.
Serena: Um… You two… Did you hear-
Gary: Yeah, but don;t worry I can keep a secret. I mean, I can;t understand them like you two, but you guys can trust me.
Ash: And as for the Battle Frontier….
He then went on to explain the concept of the Battle Frontier to Gary, who's eyebrow rose in interest to such a concept.
Gary: A whole challenge revolving around battling Elite Four level trainers. Incredible… But it's not like you can win it easy.
At this, Ash thought Gary was mocking him, which made Ash grow offended as Serena and Ash's Pokemon glared at him.
Gary: Don;t get me wrong, Ash. I don;t think you're a bad trainer, far from it. I mean, you beat me in the League. But these gys sound liek nothing from the Indigo Plataeu. There are all tons of Pokemon out there that you've never even battled or seen before, believe me. The world's a big place….
At Gary's words, Ash became saddened at this. He thought he was ready for something like the Battle Frontier, but he was easily beaten by Agatha. And if the Brains were as strong or stronger than her, he stood no chance.
Gary: …Which is why you'll need someone to head out with you two dingalings and coach you.
Ash: *surprised* Wait….. YOU want to come with me and Serena?
Gary: *shrugs* Yeah, why not? I mean, if I couldn't become Pokemon Master, the least I can do is help you achieve that. Plus, it'd give me an excuse to see the world.
Ash: *smiles* Never expected you to be the globe-trotting type.
Serena: Maybe he's really interested in the foreign Pokemon.
Gary: How could I not? *looks at Hunter* Look at your Lycanroc, Ash. There's never been any recorded sighting of a Dusk form. Hell, she could be the first of her kind.
Ash: You really think so?
Gary: It only makes sense. Ever since I started my journey, I've seen some pretty interesting Pokemon. Like how the gentle Magikarp evolves into the ferocious Gyarados or how when Remoraid evolves into Octillery, they completely change anatomy. The Pokemon Burmy with its branching evolution depending on its gender or Eevee, who has 8 SEPERATE EVOLVED FORMS!
Green: Damn. Kid knows his stuff.
Gary: There's just so much to learn about evolution and Pokemon, I want to learn as much as I can. So, the Indigo Conference is probably gonna be my last tournament for a long time. As of now… I've decided to become a Pokemon researcher!
Ash: Well, that's great. And if you're really serious about coming, we're leaving firs thing tomorrow morning.
Gary: I'll be there. Oh, and by the way….
He then reached into Ash's pocket, where he then pulled out the memory card Scott gave him.
Gary: Maybe Serena should handle the map. *smirks* Misty told me about how you suck at directions?
Serena looked confusedly at Ash, who nervously chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head.
—-
The next morning, Ash, Gary, Serena, along with Cobalt and Green were standing in front of Ash's house facing Delia and Red, though the boy now wore a more updated outfit, complete with new backpack and hat (this would be the one he wore in XY).
Ash: Thanks a lot for the new clothes, Mom. I kept thinking that outfit will always be how people remember me.
Delia: Oh, nn worries, sweetheart. I'm just happy to be able to use that old sewing machine of mine again.
Red: Any idea of where you'll all go first?
Serena took out a new PokeNav from her pocket that Tracey had given to her, due to him ordering one and accidentally buying two. With the card inserted, she took a look at the map that was given on it.
Serena: On the map, it says the Battle Factory is in Goldenrod City in the Johto region. Wait… Isn't Johto connected to Kanto?
Gary: But they're their own thing… Say, we can get there faster if we take the Magnet Train in Saffron.
Delia: Well, I wish you the best of luck, Ash. We both do. *to Cobalt and Green* ANd I assume you two will look after my boy?
Green: Hck yeah we will.
Cobalt: I think we did a pretty good job so far.
?: *off-screen* Hey! Wait!
At the voice (or barking in the other's case), the group turnd around, spotting Hnter running up to them, panting as she came to a halt.
Hunter: I…. *pants* I made it.
Ash: Hunter? Why are you here?
Green: Did you come to see us off?
Hunter: What? No! I came to come with you.
Cobalt: Really?
Hunter: Yeah. Since that old guy said Ash can carry more Pokemon, I wanna journey with you guys.
Serena hid a smile, phrasing it so Delia and Red wouldn't guess she was a Speaker.
Serena: Hey, Ash. I think Hunter wants to come with us.
Ash: *plays along* Is that true, Hunter? You wanna come with?
Hunter gave out a bark and a smile, showing her agreement and excitement for the possible trip.
Ash: *joking* Well, let me see- Just kidding, of course you can come!
Hunter excitedly dropped her Pokeball into Ash's hand before climbing onto him, licking his face affectionately and making him laugh.
Red: Great, I'll tell the old man so he doesn't have a coronary trying to find her.
Ash: Thanks, Dad. Well… I guess we better shove off.
Serena: Thank you again for having me, Mrs Ketchum.
Delia: Of course. You all take care.
Red: Good luck, son!
The three children looked back as they walked away, waving at the Ketchums while Blacky came out, saying his goodbyes as well. Though Misty, Brock, and the Pokemon League are behind him Ash and his group, made of members and Pokemon new and old shov off in order for the boy to claim victory in the Battle Frontier, which will take him to new sights and meet new Pokemon and people.
This brand new journey of the young Speaker, filled with new dreams, has begun. There's no telling what immaculate sights and challenges Ash will encounter on his quest to achieve the rank of Pokemon Master, as the journey continues…..
END OF PART 1….
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Ash's Team
Lucario: Cobalt
Sceptile: Green
Alakazam: Psi
Gengar: Yami
Charizard: Aidan
Inteleon: Azula
Togetic: Kestrel
Lycanroc *Dusk form*: Hunter
Rotom: Sparky (at Oak's lab)
Umbreon *shiny*: Blacky (at home)
Serena's Team
Fennekin: Kyubi
Gary's Team
Blastoise
Jolteon