Greetings, Mgunnels3 here, and welcome back to Ash's Unova Journey, my version. Before I begin, I am re-editing my story with a few new changes and my Johto Story. But aside from that, we are near the PWT after this chapter, just two more chapters. We are close to it as soon as we have three chapters, including this one. Let's begin this one, shall we?
Chapter 77: Love, more reunions, mythical, and Issues
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech"
'Telepathy'
A few days after, Ash and his friends spent time at the villa of Ash's family.
Ash had gotten a new set of clothes courteous of his mother that came in the mail a day after Ash's birthday. When the group arrived as Ash finally got to try it on. He has a short blue vest-like shirt with White stripes in some regions of his shirt, red and black gloves, grey pants, a red hat with a white symbol on the top, and red and white shoes. A fitting outfit, for now, sixteen-year-old Ash.
"Man, Mom outdid herself with this outfit," Ash said as he looked at himself, wearing the outfit in the mirror. "A little bit of Sinnoh outfit with my older outfit when I started," Ash said as it looked like it would fit regardless of Ash's age until he decided to get a new set. "Thanks, Mom; I appreciate it, and I will let her know the next time I talk to her," Ash said as he exited the room.
The morning was still new, and he noticed that many of his Pokemon were resting outside the villa on the battlefield or, in the smaller one's case, in the living room. Ash sighed at this. "We are only a few days into this vacation, and everyone has started to make themselves at home," Ash said to himself.
"Well, look at you, Ash," Misty said, walking into the living room from one of the guest rooms as Ash turned to see her. "I taken that's in the package your mom gave you yesterday?" Misty asked Ash, who nodded. "Now you don't look like a kid anymore but more of an adult," Misty giggled as Ash chuckled.
"I agree with Misty on that part, Ash. No matter how often you go to other regions, your mother knows how to make pretty good clothes, whether making them or going shopping for you outfit-wise," Brock said as he made breakfast for the group.
"Thanks, you guys; hey, where's Dawn? I thought she would be up by now, given she's been a morning person lately?" Ash asked.
'She's gone out to see the arriving trainers as more people are coming for the PWT,' Latias said. She was in the living room relaxing. Ash figured that much would be the case as many trainers start showing up as the tournament approaches, even though it's the beginning of next month.
"I have taken that many of the Coordinators are showing up for the tournament as well if I had to take a guess," Misty asked which Brock nodded.
"From what Dawn told me yesterday, a lot of the competitors from the Jotho Grand Festival are going to participate in this competition," Brock said to Misty and Ash. The latter of the two felt that the reunion would continue just in time for Dawn to come in.
"Hey everyone, I'm back, and guess who I ran into, who just arrived from coming off the ferry, " Dawn said as she turned. The group saw a couple of familiar faces, May and a now 10-year-old Max.
"Hey, everyone," May and Max said to Ash and the others. May was now thirteen years old and showed it physic wise, but she also showed how mature she has grown since she departed from Ash and the others after Sinnoh. On the other hand, Max looks like he's just finished his first league and needed some time off before heading to another region as both managed to make their way to the living room.
"So, how have you two been since we last saw you two? I heard that you won the Johto Grand Festival from Dawn, May," Ash said to May and Max as May nodded.
"Yeah, sadly, that was the second time I took part in the Johto Grand Festival, I managed to rank 4th again the first time, but the second time, I barely won against Ursula," May said to Ash and the others. "That final battle ended with time rules and a draw similar to the battle before the Kanto Grand Festival battle," May said as Ash and Brock remembered that. "The Word is that not only Dawn's rivals are showing up, but mine are also," May said as the group nodded as Ash turned to Max.
"So Max, I can tell by how you just started your Journey?" Ash asked Max, who nodded.
"Yeah, I just went through the Evergrande Conference; I made it through to the top 8 before losing; I made a mistake in the order of my team during that time; I'm planning on taking on the Indigo league after the PWT is over," Max said to Ash and the others who nodded in understanding. "If I remember correctly, Ash, we do have a promising battle, and I hope to face you in the PWT," Max said to Ash, who nodded.
"I mean, we do have a battlefield here in the villa. We can always have one when you are ready?" Ash said to Max, who nodded and shook his head as. Ash hoped to see how far Max had come but was turned down for a fun battle.
"While I don't want to battle immediately, why not let our Pokemon out? I'm sure some of them would be happy to enjoy some time away from our Journey?" Max suggested to May and the others, who nodded.
"Well, almost everyone I owned is here either resting or in the area exploring, so no worries on my end, and if you guys have any additional Pokemon to your Team, I'm sure their Pokeballs can be stored here. That way, they don't feel left out or anything like that?" Ash suggested as May nodded, but Max shook his head.
"Sadly, I only caught six Pokemon during my Journey, but I appreciate the offer Ash," Max said as May sighed.
"You know that you don't have to be a downer, Max, especially when Ash is offering something fair," May said as Max went quiet for a bit and nodded.
"Say, is the owner of this place going to be okay with all that? This is part of Cynthia's villa, isn't it?" Max asked as that was a fair question, not realizing that Ash owned the place. Ash chuckled at this. "What's so funny, Ash? It was a fair question?"
"Sorry, Max, I guess Dawn didn't explain it on the way here, your speaking to the owner of this place," Ash said as both Max and May were surprised by this. "Well, technically, my family owns the place. It was our vacation home whenever we visited back when I was younger, and my dad gave me the place while we were staying here in Unova, so my offering is allowed; you would think my hints to you two would have given that away," Ash said to Max and May more towards Max though.
"Wow? Ash, I didn't know your family was rich or something?" May said to Ash, who shook his head and explained the whole thing about who his father is and who he works for.
"I see, so as long as your dad is with the champion here, you can stay here as long as you want, huh? That's so cool, and I thought our dad was big, but now I wish I hadn't made fun of you in the past," Max said.
"All water under the bridge, so let's go and let out the Pokemon. I would like to see how your Team is coming, Max, and yours, May," Ash said as the group nodded as they headed outside and let out their Pokemon Dawn.
Max's Team had the following with him: Sceptile, Gallade, Mightyena, Swellow, Shuppet, and Flygon. The group was amazed by the Team as Ash recognized Mightyena, Shuppet, and Gallade as the one's that Ash and the group ran into during their Journey in Hoenn.
May's Team at the time had the following: Blaziken, Blastoise, Altaria, Snorlax, Glaceon, and Dusknoir. Everyone recognized almost all of May's Team but realized who Altaria was and knew to ask in a bit.
Lastly, Dawn's Team had alongside Piplup: Lopunny, Pachrisu, Tyhplosion, Togekiss, and Mamoswine. Everyone knew that she would bring her Team along from Sinnoh though Pikachu was nervous around Lopunny, given their history with each other.
"Alright, everyone, we're on vacation until a big tournament coming up at the end of the month, so please enjoy yourselves and remember not to get into too much trouble," May, Dawn, and Max said to their Pokemon, who nodded. However, many were happy to see Ash and Brock again after so long.
"I recognized most of your team Max, and I guess the Gallade here is that Ralts we helped back then and the others you befriended either during or after our Journey?" Ash asked Max, who nodded as Altaria rubbed her head on Ash's arm.
"Hi, Ash. Good to see you again," Altaria said to Ash, who petted her head and enjoyed it.
"Seem's like you evolved and joined the team Swablu," Ash said as she nodded.
"Yep, ran into her flock in Johto; her flock was fine with Altaria joining. She was a Swablu back when she joined the Team; I do have more and plan on bringing them over when we get settled in afterward," May said as Ash nodded as Dusknoir was playfully pulling on Ash's face. "Sorry about that. Funny enough, Dusknoir was the first Pokemon that I ran into when I started my journey before I met you, Ash, and well he wanted to join the Team after we returned to Hoenn for a bit, don't worry, he's not like what they are known for," May said as Dusknoir nodded.
"I do have a few Ghost-types here in Unova as well, so you might be able to make friends with them during this time of the break," Ash said as Dusknoir looked like he was okay with that as Typlhosion nuzzled Ash's arm.
"Hi, Daddy," Typhlosion said to Ash, given that he sees Ash as a father. Given that Ash is around Dawn, Ash pets the top of his head, even scratching his ear, who purrs and kicks his leg.
"Wow, Cyndaquil, you evolved, and good to see you again," Ash said to Typhlosion, who nodded and made a small burst of flames on his back, which made everyone laugh.
Lopunny noticed Pikachu and walked toward him. "Hi, Pikachu. It's been a while since we last talked to each other," Lopunny said to Pikachu calmly. Pikachu tried to be friendly and remained calm.
"Good to see you again, Lopunny. Yeah, since Pallet Town, if I remember correctly, heard you guys did well in the Johto contest," Pikachu said, hoping that Lopunny had changed from their previous experience. Still, Pikachu knew that she was planning on something which Servine was watching closely, making sure that Lopunny wouldn't cross the line with him again.
"We can make up for what happened later once everything is settled in, Pikachu. I'm sure that you wouldn't mind seeing me again," Lopunny said as that was a way to direct, and both Pikachu and Servine caught on as Pikachu shook his head Lopunny getting a bit mad.
"No, thank you, Lopunny, not what happened last time that move, and your ability should only be used in contests and battles, not to get a boyfriend cause that's crossing a line, and you know it," Pikachu said to Lopunny who was shocked that Pikachu was called her out of the blue like that.
"And you won't get a girlfriend with that attitude, Pikachu; you know I'm the only girl who cared during our journey. Remember, I was with the group for almost all of your Journey," Lopunny said to Pikachu Servine noticed that Pikachu was showing that he still cared for her and stepped in. "Back off, snake. Who do you think you are stepping between lovers like that?"
"Someone who also knows Attract and know's her boundaries as well as Pikachu's girlfriend and mate, unlike you Pikachu knows who cares for him and who is just after him," Servine said as Lopunny got mad as Emolga stepped in. She also knew what was going on and was there for Servine, not for Pikachu, but Lopunny took it differently.
"Pikachu, I see what's going on, you are cheating on me, and that's why you rejected me back then, with not one but two girls," Lopunny said Emolga was taken aback as Pikachu shook his head. "Don't play dumb with me, Pikachu. Need me to remind you what you are missing," Lopunny said as Servine stepped in. Ash overheard this and reminded Dawn about what was going to happen again.
"Lopunny, that's enough; you already caused issues with Pikachu in the past. Don't act like you didn't cause all this," Dawn said to Lopunny, who was growling at Servine and Emolga. "If you don't stop, I'm taking you off that fashion magazine cover idea that we promised when we arrived here in Unova, which is part of your image," Dawn said as Lopunny's eyes widened and sighed and nodded.
"This isn't over between us; I'll tell you what, if you beat me in a battle, either the two of you, I'll let it go and stop, but remember, this Pikachu can be heartless when it comes to keeping a relationship, especially when he announced his love to me," Lopunny said as Servine hissed at her knowing the real reason why Pikachu did that.
"More like you made him do that under your Attract. Emolga tried that before she joined the Team and backed off after that, so you ain't fooling anyone, Lopunny," Servine said as Lopunny knew that she was caught but played dumb.
"Humph, believe what you want, but I can see a broken relationship when I see one. This isn't over between us, Pikachu," Lopunny said as she walked off, as everyone sighed.
"Thank you for calling her out on that and catching that," Pikachu said to Servine, who nodded.
"Anytime, and what she doesn't know is another female's Attract can cancel out that combo, so I'll be keeping an eye on her and you during this, and I'm sure that Emolga will report this to me as well, secretly," Servine said and asked Emolga who nodded.
"Hey, let's get our minds off this and move to the beach. I'm sure some of us would like to participate in some swimming and time off to cool off from all that," Ash suggested as the group nodded Servine smiled and nodded, as did Pikachu. Sadly, Emolga passed as she was not a big fan of the water.
Everyone was at the beach as Latias was enjoying her time in the water, Pikachu was in the floatation device, and Piplup was in water wings, which Ash sighed at. "Seem's like Piplup still isn't good with swimming in big water areas, huh?" Ash asked Dawn, who nodded.
"Hey, I'm starting to get better at it, Ash, don't worry about me," Piplup said to Ash, who nodded as May and Max now realized that Latias was with the group they were so tired from the ride here that they didn't realize that Ash owned her.
"By the way, Ash, I didn't know that you owned a Latias or are friends with one," May asked Ash, who nodded.
"Oh, yeah, she knows who you are, but yeah, she's been a friend of ours since my time in Johto," Ash said to May as both she and Max were surprised by this.
"Hold on, Ash, I thought Latias is from Hoenn, not Johto, or is this a different Latias in general," Max questioned Ash, who nodded and looked at Latias, permitting Ash to tell them who she was.
"I taken you went to Alto Mare during your Journey in Johto May or even Dawn," Ash asked both Coordinators, who nodded.
"Yeah, there was a Wallace Cup over there. Why do you? Oh, you mean that this Latias is?" May realized what Ash was getting at as Ash nodded.
"Yep, you're talking to the daughter of the original guardians of Alto Mare; she does have family in Hoenn and is now part of my team," Ash said, explaining what he knows and the events in Alto Mare. Well, what he could tell them, and the group understood what was happening.
"I understand and respect her wishes about joining your Team, but hopefully, we can see her in action during the Tournament," Max said to Ash, who nodded as Latias swam toward the group.
'I'm not planning on battling you two if that is what you are asking. Friends are not worth losing over battling against me and all that, but if I do see someone worthy of my time, then yes, I can show you how strong I've grown,' Latias said Telepathically, to which the group nodded.
The group noticed a school of Lapras in the area, which Ash instantly recognized. "Well, the reunions just keep coming, it seems," Ash said as Ash noticed one was coming their way. It was Ash's Lapras.
"Ash, is that you? I'm glad to see you again," Lapras said to Ash while nuzzling him. "I'm surprised to see you out here away from Kanto."
"We're out here to take part in the Unova League and another tournament coming up, and my families vacation home is over there, but I wonder what you are doing out here yourself as I can understand you via a translator," Ash said to Lapras who nodded in understanding.
"Like you, my family visits the area growing up, so I guess we are in the same boat about being here in Unova, and for a while," Lapras said to Ash, who was curious about what she was going to say as Ash realized what was going to happen.
"Let me guess, and you want to rejoin the Team, Lapras? Is that what you meant there?" Ash asked Lapras, who nodded as Ash smiled but was shocked by this at the same time. "Is it okay with the leader that isn't just you, Lapras?" Ash asked to which Lapras nodded.
"Ash, I'm old enough to go on my own if I want to go on my leadership, and since we are together, I might as well try to join the team again," Lapras said to Ash, who nodded.
"Well, Lapras, I don't have your ball on me right now. It's back at the house, but I'll be happy to have you back," Ash said as Lapras nuzzled Ash showing that was fine. "I have taken that your school is here for a while. That's why you are okay with it?"
"Yup, we just got here, so you don't have to worry, and we're usually here for months, and I think that Misty there would like a member of the school as well, given that she is a water-type user," Lapras said to Ash knowing that the rest of the group couldn't understand her who nodded knowing that would be an excellent way for him and Misty to have more in common.
"Okay, go and ask, and then we'll meet after our time on the beach, and then you can rejoin the team," Ash said to Lapras, who nodded and went off to the school to ask as the others were curious about what was happening. "Misty, Brock, you remember that Lapras group we saw in Johto and the group in the Orange Islands? That's my Lapras," Ash said to the group Misty and Brock were surprised by this and nodded.
The group enjoyed their time on the beach for a few hours as they were getting dressed to get ready for some time out to look around town and see the sights while most of their Pokemon were relaxing or having some time to look around. And we're now about to head outside only to see someone watching the group in invisible that wasn't Latias as she was beside Ash.
"You can come on out. We can tell you are out there?" Latias said in Pokespeech as someone emerged from hiding a fairy-like creature with a mix of green, black, and white on its body. "I noticed that you've been watching the group since we arrived here in Unova, even when I did," Latias said as the Pokemon floated over to the group.
"Sorry, I've been in hiding for a while and can tell that you are friendly," the Pokemon said as Latias realized what that Pokemon was just from other legendaries she had met through her journey recently.
'Your Meloetta,' Latias said via telepathy which caught Ash, Misty Brock, and Zorua off guard as this was the mon who Team Rocket was after Emolga, who was enjoying the time in the trees, caught wind of this and was now worried given that the target that Team Rocket has just appeared in front of Ash and the gang and hoping that none of the members are watching from nearby.
"Wait, your Meloetta? We were concerned that you left the region cause of what is happening?" Misty said to Meoletta, who shook her head.
'I've been in this area as I am from more overseas in this area nearby, but the areas have been taken over,' Meloetta told Ash and the others.
"So you're the one that Team Rocket has been after all these years, and you just showed up like that figure that Ash and the others have their way of helping mythical and other legendaries," Emolga said out loud as Latias translated the hole thing for everyone else other than Ash who caught what she said as Meloetta hid behind Ash which Emolga caught and sighed.
"Relax, will you? I'm no longer with them, and from the looks of it, they're in hiding pretty soon, Meloetta, so you can sigh relief that they aren't watching you as much as I know it," Emolga said as Meloetta came out but was still skeptical as this might not be the sametrue if someone from them is still in the area.
"Look, if you like, you can stay with us, and we can protect you until whatever is going on is done, but do you know why you are being targeted? That can help us," Ash asked Meloetta, who was quiet as Latias sighed.
'I'll explain to you. From what I heard from my relatives and other legendaries, Meloetta has the power to help Pokemon through song, and even the evil ones can be reverted to normal,' Latias said as the gang began to think of what was happening. 'However, it can work the other way if used in the wrong hands, and from the sounds of it, that is what Team Rocket is after as if whatever they are doing to the Unova region doesn't affect legendaries or mythical. The latter is what Meloetta is known for,' Latias said, which now caught the group's attention.
'That would explain why they target many Pokemon to get to something stronger as the captures grow, but I think Meloetta is on point. We have never seen them with legendaries,' Zorua said in telepathy as Emolga gave the same gesture that Servine did as she wasn't privy to what was happening.
'I'll agree to stay with you, but no captures until further notice, please, as I still don't trust humans as much for now,' Meloetta asked Ash and the others. 'I can help with issues going on, but ask me not to tell me, please, there's only a limit I can do, and it's in a space that I can do that."
"Fair deal, and don't blame you if you stay invisible most of the time or with us, as we will be in a tournament coming up, too," Ash said to Meloetta, who nodded. "Now we know what is the reason why you are targeted. We might want to watch for other members of Team Rocket's mons showing up," Ash said as the group as Emolga sighed and nodded.
The group went to the beach area as Ash had something planned for him and Misty, who was curious about what was happening. They saw two Lapras coming their way. One of them was Ash.
"So I taken that this is the one you told me about, Lapras?" Ash asked, who nodded as Misty was now catching on.
"Yep, this is my little sister who wants a trainer of her own and is aware of the group and was interested in Misty," Lapras explained to Ash, who translated this to Misty, who was surprised by this.
"Yep, I want to join your Team just like my brother is with Ash, and I'm a sweety and love training and making friends. No questions or request for being captured/joining your Team Misty," Lapras's sister said to Misty, who nodded.
"You can say this is our anniversary for you and me meeting Misty, so I'm sure that you would want a Lapras one day a long time ago," Ash said to Misty, who nodded and pulled out a Pokeball, as did Ash. "Welcome to the Team, and I am happy to have you hope we can get along without issues," Misty said to Lapras's sister, who nodded as she caught her without issues as Ash turned to Lapras.
"Welcome back, Lapras, and once I recatch you, you two can spend time with your families until further notice," Ash said to Lapras, who nodded as Ash captured her and had a blueish ding showing that a Pokemon was recaptured after being released. Both Misty and Ash let out the Lapras siblings.
"As I mentioned earlier to your brother, we will let you two do whatever you want until the end of the month, when we have a tournament, and I'm sure both of you are willing to participate in it?" Ash said to the two siblings, who nodded.
"Always, Ash and we can battle on land as long as we aren't traveling on land, but if you want to explore the bay and the seas, we'll be happy to let you," Ash's Lapras said to Ash and Misty, who nodded.
"We'll get back to you about that, but thank you, you two, and we'll see you around," Ash said to the two as they left for their school/family. Ash sighed. "Once we get back to the villa, we'll head to the hot spring behind the house we can go to afterward," Ash said to Misty, who nodded.
The entire group explored the town. They were getting to see the sights. Things so far were good as more trainers were arriving in Udella town. Some Ash didn't recognize but knew that more would come as the tournament approached. As the night came and the group was heading to the hot springs, males were on the left, females on the right, and that included Pokemon separately as Pikachu and Servine asked to be in the same one together to make up for earlier.
"Man, we needed this, especially after the resort earlier," Pikachu said to Servine, who nodded. "So does this mean we are together again, Servine? Or until the whole thing with Lopunny is over?" Pikachu asked Servine, knowing that things between her and Emolga to Pikachu were over, who sighed.
"As long as you a keep your foot out of your mouth around me and the others and don't fall for her tricks, yes, then I will. Emolga has no interest in a relationship with you. Still, she's gotten involved in the whole mess, so I'll forgive you until this whole thing is over between you and Lopunny Pikachu," Servine said to Pikachu, who sighed and nodded.
"Knowing her, she'll try to use it in the battle against me, so if you don't mind, Servine, if we do face Dawn in battle at the tournament, you think that you can?" Pikachu asked Servine, who nodded.
"A good idea given that the tournament is no longer part of Ash's deal with you, and I have a feeling she would," Servine was interrupted by Pikachu kissing Sevine, who lets him as it's been a while since the two have kissed and the hot spring was perfect for that and then broke up the kiss.
"I think that tells you that I have no plans on cheating on someone who loves me as much as I love you, Servine," Pikachu said. This was what Servine wanted to see Pikachu showing that he cared and loved her rather than trying to prove it as they saw what looked like a shooting star.
"That's strange given that wasn't called for one, but I guess the timing for it was warranted for our situation, huh, Servine?" Pikachu said to Servine, who kissed him again, telling him not to ruin the moment as the warm water also felt good on her scales. Little did they know it, but Lopunny, who saw the last part of it, was getting angry from seeing it, but she had a deal with Dawn and had to let it go for now.
With more friends returning and relationships both soured and reignited, things are getting interesting for our heroes as the PWT is coming up soon. Who knows what else is coming their way? As the Journey continues.
Meanwhile, what Pikachu and Servine thought was a shooting star in the sky elsewhere.
As a Dragonite was being chased by what looked to be a Hydreigon, it seemed like the Dark/Dragon type had significantly damaged the Dragon/Flying type.
"Give up now cause sooner or later, you'll be joining my trainers, so why not let yourself join my master's cause," Hydreigon said to Dragonite, who growled at him.
"I'd rather not, as you of all mons should know that I have trouble trusting humans, and yet you expect me to trust the group who has been causing harm here, not a chance," Dragonite said to Hydreigon, who sighed.
"Not like other humans can trust you anyway, given that you are the type who hates them, but it's your funeral goodbye, my friend," Hydreigon said as he launched a massive Blizzard at Dragonite. He was caught in the damage and was sent down towards a building Hydreigon knew that wasn't enough to faint Dragonite but that he had done enough without drawing attention.
"Hope that will be a wake-up call for you. Until then, I'll be back when that gets to your thick skull," Hydreigon said as he took off. Dragonite was down and injured but couldn't continue for now, as many Pokemon in the area noticed.
To Be Continued.
Done and done. Sorry for the To Be Continued, but I decided to put that as the next chapter will continue the next day afterward. I have the week off for vacation, so you should see a few more chapters as we are nearing the PWT. I had planned on more, but I don't plan on going past a certain amount of words per chapter. If you want to know, a few rivals will make their appearance. Still, I'll save that for the PWT, so we'll see you next time, as it's the Dragonite episode in the next chapter. For those wondering if Meloetta will join Ash, yes, as it's part of the request, but that will be after the whole Team Rocket arc after the PWT. See you next time.