Title: Back to Basics

Summary: At sixteen, Ash Ketchum was renowned as a pokemon prodigy. Together with his team, he had overcome rivals, aided in the destruction of Team Rocket, and conquered two separate League Conferences. Then the tragedies of New Island washed it all away. It was only then, at his darkest hour, that his true journey to greatness began. Kalos, AU, Veteran Trainer Ash

AN: Sorry for my recent absence. I've been working 70 to 75-hour week recently and haven't had time to do anything but sleep and eat. Not a way to live, I assure you. This chapter has been in my inbox for some time. The only reason it's being posted now is that I remembered it was waiting to be uploaded. And yes, I do intend to start uploading ROOT again as well. Thanks for the patience.

Just a touch of a crossover element this chapter. No worries, it will be explained at length… or at least enough so that you can get a feel for what I was aiming for. Like with Sycamore being Ash's father, this is something else I've never seen done. Though admittedly I don't read much Poke ff. IT could be quite common.

Chapter three: Joy, Bugs, and Flowers.

Back to Basics

"I apologize, but the requested vaccinations are reserved for League licensed trainers." Smile soft and inviting, Nurse Joy appeared oblivious to the young man's annoyance.

"I'm willing to pay for them. Any price is fine."

Nurse Joy's sunny disposition didn't falter, nor did her answer change. "Our supply of vaccinations are limited here at the Santalune Pokemon Center. Those we do have in stock are reserved for new trainers or those who need to be revaccinated. They're not for sale or individuals without a trainer's license. I'm sorry."

Ash scoffed derisively, pushing away from the counter without a parting word.

"We hope to see you again soon!"

Serena glanced back at the beaming healer, wide-eyed. "She seems nice," Serena commented, earning a snort from him. "But oblivious to the mood."

Ash nodded, in full agreement. "That's a Nurse Joy for you. They're all like that."

"Wait," Serena sped up, a sleeping Mimi wrapped protectively in her arms. "It's true then? There really are a bunch of Nurse Joys all over Kalos?"

While she had begun trainer's school at the age of six, by the time she had turned nine she was on her own. Without her mother, any form of guardian, or a job—who in their right mind, after all, would hire an orphan runaway?—she had been unable to continue to attend trainer school. There was a lot that was common knowledge to your average trainer that she didn't know, such as the validity of the rumor that there were dozens of Nurse Joys spread out across the region, all of whom were dedicated to the wellbeing of pokemon.

Slowing so she didn't have to push herself so hard to keep up, Ash nodded. "Not just Kalos. Every League controlled nation has Pokemon Centers. Each of which are overseen and operated by at least one Nurse Joy, sometimes more. It's the same with local law enforcement. If there's a badge, more times than not a Jenny is behind it."

"How's that possible?" Serena babbled, confused. "Are they all related?"

Ash chuckled, the sound devoid of mirth. "You could say that." Serena arched an eyebrow at his cryptic answer, but waited patiently for him to continue. "Androids are nothing new. They've been around for almost twenty-five years now. But in that time, there hasn't been any significant advancements to speak of. Or so the public has been led to believe. Though they look convincing, interact with an android for long enough or even come into contact with one and you can tell there's something unnatural about them. Synthetic."

"But a Nurse Joy or Officer Jenny? Their façade is much more convincing."

"They're robots?!" Serena squeaked, peeking over her shoulder even though the Pokemon Center was well out of sight by this point.

"Yes. They're what the League affectionately refers to as Replicants. Bioengineered androids; made to look and blend in with humanity. Even their flesh is organic—grown in a test tube. But unlike you or me, they have superior strength, agility, and depending on the model, such as the one we just left, intelligence far beyond that of a mere human. They also lack emotion. They can pretend to be happy, sad, or feel compassion, but it's all an act. They have about as much emotion as a blender."

Serena was quiet for a long moment before responding. "You sound as if you don't like them."

Ash snorted. "You caught onto that, huh? I admit I'm a bit biased… But I wouldn't say I hate them. I just possess a healthy skepticism of anything that looks like you and me, but is incapable of the same empathy."

For a moment, Serena assumed that was as much as he was willing to share, but before she could change the subject he pressed on.

"I was a League agent for about two years," he confessed absently, his mind a million miles away. "Well, two years if you count the first nine months. 'Bootcamp' was what they called it. I saw it as nine long months of having the sense beat out of me by my combat instructors, Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan, and later on Surge. Fat lot of good it did," he added darkly.

"Wow," she awed, impressed. Even she knew how big of an honor it was to work for the League. And he had done so at such a young age. But that didn't answer her question. "But I don't understand? Why would working with the League make you dislike them?" Serena eventually spoke up after he had fallen into a sullen silence.

"It was my first solo assignment, investigating a remote Pokemon Center that had gone silent. All attempts to contact them had gone unanswered, and it was assumed that communications in the area were down. Something that wasn't all that uncommon. I was to check it out, offer what aid I could to get things up and running again, and report back." Ash trailed off, rummaging in his pocket and tracing a crumpled, unopened pack of cigarettes. A bad habit he had given up during his time in Alola. Though it seemed a taste for spirits had taken its place. "I entered the pokemon center, expecting to find what you would find in any other. Instead I walked in on a week-old bloodbath."

Serena gasped, a hand going to her mouth. It was at that moment Ash realized his folly. He had gotten caught up in his own head and overshared. Likely giving her a phobia of Replicants in the process. Not that she was supposed to be aware of their existence in the first place. Hell, even as well-connected as he had been, not even he was supposed to know. No one outside of League higher ups, gym leaders, League engineers, Elite Four trainees, and those part of the higher echelons of trainers were supposed to briefed on their existence.

"I won't go into detail, but the Nurse Joy on duty had somehow malfunctioned. How and why was never solved to the best of my knowledge. Though I suppose it didn't help that there wasn't much left for the League to study. My team was very protective."

"That's horrible," she lamented.

Huffing at his own stupidity, Ash tapped her on the shoulder. Earning her attention, he jabbed a finger in the direction of a nearby ice-cream parlor. "Wanna grab a bite?"

Back to Basics

"They look like they belong on a Team Skull reject."

"Team Skull?" Serena parroted, lightly tugging on the sweats he had bought her.

"They're no one important," Ash shook his head dismissively. "I'm sorry I didn't get something more suited for you. I was in a rush and grabbed what I knew would fit. We can go back and find you something else."

"No! They're fine, really. I like them," she assured him earnestly. If he hadn't have known better, he would have said she was being polite about a gift she hadn't asked for. But watching her eyes light up that morning as she realized he had bought her new clothes dismissed all such thoughts. That kind of appreciation and joy would be difficult to fake.

Too bad the looks her attire were garnering her were less than flattering. Much to his surprise, however, she didn't pay their leering any mind. But he did.

"It's been a long time since I've had more than just the clothes I was wearing,' she revealed quietly, misguided shame coloring her words. "It'll be nice to be able to change for once. Thank you... It means a lot to know you would do all this for someone you don't know."

Ash winced, guilt for not remembering her resurfacing. Despite his efforts to get her to tell him how she knew him, she continued to refuse, claiming it was dumb and that she had already bothered him enough.

"I intend to do more, but it'll have to wait until we return to Lumiose. Obviously, Nurse Joy and the local Pokemon Center aren't going to be any help."

"We're going back?" she said, surprised. Not so much by the fact that they would be returning to Kalos' capital, but that they would be doing so together.

"I'm in a position where I can help you. Something it seems you haven't had in some time." He had yet to share with her his plans to sponsor her as a trainer, not wanting to get her hopes up on the off chance he wasn't able to help her. "Besides, if you're going to be exploring the wilds, you need someone who can show you how to thrive on your own."

While Ash hadn't expected or even wanted gratitude for his help, he wasn't prepared for her to suddenly find it impossible to look in his direction.

"Why?" she eventually managed, fidgeting nervously with her hands.

"I don't understand. Why what?"

With Espurr crawling into her lap for support, Serena found the strength to meet his gaze. "You don't remember me. I'm just some girl who tried to steal from you. You even had to save me after I followed you. Why would you want to help us?"

"So, you were following me," Ash confirmed, nodding thoughtfully. He had suspected as much, but had felt ridiculous voicing as much aloud. The thought alone had him wondering if his big head was making a return.

Serena huffed, disappointed at his lack of a reaction, but was mostly relieved he didn't appear upset that she had essentially stalked him all the way to Santalune.

"It might sound stupid, but if my mother knew I had walked away from someone I could have helped, she'd string me up by my ears," he explained with a laugh, earning a melodic chuckle from her as well. "But more importantly, I believe in helping those who can't help themselves. It's why I carry around more potions and paralyze heals than I'll ever need, and why I didn't take offence when Mimi tried to lighten my pockets. I enjoy helping others."

Their conversation was halted as his pokedex vibrated. Grabbing it from where it lay between them on the small table they were sharing within the ice cream parlor—he had let her see it so she could look at the entry on Espurr—a sound of confusion escaped him.

There's a pretty reliable rumor going around that you're back and operating out of Kalos. What's with not letting the old gang know? This message should make it obvious, but on the off chance you've grown soft in the head during your premature retirement, know that we're coming.

You and Pikachu had better prepare yourselves, Sparky is raring for a rematch.

Ash reread the message from one of his old rivals two or three times, growing more annoyed with each iteration.

"Is everything okay?" Serena inquired, concerned by the less than pleased furrow marring his brow.

"It's nothing," he sighed as he finished typing a Gary Oak inspired reply. The loud mouth couldn't keep his trap shut about anything. "I'm just going to strangle my idiot of a best friend. Come on."

"Where are we going?" she asked, her cup of soft serve in hand.

Ash took a bite from his Vanillite inspired cone as he answered. "The Santalune gym."

"You're going to challenge it for a badge?"

Ash nodded as he offered the last of his cone to Raichu who quickly snatched it up and devoured the sugary treat, the glutton. "That's why we made the trip. I plan to compete in the Kalos League."

"We're here," he announced needlessly. At first glance, it was less a gym and more of a mansion. Large, stone pillars the same color as the rest of the building—an evergreen shade that blended seamlessly with the flora surrounding the property.

Pausing long enough for her to take in the sight, Ash led them inside, holding the door for her and Mimi. Ash's first impression was that of a photo gallery. He had experienced his fair share of gyms in his travels. The only common feature most shared was in how varied and original each was compared to the next. A distinction those charged with leading them had in common. But the tasteful collection of landscape shots, candids of bug-types in their natural habitats, and of what he suspected were some of the in-gym trainers working alongside their bug companions was a pleasant, new take.

Serena made a startled little sound that earned her a chuckle from Ash. The raven-haired trainer stepped up to the blushing girl's side, a question on his lips that was immediately answered.

Propped up in the corner, entwined in an intimate embrace, was a young couple. A pretty blonde and a lanky, dark-skinned guy with gravity defying hair embellished with a number of colorful stones; the couple, who couldn't have been more than a few years older than Ash, were oblivious to the audience they had garnered.

Ash coughed, smothering his amusement. Content to leave them to their own devices, he held a finger to his lips, motioning for Serena to follow him. But before they could take more than a handful of steps, the male half of the duo, slipped his hand beneath the hem of his partner's shirt.

At his side, Serena had gone a shade of red that could only be described as neon. Clearing his throat to help save her innocence, Ash made sure their arrival was known.

"Oh!" The blonde broke away from her partner, wearing an expression that managed to both be sheepish and exhilarated. Not that her 'friend' was any better off. "Challengers!"

Ash nodded, sporting a poorly concealed smirk that left the couple squirming. His smile became mischievous as he recognized the two. Viola, the Santalune City Gym Leader and Grant, the Cyllage City Gym Leader; a bug and rock type specialist respectively.

"My name is Ash and this is Serena," he greeted them. "I was hoping to challenge you. Both of you, eventually."

Chuckling uncomfortably, Viola nodded vigorously. "Of course," she hurried to agree, hoping to appease him. If word got back to the League about any misconduct there would be hell to pay.

"Listen," Ash began placatingly, bringing Viola up short and stopping Grant who had been attempting to sneak away unnoticed. "Don't worry. We're not going to file a report. You can relax."

Ash understood their concern. After Giovanni fled upon being outed as the leader of Team Rocket, Gary, who had been fifteen at the time, had been asked to temporarily step in as the Viridian Gym Leader. He couldn't deny his friend was skilled enough for the job that even most veteran trainers couldn't handle. It was a long string of bad luck and unfortunate matchups—of which Ash was one such opponent—that the youngest Oak had never claimed a Conference title of his own. But he was the Gary Oak. Pure and simple, it was a miracle his neck hadn't snapped ages ago under the weight of his big head.

It was his ego and even louder mouth which saw his time as a Gym Leader, a career he had considered at length of pursuing on a more permanent basis, cut tragically short. It wasn't in him to bite his tongue or hold back when battling. Before a month had passed, he was stripped of the position by none other than Lance.

After the fact, Ash had a long conversation on the subject with Sabrina—Gary's longtime girlfriend and a Gym Leader herself—about how Gym Leaders were held to very strict standards. Something as innocent as two Gym Leaders caught sharing an intimate moment could see them severely reprimanded. And depending on how strict Kalos' Champion, Diantha, was, there was a real possibility they could lose their positions permanently.

Red faced, Viola breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thanks for the understanding," Grant spoke up. Stepping forward, he offered Ash a large, calloused hand. He was easily two heads taller than the Kanto native's own height of 5'11.

Viola sided up to Grant. It was apparent from the way their hands brushed and they forcibly had to stop themselves from pressing into one another that they were more than just colleagues.

"Do you have a pokedex?" Viola inquired.

Ash nodded, handing over the palm sized encyclopedia.

"That makes things easier," the blonde explained brightly, walking over to a chest high stone podium. Laying the crimson handheld on the podium, a hologram of his trainer profile appeared. "Registered for the Kalos League less than two weeks ago. No badges, two pokemon." As she and Grant glanced over his profile, they shared a meaningful look before turning to him as one.

"You're not new to challenging gyms," Grant observed with good humor. The older man eyed Raichu speculatively as if seeing the rodent in a new light.

"I'm not, but Mimikyu—the pokemon I'll be using—is. I've been training him for this since we set out from Lumiose. I'm wanting to get him into shape for the upcoming Lumiose Conference."

Grant chuckled. "You've got more than a year to get him up to snuff. The Lumiose Conference is a biennial event."

"Better to be overprepared than soundly defeated," Ash joked, sharing his laughter. "But if you have a pokemon up for it, Viola, Raichu is always looking for a good battle. I'd even like the chance to battle with you," he explained to Grant.

Smiling good naturedly, Grant waved his hands in the negative. "Sorry. This is Viola's house. It would be inappropriate to accept a challenge here. But I look forward to the day you cross the Cyllage Gym's doorstep."

Ash nodded, understanding, as he turned expectantly to Viola, only for the blonde's focus to lay with his brunette companion.

"Will you be challenging the Santalune Gym, as well?"

Shaking her head, Serena refused to look either Viola or Grant in the eye. Her earlier embarrassment had been replaced with a look that could best be described as stoic.

Viola quirked an eyebrow at her peculiar behavior, but nodded, accepting. "Come along," she motioned to them. Leading them further into the Gym, it was as if they had stepped from a photo gallery and into the heart of a forest. Beyond a path that led to a rather plain battle field and separate viewing areas on opposite sides, there was a dense body of woods surrounding it all.

On the field a battle was already underway. A dark-haired lad occupied the challenger's box as he called out orders to a bipedal, hunched back, blue frog. A Frogadier leapt and sprinted about the field like an acrobat, tossing about spheres of compressed water at a Ledian. The poor bug-type was being run ragged attempting to dodge the volley of Water Pulses.

Off to the right, perched high up in the stands, a group of three sat cheering and calling out their support for 'Calem.' The trio consisted of one girl and two boys of opposing stature.

Ash smiled at the nostalgic sight. There was no feeling in the world like the early days of your journey. Every experience was a new one, every lesson hard learned, and every second felt like the first of the rest of your life. It was exhilarating and blood pounding.

Ash missed those moments more than he cared to reflect on. Perhaps he was just getting old.

At his side, a startled gasp drew his attention from the lively cheering section to his self-appointed charge. Serena had turned ashen, gripping Mimi close to her chest as she maneuvered herself behind him and out of sight of the trio. Ash arched an eyebrow. Turning his back on the battle to face her. He surprised her when he reached out and pulled the hood up on her sweater.

Ash chuckled as he teasingly pulled the strings, tightening the hood around her heart shaped face. "Go sit in the opposite stands and keep your hood up."

Brow scrunched up in annoyance as she loosened the hood, she nodded. With Mimi held close, she made her way into the stands. The interplay hadn't been lost on Grant and Viola.

"Is she alright?" Viola asked, keeping a concerned eye on the girl.

"I hope so," Ash said uncertainly. "Could either of you approve me as her sponsor?"

Grant and Viola shook their heads in tandem. "We could sponsor her ourselves," Grant explained. "But she would need to train with our gym until a time she was deemed prepared to handle herself as a trainer."

Ash nodded, sighing. "I figured as much. If push comes to shove, I might bring her to one of you."

Back on the field, the match had come to an end with a victory for Frogadier and Calem. The teen rushed the field, wildly cheering the bubble frog on.

The girl who had battled him grimaced, but nodded dutifully and congratulated him. "You've earned the right to challenge Leader Viola. Here she is now."

Calem marched up to Viola with a smirk, all spitfire and confidence. "Viola, Leader of the Santalune gym?"

Said blond nodded, wearing a smile of her own.

"I challenge you for the Bug Badge!"

Still smiling prettily, Viola shook her head impishly. "Sorry, but I'll have to decline."

"What?!" he demanded, coming up short. The experience was akin to watching a balloon deflate.

"I've already promised to battle him," she revealed, pointing at Ash. "But if you'd like, stick around and afterwards we can have your match."

A crestfallen Calem nodded, shooting Ash an annoyed look before making his way to his way up into the stands next to his friends.

"Charlotte, would you serve as our referee?"

"Of course, Leader." The blonde hastened to the midway point of the arena.

Ash mirrored Viola, stepping into the challenger's box. Grant had made his way into the stands, taking a seat next to Serena to watch the coming match.

"It'll be a two-on-two match," Viola informed Charlotte. "Ready?" she called to Ash.

His answer came in the form of Mimikyu. The dual-type crooned as it appeared, it's raspy, heady breathing setting more than one spectator on edge.

Viola responded in kind, releasing a winged pokemon with distinct, vibrant colors of teal, yellow, and accents of black and blue.

In his research of the region, he dedicated an extensive amount of study to the wildlife of Kalos. In doing so, there was no way he could be ignorant of the region's most poached pokemon, Vivillon. While not particularly powerful, it was the wide variety of color and patterns of their wings that made them such a high commodity on the black market.

"A savannah pattern."

"I'm impressed," Viola nodded. "You did your research."

"Of course. Anything less would be rude."

Seeing that the interplay was over, Charlotte raised her hand overhead before swinging it dramatically down. "Begin!"

"Alright, Vivillon, Sleep Gust!"

Vivillon shuddered, producing a cloud of green spores that hung heavily on the air. Wings beginning to glow, the dual-type created a wind with a single thrust of them that swept up Sleep Powder and hurled it at Mimikyu.

Mimikyu tensed, ready to begin as it always did, Double Team, but was stopped as Ash called out an order.

"Copy Cat!"

A shroud of crimson energy suffused Mimikyu's form as it spun in place, using its stick to create a wind to mirror Vivillon's. Both Gust attacks met, and while Vivillon's was more powerful, it gave Mimikyu enough time to disappear into a crowd of illusions of itself.

As the warring winds clashed, blowing one another out and throwing Sleep Powder into the air, Mimikyu and its Double Team horde raced across the field.

Viola grimaced as Vivillon was forced to fly closer to the ground to avoid her own Sleep Powder. "Get low and in close. Use String Shot to find and restrain the real one. Then use Bug Bite!"

Vivillon displayed its impressive speed, swooping in fast as it rained down String Shot. The sticky, strong web passed through before dispersing the illusions.

"Scratch!"

The real Mimikyu threw itself forward, its black claw poised to strike, but Vivillon was too alert to fall for an attack at its back. Spinning gracefully in air, she entangled him in String Shot, causing him to crash to the ground. The sound of the head of Mimikyu's disguise shattering, akin to the sickening snap of a bone, took them all aback—minus Ash. Vivillon hesitated for only a moment, but it was enough for Mimikyu to squirm to his feet before the bug flew in close to finish her attack.

Ash waited until Vivillon was right on top of the little spook to give his order. "Shadow Sneak!"

Mimikyu's shadow twitched before lurching forward, extending, growing out across the field before raising up off the floor and taking the shape of a claw similar to Mimikyu's own, slamming into Vivillon. Ensnaring the bug, the shadow slammed it to the ground. "Use Shadow Sneak to free yourself and then use scratch."

Shadow tearing through the webbing holding him, Mimikyu tore after the downed bug, striking at one of its delicate wings just as it began to awkwardly upright itself. Vivillon grunted as it once more collapsed.

Mimikyu's shadow gave another lurch, peeling up from the floor and blanketing Vivillon. Taking the form of a hand, it once more slammed the bug into the ground, this time head first. It was as Mimikyu went to repeat this for a third time that Viola acted.

"Stun Spore!"

Most of her body entangled in shadow, Vivillon gave a pained shudder, attempting to paralyze her capturer. Yet before the first spore could appear, Mimikyu tossed her into the air. Vivillon tried to use this as a chance to fly away, but Mimikyu was already there, batting her down with a Scratch that was more of an outright punch.

"It's our loss," Viola called as an unconscious Vivillon collapsed.

"Mimikyu," Ash called him over, kneeling. The head of its disguise had caved inward, giving it the look of a Pikachu with its head bashed in. Unsurprisingly, this didn't help its creepy factor. "When we're done here, I'll see about getting you something to repair your disguise."

Crooning happily, Mimikyu shuffled to his side, pressing to his leg.

"You did amazing out there," he congratulated the little spook. On his shoulder, Raichu voiced his agreement. "Well done. Do you want to return to your ball or stay out and watch Raichu battle?"

Mimikyu shuddered in excitement. He had never seen Raichu battle, not even as a Pikachu. He had watched his idol train regularly, so knew the rodent was strong. But now he would finally get to see him in action.

Raichu chattered, eager to battle. Leaping from Ash's shoulder, sending the trainer stumbling back, the dual-type levitated onto the field.

"Don't hold back," Ash warned Viola as she reached for a ball on her hip. Smiling, her hand still on said ball, she instead chose the one farthest back on her hip.

"This is my oldest friend," Viola said in way of introduction. "My starter."

The crack of a pokeball and the papery thrum of wings proceeded Vespiquen. The hive queen fluttered about like a pixie, its intimidating, red, compound eyes darting over the field, from Ash to those playing spectator in the stands before coming to rest upon a levitating Raichu.

The rodent's cheeks sparked in anticipation. The last battle he had participated in was back on the ship to Pallet Town.

"Raichu's ready. Are you?"

Viola nodded, smile widening. "Let's show them a good time, Vespiquen."

Ash and Raichu both recognized a disguised order when they heard one.

Key phrases and coded orders were the norm for those associated with the League and trainers who had been around the block. You could scream nonsense as loudly as you wanted in the heat of battle and not betray your strategy. As sound of a tactic as this was, it required discipline, both on the part of the trainer and pokemon; recognizing and following an order in the heat of battle, where even a moment's hesitation could spell loss, or even disaster, was more difficult than it sounded in theory.

The queen bee purred, a buzz reminiscent of a Combee hive and that resonated deep in her chest, as her form quivered, a vibrant, pink cloud he recognized as Sweet Scent suffusing the air about her. In a heartbeat, her small wings fluttered into overdrive, kicking up a Gust that spat Sweet Scent in Raichu's direction.

"Shield against it," Ash ordered, unconcerned. A state of mind Raichu reflected.

Said rodent scampered off the edge of its tail, freefalling, twisting mid-drop and slamming its long, dexterous tail, which was encased in the silver sheen of Iron Tail, onto the field with devastating force. Fissures threaded through the field as the cutting, intoxicating mixture of Gust and Sweet Scent reached the electric-psychic type. A section of ground big enough to hide three Raichu behind flipped upright, shielding him from the combo.

"Throw it," Ash barked as the wind began to subside. "And get in close. Electric Guillotine.""

Raichu grunted as he used psychic for the first time for such a heavy feat, hurling the slab of compacted earth forward, following close behind. Vespiquen attempted to dodge, but was far too slow. The slab caught her in the shoulder, spinning her violently and earning a cry of concern from Viola.

Raichu didn't give it time to recover. Leaping onto its shoulder from behind, he snaked his tail about the queen's throat as he flipped forward. Thunder Bolt cut through his body like a conductor, feeding into Vespiquen as he slammed her over his head.

As quickly as the match began, Thunder Wave brought it to an end. Rocked by the combo, Thunder Wave paralyzed Vespiquen, smothering any remaining fight the bug might have had.

A shell-shocked Viola recalled her starter, sporting a fragile, disappointed smile. No matter how long one had been a trainer or successful they were, a loss was never an easy pill to swallow. Not for those who cared.

"You're even better than I expected," she lamented, begrudgingly impressed. "I didn't stand a chance, did I?"

Ash chuckled, buoyant after watching Raichu in battle. "Nonsense. We were just lucky this time. We'll have to battle again soon."

Viola produced the Bug Badge as she crossed the field, presenting it to him as Grant and a still hooded Serena made their way down. Ash held it to the light, admiring the delicate craftsmanship before slipping the bit of expertly twisted metal into his pocket.

"Impressive," Grant surmised as he and Serena approached. The two were a comical sight standing side by side, a giant and wisp of a girl.

"That's what we aim for." Ash knelt and scooped up Mimikyu. The fae's real body, tucked away beneath its veil, was a clammy, wriggling mass. The first time he picked him up, Ash nearly dropped the lonesome creature. But now, thanks in part to how affectionate the tiny dual-type was and how it loved to be held, he had become accustomed to the abnormal sensations that came with holding him.

From up in the stands, the chatter grew. Leading the group to the field, none looked more excited than Calem, who was staring at him and Raichu as if they were a shiny new toy.

"We should be going." Taking Serena by the hand, he led her toward the exit at a pace just quick enough so they wouldn't intersect with the group without looking conspicuous. "I'll see you soon," he added with a glance over his shoulder at Grant.

"So," Ash began as they passed through Viola's gallery. "Mind telling me what that was back there?"

Serena didn't answer his question or say anything at all as she quickly made her way outside. Ash was forced to speed up to keep pace with her. They were more than a block away from the gym before the orphan slowed.

"I knew them," she confessed in a small voice. Throwing back her hood, she gave him a guilty, self-despising look. "Calem and Shauna were my playmates before… Back when I lived in Vaniville. Tierno and Trevor are both from here in Santalune."

Ash made an understanding sound.

"I didn't want them to see me," she admitted timidly.

"Then they won't."

Back to Basics

"Using iodine tablets or a canteen with built in filters is quicker and easier," Ash admitted as he placed the small, collapsible pot over the fire. "But everyone should know how to purify water in case of an emergency."

Serena nodded dutifully as she absorbed every word like gospel.

They had left Santalune around noon the previous day. Besides one or two minor mishaps, namely forgetting to buy her supplies before setting out, their journey had been uneventful. It was during the lulls between challenges from other trainers that Ash decided to impart some wilderness survival knowledge. Locating edible berries and showing her how to start and maintain a fire were just some of the things he had taught her.

"I want you to memorize those," Ash explained, snatching a round, vibrant blue, palm sized berry from the pile she had accumulated. "The Oran, Cheri, and Tamato berries are some of the more common types you can find growing just about anywhere that are safe to eat. It's why I had you pick them specifically."

"Do I need to prepare them?"

"No." To demonstrate his point, Ash took a sizable bite out of the Oran berry. "Though they're rare, there are some you can only eat after removing the seeds or they've been dehydrated. But not all berries that you'll want to avoid are deadly. The Haban and Japapa are both extremely hot and others can have a laxative effect, which can be more harmful than good depending on your state of health."

"All of these are safe to eat as is," he continued, waving a hand over her harvest. "Until I've taught you more, I'd suggest sticking to what you know if I'm not around to check with."

Serena hummed her understanding. A soft smile made its way to her lips as she watched Mimi and Raichu both take a berry for themselves, happily devouring the fruit. The duo had formed a fast and strong friendship. Over the past few days it wasn't an uncommon sight to see the two with glowing blue eyes as they conversed telepathically.

The way Ash had explained it, these psychic on psychic chats would be a good exercise for them. It wasn't raw psychic strength that made it possible for pokemon to communicate telepathically with humans, but exceptional control. Practicing their telepathy with one another would grant them this necessary control so that they might one day be able to communicate with their trainers without unintentionally harming them.

The thought of speaking with Mimi, even if it was just in her head, had been an exciting prospect for the brunette.

"Why not let the rest of your pokemon out," Serena suggested. "There's plenty to go around."

Having stopped for the night and with dusk rapidly approaching, Ash agreed. Upon being unleashed, Mimikyu quickly made its way to Ash's side, seeking his trainer's attention. The young man picked the dual type up with a chuckle, setting the spirit beside Raichu and Espurr in front of the berries.

Amused as he watched the little dual type faun over the berries, Ash arched a brow at his traveling companion's bewildered expression. "Is something wrong?"

"Where's the rest of your pokemon?" she asked innocently. She had been confused the night before when he had called on Mimikyu as they set up camp but not the rest of his team. He had always been proud of his pokemon, taking any chance he could to show them off to anyone who would hold still long enough to admire them. If she were being honest with herself, her suggestion had been her way of asking to see his team without having to come right out and voicing her request.

"I remember them from when we first met. They were really strong."

Kneeling next to the trio of feasting pokemon, Ash froze at the unexpected question.

"Raichu and I came to Kalos to start over," he told her evasively, putting on the best smile he could manage. Before she could say more, he quickly launched further into their earlier conversation. "If you're ever not sure about what berries you can or can't eat, and have no other options, you should follow the universal edibility test. Sort out the plant in question by stem, flower, and rhizome and test them to see if they cause irritation to the skin or if they possess an unpleasant or off-putting scent. If it passes, you'll then want to boil the fruit and take a small bite. If after fifteen minutes there are no symptoms, such as nausea or cramps, it's likely safe to eat. But you should still be cautious. The UET is by no means without flaw"

Feeling dutybound to commit every detail of wisdom he shared to memory, Serena quickly forgot all about his odd behavior and how he had avoided her question.

It was some hours later with Raichu curled up comfortably on his chest and his rucksack tucked under his head that Ash reflected on his earlier behavior.

"I gotta stop overreacting." Glancing over at where she lay—as he had the night before, he had insisted the brunette take his bedroll—he sighed. "If she's going to be sticking around, I won't be able to avoid speaking about them forever."

Eyes firmly shut, Raichu chattered sleepily. The raven-haired teen chuckled, flinching when his starter blindly reached out with his tail to swat him lightly upon the head.

"You're a cheeky beast, you know that?"

The constant current of electricity flowing through his body intensified for all of a heartbeat. Ash grunted as his body seized.

"A- asshole," he chuckled, the spasming abating almost immediately. Showing there were no hard feelings, he traced his fingers skillfully behind his assailant's ear.

Raichu's electric sacks gave a mild, involuntary spark in response as he leaned into his touch, content to allow him to continue. Ash paused in his ministration when the dual-type stiffened, the current from before intensifying. Bewildered and concerned, Ash watched as his friend slowly rose to all fours, still perched on his chest. As was becoming a common sight, Raichu's eyes glowed with psionic energy.

On the other side of the dying fire, Mimi had wiggled her way free of a slumbering Serena's embrace. IT too turned its sights upon a patch of woods not too far from Serena. The kitten hissed, taking a step forward as its cuffed ears twitched, an inner light shining from within.

From the patch of underbrush came a panicked squeak. Ash winced as a bright light illuminated a small, familiar form before disappearing in what he recognized as Teleport.

Raichu's haunches slowly returned to normal as he laid back down. Mimi did the same, snuggling back into Serena's chest. Neither pokemon seemed all too perturbed by the encounter. Unlike Ash who had one blaring question in mind as he snaked his hand free of his jacket, releasing the cool, heavy grip he had been fisting.

Why would a creature as notoriously antisocial as a Ralts risk running afoul of Raichu and Espurr just to seek them out?

Back to Basics

By the time they reached the outskirts of Lumiose, the duo had fell into a comfortable routine. Any scrap of knowledge or lesson that came to him that he deemed important, he would share with the eager to learn lass. Serena, for her part, was an excellent student, taking to both practical and theoretical teachings he had to offer, no matter how strange or obvious they might seem.

"It's beautiful!" With Espurr on her heels, Serena rushed ahead of him into the hedge garden. Girl and pokemon alike gushed over the exotic and vibrant flora on display in the gardens that acted as Lumiose's border to the south.

Partette Way was more than just a garden/hedge maze, it was an unofficial habitat for wild pokemon and a gathering place for trainers. The air was thick with Combee and Ledyba buzzing about from flower to flower, interacting with trainers without the same skittishness and caution that could be found in most smaller, wild pokemon. There were even rumors of rarer breeds who called the gardens home, though from the heavy traffic in and out, if there were any such pokemon they were well hidden.

Not that it mattered if you could find the rumored psychic-types, as battling within the garden was strictly prohibited. Only pokemon who volunteered to leave with trainers were allowed to be captured. And while the pokemon of Partette Way were extremely sociable by normal standards, it was exceedingly rare for one to do so.

"This is amazing," Serena enthused as she bent down and swept a small budew that had been playing with Mimi into her arms. "I've never been in here before."

"Really?" Ash watched as Raichu floated off to interact with the abundance of wild bug pokemon. "Why not? You and Mimi lived in Lumiose for a long time, right?"

Serena nodded, sobering slightly. "We could have," she admitted softly. "But it never seemed all that important. We were more concerned with eating and finding somewhere safe to sleep."

Ash grunted, conceding her point. Not wanting to bring her down anymore, he decided to breach a subject they had yet to discuss. "If you could do anything, what would it be?"

"What do you mean?" The downswing in her mood didn't last long as she found herself at the center of a growing bevy of pokemon, all of whom were vying for her affection. None more successfully than the Skitty that had claimed her lap as its own. The energetic kitten was fascinated with her honeyed locks, batting at them with tiny paws.

"If things had been different, what would you have wanted to do?" he asked with a smile. Her joy at the attention she was receiving was contagious. "Would you have wanted to challenge gyms or do something else entirely?"

Giving in to the cuteness that was the normal-type, Serena boosted the young pokemon so it could reach her long tresses. "I wanted to be a Pokemon Performer. Like Aria."

Ash recalled the attractive redhead that had been featured on a lot of the screens hanging above Lumiose's South Boulevard. Aria, the Kalos Queen as was her title, was as adored by the public as Diantha, the world-famous movie star and Kalos League Champion. As far as he could tell, Pokemon Performances were about as close to a Coordinator Showcases you could get. Though he would readily admit that, besides the fact it lacked battling and was an all-female competition, he really didn't know much about them.

"But maybe taking on gyms like you wouldn't be so bad."

Ash shared a warm smile with the girl. "There's no reason you can't be both if you truly wanted-"

A sharp gasp from Serena silenced the older teen and had him glancing over his shoulder to find the flora around them coming to life. Dozens upon dozens of small, flower bearing creatures drifted up from the flowerbeds upon a nonexistent wind. Flabebe with flowers of red, yellow, and blue were making their presence known in a fashion befitting a species as infamously vain as the fairy-type, impregnating the air with their warm, heady scent.

Like Serena, every soul present in the gardens stopped and took notice of the fairies, including Ash himself. He had only ever encountered the fairy-type's final evolution, Florges, and that had been in battle. To be more specific, during his loss in the finals of the Silver Conference. The dainty, unimposing creature handedly defeated a large portion of his team before he managed to best it. He had underestimated it based solely on its appearance.

It had been an invaluable learning experience.

Understandably, the first thing he had done after seeing to it that his injured pokemon were being tended for was to investigate the foreign species and learn all he could about it. Not only were they resistant to dark and fighting types, but were immune to dragon based attacks completely. Yet all Ash could think about as he watched flurries of its pre-evolutionary form drift amidst them was its healing capabilities.

It wasn't the vibrant reds, soulful blues, or buttery yellows that drew his eye, but a flower the exact shade of orange one could find in a Melemele sunset. Whereas the others of its kind were basking in the attention and adoration their entrance had garnered, one hung back away from everyone—pokemon and humans alike. The orange-flowered Flabebe cast timid glances at the rest of its kind that were returned with disdain and outright contempt.

Fairy-types, while generally beautiful, were known to be narcissistic, mischievous, and, if provoked—as was all too easy—possessed a penchant for savagery that was rivaled only by the infamously dangerous dark-types. Reading the hostility and outright contempt with which she was being regarded and the loaded interactions between the rest of her kind, Ash felt he had a solid read on the group's dynamic.

Amidst the fairies, reds, yellows and blues were prevalent, yet only the pariah clung to a flower of sunrise orange. It wouldn't be the first time a species had turned on or segregated one of its own for being different. And while its orange flower wasn't a visual abnormality like Lance's crimson Gyarados or that jackass Steven's silver Metagross—Flabebe were known to have blooms of red, blue, yellow, orange, and even the rare white—it was still underrepresented in its small community and thus the odd fairy out.

Ash took a seat near the skittish creature—not too close as to scare her off, but close enough to appear interested whilst being nonthreatening. Still he received a wary glance for his efforts that quickly shifted to fear as her gaze cut furtively toward the rest of her kind.

"Don't worry," Ash soothed, his scratchy drawl a deep contrast to the trilling hymn of such a dense population of Flabebe in one place. "I won't let them harm you."

As if to reaffirm this claim, he released Mimikyu at his side. The part fairy sent Flabebe a curious glance before scampering into his trainer's lap.

Falling into the old habit of tracing a finger along the stomach of the spook's disguise, Ash smiled disarmingly at the self-effacing fairy. "When I saw your flower, I had to come over and tell you how pretty it is," he admitted. Hearing mention of her bloom, Flabebe's petal-like ears perked up. "Orange is my favorite color."

It was instantly apparent how starved for attention Flabebe was. At just a few kind words she all but forgot her hesitance, floating close enough that she could have reached out with her tiny limb and grazed his cheek.

"It reminds of the sun from a place far away from here." Trying his luck at being bold, Ash brushed a knuckle along the bloom's petals. "Beautiful."

The fairy was practically swooning when a bell-like chime robbed them of the moment. Rushing forward and shoving little-orange aside, a red-flowered Flabebe tried to claim his attention. Sending the timid fairy a glare that looked alien on its tiny, seraphic features, the offending fae swayed hypnotically before him, attempting to lull his focus away from his new friend.

Ash's annoyance showed as he carefully pushed Flabebe back. "Sorry, I was talking to her," he calmly explained, urging the retreating Flabebe from before back to him with his free hand.

The red-bloom looked as angered by the dismissal as little-orange was surprised. The former made a sound that was less of the pleasant trilling its kind was known for and more of a poisonous hiss, leaving the raven haired young man with a smattering of fleshy goosebumps.

Be it a caterpie or a scatterbug, no matter how young or nonthreatening they might appear, pokemon were dangerous in ways a human could never hope to match without the aid of technology. If pushed far enough, even the most mild-mannered pokemon could turn lethal. And it seemed dismissing the vain little creature was all that was needed to turn it hostile. Yet before it could do anything that they would both regret, Mimikyu made his presence known.

Giving a growl that was unnervingly menacing for a creature so small, Mimikyu's shadow took the form of a claw, standing up and rearing back like an Ekans poised to strike.

One look at the dual-type and Flabebe wilted back. Hanging about long enough to send the other fairy a dark look that promised ill tidings ahead, it took off to find another it could ensnare with its beauty.

Shaking his head, Ash beckoned the original Flabebe closer. When she showed a reluctance to do so, he withdrew the nectar he had purchased at the entrance for Serena to feed the wild pokemon with. Uncapping the glass container, he allowed the aroma to capture the fae's attention.

"Come on," he prodded as he used an eyedropper to withdraw a small sample of the nectar. Anything else would have been too large for the tiny creature to feed from. "It's safe. She's gone."

Once more her desire for attention won out. Ash wore an easy smile as she carefully fed from the repurposed eyedropper.

"Is it always like that?" he asked after she finished feeding. At her questioning look, he nodded to the rest of her kind. "Do they make it difficult for you because your bloom is different?"

Flabebe regarded the rest of her kind with fearful eyes. Finding him to be trustworthy, she ducked behind his shoulder when she caught the eye of the same red-bloomed Flabebe as before.

"You know you don't have to put up with them." At her questioning tinkle, he withdrew a pokeball from his hip that he made no move to enlarge. "You could come with me and Mimikyu."

Flabebe made a sound of surprise at the suggestion, as if she had never before contemplated life outside her garden.

"We're not so bad," Ash joked kindly, earning a hair-raising squeak from the Alola naïve dual-type in his lap. "You could be a part of our family. We could grow strong together… and you more beautiful."

This was the right thing to say as the fairy made a sound of longing. Though she appeared to be uncertain as she glanced at her tormentors.

"And when you've grown stronger and more beautiful than you ever could have here, we'll return to these gardens," he promised. Making a show of doing so slowly, he tapped the release on the red and white sphere, expanding it to its full size. "We'll show them all how wrong they were to look down on you. All you need do is join us…"

There was only a heartbeat of indecision on Flabebe's part before she leapt forward to tap the release, her tiny, expressive ears flapping in her haste. Ash's grin as she coalesced into energy and was absorbed into the ball was self-satisfied and excited. They had a new member of the team.

Back to Basics

"Are you hungry?"

Serena shook her head, frowning. "We ate just a few hours ago."

"Oh," Ash muttered lamely. "We did, didn't we..."

The fairer half of the duo felt her stomach tighten at her companion's odd behavior. Less than thirty minutes before, the Kanto native was riding a high, having just caught a new pokemon. But upon entering the city, he had become progressively more subdued with each passing step, until now, him standing in the middle of the sidewalk, oblivious to the strange and annoyed looks he was earning as he glared up at one of Lumiose's most recognizable buildings.

Concerned, she lightly tugged on his sleeve. "Is something wrong?"

Ash nodded, offering her a small smile as he fought the urge to go off in search of something stiff to drink. "I'm fine. I'm just not looking forward to this."

Beckoning for her to follow, he quickly ascended the steps to Sycamore Labs. Just as it had been the first time he visited, the lab was in a frenzy, the next great scientific breakthrough just around the corner. Too close to simply walk to. The twosome went unnoticed in the chaos as Ash, who was more than two heads taller than Serena, searched every face to pass within an arm's length.

"You! You're the Professor's kid, right?"

And just like that his search ended. Ash locked eyes with a blond. About his own age and in a sleek, white suit accessorized with a flamboyant, blue ascot, he oozed money and arrogance. The latter of which reminded Ash a little too much of his old self for him to like the speaker.

"Where is the esteemed Professor?"

Taken aback by the venom in his tone, the blond looked toward the rear of the lab. "The back of the lab- Wait!" He scrambled after the slightly taller teen. "He's busy!"

Ash ignored him, taking a fretful and confused Serena by the hand and guiding her through the flurry of traffic in the lab. Without pausing to knock, Ash wrenched open the door and strolled in as if he owned the place. Sophie and Cosette, along with another girl, stood hunched over a stone about the same size as a pearl.

Yet it wasn't this trio that caught Ash's attention, but the other occupant in the room. His hand frozen on the snout of a massive, magnificent Garchomp, Professor Augustus Sycamore looked as if he had been punched in the gut.

Ash felt much the same way, but for a very different reason. His mother was right, he did favor the man, right down to the shadow of stubble lining his jaw and the way his hair fell messily across the left side of his face.

"Last time I dropped by you were too busy to see me," Ash began, as a way to break the silence. "So I invited myself in this time."

"I'm sorry, Professor," the blond apologized profusely, elbowing his way past Ash with a glare. "I told him you were-"

"It's alright, Dexio," Sycamore assured him absently, unable to look anywhere but at the face that so resembled his own.

At Ash's side, Serena looked as if she were about to pass out from embarrassment. Trying her best for cool and apathetic, the red staining her cheeks and the way her eyes darted from one person to another, just waiting for someone to start screaming that they didn't belong there.

"Professor." It was Sophie who stepped forward and jumpstarted things. "Perhaps it would be best if we were to call it quits for the day?"

Clearing his throat, Sycamore nodded thankfully to his fellow intellectual. "Yes, I believe that would be for the best. We'll reconvene tomorrow, shall we? You're all excused."

Ignoring the way Cosette and the mocha-skinned lass were eyeballing him as if he were something equally odd and fascinating as they made their way past, Ash had eyes only for Sophie. "That means you're done for the evening, correct?"

"It certainly seems that way," Sophie nodded.

"Then can I ask you for a favor?" he inquired, dropping his voice so that only she and Serena could hear him.

Taken aback, she blinked owlishly. "If it's within reason, of course."

Withdrawing his pokedex, Ash presented it to a bewildered Serena. "Would it be asking too much for you to take her shopping for new clothes? You obviously know more about what girls like than I ever will."

Sophie giggled. "I'm hardly an expert on clothing or what a young lady her age would be interested in, but I would be happy to help. I'll even enlist Sina's aid. The girl who left with Cosette," she clarified at his questioning look. "She's quite fashionable. Though I'm afraid she doesn't know the meaning of restraint. I'll try to keep her from bankrupting you.

"Thank you," he said, turning to a squirming Serena. The brunette looked as if she would combust she was so uncomfortable.

"You can trust Sophie. She won't lead you astray."

Serena shook her head, attempting to return his pokedex to him. "You don't have to buy me more clothing. I'm happy with what I have. You've already done too much for me."

"Listen, do you remember what I told you in Santalune? I intend to help you. So let me. Go with her while I speak with the Professor." Seeing she wasn't quite convinced, he decided to share what he had been hiding from her all along. "I might be able to get you a trainer's license. But for now, I need you to do as I say, understand?"

Mimi grunted as Serena's hold on her tightened. The girl fixed him with wide, disbelieving eyes, barely daring to believe her ears. "I'll go then," she eventually managed, stomach in knots and her words tumbling over one another in her nervous haste.

"And I mean it, no holding back," Ash added with a smile meant to calm her. "Anything you want, charge to my pokedex."

With a grateful nod and on the verge of being overwhelmed, the brunette launched herself at him, latching onto his middle as she fought back happy tears. "Thank you," she whispered breathlessly.

When finally a beaming Sophie untangled her from him—saving poor Espurr from asphyxiation—and led her away, Ash relented and did exactly what he had vowed little more than a few weeks earlier he would never do. He addressed the man who had walked out on his mother…

AN: I'm sure most of you got the reference/crossover point. But for those of you who didn't, the replicants are an idea I've borrowed from Blade Runner, which in turn is based off of the book "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" This connection was inspired by the amount of robots the X&Y series incorporated. And yes, the androids/replicants will play a larger part down the road.

This chapter also gave some insight into Ash's time as a League agent. This is an element that I'll be exploring at length. This story is going to be as gritty as ROOT, but in its own special kind of way. Also, huge thanks goes out to AEthereal Devastation. He's been great, though no one would have blamed him if he had told me to 'f' off after my absence.