A beautiful sunset had decided to show itself to the city, although it was late November, shimmering brilliantly through the sky, as a raven haired trainer stood on the balcony of the place he now called his home, a rather large mansion, looking out at the shining city of Malie below him. The sky had allowed a vibrant sunset to shine through the thick clouds from earlier that day, allowing its colors to seep onto the city below, infecting the buildings and open spaces with its colors. It was beautiful, more beautiful than most of the sunsets Ash had witnessed during his time in Alola, a brilliant hue of deep purples, bright pinks and oranges, shades that would even make Ho-oh a tad jealous. It fit perfectly for the tropical region, however, and Ash wouldn't have it any other way.

The people in the streets of the city were going about their own business, along with their Pokémon, most without a care in the world. Natives and tourists mingling together, and coexisting along with their Pokémon. It made Ash smile, remining him of his adventures throughout this region, meeting the trail captains, forming the Alolan Pokémon League with Kukui, his rivalry with Gladion and Hau, and helping out Lillie and Gladion out with the Aether Foundation. This region had brought back so many memories, although the latest thing Ash had his eyes on was about to bring up some more.

In the middle of the streets, right by the Pokémon Center, there were a group of friends in the streets, they couldn't have been older than 15, cheerful and merry, organizing a Secret Santa for the upcoming holiday season, only with Pokémon. They were cheerfully encouraging people to catch or donate Pokémon for those who didn't have, assisted by the Nurse Joys and Officer Jennys of the city. Ash couldn't help but smile wistfully as he watched the young friends interact with each other, carefree and happy. It almost reminded him of-

No. It had been 5 years since he had been betrayed by his friends. His hands gripped the cold hard marble of the balcony rail, the muscles in his hands strained, as he gripped the marble as if his life depended on it. He winced as his head started to throb, a headache starting to occur. His head was bombarded with memories that he didn't want to ever remember. Not now, at least...

(5 years ago, in the region of Kanto)

Ash Ketchum had just gotten off his plane flight from Kalos to Kanto, having left his new friends Bonnie and Clemont Volt, as well as Serena Yvonne, behind. He had enjoyed his adventure in Kalos, he had made all kinds of new friends and forged new bonds, but it was finally time to head back home. With a slightly air sick Pikachu groaning and moaning on his shoulder, he grinned, feeling the warm Kanto sun on his face as he went home from the airport, eager to see his mom and Pokémon again.

Sure he hadn't won the Kalos League, but deep down Ash knew that didn't matter. Not mpuch as it would to others, perhaps. Ash had tried his hardest, as did his Pokémon, and he knew that. Using this loss, he was sure he'd learn from it and bounce back better than ever. Besides, he had gotten further than ever before, right? That battle was one of the finer points in his battling career, honestly, and he was proud of the power he and Greninja showed to the world.

That wasn't to say that Alain didn't give his all either. No, even though Alain helped out Team Flare, he made up for it, along with his Charizard. And Ash could firmly say that Alain was just as sorry for his actions as he was a good guy, even if he didn't show it most of the time. And besides, Alain was a really skilled trainer, and his bond with his Charizard was crazy strong. And honestly, at the end, the battle could've gone either way, couldn't it?

Reflective thoughts such as these floated through Ash's head, as he wondered where he'd go from here, his Pikachu whining from airsickness and all the swaying. Oblivious as ever, Ash continued on the way to his house, stopped by a familiar voice.

"Hey Ash!" The raven haired trainer turned around to see his old friend, Dawn, running up to him. The blue haired coordinator stopped just in front of him, smiling as she gave him a huge hug. Ash was thrown off, momentarily, but he returned the hug, pleased to see his Sinnoh companion.

"Dawn!" He said, returning her smile. "It's been a while since I've seen you! What brings you to Kanto?"

"Well, it was supposed to be a surprise but..." Dawn trailed off, teasingly letting her finger trace down her chin, then smiled, her hair bouncing a bit as she did so. "I just don't know if I should tell you!"

Ash groaned, backing out of their hug, though he was still smiling. He shook Pikachu slightly, the yellow mouse quitting his complaining when he saw Dawn, jumping to hug her. "Come on Dawn, you can tell me, can't you?"

Dawn giggled, embracing the yellow mouse as he jumped. "Fine, but only cause you're my best friend, got it?" She said, smiling all the while.

Ash nodded fervently, sweatdropped after seeing Pikachu's reaction to Dawn. "Yeah, yeah, I got it, now tell me already!"

"Well..." Dawn began, setting Pikachu down onto the floor. "Let's just say it won't be just me you'll be seeing when you get home!" She grinned, breaking into a run, heading for Ash's home. "Come on, follow me and see!"

Ash groaned out loud, although he was more annoyed than upset, beginning to chase after her. "Come on, Dawn! Get back here!" He cried out, picking up his pace while running after the blue haired girl, Pikachu running with him.

Running together, the three of them made it into Pallet Town, Ash being wistfully reminded of the times he spent with Dawn in Sinnoh, along with Brock. He smiled to himself as Dawn picked up her pace, getting further ahead of him. Those times had arguably been the most favorite parts of his journey as a whole, and there were times when he honestly wished he could go back to them. Things hadn't been the same without his old friend, Brock, and he had grown really close to Dawn, closer than he had with May, Iris, or Misty.

He looked back at Pikachu, his feet still running, seeing the yellow mouse enjoying himself as well. His house was beginning to come into view, Dawn already hopelessly ahead of him, still laughing as she stayed ahead of him

How did she get so fast? Ash absently thought, before brushing the thought aside. Maybe... maybe after this he and Dawn could set out on a journey again, together, along with Brock, finding a brand new region with new Pokémon, and new gym leaders! He'd challenge the league again, catch new Pokémon, and maybe make new friends as well!

"Yeah..." He said to himself, as Dawn had already gone inside his house, he and Pikachu going up to the open doorway, his sneakers creaking on the wooden porch. Grabbing Pikachu in his arms, Ash walked through the door, playfully whining, although he was eager to see what Dawn had wanted to show him. "Dawn! How could you just leave me behind like that?"

He was expecting to probably see his mom and Dawn, and possibly Professor Oak when he walked through the door, but he was in for a much more pleasant surprise. All of his friends he had met through his journey, his travelling companions, and even his rivals were there. Brock, Misty, Gary, Tracey, May, Max, Drew, Barry, Paul, Iris, Cilan, Trip, Sawyer, and even Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie! Along with his mom, Dawn, and Professor Oak, they were all there, smiing and greeting him with a large "WELCOME HOME, ASH!"

Well, the ones that were capable of smiling, at any rate, Paul simply waved at Ash, but the gesture meant a lot to Ash all the same.

"Wow!" He let out, laughing as he did so, taking his cap off of his head, picking up Pikachu and holding him in his arms as he did so. "You guys are all here?! I can't believe it!"

His mom came up to him, hugging him as she did so, ruffling his raven black hair, giving him a quick kiss to the head, much to Ash's embarrassment. "Aw, sweetie, I invited them over to celebrate how well you did in the Kalos League! I'm so proud of you, you made it all the way to the finals, and what a battle you had!"

Professor Oak came beside Ash as well, shaking Ash's hand as he came out of his mother's hug, his handshake surprisingly strong for a man of his age. "I'd like to commend you as well, my boy. You showed that you and Pokémon could accomplish anything, especially you and that Greninja of yours."

"Well, it wasn't just me and Greninja..." Ash said, glancing at Pikachu, who grinned at him appreciatively, and then gesturing to the Pokéballs around his waist, acknowledging his Kalos Pokémon, made up of Talonflame, Hawlucha, and Noivern. "I had Pikachu and the others to help me out as well!"

"Yes, quite. At any rate," Professor Oak said, gesturing to the back door. "Let's move this party elsewhere, outside will be a better location, don't you think?"

"Outside?" Ash asked aloud, asked his friends emptied into the backyard, as he followed close behind. As he got outside, he grinned in delight, seeing the backyard completely decorated with balloons and streamers, taking on a blue, red, and yellow color scheme, reminding him of Greninja and Pikachu, not to mention himself.

"So, Ash," Serena said with a big grin on her face, the honey blonde performer coming up beside him. "Are you ready to party with the rest of us?"

"You bet!" Ash said, giving her his biggest grin as he stepped out onto the backyard. "Time to cut loose!"

And for the next few hours, it was an enjoyable party. Professor Oak had even gotten all of Ash's old Pokémon to arrive at the party, much to both his and their delight. Ash couldn't help but play around with them, leading to most of his friends commenting about how immature he was, specifically Misty, Iris, Gary, May, and Tracy. Ash took it all in stride, of course, shrugging it off with a grin. It wasn't any different from when they all traveled together, but their tone felt a little off to him... Nevertheless, he brushed those thoughts aside, enjoying the party his friends and family had so generously prepared for him.

Seeing his old Pokémon was a treat for Ash, he had really missed them over the duration of his Kalos journey. He let out his Kalos Pokémon as well, letting them meet his old Pokémon for once. Talonflame found his place along Ash's other Flying types, engaging in competitive races with Noctowl, Swellow, Staraptor, and Unfezant. Noivern found himself in a sort of big brother like bond with Ash's Gible, which reminded him of the similar bond he had shared with Hawlucha. As for Hawlucha, himself, he fit right in with Ash's strongest, testing out his skills against the likes of Charizard, Sceptile, and Infernape.

At the peak of the party, however, was when things started to go wrong. Professor Oak had sent Ash's Pokémon back to his ranch, along with Ash's Kalos Pokémon, assuring him that they would be fine. Pikachu stayed, however, as was expected of Ash's partner. Delia had gone inside to get started on Ash's new clothes, assuring him that he'd love it. Ash, being the person that he was, already had his mind set on the next region he wanted to visit, and was talking loudly about it with Dawn under a tree, his eyes lit with excitement as Dawn listened curiously. Many of his friends and rivals, however, had sour or disgusted looks on their faces, tensions rising up amongst them.

"Come on, Ash, stop talking shit already!" A fed up Misty finally said, getting up from where she was sitting, her voice ringing out harshly, startling Ash from his conversation.

"W-Wait, what did you say?" Ash said, getting up as well, hardly believing what Misty had just said. Pikachu gave his best friend a concerned look from the ground, getting a bad feeling. "What are you talking about?"

"Yeah, what do you mean, Misty?" Dawn said, standing next to Ash, Pikachu leaping onto Ash's shoulder. "What did Ash do wrong?"

"What hasn't he done wrong? Come on, Dawn, it's not like Ash'll win a Pokémon league anyway." May said, in an offhanded tone. "What's the point of talking about going to a brand new region when he'll just lose again?"

"Wait, is that what this is about?" Ash said, giving a nervous chuckle as he looked at the faces of his friends. Gary, Misty, Tracey, May, Max, Drew, Trip, Iris, Cilan, Clemont, and even Professor Oak seemed to be looking at him in the same way, fed up and digusted, while Dawn, Serena, Brock, Barry, Sawyer, Paul, and Bonnie gave him worried and concerned looks, leading him to go on.

"I mean, I've come close to winning some times, remember? There was the Sinnoh league, although that Tobias guy had to have been a phony SOMEHOW, and then I actually got to the finals of the Kalos league, and had a really great battle! If I just keep at it, maybe train some of my old Pokémon, I could definitely win at a league one-" Ash was cut off suddenly, to his dismay.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Max said, a smug smile on his face as he twirled a Pokéball in his hands, glaring at Ash. "You say that, but you'll just lose all over again, won't you?"

"I wholeheartedly agree." Cilan said, an obnoxious smile on his face as he began to ramble about his connoisseur nonsense. "Your constant loss, as well as your needless optimism truly makes for a souring recipe that wouldn't be serv-"

"Yeah, yeah, that's enough, Cilan!" Iris said, much to the connoisseur's dismay, sending her own sneer at Ash. "The point is, Ash, is that you're weak! Just like a little kid!"

Ash could've sworn he felt something break inside him as he looked around at his 'friends', who certainly didn't look like his friends as of now. Trembling, he tried for another smile, looking around at those who were obviously against him, trying one last time.

"Come on, guys, you don't mean it, do you?" Ash said nervously, stumbling back a bit. "We've had so much fun on those journeys, haven't we?"

"Wake up, Ashy boy," Gary said, emphasizing the nickname for his childhood rival, giving him a smirk. "You've been pursuing this childish dream for quite some time, don't you think? Grow up and find a real career, like I did! A Pokémon Researcher is much more sensible than a silly Pokémon Master."

"What I believe your friends are trying to tell you is that you shouldn't pursue your dream of becoming a Pokémon Master any longer. Your Pokémon all agree with us as well, they'll most likely desert you." Professor Oak said, stepping forward. "You should consider pursuing another career, like Gary, maybe a researc-"

"I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS!" Ash said, holding his head in dismay, Dawn and Serena rushing to his side as tears began to flow down his cheeks, Pikachu and the rest of Ash's Kalos Pokémon standing in protection of his trainer, glaring furiously at the traitors. Not only his friends, but his Pokémon had betrayed him as well?! "Y-You all were supposed to be my friends! W-What happened to the time we shared together, all the adventures we spent together?! Did that mean nothing?!"

Ash looked at the people who had just betrayed him for an answer, sending them a desperate, but furious glare, but got nothing but sour and disgusted looks in return from them, Professor Oak looking at Ash distastefully as the others drew their Pokéballs.

"Now, now, Ash." Professor Oak said, as he drew a Pokéball of his own. "If you don't comply with what we're asking of you, we'll have to use force to make you. Your Pokémon aren't going to save you, and most of your friends are with us. In addition, I'll alert all the regional professors and champions that you abuse your Pokémon."

"You can't do that!" Serena said, still by Ash's side alongside Dawn, glaring at the Kanto professor. "Ash would never do something like that, he loves his Pokémon with all his heart!"

"Oh, I won't have to do that..." Professor Oak said as he let out a Pidgeot, the rest of the traitors letting out Blastoise, Gyrados, Scizor, Blaziken, Gallade, Roserade, Serperior, Dragonite, Simisage, and Luxray respectively. "As long as Ash does what we say, there's no reason for me to lie."

Ash could only helplessly look on as Pikachu, who was possibly his only friend in the world, stood off against their Pokémon, attempting to hold back tears. To his joy, however, Dawn and Serena sent out Togekiss and Braixen in order to help out Pikachu, the two girls putting themselves between Ash and the traitors.

"We won't let you hurt Ash!" Dawn said defiantly, Piplup repeating what she said from the safety of her hat. "If you wanna try, you're gonna have to get through me!"

"We're on your side, Ash!" Serena said, glancing back at Ash before glaring at the traitors, Braixen letting out a small ember as she twirled her stick. "Braixen, let's give it all we've got!"

"Don't forget about us as well!" Brock's voice rang out as he ran up to Ash, along with Paul, Barry, and Sawyer, getting in front of him as the four guys stood off against the traitors as well, sending out Steelix, Electivire, Empoleon, and Sceptile, respectively. Bonnie came running as well, to Clemont's dismay, helping Ash up to his feet.

"I've been with Ash from the very beginning, how could I just abandon him now?" Brock said, sending an especially hateful glare to Misty. "Don't worry Ash, these guys are nothing!"

"Ash..." Paul trailed off, not making eye contact, instead choosing to focus on the traitors. "You taught me how to get stronger in a way that doesn't hurt my Pokémon, and for that, I thank you."

"I don't know Ash as well as some of you, but that's okay!" Barry said, waving his hand impatiently. "If I'm standing by Ash and you guys aren't, what does that say about you?"

"Agreed!" Sawyer said, readying his Key Stone in case he had to Mega Evolve. "Ash is such a good friend, and I'm lucky to have met him! He's taught me so much, time to put it to use!

"Don't worry, Ash!" Bonnie said, putting a smile on her face as she helped him up. "Your real friends are standing right here, by your side!"

"Thanks, guys..." Ash said, allowing Bonnie to help him up, a defeated look on his face as he gave his true friends a weak smile, before gazing at the traitors. "But they still outnumber us, there's no point in doing this anymore..."

Nevertheless, Brock, Dawn, Serena, Paul, Barry, and Sawyer continued to stay in place, gritting their teeth as they prepared for battle. The traitors simply grinned as their Pokémon advanced, getting ready to launch their attacks. However, just as they were about to attack, a draconic roar sounded from the sky, as a large jet of fire hit the space between the two groups. Without any chance for speculation, Charizard landed from above in front of the traitors, a furious look in his eyes.

One by one, more of Ash's Pokémon came to stand by Charizard. Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Quilava, Totodile, Bayleef, Noctowl, Heracross, Donphan, Sceptile, Swellow, Torkoal, Corphish, Glailie, Infernape, Staraptor, Gliscor, Gible, Torterra, Buizel, Oshawott, Snivy, Pignite, Unfezant, Palpitoad, Boldore, Leavanny, Scraggy, and Krookodile all stood against the traitors, determined to protect their trainer.

"Charizard!" Ash said, light returning his eyes, as he let out a joyous laugh, overjoyed to see that his Pokémon hadn't abandoned him after all. "You're here! And the others too! You came for me!"

Professor Oak grimaced as Ash and his friends grew more determined, ready for the battle. "Don't be so hasty, Ash! Those Pokémon are weak, I'm certain you know that! If you intend to battle with them, you'll surely lose!"

"Yeah!" Misty said, standing behind her Gyrados, a nasty smirk on her face. "Those Pokémon can't compare to ours! Honestly, it's no wonder that you haven't-"

"Wanna bet on it?" Ash asked, strangely calm, a simmering rage hidden in his voice as he stood with his friends and Pokémon, sending Misty a cold glare, taking a step forward towards the trainers.

"Uh, what?" Misty said, her face confused, not used to seeing Ash with such an expression on his face. "Bet on what, you loser?"

"You all obviously think that I'm weak." Ash said, staring right at the orange haired trainer. "You said that my Pokémon are as well, that they can't compare to yours. So I asked if you want to bet on it. Cause I'm willing to bet that me and my real friends can take you guys down right here."

"B-Bring it on!" Misty shouted, losing her cool under Ash's stare, causing her to stumble back a bit. "Gyrados, use Hyper Beam!"

"Scizor, Hyper Beam!" Tracy called.

"Blastoise, Hydro Cannon!" Gary shouted.

"Pidgeot, Hurricane!" Oak said, determined to keep Ash from leaving.

"Blaziken, use Flamethrower!" May said, with a wave of her hand.

"Gallade, Psychic!" Max called, still smirking.

"Roserade, Solar Beam!" Drew said, disinterested in it all.

"Seperior, use Frenzy Plant!" Trip shouted.

"Dragonite, Hyper Beam!" Iris wailed.

"Simisage, show them your Seed Bomb!" Cilan said, resisting the urge to go on about connoisseur stuff again.

"Luxray, Charge Beam!" Clemont called out.

Ash's friends stayed right where they were, however, as Ash stood right beside them. They returned attacks, their Pokémon pouring all they had into it.

"Steelix, pour all you've got, Flash Cannon!" Brock called.

"Togekiss, let them have it with Moonblast! And Piplup, assist with Bubble Beam!" Dawn cried.

"Empoleon, let's show them our Hydro Cannon!" Barry shouted.

"Braixen, use your Flamethrower!" Serena called.

"Sceptile, let loose with Leaf Storm!" Sawyer yelled.

"Pikachu, finish them with Thunderbolt!" Ash cried, as his partner fired his attack. "Everyone else, let loose!"

Ash's other Pokémon followed his command, firing off their strongest attack at the traitors, giving it all they had. Each side didn't let up, continuously sending attacks at each other, all kinds of attacks flying across the backyard. With so many attacks flying, eventually they all collided, causing a massive explosion, which blinded all in the proximity of it, traitors and friends alike.

"Ash? Ash, are you there?" Ash found himself back on his balcony, taking a deep breath, Dawn standing over him as she looked him over, an intensely worried look on her face. She was crouched down in order to make eye contact with him, somehow he had gotten on the floor while he was relieving those... memories.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, thanks Dawn." Ash said, gathering himself together as he stood up. He glanced the balcony once more, at the group of friends holding the Secret Santa project, letting a bittersweet smile cover his face. "Just thinking about the past."

"If you're sure..." Dawn said, brushing some of her hair out of her eyes as she touched Ash's shoulder, looking out over the balcony as well, the brilliant colors of the sunset showing on her face. "Are you ready for the tournament? This'll be your big chance for revenge, remember?"

"How could I forget?" Ash said, chuckling to himself as Pikachu came out of the house, leaping up onto his shoulder, nuzzling his cheek with Ash's. "It'll be more than revenge... they'll get what's been coming to them in every way."