Note: I don't own Pokemon

Read & Review!

Key:

Bold text = Pokemon moves / Pokedex entries

Italic text = Flashbacks / Emphasis

'Italic text' = Thoughts

"Italic text." = Telepathy

Character bashing: N/A

***** = Curse word (insert whatever) (though if it has a letter before the * then there's already a curse word in place)

"(text)." = Meowth translates Pokespeech

Ash knew he had done at least one thing right this time in the Pokemon league, he brought back old friends.

As he laid across the grassy fields in Professor Oak's ranch, he looked up at the clouds passing by, hearing many of his Pokemon run around and play.

He was so close to winning, he could feel it in his gut, the minute he decided to bring back some old friends.

Yet he didn't, but then again, just how does one manage to find a legendary Pokemon...without some world-ending dilemma mind you...and add them to their team?!

Ash doesn't blame Tobias of course, but still as he stood up and looked at Gible chasing Pikachu and Totodile in some race of sorts, that he'd at least asked how, must of been some story.

It was then Ash decided to train harder then ever, and that meant much more since the professor spoke of a vast region unlike any others.

He was going to meet up with the professor there, and invited the raven haired teen as their league starts in the fall just like any other region's league.

Which left him lots of time to prepare this time, instead of rush forward to the next league.

So he trained his Pokemon for a number of months, even bringing back old ones he released/lend to from all over.

His many Tauros changed as well, all but the alpha(the one he used in the Orange league) where traded, since they wanted to stretch out their legs more. Though not before a emotional goodbye, with one last stampede of love as Ash could call it.

It was worth it to see them all happier, even if that meant he had to repair the fence they broke into for it.

Heck, even Meowth from Team Rocket joined his team(truly).
Apparently Jessie was in Hoenn doing contest, and James was challenging the Kalos gyms. They separated since they quit Team Rocket for good, but Ash managed to get both of their cell numbers so the three could still talk to one another.

It did help him, as he used the time to learn more from Professor Oak(abilities, type advantages/disadvantages which this time he was going to pay attention to, and on the new Pokemon he could possibly receive...even some from regions beyond Unova like Kalos and Alola).

He also was taught by his mother, mainly on cooking and survival techniques. For while he had fun traveling with friends, he knew he needed such skills especially in a new region he had no one this time he know. Plus it helped since Brock was off being a med student, and he couldn't cook for the teen on his journeys.

Speaking of, he's gotten tons of info from Brock on breeding, mainly Pokemon food...this time not edible like his poffins he made the one time.

"Hey Ash, I was wondering if you could do something for me?"

"Sure Brock! What you need?" It's been three months into his training regimen, and Ash had just finished up for the day of training before dinner when his mother spoke of someone calling him. Sure enough it was Brock, whom now was working part-time at Pewter City's Pokemon center while in school.

"Your going on your next journey starting when the leagues begin and all right?" Ash nods, "I was wondering if you could bring along my Croagunk."

Ash's eyes go wide, "Croagunk?! Wait why?" It wasn't that long it seemed since he'd seen the poison type frog, yet he can't imagine him wanting to be on his team since he had sort of a thing on Brock apparently. "Is he using too many Poison Jabs on you there?"

Brock laughs shaking his head, "No no, it's just I know he loves battling. While he has been at the gym trained by my siblings and all, I think it be best he travel a bit, have more of a challenge you know?"

Ash nods, "Okay...what does he say? I mean I could I guess, just wondering if he'd even go with me."

"We've talked and he agrees, and don't get like that Ash, he likes you."

Ash frowns, "Well alright, would you like one of my Pokemon to lend to you if you want?"

Brock shakes his head, "Nah it's fine, though call me when your in Unova, like to check up on Croagunk and see all your new Pokemon okay?"

Ash nods and smiles, "Okay! See you Brock!"

"See you Ash."

It was a few weeks after the call that Ash received a group(18) of Pokemon from his Tauros were finally arriving.

Ash hurried through breakfast, rushing out the door(this time dressed), and out to the ranch as all his Pokemon where gathered to meet the new family members.

He could see Charizard and Primeape discussing something, perhaps a new sparring partner they hope. Next to them was Lapras and Butterfree, said latter's mate alongside them. Pidgeot made a welcoming caw, as Pikachu jumped off Ash's shoulder and over to the Kanto bird.

With that everyone welcomed Ash a good morning, just in time, as the Professor came outside with a bunch of Pokeballs in his hands, alongside him was Gary.

"Well Ashy-boy, ready to meet your new team members?"

Ash rolled his eyes playfully, "Morning to you too."

With the flick of the wrist, both professors flicked the many pokeballs in the air, showering the area in a white light.