The Rivalry Tournament

Ash returns from his 6 month journey to train his new pokemon, with his newly found experience, he is keen to be the best, aswell as getting the girl he's always wanted.

My first ever chapter of my first ever story, I haven't really explained too much of the plot so far, but I will make more chapters. Also contains many different shippings, which I am obviously going to keep secret for now.

Note: Some of the characters maybe OOC, but it is my first time, so be nice and remember to R&R.

Pallet Town was waiting. Ash was to come back from his 6 month journey with just him and his pokemon training to be the best. Back in Pallet Town, Brock, Max, May, Dawn, Misty, Tracey, Professor Oak, Gary and Delia were all waiting at Ash's house for the return of their hero.

"I can't believe he's coming back today", Dawn sighed as she stared through the window. "It's been way too long, I sure do miss him". May stood beside Dawn.

"I miss him too, I just can't wait 'til he gets back, think of all the stories he will have to tell and the pokemon he's met!" May said excitedly, Misty wasn't far behind them though.

"I assure you two, by the time he gets back, he will be absolutely exhausted, so we will be the last thing on his mind once he gets back". Despite the fact that this didn't sound like Ash to May and Dawn, they somehow knew that would be the case.

"What if he changed, what if he is not the kind caring Ash that we knew before". May said in a worried tone, Misty looked at her with a slightly strange look on her face, she knew that it was not like May to be pessimistic.

"I'm sure he's the kind caring Ash that we've always known, and I'm sure that we will be the first thing on his mind", Dawn said reassuringly.

Meanwhile, just a few miles from Pallet Town…

A raven haired boy walked along the dusty pathway with a Pikachu on his shoulder. Ash had not seen Pallet Town in 6 months which for someone of his age, is a very long time to be away from home.

"OK Pikachu, only a couple more miles and then we're home again" Ash smiled at the idea of coming back home.

"Pika-Pika" Pikachu was just as excited though, he had also not seen Pallet Town for a whole 6 months, and the thought of going back home to see all of his pokemon friends at the ranch was uncontainable.

"Just think about it Pikachu, by the time we get back, we will get a hero's welcome home. I told everyone that we would be coming back today, and my Mom told me that all of my friends will be there, I just can't wait!" Ash smiled optimistically as he began to walk a little faster

"But Pikachu… what if they changed, what if they didn't miss me and they didn't mind me going, also what if…what if they don't even remember me?" Ash's pace slowed down as his thoughts wiped the smile off his face. Pikachu shown the same emotions as Ash, as he then frowned slightly. Within the distance, houses began to take shape and group together, fields could be seen where wild pokemon lived, it only meant one thing, Pallet Town was close.

Back at Pallet Town

"Are you guys sure that he is coming back today?" Misty asked inquisitively. Brock, Max and Tracey all turned around simultaneously.

"Oh, hey there Misty" Tracey replied nervously, "I'm sure he said that he'll be back today, and he also said that he would be back about now". The four of them were standing outside waiting for Ash to return. Misty sighed. "Don't worry Misty, the second I see him, I'll call you right away" Tracey said reassuringly. Misty looked at Tracey and smiled.

"Thanks Tracey". The compliment put a smile on Tracey's face as Misty walked back into the house. An awkward silence entered the conversation as Tracey, Brock and Max were all looking at eachother.

"So guys", Brock was the one to break the silence, "what new pokemon do you guys think Ash is coming back with?"

"I bet he's got himself a Magmortar or…or even a Lucario", Max was enthusiastic enough to answer first.

"Wow, wouldn't it be amazing to Ash with his very own Lucario" Brock added, as he looked in the distance again.

"A Lucario would be pretty cool, I would just love to draw one" Tracey was always good at using his talents for what he enjoyed doing.

Brock laughed very slightly, "but even seeing a Lucario is rare on its own, I wonder what other rare pokemon he would've got, and I also wonder what he's been doing for the past 6 months". Tracey and Max nodded in agreement as they fell silent and looked in the distance waiting for the raven haired trainer.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen…

The aromatic smell of Delia's cooking overwhelmed the kitchen, as Dawn, May and Misty walked in.

"Wow, that smells delicious" Dawn, May and Misty said at the same time.

"Oh, it's nothing really", Delia trying to sound as modest as possible. Professor Oak and Gary walk in as they also compliment the food, "Wow Delia, that sure smells great, Ash should be really grateful to have such a great cook as a mom" Professor Oak noted. Delia smiled as she important to everyone there.

"I just try to get everyone through the day" she modestly exclaimed, "but I sure wonder when Ash is going to be back…" The three girls and Gary outside to the other three guys.

"I hope he's here soon, I could really do with eating some of that delicious food" May said with anticipation, Dawn was the only one to giggle at her comment, though the others gave a friendly smile.

"I guess he's running late" Gary remarked.

"As usual" Max joked, everyone laughed as they all felt that they knew Ash very well, and even known him to be late on their journey's.

Within the distance, a male figure appeared to be walking closer towards them.

"Could that be him?" Brock said rhetorically. The others began to look closely. As the male figure walked closer, a yellow Pikachu could be seen hanging on to his head smiling and looking relieved to be back. He was in everyone's sights now, his raven like hair didn't seemed to have changed, he looked barely centimetres taller from when he was last seen, his hat and blue jeans didn't change a bit. Everyone was shocked and was frozen with joy and surprise, it was Ash.

"It's…it's Ash" May said, almost as if her eyes deceived her. Delia and Professor Oak came running outside.

"Wow, is that really him, he hasn't changed a bit" Professor Oak added. Ash could be seen from a distance with a huge smile on his face that reached from ear to ear. He walked as if he had been walking tens of miles a day, his Pikachu didn't change a bit aswell.

"It's really him" Tracey said in surprise, "hey Ash! Welcome back!" He called.

Dawn, May and Misty held a tear in their eye as they all ran towards Ash. Behind them, Brock and Max smiled as they were also happy that Ash was back.

"I'm just so glad my boy is back" Delia said with a tear in her eye.

"Hey Ash, what took you so long?" Gary shouted in a joking manner.

Ash walked down the road to be greeted by three girls all hugging him at the same time. Ash blushed as he said "Hey girls, it's great to see you all", the girls only hugged him harder.

"Don't leave us again Ash" Dawn said looking up to his face with tears in her eyes as she went back to hugging his right side of his chest.

"Yeah Ash, don't leave us again" May didn't look to see Ash, but it was very clear that May misses him.

"Ash, never leave us for that long ever again" Misty said with tears in her eyes. Naturally, this made the boys uncomfortable from the distance.

"It sure is great to see Ash, but don't you think the girls are a bit… you know… over reacting?" Tracey asked.

"I know what you mean Tracey; it's always is great seeing an old friend, but none of those girls have ever reacted like this before, something must be afoot" the wise breeder exclaimed.

"We can leave it for now guys, let's just be happy that Ash is back" Max put his point across as Brock and Tracey smiled as if they completely forgot what they were talking about.

"OK girls, come on now" Ash said slightly embarrassed in front of his friends, Ash had always liked getting attention, ever since he stepped back into Pallet Town he's been getting huge amounts of it. The three girls let go as they all rubbed their tears with their hands. "Like I said girls, I'm so happy to see you all" Ash added. The three girls smiled at the compliment as they walked with Ash to his home.

"Hey Ash!" Tracey, Brock and Max said at the same time with smiles on their faces.

"Hey everyone, how have you all been?" Ash asked inquisitively

"We've been doing great, of course we did miss you though" Brock said.

"Ash, I can't wait to hear some of you experiences and new pokemon you've caught" Max enthusiastically said.

"I can't wait to tell you about some of them, and how about we do that battle that I promised you?"

"Now I really can't wait, can you battle with your new pokemon?" Max was clearly very excited about battling Ash.

"Sure why not" Ash said, he turned to Tracey, "Hey Tracey, how's all my pokemon?"

"They're doing great Ash, but they missed you more even more than Dawn, May and Misty missed you". The thoughts of why Misty, May and Dawn missed Ash were back in Brock and Tracey's thoughts.

"Well, later on today, I'm gonna go see them, and they can also meet my new pokemon" Ash said triumphantly.

"Hey Ash, where've you been?" Gary asked as he walked up to him.

"I'll tell you all later, right now though I'm really hungry". Ash really did miss Brock and his mom's cooking.

"I totally agree with Ash" May came running from behind him and hugged him from behind.

"As usual, food comes first" added Misty as everyone laughed and walked inside, everyone but Tracey. As everyone walked inside, Brock turned around and saw Tracey not moving.

"Tracey, something wrong?" Brock asked curiously, Tracey looked at him.

"There is something with Misty, May , Dawn and something to do with Ash" Tracey told him, "I just can't put my finger on it".

"Your thinking about what happened earlier aren't you?" Brock was with him on this one. "Try not to let curiosity take over you, lets just have a good time now that Ash is back. Besides, I'm sure there isn't anything wrong with the girls, they just miss him".

"If you say so Brock" Tracey put a smile on his face as him and Brock walked in the house to be met with a huge amount of food, courtesy of Delia Ketchum.

"OK everyone, enjoy" Delia said proud of her work. The table was completely full of food with variety of colours. Everyone was enjoying themselves as Pikachu, Piplup and Marill were in the other room playing. It was still daylight outside, Ash took a look and said to Max…

"So Max, do you wanna battle?" Ash asked. Max's face lit up as if he was waiting for the request all day.

"Yes! Of course! Can we do it now?" Max was obviously very excited, not only would he get to battle Ash finally, but he knew that Ash had brand new pokemon that none of them have ever seen before.

Everyone walked outside as they were all excited to see what new pokemon Ash has, aswell as what Ash had learnt over the past 6 months.

"This is a 3 on 3 battle with no time limits, Max gets the first move, begin" Brock acted as the referee for the battle.

"OK Grovyle, come on out!" Max let out his first ever pokemon. Ash was surprised how quick its evolved, never the less he was about to let out one of his brand new pokemon.

"Gro-Grovyle", the grass pokemon bringing back memories to Ash of when he had his Grovyle in Hoenn.

"Gallade, I choose you!" The tall and rather thin pokemon took its position as everyone was surprised.

"Gall-Gallade" the pokemon called its name as it looked at its opponent.

"Wow, a Gallade!" The three girls watching from the side lines talked simultaneously as they were all equally surprised on Ash capturing a Gallade. Tracey quickly grabbed his pencil and his sketchbook as he began drawing Ash's new pokemon.

"Grovyle, Leaf Blade now", the grass like pokemon illuminated its grass blades on its arms as it began running at a very quick pace towards Ash's Gallade.

"Gallade, jump high in the air and use Psycho Cut", Ash commanded his pokemon as the thin figure jumped incredibly high in the air and used its devastating attack on Grovyle.

"Grovyle, hang in there and use Leaf Blade once more", the grass pokemon regained its balance and did devastating damage to Gallade. "Of course you know Ash, Gallade doesn't have strong defence".

"Way ahead of you Max, Gallade use Swords Dance" Gallade swivelled round as swords appeared to dance around him.

"It's beautiful!" May screamed.

"OK Gallade, Ice Punch, now!" The boosted attack of swords dance causes Grovyle to be hurled across the battle field.

"Grovyle is unable to battle, Gallade wins". A smile was brought to both Ash and Max's face.

"Return Grovyle, well done my friend", Max grabbed his second pokeball, "Your Gallade is really strong Ash, but I'm afraid I'm not playing easy from now on, Slaking, go!" The huge ape-like pokemon made Gallade look very small.

"OK, Gallade Close Combat!" Gallade ran forward at an incredible speed.

"Slaking, use Punishment", with Swords Dance increasing the damage done by Punishment, the devastating attack completely knocked out Gallade.

"Gallade is unable to battle, Slaking wins", the audience cheered whilst being gob smacked at Slaking's power.

"It seems that I have been gone too long, your Slaking is really powerful, but it doesn't matter now, Gengar, Go!" The air around surrounding Gengar froze as the audience felt a strange feeling.

"Is it me or has it gone a little big colder" Misty moaned.

"Gengar is known to reduce the temperature in a certain area to quite low temperature" Tracey remarked as he turned a new page in his sketchbook.

"Nice Gengar you got there Ash, looks to me that you raised it well." Gary commented about Ash's pokemon.

"Slaking, Hammer arm!" The monstrous ape lunged at Gengar.

"Just stand and watch Gengar" Ash said relaxed, as Slaking's Hammer Arm went right through Gengar.

"OK Gengar, now use Hypnosis", the hypnotism of Gengar causes the huge ape pokemon to fall to the ground sleeping.

"Good job, now finish it with Dream Eater!" Gengar appeared to leave its body as it slices right through Slaking throwing it back.

"Slaking is unable to battle, Gengar wins!" Brock called.

"Oh man, I wanted Slaking to win, it's still really cold" Dawn followed the same thoughts as Misty.

"But it sure is strong, I don't think Ash is going to lose for a long time" Professor Oak added, acknowledging how strong that Dream Eater attack was.

"Return Slaking, you did a great job" Max said to his pokemon as he turned to Ash. "Ash, I should've known that fight type moves do not work against ghost type like Gengar, but all that is about to change, Alakazam, Go!" An Alakazam with spoons in both of his hands appeared in front of Max.

"Trust a smart guy like Max to bring out a smart pokemon like Alakazam" Dawn pointed out. She looked at Ash who had his determined look on his face. That's my Ash, or at least I hope he will be, she thought to herself as she turned to Misty and May.

"Gengar return, you did great, now get some rest. OK, Tyranitar come on out!" The ground shook slightly as the mighty Tyranitar made its entrance, despite the fact that it is supposed to be intimidating, Ash's Tyranitar looked very tame.

"Well, at least its warmer now" May said relieved.

"More importantly, how did Ash get a Tyranitar?" Tracey looked shocked.

"I raised it from a baby Larvitar" Ash said with pride. That's the Ash I know, great with pokemon and bringing them up aswell, May thought to herself as she also looked at Dawn and Misty in the instance. The large Tyranitar roared.

"Tyranitar, Stone Edge" the massive beast heaved a ton of rocks at Alakazam.

"Now Alakazam, Psychic", the stones were stopped in their path by Alakazam's incredible psychic powers as he threw them back.

"Block it Tyranitar, and use Crunch" Ash commanded his pokemon who smashed rocks that were hurled back at him.

"Teleport, now!" Alakazam seemed illusive now as it began to teleport to different places. Tyranitar was turning left and right as it could not keep up with Alakazam's fast movements.

"Concentrate Tyranitar" Tyranitar stopped and closed its eyes, after a couple of seconds, it lashed out and used a very powerful Crunch attack on Alakazam fainting it.

"Alakazam is unable to battle, Ash is the winner!" The audience cheered and clapped as did Max.

"That was incredible, Ash had taught his pokemon to be patient and to concentrate, simply amazing" Professor Oak added. "He's really used the last 6 months to its potential".

"He sure has, I've never seen a Tyranitar so tame before, and it even has the patience to calm down and concentrate, not to mention it sure is powerful!" Tracey added.

Ash walked up to Max with smiles on both their faces.

"Wow Ash, you really are amazing, your new pokemon are great!" Max said looking up to his hero. "Did you catch anymore whilst you were gone?"

Max looked at him with anticipation.

"Yeah, but just the one more, Lucario come on out!" The human like figure stood before everyone who were incredibly surprised. The pokemon looked around and smiled. "Hey Lucario, I want you to meet my friends".

"Luc", the pokemon called. Everyone was still surprised.

"I knew it! I knew he'd get a Lucario!" Max loudly bragged at Brock and Tracey, who had quickly grabbed his sketchbook once more.

"I guess it was just a lucky guess Max" Brock stated.

"That Lucario sure looks tough", Gary insisted to put his view forward.

"Yeah, its great and all, but you only caught 4 pokemon in 6 whole months?" Misty look surprised, this had wiped the smile off Ash's face as Misty's face began to look very unimpressed.

"Sorry guys, I guess I could've caught more" Ash said sheepishly whilst scratching the back of his head.

Dawn gave her funny looks. "You don't have to be sorry Ash, it's about quantity, not quality" Dawn corrected Misty as she turned to Dawn. "And trust me Ash, when it comes to quality, you and your pokemon are number one!" Dawn smiled and reassured Ash as she felt that Misty's words may have hurt him slightly.

"Thanks Dawn" the smile was back on Ash's face as Dawn giggled. Misty looked at Dawn and thought to herself Ash you're gonna be mine, I'm sorry for what I said, but all I have to do now is stop my rivals and then we will finally be together. She turned to May who didn't say much for a while. It was still daylight as Ash returned Lucario. Everyone went inside except for Ash and Tracey, who walked to the Professor Oak's lab together.

"Don't worry Ash, all your pokemon have been at top form, and with your new pokemon, I'm sure they will all be new friends" Tracey said happily.

"Wow thanks Tracey; you sure are a great friend". Ash looked at Tracey and smiled as Tracey looked back at him. A sudden thought crept back into Tracey's mind.

"Hey Ash, do you think that the girls may have overreacted when they saw you, almost as if they were competing against each other for you" Tracey looked at him questionably.

"I don't think they're like that, they just missed me I hope" Ash looked confused at him. "And besides, I would be able to tell if there was anything up with any of them". Maybe, if you were less dense, but Ash, I know something is up with them, just be aware Tracey thought to himself.

"OK guys come on out and meet my new pokemon", Lucario, Gengar, Gallade and Tyranitar all came out and started mingling with the other pokemon. He fell silent, "Don't worry Tracey, I have noticed some change, even I've changed a bit, but if anything visible appears between the girls, then I'll know", he looked at Tracey reassuringly, who smiled back. They both turned around and went back to Ash's house.

"I don't believe it, the girl I love had cried over a boy who had been gone for just a few months", within the trees, a dark figure was standing hidden watching Ash and Tracey walk back to Ash's house. "I'll get her away from him, and then finally, she will be mine", the figure spoke to himself. "You're going to pay Ash", the figure turned away from Ash and Tracey as he walked away from them.

So who is the dark figure, and why is Tracey so obsessed about the situation and why are the girls acting this way to Ash?

Of course, there is much much much more to go, I haven't really explained the plot so incredibly well, but I all will be explained in the next chapter up soon.

Please R&R and be nice.

Enjoy and thanks for taking the time to read this.