Here we are everyone, with a brand new story! This is a response to a challenge from Pokemon Trainer Josiah. Look on his profile and it is challenge 2.

Latias: I'm in this story, right?

Yes, you're in just about every single story I write…

Latias: Yes!

I have no idea how often I'll update this story, but I will still respond to reviews as usual.

Pikachu: So remember to read, review, and enjoy!

Of course you do that…

DISCLAIMER: POKEMON SHALL NOT BELONG TO ME, AND IT DOESN'T. BAM.

TEAM ASH
STRANGE DEVLELOPMENTS

Ash P.O.V.

"And now we present the very first Kalos Pokemon League Champion," the announcer stated, "Ash Ketchum!" I walked forward onto the stage, my best friend Pikachu right on my shoulder as usual. I had finally done it: I became a champion.

So, I fulfilled my lifelong now I realize something. Now that I reached my goal, what is there left? I had many great experiences along the way. As I started my journey, I never even thought I could make it this far, not even close. My only Pokemon, Pikachu, wouldn't even listen to me, and didn't want to stay in his Poke Ball. Eventually, we managed to bond after he saved me from a flock of Spearow, and we became best buds, and have been ever since. I even saw the legendary Pokemon Ho-Oh on my first day as a trainer, even if nobody believed me when I said I saw a legendary Pokemon. I even went on to meet up with every single Legendary Pokemon known at least once, befriending even the great Arceus. I was even named "The Chosen One" by some of them, such as Lugia. I made many friends throughout my travels, and many rivals. Yet no matter how much I tried to continue forward, I could never get past the quarterfinals of the Pokemon League.

That is, until the Sinnoh League.

In fact, I could have won if it weren't for a man known as Tobias. And his Darkrai. He managed to beat every opponent he faced using only that one Pokemon. During the semifinals, I had to face him. It was a tough battle, but I eventually managed to defeat the Legendary Pokemon. Unfortunately, although I became the only trainer ever to defeat the Pokemon, he had a second Legendary, Latios. For most, it would be just another Legendary Pokemon. But for me, I could barely hold myself together, even though the event took place over two years prior. Let's just say that the death of one of your closest friends is not forgotten easily. I didn't want to think back on it. Somehow, I managed to beat Latios as well. Unfortunately it took all six of my Pokemon to do so, therefore I lost the match. I became quite renowned in the four regions I'd been to, but I seemed to have little to no impact in Unova or Kalos.

That was soon to change however, because I was forced to face Tobias once again in the finals of the Kalos League. I decided to use by best Pokemon for the task: Charizard, Sceptile, Bayleef, Snorlax, Sylveon (a Pokemon I caught in the Kalos region), and of course, Pikachu. Charizard managed to beat his Darkrai without being knocked out, due to its training, but it was then knocked out by Latios, his next Pokemon. I decided to send out Sylveon, since it was strong against dragon types. It managed to tie with Latios, despite the disadvantage in size. The audience waited in suspense for Tobias' next Pokemon, which was bound to be a Legendary. We were correct, as Tobias sent out none other than Azelf, the being of willpower. I decided to send out Bayleef next. It was a long battle, but Azelf still won, though Snorlax was able to take it out with another attack. Snorlax was also able to tie against his next Pokemon, a Deoxys. Sceptile was able to defeat the next Pokemon, Articuno, but just barely. I was actually winning this, even if it was by a longshot. That idea quickly left my head after Tobias sent out his final Pokemon, Rayquaza, which easily knocked out Sceptile. So, it was one versus one in the final round. I sent out Pikachu. Anyone who didn't know me would think I was at a huge disadvantage. I, on the other hand, knew exactly how wrong that was. Pikachu was able to beat Tobias' Raquaza. Then, afterwards, being the winner of the Pokemon League, I was allowed to challenge the Elite Four and Champion. In case It isn't obvious, I won.

Which brings me to right now.

"Hey, Ash! Come on! This is your party! Why don't you celebrate?" Brock asked from somewhere further off. It didn't take long to think of an excuse as to why I was sitting alone at a party to celebrate my recent victory and crowning as the Champion of the Kalos region. We were currently in Lumiose City, the main city of the Kalos region. This would be where I'd be living from now on, not that I really cared; I'd be traveling around the region for the majority of my time anyway.

"I'm spending some time with my Pokemon," I replied. Brock took it reasonable, and left me alone.

"Lo me?" one of the Pokemon I had with me, Meloetta, asked. I met Meloetta during one of my adventures in Unova. She left a couple months afterward, but her protector, Ridley brought her to me some time after the Kalos League.

"I'm fine, Meloetta," I replied, though Meloetta still decided to stay and sit on my lap. It was nice to see her again. It was sad having to say goodbye to such a good friend. But what is thing that keeps nagging at me? There just seems to be something missing…

"Argh!" Brock yelled as I looked over just in time to see Brock being dragged of by his recently evolved Toxicroak. Brock's love for just about every single pretty girl he laid eyes on always amused me, as well as the people I was traveling with.

Love. What exactly is love? I never really came to understand the concept, even after all the years I had been a trainer, which was about ten. All I ever saw was Brock's supposed love for any pretty girl he sees. I wonder if I ever will understand. Just then, however, May and Max came up to me.

"Congratulations, Ash!" May said. "You finally became Champion!"

"Yeah! That's so awesome!" Max said.

"Thanks," I replied. "I'm just glad I was finally able to beat Tobias."

"Max, didn't you want to ask Ash something?" May asked her younger brother.

"Oh yeah, Um, Ash?" Max asked nervously.

"What is it?" I asked curious.

"You remember that Ralts from our journey in Hoenn?"

"Of course! What about it?"

"Do you think you could come with me to help find it?"

"Why do you need help? Surely you have your own Pokemon by now."

Max didn't respond, so May replied instead. "Actually, he wanted you to be there when he got his first Pokemon, so he's been waiting all this time since he promised Ralts that he'd come back for it. I know you're supposed to have the week to yourself, but do you mind?"

"Of course not! We're friends, aren't we?" I replied before realizing something. "How will we get there, though?"

"Professor Birch said he could take us," Max replied.

"Well, that's about everything, then! When were you planning on leaving?"

"As soon as you can, if you don't mind."

"Well, let's go!" I didn't really mind. I needed something to get my mind off the topic I'd been thinking about previously. Plus, it would be nice to travel with friends again. The only Pokemon I had with me were Pikachu and Meloetta, if you count her as one of my Pokemon. That would be alright, though. Team Rocket had been disbanded, so I doubt that they'll be interrupting us this time.

Hoenn Region

Professor Birch dropped Max and me off at the Pokemon Center where Max first found Ralts.

"Well, where do you want to start looking?" I asked, trying to keep my mind on the current situation, not let it meander off to random thoughts.

"Maybe Ralts is around here?" Max asked.

"Hey, Max!" a young boy called, running up to Max alongside a young girl. I assumed that these were some of Max's friends. "Let's battle!"

"I don't have my Pokemon yet, Jack…" Max replied.

"Really? Come on, you're not going to find the exact Pokemon you've been looking for from five years ago! Get real!"

"It's okay, Max. You'll find our friend, I know you will!" the girl told Max.

"Tanks, Anna," Max replied. I guess news from Kalos hadn't reached Hoenn yet, since these seemingly new trainers hadn't even paid any attention to me. Oh well, I didn't need any attention. I plan on enjoying my free week before I start my work as a champion.

"Hey, Max!" the boy, Jack, said. "When you find that Pokemon, let's battle!"

"Why don't we have a battle right now?" I asked, deciding to make my presence known.

"Who are you?" Jack asked.

"My name's Ash Ketchum," I replied.

"Well, if you've got Pokemon, why not?"

"Jack, are you sure about this?" Anna asked.

"Of course! How strong can he be?" Jack replied.

"I'll show you. How any Pokemon do you have with you?" I asked.

"Six!"

"Well, my one Pokemon versus your six. How does that sound?" I asked.

"Jack, I don't know if you want to do this…" Max stated.

"Come on! You just don't want to see me win! Let's battle!"

"Well, then, Pikachu, let's do this!" "Go, Treecko!" Jack called. He has a type advantage. Okay, awesome. It won't help him, though.

"Pikachu, Iron Tail!" I called. Pikachu's tail glowed a silvery-gray color, then slammed into Treecko, knocking it out.

"Treecko!" Jack called. "You got lucky! Go, Nuzleaf!" The Pokemon was released from its Poke Ball. "Now, Razor Leaf!" Nuzleaf responded by sending razor-sharp leaves at Pikachu.

I really thought he'd give more a challenge. Oh well. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" The electric bolt managed to stop the Razor Leaf in midair, landing a direct hit on Nuzleaf, scoring another one-hit knockout.

"Beginner's luck!" Jack said, refusing to lose. "Go! Mu-"

"Stop," I said. "I don't want to hurt your Pokemon. I think we all know how this is going to end up."

"Not 'till it's over!" Jack replied. I sighed.

"Did you honestly think that you could beat a champion?" Max asked, Anna nodding in agreement, implying that she knew as well.

"Champion?" Jack said, mouth wide open.

"Yup. I had to beat a Rayquaza to get that title. With only Pikachu here," I replied. "I really don't have time for this. I came along to help max find a Ralts he met a few years back."

"Max! Why didn't you tell me you knew a champion?" Jack asked.

"Well, I only became the Kalos Champion about a week ago..." I replied.

"Hey, I saw a family of all three of the evolutions back in the forest. Want me to show you where?" Anna offered.

"Sure, that would be great!" Max replied before we followed Anna into the forest.

It took a while, but we eventually managed to arrive at a lake in the middle of the forest.

"Are you sure we're at the right place?" I asked, not seeing any sign of Ralts and its family.

"I'm pretty sure..." Anna replied.

"Yeah, so you forgot and just went to some random place," Jack mocked.

"Um..." Anna replied.

I can't get my mind off something, but I can't tell what it is. Of course, Pikachu sees me spacing out and hits me with Thunderbolt to bring me back to Earth. "Come on Pikachu, you could at least warn me before you do that!" I said to my longtime friend.

"I do. Every time," Pikachu replied. Wait, did I just understand what he said? I think these Thunderbolts are finally getting to me. There was no time to reply, since Max ran off, and I had to follow him. Anna and Jack stayed behind. I didn't really expect them to, though. Finally, Max stopped. I soon found out why, since Ralts was lying on the ground, seemingly injured.

"Ralts!" Max cried. "Are you all right?"

Ralts got up and yawned. "Aw, can't I just sleep a little bit more?" Ralts looked up. "Max! You came back for me!"

"Of course I did, Ralts! I'd never forget you!" Max replied, giving Ralts a hug. "How are Kirlia and Gardevoir doing?" I just realized something: how does Max know what Ralts is saying?

"Oh, there fine. Kirlia evolved into a Gallade a couple months ago. Mama said that I need to learn how to live on my own, and I started a week ago. I was taking a nap when you found me."

"In the middle of the road?"

"This is a road?"

"Yeah..."

"Oh, okay."

"So, you want to go with Max right?" I asked.

Ralts responded using telepathy. "Yeah, of course. You're one of Max's friends, right?"

"Yup, that would be correct. Max, you have a Poke Ball, right?"

"Oh, no, I don't..." Max replied, realizing that he needed a Poke Ball if he wanted to officially make Ralts his Pokemon. I guess he never got any from Professor Birch.

"Here, take this one," I said handing him one of my spare Poke Balls.

"Thanks! Are you ready, Ralts?" Max asked after taking the Poke Ball I handed him.

"Uh, I can stay out if I want to, right?" Ralts asked nervously.

"Of course!"

"Okay..." Ralts still seemed nervous about it, but allowed Max to gently tap her head with the Poke Ball, which then absorbed her inside. The Poke Ball then fell to the ground. It glowed while shaking a few times, then stopped. Before anything else could happen, Ralts popped back out.

"Wow, I get why that Pikachu stays outside of his Poke Ball, it's so cramped in there!" Ralts stated.

"That's okay! You can stay outside with me!" Max replied. Ralts responded by giving Max a big hug.

This reminds me of something, but what? It's on the tip of my tongue...

"Hey, do you know how to get back?" Ralts asked.

"Um, no..." Max said.

"Okay! Leave it to me!" Ralts replied, then suddenly I felt the world dissipating around me, then disappearing altogether. When we reappeared, we were at the Pokemon Center. "There you go! Now where are we going?" Ralts asked, eager to start traveling.

"Well, that actually didn't take much time, so why don't we go back to Pallet Town?" I asked.

"Okay. How do we get there, though?" Max asked.

"I have some Pokemon that might help, I'll be back in a second."

I went into the Pokemon Center and contacted Professor Oak's lab, hoping he'd answer. Thankfully, he did.

"Hello, Ash! Where are you right now?" the professor asked.

"I went with Max to help him find a Pokemon he met while we were traveling in Hoenn. We're heading back now, so do you think you could send Pidgeot and Noivern over here?" I replied.

"Of course! Just one second." The Professor went off screen for a minute and returned with two Poke Balls containing the Pokemon I requested. "They've been sent." A second later, the two Poke Balls appeared in the transfer machine next to the computer phone.

"Okay, they got here safe and sound! See you later, Professor!" I said before ending the conversation and hanging up the phone. I went back outside with the two Poke Balls and went back to Max. "Hey Max, how are you with flying?"

The Skies! Ash P.O.V.

As it turned out, Max was a bit afraid of heights. Ralts, on the other hand, loved the great view from the sky, even if it was pretty much only water at the moment. Max was riding on Pidgeot with Ralts while I was riding on Noivern - a Pokemon I caught in Kalos - with Pikachu. Pikachu seemed to notice my constant thoughts and spoke up.

"Hey, Ash, what are you thinking about?" Pikachu asked. He finally seemed to be over the shock of me understanding Pokemon tongue, but now he won't stop talking.

"I think you know..." I replied.

"Come on! Just because you haven't seen her in a while doesn't mean she doesn't remember you! She loved being around you! Se even gave you a kiss before you left!"

"That could have been Bianca you know..."

"Come on! I bet she'll be there waiting for you as soon as you get back to Alto Mare!"

"I don't know, somehow I doubt that..."

"For crying out loud! Go back to her! What's the worst that could happen?"

"Well,-"

"You know what, we'll talk about this later."

Eventually, we arrived back at Pallet Town. Surprisingly, the party was still going on. However, I decided that I wasn't in the mood for it, and just went back to bed, hoping that sleep would help me. I wish I just stayed up...

A few days later, Latias P.O.V.

Well, here I was. Patrolling Alto Mare. Again. Thinking about my brother again. Sure, I finally got over losing my dear brother, but I was left alone. At first, I thought it would be alright, since a nice boy I met decided to stay for a few days longer to help cheer me up. But Ash couldn't stay forever, he still had his own goals to accomplish. I stopped at the docks, watching for any ships that might come by carrying my beloved Ash. Even after all these years, I couldn't get him out of my head. If I didn't know better, I'd say I was in love with him. He saved me from the Team Rocket, so I decided to take him to the garden, even though I wasn't supposed to. He seemed like a nice person, but I never really realized why I liked him so much. It was fun playing with him for a while in the garden. Later that day, a couple of mean ladies captured Latios in an electric net. I knew I should have gone to Bianca or Lorenzo, but my mind was telling me to go to Ash, so I did. Eventually, we managed to find and rescue Latios, but the mean people from before destroyed the soul dew. Unfortunate;y, it only got worse from there, Latios sacrificed himself to save the city from a giant wave. Who was there to comfort me afterward? Not Bianca. Not Lorenzo. Ash. I never really realized it at the time, but I fell in love with him. I couldn't tell him that though. He's a human, and I'm a Pokemon. It would never work. Instead, I gave him a kiss on the cheek before we left. Unfortunately, It didn't seem like he knew, as well as his traveling companions. It looked like Pikachu knew though, as well as that other girl's Togepi.

I was unable to keep reminiscing, though, since a ship was pulling into the harbor, quite loudly. You know what, though? What's the point? Ash is never coming back. It's been almost 5 years since he left. I'll just go to the garden.

Later, Ash's P.O.V.

I couldn't believe it. She's dead. I finally find out what's missing in my life, or rather who, and she's dead. Why must life be cruel? I need a rest...

I must have waited there for hours, silent and seemingly alone.

Then they came.

"I see you have a problem," a man said.

"I think we may be able to help," finished a woman standing next to him.

And behind them was a group of people I was all too familiar with...

Well, I'll leave it at that. I'm trying a new style of writing. In case you didn't notice, I completely skipped parts of the story that would seem crucial. These will be explained later. If it doesn't work, I'll do something else, most likely my normal style of writing. Also, for those of you who are so kinf to review, please tell me whether you think I should include manga characters (Red, Yellow, Ruby, etc.) in this story.

Pikachu: So leave a review and the next update shall come whenever!

Yeah, what he said...