Sup guys! I, Black Star, shall be your host for this second story!

I know what you might be thinking: "Will this story be in any way similar to his 'Awake' story? The answer is no. This is entirely different.

You see, 'Awake' is set in a world the Pokémon creators have never even ventured. A place filled with smog, evilness and death. This story is something that could actually happen; if Unova had never happened. It's very characteristic, and I try to make Ash look like the master he so richly deserves. But not too much; he will lose and win, just like the anime. In fact, that's one reason I loved the TV show so much; It's not the cliché "Oh Ash Ketchum is undefeatable, then he almost loses at the last battle but something miraculous happens and he takes home the gold hahaha!" crap. No, he loses some and wins some; looks like an idiot at times, is very mature at times. I'm a follower of Awesome but Not Invincible Ash, as you can see. So in case you lost me, this is a summary: Ash is almost exactly the same as the Anime (Minus Unova) but just a little more mature. A will eventually see a little romance, however slow it is.

Ages:

Ash: 15

Brock: 20

May: 13/14-ish

Max: 10/11-sh

Any other characters that come up, I will describe.

One last thing; if you're scared that 'Awake' is on hiatus (I don't even know what that means, but I'm pretty sure it means the same thing as 'on hold'…), read my bio. Oh, and this is not an AdvanceShipping story! I don't hate it, but I don't see the point in writing another shipping when I have one already planned…

With those words said, on to the story! Huzzah!

'Telepathy'

'Thinking'

"Speech"

(I'll mention if it's PokeSpeech, or if I use it at all…)

DISCLAIMER: Warning: Pointless Disclaimer ahead.

'Hoenn Frontier'

A Pokémon Fan Fiction Story

By BlackStarZX

Chapter One: Here we Come!

There was a big difference between a Pokémon Master and a Pokémon Trainer. You knew what a Pokémon Trainer was; the type of person that battled everyone in their sight, taking on the never-ending challenges, meeting lots of new Pokémon and People along the way.

No one knew what the heck a Pokémon Master was.

Sure, there have been the theories. The 'grand ideas'. Even a Champion couldn't define a Pokémon Master. So how was anyone supposed to claim this supposed 'Pokémon Master' title when no one even knew how to describe it?

These thoughts were one of the very many that played through Ash Ketchum's head right now.

"What was I thinking? How can a Pokémon Trainer even acquire the title; by catching them all? I don't buy it…The very thought is impossible! What about coming in first for every Tournament?" Ash chuckled quietly at that thought. "Well, I better hope that's not what it means; if so, I've already failed!" Suddenly slapping himself, Ash focused on the problem at hand. "Ugghhh….why does Tobias have to have a stinkin' Latios?! It's not fair! Then again, neither did him having a Darkrai…ah, well, nothing to do about it. What should I do now?"

Coming back from the Sinnoh League, Ash had looked into all the nearby regions' competitions. There had been none available for the next three months. Infuriated and depressed, Ash had stayed home for almost an entire month; still training, but not traveling. Although, he had to admit; a nice, familiar bed every night was a definite plus.

But that same ache came to him; the ache that longed for adventure each day, a new trainer to face, a new Pokémon to meet. He missed it all! What was the point, however, if he couldn't compete?

"Hmm…you need to think, Ash, think! What have you not compete in? Contests?" An immediate NO stood out in his mind. "As much as contests look entertaining, they would not be the same as gyms. I need REAL competing, not flashy shows with flashy Pokémon…" Wrapped in his thoughts, Ash did not hear the door open slightly, letting Pikachu in.

"Pika pi? Pi-chu!" Trying to get his friends attention, Pikachu slightly jolted Ash with a thundershock. His trainer had been out of it for a long time now. Sure, the training had continued to be rigorous…but his heart hadn't been into it, as if his mind was wandering off in a completely new direction. It didn't bode well with Pikachu. Ash never thought about stuff in general!

Shaking himself out of his reverie, the trainer rubbed his head while replying sheepishly, "Hehe, sorry Pikachu…I got kinda lost in my thoughts there."

"Pika! Chu, Pikachu!" (That's what worries me!) (A/N: Ash and Pikachu have been together for so long, they can have somewhat of an understanding between the two. They don't 'talk' talk to each other; they read other through facial expressions, movement, and voice. This is my only exception.)

"What do you mean by that?!" exclaimed Ash rather loudly. Sure, he tended to rush into things. But he still thought things over! Right?...Right?

Pikachu sighed. It was hopeless. Ash, however caring, kind, and gentle he was to others, he was still a thick-headed idiot numbskull at times.

"The problem is, Pikachu, is that we don't know where to go! We've been all over the place. I don't want to travel unless I have a purpose; at times, that's the only reason I get up in the morning."

This conversation abruptly ended when they heard Delia Ketchum, his mom, yelling at him from downstairs. "ASH! Tracey is here with a message from Prof. Oak!"

This changed things up. Sure, Tracey and he had become good friends while living in Pallet; but messages from the Professor were unusual. Making sure to grab his hat and belt of active Pokémon (he made sure to always have them after the "Flash Incident") and started heading downstairs. The first thing he noticed was his Mom at the doorway with a somewhat quizzical look on her face. She had no idea why Tracey was here either. And speaking of Tracey, where was he? "Tracey just knocked on the door, and I found him panting and sweating at the doorstep. He told me to tell you that Prof. Oak wanted to see you right away; said it was urgent. With that, he sprinted off back to the Lab. It was all very strange. Do you know anything about this?" asked a very confused Delia.

Ha had NO idea why Tracey was so weird, and why he left before he saw Ash. It must have been quite important.

Ash promptly started heading out to the lab. Halfway there, he started sprinting hard. Looking back on it, he had no idea why. It was almost as if his mind knew what was coming before he did, and wanted to confirm its suspicion as soon as possible.

Arriving at Prof. Oak's lab, he didn't even have time to knock; Tracey opened it before he could. His face looked like it was holding back an enormous grin; however, it wasn't completely succeeding. "Ash! Good! Come in quickly; the Professor wants to talk to you about…something that came up." When he had started to tell him that last part, it looked like his lips wanted to betray him and say something else. Of course, Ash didn't notice this. He was already making his way inside. Tracey was thankful for this, and continued: "He's in the back room, on the phone. He wanted you here as quick as possible. Oh, and, uh…sorry for leaving your house so early, Ash. I didn't want to wait for you, because this per-!" Tracey quickly shut his mouth. He didn't want to be the one to ruin it.

Walking in the back room, Ash was completely worried. What did the Professor want with him? Was it good or bad? Sure, the "Flash Incident" made him winces at even a mention, but that didn't mean the Professor would call him in; right? As he entered the room, he saw the Professor talking on the phone…with a familiar face on the screen.

"…sure? Think it's too early?"

"No…Wait, is that him?"

Turning around, Oak had a grin on his face when he saw who was behind him. "Ahhhh, Ash! Glad you could make it. I was just talking to one of your old…well…acquaintances." Ash peered over Oak's shoulder and saw a portly, smiling man. He wore sunglasses and a flower-printed Hawaiian shirt.

"Scott!" He was the last person Ash had expected to see. What was he doing here? He had already beaten the Battle Frontier, and he never accepted the Frontier position..."What are you doing talking to the Professor?" he inquired.

"I'll give you some time to chat." Said the Professor. He left the room, leaving Ash to talk with the famous Battle Frontier owner.

"Looking for you, Ash." Scott chuckled seeing the surprised look on Ash's face. "You see, my Battle Frontier in Kanto has been quite successful, ever since you took it a year and a half ago, we have grown. There have been many challengers – most only got to Anabel, mind you – but none have completed it. Deciding that I needed more challengers, and new challenges, I made a new branch in Hoenn. Ash, I am inviting you to compete in my Hoenn Frontier!"

For a few seconds, Ash's mind went into shock. A new Frontier? A new reason for traveling again?! Was this even happening? Looking over at Pikachu, he saw that his best friend was also shocked. The answer too their problems – gone. Just like that.

"Scott, will it be anything like the last one?" Ash quickly asked, shaking out of his reverie.

Chuckling, the portly man answered, "In some ways. For a first, the Kanto Frontiers' symbols indicated the virtues of a trainers. The symbols now indicate what a trainer must face in his life. Also, the Brains are all brand-new trainers who I have watched for a while. They are all tough challenges. I'm sure you could beat them, though. If you tried hard enough. I've watched you on television, Ash. You have improved. This is why I'm inviting you to compete. This challenge just opened a week ago; so far, only three trainers have been invited, including you. One of the others has just completed the first Brain; after two unsuccessful attempts. The other one is still on her way. Before you ask, no, you do not know any of them. Will you come and compete, Ash? I'm sure you'll have a blast."

The raven-haired trainer's eyes were filled with glee. The Battle Frontier on Kanto had been an amazing journey. A brand new one in Hoenn? This was insane! But first…"What do you think, Pikachu? You know I can't make the final decision without you."

Looking at his trainer in disbelief, Pikachu nodded. Of course he would say yes! Ash has known him for long enough.

"We accept"

"Pika-chu!"

"That's great! I somehow knew you would accept, so I already booked you a cabin on the S.S. Tempest. It's leaving in three days. Until then, figure out which Pokémon you want to bring, whether you want to go alone or not, and how to get to the next facility. I'll tell you where it is in Petalburg City. You'll see why when you get there. Call me once you get into the Pokemon Center; the Nurse will know my number. Until then, see you later!" With that, Scott promptly ended the call.

"YESSSSS!" Screamed Ash, his pent-up energy released. He had a brand new challenge waiting for him! He needed to get a few things together, though.

'Of course, I'll bring Pikachu…But whom else? I will definitely bring out Charizard and Sceptile a few times…they are my powerhouses. For now, I'll take a variety….'

Just then, Prof. Oak entered the room. "I can tell you have accepted the challenge, Ash. I'm happy for you. However, you need to choose your Pokémon. So what will it be?" he inquired.

After a bit more thinking, Ash still couldn't make up his mind. "Could you give me a day or two, Professor? Scott said the ferry wouldn't leave until three days, so I have some time."

"That's perfectly acceptable. Just make sure to let me know when you make your decision, OK?"

"No problem!"

With that, Ash started to leave the lab. Then Tracey was suddenly next to him, asking him if he accepted the challenge or not.

"What? Of course! And how did you know?"

"You know me, Ash! I observe. Also, I was the one to pick up the phone. The minute I saw Scott's face, I knew it was for you. Do you know who you're going to bring with you?"

"I was thinking about getting the original Hoenn group together. Brock, May and Max were my original thoughts. We'll see. Do you want to come, Tracey?"

"What?" Tracey had a surprised look on his face, "No no no, that's not what I meant when I asked you. I still have work to do here at the lab. But I appreciate the offer. I need to get going now; talk to you tomorrow!"

"Bye!"

With that, Ash started walking back to his house, many ideas going through his mind…

The minute the trainer walked into the house, his Mom realized that something was different than when he had left. "Ash! You sure have a spring in your step!" Delia commented. "What did Prof. Oak need?"

"Mom, I need to get ready for traveling again. I'm going to the Hoenn region!"

"But I thought you already competed there. They aren't holding another one, are they?" his Mom mused.

"Nope. Scott, the man who introduced me to the Battle Frontier, started up a new Frontier in Hoenn. He invited me to compete!" he exclaimed happily.

"I'm so happy for you! I'll make you your favorite meal to celebrate." His mother smiled.

"YES!"

That night, Ash was still thinking.

'Alright, I have four so far, including Pikachu. Glalie, Heracross, and Sceptile…two from Hoenn, one from Johto…Should I include a Pokémon from Sinnoh? Maybe…Whatever. I'll think about it in the morning. Still lots to be done before I leave…' With that, Ash fell asleep.

The Next Day…

"..to be there ASAP! Talk to you soon!"

"Thanks, Brock. Bye!" Ash ended the call.

It was 10:00 A.M. Ash had woken up, eaten breakfast, and started calling his friends. Brock had accepted immediately. Sure, he wanted to become a doctor…But the Doctor Academy didn't start for another six months. Brock hoped the Frontier wouldn't last that long.

Next thing to do was to call Max and May. He had considered surprising them…but they needed a heads-up. Just in case. "Let's hope they're home…" Ash muttered to Pikachu.

The phone rang a few times, and then a face with glasses a little too big for it appeared on the screen.

"Ash? Is that you?!" Max asked.

"Sure is! How have you been doing?"

"Pikachu, pika!"

"Great to see you're doing well too, Pikachu! I became an official trainer about six months ago. I've gotten five badges already!"

"Nice job, Max! But why are you at home?"

"Because I had to battle my Dad for a gym badge. You caught me at a good time."

"That's great. What Pokémon do you have?" inquired an excited Ash.

"A full team. My starter was Treeko, but it recently evolved into a Grovyle. My Dad also gifted me a Slakoth, which I have since evolved into Vigoroth. I also captured that Ralts we met on the way to Sootopolis. You remember, right? I caught a Carvanha about three days ago, my hardest catch yet. I currently have a Lairon, caught as an Aron. Finally, I'm a proud owner of a Vibrava."

"What a team! I'm glad to hear that you're becoming a great Pokémon trainer."

"Thanks, Ash! But there must have been another reason for calling. What's up?"

"Well, Scott called, and introduced me to the Hoenn Battle Frontier! I was wondering if you and May wanted to come with Brock and I. Speaking of which, is May home from Johto yet?" wondered Ash.

"Holy Mew! I need to come with you for sure! May is upstairs; got home about a week before I did. She lost the Grand Festival to Solidad. But she beat Drew, so that made the lost not as bad. Let me go get her…"

Ash heard Max screaming for his sister; apparently, "get" was a pretty loose term. A teenage brunette suddenly intruded the screen.

"Hiya Ash! What's going on, Pikachu? I'm glad to see you two! Did you just call to say hi? Max is looking really jittery right now, what did you tell him?"

"Good to see you too, May. I was wondering if you and Max would like to travel with Brock and I when we come back to the Hoenn region. Scott just offered me a chance in his new Hoenn Frontier; I accepted, and now I want to know if you're willing to travel Hoenn again."

May screamed in excitement. "Oh, you bet! I love to travel! After Johto, I was wondering where I should travel next; but then here you come along talking about a new reason to explore Hoenn some more. I need to show you some of my new Pokémon that I got. But I don't know about contests, though…I already compete in Hoenn, and it's no fun without rivals…"

"Well, you can make up your mind later. Meet Brock and I in Rustboro City; that's where the boat is dropping us off. Then we will walk back together to Petalburg, so we can catch up. Until then!" Ash waved at the screen.

"Later Ash!" the siblings said together. With that, the screen went black.

Ash sighed. It was all set; the original Hoenn group would be traveling together. He had decided what last two Pokémon to bring while on the phone; they would be perfect. Ash started heading up to the lab to claim the Pokémon he wanted for his Journey. The trainer would be switching them out, of course, over time. No need to stay with all the same Pokémon.

Time to challenge the Hoenn Frontier.

HOLY FREAKING CRAP. This chapter was much harder to write than I originally planned! I kept thinking of new stuff for my other story, but I forced myself to stay on task. I also recently received Portal 2 for my birthday, and have been obsessed with that. 'Staying on task' is a lot harder than I thought!

Like I said, May will be one of the main characters, but she isn't a romantic interest in this story. I'm still wondering about contests and stuff…I need to think about that.

Anyway, I'm happy to announce this done. I will try to post a new chapter by next Sunday, but that probably won't happen. I'm challenging myself to write larger chapters the longer I go on. Ugh, so tough. I also realized afterwards that I neglected to mention Pikachu at some points. I'll make sure to keep our favorite yellow mouse consistent for now on.

That's about it. Read, review, don't flame, give me some pointers. I appreciate it.

Cheers!