Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon

Author's Note:

This chapter was updated on June 15, 2019.

This is a sequel to my first fanfiction Stand by You and the spinoff series Cut Scenes and Drabbles. Both of these stories are on this account. You will have more context if you read those fics before reading this story, but this story can also function as a stand-alone. This is a journey fic that focuses primarily on Annastasia, the seventeen-year-old daughter of Jessie and James, and a cast of original characters with references to characters and situations from Stand by You, the original Pokémon anime, and the Pokémon game-verse. This story is now complete.

PM me anytime with questions or private comments, I will be sure to answer within a few days. I hope you enjoy:)

Kanto Region, April 1, 2032

After a long uphill hike through the woods, Annastasia looked over at the distant clouded morning mountaintops with nostalgia.

"Altaria?" Bleu asked when he noticed her staring.

"I'm reflecting," Annastasia replied. "It's sure has been a while since we took this hike."

"Altarrrr."

"Up, up?" Lil-G asked.

"You weren't there," Annastasia told the Lillipup. "You wouldn't remember."

The trainer stretched her legs on a mossy rock beside her two beloved Pokémon. She scratched them both behind the ears, impelling a smile of gratitude from the two creatures. Fourteen years ago, when Annastasia 'A' Miyamoto Morgan was just three years old, she stood with her parents at this exact spot. It was the day everything changed, a day that still plays back in her memories.

XO

Kanto Region, April 1, 2018

"Looks like we made it," James announced as he gazed upon the clearing.

"Are you sure?" Jessie asked. "I think we should go higher…though I am exhausted…"

Growly and their Eevee looked to James for a response.

"I think we are far enough away from the house," he said.

James put his enormous backpack down on a mossy rock. The clearing had several of them, making the spot the best place to watch a sunset, see the Illumise and Volbeat migrate across the sky, or share an intimate moment, all of which they had done in that very spot in past years. Tonight, however, they were staking out.

"How do you feel, Princess?" James asked as he turned to his daughter. "Anna-chan?"

Annastasia tottered over to him and fell into his arms. She buried her face into his chest, crying.

"Are those people going to try and get Acorn and Aliyah again?" she asked worriedly.

James stroked her odd blond hair. She looked at him with her large turquoise eyes. She was dressed in a little pink nightgown and red velvet boots, with a little Meowth hat atop her head to help keep her warm in the brisk evening air. It was all they had time to dress her in before they escaped.

"Those people have been chasing us for a long time," said Jessie. "After tonight that will change."

Those people were Team Firestar, a corrupt gang led by an evil woman named Lisa and funded by none other than James' ex-fiancé, Jessiebelle, and both their families. After a mysterious foreign cousin bailed Jessiebelle out of prison and Lisa were sprung with the help of her escaped underlings two years prior, the family had been under constant attack. While Team Rocket as a whole was their enemy, it was specifically Jessie and James who were targeted. Team Firestar's mission was to capture the two Mew and to get their revenge on James for his so-called betrayal. Jessie and James had befriended these Mew and cared for them, becoming their trainers. They went by the names Acorn and Aliyah and often disguised themselves as Eevee. No matter how many disguises they tried, Team Firestar had always been able to track them down using technology stolen from Team Rocket years ago, rendering the disguises nearly useless and leaving them in constant danger.

"The Elite Four of Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn are at the house now," James said as he checked his phone. "Nanny and Pop-pop just texted me."

"What about Delia and Giovanni?" Jessie asked. "Or Mondo and Rumika? The backup Rocket forces? All those frontier brains and gym leaders? Brat boy and Twerpette? I don't like the idea of our family being alone with such little backup."

"I'm worried too, but they have one of the best security systems in the world and there's nothing else we can do now. And we don't have just any backup: these people make up the Elite Four of several nations, and they have fourteen legendary Pokémon among them. The twerps and the rest of the backup will be arriving soon—nothing to stress over."

"I know."

"Then why all the concern?"

Jessie looked around the desolate clearing.

"Point taken," he sighed.

"I hate how these things work. The last time we had an invasion—"

She cut herself off and watched Annastasia, who had momentarily forgotten her worries to play in the mud with her Swablu.

"They tried to take her," Jessie finished, her voice as low as it can go.

Annastasia wobbled over to her mother and hugged her leg. Jessie and James lifted her together.

"Things are different this time," said James. "Because now we're even smarter than we were before and we're prepped. Our jobs are nearly done: all we have to do is hide and defend ourselves when the time comes. This will be the night that ends it all."

The last time Team Firestar invaded on such an intense level it was right in the middle of their wedding. Annastasia could not walk or talk yet, and so she had no conscious recollection of that day. After defeating the vast majority of the Team Firestar agents with the help of Ash and friends, Team Rocket, and additional allies were able to capture those who attacked them, only to find out a few months later that they once again escaped prison. Since then Team Rocket spies have been on constant lookout. Recently Lucy and Rumika discovered on old base and planted bugs so that they could pick up on the enemies' conversations. They knew Team Firestar was planning on attacking this night, the first evening of Kanto's famous Cherryblossom Festival, and that they were tracking their movements.

Since Jessie, James, and the Mew duo were still their main targets, they decided to leave their home and to hide in the woods of James' grandparents' estate while the others stayed in the house. Instead of running, they were going to face them head-on. The strongest trainers of the Pokémon world were already starting to gather for the fight. But by now it was no longer just about the Mew, or Team Rocket, now it was about control over the entire Pokémon universe.

"We should let them out," said Jessie as she released her Pokémon.

Wobbuffet, Gourgeist, Arbok, Serviper, Jellicent, Mimikyu, and her most recent mon, Ninetales, joined their semicircle. James released his, adding to the group Growly, Cacturne, Inkay, Weezing, Carnivine, and his most recent mon, Raichu.

"Get ready to fight," James told the Pokémon as they watched him eagerly.

His expression changed to sadness.

"What now?" Jessie asked as she took over holding Annastasia.

"It just doesn't feel right without Meowth, Lucy, and Rumika here," James replied.

"Ditto."

The three of them and their Pokémon rested in the clearing. About one hour later, they heard gunshots, screaming, and the battle cries of various Pokémon coming from the mansion. They exchanged worried glances and held each in a fear-hug with Annastasia trapped in the middle.

Annastasia's recollection of this event was limited.

She remembered watching Wobbuffet counter each attack, the buzz of the Beedril, and the strong winds and heat produced by the various Pokémon attacks.

Gourgeist and the group's other ghost-types fired multiple Shadowball attacks at the relentless Beedril, who though weak from battle, refused to give up. Inkay followed their lead, shooting massive Hyperbeam attacks at the offenders.

"Serviper, Arbok, Poison Sting then Giga Impact!" Jessie commanded.

"Carnivine, Pine Missile. Growly, Heat Wave, Raichu, Thunderbolt, Weezing, Sludge Wave," James instructed. "Aim at your inverse types!"

"Ninetales, help Growly with your Firespin. Wobbuffet, keep countering for as long as you can. Mimikyu, use Mirror Coat on the Venasaur. Jellicent, use Surf on the Houndoom. Acorn and Aliyah, keep up the shield—no matter the cost!"

The enormous black, green, and red monster hit them with Earthquake followed by a heavy dose of Sleep Powder. As their eyelids grew heavy, all any of them could see was smoke, dust, and flashes of light.

They didn't know it at the time, but the Mew had Insomnia as one of their special abilities. Their shield covering their comrades remained as a Hurricane attack from Annastasia's recently-hatch Swablu propelled the powder back towards their aggressors. The Beedril, Crobat, Raticate, and Houndoom collapsed, and they slowly gained back their vision.

"Swablu!" the tiny Pokémon cheered.

"Wow, thanks," said Jessie. "That was weird…"

"Now we just need to get the Venasaur," said James. "Go for it, Growly!"

Growly's Overheat followed by Ninetales' Flamethrower took down the grass and poison-type after one last attempt.

Soon Team Firestar replaced their fallen Pokémon before the trio and their Pokémon had a moment to relax. One by one the large collection of hyper-trained Pokémon the duo had acquired and trained over the years fainted until all who was left was Annastasia's Swablu and their two Mew protectors, still in their Eevee forms.

While everyone was preoccupied, Annastasia's Swablu released a single Ice Beam to the sky. Moments later there was an explosion. Team Firestar's Pokémon fled the scene as black helicopters filled the sky.

"Can you tell whose they are?!" Jessie shouted.

"I…I don't know if they were Team Rocket or Team Firestar's," James replied worriedly.

A man's voice called out on a loudspeaker.

"Give us those Mew and stop fighting!" the mystery man demanded.

"No chance!" Jessie spat back.

"We're not giving them up if it's the last thing we do!" James added.

"You're outnumbered by far and our forces won't yield," the man responded.

Jessie looked between the Mew and the man calling from the helicopter.

"Jess, if we give them Acorn and Aliyah, they are just going to use them for their experiments," said James. "With all of the technology they have already stolen…there is no telling what they may be capable with them on their side. They can mind-control Pokémon, remember. Giving them our best chance means we'll have no chance. They won't leave us alone after they have the Mew in their possession—we know this."

"I know," Jessie snapped. She looked back to the sky. "If you want these Mew, you have to come and get them yourself!"

"Wobbuffet!"

"Jessie, Wobbuffet!" James gasped. "Don't taunt them!"

"I'm buying us time. We need to initiate plan B," she whispered.

"Oh, yes. Of course."

"If you know what is good for you and your family, then you will lift that shield and hand over those Mew," the man continued.

"Look at how powerful we are—no, look at how weak your forces are! Ha! I'd be flattered that we beat you if it wasn't for the low ceiling!" Jessie yelled back.

"Wobba!"

"Eevee!"

The man repeated his demand, though this time he seemed far angrier.

"We aren't lifting the shield so it looks like you're screwed!" Jessie continued. "You're high in numbers but low on power. Is this really the best you've got?!"

There was another explosion, and all heads turned to witness a flock of Charizard and Dragonite, many of whom were mega evolved, racing towards them. An Articuno, with a determined Pikachu on its back, took down ten helicopters with a single Blizzard and Thunder attack. More black helicopters took the places of those that fell. The man with the loudspeaker laughed.

"It seems you have family and friends coming to pick you up," he sneered. "It would be a shame for something to happen to them."

"Yeah, well what are you gonna do?!" Jessie called back.

"Those pilotless helicopters cost over a mil each! You really don't know how to utilize your resources!" James added.

"So much bluffing, it's hard to take!"

"Ha!"

Though more Pokémon, all whose trainers Jessie and James' knew well, came in as reinforcements, so did more black helicopters. As they got closer, they noticed Team Firestar's logo as well as heavy weaponry.

"You can't argue with a bomb, James," the man replied.

James looked back at his family, lingering his gaze on Acorn and Aliyah.

"Okay, we surrender," James announced. "Take them."

The Mew whined.

"Papa?" Annastasia asked quietly.

Jessie and James ignored her.

"You heard him. Go!" Jessie yelled at the Pokémon. "And do whatever they say!"

After a few more protests, Acorn and Aliyah were captured by the man's Master Ball. Annastasia crawled onto her Swablu's back and ordered it upwards—James caught them before they could reach head-level. After the helicopters departed, an intense silence came over the trio and their Pokémon. Ten minutes later, after their reinforcements landed, James broke the silence.

"It is a good thing we have a couple of Dittomasters on our side."

"Mommy, Papa! Oh-no!" Annastasia sobbed, still clutching her beloved Swablu. "The bad people are going to hurt them!"

"It's okay," said Jessie. "Acorn and Aliyah are right here."

Jessie as she nodded towards a bush. Acorn and Aliyah jumped from their hiding places and tackled Annastasia with kisses and hugs. She laughed playfully and then looked at her parents for an explanation.

"While we kept him busy, Wobbuffet swapped Acorn and Aliyah with two of Mondo's Ditto," said James. "We were just pretending they were Acorn and Aliyah."

"Ditto Pokémon?" Annastasia asked. "Will be okay?"

"Yes. As soon as they realize they're level five Ditto, Team Firestar will release them."

"But what if hurted instead?"

"Ditto are the toughest Pokémon around. Though sometimes easy to faint, they are near impossible to kill, so I doubt they will even try. And we have a plan to get them back anyway."

"A setup?"

"You got it," said Jessie, poking her playfully in the stomach.

"We should go make sure everyone is okay," said James. "Even though we tricked them, the attacks were real; a lot of people might've been hurt."

Jessie and Wobbuffet collected their Pokémon and belongings from the site while James secured Annastasia in the carrier she was almost too big for.

"Anna-chan, this is the last time they're going chase us," said James. "Though it doesn't look like it from the outside, Pikachu's Thunder destroyed their machinery. They've almost no cash left. Now, let's go check out the home base."

"Home base!" she cheered happily.

Their heads back in the present, Annastasia and Bleu laughed.

"You helped a lot that day," said Annastasia. "I don't remember, but Lucy told me—just recently."

"Altar."

Ever since that day, Team Firestar had been dormant. After that night, Team Firestar's money ran out and everyone involved was arrested, this time with no chance of escape or bail. This time it was for sure.

"I can see why my parents love this place so much," she told her Pokémon. "It's so peaceful."

"Al, alta."

"Pup, Lillipup."

"I agree; after what happened, they wanted me to forget all that fear," said Annastasia. "They wanted me to come back here and remember good times, not the bad. But it's been so long and the nightmares came back. This trip helped. I should visit more often."

"Tarrrr."

"Lil."

"Yeah, they are great…so great…I can't believe that after this year's Cherryblossom Festival Jay, Amber, and the others are starting their journeys…"

"Lillipup pu?"

"I know it's random but I can't stop thinking about it. Mom and Papa are already flipping—sometimes it seems like just yesterday they were babies!"

"Taria, tar?"

"Of course, I'm excited. I never took them on an adventure without other adults around; someone older was always with us. This November I'll be an adult myself. Scary, isn't it?"

"Pup-pup-pup."

"Tari."

"You're sweet."

All of a sudden, an arrow flew past Annastasia, sticking to the tree behind her.

"Bull's eye!" a young, hoarse voice cried out.

"Pichuuuuu!" a Pichu cried.

Annastasia ripped the arrow off the tree.

"Was that supposed to be your April Fools' prank?" she laughed.

A ten-year-old girl with dark brown eyes and reddish amber hair came into view. She was dressed in all black except for a blue and white hat that she wore backward atop her head. A Pichu clung to her shoulder. Annastasia smudged the black war paint under her eyes and laughed.

"Hey, A," said the girl. "Your prank is coming; wait for it. I'm stepping it up this year."

"So, this must be more target practice," Annastasia inferred, already knowing the answer.

"You don't win the Poke-Olympic Grand Title in Archery without constant practice. Pip agrees, right buddy?"

"Pi pi Pichu," the Pichu responded.

"I was just talking about you and Jay and…whatever. How did you find me?" Annastasia asked. "And where's Jay?"

"I found you on accident," said Amber. "Jay's in his room trying to pick out which clothes he wants to wear to the festival. I left after an hour but I bet you fifty bucks that's what he's still doing."

"Keep your money; I'm betting the same."

Amber observed the area. Though she snuck onto the Morgan's Nanny and Pop-pop's property often, she had never been to this part of the forest.

"Is this the spot your parents were talking about?" she asked.

"Yep."

"I've spent years looking for it."

"Pichuuuu."

"Ten years ago, they gave me a map and told me to come up here when I needed some peace and quiet," Annastasia replied. "And that's why I'm here."

"I guess they weren't banking on me coming up and disturbing you," said Amber.

"You aren't that disturbing."

"Very true."

"Pichu pi."

"Do you wanna talk?" Annastasia asked.

Amber knew Annastasia's mom-voice well and knew it would hurt A if she dashed away now.

"Not about anything serious," Amber said as she plopped onto the rock beside her. "You know how I'm feeling. You always know—besides, who isn't excited for their first Pokémon journey?"

"I'm excited to go too. Nervous, though. I'll be in charge of everyone," Annastasia replied.

"A, we're not that bad."

"Pichuuu."

"At least Lily and Logan are coming with us. And don't forget, we still have Takeshi, June, Nolan, Soledad, and Lexi, plus our Pokémon. It's not just gonna be you and a gang of maniac children."

"I know, but despite all my training, I won't know how ready I am until something—or someone—comes along to challenge me."

Annastasia and Amber's phone went off simultaneously.

"Hello?" they answered.

"Time for food," both their parents told them.

"All right! Be there in a few," said Amber.

"I'm on my way," said Annastasia.

The two girls hung up their phones and started walking back to the house.

"I'll race ya!" Amber said playfully as she hit Annastasia on the shoulder.

"Sure, but you know I'll win," she replied.

"Oh yeah? ReadySetGo!"

"Pichu!"

Amber and Pip zoomed past Annastasia, Lil-G, and Bleu.

"Cheater!" Annastasia called as she started to run.

"I'm gonna win!" Amber taunted.

"You don't even know your way back!"

"I'll figure it out on the way!"

"Pichuuu piii!"

Annastasia turned to her Altaria. "How do you feel about giving me a lift?"

"Tar," the Pokémon said as he lowered a wing.

Annastasia grabbed Lil-G just in time for takeoff. Together the three of them zoomed past Amber and Pip.

"No fair!" Amber shouted before they disappeared from view.

"All is fair in love, war, and Pokémon battles," Annastasia retorted.

"Tarrrrrr!"

"Lilll!"

AN: Hope you all enjoyed the first chapter. I have a quick recap that I'll do as new characters are introduced:

The present year is 2032—following the SBY timeline.

Annastasia- Jessie and James' eldest daughter (17 years)

Amber- Ash and Misty's daughter (10 years)

Jay – Annastasia's little brother (10 years)

Pip – Amber's Pichu/MVP

Bleu – Annastasia's Swablu turned Altaria/MVP

Lil-G – Annastasia's Lillipup/MVP

I think everyone else was well explained but message me with any questions just in case:)

Finally, I want to give a shout-out to Umbreon and Julie Togepi who encouraged me to write this sequel. If you have questions/comments or see spelling/grammar issues that you really want me to fix, let me know in reviews. If you are busy, just a 'hello'! is nice too :)

Thanks!