"So you guys heard about Mew as well, huh?"

The group had settled inside, although now in the presence of two Legendary Pokemon to amp the tension. Suffice to say that none of them had quite forgotten how their last encounter with a Legendary had gone. Blue stayed away from the group, remaining in his 10% state, while Red had split back into his core form, and rested near Ash himself.

Red nodded. At least, one could assume that the winking and slight curl was meant to be taken as such. "It would not do to leave a fellow guardian to such a fate. We planned to rescue her ourselves once she was taken from here, but when Greninja felt your connection wane, we decided to make the trip here anyways."

Greninja too stood near Ash, in an ever vigilant stance. "Kou" Greninja grunted, affirming what Red had said.

"If I had known it would only take mortal peril to get you to visit, I would have gone hand to wing with an Articuno sooner" Ash said amusedly. He took a look back at Red. "Are you sure I'm more important than Kalos though? You shouldn't leave it unguarded."

"We remain watchful through our cells, Chosen One" Red reminded him. "Furthermore, the situation within Kalos has subsided. The aftershocks have ceased, we have not witnessed one in months."

Ash let out a breath. "That's a good sign."

"Uh, excuse me?" Max asked, catching the attention of the two. "I'm confused, what exactly are you guys talking about? Aftershocks? A situation in Kalos? Its like you guys are speaking in riddles."

Ash shared a look with Red. "Well… did you guys ever hear about the Kalos Crisis?"

Surprisingly, May spoke up next. "Is that what you told me and Brock about earlier? Yveltal and Xerneas fighting in Kalos?"

Ash shook his head. "No, but that was when I first met Red and Blue, the Zygardes" Ash said, gesturing to the two.

That's when Brock gave a short gasp. "Wait, the Kalos Crisis? Is that what happened almost a year ago over there?"

Ash nodded. "Yeah. Nine months ago, I think. Not too long after my… well, my forgotten year" he said. "I met Greninja shortly after I came back, as a Frogadier trying to hold its own on one of my missions to Kalos. Honestly, it was fate we met when we did. Greninja evolved about a month before the Crisis, and we got a handle on our Bond just a couple weeks after he evolved."

"Your bond?" Max asked.

"When Greninja got here, he was different, right?" Ash asked. "That was our Bond, Battle Bond we called it. It took a while to get the hang of it, but… me and Greninja have a unique connection."

"Gekkou" Greninja nodded, raising a webbed hand to Ash, who responded with a quick fist bump.

"Anyways, we don't know how, but basically, me and Greninja can synchronize with each other. We share heartbeats, emotions, thoughts, even the damage the other takes. In return, Greninja transforms, and we can work together to battle" Ash finished explaining. "I would show you guys, but… I'm not exactly in the right shape to handle the synchronization right now."

"I've never heard of something like that, in all my research" Gary said, seemingly impressed. "There's Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, quite a few ways for trainers to share power with their Pokemon, but I've never heard of a bond like that."

"Like I said, we're unique, but we're getting off topic" Ash said. "Brock, you said you've heard of the Kalos Crisis. Have any of the rest of you?"

There was a brief pause. "Earlier this year in Kalos? Yeah, I think Gramps caught that. It was pretty terrifying stuff" Gary admitted.

When no one else spoke up, Ash nodded. "Well, the Kalos Crisis was caused by an organization in Kalos known as Team Flare. Their boss-"

"Used us" Blue interjected, a sharp edge to his voice. "Used a form of Mega Evolution energy to enslave us to do his bidding" he ended with a growl.

"Lysandre was a piece of work" Ash agreed. "But I hope you still aren't using him as a basis for all humans."

"..."

Ash sighed. "Anyways, they took over Red and Blue and intended to use their powers to 'reset' the world and revert humanity. It took everyone on my team, Mewtwo, Mew, and several high ranking trainers in Kalos to put a stop to it. Even when we broke Red and Blue free of their control, things were a bit dicey, but we pulled out in the end."

"May that slimy bastard rest in peace" Blue grunted.

Ash shot a glare at Blue. "Don't mind him, he's hard headed no matter the form he's in" Red interjected, Blue not responding.

Gary let out a low whistle. "Your friend Mewtwo basically called these two gods?" he checked.

"That is correct" Mewtwo added for the first time. "The two Zygarde are known as the most powerful in this world short of Arceus himself, and his three children."

"I don't think that's quite right…" Red said bashfully.

Mewtwo grunted. "You're right. At 100% you could probably give Palkia a rough battle."

"Mewtwo, you can get your worship out later" Ash said. "Red already said he doesn't care for your preaching anyways."

Ignoring Mewtwo's sputtering, Ash continued his explanation. "We defeated Flare and freed Red and Blue, but the aftermath of how their power had been used caused Kalos to have some very strange fluctuations, violent ones. Greninja was the only one capable of catching those reactions and taking them out, so I left Greninja with those two to protect the region. It sounds like the aftershocks are over with now, though."

"That is correct. Greninja should be fine to return to your side if you two wish."

"Well that's not even a question, is it?" Ash asked, raising an eyebrow to the amphibious Pokemon.

"Kouga" Greninja shook its head.

Ash gave a smile. "Glad to hear it." He turned back to face Red. "So what about you guys? Are you going back to Kalos now that you've made yourselves sure of the situation?"

Red glanced over to Blue. The two locked eyes for a moment before Blue turned away, and Red faced Ash again. "You are competing in this tournament for the sake of rescuing Mew, correct?"

"That's the reason I came all the way out here, yeah" Ash nodded. "Vesryn isn't exactly close by."

"I see…" Red mused. "For the sake of rescuing Mew, I would like to extend my assistance to you, Chosen One."

Ash blinked once. Twice. "Your…"

"My assistance. Retrieving Mew is critical, and when success is dependant on victory in battles, you may find that our strength will help" Red said, fire burning in his eye. "You are aware of the Tree's significance, any threat to it must be stopped. Therefore, battling under your name is the smartest move."

Surprised, Ash nodded. "Well, I can't exactly turn you down…" he noted. "There's another trainer here, at least one, who has multiple Legendary Pokemon under his control. Then there are the Champions to boot. I trust in my team's strength, but it's best not to risk Mew over these things."

"So we are in alliance?" Red questioned.

"Yeah, it makes sense" Ash agreed. "But not for every battle. I don't want attention drawn to myself. Can you stay nearby in case I need to call on you?"

"We didn't plan to leave the island" Red affirmed.

"You may not have…" Blue muttered.

"You have your duty to perform, same as me, Blue" Red retorted.

"Do you really think that any human's Pokemon is going to require both of us?" Blue questioned. "I'm hardly needed if the 100% form is not."

Red groaned. "You're so obstinate since the Crisis…" he muttered. "Fine, go back to Kalos if you want to, but leave the cells here. We scarcely have eyes within this region, so if I'm required to take the 50% form, I'd rather do it quickly."

Blue stood up. "So be it" he said, before he walked back outside.

A few silent moments passed, before Red groaned. "I understand his hatred, but he needs to pick his battles" he griped.

"Have those two always been that way?" May asked Ash quietly.

"Blue took the Crisis much harder than Red did" Ash whispered back. "He's barely trusting of me, and not very hesitant to attack any other human on sight anymore."

There was a flash of green light outside that made most of them jump, before Red sighed. "He's leaving the island" he muttered. "Fool, I had hoped he was bluffing, or would come to his senses."

"I'm sure Blue will snap back eventually" Ash offered unconvincingly.

"Don't count on it, he's been difficult ever since the crisis" Red growled, hopping up. "I'll use the cells to keep an eye on you, and I know your aura. Flare it if you require my assistance."

Red hopped down to the floor, squeezing through the partially open door before disappearing from sight. "...Well that was certainly an event" Gary commented a few moments following.

"When it matters, they work together" Ash said, sitting back. "But they aren't the most agreeable, especially ever since the Crisis. Team Flare broke any faith Blue had in humans, while Red saw how Lysandre was an outlier." He shook his head. "It's probably fine, like Blue said, their 100% form is not going to be necessary at all."

"Hey, that's another thing I wanted to know, what's all this talk about percentages?" Max asked. "And all these different forms and stuff that they kept talking about."

Ash cracked a grin. "Zygarde is… pretty unique, even for a Legendary Pokemon. It would take too long to explain right now, maybe later, Max."

"I'll hold you to that" he swore.

Ash nodded, and eyes were drawn to him as the gloves started emanating a blue glow. He pushed himself to his feet with the Bone Rush staff, stumbling a bit as he rose. "Misty, Tracey, it's great to see you guys again, for real this time" he said, doing his best to give them a big smile. His lips weren't used to the shape anymore, grins and small smiles being the extent of what he had employed for the past few years.

Tracey winced a bit. "Yeah, it's good to see you too, Ash, just… a bit of a bomb to drop" he said, chuckling lightly underneath.

Ash nodded. "Sorry…" he muttered, before turning to face the redhead fully. "Misty, I-"

He gasped and fell short as he was embraced unexpectedly. He might have fallen if he wasn't being gripped so tightly. Only the orange hair told him who it was, he couldn't see anything else.

He blinked, before reaching around with his free hand and returning the gesture. They stood there for several moments, not a word being uttered between the two of them. For friends as far back as the two of them went, none were needed, the hug spoke more than they could ever hope to.

Eventually, the light within Ash's glove came on again, waves of aura pulsing out. Unlike the other night, when Ash's aura had been fueled by his angst and despair, this flow was filled with nothing but calmness. Slowly, with the cool energy spreading across her body, Misty let go of Ash, eyes filled with tears that she refused to let fall, and a small smile dancing on her lips. "Ash, I…"

"I know, Misty" Ash said back. "I'm not going to leave again."

After the emotions had cleared, the group of those who had been visiting the house stood near the door. Gary had a Pokeball grasped loosely in his hands, and May stood behind Ash, who was being supported by Greninja (which had been argued, but the Ninja Pokemon refused to let his trainer and friend work alone while he could help).

"There are plenty of other people who need the good news right now" Gary explained. "We'd stay longer, but they need to hear about this as well."

Misty sighed. "I know, but can you blame me for wanting to be selfish here…?"

"Honestly, no" Ash chuckled. "Don't worry, Misty, the tournament is still going on for a couple weeks yet, and we aren't exactly allowed to leave until then. I'm trapped here even if I wanted to run, which I don't."

Dawn raised her eyebrows. "Your a faceless mystery man under an alias and modified Pokedex credentials who has a partner Pokemon who can teleport you to any part of the world" she pointed out. "You could split with Mewtwo and Mew and slip back into your old life and no one would be any the wiser."

"...But I won't" Ash offered weakly, to the amusement of those around him. "Even if I could, it wouldn't be fair to the trainers here for me to ruin things like that by making off with the grand prize Pokemon. If need be… I can steal Mew, but I'd rather not have to cross that bridge."

"Makes sense" Brock said. "You'd burn your Chosen One identity to the world, not the smartest play in case you need to."

"That and the fact that there are literally thousands of trainers here, and probably millions of Poke being spent to host everything" Max pointed out. "It would be kind of a dick move to ruin something like- OW!"

"Language" May said, gripping Max's ear tight. Brock snorted behind her, and she could guess why, sweet payback.

"Speaking of splitting" Gary interjected into the 'family moment.' "We should probably split up here."

Ash eyed his childhood friend. "Why's that?" he wondered.

"Because one of your old pals in particular is going to be tricky to track down" Gary pointed out. "Iris took a page out of Diantha's book when she became Champion, and she knows how to hide herself when she wants to."

"Oh yeah, we only found her the other day because Cilan led us to her" May said.

"Which is why he's probably a good place to start" Gary said. "Gang, I saw we leave the two lovebirds here to go meet up with the people not flying under the radar, and the rest of us try to track ourselves a Champion."

Ash and May blushed beet red at the name Gary applied to them, but they couldn't exactly argue it. "Well that's not untrue" May thought.

Gary chucked the Pokeball in his hands outside, the flash of light revealing Arcanine. "Ashy boy, I'll let you borrow Arcanine for the day" he offered with a thumbs up. "You shouldn't be walking as much as you already have been."

"Thanks Gary" Ash said gratefully.

Gary nodded. "If you want, I know that Gramps was staying down by the Pokemon Center near the airport. I'd wager he'd be ecstatic to see you."

May smiled. "That's a pretty good idea" she offered. "Professor Oak might be able to help with letting you use your old Pokemon while you're here, if you want."

"Pika Pika?" Pikachu cocked his head.

Ash smiled. "Battling with them all again… that would be awesome" he said.

"So it's settled" Gary said.

"You guys will be back soon, right?" Misty asked, with Tracey nodding in agreement.

"Of course we will" Ash promised. "Tomorrow at the latest, depending on how today goes."

With promises made and farewells said, the group parted ways. Pikachu and Riolu walked alongside May, who was accompanied by Ash upon Arcanine, who was slowing his pace to not hurry their friends. Greninja strode beside Ash, vigilant as always.

It was this behavior that peeked May's curiosity. "You know Ash, Greninja seems really protective of you" she commented.

"He's always been that way" Ash said, looking at the Water and Dark type.

"Kou" Greninja nodded in affirment.

"Would you mind if I ask why?" May asked. "I know you and all of your Pokemon trust and protect each other, but Greninja seems to take it more serious than most of them."

Ash didn't respond for a moment, thinking about the question. "Well…" he said slowly. "Honestly, me and Greninja, our connection goes beyond just the Battle Bond we share" he explained.

"When I met Greninja, like I said, he was a Frogadier living in the wilderness. He had a huge thing for respect, if he didn't consider a trainer worthy, he didn't stay with them. Some time after we met, he told me that he had left several trainers after he saw their true faces. The last one he stayed with battled with him long enough for him to evolve from Froakie, but he didn't stay much longer than that."

"As he was, he was doing his best to protect the weak Pokemon everywhere he went. He had seen most of Kalos, and gotten into a lot of fights with other Pokemon. When I met him, he was actually tackling a Regirock."

"Excuse me, what?" May said disbelievingly.

"Mewtwo explained to me after the incident. He also did a lot of translations for Greninja back then" Ash said. "The Regirock had awoken in the mountains, and had gone on a rampage that led it down through the forest. It was faulty."

"Faulty?" May wondered.

Ash nodded. "Let me see if I remember this right… The Regi Pokemon, Regirock, Regice, and Registeel, were all created by Regigigas. Not just one of each though, Regigigas created multiple of them throughout each region, to act as guardians in the places where they were found. However, they're practically artificial Pokemon, and in the ancient past, Regigigas didn't always create them with a firm mind properly. So when the Regirock in Kalos awoke, instead of guarding the area and its inhabitants, it began to attack everything that moved."

"Greninja had tried to hold it off, but it didn't stand much of a chance. We arrived after we heard about the disturbance. After dispatching of Regirock, we tried to tend to the wounded Pokemon in the area that had been hurt by its rampage. That's when the Frogadier approached us."

"He joined us because he saw us as protectors, and he himself wished to help protect more Pokemon. Working together on missions, we quickly bonded, and he grew stronger rapidly, until he evolved and we discovered the Battle Bond."

Rubbing the back of his head, Ash sighed. "The Battle Bond isn't just a neat trick that allowed Greninja and I to work together for more strength. It linked our emotions, our minds, even our hearts beat in perfect rhythm with each other. Once you experience something like that, it's hard to not come out of it without a unique bond."

"In the few weeks between discovering the bond and the Kalos Crisis, we became almost instant partners. As close as me and Riolu or Pikachu ever were" the last line causing some happy chirps from the two walking below. "But we also had to watch out for each other more than anyone else because of the bond. We felt each other's pain, and gave each other strength."

A warm feeling spread through May's chest. "Figures that you'd find a way to grow closer to a Pokemon more so than any other person possibly could" she laughed lightly.

Ash chuckled a bit in response. "I suppose I did always have a connection with Pokemon" he admitted. "Which is why I trust all of my partners to help me on missions. I worry about them, but I also trust in their power, and that they will be safe. Pidgeot could take on a rampaging Raikou and I would believe that she would return to me. The same goes for every one of them. I trust them completely."

"Arooo" Arcanine grunted as it came to a stop.

The Pokemon Center was quite packed, and busy to boot. It was late enough in the morning that most people were up, and after the events of the night prior, there were many patients to be tended to.

Ash slid off of Arcanine slightly easier than he was able to earlier, with Greninja bracing him as he climbed down. "Erk, thanks Arcanine, Greninja" he grunted as he hit the ground. He ran a hand through Arcanine's mane, and came to a realization. "Gary didn't leave us your Pokeball, did he…"

May furrowed her brow. "No, he didn't" she agreed. "And I don't think there's room for you in there, big guy" she said as she peered into the window.

"Roooww" Arcanine shook his head, walking up against the wall and settling down.

"You'll wait out here?" Ash questioned.

"Is that safe, Ash? We know that Rocket's around on the island, wouldn't they jump to try and snatch a strong Pokemon?" May asked.

Ash shook his head. "Two things. One, you might be confusing Team Rocket with those three that used to follow us around everywhere" he pointed out. "Most of Team Rocket is much worse, but they don't aim for every kinda powerful Pokemon they see except when they're desperate."

"And the other thing?"

Ash chuckled. "Arcanine knows Extremespeed" he said simply, pushing the door to the Pokemon Center open. "And Roar. He can either get away or let everyone around here know in an instant what's happening."

The two entered the overly crowded Center, with Pikachu and Riolu between them and Greninja following behind them. Ash would have returned Greninja, however, he didn't plan on being reunited with him on the island, and his Pokeball was left back in Johto, atop Mt. Quena. "I'll have to ask Mewtwo to grab it for me later" he thought. Luckily, Greninja was able to walk upright as a human, so he wasn't crowding the place much further.

May stood on her toes and peered over the crowd. "I'm not seeing Professor Oak yet…" she commented.

Ash looked around. He wasn't exactly in a position to be balancing up like that, so his vantage wasn't as good as May's. He berated not having learned his Aura powers sooner. Sure, he could pick out the Auras within the building, but unfamiliar Auras all blurred together. And Ash, as much time as he had spent around the famous professor, had never actually sensed his Aura, as he lacked the ability to at the time. And as smart as the professor was, that didn't exactly translate into an abnormally strong signature.

"Well, Gary did say he was staying here, but given how much just went down, I wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't here right now…" Ash murmured. "Especially with as many wounded as there are, there's every possibility some people staying here have cleared out to make room for them." He paused for a moment. "Rotom could be a useful scout to look for him, but he's not on me, and I really want my team to have at least a couple days off if they can manage."

"Ri Rio?" Riolu asked.

Ash shook his head. "No, don't worry about it Riolu. This place is too crowded to get through safely anyways" he said. "Rotom would have been good because he can fly and phase through things to look without causing too much havoc."

"Ri!"

"Okay, maybe he would have caused a little havoc for the fun of it" Ash conceded. "That hyperactive little imp sure loves to."

The door slid open behind them. "Thank you very much for the assistance, Dragonite" a very familiar voice said behind them, as the telltale sound of a Pokeball recalling its inhabitant was heard.

Ash blinked. "Then again, maybe Rotom wasn't needed at all" he said.

The two turned around, seeing the ever recognizable, wizened face of Samuel Oak, carrying a crate filled with bottles. He rushed inside, not even noticing the pair and the three Pokemon as a path was cleared through the Center for the professor. He set the crate on the counter and engaged in a conversation with Nurse Joy behind the counter, one that couldn't be heard over the tumult of the Center.

"Looks busy as always" Ash noted, glad that at least one important figure from his life hadn't seemed to change whatsoever. "He was never one to let his age get in the way of work."

"No, not from what I've seen, he isn't" May offered, smiling. "Ash, how about you go keep Arcanine company, I'll grab Professor Oak when he's free, and we can meet you out there."

"Yeah, that's probably for the best, it'd be easy to get overheard in here" Ash agreed. "I don't really want to leave your side though…"

A faint tinge of red stained May's cheeks, and affection swelled within her heart. "Me neither" she admitted. "But it'll only be a couple minutes. I'll let him know it's urgent."

Albeit still feeling hesitant, Ash nodded. "Alright May, I'll be right outside. Greninja, Riolu, Pikachu, come on."

The small group exited through the still open sliding glass doors and wandered around the side of the building, leaving May inside. The crowd had already thickened back up, so she began the slow process of maneuvering through the swarm of people, making her way towards the Professor.

It was about ten minutes until Ash heard the door open again. Greninja was the first to react as they were approached, taking a tense stance, as no one else had really been around that morning. Arcanine looked up in interest at the frog Pokemon's action.

"Sorry about the wait, May, my girl, the facilities here were running low on medicine after last night" Professor Oak was explaining as they walked out of the Pokemon Center. "I had to go around and find some supplies to help make holdover potions for the Pokemon here."

"That's no problem, Professor" May answered. "The Pokemon come first, after all."

"Mmhmm" Oak nodded, coming to a stop, not having seen the small group alongside the building. "Now, what is this emergency you've mentioned?" he asked.

May smiled nervously. "Well, it's not really an emergency so much as it's urgent" she admitted. She looked around him and sent a wave over to Ash, who the professor had yet to notice. He gave a short wave back, not letting go of his bone staff with the other. He was beginning to ache a bit more, he had a feeling he wasn't quite ready to be moving around this much.

Oak followed her line of sight and gave Ash an appraising look. "Is this a friend of yours?" he asked.

"Something like that" Ash answered back, walking over. "Hey Professor Oak, how have you been?"

Professor Oak looked taken aback. "I'm sorry, I'm afraid I don't recognize you" Oak admitted. "Who might you be, young man?"

Ash raised his staff up, the tip pushing his hat out of his face. "Sorry for the surprise" he said.

It took about three seconds before Oak seemed to recognize his face. A couple more before the color drained from it and he staggered back. Ash had to bite his tongue from making a 'you look like you've seen a joke' comment. As perfectly lined up as it was, it wasn't the right time.

"Greninja!" Ash said suddenly.

Greninja needed no further instruction than that as he dashed forward and grabbed Professor Oak, holding him steady just as he seemed to grow weak. "A-Ash?" he managed to stutter out. "My boy, is, is that really you?"

"Like I said, sorry for the surprise" Ash repeated. "I know it's got to be a bit of a shocker."

Oak took a minute to collect his thoughts before he tried to speak again. "I… Yes, indeed it is" he agreed. "I should sit for a minute…"

Ash gave a nod, settling down himself as Greninja helped Oak sit. "I suppose that this was quite urgent" Oak offered.

May grinned awkwardly. "Yeah… Sorry Professor, I couldn't think of any way to make it an easier pill to swallow."

"It's fine, my girl, I just need a minute" Oak chuckled, obviously tense. "This was quite the unexpected moment on this old heart, just let me catch my breath."

"You're not that old Professor" Ash said. "You don't look any different from the way you did three years ago."

Oak didn't answer, trying to collect himself, while the two of them let him. Greninja walked back over to Ash, while Arcanine, Pikachu and Riolu made their way over to the group. They sat in silence for a few minutes, nothing but the breeze, waves, and distant bustling within the Pokemon Center to be heard.

When it looked like Oak was ready, Ash cleared his throat. "So I guess you want to know what happened?"

Having recovered enough, Oak nodded. "Before you tell me, I want to take a crack at a theory of my own" he admitted. "Would it, by chance, have anything to do with Celebi?"

"Celebi?" May asked, confused.

Ash shook his head. "Last I saw a Celebi while I was travelling through Sinnoh, but that was the last time I saw one. I don't even know if it was her. Celebi didn't have anything to do with it."

"I see."

"Although, I suppose Celebi is a good segway into why I was gone, even if she wasn't involved" Ash thought aloud.

"Hey Ash, how does Professor Oak know about Celebi?" May asked.

"Well I am a professor of Pokemon" Oak pointed out.

May shook her head. "You sound like you're talking about it as an individual, not as a species, which means you know one, don't you?"

"You could say that" Oak said. "Actually, me and Ash both met one, long ago."

"I'll tell you the story later, May" Ash promised, trying to keep the conversation on track.

May sighed. "Alright, I'll hold you to that" she promised, sitting down.

"Anyways, Celebi didn't have any role, but I guess the fact that I met Celebi in the first place sort of has to do with why I left" Ash said. "You see…"

Ash continued on to give Professor Oak an extremely watered down version of the story and the background info he needed to understand it. No particular missions were mentioned, nor any pertinent information relating to the Legendaries, but he trusted the professor with a little more information than he gave Paul.

Oak had known about a few of Ash's adventures, but to say he was dumbstruck by the sheer extent of them would have been an understatement, let alone the fact that the little Ketchum kid from Pallet Town was named in an ancient prophecy. The only knowledge he had of Ash's more serious adventures were his fight against the Legendary Birds of the Orange Archipelago and the adventures he had with himself and Celebi in Johto.

"-so I ended up here on a mission" Ash finished. He had avoided any key details involving Mew or Mewtwo. The fewer people that knew about Mew the better, and the fewer about Mewtwo, the safer they were from him.

Professor Oak had remained quiet throughout the explanation, not voicing any exclamations or questions during it. "I see" was his simple response once Ash had finished.

Ash shared a glance with May before looking back at Oak. "Is there… anything you want to ask, Professor?" Ash asked.

Oak leveled a serious look at him. "Ash, my boy, for once in my life, I'm completely out of my element here, I wouldn't have a clue where to start" he admitted, before chuckling. "I'll take your word as it is, and in the meantime, appreciate the fact that you're back with us. I'm sure everyone else will be just as ecstatic, unless I'm the last one to learn about this?" he ended with a question.

Ash shook his head. "I've still got to track down some more of my friends to let them know" he said.

"Speaking of, Professor Oak, we weren't going to let Ms. Ketchum know about Ash just yet" May interjected as it came to her mind. "We want to, but considering how the island is on lockdown, we don't want to be dangling Ash out of reach from her for the next few weeks. You won't tell her, right?"

"Hmm… I suppose that is a valid point" Oak admitted. "Alright, I won't tell Delia, but when this tournament concludes, you had better Combeeline to Pallet Town, Ash."

"I plan too, don't worry, Professor" Ash assured him.

Professor Oak nodded. "Okay then." He made to stand up, climbing to his feet. "I'm sorry I can't stay, but the health of the people and Pokemon of the island come prior to a longer reunion than we've had already."

"I understand" Ash said, standing up himself, struggling just a little more than he was before. "I'm sure we can find time for a get together before the tournament gets back on."

"I would like that very much, my boy" Oak smiled. "Where are you staying?"

"We're around Gary and the others in the 300s area" May answered, giving the same vague location that she had given Paul. "I forget exactly which one, a lot has happened."

"Gary can probably give me the one if I make it up there" Oak said. "I would truly love to stay longer, but-"

"We know, Professor, you go to them" Ash said, reaching his free hand out.

Oak grasped it firmly with his own. "We're glad to have you back, my boy."

"I'm glad to be back" Ash said, smile coming to his face unbidden.

Oak walked back towards the Pokemon Center. "I'll see you two when things calm down around here eventually" he promised, before entering the glass doors and the tumult inside swallowed him.

As soon as he was gone, Ash let out a groan and fell forward, clutching his staff tightly as he all but collapsed atop it. "Ash!" May exclaimed, rushing forward.

"Kou!" "Pika?!" "Lu!"

Ash was surrounded in an instant. He let out another groan, before he began to breathe normally. "Sorry guys, I don't think I'm quite ready for everything all at once..."

May looked at Ash with concern. "Ash, we should get you home. Change your bandages and give you some new medicine." Her face was slightly pale, the image of Ash's mutilated body still fresh in her mind from the night prior.

"What, no, May, I just need a little break, then we can keep-"

"Absolutely not."

Ash blinked. "May-"

"Ash, I don't care how strong you are, how many 'missions' you've been on, you're with us now, and I'm not going to let you break your body like this because of your stubbornness" May vented, somehow sounding ticked, yet caring at the same time.

"When I found you, Ash, it was bad" the anger faded from her voice, leaving it frail. "I… I know you have responsibilities, both to the world and to everyone here, but the least I can do is make sure that you aren't hurting yourself when you don't need to."

"Kou, Gekkou, Ga Kou" Greninja added in, the message clear to Ash. "Don't forget that you're weakening me as well as yourself."

"I…" Ash tried to say something, but the words wouldn't form right. He swallowed and tried again. "You guys… you guys are right" he said. "I'm sorry, it's just been so long since I've had to do much besides keep myself alive. May, I really am sorry, it's just been so long, I forgot what it was like to have people that cared about me."

"Ri Ri!" Riolu barked.

"Well you can be family without being people, Riolu, of course I know you care about me" Ash said, chuckling weakly. "I-AHHHH!"

Ash was blindsided when Greninja flung him upwards using his tongue, putting him on top of Arcanine, who had trotted over. Ash nearly fell off, would have on his own, but Greninja held him steady. Heart racing, he shot a glare at his amphibian partner. "Warnings are nice" he said.

"Kou" Greninja shrugged.

May walked around his side. "Come on, we'll get you back to the house, and I'll set you up. We can try and find more of them tomorrow, but I don't want you hurting yourself over this." She sighed. "I know it sounds cruel, but it's just like with Delia. What they don't know now won't hurt them, at least not by a day or two in this case."

"I know… it doesn't mean I have to like it though" Ash said adamantly.

May began walking, Arcanine following her. Pikachu and Riolu decided to jump on top of Arcanine this time, Pikachu curling up in Ash's lap contentedly while Riolu sat behind him, watching the place pass by. "I know, but it's something we have to deal with" she said.

The walk back would be a bit. For a while, they sat in a comfortable silence. Even if it was getting later in the day (Ash wondered where the time had gone, he had been pretty sure it was still early, but the sun said otherwise) no one was really around besides some workers of the island, who could be seen in the distance repairing damaged buildings and battlefields, as well as clearing debris.

After a bit though, Ash found himself being blindsided by an unexpected question.

"Ash, what did you mean exactly by 'you forgot what it was like to have people who cared for you?'"

Not expecting the question, Ash took a moment to respond. "What do you mean exactly, May?"

"I mean… It sounds like you and your team care for each other, from you and Riolu" May said. "But, wasn't there anyone else besides those guys? You said you stayed with the Legendary Pokemon a lot, what about Mew, or Mewtwo."

"Oh…" Ash said. "Well, they were keeping an eye out for my well being, but it wasn't really the same. Mew is playful, and really only serious when it comes to the Pokemon in her domain, or Aura issues. Mewtwo… Well, you've met Mewtwo. He's not exactly a warm and fuzzy partner. I can trust him, but it's more of a partnership than any actual relationship."

"Lugia, Lugia is a little more caring, with me being his Chosen One in particular, but he's got his own ways. Sometimes I'd be with Hoopa, but Hoopa's even more lax than Mew, and was really more of just a fun person to be with on vacation."

"Honestly, Latias has been the one who was really there for me, out of all of them."

"Latias?" May asked.

Ash nodded. "Back in Johto, when I met Latias… she grew really close to me. When I met her again, she always had her attention on me. She's not much of a fighter, but she's been a good friend. She can't usually come with us on missions, but for ones like this one where we had to blend in with humans, she usually comes along."

"I'll say she's pretty protective of you" May agreed. "She attacked me while you were out because I was trying to get to you."

"She's always been like that" Ash said. "She's not much of a fighter, like I said, but she'll do whatever she can when me or one of the others are down and in danger. She's almost like a sister to us."

"Latias, she, well, she may or may not have a crush on him."

"Still so dense" May thought. She wouldn't be surprised if he had no idea that Misty used to have one on him too. "I'm glad you at least someone around with you, Ash."

"Yeah, we took her along with us every chance we got" Ash said. "She wanted to see the world. It's just too bad she was only able to come on a couple missions."

"Well, you're going to be hard pressed to have any shortage of people caring about you from here on out" May said with a small smile. "Starting with me, let's get you home and resting so you can say hi to a few more tomorrow."

It took them a little while to get back, mainly because they took a couple wrong turns. But the crack in the street was an obvious indicator that they were close. A pair of Legendary Pokemon don't exactly leave without a trace.

Trotting up to the porch, Arcanine laid down to let Ash get off easier. Greninja and May contributed to that effort, making sure he had no struggle. Thankful yet vaguely annoyed for the babying attitude, Ash blushed lightly as he created his staff again.

May took a minute to dig through her pockets before she pulled out her key. "Alright, you should head back up to your room up there. I'll get some fresh bandages and medicine so I can change your wrappings and meet you up there."

"A-Alright May" Ash said, chuckling. "I swear, I didn't know I wanted to date my mom" he said without really thinking.

May paused for a second, looking at him. "Dating…" she said slowly. "I never thought I'd actually get the chance with you, Ash…" She smiled, a light blush tinting her cheeks. "But I'm glad that we did."

Ash was confused at first, then realized what she (and he) had said. Blushing a little on his own, he rubbed his arm nervously. "It still feels kind of unreal" he admitted. "I wasn't sure what to do when I realized how I felt about you, actually, I was a little worried you might have been with Drew."

May pulled a face. "Drew? Trust me, you have no worries there, Ash" she said. "He's a good rival, good coordinator, but way too much of a jerk."

Ash pressed his lips tight. "Sorry…" he murmured. "Didn't mean to ruin things like that."

MAy shook her head, clearing the sour look off her face. "It's fine, you didn't know" she said. "Anyways, let's get you taken care of. We can talk more after that" she ended with a wink, causing Ash to blush a little more.

Inserting the key into the lock, she opened the door wide, her and Ash taking a step inside.

"SURPRISE!"

A multitude of figures made themselves visible, jumping out. Ash gave a shout, pain forgotten as his gloves glowed bright, Bone Rush humming with power. May let out a small, startled shout and Pikachu fell back. Riolu jumped in behind Ash, Focus Blast formed in his hand and ready to fire, while an explosion of water doused the porch as Greninja rushed in, transformed and one hand on his shuriken.

The figures jumped back immediately, giving Ash a chance to study them, and his jaw dropped. Gary, Dawn, Max and Brock were all there, as were a great number of others. Iris, Cilan, Ritchie, Alder, Diantha…

Gary, who was nearest to the front jumped between them. "WHOA, easy!" he yelped, trying to defuse the situation before it escalated. "I think that this may have been a bit too much…"

Well, at least it took less than three months this time… a little less, but less nonetheless… er, is that proper grammar? "Less nonetheless?" Great, now that's going to bother me the rest of the night.

I'm still settling back in, but I'm beginning to get the hang of writing Pokefics again. It's slow, but it's happening. I tried to give you something a little longer this time, so hopefully you enjoyed that.

Greninja is back for good. I had to change his origin to Ash's team a bit, hopefully it sounded believable. Without a trainer he trusted, he took to helping wild Pokemon on his own, and went with Ash when he realized he could help many more Pokemon.

I had to retcon a bit to make it fit (nothing too jarring, just a couple minute details a few chapters back). That's what happens when you go that long without updates, I guess, ideas change, but I think they changed for the better here.

Next chapter I want to wrap up the reunions, hence the impromptu surprise party that ambushed our Chosen One, so hopefully the plot doesn't stagnate any more. I'm also thinking about doing a party overview soon, since I never really covered what each member of Ash's team is capable of. Nothing too major, but I at least want to officially jot down each of their movepools and abilities (Pikachu's might be a little different, I'll cover why soon, I keep meaning to get to that, but if you want a hint, just look back at the fight against the Legendary Birds).

I hope you all enjoyed, and with any luck, next time will be even sooner than this one was. Drop a review if you enjoyed, and I'll do my best to keep things moving!