That very next day was the time to for Ash to say goodbye his rivals and friends. With the Silver Conference over, it was time for everyone to part ways. But they all promise to see one another again one of these days.

Once they all went their separate routes, the group's adventures through Johto was finally over.

We find Ash along with his friends back in the good ol' Kanto Region. There they were in the outskirts of Viridian City, before they made their long travel towards Pallet Town.

"Wow it feels like forever since we've been back here." Tomo said.

"I know, it makes you wonder if things changed since we were gone for so long." Misty said.

"Well we've definitely changed. When Ash first came here he was a mess now he's a champion." Brock chuckles.

"No kidding." Ash said holding the scarred part of his face.

"Was this really where you and Ash met?" Molly asks Misty.

"Yeah it is, I was the one who ended up having to break the news to Ash." Misty said.

"And you were also the one to save me." Ash faces the red head.

"Well I don't know if I would go that far. I just did what anyone would have done in that situation." Misty said.

"Even still, I really appreciated what you did back then Misty, and I still do." Ash smiled.

"Thanks Ash." Misty smiles.

The group finally went down the hill and entered Viridian City.

Arriving at the Pokemon Center, Nurse Joy turned to greet them.

"Hello there, welcome to the Pokemon Center."

"Nurse Joy, my broken heart needs to be repaired!" Brock exclaimed getting towards her. "My name's Brock, do you believe in love at first sight, because I do! Smell my fresh breath it's as sweet as you are." He flirted.

"You might want a mint." Nurse Joy said shutting him down instantly.

Both Molly and Tomo struggled to hold back their laughter.

"I didn't even need my boomerang." Tomo snickers.

"Pardon me, but isn't your name Misty?" Nurse Joy suddenly asks her.

"Um yes that's me, how do you know my name?" Misty nods.

"I have a call waiting for you." Nurse Joy said.

"For me?" Misty said.

Going to the phones they saw it came from Misty's sister.

"Check it out!" Daisy said holding up a ticket. "I came in 3rd place in a Beauty Contest and won a trip around the world! And I get to bring 2 friends!"

Those 2 "friends" happened to be Violet and Lily who were packing up in the background.

"So we kinda need you to come back and take over the Gym for us while we're away, hope you don't mind." Daisy said.

Misty's eyes widened hearing that. "Wait what?! When did you-?!"

"Thanks sis, see you at home!" The girls waved before they hang up.

"She deserved to win that Pageant." Brock said.

"Yeah I bet those three are gonna have lots of fun." Ash agrees.

"Well I won't." Misty said upset. "Why should I be the one to have to work at the gym?"

"But Misty, it's only while they're gone." Ash said telling her to look on the bright side.

"And you're the best Water Pokemon trainer ever, you'd be a great gym leader." Molly said.

Misty was surprised by their agreement to this. 'T-they're fine with this?' She thought feeling a bit saddened.

"Pardon me." They turned to Nurse Joy carrying a bike towards them. "Does this bike belong to one of you?"

"My bike!" Misty gasped seeing it.

"A receptionist at the Viridian Hospital delivered this awhile back, when you left." Nurse Joy explains.

"Look at that, now you'll be able to get home in no time." Ash said.

"Well isn't that swell.." Misty grunts.

Ash noticed this. "What's wrong Misty?"

"I'm fine!" Misty shouted. "Why are you all up in my business?! You don't need me anymore!" She snapped making Ash surprised.

"W-wha? Misty what are you talking ab-" Ash tried to say something but Misty cuts him off.

"J-Just forget it, and leave me alone!" She said and stormed out of the Pokémon, leaving her friends stunned at her performance and behavior.

..

Walking down the street, Misty had a sad expression on her face.

"I can't believe after everything we've been through they're all fine with me just leaving." Misty said.

"Toge.." Togepi frowns sadly.

Stopping at a halt, Misty turned look at the Viridian City Hospital. It was that hospital that started it all.

(Flashback)

Misty looked at Ash sleeping in the hospital bed. As she slowly started to fall asleep she heard a soft groaning. Turning towards Ash she saw him slowly waking up.

"You're awake, thank goodness!" She said as she jumped over to him and started to look him over. Ash looked at her confused.

"W-who are you? And how did I get here?" Ash said looking at her blankly.

"Oops sorry about that." She said laughing slightly before introducing herself. "I'm Misty Waterflower. And how you got here is a big thing it self." She said looking at him calmly.

NlAsh looked at her weirdly, but something was up with his left eye. He could barely see her. Misty noticed this and looked down at the floor. "The doctors said they couldn't do anything to fix it. You will be almost blind in that eye they told me."

"Mirror? Can I have a mirror?" Ash asks.

Ash looked at the mirror and saw himself. He had to gasp after seeing his reflection. He saw his left side of his face littered in scars. His left eye was a dull brown.

A look of horror appears on Ash's face as he puts the mirror down and puts his hands on his head before he started to silently cry. Suddenly he felt a warm embrace around him as he saw Misty hugging him. "Everyone needs a hug."

Ash looked at her and gave Misty a small smile. "Thank you.."

(Flashback End.)

As a tear ran down Misty's eyes she suddenly heard laughing.

"Uh oh here come the waterworks." A male voice said.

Snapping out of her thoughts, Misty looks up to see 3 boys in purple karate gi's. One small one, one tall one and one fat one.

"What's the matter? Crying like baby?" The tall one mocked.

"No one's crying." Misty said looking away.

"Oh please, at this rate I might have to take up swimming lessons." The small one said.

"What did you say?" Misty said started to become agitated.

"I bet you got in a lousy fight with your friends and they left you in the dust." The fat one said as they laughed. Misty had a tick mark on her head.

"Why would you care of something like that?! Just who are you dorks anyways?!"

"I'm Viridian City's number one trainer, Kim!", the short one said.

"I'm number two, Kail!" The tall one said.

"And I'm number three, Kai!" The fat one said.

All 3 in unison: "We're The Invincible Pokémon Brothers!"

"Oh really? If you're invisible then disappear." Misty said.

"We said invincible." Kim corrects.

"Oh invincible huh? Then let's battle." Misty said challenging the brothers.

In the park, Misty faced off against Kim.

"Alright Hitmonchan go!" Kim said calling out the punching Pokemon.

"Go Gloom!" Misty called out her grass type.

"Hitmonchan Mach Punch!" Kim said as Hitmonchan ran towards Gloom with a glowing fist.

"Gloom Stun Spore!" Misty said as orange powder shot out of Gloom's flower paralyzing Hitmonchan.

"Now use Giga Drain!"

Roots shot out of the ground and wrapped around Hitmonchan draining its energy.

"Hitmonchan!" Kim gasps.

"Maybe you should change your name." Misty mocks causing Kim to growl before grinning.

"Oh yeah, try this on for size!" Kim said as Kail and Kai throws 4 Pokéballs and out appearing was a Himontop, Hitmonlee, Machamp and Heracross.

"Hey 5 against 5? That's not fair!" Misty said.

"Aw who cares, this is what happens when you mess with the big leagues girlie!" Kim said as the brothers laughed.

"You guys? In the leagues? Don't make me laugh!" They stopped hearing a new voice and Misty turned to see all her friends had arrived.

"Guys." Misty smiles.

"Don't worry Misty, we can even this match up easy." Molly said.

"Go Evlon!" Ash said.

"Forretress I choose you!" Brock said.

"Pichu, Go!" Molly throws out her electric type.

"Ledian come on out!" Tomo said throwing his bug type out. It was now 5-on-5.

"Machamp Karate Chop!" Machamp tried whacking Ledian but he flew out of the way with ease.

"Comet Punch!" Ledian flew in and delivered a series of quick and painful punches.

"Heracross, Mega Horn!" Heracross flew towards Pichu with a glowing horn.

'Pichu Sweet Kiss!" Pichu kisses Heracross on the cheek causing hearts to appear in its eyes as it became confused.

"Evlon use Psychic!" Ash said as Evlon's eyes glowed brightly and caught Hitmontop in a trance, and slams him into the floor easily.

"Forretress Rapid Spin!" Brock said as Forretress spun quickly ramming into Hitmonlee.

Misty smiles at the help before turning to them. "I could have handled them you know."

"We know, but that doesn't mean we can't give you a hand." Brock said.

"Now finish these losers off." Ash smiles.

"Show them how a real Gym Leader battles." Tomo said.

"They got nothing against you Misty." Molly said.

Misty looks at all of her friends who had her back since the beginning, she couldn't help but smile. "Alright..Gloom, use Solar Beam!"

Gloom gathers sunlight in her flower before firing a powerful green beam which smashes into all 5 Fighting Pokémon causing them all to fall to the ground with swirly eyes.

All 3 of the "Invincible" Pokémon Brothers exclaimed at their lost. "No way!"

"Now get lost or else I'll make you disappear." Misty said as they ran off in a hurry.

"This isn't over!"

"We'll be back!" They shouted from afar.

"So Misty is everything alright?" Ash asks concerned. "If something's wrong you can tell us."

"It's just...I don't want to go back to the gym I want to keep traveling with you guys." Misty admits.

"Ah, I had a feeling that what this was all about." Brock said.

"We don't want you to leave either Misty." Molly said surprising her.

"Then why were you so insistent that I go?" Misty asks.

"Because we're happy for you, being a gym leader is a big deal and we don't stand in your way." Ash said.

"Yeah, plus not having you around is gonna be really weird, but wanted you to be happy." Tomo said.

"You guys." Misty smiles.

"And to be honest while we're on the topic. I also have to go home for a little bit." Brock admits.

That surprised everyone as well. "You too?"

"Yeah I guess I just didn't want to say goodbye to you guys either." Brock said.

"And well.." Tomo looks away letting his foot lose up abit. "I-I'm.."

"Y-you wanna go back to your mom and dad?" Ash asks already knowing the answer.

"I think it's time I gave them one more chance, I love having you and Molly as siblings but I think I should go be with my real parents." Tomo said.

"Tomo.." Molly felt saddened hearing this. Her big brother was gonna go?..wait..does that mean she'll have to leave everyone too?! That thought was gonna be in Molly's head.

..

As the sun was setting, they all left Viridian city and arrived at a four-way path where at one end led to Pewter City, one to Cerulean City and at the end of one Tomo's parents were waiting for him.

(Pokémon Anime BGM-Ending 1999~2001 plays)

"Well you guys..this is it." Misty said.

"Yeah I guess so." Brock said.

Tomo looks to his parents before turning to Ash. Sniffling he gives him a big hug.

"Brig bro..Ash..thanks for everything you've done for me." He sniffs.

"Anytime little bro." As they separated Ash took off his headband and tied it around Tomo's head surprising him. "Little something to remember us."

Seeing his brother-like friends bandana on his head, Tomo couldn't hold it in anymore and he started sobbing.

"I'm gonna miss you guys so much!" Tomo sobs as they all gathered in a group hug.

When they let go Tomo wipes the tears from his eyes and walks up to his parents. When he reached them he turns to his friends. "KANGAS KANGAS KANGASKHAN!"

And they all shouted with a big "KANGAS KANGASKHAN!"

Tomo waves goodbye until he disappeared down into the forest.

"Well I guess I better be going." Misty said.

"Yeah me too." Brock said.

"Guys wait!" Ash said stopping the two. "There's 2 things I gotta say and give."

Reaching into his backpack Ash pulls something out before standing up.

"Misty you were the first friend I made on my journey. I can never thank you enough for always being there for me." Ash said.

He pulled out the Mystic Water Pendant he won at the Whirl Cup.

"But this is yours. You won the Whirl Cup." Misty insists.

"I did, but you'll find a much better use for it than I will. Plus it'll give you an edge in your gym battles." Ash said placing it in her hands. "You're gonna make an amazing Gym Leader."

Misty looks to it and back at the boy she met 2 years ago. Back then he was like an outcast with that scar on his face and almost went insane...but behind it all, she remembers all the good things about what makes Ash what he is.

He was the one who have her Togepi when he was an egg.

She was there for him when that incident happened and she became his friend.

But what really sealed the deal was what he said back in Celadon City.

"I consider you a sister." Ash said simply. Misty smiled at that, "That's nice. I consider you a brother."

Tears started flowing out of her eyes as she sobbed softly before throwing herself onto Ash, hugging him.

"Keep on winning those leagues Ash." Misty sniffles.

Ash smiles with tears of his own and hugged her back. "Will do Mist.."

Once they released, Misty looked to Molly. She kneels down and opened her arms out for her.

As Molly hugs her, Misty pulls her in close. "You keep a close eye on your brother. With me gone it's up to you to keep him motivated."

Molly nodded with her sad frown still on her face.

Getting on her bike Misty pedaled off to Cerulean City.

The last 3 remaining friends waved her goodbye, and wishes her luck. "Bye Misty!" "We'll miss you!"

"Well I guess that just leaves me." Brock said. The older brother of the group.

"Brock, I'm gonna miss you so much. You were always there for me when I needed you and you...well you basically took care of all of us while we were traveling." Ash said.

"Heh, you can say that." Brock gave a short laugh. "And you guys kept me in tact."

"Well I want to give you a little something as thanks for everything." Ash said reaching into his backpack.

He pulled the Sun Stone from the Bug Catching Contest in the National Park.

"Your Sun Stone?" Brock said surprised. "But don't you want to use it to help your Pokemon?"

"I want you to have it." Ash insists.

He puts it in Brock's hands. "Whenever you look at this stone, just think of all the good times we used to had. From start to finish."

"Thanks Ash." Brock said giving him and Molly one last hug before walking down the path to Pewter City leaving just him and Molly.

"Well Mol, it's just u-"Ash was cut off when Molly and Mime Jr buried their faces into Ash's shirt.

"I don't wanna go...I don't wanna leave. I don't wanna leave you." He hears her say.

"Mime.."

"Hey hey don't worry Molly. I'm not gonna force you to go anywhere. You can stay with me and mom in Pallet Town for as long as you want." Ash assured her.

"R-Really?" She hiccuped in her sobbed. Ash nodded with a warm smile. "B-but what about Papa?"

"Don't you worry, I'll talk to him about it. Now wipe those tears." Ash said using his other new heandbad to wipe her face. "Now come on let's go home." Ash takes her hand and they walk down the path towards Pallet Town.

(End Song)


The very next day...

We were now in the familiar town of Pallet as the sun was shining brightly over the village.

As Ash woke up he saw Molly still sound asleep in her bed that they had set up.

He smiles and then gets out of bed. He goes over to Molly and kisses her forehead. "I'll never leave your side Molly."

Unknowingly, Molly slowly smiles in her sleep.

As Ash made his way out he saw Delia pouring coffee for Prof. Spencer who was sitting down.

"Oh good morning Ash." Delia said.

"Prof. Spencer?" Ash said surprised.

"Hi Ash, I saw your battles on TV, quite impressive." Spencer said.

"Oh um thanks. Not to be rude, but what are you doing here?" He asked.

"I have a big surprise for Molly and I want you to be here when it happens." Spencer said.

Ash didn't understand what was going on.

"You can come in." Delia said as a figure entered the room and Ash's eyes widen in shock before a smile forms on his face.

"Oh she is gonna love this." Ash grins.

Back with Molly as she still sleeping in her bed while holding Mime Jr.

"Mime Mime." Mime Jr snored when sunlight dropped down on their faces.

Mime Jr opened his eyes slightly and yawns. "Miime." He then pats Molly's cheek. "MimeMime."

Molly groans softly as she opens her eyes. "Ugh what time is it?"

Getting up from her bed, she looks over to Ash's bed to see he wasn't there.

"Hmm where's Ash?" Molly asks as she and Mime Jr walk out of the room and hear whispering.

"She's awake, quick hide." Ash whispered.

She rose an eyebrow, and walked inside the kitchen.

There she saw Ash, Delia and her father eating breakfast.

"Papa?" Molly said surprised to see him.

"Hi sweetie, good to see you." Spencer gave her a wave and a smile.

"I thought you were back in Greenfield, what are you doing here?" Molly asks walking to him.

"Well I have some great news, we got a job working with Prof. Oak and we're moving here to Pallet Town." Spencer said.

'Really?" Molly smiles before catching something. "Wait? We?"

Spencer grows a smile. "You, me..and.."

"And me." A female voice said walking in.

Molly turned around and saw a female figure walk in the room and her eyes widened.

The woman had Molly's exact hair color, she wore a white and blue sun hat, a yellow gown and purple coat.

"M-M-Mama?" Molly croaks out silently. "I-is that you?"

"Yes Molly it is." She smiles.

Not being able to hold it in Molly runs to her mom and hugs her tightly.

"MAMA!" She sobbed with tears of joy.

"There there sweetie I'm here." She smiles hugging her daughter. Spencer joins the hug as the three family reconnected.

Ash and Delia smile happy to see Molly back together with her parents after so long.


Later on that day...

Ash decided to leave Molly to her parents so the 3 can reconnect.

Walking to Prof. Oak's lab, he decided to check in on his Pokemon and see how Tracy and Prof. Oak were doing.

He walked inside the building. "Hello! Professor, Tracy!"

"Hey Ash!" Tracy smiles walking in. "Two Leagues won in a row, that must feel good."

"Oh thanks, I just did my best." Ash smiles.

"Well you just missed Gary, he stopped by not too long ago." Prof. Oak said getting his attention.

"Gary was here?" Ash asks.

"Yeah, he dropped off all his Pokémon, except for his Blastoise before leaving." Tracey said.

"He's leaving?" Ash asks shocked. "Did he say where he was going?"

"He said after battling you he needed to think things over and start from scratch." Prof. Oak said.

'Start over?' Ash thought confused.

..

On the outskirts of Pallet Town, Gary was leaving his hometown and was approaching Route 1.

"Gary wait up!" Turning around he saw Ash running towards him.

"Ash? What are you doing here?" Gary asks.

Ash stopped in front of him and pants abit. "I came here to find out what you're doing now?"

"I've decided to take a break from Pokemon Leagues and focus on becoming a Pokemon Researcher." Gary said.

"A Pokémon Researcher?" Ash asked surprised.

"Yeah after seeing you battle in the Johto Leagues I realized how far you've come and I realized I need to step back and learn as much as I can." Gary said before looking to NationalDex. "Seeing all those new Pokémon you and everyone keep bringing out left and right. Seeing alot of them from different lands, like how they evolve or their habitat. That really showed me I got alot to learn about Pokémon. I just gotta get out and learn more."

"Well then..you might need this." Ash reaches into his pocket and pulls out the old Pokeball and splits it in half again.

"Ash?" Gary was surprised seeing Ash hand it over to him.

"Take it, as a good luck charm and us being friends." Ash smiles.

"Thanks Ash." Gary smiles taking it. "So what's your next move gonna be?"

Ash gave a shrug. "Still trying to figure that out."

"Well you did beat the Johto League, so that gives you the right to challenge the Elite 4." Gary said.

"The Elite 4? Now that would be awesome." Ash smiles liking the sound of that.

"But that's just my thoughts. You can just stay in Pallet for awhile before thinking your next move."

"Well maybe when we meet again we can have a rematch?" Ash offers.

"Deal." Gary grins.

They fist bumped. "Take care buddy."

As Gary walks down Route 1, Ash climbed up a tree and looked out at the region.

"Everyone's gone doing their own things.." He sighs. "What am I gonna do?"

His belt suddenly wiggled and one of his Pokéballs opened up.

"La?" Mei-Mei said appearing next to him.

"Mei-Mei?" He straighten up in his seat. "What's up?"

"LaLa." She said before gesturing to the region suggesting they should do some traveling.

"Hmm maybe but where?" Ash asks when suddenly something flew over them. "What's that?" Ash said squinting his eyes to get a better look saw what was in the sky flying out of the clouds with a gasp. "Now way!"

It was a good colored phoenix Pokémon flying through the sky. Ash recalled seeing a mural back in Ecruteak City similar to the Pokémon he sees before him. "I don't believe it. It's..Ho-Oh."

"Latias." Mei-Mei said in awe when something shiny fell from Ho-Oh and floated down towards them.

Jumping off of the tree, Ash leaps down and runs to whatever it was. He held out his hands and Mei-Mei and him sees a red,white and green feather.

"Woah ." Ash said as he and Mei-Mei looked at it in awe. Ash held it and hears in jingle as it glows. Looking up Ash sees Ho-Oh flying futher away and disappeared to the sky.

"He's going to the Hoenn region." Ash realized. Pausing for a moment he looks to Mei-Mei. "Interested?"

Mei-Mei thought about it before crying out happily, saying she's up for a new adventure.


Back in Pallet Town, Ash was sitting down talking with everyone about his plans.

"So you wish to go the Hoenn Region?" Prof. Oak asks.

"I sure do." Ash nodded. "Everyone's out doing their own thing or going on new journeys. And as for me, I gotta do the same. When I found out about Blaziken, Tyranitar and even Latios and Latias could Mega Evolve, I just have to learn more." He tells them. "So that's why in 2 weeks, I'm heading off to Hoenn."

"2 weeks, why that long?" Tracy asks.

"Well that way I could relax awhile, hang out with my family and Pokémon and also train them until then." Ash said.

"And this way you can stay in town for Molly's birthday." Spencer adds.

"Oh yeah I almost forgot." Ash said and rubbed Molly's head. "Your big day's coming up."

"Hey Ash, you think when you go to Hoenn I can go with you?" Molly asks.

"Well of course, who else is gonna cheer for me during all my battles?" Ash smiles.

"Yes!" Molly cheered. "Thanks Ash!"

Molly jumps up and hugs him tightly causing Ash to laugh as he hugs her back.

"She really does love him like a brother do she?" Spencer asks her wife, Sofia.

"It's good to see Molly and Ash are still as close as when they were growing up together." She smiles.

If only she was there before..that happened.

The next day...

Ash was helping Molly and Spencer move into their new home which was down the street from his.

Molly was overjoyed with this. That way she could visit Ash whenever she wanted to.

As Ash was carrying a few boxes in Sophia walks up to him. "Ash can you and I have a little talk?" She asks as she puts them down.

"Sure Mrs. Hale, what is it?" He asks.

Walking outside the two of them sat down.

"I want to thank you for taking care of Molly for so long." She said.

"Don't worry about it, I'm just happy she's happy." Ash replied with a smile.

"I just wish I was around for it." Sophia frowns.

"Uh Mrs. Hale, if you don't mind me asking what happened to you?" Ash asks.

He sees her hat shadowed her eyes as she held her chest, causing Ash to retract his statement.

"Uh you know what, I'm sorry. Just forget what I've sa-"

"No it's fine." He heard her say. "I'm ready to explain."

Ash stayed silent as he heard her explanation on where she have been.

"It all started when my Husband and I started researching the Unknown. It was the beginning of Spencer's research and he didn't have much funding to send a whole team, so I volunteered to go lead the search, but like with Spencer when I discovered the site I was pulled into the world of Unknown like him."

Ash gasps. "Y-you were?"

"Yes, in fact shortly after you and your friends saved Molly I was able to escape just like Spencer did. When I returned home I had discovered that Spencer has asked you to take Molly on your journey a few weeks ago."

"I didn't knew about that..Mrs. Hale I'm so sorry." Ash said.

"Why? I should be thanking you. It's thanks to you, Spencer and I were able to come home to Molly." Sophia smiles.

"Oh come on, it was nothing really." Ash said rubbing his neck.

"Yes it was." Sophia tells him. "We owe you our lives and our severe gratitude." She said before kissing his forehead. "Thank you Ash."

"Y-You're welcome." Ash smiles.

"I know Molly is going to enjoy traveling with you some more and I know you'll watch over her." Sophia said.

He nodded. "I'll watch over her with my life."

"Good boy. Now come on if Spencer finds out we made him do all the heavy moving we'll never hear the end of it." She giggles causing Ash to laugh.

And the two gets up and went back to the moving.

A few days later...

They were finally moved in and Molly was sitting at the table as Delia places a birthday cake in front of her.

"Happy 6th Birthday Molly!"

She along with Mime Jr blew out the candles.

Everyone cheered as a picture was taken. "This is the best birthday ever." Molly smiles as Ash handed her a slice.

"What you wished for?" He asks.

"Can't tell ya or it won't come true." Molly giggles.

"Here Molly this is from Ash and I." Delia said handing her a present.

Molly opens up the box and she see a new pack of clothes.

"Since we're going to Hoenn, you gotta have a new look." Ash smiles.

Molly opens it to reveal a white t-shirt with a blue Pokéball on it, a dark blue skirt, and a silver jacket.

"Wow it's so cute. I love it!" She said happily and hugged the two.

"You're welcome Molly." Delia smiles.

"I believe it's our turn now." Spencer said holding out a small box.

"For our little princess." Sophia smiles. As Molly opens it, she gasped seeing a pink and creamed colored Pokéball. A Heal Ball.

"Ooh pretty." Molly said picking it up.

"It's a Heal Ball, when a Pokémon is caught in it, it instantly is healed." Spencer explains.

"Speaking of which, I think something is inside ready to meet you." Sophia smiles.

Molly gasps as she realized they got her a new Pokemon. Quickly grabbing it she opens it.

On the table appeared a familiar blue elephant Pokémon. "Phan?" It yawned.

"A Phanpy?!" Molly gasped.

"Happy Birthday, sweetie do you like your new Pokémon?" Spencer asks.

The Phanpy looks to Molly and smiled. "Phanpy!" It leaps into her arms.

"I love it!" Molly said hugging Phanpy.

"Mime!" Mime Jr joined in too.

Suddenly the phone started to ring walking to it they saw three calls. Turning it on they saw Brock, Misty and Tomo on screen.

"Happy Birthday Molly!" They all said.

"You guys!" Molly and Ash smiled seeing their old friends.

"You didn't think we'd forget your special day, did you?" Misty asks.

"I'm happy you remember. We miss you guys." Molly said.

"We do too, but Ash told us how you moved to Pallet Town. We're really happy for you." Brock said.

"Now you won't feel really lonely again." Tomo said.

"Thanks you guys. I wish you all were here." Molly said.

"So do we." All 3 said.

"So how's the gym leader life, Misty?" Ash asks.

"You're not gonna believe who came by my gym a few days ago. It was Casey and Sakura." Misty said.

"Really?" He said surprised. "Wow they're in Kanto too?"

"Well Casey just came for the Electabuzz game." Misty chuckles.

"Well it sounds like Sakura might take on the Indigo League." Brock said.

"Yep, she said after seeing Ash win the Johto League she wants to be like him." Misty said.

"Aw gee." Ash chuckles with a slight blush rubbing his neck.

"Wow Ash, you've turned into quite the role model." Tomo said.

"You're better off being a Pokémon Teacher." Brock laughs.

"Prof. Ash Ketchum, huh it's got a nice ring to it." Spencer chuckles.

"Oh not you too Professor.." Everyone laughed before they all sat down for cake.

One week later..

It's been a whole week since Molly's birthday. We find both her along with Ash at Prof. Oak's Lab in the corral with all of their Pokémon.

"So Ash what Pokémon are you gonna take with you to Hoenn?" Tracey asks.

"Well since I'm going to a new region, I gotta start fresh with maybe a few Pokémon." Ash said.

Ash looks to Mewtwo who was sitting by the lake with Maelstrom. "Those two were a big help in Johto, they've earned some time off.

Looking up at the sky he sees Mei-Mei flying around. "Hey, since Hoenn is where Latias are known for, I guess I can take her."

"And plus it never hurts to have a Pokémon that can Mega Evolve." Prof. Oak said.

He pulled out Ash's Keystone and Mega Stones.

"Have you finished your research on them?" Ash asks.

"For now. These two offer very different powers but each one grants the same thing, a great increase in powers." Prof. Oak said.

"I've contacted Prof. Scycamore from the Kalps Region, and he was utterly shocked hearing about the other Mega Evolution Pokémon." He added.

"Wait he knows Pokemon that can Mega Evolve?" Ash asks.

"Oh yes, He is rather different kind of man than to me, Prof. Birch or Prof. Elm." Prof. Oak says handing them back to Ash. "I think he would love to study these when you arrive in Kalos one day."

"Maybe he can show you where you can find some." Molly said.

"Maybe." Ash said. "But back to what I was saying, who else to use.."

Looking around Ash saw Rune walking with one of his Pokémon he hasn't used in a long while. His Shiny Ralts, Grace.

"I bet Grace would love a chance to see the region for a bit."

"Well that's two."

"Phanpy Phan." Gaia said running towards him.

"Gaia." Ash smiled holding him. "How've you been buddy?"

"You know, I think you're Phanpy's starting to get a little big Ash." Tracy said.

"Yeah he's definitely not a little baby anymore." Ash said.

"Hey let's take him with us." Molly said.

"What do you say Gaia? Want to come with me again?" Ash asks.

"Phanpy." Gaia smiles.

"Now who else should I take?" Ash said looking around. 'Hmm Inferno, Riptide and Sakura were a big help in Johto but I think they could use a rest.'

He sees Talon flying above the sky next to Mei-Mei and Mystic was swimming in the water with Triton. 'Talon and Mystic's been with me since day 1. I think they deserve abit of a break too.'

Turning towards a field he saw Pikachu with Small One. 'Pikachu and Small One really stepped up in the League, maybe they could be good choices.'

Speaking of those two.

(Pokémon Translator, Activate!)

"We saw you battle with Ash in the semifinals." Small One said.

"I've been doing a lot of practice here." Pikachu said.

"You were..pretty good." She said complimented him.

"Oh..um Thanks." He said trying not to sound awkward.

"When we first met I was hesitant about you but now...maybe there's hope for you." Small One smiles.

Pikachu grew a smile onto his face. "W-Wow, thank you."

The two electric rodents looked at the other before seconds later they realized what they were doing and looked away with flushed faces.

(Translation End)

Ash walked around and noticed Alpha standing on a stump looking out at the field.

"Hey Alpha." Ash said walking up to him.

"Saur." Alpha smiles.

He pats his head. "So how's keeping an eye on all of the Pokémon?"

"Saur Saur Ivysaur." Alpha said.

"Anyone looking particularly eager to get out and travel?" Ash asks.

Alpha scouts his eyes around and saw two of the new guys around trying to catch the other in the trees. Ash's Aipom, Dexter and Ash's Elekid, Joules.

"Ivysaur." Alpha points.

"You really do keep tabs on everyone here." Ash said impressed.

"Aipom! Aipom!" Dexter teases Joules from above the trees.

"Bi! Bi! Bi!" Joules yells running after him.

She spun her arms around, trying to zap him with Thunderbolt.

"Pom!" Dexter screams ducking behind a tree trunk which took the attack.

"Dexter! Joules!" Ash shouted towards them.
Both Pokemon jump startled turning towards him. Will you two knock it off?" Ash said crossing his arms. "I was gonna ask either of you a question."

"Bi?/Pom?" Both Pokémon ask curiously.

"How would you two like to come to Hoenn with me?" Ash offers. Both Johto native Pokémon gasped hearing this. "Yeah, interested now?" Ash smirks.

"Pom!Aipom!" Dexter raises his hand saying "Take me! I wanna go!"

"Bibibi!" So did Joules.

Ash smiles seeing he got the perfect team to start the new region.


The 2nd week has passed...

We find Delia in her garden, planting new flowers with all of her Pokémon. Her giant Bulbasaur evolved into an Ivysaur. Queen, her Nidoran, evolved into a Nidorina. Munch, her Squirtle evolved into a Wartortle. Koi, her Goldeen evolved into a Seaking. They evolved over the time Ash left Pallet Town and she loved the new help around to keep her company.

"Good morning Delia!"

"Good morning Spencer." Delia greeted him as he and Sophia looked at the garden and noticed her new Victreebell sleeping in the soil.

"I must say Delia your Victreebel must really love sleeping in your garden." Sophia giggled.

"Yes, he does keep the Mukrow away from my vegetables." Delia said.

"Well you do know what day this is right?" Spencer asked.

"Yep, these two weeks went by so fast." Delia said standing up.

"How is Ash? Is he ready?" Sophia asks.

"Of course, you know my son by now Sophia." Delia giggled as we see from the upstairs part of the house in Ash's room a gloved hand grabs some goggles. "Is Molly prepared too?" Delia asks.

"She's got up early. She's excited." Spencer said.

..

In Molly's room, she was in her new clothes from her birthday and she puts a new bow in her hair.

"You guys ready to go?" Molly asks turning to them.

"Mime!"

"Phanpy!" Both Pokémon jumps into Molly's arms.

..

Back with the adults...

The front door opened up and the adults looked to see coming out of it was the familiar Pokémon Trainer they loved.

Ash too was also in some new clothes.

Ash was wearing a red sleeveless jacket with a white collar and stripe, black undershirt, a yellow backpack, baggy blue jeans with the same running shoes he'a gotten from his birthday.

On his head he was wearing 2 things, one the new headband he gotten from Brock and something he hasn't worn since he bought them: a pair of black and silver goggles.

(Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald Anime Title Theme)

"Wow Ash, I like the new outfit." Sophia said.

"Gotta thank mom for it." Ash smiles fitting his black and red gloves he's gotten from her.

"You got everything you need?" Spencer asks as Ash grabs his new yellow backpack.

"Hm let's see, Pokéballs, check. Clothes and items, check. Mega and Key Stone." Ash pulled his Mega pendant. "Check. Little Sister?"

"Check!" Molly said walking down the street.

"There you are." Ash grins. "Anything else?"

"Wait! Hold it!" Looking up the street they saw Prof. Oak and Tracey quickly making their way towards them.

"Don't think you can foget us yet." Tracey pants.

"We wanted to give you a little something before you leave." Prof. Oak said.

Prof. Oak pulled out a red rectangular device out of his pockets. Ash gasped. "Woah a new PokéDex!"

(Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Model)

"I've done the liberty of giving you a new. I've worked on this PokéDex for days and I hope it'll be in good use for you. It has not only information of every Hoenn Pokémon you meet, but I've also taken the liberty of upgrading it to a National Dex for you Ash."

"Thanks Prof. Oak." Ash smiles putting it in his pocket.

"All your Pokémon are rairing to go too." Tracy said holding out Ash's and Molly's Pokéballs. Ash and Molly takes them, but Molly didn't see a new Pokéball that was miscounted from what she wanted. "Oh hey Ash, here's your Pokégear." Tracy handed the device to him.

"We programmed it so you can use it for anything you might need in Hoenn." Prof. Oak said.

"Thanks Professor. Thanks Tracey." Ash and Molly smiled.

"Do you have the tickets to the ferry?" Delia asks and Ash pulls his an envelope.

"Yup, go to Seafoam Island and we'll be in Littleroot Town in no time." Ash nodded.

"Well be safe and have fun you two." Spencer said giving them both a hug.

"Ash, Molly be sure to call us when you arrive." Sophia said.

"We will mama." Molly smiles hugging her.

"Good luck Ash." Delia said hugging her son.

"I'll bring another trophy home this time, too." Ash grins.

With their renewed sense of determination, Ash along with Molly said goodbye to their family and friends.

..

Once reaching Seafoam Island, Ash and Molly boarded the ferry and they took off.

"Well Molly, it's gonna be us for awhile." Ash said as they looked afar towards the sea.

"I don't mind, this just means we can try making new friends in Hoenn." Molly said.

"That's the spirit." Ash smiled holding her close and pats Mime Jr on the head making it laugh. He pats the jacket pocket where he puts the feather from Ho-oh. They look towards the distant sea.

'Hoenn, here we come.'

Saying goodbye could be hard, but moving foward could be harder too. But that's why Ash would want to keep going. To be one of the strongest Pokémon trainers there is, and with his Pokémon by his side, he'll get there someday.

As their Johto Journeys come to a close, an Advanced Adventure is on the horizon for Ash and Molly. As their journey continues, into Hoenn.

(Song Ends)


Location: Somewhere in someplace...

In a dark room somewhere, we find a face we haven't seen for a long time petting his Persian, Giovanni: Leader of Team Rocket.

"I ask of you, what is Team Rocket?" He asked to shadows down in front of him.

One spotlight shined down to reveal a woman with long magenta hair, wearing a black and white uniform with a big red "R" on the front.

"Team Rocket is a fearful and evil organization that is spearheading the Pokémon World now and forever."

"What are our objectives?" Giovanni asks as the 2nd spotlight appeared, now showing a man with blue hair wearing a male version of the uniform.

"To steal each and every strong or rare Pokémon."

"And finally, to what end?" And the final light shows a cream coloured cat with a coin on its head as it spoke.

"To create the mightiest Pokémon army for world domination." He spoke in a Brooklyn accent.

"I took a gamble getting you three out of prison and reinstating you in our training program. Don't make me regret this decision." Giovanni said.

"Understood Giovanni sir." The trio bowed. "It'll never happen again."

"Your assignment will be to go to the Hoenn Region and while you're spreading the fear of Team Rocket you are to be on the lookout for the other organizations Hoenn is known for." Giovanni said.

"Their goals aren't the same as ours are they?" The man guessed.

"No, they are trying to expand the sea or expand the land so that one is able to overcome the other." Giovanni shook his head.

"Interesting and insane at the same time." The woman said.

"I have no interest in involving Team Rocket with them, but if they get in our way don't hesitate to get rid of them." Giovanni orders.

"You have our word sir." Meowth nods.

"I've done the liberty on getting the Pokémon for you." Giovanni said as he pressed a button.

A small hatch opened up and Pokéballs appeared in front of them.

"I expect to hear good news of your achievements in Hoenn. Am I clear?"

"Yes sir." All three of them said as the lights dimmed out.

It appears some old "friends" are about to make a comeback.


End of the Gold and Silver

It's over. It's FINALLY over! After 3 long years I've finally finished Starting Things Differently!

What a ride I tell you that. Alot of bad moments, rushed moments, good moments and exciting ones all together. But in the end I've done it.

Kyuubisama201, if you're out there somewhere, I want you to know, I wish to thank you for allowing me to find this amazing story and I hope you aren't upset with me with continuing it.

Yes, I am still going to the Hoenn Region.

Ash is wearing what Red wore during Gen III of Pokémon, but minus the hat.

I wanna thank a comment for reminding me about Ash's goggles he wore back on the final chapter of the original STD story.

Also I have a request, if you are a artist, I was hoping one of you could probably draw Ash in these clothes. Not Photoshop, an ACTUAL drawing. Please and thank you.

So please stay tuned for when I start the Ruby and Sapphire arc! Not on here, but on a new story. So make sure you look out for it.

Also sorry for uploading this again. I had to delete the song from the last chapter so I wouldn't get terminated.