A.N.- Here's the next chapter of Children of Arceus, the next chapter for my Harry Potter ficts is in progress atm. However, I cannot say when exactly I will be able to upload it as University work, my job and social life has taken almost all the time I have. This does not mean I have abandoned any of my stories. Enjoy and I will upload whenever I can.

Chapter 6: Celadon Showdown & The Wild Safari

"I've never been the best at this…speaking about my feelings, especially around you." A lone male voice broke the silence amidst a solemn graveyard as he placed a fresh bouquet of white roses on the ground in front of the gravestone.

The headstone read:

In Loving Memory of Victoria,

Beloved daughter, sister and friend.

"Erika's doing very well at the helm of the gym...you must be really proud of her…I know I am." The lone soul said quietly to the memory of the woman he cherished in front of him, closing his eyes as the wind gently caressed his face.

"You remember my little brother…who said you were going to infect me with your cooties when you came over to visit?" The still figure allowed himself to laugh at the memory.

"He's been carving out his own path to become a Pokémon master to fulfill the promise between us…as his older brother, I can't help but feel so proud and…excited." He poured out. "I know, I know…maybe I should let him know more often…you've always told me to open myself to people, you believed in the good in every person…it's why I…developed feelings for you…so this is all your fault."

He laughed humorlessly and whispered. "There hasn't been a day, where I have not missed you…that's the effect you have over me."

The wind blew again. He smiled halfheartedly as the wind blew against his chin length chestnut brown hair.

"I'm close…Vi, so close to getting the justice that was never given to you." He admitted darkly as the winds blew violently, pleading at him.

"I can't simply put my hatred aside and I never will, until I have completed what I have set out to do…" He replied in a tone that people close to him would have never attributed to him.

"I don't expect you to accept the person I am now…but I hope you can understand."

The wind gently caressed his face in response.

"Huh?...Ah...I agree, it's quite beautiful." He agreed as he turned his head and gazed at the dawn of a new day as the radiant sun rose, dispelling the darkness across the lands.

As the phantom turned around, the wind blew again, bidding him to take care.

"I will, don't worry…" He smiled. "Until next time..."

As the lone figure approach the stone stairs for his downward trek, he spied a figure treading up with a bouquet of flowers. The gentle wind gently blew against the newcomer's long pink hair as her light aqua eyes met his darker ocean ones.

Ash woke up with content; as he got out of the bed in his room at the Pokémon Center, ready to challenge Erika for the Rainbow badge. He was raring to go as he finished brushing his teeth and donned on his white colored sleeveless hoodie and dark pants.

Walking out of the Pokémon Center with his six Pokémon, he and Brock began their track to Celadon City Gym.

"Pikapi…pikapika" Pikachu told his companion.

"That's the spirit, Pikachu!" He echoed as Brock shook his head with amusement at the duo.

As promised, Erika was waiting for the duo at the entrance of the floral like building that was Celadon City gym. She was clad in a traditional yellow kimono with floral patterns and a red headband.

"Hello Ash, please…follow me to the arena where we will battle." She greeted simply as Ash nodded. As they navigated through the corridors and hallways, Ash had to sigh when he saw that Brock had hearts in his eyes whenever a female staff of the gym passed their way.

"Don't mind him, he's always like this." Ash informed Erika who merely giggled.

"And…here we are," Erika motioned with a delicate hand at the simple arena that resembled that of a green house, "Good luck."

Ash nodded as Erika walked to the opposite end of the arena and turning around to face him.

"This will be an official gym battle between Erika, gym leader of Celadon City and the challenger Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town. This is a 3 on 3 battle, there will be no time limit. Trainers, please select your first Pokémon." The referee stated.

"Charmander, you're up." Ash threw the Pokéball and watched as Charmander appeared on the field.

"Bellsprout, I have need of your assistance." Erika tossed her Pokéball towards the arena and out came the flower Pokémon.

"Charmander, start things off with Flamethrower." Ash shouted.

"Use protect!" Erika calmly said as a spherical green barrier enclosed Bellsprout, shielding it from the flames with relative ease.

"Our chance to counter, Bellsprout! Use Grass Knot!" Erika responded as Bellsprout was surrounded by a green aura and Charmander found itself tied down as grass below its feet sprang out.

"Use Energy Ball!" Bellsprout charged a greenish-blue ball of energy before lauching it at the tied down Charmander.

"Use Slash to destroy those Grass Knots and dodge!" Ash went on the defensive as Charmander made short work of the grass tying its legs down before dodging the oncoming Energy Ball attack from Bellsprout.

"You fell for it." Erika mused as Bellsprout vaulted into the air with Vine Whip, "Finish it with SolarBeam."

With enough sunlight gathered, Bellsprout blasted a powerful bundled beam of white energy towards Ash's Charmander.

"Charmander, Inferno!" Charmander opened its mouth and shot out a powerful burst of blue stream of fire surrounded by dark blue rings.

The two attacks met each other causing a violet reaction as both Pokémon were flung back.

As the dust cleared, both Pokémon had recovered and were once again facing each other.

"That was a close one, that Bellsprout is stronger than I imagined." Ash murmured. Charmander gave a low growl in agreement. "Alright, Charmander…resume the fight with Fire Spin!"

Charmander opened its mouth and a spiraling flame is released at the opponent from its mouth.

"So predictable, Bellsprout use Reflect!" Erika called out as Bellsprout raised its leafed hands and a wondrous wall of light was formed in front of it, protecting it from the hazardous fire attack and redirecting it back at Charmander.

"Dodge it." Ash was forced to retreat. "Bellsprout, use Vine Whip and then Venoshock!" Erika called out. Bellsprout's vines caught Charmander and constricted it tightly as Bellsprout drenched it with a nasty green acidic liquid.

"Charmander!" Ash called out worryingly, this was not good as Charmander showed signs of being poisoned.

"Bellsprout, use Slam!" Erika calmly commanded as Bellsprout forcefully slammed into Charmander, causing the small fire lizard to be thrown back from the force and onto the ground in a dazed heap.

"Charmander is unable to battle, Bellsprout wins!" The referee raised a flag.

"You've done well, I underestimated our opponent…it wasn't your fault." Ash said as he recalled Charmander and turned to face his opponent. "Your Bellsprout is very strong."

"I have had her since I was a small girl," his opponent responded with pride, "a piece of advice, all the Pokémon I use in official gym matches are grass-types, did you really think that I would not train my Pokémon to resist Fire-types?" Erika asked, tilting her head.

"You got me there," Ash muttered as he pulled out another Pokéball, "Gible, you're up."

Ash called out as he tossed his Pokéball and his land-shark Pokémon appeared onto the battlefield.

"Bellsprout, use Razor Leaf." Erika commanded as the flower Pokémon launched a barrage of razor sharp leaves from the two leaves on its stem like body.

"Gible use Dig!" The land shark Pokémon was all too happy as it burrowed into the ground, rendering the Razor Leaf attack useless.

"Emerge and use Dragon Rush!" Ash instructed.

"Bellsprout!" Erika cried as Gible surfaced from the ground in the blink of an eye, enveloped in a blue light and slammed into Bellsprout causing the flower Pokémon to be thrown back.

When the dust settled, Erika saw her Pokémon with twirls in its eyes.

"Bellsprout is unable to battle! Gible wins!" The referee signaled.

"Thank you so much for your help. You were great." Erika smiled gently as she recalled her Pokémon.

"Gloom, I have need of your help!" She tossed another Pokéball and a blue, bipedal Pokémon with a red flower on top of its head appeared with a flash. Immediately a foul gagging stench made its way into Ash's nostrils, making his eyes water though he tried not to make a big deal of it and risk offending the Pokémon. First Haunter paralyzing all senses on his face now his nose.

"I have to be careful, Gible is part ground type…I have to end this quick." He thought and turned his focus onto the battle, "Gible, use Flamethrower!"

"Gloom, Protect and counter with Sludge Bomb!" Erika counteracted. A green sphere of energy surrounded Gloom, protecting it from the searing flames and opening its mouth, shot out a stream of sludge at the land shark Pokémon.

"Use Sandstorm, then Dig!" Ash called out as Gible waved its right arm to kick up the sand and waving its left to create a raging sandstorm and promptly burrowed into the ground.

"Gloom, fill the arena with Petal Dance!" Erika clenched her fist. Pink petals were released by Gloom from the flower on top of its head and filled the arena.

"Gible, use Dragon Rage!" Ash shouted over the sandstorm as Gible emerged with a red-orange fireball charged in its mouth and launched it at Gloom just as Petal Dance began to affected it.

"Gloom! Protect!" Erika exclaimed as her Pokémon erected a barrier around itself as the fireball engulfed it and as the flames dispelled, she was relieved to find that it was not in critical condition as it fell back with swirls in its eyes.

"Gloom is unable to battle! Gible wins!" The referee announced. "Have a nice rest. You did great!" Erika consoled her Pokémon as she recalled it.

She turned her attention to her opposition and smiled as Gible was feeling the full force of Petal Dance as it attempted to shake out of its confused state.

Pulling out her third Pokéball containing her last Pokémon she smiled as she tossed it. "It's down to you, Shiftry!"

Ash stiffened as Erika's last Pokémon appeared. It was a large brown bipedal Pokémon with long, shaggy, white-mane that covered most of its face along with long ears, pointed nose and a large mouth with gritted teeth. And finally, it has three broad leaves with brown spokes on its hands.

"Shiftry, use Leaf Storm!" Erika shouted as Shiftry slapped its glowing leaf-like hands together and cyclone of razor sharp leaves shot towards the disoriented Gible.

"Use Flamethrower to burn those leaves." Ash called out. Gible, although in a hazy state of mind still managed to open its mouth and released a torrent jet of fire hot fire that burnt all the barrage of leaves to ashes.

"You played right into my hands…Shiftry use Feint Attack!" Erika smiled.

"What?!" Ash exclaimed as Shiftry appeared out of thin air behind Gible and delivered a grimacing worthy kick that launched it into the air.

"End this battle with Solarbeam!" Erika swept her hand down. Shiftry's hands glowed white as it opened its mouth and unleashed a thick bundled beam of white energy that hit its intended mark.

"Gible!" Ash called out with worry, Gible being part ground type was susceptible to Grass-type attacks and in this case a direct hit was worrying.

"Gible is unable to battle! Shiftry wins!" The referee said.

"Great work out there, Gible...now take a good long rest." Ash said as he recalled his Pokémon. Now he knew what Gary meant when he said that Erika was not just ordinarily tough. He had seen the other Pokémon she had used just a day ago that were not grass-types. She certainly was making him work for it, which was fine by him.

"Pikachu, you're up!" Ash said as Pikachu leapt from his shoulder and onto the arena.

Meanwhile, Erika remained calm as ever as she surveyed Ash's Pikachu. "Interesting." She thought inwardly.

"Pikachu, start things off with Thunder!" Ash shouted.

"Pika-Chuuuu!" Pikachu cried out as it's cheeks sparkled and fired a massive beam of electricity from its body at the opponent.

"Shiftry use Double Team!" Erika instructed as Shiftry's body glowed as it generated multiple copies of itself, grinning at the small electric mouse.

"Alright, Pikachu…use Discharge!" Ash instructed as sparks of electricity appeared on Pikachu's cheeks.

"Piiiika!" Pikachu then released multiple yellow beams of electricity from its body at the numerous Shiftrys in front of it.

"Not so fast, Shiftry use rock Tomb in front of you!"

The real Shiftry jumped into the air and landed hard on the ground, causing giant rocks to erupt from the ground that was strong enough to withstand the Discharge attack from Pikachu.

"Pikachu use Volt Tackle!" Pikachu charged at Shiftry, its body surrounded by golden electricity.

"Shiftry, counter with Leaf Tornado!" Shiftry jumped into the air and spinning its body created a green tornado that went to envelop Pikachu.

"Pikachu, jump through it!" Ash ordered as Pikachu bravely burrowed through the green tornado. Erika's eyes widened as Pikachu appeared out from the end of Leaf Tornado and hit Shiftry with Volt Tackle, sending it backwards.

"So that's the power of his starter…" Erika thought as Shiftry got back on its feet.

"Shiftry, use Energy Ball!"

"Dodge it with Agility!"

Pikachu ran on all fours as it leapt side to side as it narrowly dodged the ball of greenish-blue energy.

"Wild Charge, now!" Ash cried as Pikachu shrouded itself in electricity and once again charged at its opposition.

"Meet it with Giga Impact!" Erika directed as a yellow-orange energy covered Shiftry's body. A purple energy sphere formed around the Wicked Pokémon as it burst towards Pikachu, meeting it head on.

The two collided at the center of the battlefield, neither willing to back down and as a result, both Pikachu and Shiftry were sent flying back due to the force exerted from their respective attacks.

"Shiftry!"

"Pikachu!"

Both trainers called out to their Pokémon as the dust settled. Pikachu and Shiftry were both panting as bruises covered their bodies.

"Quick Attack!" Pikachu sped towards its opponent as it left a silver trail behind it.

"Brick Break!" Shiftry's right hand glowed white as Pikachu slammed into it, and countered as it landed a heavy hard blow at the small electric mouse.

"Iron Tail! Now!" Pikachu's lightning bolt-shaped tail glowed white as the yellow mouse before slamming across Shiftry's face.

The force tossed Shiftry back and onto the ground with a loud thud as Pikachu landed on its stomach, evidently Shiftry's Brick Break attack had gravely injured it.

It struggled to stand up as Shiftry was doing the same. Just as the grass-type Pokémon was just about on its feet, it fell forward onto the ground in a heap knocked out cold.

"Shiftry is unable to battle! Pikachu wins!" The referee signaled the end of the match.

Erika smiled as she approached her Shiftry and stroked its white mane.

"You did well, my friend. Have a nice rest." She said softly and giggled as it growled its discontent at its loss.

"We'll work on it..." Erika replied as she recalled Shiftry back into its Pokéball.

"Pikachu, are you alright?" Ash rushed over to his first Pokémon.

"Pika…Pikapi." Pikachu bit out tiredly, its body was covered with bruises and a particularly nasty purple blotch just below its arm on the torso.

"You did well, ketchup's on me." Ash smiled as Pikachu's ears shot up. Carefully, he gathered Pikachu in one hand as Erika approached him.

"That was a wonderful battle," Erika smiled, "As a symbol of your victory, I present you the Rainbow Badge."

She handed the young trainer a badge that resembled a flower with rainbow petals.

"Thanks Erika, you're really strong opponent." Ash responded as he safely stowed the badge in his case.

"I had two great teachers." Erika smiled warmly at the memories.

Ash then remembered something as he spoke up, "Why didn't you use your Venasaur during our battle?"

"Veronique?" Erika began, "Well, there are several reasons. First being that she's not technically my Pokémon and I doubt trainers would appreciate facing such a strong Pokémon so early in their journey to compete in the Indigo League."

"She's not your Pokémon?" Ash asked, surprised as he'd seen how well she command it.

"No, she was my sister's first Pokémon," Erika shook her head, "And I don't feel it's in my place to ask her to battle for me…if she doesn't want to."

"Oh I'm sorry-" Ash apologized.

"It's okay…no harm done. I wish you all the best on your future battles…my assistant will show you the way out." Erika bowed slightly as she turned to leave the arena.

"That was some battle. That was a great performance, the last round especially." Brock whistled as Ash approached him.

"Yeah...that was definitely no walk in the park. Let's get back to the Pokémon Center before we head off back to the road." Ash said as they left the arena and following a staff of the gym, got back onto the busy streets of Celadon City.

After sending her Pokéballs containing Bellsprout, Gloom and Shiftry to the local Pokémon Center through a transfer system, Erika freed her hair from her red headband and settled down on a comfortable cushion in a meditative pose. She poured herself an aromatic glass of green tea and hummed as she took a sip.

It was then that she heard lumbering footsteps approaching, standing up she walked towards the door and slid it open. "

Oh, hello Veronique. Did you enjoy your sun bath?" She enquired as she gently rubbed the Venasaur's head with affection.

It growled in response as Erika laughed. "Oh? You saw the match?"

The large Venasaur growled again and Erika stopped smiling. "I didn't want to force you into anything…it will always be your choice. And I'm no where as strong as sister was…so I won't ask until I become just as strong as her."

Veronique protested with indignation at the words.

"You think so?" The dark haired woman asked.

Her large companion growled again, louder this time. "I'm…honored that you believe so…" She said gently, "Will you help me grow stronger…help this gym blossom further?"

Veronique growled in agreement as vines shot out gently out from its body and gently wiped the tears that were trailing down Erika's cheeks.

Brock watched with amusement as Ash took a large bite out of his hamburger in front of him at a café while Pikachu was enjoying its ketchup, which garnered several curious looks from other customers.

"So where are we heading next?" He asked as he took a bite of his food.

"Fuchsia City. Then Cinnabar Island." Ash responded as he swallowed contently.

"Nice, we might actually pass by the Safari Zone…I've heard rumors of some pretty unique Pokémon there." Brock commented and sweat dropped as Ash piled another plate to an already tall stack of plates.

"Yeah, I wanted to see it for myself and don't worry," Ash replied, noticing his friend's look. "I've got enough money to cover this."

Brock nodded, still too stunned to speak. The boy seemed to have a bottomless stomach. After paying the bill, the trio returned back onto the road with enthusiasm for a new chapter in their adventure.

In the skies of a quiet and peaceful Pallet Town, a black shadow could be seen in the distance as it approached nearer and nearer with great speeds and descending downwards to the front yard of a particular house.

Luckily, it was late in the afternoon and people at Pallet were rather private as no one noticed the black colored Charizard and its rider landing in front of the Ketchum household.

"It…hasn't change much…has it, Brood?" Alec asked as he gave his fearsome companion a gentle pat. It growled contently at the action but snorted afterwards.

"Patience, I haven't faced anyone strong enough that warrants me sending you on…you'll just end up feeling disappointed." Alec explained to the powerful Pokémon next to him as it growled with reluctant agreement.

"If it makes you feel better, Salamance is just as irritated about the situation." Brood growled in annoyance as his companion mentioned his eternal rival.

To say the two disliked each other was putting it lightly as their rivalry had begun when both Pokémon were in their pre-evolved form. Sure, they respected each other's strengths but that did not mean they were best buddies.

"Though, I'm sure our next opponent will be quite difficult…I hear she has a Garchomp that has yet to be defeated once…as strong as Lance's Dragonite…or even stronger." He said as his Charizard's ears perked up.

"Knew that'd get your fire burning. You might finally get a fight to look forward to." Alec smiled as he saw the burning flames ignited in his Charizard's crimson eyes before he returned him into his Pokéball.

Bracing himself, he gently knocked on the front door of his…home. The door opened revealing Mimey, broom in hand.

"Mime, Mime Mime!" Mimey was filled with enthusiasm as it gave Alec a big hug.

"You're looking well Mimey…" Alec smiled, very often Delia would have to supervise her hugely popular restaurant, which she abhorred, but Mimey was always enthusiastic when asked to take care of Alec and Ash.

"Mime, Mime, Mime!" It cried.

"Mimey? What's with the ruckus?" Delia walked into the view wearing a white apron on top of her violet skirt and pink blouse. As she saw who was at the door, she froze.

Alec looked uncomfortable as he scratched the back of his head and looked down.

Delia, getting over her initial shock, leapt forward to embrace her eldest son tightly as if he would disappear if she didn't.

"Hi mom, sorry for not-" Alec smiled sheepishly, feeling a shred of guilt now that remembered.

"Shhhh…Oh thank Arceus, my handsome little man." Delia gently stroked her son's soft chestnut locks, making him blush.

"You've lost weight." She leaned back and chastised him as she outlined Alec's cheek with a finger before flicking his forehead with disapproval.

She smiled as Alec flinched, "Come in, how long are you staying? Have you found a girl to settle with yet? Where are my grandkids?"

Alec smiled at his mother's antics as he allowed his mother to drag him into the house, memories of his youth emerged within his mind as she did so. A Pokémon illustrated height chart that was marked yearly caught his eye, Delia would measure his and Ash's height on that thing annually, his younger brother was none too fond of it, as he could not stand still for long.

"Where's dad?" Alec asked as Delia guided him to the comfortable sofas.

"Oh, he's over at Professor Oak's…he should be back soon." Delia responded, unwilling to let go of his hand, fearing that he might bolt if she did.

"Ah…" Came the response.

"Oh, your father and I watched your match against Wallace." Delia said.

"Oh?" Alec asked as his mother flashed him a proud smile as she ruffled his hair.

"You remember when your father and I took you to the same stadium when you were little?" Delia asked, smiling widely.

"It was the match between Pryce and Agatha, I remember." Alec responded sharply, it wasn't everyday a child got to see his idol.

"You had the biggest smile that I've ever seen on your face." Delia remarked, chuckling as she did so.

"Mom?" Alec began slowly.

"Yes sweetie?" Delia took one of her son's hands in hers.

"Do you mind if I stay around for a while?" He asked with uncertainty in his voice.

"Of course not!" Delia smiled with joy as she felt her heart skip a beat, both she and her husband barely talked to their first born ever since he had become the Champion of the Kanto & Johto Region.

"Delia! Do we have a visitor?!" Delia sighed as she heard husband's booming voice total her mother-son moment.

Walking into the living room, Edward Ketchum nearly dropped the boxes he had in his arms as he saw his son smirking amusingly at him, their eyes meeting.

"Oh Edward, our son wants to stay with us for a while, isn't that wonderful." Delia said with delight.

"Yes it is darling," Edward embraced his wife, kissing her on the forehead while Alec rolled his eyes at the display.

"You'll understand when you have kids of your own, squirt." Edward enveloped his son in a tight, strangling hug and gave him a pat to the head.

Alec's eye twitched in annoyance, he was lucky that the press was nowhere in sight but then again, he had always kept a low profile.

"I'm sure. Missed you too pops." He drawled sarcastically, giving his father an awkward pat to the back before heading out to the back yard with his parents watching joyously.

"He's come back. He's finally back with us." Delia whispered to her husband as Edward wrapped a hand around her shoulder and gave it a squeeze.

"Come on out, ladies and gentlemen." Alec said as he released six of his Pokémon.

Out came Lucario, Gardevoir, Brood, Swampert, Leafeon and Tyranitar. All six save Brood were ready to battle but paused as they realized their surroundings.

Leafeon immediately leapt into her master's arms and nuzzled his face with her cheeks.

"As you might have noticed, we're back at Pallet Town." He announced to his current team and as a result, he was met with puzzled looks.

"Against my better judgement," Alec began, "I have decided to prepare all of you for our Semi-Final match in a more…familiar environment…this will also give me time to study my opponent and choose the best possible line-up."

He was met with cheers from his entire team save Lucario, Gardevoir and Brood.

Amongst them, Leafeon was the giddiest imagining the amount of playtime she would have.

"This does not mean…that I will expect any slacking off when it comes down to your training. Understood?" He folded his arms and was responded with serious nods.

"Good…have the rest of the day off. We resume work tomorrow." With that, the debriefing was over as his Pokémon went to get comfortable.

"You have something on your mind, Lucario?" Alec asked his starter when he noticed the Aura Pokémon standing in his sport, unmoved.

"No, it is just…I thought you had said that you wanted no distractions." Lucario said diplomatically as it glanced at a particular tree in the large backyard.

Images of nostalgia hit the Aura Pokémon as it saw the markings on the lower trunk of the tree.

"I did, didn't I" Came the response as the young champion took several steps forward.

"Ah…your first ever opponent?" Alec remarked with a smile, in his mind he saw a younger version of himself and Riolu using the tree as their sparring opponent.

At the time, it was the closest thing to a battle as the two were relatively young and inexperienced.

"I remember." Lucario, right next to his trainer responded as it traced the markings on the tree with its paw.

"We've come a long way, haven't we?" Alec said softly as Leafeon continued to play with his hair while mewling.

Lucario nodded as it remembered all the happiness, pain, sacrifices, wins and losses they suffered in exchange for reaching the absolute pinnacle. The Aura Pokémon doubted that anyone with a weaker will could have suffered through what his master suffered through and become even stronger.

His master was not the only one who suffered when he had dropped to the ground unconscious during their training session and was taken away to the white building filled with a nose turning stench and humans dressed in white.

It had torn him to pieces when he saw his master growing weaker everyday, seeing his once strong and imposing companion struggle to walk as Lucario was powerless to do anything to relieve the pain and suffering he felt through their connection.

The news of his trainer having the possibility of not surviving his life saving procedure nearly drove Lucario into an uncontrollable rage. No pain in the world could compare to what it felt when he felt his master's consciousness slipping away and eventually flickering out, the realization that he was alone in the world.

That's why it vowed to become even stronger when he felt his master's consciousness resurfaced, the pain and anger it had felt only served to motivate the Aura Pokémon further.

Where he could do nothing while his master was hospitalized, he would make sure that nothing will ever defeat him on the battlefield.

"You have accomplished so much…I'm so proud and honored to have been chosen as your trainer." Alec spoke to his first Pokémon, rubbing Lucario's head with a true genuine smile.

"No, I'm the one who is honored." Lucario replied dutifully as it bowed to his trainer before leaping to the tallest branch on its 'training' tree to keep watch over the rest of Alec's team.

Alec sighed exasperatedly to himself as he and Leafeon returned to the house while the small green fox mewled.

"Lucario is too serious huh? Please, you say that to everyone who doesn't spend the whole day playing with you." Alec smiled as Leafeon huffed in indignation.

"Darling, go take a shower. Your clothes are on your bed." Delia informed him as she held a spatula in one hand.

"What's wrong with the clothes I wear?" Alec asked, eyebrow raised.

"Don't argue with your mother." Edward advised his son in a sage like tone as Leafeon got reacquainted with Delia, his mother had always adored the leaf fox very much.

"Traitors…a bunch of traitors." He muttered under his breath as he took off his silver suit jacket, untied his purple tie in his bedroom and unbutton his black shirt. Stepping into his ensuite bathroom, he turned on the hot water and remained motionless as the water soaked his lean body from hair to toe.

After tens of minutes passed, he turned the water off, content that his body was clean, he left the showers changing into a pair of dark comfortable trousers and a black t-shirt. Opening his bathroom door, he then noticed that he was not alone in his room.

"You still haven't changed one bit…do you ever knock, Daisy?" He said, drying his wet hair with a fluffy towel as he saw the back of his intruder.

The other person giggled as she turned around, her chocolate brown hair reaching down to the middle of her back swayed from the motion.

Daisy Oak was undeniably, a beautiful woman with a creamy pale complexion as opposed to her younger brother's tanned skin tone, large green, doe like eyes, a body and legs that would make models go green with envy. She was wearing a sleeveless blouse and a black knee length skirt.

"Well, your mother said it was okay to surprise you but you locked the bathroom door." Daisy's cherry red lips pouted.

"Your idea of a surprise was to jump me in the shower?" Alec was amused at his best friend's antics.

"Yep, but not before stealing your clothes…which you took into the bathroom…ah well, though I'm quite proud to say that I'm one of a lucky handful to see the ice demon without his clothes." Daisy teased as she sauntered over to her oldest friend and wrapped her slender arms around his neck.

Very gently, he reciprocated the hug and could smell her floral scented perfume.

"You and your optimism…I've never got the chance to apologize for-" He started before he felt a dainty finger on his lips.

"Don't…" Daisy flashed him a radiant smile, "There's nothing to forgive…we were both drunk and simply acted on our impulses. So don't keep holding onto the guilt you feel about that night…or keep avoiding me, okay?"

Alec nodded.

"We should get down there before your parents or my grandfather decide to investigate." Daisy said with a cheeky smile.

"Probably wise…" Alec nodded as he led her out of his room and walking down a short hallway, descended down the stairs.

"Ice demon? Is that what they're calling me nowadays?" Alec asked.

"For the most part, yep." Daisy responded and sensing her friend's confusion added, "It's the eyes."

Alec scowled.

"Oh! there you are, kids. Is everything alright?" Delia asked with concern, even as children the two were already inseparable. Poor Daisy and her little brother arrived at Pallet Town to stay with their grandfather when they were young children due to their parents' disappearance.

It was one of many reasons why Daisy had a tough time making friends and was bullied.

It was quite the surprise Alec came home one day with Ash in tow and informed her that the granddaughter of the esteemed Professor Oak would be coming over to play. Of course, Alec had his friends and adored his little brother but a young Ash with a limited vocabulary and one word responses was not the best choice as a playmate. His friends also did not share exactly the same passion on Pokémon as he did.

It soon became a daily occurrence, as Daisy would arrive, bow to Delia before rushing to find her best friend or Alec along with a pleading Ash rushing after his older brother who informed her of their journey to Professor Oak's Pokémon ranch at Daisy's invitation.

Through all their interactions, Delia saw Daisy as her pseudo-daughter, which made the poor girl break down in tears of joy as she informed the little girl.

"Yes, just Daisy and her shenanigans…nothing new." Alec drawled turning at his friend who smiled shamelessly, causing Edward and Professor Oak to laugh heartily.

"Ah, they grow up so quickly don't they?" Professor Oak wiped a merry tear from his eye as the two young adults approach the table.

"Yes, it was seemed just like yesterday that they were running around the house." Edward nodded as Alec turned his head away while Daisy smiled.

After setting out bowls of different Pokéblocks in a row, Alec whistled and his Pokémon all came charging in towards their food with unparalleled happiness.

Sounds of appreciation came from everyone that was gathered at the dinner table as Delia and Mimey filled every inch of the table with delicious smelling food.

As Alec took a spoonful of his soup, he could taste the flavor that he could never find anywhere else on the planet nor replicate it himself.

"Impeccable." Delia smiled at the compliment as she saw her son's eyes soften.

Meanwhile, Daisy kept her giggling at a minimum. "Why can't he just admit that he missed his parents and Pallet Town?" She thought to herself though she understood why he had an impassive mask whenever he was in a battle as people who wear their hearts in a battle can be read easily.

"So, Alec…I hear you've got yourself a tough opponent in the upcoming Semi-Finals of the Champions League?" Professor Oak asked the Champion of Kanto.

"Yes, the recently crowned Champion of Sinnoh…Cynthia Shirona from Celestic Town I believe." Alec calmly recited.

"Celestic Town you say? Ah…yes, she must be Carolina's granddaughter, if my memory is correct she is the same age as the two of you. Carolina often took her along when she came to visit." Oak replied pensively and turned to Daisy, "and you would sulk for the entire day because-."

"Grandpa!" Daisy interrupted loudly before her grandfather could reveal more, her cheeks flushing.

Luckily for her, her best friend did not react one single bit as he sipped his glass of water with closed eyes, if he did, he did not show it.

After her rather dramatic outburst, Daisy shuffled her feet and looked down with embarrassment.

Deep down, Daisy envied Cynthia for her passion for battling and what her grandfather had said was partly true. When she was young, Daisy was afraid that the visiting girl would replace her because she was a much battler than her.

It didn't mean Daisy didn't attempt to try at becoming a trainer at first but she discovered along her journey that she just was not cut out for it. It was why she gave up on becoming a trainer and switched to coordinating, which came to her so well that it was almost natural.

Still it hurt to know that she could never understand Alec in his perspective of Pokémon.

"Sooo…did you get a chance to catch up?" Edward teased his son who merely glared at him.

"We didn't get a chance to talk. Steven and I were discussing about promotional ideas for Devon Corporation as well as his match against Alder. Then there was the press conference, interviews and the mandatory photo shoot for the upcoming Pokémon magazine." He admitted.

Edward had to sigh inwardly; both of his sons seemed to be work-obsessed maniacs.

"All work and no play." He shook his head and was about to speak when he felt his wife's hand on his knee under the table.

Edward relented as Delia shook her head as both agreed that prodding their son regarding his love life would only drive him farther away.

As dessert arrived in the form of strawberry cheesecake much to Daisy's joyful delight, Alec's PokéNav rang.

"It's Ash." He said as he answered the call and placed it on speaker mode as everyone at the table perked up.

"Hey Alec, I got my Rainbow Badge from Erika...man you could have gave me a warning, you never mentioned that she was that strong." Ash informed his older brother who sipped his cup of green tea before placing it back on its saucer.

"Quit complaining Ash, it's unbecoming of you." Alec replied, "Besides, what fun is there if I had warned you beforehand?"

"Well…when you put it that way-" Ash started as he got comfortable in his tent.

"Ashy, darling? How are you? Do you have any clean underwear left?" Delia interrupted, causing her husband and Professor Oak to break down in laughter.

"M-M-Mom?! D-D-Dad?! And P-P-Professor Oak?!" Ash exclaimed with disbelief as the video came online, revealing his mother's smiling face, much happier than when he had left Pallet Town for his journey.

"Hello darling." Delia waved and the screen panned to Ash's grinning father.

"Hey sport, are you enjoying yourself? Meet any cute girls?" Edward asked with a mischievous glint in his eyes and winked.

"W-w-what? Er…" Ash sputtered.

"Leave Ash alone, dad. He wouldn't notice a girl flirting in front of him if it landed on him like a Wailord." Ash heard his older brother say.

"That's not true! I do notice girls." Ash protested and was responded with an "Hmmph" from his brother.

"And what are you doing back in Pallet?" Ash jabbed, desperate to changed the subject.

"Who? Me?" Alec gave a faux surprise look. "Last time I checked, my last name hasn't changed so you tell me."

"Okay, okay, okay…you don't have be a smart-mouth about it…just never thought you'd take my advice." Ash muttered, twiddling his thumbs.

"Wow, that's a really low blow…I'm hurt Ash, how could you think so poorly of me…my own brother." Alec sighed sadly, placing a hand over his face.

"I was just joking…sorr-" Ash stuttered. "You fell for it." Alec smirked as he widened the gap between his index and middle finger, revealing a mirthful blue eye.

"You…wha…did you just make a joke?" Ash lost his tongue. Daisy couldn't help but laugh, most people's first impression of her best friend could be classified as a cold, arrogant, disrespectful bastard but around his family and a few handful of people, he was the exact opposite.

"Watch yourself when you get to the Safari Zone. The warden there, Kaiser, is a good but short-tempered man. Try your best to not get on his bad side." Alec warned. Ash, seeing that his older brother meant every word nodded.

"Good." Alec said and Ash had to sweat drop as he saw the screen of his PokéNav went black, boy could his brother could be so brusque at times.

"I would never thought of you as a big softy, Alec." Daisy teased.

"Hmmph, I just don't want the brat to lose his head and end up doing something stupid." Alec replied neutrally, but was seen through easily.

"You're ly-lying." Daisy sang as Alec excused himself from the table, walking into the kitchen with his plate and utensils. Not satisfied with the lack of response, she picked up her own plate and utensils and followed her friend into the kitchen.

A few seconds an irritated Alec shouted, "Now look what you've done! You got water everywhere!...How is this my fault! Damn woman! Stop it!"

Delia, Edward and Professor Oak all shared knowing looks and broke into laughter.

"Oi oi, what's with all the daydreaming?" The voice of his father caused Alec to turn his head sideways as he saw his old man standing next to him on the backyard porch with a two glasses and a bottle of bourbon in his hand.

He had wanted to help clean up but his mother would have none of it and had Mimey broom him out of the kitchen, literally.

Alec hesitated a bit before taking the offered glass and watched as it was filled with amber liquid. Professor Oak had retired to his laboratory while Daisy and Delia were sharing details regarding to Daisy's latest endeavors in her career of a Pokémon Cordinator.

"Do with it as you will." Edward motioned at him before taking a sip from his glass with vigor while his son merely held his glass.

"Nothing, just thinking about the best way to prepare for my next match." Alec responded and took a sip from his own glass.

Hearing an audible sigh, he stole a glance at his father and added, "A ruler must always be vigilant for there will always be others who will not hesitate to usurp his throne if given the opportunity."

"Heh, poetic." Edward chuckled, "I suppose it can't be helped…How does it feel? To stand at the pinnacle?"

"You want the truth?" Alec spoke after a moment of silence, "Boring."

The two shared a laugh but Edward could only imagine how healthy an individual's mind can be when his only company was his Pokémon. That was the reason why he retired as a trainer so early to settle down and start a family.

In a way he admired his son's will to persist, not every trainer that leaves Pallet continues their journey and his son had surpass all expectations that were placed on him. Champion and officially undefeated, Edward could not be more proud.

"Well, I'm sure you get competent challengers once in a while." The older man laughed heartily.

The response he got from his son shocked him. "There's one…from New Bark Town. Interesting girl…that one."

"I would have loved to compete against you Mrs. Ketchum." Daisy admitted as she listened to Delia talking about her former life as a fellow coordinator.

"Why thank you, Daisy...your Ninetails and Misdreavus were spectacular at the last Grand Festival in Kanto." Delia replied with a smile, which Daisy nodded in acknowledgement.

"So Daisy, have you met anyone interesting?" Delia prodded, keen to put her plans into action.

"Yes!…I mean NO!...it's kind of..sort of...complicated." Daisy looked down, finding her shoes to be very fascinating at the moment.

"Oh? In what way?" Delia asked, very interested all of a sudden but before she could further her harmless prodding a voice interrupted the pair.

"Alright mom, as interesting as it is to listen who Daisy is crushing on, I think you're pressing too much...she looks like she just got a direct hit from a Giga Drain."

Delia laughed merrily at the analogy as she turned and saw Alec standing at the doorway to the living room with an amused smile hanging on his lips.

"H-Ho-How much did you hear?" Daisy blushed as she averted Alec's gaze.

"Hmmm…now that would be telling." He replied ambiguously with his hands in his pocket.

"Oh take a look at the time," Delia enacted her plans with a smile that Alec didn't particularly like, "I think its best you escort Daisy to her house."

Seeing her son about to protest Delia added, "Well if you're unwilling, I suppose you could always share a bed. I can get the living room set up, it'll be just like your sleepovers when you were both younger or would you prefer to sleep in Alec's bed-"

Before she could even finish her sentence, Alec had grabbed Daisy by her wrist and was already dragging her off and out the front door.

"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Edward murmured as he lumbered into the living room, clearly the alcohol getting to him. Delia simply smiled as her husband practically flew into her arms and gradually started to snore. She sighed at her husband but smiled widely as she caressed his dark locks.

"That was very rude of you…I was having a good conversation with Mrs. K." Daisy glared at her nonchalant companion.

"Please," Alec rolled his eyes, "this coming from the queen prankster of Pallet Town."

THACK

"What was that for?!" Alec hissed as he clutched his side, damn girl had the strength of ten Tauros.

"For being a inconsiderate jerk-face." Daisy huffed as she overtook the irritated young man.

"Since you eavesdropped on my private conversation, I think it's only fair that you reciprocate." She glared as they walked under a street lamp.

"Oh?" Alec smirked as he suddenly placed his arm in front of the startled girl and forcing her back up against the wall.

"And if I don't?" He leaned down slightly, enjoying watching the girl sweat.

"Then I'll tell Mrs. K tomorrow that you were being less than gentlemanly." Daisy shot back, inwardly fist pumping as she saw Alec's eye twitch in annoyance.

He sighed, in this situation not cooperating and risk having his mother scold him on proper etiquette around women was definitely not worth it as much as he wanted to dare her to do it.

"Fine, you win…but I will have the last laugh." He muttered the latter half of his sentence as he dropped his hand back to his side.

"To be honest, there hasn't been anyone recently." He said with a shrug and added as he saw Daisy squinting at him.

"Should I be worried that you've suddenly gained an unhealthy interest in prying into your best friend's personal life…which media outlet put you up to this? I'll quadruple their pay." A moment of silence fell between them when suddenly Daisy broke into uncontrollable bursts of laughter.

"Do you do that to every time you meet the press?" The granddaughter of Professor Oak giggled as she clutched onto his arm.

"Only when they do have the tiniest morsel of dirt against me, otherwise they back off when I call their bluff." Alec replied with a shrug.

"Back on topic and contrary to what most people believe, I have not had many…romantic relationships...Karen is just a friend with benefits, with Jasmine…it was merely a couple of dates before we decided that it wasn't ever going to work. And…Solidad,"

At the mention of the last name and her Coordinator rival, Daisy's grip on his arm tightened. "It started out as a mutual beneficiary deal that eventually spiraled out of control."

"I see…was it serious?" She responded monotonously as she released his arm.

Alec stopped in his tracks, "As I have said…it was a complex relationship."

"Ah...Oh! I feel fatigued all of a sudden, must be all the food I ate! I'll be heading home now…Mrs. K would worry if you don't get back soon." Daisy said, fearing that she had gone a bit too far when she spotted his hands had clenched into tight fists.

"It's only two houses from here. I can handle it." She added tersely as Alec started to speak, "I'll see you around." With that, she gave Alec a quick hug and a peck on his cheek before walking off and leaving a rather confused young man behind.

"Wow…check it out." Ash breathed out as he surveyed the lush green paradise in front of his eyes.

"Pi-ka." Pikachu squeaked in awe.

"It's quite a sight." Brock agreed.

"I can't wait to see what Pokémon awaits us." Ash was feeling stoked.

"Er…excuse me, is this where we register?" Ash rang the bell at the counter after entering the building with a large green S symbol on the roof.

He nearly jumped when a door swung opened, revealing a tall middle-aged man that oozed danger.

"Your ID's." The man asked, more like demanded. Catching a revolver holstered to the man's side, Ash started to sweat.

With shaking hands, he slowly pulled out his Pokédex and stood still as it provided his personal information.

"Let's see here...Ashton Ketchum from Pallet Town…hmm, looks about right." The man said in a gruff tone as the Ashton in question breathed in relief as it became Brock's turn.

"Brock Harrison sir, former gym leader of Pewter City." Brock replied as calm as he could as he took out a Boulder Badge and handed it over to the warden. Examining the badge, as well as locating Brock's name on the computer, the warden nodded and handed the badge back to its owner.

"Ground rules," The warden warned as he pulled out a tray of Pokéballs that were green on the upper half along with a fishing rod, "your Pokémon stays here. You can only use these Safari balls and this fishing rod on your trip through the zone…failure to comply…" The warden lowered his hand slowly to the grip of his revolver. "well, let's just say you won't like what'll happen. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes sir!" Ash and Brock nodded rapidly.

The warden, satisfied that his point was acknowledged, waved them away.

"Phew, oh boy am I glad Alec warned me." Ash muttered as Pikachu echoed his sentiment.

"Hey Ash, how bout you go on ahead and I'll keep watch over your Pokémon."

"You sure Brock?" Ash rubbed the back of his head uneasily, feeling kind of bad.

"Yeah, this is a great chance for me to read into new Pokémon recipes." Brock waved him off.

"Gotcha." Ash nodded as he sat Pikachu down as well as handing his Pokéballs to Brock before walking to the door that would lead him into the Safari Zone with his fishing rod and 30 Safari Balls.

"Pi..Pika..Chu..Pikapi." Pikachu squeaked at the breeder.

Not as well versed as Ash, Brock could still understand what the small electric mouse had said.

"Don't I know it, Ash is just one giant trouble magnet…well at least there's no lack of excitement on this trip." Brock chuckled.

"Pika!"

Meanwhile, Ash placed his hood over his head as his brown eyes surveyed his surroundings. The ground suddenly shook beneath him and he watched as a herd of Tauros rushed across his field of sight.

"Catch number one…" He shouted as he threw a Safari Ball. It hit one of the Tauros in the running herd and Ash watched with nervous anticipation as it was absorbed into the ball in a red flash of light.

He gave a small fist pump as it stopped wiggling and the sound of a click rang.

As he proceeded through the grassy plains, he spotted an unsuspecting Rhyhorn snacking on some berries near some bushes.

Getting on all fours, Ash slowly crawled towards his target recalling that Rhyhorns were notoriously difficult to capture in the Safari Zone. Quickly, he tossed his second Safari Ball and watched with trepidation as it smacked Rhyhorn on its behind before it disappeared into the ball.

Ash crossed his fingers, prepared to run in case the capture failed and he'd have to deal with an enraged Rhyhorn. He breathed out as the violent shaking ceased; this was an important capture that would come in handy when the league came.

As Ash came upon a small clearing with a pond, he spotted a group of Nidorans. He spotted a pair consisting of a purple colored male and a turquoise colored female.

Silently with a Safari Ball in both hands, Ash tossed them at the unsuspecting pair who barely had time to react as they were hit by the device and were absorbed into the spheres. The commotion caused the rest of the Nidorans panicked and fled in terror.

"Alright!" He said with excitement as the two Safari Balls stopped struggling. Satisfied, he ran towards where a large lake was awaiting him. He marveled at the clear surface of the lake, his reflection staring back at him. Then, he sat down on a large rock and after putting some bait on his fishing rod started to fish, humming to himself.

It wasn't long before Ash felt something tugging on the other end of the line, something heavy. Snapping out of his daydream before he was pulled into the water, he dug his foot into the ground and pulled as hard as he could. With a giant splash, the creature on the other end of the line emerged with a terrifying roar that made every cell in Ash's body cower.

Towering at a height of 21 '04', 500 lbs, covered in hard blue scales along its serpent body and incensed crimson eyes, Gyarados roared angrily at the young teen.

Just as it was charging up its Hyper Beam attack, Ash grabbed a Safari Ball and threw it at the mighty sea serpent and dashed away as the aquatic monstrosity was sucked into the device.

He was panting as he scampered behind a bush, heart pounding against his ribcage. Somebody was definitely looking over him as Ash peered through the bush he was hiding behind and discovered a still Safari Ball and a peaceful lake surface. However, the prospect of training his new Gyarados again filled him with dread.

He then heard a loud explosion followed the ground shaking and panicked cries of Pokémon nearby, dropping his fishing rod he raced to investigate.

"A normal scuffle couldn't have caused such a ruckus." He thought to himself as he ran. He scowled when he saw the cause of the earthquake.

"For Arceus' sake, not you three again…" Ash muttered, spotting his usual three annoyances.

"Oh great, it's the twerp…I swear, our luck has all but flushed down the drain ever since this twerp got in our way." Jessie sighed.

"True but he's not sent us blasting off just yet." James noted curiously, peering at the teen. I

n response Ash stiffened, suddenly remembering that Pikachu and the rest of his Pokémon were with Brock.

"Our luck is finally turning around. Go Arbok!" Jessie threw her Pokéball and out came the purple cobra like Pokémon. It hissed as it saw Ash, who gulped.

"Arbok, use Wrap on the twerp!" Jessie commanded. Ash tried to dodge the serpent but tripped and landed on his back. He closed his eyes, waiting for the worst.

"Sneasel, use Dark Pulse!" A feminine voice called out and Ash barely registered the shadow that leapt passed him as he watched Arbok get sent into the air and landing in a heap backwards after getting hit with a beam of black purplish beam of circles.

"Oi, how long are you going to lie down?!" Ash sat up quickly and easily located his mysterious' savior.

It was a girl that looked to be a year or two older than himself. Clad in a red medium sleeved shirt, blue overalls that reached her thighs, white stockings that reached past her knees, red trainers and last but not least, a big, white puffy hat decorated with a red ribbon rested on top of her brown pig-tailed style hair.

"Che, rushing into the situation with no Pokémon…" The girl shook her head, ignoring Ash's indignant glare before turning to address the situation. Her brown eyes narrowed as she spotted the large, red R insignia.

"Arbok, use Poison Sting!" Jessie recovered as the purple serpent opened its jaws and fired multiple white darts.

"Dodge." The brunette girl in the puffy hat countered. Ash was in awe as the girl's Sneasel moved in a barely visible blur, the white darts not even close to touching it.

"End this with Ice Beam." A light blue ball formed in Sneasel's claw like hands while it ran and it was released into a powerful beam of light blue that crashed into its serpentine opponent and sending it flying towards Jessie.

"Hey, the plan's all set. Set da bomb so we can go." Meowth emerged from the water, not knowing the situation had shifted against their favor.

"A talking…Meowth?! What bomb?" The girl's eyes widened with awe and shock.

"Dat's right, and dis electric bomb right here will zap all the Pokémon in the water." Meowth smirked but it slid off his face as Ash flung himself at the cat Pokémon in an attempt to foil its plan. The bomb flew into the air as a result and fell into the lake.

"You idiotic moron! I told you to stay put!" The girl yelled and fished out another Pokéball from her bag.

"Feral! Dive into the lake and retrieve the bomb…use Hydro Pump to increase your speed and shoot it into the air!" She called as she tossed the device and out came the large blue bipedal crocodilian Feraligatr.

It dove into the lake with no hesitation at the behest of its trainer.

"You're really starting to grate my nerves…Ty! Use Eruption!" The girl snarled, tossing a second Pokéball.

The large badger like Pokémon emerged with a red flash of light with a ground shaking roar and immediately flames started to ignite violently on its back, tail and head.

Team Rocket watched in horror as the incensed Typhlosion fired a geyser of red-orange fire from the burning flame on its head.

"Team Rocket's blasting off again!" They cried as they were sent flying into the skies.

"Good riddance…" The girl muttered just as her Feraligatr shot the electric bomb out of the water and into the air with a powerful burst of water.

The girl placed a hand on her hat as the bomb exploded in the air with a flash.

"Good work, you three!" She informed her three Pokémon who simply nodded. It was then that Ash noticed a noticeable scar running down the eye of the girl's Typhlosion.

"Oi Ash!" Ash turned around to see Brock, Pikachu and Kaiser running towards them.

"Hey Brock." Ash replied as Pikachu jumped into his arms.

"What happened? We heard the commotion." Brock asked.

"Team Rocket wanted to use a electric bomb to zap all the Pokémon in the lake to catch them but they were sent blasting off, as usual." Ash shrugged and flicked his head towards his savior who was speaking to Kaiser.

The two boys walked over and Ash could catch a tiny bit of the conversation.

"…it was no problem. It's my duty to help against poachers and organizations that mistreat Pokémon." The girl said calmly, clipping a black badge with a large golden G symbol on her belt. Her Sneasel who was hanging on her shoulder echoed the sentiment.

"I see," Kaiser responded, "I suppose a thank you is in order?"

"It would be appreciated." The girl said cheekily, both her Pokémon returned to their Pokéballs. However, her eyes narrowed as she spotted Ash walking over.

"Anyways, I'll be off." She nodded at the warden and started to walk away.

"Hey! Hold On!" Ash called out as the girl stopped in her tracks. The girl's Sneasel turned its head around to locate the voice.

"Who are you?" Ash asked, wanting to know the name of no doubt strong trainer.

"I'm Lyra, Lyra Kotone." The girl turned her head around and released an olive avian Pokémon with a long metallic olive colored neck, yellow eyes, a pointed beak with several long teeth and green feathers under the sheaths that covered its sharp wings.

Suddenly, Ash realized whom the girl in front of him was as he remembered reading an article on a new and upcoming trainer dubbed the young "Ace of Johto" that had swept through the Johto League Silver Conference as well as the Indigo Plateau Conference with relative ease.

"I'm Ash Ketchum." He responded. Lyra's brown eyes widened for a split second in shock but quickly recovered.

"Strange," She remarked, "You're not what I imagined when he spoke of you."

"You know my brother?!" Ash asked as Lyra smiled.

"More than that, he took me under his wing and I learned a lot from under him. Ciao" The girl replied with a nostalgic smile and turned away.

Ash was torn at the revelation; his brother had never mentioned that he had trained other trainers. He barely registered Lyra bidding him farewell as her Skarmory took off.

It was not exactly betrayal he was feeling per se as Pikachu gently pats his head after he and Brock said their good byes to Kaiser and left the Safari Zone. Sure, he felt disappointed and jealous that his brother chose to train Lyra instead of him but that was not the main thing that made him feel downtrodden. If anything, it showed him that there was a lot that he did not know about his older sibling.

"Something bothering you Ash?" Brock asked after noticing how quiet his companion had become after leaving the Safari Zone.

"Nothing major, I'm just surprised that there are so many things about my brother that I don't know…" Ash muttered.

"I see," Brock nodded. "Maybe he has a reason for not telling you."

As Ash was about to retort, Brock's next words made him stop. "But that's something that you'll have to find out yourself…maybe that answer is waiting for you, along the path you're walking on."

"You're right." Ash confessed as a determined look appeared on his face again, "Look, we're at Fuchsia City!"

Brock only chuckled as Ash raced ahead of him, Pikachu cheering happily on the young boy's shoulder.

The cold night air rustled the purple cape wrapped around a tall hooded figure standing on top of a high cliff. The waves splashing violently against the rocks could be heard as a humorous smirk was hanging on the uncovered lips of the wanted 'vigilante.'

"How fitting." He drawled behind his silver mask as rain started to pour down and flashes of lightning followed by crashes of thunder echoed the air.

Namba had been most cooperative after Le Creuset had forced his will onto the scientist' mind.

"I suppose a quick death is merited." He smiled with ravenous anticipation, the good professor had informed him after his forced 'conversion' that Team Rocket was in the midst of succeeding in creating a clone Pokémon that would be unparalleled in strength and power above all.

"I don't understand why we cannot wipe the target off the face of the planet. His Majesty had no problem with destroying that ungrateful bastard Damos along with that egoistic city." He sneered as he glared at the island before him as if its very existence was a sin.

As a response, a pink bipedal Pokémon with mammalian features materialized beside him and giggling gleefully.

"Again I question why I was paired up with you of all legendary Pokémon." Le Creuset murmured as Mew gave the mask man a teary pout but giggled again while circling her partner.

"I'm grateful," He informed the pink legendary who stared at its partner with curious eyes, "I wouldn't have lasted this long without you."

Mew cooed in a motherly tone as the two continue to survey the festering maelstrom before them. Their task, given by the Alpha, clear.

Please Read and Review please, as usual.