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Chapter Text

The professor's was waiting.

Brown eyes meet Green in challenging stares as they got closer to the entrance.

As Ash was nearing the end of the entrance and making sure Gary wans't taking the lead. He reflected. Today was the most important day in his life. He had not just been waiting for it, but he prepared for it, albeit mostly on impulse because of his rival, since he finished Oak's Summer Camp.

The young ketchum remembered the day he decided take Oak's Advanced Trainer Course. He wasn't interested that much. Summer camp was already done, why the need to do the same, but with more reading, something ash is not very fan of, a lot more time and even less fun? It looked like that to him at first.

It was't even on his plans until Gary decide to taunt him by saying he's afraid of looking too much like an idiot in front of his grandfather and other people. And he could come out in the top of that course if he wanted.

Naturally, the young ketchum didn't like this and sparked a discussion among the two that quickly escalated to the point the adults had to separate them not before Gary dared him into taking it or he would be admiting to be afraid of looking like an idot in front of everyone.

Ash, at that time being just a ten year old, partly due to his nature to never back down or give up and part his own pride, had taken the dare and told the professor he wanted to be in that course.

The professor was suprised by such a decision coming from him of all people, but suddenly but soon understood why after hearing his reasoning. He initially questioned him if he really wanted, making not so subtle hints the course was more complicated than he expected. But Ash persisted and Oak finally caved in.

Gary had a similar reaction at first but soon turned into annoyance. Later that day he learned, to his not-suprise, he enrolled too just so he wouldn't be behind Ash. Typical of Gary.

The course eventually came by and it was harder than anything his ten year old self had ever expected to sumarize it. But not in a way he expectd to be... or even enjoy. Sure so much reading and theoretical things that he had to force himself to make an habit of reading an hour per day just so he could keep up. But there was also a practical part, in wich he was better, mainly through interacting and observing so many different species of pokemon, some almost not possible to find in Kanto. It was fascinating to his ten year old mind.

But the kind of pokemon he was fascinated the most were the dragons. He always had interest in them but seeing and interacting, under carefull watch, with pokemons like the dragonite or charizard lines ignited a love for the type or pokemon related to them. It was a worthwhile experience

Gary was also the same, though he wouldn't admit it, but he devloped a tasted for steel and psychic type pokemon.

In the end he did enjoy the experience but no without almost breaking his own mind after one year. But was way worth it. After the professor evaluated him, wich he praised for going beyond his expectations much to Gary's jealously, he offered him to take an extended version of the course, where he would work as an assistant full time for him wih pay that could go up to reaching the age for becoming a trainer, if he so desired, adding he could pick up a type specialization. He also offered Gary the same.

Is not necessary to say both accepted the offer and remained working as assistants until they reached eighteen, adquiring a lot of knowledge an experience with Pokemon, specially for their favorite types.

And now both were getting a starter from their favoured type, hopefully.

Ash and Gary got near the entrance and noticed the Professor was awaiting for them with his usual smile.

"Professor!"

"Grandpa!"

The teens stopped right in their tracks and greeted him with confident smiles.

"Both of you in time, just as expected" Oak adressed the two teens.

"Of course we would be in time grandpa. Even Ashy-Boy who wakes up late wouldn't lose his chance to get his starter"

Ash decided for once ignore the jab Gary threw at him just so he couldn't ruin his good mood and opted to adress the professor instead.

"About the Pokemon, are they in the lab? Can we see them? Mine is truly a dragon type? What species is?" Ash almost questioned on rapid fire by sheer excitement, this was the day he would finally embark in his journey to be a pokemon master, so his reaction was expected.

Even Gary, the more calm and rational of the two, was excited to begin his journey althougt he hid it better "Yeah gramps, for once Ashy is right. Show us our pokemon, we have worked hard for this"

Oak chuckled "They are inside the lab, I have made sure they are in perfect condition" The professor took both teens to the lab in direction to the room where their starters are specifically guarded.

The insides were tipical of a scientific specialized in his camp of study. Machines and computers doing their work, cabinets filled with papers with data of pokemon and overall a massive shelf full of pokeballs that definitively had Pokemon inside of them. Ash and Gary had drawn looks at the shelf thinking if their starters are there.

"Not there" Spoken the professor grabbing their attention. "The ones you will be given are stored iniside my desk in the second floor."

When they got into the second floor the professor approached his desk and using a key inside his pocket opened a shelf. Once done he brought two pokeballs that had embroided on them images denoting the typings of the pokemon's inside of them.

Before either Ash or Gary rushed to get their pokemon the professor told them to stop. "Before hainding them to you, I must tell you something very important" Oak spoke not in his usual beaming friendly manner. But in a serious one.

The two aspiring trainers went quiet after hearing him. They knew by experience when the professor speaks like that is a serious matter. And if Oak is serious about something, you must listen.

"Being honest, you two made quite difficult job for me in this matter" Oak sighted "You know this. Once you finsh the first year of the course. You can take the extended one, working as assistants of mine, where, unlike the previous year, in this aspiring trainers can pick a specialization in one or some cases, two or three pokemon types and once finished they get a starter based on those preferences"

Both nodded in understanding, when they took th extended course Both had already picked their preferences in Types. Gary for Steel and Psychic types. And Ash was mainly focused on dragons, but he also took a secondary focus for fire and flying types, and worked with those kind of pokemon when there was no Dragon Type to work. His admiration for Lance's Charizard can be held responsible for the later preferences. Why the he was bringing this now?

"However, the extended course had another feature people like me or those who fund them are only aware. You see, the starter you get after finishing is not a selection based on pokemons aviability. But on the apprentice skills, performance, preferences and, the most unique of all their personal traits"

Both aspirants had stares of mixed suprise and curiosity. Gary and Ash exchanged looks between themselves and went back and forth to look at the professor and each other for a moment before Gary turned to his grandfather.

"Let me guess for the two. Because we were the top among the course, a tie between us, our typing preferences wich are not exactly for begginers and, this one still confuses me a bit, traits of our personality, the pokemons are not just rare but very special cause other wise. I am wrong grandpa?"

The professor simply smiled with pride and looked at Ash "Did you reach the same conclussion?"

"More or less. I had a gut feeling since the morning that whatever you hand us would be something unique. Isn't Gary?" Ash looked at Gary who simply noded.

While their relationship was no longer the friendship they had in the past, mostly due to Gary's current arrogance and dissagrenments, they were times they could still trust each other and have their backs covered, ignoring their differences. Like this one, Ash trusted Gary intellect and methodical thinking and Gary in turn trusted Ash insticts and gut feeling.

If anything the professors was glad both his biological and surrogate grandson still could rely on each other at times. But missed when they were best friends. "Any way. You were right for most of the part, I'm giving you these pokemon not because they are extremely rare, because, by their own natures, these are the ones whose mindset and personalites adapt the best to you from the initial stage to final evolutions"

The professor gave a look at the two pokeballs in his hands before turning to the soon-to-be-trainers "I have to admit that. You boys had made me a massive struggle to find the right ones for you. In fact I did not came up with the idea of giving this ones and not convinced if I should. It was Lance and Steven who came up with this idea and convinced me to go through."

Now both trainers were quite shocked into silence. Lance, Steven? Only two persons came into the mind of the young trainers when the professors spoke those names.

"What? You mean Dragon Master Lance Wataru and Steel type speciealist Steven stone. The dual champion of Kanto and Johto and Hoenn champion?" Ash was the first one into break the silence still in disbelief of not just their regions own champion but also hoenn's own champion involvement.

"Oh, a lot more than just giving me this idea" The professor said hiding his amusement from their shock. 'Their faces when I drop the voltorb' "They have taken quite and actual interest in your careers as trainers" Now Oak could see almost both their faces jaw drop. A champion taking active involvement in a begginer's development that is not direct family is just once in a blue moon.

"Actually the pokemons inside these are the actual offspring of Lance's own Salamence and Steven's Metagross"

And the professor finally dropped it. The only answer both trainers could give was just a big "WHAT!?".

Gary, the first one to regain composture, stared at his grandfather still in disbelief "G-Grandpa, are you serious? Please don't let this be a elaborate prank"

"Oh? why would I let you believe that. I know for a fact that champions don't hand their own Pokémon's offspring easily. Specially if it belongs to their Ace pokemon or at least is a member of their Ace Team." The Professor reassured as he proceded to give the balls to them. The ball with the dragon embroided for Ash and the one with the metallic claw for Gary. "Your Bagon is a female by the way." The professor said to Ash.

Despite the teens still processing everything they'd been told both grabbed the pokeballs with enthusiasm and went into separate rooms so they could meet their starters in private without interference from the other.

Ash simply used an empty room on the right and once confirmed nothing would disturb him he pressed the button and let out the Pokemon inside. "Go, Bagon"

The ball opened letting out the pokemon inside revealing small, bipedal blue pokemon with a gray-scaled bony head shaped like a helmet, to Ash delight it was indeed bagon, the initial stage of the Pseudo-Legendary Dragon Type, Salamence. Said Pokemon realized it was out of the ball stared in direction of the only being that could have made that.

When Ash and Bagon eye's meet there was just silence for an exact minute not one making a motion. Ash looking at the Baby dragon with excitement and curiosity and Bagon stared at the aspiring dragon master with judging eyes seeing if there's some worth the dragon's would-be-trainer.

Finally Ash decided to break the ice "Nice to meet you Bagon" Ash greeted the small dragon type with the usual greeting made for small pokemon, while making his best to show he's not afraid. Is something he learned during the course when he interacted with dragon type pokemon, the salamence line included.

Dragons are proud and to have one listen to you is win their respect. The best way is showing no fear, they dislike cowards and respect those who are brave. "My name is Ash Ketchum and I'm about to embark in my journey to be a Champion."

Bagon perked up when she heard the word Champion. Like that human Lance her parent's follow?

Ash took notice of the baby dragon's reaction and continued "But not any Champion. The greatets of all Champion. Even better than Lance and his team of dragon types. I aim to be a Pokemon Master" Now the dragon type looked suprised for such a bold proclamation. Ash prepared himself for the next part "For that I need a starter-no, let me correct that. A partner, an equal and a friend to work with"

The dragon type nodded in affirmation, listening with interest and curiosity. The human... Ash had now all her attention and wanted for get to the point.

"I want you to be that friend. I was told for a fact you are the child of Lance's Salamence. Guess what, if you come with me I'll promise you no matter what, I will try to make as hard as possible to make you stronger not just than your parent. But even stronger than any Dragon he has. Heck even better than that. I want to make you the strongest Salamence the world has ever seen"

Bagon type observed Ash intently. Honestly she was very tempted to accept, there's something telling her to go with him. A kindred spirit the dragon type is feeling in this human. But alas she needs to see if he can back those words.

"Bae!" The dragon type said in her own language 'prove it' while pointing her small arms and looking him in a expectant way.

Ash looked confused for at least five seconds before realizing what Bagon was intending to say "You want me to prove I'm the right one, I am right" She nodded.

Ash was expecting that. He knew by experience that some pokemon demand their trainers to prove their worth before anything. Dragon type pokemon do this often, but this also extends all types in general.

Luckily Ash had a easy solution for it.

"My rival is in the other room with his pokemon" Bagon perked up at the mention of a rival "He has a Beldum. Not just any beldum. Is the offprising of a Metagross, that Metagross is the strongest Pokemon of a champion who equals in power Lances own Dragonite. I seen it myself."

Bagon was looked suprised at that fact. She knew about that Dragonite, her own parent trembled with fear just at the mere idea of seeing him angry. A feat on it's won when takig account the Salamence species "Not just that, Gary's has been studying Pokemon since he was born, and he's specially adept at the types Beldum belongs, Steel and Psychic. Types whose power rivals the dragon types"

Ash smiled, his eyes glowing with a fire and zeal that matches the bagon's line desire for flying. Something she has instantly reconigized. "But I'm the one adept at dragon types" Ash continued.

"Lat's face those two and show them what we are capable to do together" He extended his hand "You are for it girl?"

Bagon looked at Ash for a moment before giving a nod.

Ash grinned. He managed to get her trust, now is time to prove is not misplaced. "Perfect, those two must be with the professor by now."

Ash left the room with his now official starter following back were the professor is and as expexted Gary was waiting for him with his, as he expected, Beldum. Oak was looking glad nothing wen't wrong and Gary was just his usual coocky self.

"Ash! So I assume your meeting with Bagon has gone well"

"Took you long enough Ashy-boy"

Ash just ignored the coocky remark and straight up looked at Gary with fiery eyes full of determination. Bagon did the same with Beldum. "It's time Gary" Ash looke straight at his rival.

Gary did not lose the coocky smile but his eyes had taken a shade of seriousness, he knew what Ash wanted his face said everything. "Seeking to lose so soon Ashy-Boy" Beldum on the other side glared back at bagon and narrowing it's single eye making a defiant stare wich prompted a harsh glare from the Rock Head Pokemon.

"Ferrus looks very eager to give that Bagon a taste of defeat" Said Gary referring to Beldum by the name he gave it.

Ash narrowed his eyes and looked at Bagon "Tiamat... he's claiming he will beat us. Let's prove them wrong"

Tiamat roared in appoval, both for the challenge and her new name. She want's to fight that steel type and show them it's place.

The professor who stayed silent went to his desk and opened a different shelf this time, containing two Pokedex "The battleground is in behind the lab" Said the professor grabbing their attention and before handing both rivals their respective pokedex. "Don't forget scan your Pokemon with dexter"

Both trainers noded before taking them and move towards the battleground without further delay.

XX

The battlefield was simply a strench of dirt mantained for the professor's own assistants. Below the hill where the field lies exist a wall made with a mix of metal and concrete, wich separates both the field and lab from the pokemon ranch.

Normally such thing would be demolished or climb by pokemon like Machamp or Haxorus with ridiculous ease. However those kind of pokemon are taken care of by Oak's and Delia's own pokemon, who stay at the ranch to keep those kind of troubelsome in line. The wall exist to prevent those who usually don't require the inmediate intervention of the aforementioned pokemon.

Both trainers were finding on opposite sides of the battlefied. They were sscaning their pokemon with their dexter's so they could know of their starters abilities and moves and fight. The professor's agree to be the judge of the battle so he was there.

On the side of Ash was looking impressed by what the dexter showed about tiamat and her abilies. She has already six moves already, three that are egg moves already unlocked, wich consist of Bite, Ember and Dragon Breath, but the best ones are those she inherited, Dragon Dance, Fire Fang and suprisingly, Hydropump.

However the best things are her own abilities. Rock Head is as the first stage pseudo-legendary ability, somehow she also had unlocked siad stage hidden ability: Sheer Force. This will grant more power to her attacks in exchange of being unable to inflict status effect on the opponent.

He initially he had the advantage over Gary. But he remembered Ferrum came from Steven's own Metagross so it would have a ace in the hole. Maybe it was taught more movements and also had a hidden ability active. Anything can be possible.

But Ash won't let that line of thought discourage him in the slightest. If anything is more determined to win and prove Tiamat his worth.

"Are you ready Gary-Bear?" Ash stared at his rival with Tiamat making her way into the battlefield. Gary smiled cookily with Ferrum also making it's way glaring at Tiamat with it's single red eye "Sure Ashy-Boy, ready to beat you"

The Professor went into his position and intoned "This will be a one-on-one battle. Battle is over when one the participants is no longer able to continue" And then made the signal "BEGIN!!"

"Tiamat, let's set the pace of the battle. Use ember and then Dragon Dance while it dodges" Ash spoke in a tone low enough so Gary wouldn't hear him but clearly so his starter could hear him.

Tiamat did listened clearly and shot embers at Ferrum whom Gary orderd to dodge and capitalized the chance to use dragon dance to boost herself.

"Ferrum don't allow her, Zen Headbutt!" Gary quickly realized Ash plan and ordered Ferrum attack.

"Cacth it with Fire Fang!" Ash told quickly.

Ferrum did as ordered and tried to land a blow on Tiamat but the dragon managed to finish Dragon Dance in time to answer with Fire Fang.

Both attacks clashed and none of the two wen't unscathed, but Ferrum got the worst, the boost of Dragon Dance and Sheer Force, adding to the super effective damage resulted the Iron Ball Pokemon looking in bad shape.

Ash smiled when he saw Gary is cornered. "We have the advantage now Tiamat. Let's keep pushing"

"BAGON!" Tiamat charged preparing another Fire Fang while Ferrum was still recovering.

Gary on the other hand gritted his teeth when he realized Ash put him against the ropes. Ferrum has suffered a lot of damage. Worse Tiamat is almost unharmed, full of power and charging another Fire Fang. He hated to admit but he will lose to Ash.

But he's not going down easily.

"Ferrum, Zen Headbutt one more time. Were not making things easy for them"

"BELDUM!!" Ferrum fueled by both it's own and trainers determination charges one last Zen Headbutt. This time the dragon will feel it.

Both moves clashed this time with a lot more power. Fire and Draconic energies clashed with Psychic, resulting in a small explosion that send both pokemon flying. Ash and Gary almost sprinted trying to grab their Pokemons. But stopped themselves when Tiamat and Ferrum managed to grab a hold on themselves, Tiamat landing first but looking a lot more tired and with some visible bruises. Ferrum managed to get control of himself and control his hovering albeit with a lot more difficulty until it it landed on the ground unconcious.

"Beldum cannot continue. The victory goes for Ash Ketchum" The professor intoned.

"Yeah we won! You were awesome Girl!" Ash cheered for Tiamat who, to his great suprise, came to him very happy "So that means you accept as your trainer" "Gon!" The baby dragon noded. "Great we'll have to work a lot in the future, but it will eventually pay off"

Gary simply returned Ferrum to his Pokeball and thanked him for his efforts. "I lost" Gary looked defeated for the fact he lost his first battle specially to Ash, but quickly regained his composture "But it doesn't matter. Victory is progress and losing is learning. That's what veterans say" Gary started walking out of the place silently.

"Parting so soon Gary" The professor questioned his grandson.

"I said my goodbyes to Daisy before leaving and you also know that the plane to hoeen takes off today at 10 am and it is 9 o'clock" Gary responded "I know the Ever Grande conference is next year and only behind Luminose conference by a few months early. But I have everything planned"

He then turned towards Ash who finished congratulating Tiamat and was staring at him "Remember our bet. The one who gets four medals first is the winner" He smiled cockily again "Then again I'll get four medals before you get one, Ashy Boy"

Ash expression turned into a challenging one "In your dreams Gary-Bear. Once set foot in the Kalos region I'll get those medals before your plane even reaches hoeen's airspace!"

"Well see that Ashy-Boy" Gary wen't back to the lab before giving his fellow Pallet Trainer a teasing smile "Tell your girlfriend Serena I say hello" The youngest Oak finally left without even bothering to see the confusion in Ash face.

Ash decided to not focus on what Gary said and turned to Tiamat "That was a good battle, don't you think?"

Tiamat noded.

Ash sit in a cross-legged position in order to see his starter in the same eye level than hers, meant to indicate he's looking her as an equal, kneeling would be intrerpeted as looking down and dragons don't take down that well "I said before my goal is become a Pokemon master. That means I'll have to battle all the way across the Leagues. Facing opponents that are going to become more difficult as we progress, all the way up to facing champions, and not just Lance, there are other champions that can be as strong or even stronger than him"

He focused his gaze on Tiamat "It will be a difficult path. I won't lie to you Tiamat, won't we always winning every battle we come across. Sometimes we'll fail, be defated or even beaten."

"However, what I can promise is we'll try no matter what. Even when beaten we won't give up. "

Tiamat jumped across his legs and simply stared at him for a second seconds before giving a nod of approval.

He smiled, they had become friends now.

"Glad we are on the same page. I think we are made for each other" Tiamat let out a nod of agreetment.

"Good you are getting along" Said the professor while he approached the duo. "Is good you have bonded so quickly and seems it will become stronger as you spent time together. Specially for the region you are going to"

Ash knew what the professor implied. "Yeah, but is not only that why in starting in Kalos"

The last Indigo League conference happend the past year and there won't be another until the next two years. Kalos and Hoeen are the next ones according the League official schedule by a four month difference each. So it would made sense try those than wait for Kanto. That's one reason for Ash starting in Kalos, however...

"I have a friend who happens to live in Kalos" He explained "She's already the same age as mine and according to her mails she's getting her own starter today with that Sycamore guy you told me..."

"...And she asked you to come to Kalos and both being their journey's together" The Professor guessed the rest.

"Yeah, I talked to my mom and is for the best. With how dangerous things are becoming around the world is better to have company"

Oak agreed eith that statement. There's been an worrying rise of criminal activity around all the regions. Not just from those so called Teams, poaching and more other crimminal activities also. The League has taken measures to deal with the problem, like doubling the number of pokemons a trainer can have and being a mandate travel in groups for any trainer being novice or veteran.

"Good, however I advice you to find more people you can travel with. Two more at least. And don't be too reckless please. Neither me or Delia would forgive ourselves if something happens to you"

"Don't worry professor. I know I'm reckless sometimes but I'll be fine, trust me" He gave to Oak's a thumbs up "I won't do something like run straight into a Garchomp's rampage, I may be reckless but I'm not lethally stupid" He reassured the professor before dismissing to the professor who just told him to be carefull.

XX

When Ash left the laboratory he was greeted by not only his mother who called him, but of her pokemon too, not only Mimey and Teshi, Mr.Mime and Gardevoir, who always help in the house or make company to Delia or Ash when going out. However it was not just them all Delia's Pokemon were present including those who usually stay at Oak's corral.

Inari, the Ninetales, Roc, a Talonflame, Piercer, Rhyperior, Cleopatra, Nidoqueen. Even Earthbreaker, Brahma, Durandal, and Dahaka, Tyranitar, Kommo-O, Archauldon and Hydreigon, the ones whose job is to keep the most potentially troublesome Pokemon in the corral are waiting for him!.

"Ash! Over here!" Delia called for him with her pokemon making cries and sounds.

"Mom, you came and all your Pokemon are here too!?" Ash approached his mom with a suprised.

'Of course we would come Ash. You are Delia's son, you basically little brother for us. Nothing in the world 'would make us miss this day. Even Dahaka was looking to see you becoming and adult' Resonated a male telepathic voice through his head, who belonged to Mimey.

Ash wasn't the least suprised by Mimey's speaking to him telepathically. Teshi can speak telepathically. In fact any well-trained Psychic Type can speak to humans with telepathy. "Mimey, Teshi, Guys you don't know how glad it makes me" Ash said smiling.

"By the way sweetie. You should have recieve your starter. I assume is in it's Pokeball?" Delia inquired.

"Of course mom" Ash retrieved the pokeball from his belt "Go Tiamat!" The ball opened liberating the arc of light that son turned in the Bagon named Tiamat.

"Ah Bagon. So this the dragon type pokemon you recieved" Delia went to greet the small dragon type whom he guessed it was her trainers mother, that wans't too much of a suprise since Ash told her previously he would show her to his mother first.

On the other hand what suprised her were the amount behemoths and powerhouses surrounding who stared at the baby dragon intently. Specially the dragons whose mere pressence scared her a bit but faithfull to her draconic pride, changed to stare defiantly at them. To the obvious amusement of the older dragons.

Noticing his friend reaction, Ash started introducing her quickly "Everyone this is Tiamat, my starter Pokemon. Tiamat, this is my mother Delia and these are her Pokemon who are with her since she was a trainer" Ash explained carefully to all the presents in order to avoid any misunderstanding, mostly on Tiamat's side.

The Rock Head pokemon seemed to listen and lowered her guard a bit, but she was still looking a bit on edge, mostly due to feeling his mother's pokemon power. Ash guessed.

"Oh, by the way mom, apart from mimey and teshi, why did you bring the rest of the your pokemon? Aren't they supposed to be working in the corral?"

Delia chuckled "Well rember when you asked me if Mimey or Teshi could teleport you to Vainville town in Kalos" He confirmed "Well conveniently, that same day the Professor told me if I could take a vacation and bring my Pokemon with them. Mayor part of the troublesome ones are currently with their trainers so he can make an exception, and is been a long time since I went to another region with them, right friends?" Came out cries and roars of agreetment from Delia's team.

"Wait, You'll be coming with me to Kalos?" Ash asked his mother a bit worried, thinking she's just trailing him for his safety. Arceus sake, hope she's not, he waited a long time for his independence and the last thing he needs is his own mom carrying him liek a child.

"Oh, don't worry Ash. It'll only be until Luminose city, that's where Delia is planning to spend the holidays with us. After that you' ll be on your own with Serena and any other person coing with you for the remainder of your gym circuit'' Teshi spoke telepathically to him this time. Wich relieved Ash.

"Oh, just only until Luminallia, then you'll have all your time alone with Serena after that" Delia said. Ash decided to not sk about that last one.

"Ash, Delia it's Time to go" Mimey telepathically remembered "I should remind you long distance teleporting is exhausting and not very accurate. The best I can do is teleport to a location near our destination and solid." Being the one who feels the need to kept tabs on everything, Mimey explained the issue with teleporting, Ash and Delia knew but never bothered being reminded in case.

Mother and Son noded in unison and returned their Pokemon before grabbing hands with Mimey who had begun the Teleporting process "Next destination Vaniville Town, here go"

The group Teleported.

Chapter Text

Ash opened his eyes and a the Vaniville pathway revealed itself to him. A simple straight paved pathway, lined with trees and shrubbery surrounded by two hills. Nothing new to him.

He felt an unwelcome all-too-familiar sensation in his head. Long distance teleportation always was a bit of a headache for anyone who needs it. Always left non-psychic pokemon or humans disoriented and other side effects like small migraines or nausea. Psychic type pokemon get very drained due how much energy takes warp the space to cover such distances, even experienced ones need to rest for an hour or so, must always land somewhere they have been physically and then left a psychic imprint. Not counting the unusual hesitance from the pokemon itself to commit the act unless desperate or quick. Ash asked Teshi and Mimey why so much hesitance and they only told him with a hint of fear in their psychic voices 'we don't want his attention upon us' and they left at that.

After the small feeling of nausea left Ash managed to recompose himself and look at his mother who handled better the aftermath of the teleporting by the looks of it, and Mimey who looked very exhausted and needing a rest.

"Finally Kalos" Delia announced "Thanks Mimey, you need a well deserved rest"

"Don't mention it. Next time is Teshi's turn" Mimey said before returning to his ball. She turned to her son "Should we walk? Is not a long road..."

"Mom, Serena told me she'd be recieving her starter in the town's centre, and Grace's is with her. I told her we'd fly there as soon as we reache here. She's expecting for any Hydreigon flying the in direction to her town" Ash explained.

"Okay" She took Dahaka's pokeball and sent him out. The dual Dragon/Dark type let out a small growl "Dahaka takes us on direction to Vaniville town" The Brutal Pokemon nodded and allowed mother and son to ride in his back and take fly towards their destination.

XX

Serena observed the sky for anything out of the ordinary before giving a look at her watch again to see the hour again. "He must be flying above the pathway right now... He could be here at any moment"

"Serena, calm down for a bit" Said Grace who turned to her daughter with a smile "The world is not going to end if you stop paying attention" She assured.

"I know mom. But I can't at least be excited for something in my big day?" The youngest Gabena responded.

Grace simply gave her daughter a comforting smile. "Yeah but be patient. Calem was nice enough wait for you, do the same with Ash at the very least" Grace reminded to Serena.

After a brief consideration Serena knew her mother was right and decided to be patient. If Calem could wait for her, then she can do the same for a Ash too.

The Kalosian girl simply decided to sit and wait for him. It's barely noon and he must be flying here with his mom in Dahaka's back. She hopes nobody else notices the flying pseudo-legendary before them or panic will be the least of her worries if it happens.

XX

Meanwhile Serena and Grace waited for them Ash and Delia flew above the towns entrance. High enough to be difficult to be seen and silent enough to not be heard. The main reason is because they are riding in a Hydreigon and they are among the most feared dragon types ever. Even trained ones are trated with caution by the populace.

Ash used the binoculars he had in store to take a look at the town from dahaka and find where serena and grace are. Fortunately Vaniville is a small place se the search din't take quite a long.

"Over there!" Ash pointed at one of the small path in direction to the towns centre "There they are, is empty save for them. Dahaka can land safely without causing a fuss"

Delia noded and ordered the dragon type to go in direction towards the street, flying silently as the pseudo-legendary could do. They did not make any sound until they were enough close to enter Grace and Serena field of vision.

Both mother and daughter inmediatly noticed the three-headed pokemon flying in their direction and the two people riding it.

"Ash!" "Over here!" Grace and Serena called, waving their hands to make them notice of their position. Delia and, of course, Ash told Dahaka to land there, wich the dragon proceeded to do with expertise.

After that both were greeted by the two Kalosians Serena greeted directly Ash, which worked to hide the small blush in her face, while Grace and Delia were catching up to each other.

"Glad to be on time. Otherwise I would not forgive myself for being late" Ash said scratching his head.

"Nonsense Ash, of course you would be on time. You are never one to take promises lightly" Serena answered happy for her friends consideration.

"You always manage to suprise me Delia. A Hydreigon that stealthy is the last thing you expect from his species"

"Is just a quality he picked up and since my trainer days" Delia say while patting Dahaka's head.

The four spent ten minutes catching up with each other, sharing tales and laughs. Ash decided to bring out Tiamat out of her ball so she could meet them. Both Kalosians were impressed by the baby dragon, who huffed proudly at the admiration of both women.

"That reminds me Serena. You have to get your own starter, Calem is waiting for you to finally deliver them, and the others must be asking where are you..." Grace reminded to her daughter about getting her own starter.

Serena's eyes widened "Goodness I forgot! I must get mine or the guys will get mad for being late!"

"Well better hurry up. You told me they were at the center right?" Ash asked.

She noded "Yeah, very close were we are. Follow me, I'll introduce you to my friends and neightbors" Grace and Serena walked in direction to the towns center, with Ash, Delia and Tiamat following them.

XX

Vaniville Town's centre only noticeable feature was a small fountain and few tables and chairs around it with some people sitting on it. Just like Ash remembers since the last time he visited Serena two months ago.

Soon enough they found the person who was giving the starters. A boy named Calem, who works as an assistant for the professor and his holding the box with the Pokeballs. He was waiting with other three persons, two boys and a girl, whom Ash guessed they also were selected for the professor to be given their starters.

"Serena! over here!" The one girl in the group called for Serena, whon rushed to meet with them.

"Glad you are here on time" Said the guy with black hair, Calem as Serena described to Ash previously.

"I'm sorry for keeping all of you waiting is just that...."

"You were waiting for your boyfriend~" The sole girl of the group, Shauna said teasing, wich caused Serena to blush and Ash look with a mix of confusion and unexplained shyness. The former who turned to look at Ash and greet him with a smile.

"I'm Shauna, one Serena's neightbors, nice to meet you" She introduced herself "You must be Ash, Serena's always speaking about you. We didn't had the chance to meet before, so I hope we get along" The Kalosian girl said.

The pallet trainer gave his usual grin "Me too, hope we get along Shauna" He turned to the other two teens "Same with you, huh..."

"Trevor, the same goes for me" The redhead introduced himself.

"Arceus sake Serena, your descripcion of him was spot on. Name is tierno by the way" The teen with robust complexion, Tierno, spoke with a natural smile.

"W-Well I know him since were kids, hehehe." Said girl spoked with a nervous smile in a blush while looking at Ash. 'Though I want us to be more than friends'

"By the way this is my mother Delia, she'll be staying in Kalos for a holiday so treat her well and this my friend Tiamat" Delia greeted the teens while the Bagon chirped. The teens greeted her while Trevor looked impressed to see a dragon an used his camera to take photos of her.

Once introduccions finished Calem took his turn to speak grabbing all the presents attention "Well, now everyone is aquainted with each other I think is time to begin with the main reason for what we are here" The four teens noded.

Calem opened the box containg several Pokeballs. More than just four, Ash and delia noticed. "Now usually it would be handing to the Kalosian starters and a extra Pokemon if more than just three people come" The professor's assistant started to explain.

"However, the last batch of Kalosian starters was almost depeleted, and he won't get another one until two weeks after" Calem opened the box now all presents observing intently "Fortunately, the professor had Batch of another region's starters he recieved as a request for his investigations" He brough four balls, two with graved images of fire and the other two with grass and water elements. Every present now observed interested for what kind of regions starters they would recieve, it could be Johtho, Hoeen or even a distant region like Galar.

"Go!"

Calem released the pokemon inside them. The mystery starters revealed themselves as nothing more the regional starters from Kanto, Charmander, Squirtle and Bulbasaur, the last ones is a small fox-like pokemon, Ash reconogized as fennekin, the Fire Type Kalosian starter.

"These are the pokemon you'll recieve as starters. The professor decided to hand three of you the Kantonian starters, he thinks it would be better for his investigations if they grow under the care of trainers like yours and Fennekin is the only one who remained of the last batch of starters and knowing four would come over he decided to hand her to one of you too" Calem finished explaining and told them is their time to decide.

All the teens looked in awe for a few seconds before they started to discuss who would go first, with exception of Ash for obvious reasons. The discussion took exactly three minutes with the starter pokemon observing patiently before they finally reached to a conclusion.

Shauna was the first to walk out of the group and speak "I have decided it. Bulbasaur will be my stater" She looked at grass starter who looked quite hapy to be chosen and approached her.

Calem noded before handing Shauna bulbasaurs Pokeball. Trainer and Pokemon exchanged a hug.

He turned to the remaining three wich they proceeded to spoke their choices.

"I choose Charmander" Trevor said.

"Squirtle looks like will go great with my style, so is pretty obvious" Tierno proclaimed.

"I feel like Fennekin and I would get along pretty well..." Serena stated.

Calem handed them the respective Pokeballs and the teens went to meet with their starter pokemon. Said pokemon didn't take their time to form a bond with their new trainers

"Glad to know you have formed good bonds with your pokemon" Calem spoke with a smile on his face , before turning serious again "Now with your starters given to you it would be time to give you the Pokedex... O well that was the norm" Spoke the professors assistant with a serious tone that atracted the attention of all presents human or pokemon.

"As you know, there's been an alrming rise on crimminal activity not just in Kalos, but in regions like Sinnoh, Hoeen, Unova, Kanto and Jotho to mention a few" Everyone noded as they knew beforehand. Even Ash and Delia knew because the knews didn't stop transmitting about crimes and other unsavory acts of around Kanto and other regions.

"Going to the point. The situation with crime as gotten very bad. The league and the other goverment bodies have been taking measures to deal with this new global problem. I'm sure you all know about the limit of active Pokeballs increased and the manadate travelling in groups is now obligatory that was decreed not long ago at the very end of the Indigo league"

"Yes, although, still hard to believe for me the world has become increasingly dangerous in the actual times" Said Serena speaking the thoughs for everyone. While they had been aware of several unfortunate happenstance's like Silph's co attempted take over or Ecruteak's 7/5 terrorist attacks, most of them, save the adults, had not much clue about it.

"I get where you are coming from. You are people who had been raised and lived in rural towns with practically now crime at all. But I assure you is not pretty what's going on currently" Spoke Calem who at the moment appeared he knew from personal experience.

"Anyway, let's get to the point" Calem took from the package the respective Kalosian Pokedex, four models in total, and not just that he also took the remaining Pokeballs of the box, Six of them in total, wich slightly confused all the present teens. Calem with a serious face spoke.

"Another change the both govermental bodies, partucularly the league, is that trainers are now obliged to have at least three Pokemon with them at the very start. This, alongside the group travel mandate, is an attempt to counter criminal's current trend of overwhelming their victims by outnumbering them on both Pokemon and humans"

Ash had to do a double take at that. three pokemons at the very start? If the league has made that a mandate then why he and Gary recieved only their starters? The professor would not have forgotten such an important detail, sure he can be absent minded sometimes, but not clueless, right?

Right?

Ash sensed a gentle hand on his shoulder and looked in direction towards his mother who told him she had taken care of that.

Calem proceeded to hand the Pokedex to the four Kalosian teens, however only Shauna, Trevor and Tierno were handed too Pokeballs to the outright shock of Serena.

"Wait what about me, I'm not supposed to recieve two more?" Serena said a bit annoyed she was left out.

A bit bewildered the professsor's assitant just to pointed at Grace "The professor told me it wasn't necessary as your mother already taken care of that"

Serena turned to her mother asking for explanations. Grace just scratche her head and chuckled "Well suprise, suprise..." She brough to pokeballs from her bag "...I took care of that"

Grace walked up to her daughter and gave her a ste of two pokeballs. "Thanks but how mom?"

"Professor Sycamore called me earlier and explained everything. He told me he's going to hand the pokemon based on their future trainer's personalities and asked me what kind of pokemon you would have in your team. I just told him I would take care of it. I know you perfectly daughter" Grace said with a wink.

Her explanation made a lot of sense and Serena looked gratefull of her mom. Meanwhile Ash, who had already figured out, stared at his mother and asked "Do you have have them, right now?"

Delia brought two Pokeballs out of pocket and threw them towards him "It's a special suprise gift reserved for something as important as this event"

The younger ketchum happily grabbed the pokeballs and looked at his friend with a grin "We got new friends and teamates Tiamat, isn't exciting?" The Bagon chirped in approval. "You are right!" he rose his fist with excitement.

He was not the only one. Serena and the others were also happy to have partners. Actually Tierno released his own two pokemon who were a Corphish and Lotad, whom he greeted eagerly and recieved the same.

Ash decided to follow up with Tiamat looking eager to meet her new teamates and partners. "Go!"

Ash released the two pokemon inside the balls. From them came to Pokemon he, to his suprise, knew, a shiny Ralts and Larvitar. Or as he named them, Astrea and Gojira respectively. The offprising of Teshi and Earthbreaker, whom he helped to hatch.

Whe said Pokemon opened their eyes and made eye contact with him both rushed him overjoyed into a hug. Ash returned the hug to both baby pokemon happy to be with them but still with some questions in mind.

"Astrea, Gojira, I'm happy to have you with me but why mom brought you here?" He was glad to have the children of two of her mother's pokemon with him. But he never heard anything from his mom nor Teshi or Breaker's opinion about the matter of their offprising coming with him. Heck, he didn't even think they would allow have them trainers due to them still being very young Pokemon unlike Tiamat, who's looking curiously at the new aditions of the team.

"That's a understanable, albeit erroneous assumption Ash" Ash hear a all too familiar psychic voice of Teshi the Gardevoir. Ash turned his head in direction to his mother to see not just Teshi at her side but Breaker too.

"Like Grace and Sycamore The Professor actually did inform me in advance about the new mandate. He told me he was going to give you and Gary two Pokemon's of the batch but he remembered about these two and asked me if they are old enough for their parents to accept the idea of travelling with you" Delia explained.

"It wans't a difficult choice to let them go with you Ash. When they learned you were leaving home Gojira started to cry and my dear Astrea became inconsolable. They seriously became very attached to you" Teshi explained while Breaker simple grunted in agreement.

"Are you sure about this?" Ash asked both of his mother's Pokemon. While he's more than willing to have more Pokemon at the start of his journey, specially ones helped to raise. He needs to be really sure they have fully decided.

"There's none else we trust our kids safety and grown than you Ash. If was anyone else but you, it would be meet with refusal" Breaker just gave a low grunt witch that sounded she aggreed with Teshi.

"Their parents trust you son, and the little ones are more than willing to acompany you." Astrea and Havoc stood cltuched on both of his legs with pleading eyes. He's more than sure the chirps and growls coming out Tiamat means she ins't against the idea.

He decided "Well if that's what they want, then I'll bring them along" The words elicited a smile from both Delia and her Pokemon while Havoc and Astrea reacted by happily runing in circles arund the raven haired trainer.

He turned to his starter who was staring at him and realized his new pokemon had not been introduced to her "Come guys let me intruduce you to my starter Pokemon" Ash led the two young Pokemon to Tiamat. Gojira was the one who got closer and greeted her openly, while Astrea, being the shyest of the two, her own was quieter and within respectfull distance.

Tiamat greeted in return towars both Gojira and Astrea. The three pokemon seemed to have gotteng along quite quickly, something Ash, Delia and their respective parents, were glad for.

While his team was getting acquainted, the raven-haired trainer turned to look at the remaining three who already had their new Pokemon released.

Trevor was given a Pikachu and Flabebe, Shauna a Swirlix and Gothita and for the last Serena was given an Eevee and, not suprisingly, a Rhyhorn. Shauna and Trevor are still getting acquinted with their own while Serena's looks like she has already got along with her own and by the way they were playing with each other not just her.

"Already friends with your team Serena?"

His Kalosian friend noded "Yep, at first I thought Fennekin, Eevee and Rhyhorn would take more time. But soon they got attached to me and between themselves" She smiled at her own team.

"Yeah, back in Kanto the Professor taught me the importance of a team bonding not only with their trainer's but also with each other. 'Harmony amogst trainer's and Pokemon is the step to victory' that's what he told during one class" That lesson was one the professor himself made a big effort into drilling to the both biological and surrogate grandsons.

"Really wise words. Expected from someone who studied under the famed Pokemon Professor" Came the unexpected voice of Calem, who approached Ash. The raven hair stared a bit confused for a second before he remembered about his existence until Serena reminded him brom behind in a low voice "Oh, you are the professor Sycamore assistant, Calem I guess"

Calem scratched his check "Technically, I'm a unpaid intern 'till officially promoted. But that's not relevant" The Luminose native laughed nervously.

That's when Ash came up with a question "Wait... how did you know abut me studying under professor Oak"

Calem rose an eyebrow "You don't know? He doesn't stop speaking about you, that extends to his grandson too..." The Kalosian explained "In any important meeting, person or online, If is not something very important to discuss, he often spoke about the acomplishment's of you managed to achieve while studying under his guide. Even he said you were the the ebst students"

Ash eyed interested "Really? he did praise us at times for our work but never to that extent. Neither I or Gary, for what I know" He would knew because Gary still loved to brag about his acomplishments and such praise from his grandfather would be enough for his rival to brag a thousand times over to anyone.

"I'm suprised how nonchalant you are about that" The pallet trainer just looked in confusion. Calem eyes gleamed at him as if he realized something "Samuel Oak is not just a professor Pokemon, he's the Professor Pokemon, do you have an inkling on what I'm implying?"

Ash looked back and fort for a few seconds before it struck him "Akin to a Champion but in terms of theory and study" Ash stated in a matter-of-fact way.

The Luminose boy chuckled "Not the analogy I was expecting, but is not wrong. But returning to the Professor, he's a basically the highest authority in the scientific comunity. Studying unders him is just a privilegue few get granted, let alone praised for your work" Callem twisted towards Ash own Pokemon, particularly Tiamat "Speaking about the big shots is true that Bagon of your's is the offprising of Lance's Salamence?"

Ash eyes widened at the bomb the Kalosian dropped on him "What!? how-"

"Knew?" Callem answered casually wile scratching his hair "I don't blame you if you didn't knew, is mostly stuff from granbulls in the league, professor's included. But returning to the main point: A champion gifting a Pokemon to a rookie, let alone one a starter and offprising from their own teams to boot? Calling that endorsement would be putting it lightly"

Ash almost jaw dropped at that last line. But he wans't the only one.

"Champion Lance endorsed Ash?" Serena, who was to just listening a minite ago, interjected with what looked as suprise. "Do you mean like a-"

"Calem!" Before she or Ash could ask any further questions the voice of Trevor got their attention and turned towards the redhead whit Shauna and Tierno following him with their own Pokemon by their side. "So you already finished right. How was meeting with your teams?"

Trevor smiled "Better than expected. My own feels already in sync between each other, Shauna's and Tierno's also did well"

"I'm already thinking about several Dance Battling moves and they are looking eager to try!" Tierno realized a improvised dance move and his Pokemon proceeded to do the same probably to show how in sync they are.

Caem let out a small grin "Good to be so full of energy" The Kalosian commented. He then twisted towards Ash and Serena, noticing the former's Pokemon already joining to his side before speaking again "Now introductions are finished, the only thing would be for all of you start your journey's. Asuming you have prepared, with your families informed and giving their consent" The oldest of the teens spoke with emphasis the last part.

Thankfully he recieved only a yes from them.

He closed his eyes with a grin "Excellent. Now with everything set only remains is heading towards Aquacorde Town. If we part now we could stay the night at the Pokecenter" He opened one eye "Plus there's a newly steablished battle club for those interested in training" Ash, Tierno and Trevor perked up at the mention of the battle club.

The teens looked at each other before turning to calem "Well what are we waiting for, let's go!" Spoke Ash full of excitement.

"Yeah, Ash is right we are doing nothing by just staying here? We need to go" Serena joined in, showing she was very eager.

The group soon parted towards the towns exit with their golas in mind.

XX

"Santalune City's is not far away from Aquacorde Town" Grace told to the group plus Delia, who will acompany them for the time.

"If I'm not wrong, Santalune's gym is one the mayor gyms of Kalos. So is obvious we go there" Ash spoke while reviewing everything he studied about locations in Kalos week's ago.

"Yo are right Ash" Trevor started to spoke "Once finished with Santalune, Luminose is our next stop as is there where's the professor's laboratory is located and has a gym there"

"You forgot something" Serena's voice cut sharp the boy's dialogue "That's where also contest season will begin"

"After that we could take route 13 and head towards Coumarine City..." Shauna clapped both hands "That's where the closest showcase will be hosted. Also that's where you guys can go for the third badge" Tierno and Trevor just blinked in response "What? You are not the only ones who did their research on paths and routes,I did my own research too!"

"Yeah, you did good Shauna. But you forgot something important" Tierno held up his latest model of the holo-caster in front of her and displayed a holografic screen with images of a city and news "Laverre city is also hosting a showcase roughly the sames time at Coumarine, also has Gym too and time to reach out is releatively the same as Coumarine so..." Tierno stopped himself to look at the performer who just stared as if she was throw into a loop.

"Arceus sake I forgot that!" The Kalosian girl stared at the screen looking indecisive "Courmarine is good as astarting point for performances and I could catch some pokemon that would help me in the way, but Laverre's Gym Leader would be also a good inspiration for my performances, not mentioning the city's aestehtics and the fashion show!"

Shauna grabber herself with both hands in exasperation "There all goes my plans..." She looked defeated "Guy's would you tell me what is better choice, Courmarine or Laeverre?" She asked the question.

The entire group of trainers started giving their opinions on what path take after Luminose everyone giving valid points in taking one path.

While this was happening Grace took her chance to speak with Delia "I take you are going with them until reaching Luminose right?" The veteran Rhyhorn racer questioned her own contemporary.

"Worried a bit too much for Serena?"

Grace sighted "Honestly, I know all kids leave on their own one day and Serena's is in good hands..." A pained expression showed in her face "How you look so calm despite your's not being far away from separating of you?"

Delia only closed her eyes for a second before stared towards Grace's with a smile "Is just I know him and have faith. Ash's will inevitable run itno danger at some point in his journey and more than once. I speak from experience..."

She twisted for a second towards Ash who was caught in the debate before turning back to grace "But they need to do this to grow both as trainers and persons. Experience the real world outide of their bubbles is important..." She said before turning serious "Because the world we live, those who don't never stay for long" She muttered darkly

Grace just rose an eyebrow for that las line coming from Delia before turning her thoughts towards Serena "I... guess you are right, Serena needs expereince the world so she can grow" She stared one last time at her daughter fully coming to terms this is not only the best for her but is what she wants.

By the time both mother's finished their talk they been approached by Ash and Serena. "I assume is time to part"

"Yeah, we had traced the path up to Luminose. What we'll do after that will be spoke after finishig up bussiness there" Ash explained to his mom.

On the other side Grace and Serena exchanged looks with each other before the latter spoke "It's my time to go mom" Serena's said.

Grace looked at her daughter in the eyes for full ten seconds before giving her most supportive smile ever "Alright I'll trust you" She said to her daughetr reasuringly "Just be careful, and remeber to call me at least once a week"

Serena smiled before reassuring her mother she will call as much as possible. Both mother and daughter shared a hug before leaving with Delia wishing her well before parting ways.

The group of teneeagers and a adult walked through Vaniville pathway onwards their first destination: Aquacorde Town

XX

The group walked in straight line without stop, as there was no trainers and wild Pokemon were pretty rare for this path. Ash decided to let out his team from their balls with because he wanted his team walk with him and make them build their stamina through walking.

This sort of caused the other members of their group to do the same, save for delia because her Pokemon could cause a bit of panic. Even Calem let outs his team, wich were a chespin, a charmander too and the most impressive a Kanghaskan. Said Pokemon were named in order Marisso, Salame, Kang and Kango, the last one is for the baby Kanghaskan.

Now a group formed of new trainers, an assistannt and a retired trainer were acompanied by their Pokemon. Pokemons like Tiamat, Salame and Squirtle had a running competition, others like Astrea, Fennekin, Eevee, Flabebe and Bulbasaur decided to socialize between them or stick with their trainers. It make the short walk a lot more livey.

Not too much time passed before reaching Aquacorde Town with the sun barely making evening.

The first thing they did was heading down to the Pokemon center and book their stays for the night and getting checked their Pokemon with the nurse Joy. After that, they went to have lunch were Ash threw himself a feast with his fellows trainers, save for Serena due to obvious reasons, looking suprised by the amount of food he can consume and his mother critizicing him for his lack of manners, again.

"Kalosian cuisine is amazing" spoke Ash with a full stomach

"I'm actually suprised you are able to move after eating all that food" Calem said still a bit awed he devoured four Pot-au-feu and three Steaks with frites and he had still stomach for Eclair's, four of them!

The raven haried Kalosian wans't the only one. Behind him Shauna is asking Serena about her friends 'secret'.

A bell chimed in followed by a speaker calling for their names at the reception desk. When they aproached it Nurse joy came by herself with a Wigglytuff bringing their Pokemon inside their balls. The nurse told they had been checked and feeded. They been relieved nothing wrong has been found on their pokemon in case it slipped to any of them.

"Girls are you coming to the battle club?" Ash asked to both Shauna and Serena after they leaving the center with his mom staying inside to relax. The boys obviously were going towards the battle club, but they didn't knew if the girls had planned to come or something else.

Shauna herslef thought for a minute before denying "There's a few souvenir shops here I want to visit" She explained "And I have to start developing the rutines with my team for showcases. I can't go with you today, sorry" She apologized in which they said no problem as there's always time.

In Serena's case...

"I'll go" Serena spoke "The battle club may serve as experience for Contest Battles, and I can get several ideas for Performance Stage by watching some battles" 'And I want to see Ash battle' She said in her mind.

"Awesome" The raven haired kantonian grinned "If it serves you I may give some help in that regard"

At those words the Honey haired girl blushed like a tomato but manged to conceal it from him. "S-S-Sure I'm glad you are willing to help" Serena replied a bit embarassed but happy of Ash offering.

This interaction made Shauna looking at Serena giggling with a teasing expression while Tierno asked Trevor if should they tell him, but his friend adviced against. And Calem did his best to hide his amusement.

'This journey won't get boring anytime soon' Thought for himself.

XX

The Battle Club was edifice was just a street below the Pokemon Center with the Pokemon store at it's side.

The building resembling resembling to the other ones in town. Being formerly an hotel before being closed down due to unknow circunstances and remaining like that before spotting the eyes of one member of the George family. Seeking the expansion of the family business beyond it's native region of Unova they bough it and gave the building a remodelation.

The outside wans't vey much llamative but the the facility's innards is elicit more than one 'wow' from the five teens. behind the deceptive apeareance of a simple building layed out a very advanced complex, withs everal battle arenas, apparatus for pokemon training, swiming pool and all!

"Impressive, don't you think so?" An adult spoke before revealing to be Don George, well one of the multiple members of the Don George family. "The most state-of-the-art training devices and computers, four floors with two battle arena's each and even a library with every kind of info for trainers. For a small place like this town we manage to outdo oursleves" Don George huffed his chest in pride.

"Anyway, that talk can be later, I assume the five of you came to use the facilities either for training or battling"

"Well me and my friend Tierno came here to have our long awaited first battle" Trevor told to the manager.

"Ah, the classic begginer's first battle, of course" The burly manager chuckled "We don't have any arenas reserved for use today so be free to use any of them" Both boys smiled in excitement and rushed in direction to the closest one leaving only Ash, Serena and Calem with the manager.

Before either Ash or Serena Calem stood in front of him with an unusual confident grin "Ash, let's have a battle" The Kalosian told him straight with unusual excitement.

Ash and by extension, Serena, observed stunned for a second before Ash composing himself first to ask "Um... Sure, I'm always up to a battle... But why you ask me out of the sudden..." Ash never imagined Calem would be the person to suddenly battle someone. In the short time he got to know the assistant he displayed an usually calm, collected but friendly personality at the same time turning serious when the situation requires so. But right now he's displaying an amount of excitement that would be expected from him or someone like trevor or tierno. Serena having similar thoughs, and she knew more albeit just for several weeks longer than him.

Calem smirked "I know is pretty unusual for me being so excited" The Kalosian spoke as if he read their own thoughs "The thing is I'm a very big admirer of the professor Oak, you can call me a fanboy" He smiled with a bit of embarassment for a moment before turning confident again "And as you already know, the professor praised you as one his best students..."

He then retrieved one the Pokeballs from his belt and held it high for both of them see it "an I want to see how good you really are... with my own eyes" His eyes gleamed with fire not to unlike the Kantonian native.

Ash just stared into his eyes and said with a smile that showed understanding.

"Let's battle!" Spoke the revaen haired trainer.

Chapter Text

Ash and Calem were standing in their respective posistion of the arena awaiting for the referee's anouncement. Their respective Pokemon inside the pokebals, waiting for the battle to begin and none of the two breaking eye contact with their opponent.

Meanwhile Serena, and unexpectedly Don George himself, located themsleves in the expectators seats. Serena actually brought her Holo-Caster to record the battle and let out her team to observe the battle "Pay attention how their pokemon fight. This will be of use when for Contest Battles" They all noded.

"You can also use one of our computers to seek recordings of that kind..." The honey-haired girl looked at the manager "What?"

"My family has been considering for some time extending the battle club appeal reach tomards coordinators and other types of less orthodox types of trainers" Don George explained to her about it "And we decided to start with coordinators, given that Contests are quickly winning popularity in Unova with Kalos following it"

Serena though for a moment a decided she would check in for some reference after the battle. She turned back to see the referee making signaling for the battle to begin

XX

Ash held his belt tighly while observing the Pokeballs where his friends are residing right now, thinking carefully whom he should send. Initially he considered sending Tiamat first, but he discarded because how predictable would be, that's adding the fact both Gojira and Astrea reached the age where they are capable of fighting. Both are still very young pokemon but in need to experience battling, he can't be coddling them!

So he will send either Astrea or Gojira but who goes first?

"Begin!" The referee's voice snapped Ash out of his thinking. 'Better to not dwell too deeply right now.' Those were Ash's last thoughs before hearing calem send his first Pokemon.

"Salame, I choose you!"

The Charmander named Salame made his apparition letting out a loud growl while holding up his tail, an habit he had since very young, according to Calem. "Is your turn Ash, show me what you do" Spoke the Kalosian with expectant grin.

Ash observed the fire type. As a fan of both dragon and fire types and the fact he studied under kanto's regional professor, the pallet town boy was quite knowledgeable of his region's fire type starter and it's line. He planned to catch one in the future. And of course he would knew the capabilities of one.

'Fire Type, usally speciallized on ranged attacks, but they also have good capabilities in melee and above average speed...' Reviewing his knowledge about charmander he came to a decisión.

"Psych up, Astrea!" The shiny Ralts made revealed herself staring her opponent with determination then turned to Ash. "This shall be your first battle. Kept your focus on it and don't worry, I have trust on you" He spoke encouragingly, it seemed to do the effect as Astrea looked more than willing to fight.

"So you are sending Astrea, mmm..." Calem observed his opponent's Pokemon with an analitic eye. 'Now what will be your strategy Ash?'

"Let's set the battle to our favor. Salame go for 1 and follow up with 3 right now!" Calem shouted.

Ash was initially confused by the commands Calem shouted before he remembered something he witnessed when looking at some recorded matches.

"Astrea keep your senses high! He's preparing for something!" Sensing her trainer's current burst of caution the shiny Pokemon amplified her sensing capabilities as she was told. Even the faintest hint of aggression or hostility from the opponent will be traced.

That proved to be an intelligent choice, as Salame released a cloud of smoke, that hid him and almost a two thirds of the arena from their vision. 'Smokecreen to hide Salame from view and attack from any possible angle freely' A good strategy, one he needs to react and counter swift and strong to if he want's to avoid a disatvantageous position.

"Astrea focus on locating it. You know the rest" Ash was thankfull they had a three hours to prepare his team and drill on them several plans and strategies he had in mind before the scheduled match. 'Must be carefull. Unlike Gary I don't know in any way his way of battling and seems he had previous experience with battling' Playing safe was the best option for the moment as he had that familiar feeling that came up always whenever something was up.

His eyes switched for a moment towards Calem, who didn't change expressions or spoke something since speaking his commands. But Ash was sure he's just analizing the situation inside his mind alongside observing every descision he's making. His gut is telling him if he doens't come up with a plan soon he will be for a bad time.

The expected attack came up with a burst of embers coming from the left. Astrea reacted fast enough to use Confusion both to disperse the embers and damage the target as they had practiced.

For a split second Ash smiled inwardly for the supposed success of his counter, however that soon died down when he realized no sound came from the opposing Pokemon.

"Now Salame, Metal Claw!"

Before Ash could speak something, the Charmander came out of the ground all of the sudden, right behind Astrea attemping to slash her with the super effective steel type move.

Astrea sensed Salame's attack and attempted to counter with confusion, however due to Salame being marginally more faster than the psychic type Pokemon, Metal claw hit first being a direct hit throwing the ralts within a few meters of distance.

Ash almost shouted for his Pokemon well being but hold it seeing she hans't conpletely fell to the ground and was managing to hold herself, albeit with dificulty. The Ralts give him a look that told everything he needed, she could still fight.

"That's a was impressive for a Ralts" Calem comented "Any other one would be down instantly due to their frailty specially for one relatively young" He said with an analitic eye.

"Of course she can do that..." Spoke Ash letting some pride come from his voice, before his tone turn more neutral "And she can do more, Astrea thunderbolt!"

"What!?"

Astrea's small body sparkled with electricity before a bolt of electricity was released. Striking with a speed and power that was more expected from a trained electric type like a Pikachu than a Psychic type, Salame was hit dead on before the fire type or his trainer could react.

The fire type left a loud growl of pain that lasted for a few seconds before the electric attack finished. No longer blinded by the light, Both trainers saw the state of Salame and, in Calem's case didn't like it not one bit.

Aside from the obvious electric burns, the attack did a number on him in more ways than he expected. Not only did a good amount of damage to him, worst there's seems to be small sparks of static around his body, which means the chance he got paralized.

"Suprised Calem?" Spoke Ash knowing what his opponent was thinking "I bet you didn't expect pulling something like Thunderbolt out of the blue and with that power"

Thunderbolt is a difficult move to get for any trainer who doesn't have electric type Pokemon, and the methods to get one, be TM or Tutor, are deliberately made difficult to obtain and for a good reason. Powerfull, precise, fast, can Paralyze and a nightmare to deal if your don't use ground types or a pokemon with some kind of resistance for electric attacks. The same reason extends for flamethrower, ice beam and other very powerfull and destrctive moves.

"You did caught me off guard, I admit that" Calem remarked with earnest expression, before his face turned more serious "Witch... means I have to reveal some of my cards earlier than expected"

Ash eyes hardened, he suspected Calem several tricks upon his sleeve. Mostly laying his Kangaskhan, but he must have some with his chespin and of course Salame must have more. What's worse is if Astrea could endure another one? Probably not much due to the damage she had already and the fact she lacks the endurance to fight for longer. A thing he must rectify later.

If that's the case, he must finish this before Astrea "Calm Mind and follow up with Confusion" He voiced quickly.

Astrea took focused stance upon herself, an aura of psychic power surrounded her.

"Dig follow up with Six and Four" Calem urged Salame to go underground and avoid the incoming Confusion.

Calm Mind would not only increase a pokemon's special attack and special defense, but also the concentration and precision of their attacks too. He's not looking to test Salame's resistance against a Psychic attack of that caliber, let alone if Ash decides to use thunderbolt again.

"Oh no, not this time, Astrea get him!" Ash shuted channeling his emotions into Astrea.

The Feeling Pokemon, true to her nature, felt a wave of determination and fervor coming from Ash. Being a from a line whose characteristic is being influenced by the emotions of all beings around, she was momentarilly empowered and even more determined to win. And adding the boost of calm mind...

The result: a blast of psychic force with triple the power and more important, faster than their opponents. Salame tried to dig his way out the attack range, unfortuantely for the Kantonian fire type his speed was not enough and the blast of psychic energy send the Lizard pokemon flying away and then rolling in the ground inficting a substantial amount of damage to the fire type until finally landing near his trainer already knocked out who sensibly decided to check the condition of his Pokemon.

"Salame is unable to continue, the first victory goes to Ash Ketchum" Anounced Don George.

"You did your best Salame, return and rest" Spoke Calem as he brought the fire type back to his Pokeball.

Ash decided to check on his Pokemon as well. As soon as Astrea was by his side he noticed that alongside the bruises from the metal claw she was more exhausted than anything, even some heavy breathing. That empowered Confusion must have draw out a lot of her. To the point she wouldn't last much longer in the next battle.

"You did well for your first battle Astrea" He brought her Pokeball "Return for the time being so you can rest. I'll cal you again if necessary"

The psychic type nodded before going back to the ball. He then returned to face Calem who looked even more thrilled than before. "You are good Ash, even for a begginer I say..."

"Thanks..." The pallet boy appreciated the compliment "... That also goes for Astrea. Without her faith in me and will to fight I couldn't have pulled that stunt." He said as he prepared his next Pokemon.

"And she's not the only one! Break Them, Gojira!"

Gojira the Larvitar announced his presence by baring his small fangs and growling loudly enough, a characteristic show of intimidation of the pokemons evolutionary line.

"Well someone has faith on his team" Calem smile as he prepared his next Pokemon "Then I'll show you how much faith I have on mine too!"

XX

"That was somewhat impressive. But that Ash kid needs to do more to defeat that boy Calem" Commented Don George in an objective if harsh way of analizing the first round.

"Hu? But he's doing well..." Serena objected to Don George. The Manager turned to her and explained "Don't take wrong. Is clear he's good at battling for a novice and knows his team's strengths and weaknesses" The Burly Manager explained before turning once more to the battle.

"But that Calem boy is dangerous on his own. The way he acts, the tactics and strategies, the way he speaks his commands and how his Pokemon react. That say's the boy has been in the business of battling for a good time and he's good at it" Spoken Don George with absolute certainty. "Enough to overwhelm his current opponent if they are not carefull"

Serena, looked mildly confused at that statement. Is not that she thinks poorly Calem's battling skills. In fact she knew he was at least a competent trainer on his own, a correct assumption given he's Sycamore assistant and the Professor's specific area of study is a part of battling there wans't even a question if he had experience as a trainer. But that good?

"Trust me with a career like mine, gauging the capabilitiesof each battler to their true extent is a skill you eventually pick up sooner or later." He said his eyes not leaving the battle "And you'll see right now" He pointed at the battle drawing the girl focus to the battle.

XX

"My dear old friends it's time to shake the stadium!" Shouted Calem before sending his second Pokemon.

"GRAAAAAAAAH!" Roared Kang, the Kangaskhan followed by her child whose own was just barely heard but transmited the same intention of her mother.

"Kang, Kango show them what you are made off!"

Ash looked suprised but quickly shrug it off to regain composure. He never suspected Calem would send his ace on the second match. He expected for Calem to send Marisso instead and exploit Gojira's type disadvantage in his favor.

But sendig Kang changes the everything.

"You expected I send Marisso instead of Kang and Kango, right?" Spoke Calem as if reading his mind.

"Yeah. Thought you would try to press Marisso's type advantage against Gojira. I was wrong" Ash admited with a shrug.

"True, I considered the same, but that make it predictable" Calem rose his finger "And as professor Sycamore said once: 'Type advantage is a sugestion, not a decision'" The Kalosian quoted.

Ash had to agree with Calem in that point. Oak drilled in him and Gary something similar on how type advantage are just one of the factors to win the battle, but not a decisive one.

He should put that lesson more at heart after this battle.

"Gojira, let's set up the battlefield, Sandstorm!"

"Not so fast Water Pulse!"

Gojira did as he told and kicked a sandstorm but the small rock type pokemon had barely time to execute the move as Kang attacked with water pulse, wich Gojira barely dodged. Kango let out an annoyed grunt before using another water pulse, to the small shock of all but Done George and Calem who didn't tell her to do it, wich, with more antelation this time Gojira evaded the attack pulling a dodge roll to, shocking most of the audience save except it was Ash this time, whom ordered to use Sandstorm once more. Wich in conjuntion with current one still active resulted in a stronger and denser storm.

"Dark Pulse now!" Ash ordered quickly.

Gojira created a ball of dark energy and shoot a fast dark beam straight at Kang. The Kangaskhan tried to counter using Water Pulse again, one more larger than the previous ones and launched. However the Dark Pulse managed to pierce through the sphere of water and continued to shot straight towards Kang and hit the normal type in the chest.

The attack did some good damage as Kang led out an and angry growl as it let a mark in the chest, But that's not all. Kang started to feel the sandstorm rock splinters in among the currents grazing with strengh while Kango hid inside in her mothers puch to avoid being affectd by the sandstorm. The Parent Pokemon was about to use a another Water Pulse but stopped as she heard Calem call her.

"Let's go for a different approach Kang. Go for 6D, Then use your favorite" Calem spoke using his, now know, customized commands. Only this time this ones were added letters.

Kang's expression went from annoyance to smiling and Kango was feeling the same inside the pouch. That smile wasn't a happy one, but one that forewarns great pain, Both Ash and Gojira felt a chill through their spines, while Serena felt intimidated by the change in the air on the Normal type. While Don George observed expectant.

"Go" That quiet command was the only thing Calem said before hell broke lose.

Kang prepared another water pulse, one a lot more bigger and denser than the last threw it at Gojira.

"Quickly dig" Ash ordered Gojira. His reasons were one: Gojira's dark pulses hadn't enough power to pierce an attack of that size on time, two: he guessed Calem would use that on his advantage.

"Just were I want you" Calem did a finger snap "Kang!"

The normal type eyes glinted for a moment before stomping her foot on the ground with force making a shock wave that reverbrated through arena.

Ash stared in a second as he realized what move is using. "Gojira get out, is using earthquake!" He tried to warn but it was too late.

The earthquake's shock waves spread quickly through the arena, reaching the point were Gojira was currently digging. The small rock type was hit violently by the attack and given earthquake potency is doubled against opponents using dig, as a consequence the shock so powerfull the Larvitar was forcibly ejected from the ground and went flying until landing near Ash.

"Gojira!" Ash cried for his Pokemon wo,rried he had gotten hurt. With the storm dispersed the state of Gojira was clear to all the presents.

Suprisingly The small Rock type was still concious and, even more, trying get up, but looked really beaten with a notorious bruise in his chest and the pained expression and how Gojira struggled to even get up. Only to faint seconds later

"Gojira cannot continue, victory goes for Calem." Don George said with an emotionless voice.

Serena with her pokemon cringed at the state of Gojira, feeling a mix of sympathy and admiration for Rock Type who despite being so hurt still tried to keep fighting.

Calem, Kang and Kango looked clearly guilty. The latter because true to her nature as the Parent Pokemon this amount of force against a young Pokemon didn't sit well for either of them and Calem because didn't intend to go overboard with his opponent and asked the referee to put the battle on hold to allow Ash check and treat Gojira.

"Ouch that must have hurt very much" Spoke a voice that was none other than tierno, with Trevor by his side.

"With Gojira's type being disadvantaged against ground type moves and he recieved an earthquake while using dig... I'm suprised he's still concious" Trevor remarked.

"When did you guys get here" Serena asked now noticing the two boys beind him.

"We were here by the time the first battle was almost finished. We started earlier than Ash and Calem. Short story we tied by a dual knockout" Trevor spoke quickly before turning his attention.

"We thought about calling you, but the battle betwen those two had us mesmerized. Both of them are very good" Said Tierno with anticipation.

"Yeah but Calem is the better of the two. I wonder how Ash will keep up with him" Trevor spoke equally excited.

Serena didn't say anything because shi did not had anything to add to the conversation instead kept her eyes in the battle while looking with a bit of anxiety. She, a bit relucantly, acknowledged Calem was better than Ash. As the battle has shown her, but she knows Ash can win. 'Is a matter of knowing to play one's cards right at the right moment', just as Delia would say.

XX

Both combatants had been given a fifteen minute break, as petition of Calem so Gojira's injuries would be checked by an medic. The battle club always has those in case something happens. Calem decided to tak this chance to have Salame checked.

To both trainer's relief Salame was good he just needed to rest, the same was for Gojira, but also he was applied a potion, feed some berries and given a heal pulse just in case.

After the break ended both trainers returned their positions in order to continue the battle. The referee stated the same rules and signalled for the battle to continue.

The only thing that changed is if both trainers will resume with the same Pokemon. As for now Calem decided to continue with Kang and Kago but for Ash...

"Tiamat I chose You!" The Kantonian trainer decided to send Tiamat who looked at his opponent let out an angry hiss at the normal type.

After thinking about it, Ash concluded Calem's Ace his starter Pokemon had the best chance at defeating Kang. He decided it after talking with his team. Another thing he did was speak Gojira was not happy with his defeat, he wans't angry, he felt more dissapointed with himself for being defeated.

Ash took his time to talk him out of his melancholic state. That while a loss is a bitter taste in the mounth sometimes is inevitable and the only thing is learn from them and use them to become stronger. That culminated in promising Gojira they'll come out stronger and next time coming out as the victor. Wich seemed to do the job.

On the other side Tiamat was angry for her friend and wanted revenge. And Ash was more willing to allow her.

"So is Tiamat now..." Calem looked at Ash starter. He must be thinking in what kind strategies he must have prepared for her.

"Start with D4 and follow 7M!" Calem shouted first, lauching his commands in quick succesion.

Kang opened her mouth and shoot a barrage of white stars, it was Swift. But that did not end there. Kang created a water pulse while she used swift. A surprising feat, given is dificult for a pokemon mantain two moves in continous use. Tierno, Trevor, Serena and Don George wonder for a second what kind of training Calem put Kango to do such thing.

However Ash wasn't without his suprises.

"Fiery dance"

Tiamat surrounded herself with an aura of draconic energy and use dragon breath she began to spin while letting the multicolored flames come out of her mouth. The combination of dragon dance speed boost and dragon breath, boost by STAB and Sheer Force, resulted in a tornado of dragonfire dense enough to block the incoming starts.

All observers human and pokemon watched amazed by the combined move, even Calem was impressed by that but his partner looked undeterred. With the water pulse already made Kang threw it right at the flaming tornado in order to extingish it!

"Zen Headbutt"

Just as soon Ash ordered, Tiamat undid the flaming tornado and charged straight the Water Pulse with a Zen Headbutt and burts it. The now soaked dragon charged unbothered at her opponent.

The Kangaskhan in response did her own charge revealing her fist glowing white as she used the move know as Mega Punch.

Kang's Mega Punch and Tiamat's Zen Headbutt clashed. It lasted a few seconds before Kang overpowerd Tiamat and pushed a meter away. However, Tiamat was able to hold the ground and not fall off.

Kang apperaed unharmed, but a more deep glance one can notice some bruises in the right hand she used the move. Still it did make little difference with the juggernaut the Normal type has proven to be.

By this point Ash has come to terms bringin down Calem's ace, is either by using powerfull attacks for heavy damage or chip her bit by bit using hit and run. None of them are easy due to obvious circunstances. Damnit!

If that's the case then no point in saving his better cards for the latter.

"Wildfyre Dance" He said as his expression turned more determined.

Tiamat noded and used dragon breath again, only this time it was a ball of fire rather than a stream of flames.

Kang answered with Swift. Both moves collided creating an small explosion that left some smoke. Before the smoke cleared off, Suddenly another fire ball came, this one was smaller but significantly faster than the previous one.

The attack took by suprise both Trainer and Pokemon and scoring a hit on Kang directly to the Pokemon's face. Kang's face was barely hurt but the attack annoyed her greatly. Calem eyes shifted through the arena scanning for the dragon type and found her doing finishing a dragon dance.

At that's when it clicked to Calem what was Ash planning.

"It's a trap! They are using the fire balls as a diversion! Kang stop her with A9 numerous times!"

Kang roared in fury before stomping her foot in the ground multiple times and sending a barrage of earthquakes towards Tiamat in order to prevent further boosting. But Ash had seen that coming and reacted accordingly.

"Jump and stop her with Hydropump" Shouted Ash finally revealing his secret weapon.

Gathering all the boosted speed, the small dragon type did a jump, dodging the first earthquake of the wave, albeit barely. And then Tiamat opened her mouth once more unleashing the most Powerfull move in her arsenal.

A blast of pressurized water came out pointing towards the normal type at spectacular speed. So fast it didn't left time for either opponents to react. As result the Hydropump hit Kang directly and the pokemon recieved fully. And those factors combined with the Pokemon's size, mass and weight. Kang was both throw back and lose her balance for some seconds.

Seconds Ash decided to capitalize.

"Use Dragon breath and close distance"

As soon those orders left his lips, Tiamat charged to Kang using Dragon Breath. All the speed she gained thanks to all those previous Dragon Dances helped to quickly close distance and attack the normal type with draconic fire.

"8X and 01" Calem quickly ordered, a hint of desperation leaving his voice.

Kang crossed her arms defensively and charged at the stream of dragonfire while protecting herself and Kango, whom decided to stay in the pouch for the duration the remainer of the battle as a safety measure.

"Telling it to take the attack and charge at the opponent. Seems he's not averse at taking risk's" Ash decided to respond by ordering his pokemon break the charge and dodge while using Wildfyre, Aka: Dragon Breath fire balls.

Acting on her orders quickly Tiamat moved to the left, just in time to avoid a Mega Punch from much bigger Pokemon and attack with Wyldfire. Shame that Sheer Force negates the paralyzing effects of dragonbreath or he would have a much easier time by now due to how much Dragon Beath The Pokemon has been recieving.

From that point on the next minutes of the battle became basically on a game of chase between the two Pokemon. Kang would try to land a hit and Tiamat would dodge and counter with their respective trainers trying to seize an opportunity. Kang tried with everything from water pulse to earthquake wich Tiamat inturn would dodge and counter. Sometimes the Pokemon took initiative on their own but most of the time it was their own trainers shouting their orders in order to gain the upper hand. Ash manged to have Tiamats use one dragon dance during the engagement but Kang's resilence was something to else given how much much punishment the Parent Pokemon was taking even when recieving a Zen Headbutt with all the power boosts he Tiamat had!

So far the fight mantained in a stalemate. Sometimes Kang or Tiamat would land a hit on their opponent doing damage, resulting in either Calem or Ash attempting to seize the oportunity only for the rival react with time to block or resist it and push further, in the case of the former, or dodge and counter, in the latter's case.

It is been going for several minutes and the song and dance has no sings of ending.

XX

"Hey guy's enjoying the battle?" Spoke the voice of Shauna who grabbed the attention of her friends. Followeed by Delia whom, to the suprise of everyone exect Shauna, was acompanied not just by Mimey and Teshi, but some of her Powerhouses too, Brahma, Earthbreaker, Cleopatra and Inari.

"Ah, Shauna, Delia. What brings you two here?"

"Well, the truth Serena is that I got a bit bored and decided to come to the battle club to see Ash battle" She says as she turns to watch the battle alongside her pokemon with eagerness in their eyes.

"Well I did all my shopping and practiced my routines. Finished a lot earlier than expected and had free time to spare, so why not come here" Shauna said as she took her seat "By the way what I lost on the battles"

"Well for starters, Trevor and I tied by a dual knockout. And those two are down to one Pokemon each and in the middle of the second battle" Tierno summarized.

"Give it chase Kang!" Resounded the voice of Calem. She turned to observe the Kangaskhan attacking at Tiamat with Swift.

"Oh no, you don't. break through it Tiamat!"

Ash said with his arm raised. The Bagon, Tiamat, charged with an astounding speed meeting rain of stars with a Zen Headbutt that seemed very strong. The small blue dragon somehow break through the barrage as if it was nothing and landing a hit on Kang.

The power of the attack pushed back Kang in wich Ash orderd to use dragon breath. But Calem was quicker and with some commands she didn't understand Kang countered with water pulse against the stream of multicolored flames. Then Kang emerged from the resulting vapor and hit Tiamat with a mega punch wich in turn pushed back the Tiamat but the dragon type got up looking determined. And then the blue dragon spite some multicolored fireballs, called wildfyre, at Ash orders.

"They have been going like that for a while" Trevor spoke before eyeing his holocaster "It has been eight minutes according to the chronometer"

That's when Shauna asked a question "Who do you think will win?"

Tierno and Trevor shared glances before Turning to Shauna with trevor speaking first "If you asked me a while ago I would say Calem without any doubt. But..."

"...Now we are not even sure" Tierno before turning to the battle once more "I mean, look at how they battle. Their strategies, the way how in sync are with their Pokemon even their Pokemon's moves and how well are following commands says a lot about Ash and Calem skills in battling" His face shifted in a slightly dejected expression "Honestly, It feels like I'm far behind as a trainer"

"We'll with Calem is expected, he's older than us and was a before the age limit was increased and becoming an assistant of the Professor..." Trevor explained.

"But what about Ash?" Shauna interjected, her eyes filled with curiosity shifting for a second towards the Kanto native before speaking again "...He's started today like us, but he's giving Calem a good fight and he's good" The girl added her with observations, with amazement on her voice.

"We'll both Serena explained and Calem confirmed he studied under Professor Oak. He was Kanto's champion before becoming the famed Professor Pokemon. Possibly he taught him about battling" Trevor guessed.

"I bet more his mom was more involved in that part" Tierno looked at Delia and all her Pokemon who had their eyes glued to the battle "Just look at those them, one glance can tell they are ready to crush anyone that thinks about facing them."

On the front side Serena, who kept hearing the conversation glanced at Delia "Did you?"

"Just some battle advice and tips for battling. Oak had the rest covered" Delia answered casually.

'Maybe should I ask him later' She put a mental note for later.

XX

"You know, this fight has been quite fun" Spoke Calem, his eyes glowing with emotion as his calm and collected demeanor gone. A an ethusiastic smile and eyes full of excitement were painted instead.

"You are right" Ash a wide grim. Adrenaline pumping through his brain like crazy. So caught in the heat of the battle everything else didn't matter to him anymore. He want's to battle and that's all he cares at this right moment. "Fighting someone who could put you at your limits is fun"

"You tell me. Tiamat and You form a great team, all those strategies and tactics. Is hard to believe you started barely this day"

Ash scratched in embarassement at the compliment "It didn't do that much really. I just applied what they taught me about Pokemon and have faith on them" He stared at his Pokemon with a smile "The true praise goes for Tiamat and the rest of my team for their efforts" Tiamat, and gojira who had been watching alongised Ash, chirped with pride at their trainer's praise.

"Good you are humble too and have faith on your team" The raven haired Kalosian rose his arm with a now serious expression "But as I said before the battle was fun..." He clnched his hand into a fist "...However all fun things, sadly, have to end"

The raven haired Kantonian understood inmediatly the meaning of those words "So how do you want to end this round? The classic clash of final moves or something else in mind..."

"Let's go for the traditional way." Calem eyes turned towards his Pokemon "Are you ready?"

Kang nodded taking stance ready to use everything she has. Despite all the acumulated damage taken, how slow her moves in general had become and the tiredness the normal type is feeling, Kang still pack enough for a bit.

"Let's finsih this up Tiamat. When I say it deal the finishing blow towrds Kang"

Tiamat growled in affirmative. The Bagon looked absolutely determined to win despite being quite beaten and feeling tired. The dragon type proved herself to be quite stubborn when coming to be taken down. When she becomes a Salamence she'll be a nightmare to deal with.

XX

"Seems they are going to end this round" Trevor observed with anticipation as he inconciously gripped his chair for the anxiety this battle brough.

"I'm going to push my team to the limits after that. I can't allow myself be left behind" Tierno eyed at both battles with fire in his eyes. He swore himself work hard and learn from this day onwards.

"Come one Ash, you can do it. Never give up is your way of life so go ahead and beat him!" Serena cheered for Ash to win. She didn't care people noticed either, her blue eyes fully focused on the battle.

"Wooohoo, we are going for the climax. Do your best you two!" And Shauna who simply enjoying the battle gave cheers for the both combatants.

Delia supported her son too but in a more quiet manner. Her Pokemon did show their support for their Trainers son to varying degrees.

XX

"Earthquake follow with Mega Punch" Calem was the firts to give the order. Kang proceeded to unlesh the best earthquake she could.

"Eject yourself with Hydropump" Ash answered inmediatly.

Tiamat did a jump before opening her mouth and shooting the hydropump at the soil. The sheer potency combined with her small body doing the desired effect sending the small dragon flying some meters above the ground and falling in direction to kang.

The audience was awed at Tiamat flying. Tiamat herself felt ectasic she was flying, her instinctive yearning for it taking her over for a moment. Only seonds before Ash's voice reached out to her.

"Zen Headbutt"

Tiamat charged herself with psychic energy and dived towards. Kang with all the intention show the normal type got the Rock Head pokemon got it's moniker.

Kang held her right arm and prepared a Mega Punch ready to punch the blue dragon.

This was how both trainers betted on ending the battle's stalemate. The Pokemon were too tired damaged. Their determination to win drove them to this decision and the pride of both human's and Pokemon wouldn't allow them choose anything else.

The world slowed down for seconds as both Pokemon almost meet face to face. Tiamat's divebombing Zen headbutt vs Kang's Mega Punch counter. The decisive moment was now.

And it happened.

Tiamat was the one to connect the attack hitting Kang straigh to the chest. The sheer power of the attack combined with gravity and inertia was enogough to throw Kang off balance and make her fall in her back.

Tiamat got up some moments later but the face she was maing said it wans't possible for her to continue battling. Kango left her mother's pouch to check on her. Finding out she was knocked out cold.

Nobody said anything for some seconds. Before Don Georges voice snapped them back into reality.

"Kang is no longer able to continue. This rounds Victory goes for Ash Ketchum and Tiamat"

Chapter Text

"Kang is unnable to battle. The victoriy of this round goes for Ash Ketchum"

Ash stared for a short time, his eyes scanning between the exhausted but triunphant Tiamat and the fainted Juggernaut of Kang. Making sure the Pokemon is truly defeated.

Once confirmed he won the round is when the palet native allowedhimself a smile "We did it, we won!"

Tiamat stood proud in growling in victory. Alas it was short lived as the dragon type finally fell on her back tired and with breathing heavily. Ash rushed inmediatly to check on his starter, while he doubted it was something grievous better be safe than sorry is always must with trainers for a reason.

To his relief she seemed to be mostly exhausted the battle pushed her to the limit, by this point she has no energy to fight at all.

"You have done well friend. Rest for the time being" Tiamat noded slowy. Too tired to protest, Ash put her back into the ball.

XX

Calem, meanwhile, finished checking on the still fainted Kang and also Kango just to be safe. "Is nothing wrong honestly" He said at Kango with reassurance "Just the usual rest a check with the medic and a vist to the pokemon center and all will be good"

Kango noded, still the baby Kangaskhan looked both sad and sour for her defeat.

"I know you don't like whem your mom is defeated or losing in general. But defeat is a part of battling and becoming better. And I doubt Kang would feel the same" Calem said to her.

His words seemed to do the effect with Kango. She seems less bothered but the baby Pokemon will have time to cool off.

After checking he returned them to the ball and decided to hand them to the nurse so Kang would healed before going back to the center just in case. Never hurts double checking a Pokemon's condition.

Ash did the same. Handing Tiamat to the medic. They really put dragon type to it's limit. Calem was honestly surprised the Bagon lasted for that long. He's never one to underestimate any opponent, but given the bare combat experience the Pokemon had, let's not mention Ash's own despite his talent for battle, he expected his rivals starter to at the very best, long half the battle even with Ash pulling all the stops before being defeated.

Boy he was proven wrong. Not just managed to last twice than he predicted, they defeated Kang! His starter and Ace Pokemon by merit.

A small emotional of him tells Kang lost because they had been getting rusty. It's true he hadn't been battling that much since becoming the Porfessor's assistant, but the logical part of his mind tells it wans't that much time since changing career choices. Plus, he's been keeping himself and the entire team on shape. Even Marisso, who is the newest member of the group, was properly cared.

No the reason he lost is because he underestimated the Pokemon and the trainer commanding her.

Calem did his best to hide it, but he was shaking inside from the excitement. Ash's proved to be a good opponent and why the famed professor Oak acknowledged him as one of his greatets students.

Maybe he could speak with him about that after finishing this battle.

XX

"Did you saw that? I was amazing!" Shauna spoke out loud in amazement.

"Maybe I should ask them for some tips when developing my training regime" Tierno thought for himself after watching the exchange.

"Using moves like hydropump to eject oneself...." On Trevor's case he was taking notes. The redhead like his friend though about making his own training regimen's for his team and was writting down everything he remembered from his previous and the current battle for reference in the future. He may be develop a habit of writting down evrything you expereince in battle like some people.

XX

Meanwhile in Coumarine City, a certain green haired hoeenian sneezed before resuming to writting down his latest battle.

XX

"Oui! He did it!" Serena said rising her fist high, smiling with joy at her crush victory. Her mood got spread to her team, making happy sounds. "Never give up Ash."
Delia simply chuckled at Serena's antics 'I'd guess it won't be much before she makes the first move' She thought for herself before turning her eyes back to the battle.
XX

Both battlers returned to their respective positions. But instead of looking at each other with determination now there was an air of uncertainty. Actually, Ash and Calem were going between looking at the remaining members of their teams and each other.

"So you are sending up Astrea" Calem mentioned half asking by the sound of his tone.

"Of course" Ash answered with certainty "And Astrea has procured a good rest during our battle and the pause if that what you ask"

"I'd never doub that" Countered the Kalosian "If anything I'm more worried about Marisso because he's still very green, pun intended" He shaked his head "Anyway, let's finish this battle"

"I agree, let's finsih off this battle. I need to check on my team after" He ssaid before sending Astrea "Once more Astrea, Psych Up and win"

Astrea appeared in the camp looking rested and healthy to battle. An air of pride and determination also surrounded the small psychic type, it appears her first win raised her confidence a lot.

"Marisso is your turn" He threw the Pokeball. It opened and released with light that condensed in the form of Marisso the Chespin. The grass type jumped cheerfully before being reminded he was in a battle.

"This will be your first battle Marisso so be ready for my instructions" He said before turning his gaze face to Astrea "Mud Shot and then Defense Curl!"
Ash did a double take at the commands he heard Calem say at Marisso. According to Calem, he only had Marisso for only three weeks and maybe he didn't had enough time to train the grass type in following customized commands. But he did pay no mind and focused in battle.

"Dodge and Calm Mind" He spoke with total calm in his voice and sending waves of similar emotion towards Astrea.

The Shiny Pokemon adoped a Serene expression before moving to the left to avoid the Mud Shot and then she used Calm Mind.
Calem's eyes narrowed before speaking agin "I that's the case dodge this Pin Missle!"

The Grass type spikes stiffen before glowing green and fire needle-like orbs aimed at astrea.
Ash realized what he was planning. Use Pin Missile wide range to make both dodge and deflect difficult. Good strategy, but Ash had the solution.

"Use Disarming Voice" Ash ordered quickly. Astrea closed her mounth for a moment before releasing a beam of pink sound waves surrounded by hearts and musical notes. The beam hit's all orbs making them explode. Said beam continued unperturbed in direction towards Marisso.

"Counter with Rollout!"

The grass type glowed green again, this time it was his entire body, jumping then curling itself into a ball and rolling at great speed in direction to Astrea, pushing against the Disarming Voice. Astrea fought back by focusing her disarming voice on Marisso preventing it from going further but not pushing back. Now both Pokemon are fighting to overpower their rival's attacks.

Rollout uh? It was a good idea to fight back. Given Disarming Voice is an moves that always strike's an attack that moves fast and hit's hard offers some measure of protection like that is useful, more if Defense Curl was used before because the latter has the characteristic of empowering the former. He remembered the Professor's showed him an example like that back at home using the moves sheer speed againt's Hydropump with both his Golem and Gyarados back at home.

He also did show the move's weakness.

"Jump to the right and use confusion"

Astrea canceled her disarming voice allowing Marisso's move foward's once again. She did a jump narowwingly dodging the attack and while Marisso continued rolling. The grass type tried to stop the move but had difficulty due to. Astrea used that delay to use confusion on the starter to hold it mid uncurling. Leaving the poor Marisso suspended in a half circle position. The grass starter could only yell in desperation while being he's taking damage bit by bit phisically and mentally.

"Using rollout as a way to counter Disarming Voice was a good idea" Ash explained to midly bemused Calem as he watches his pokemon being suspended in a ridiculous position. "However Rollout is a very linear move and is hard to change trayectory once a certain threesold of speed is been reached..."

"...wich leaves the user exposed against an opponent nimble enough to dodge and has proper means to attack the vulnerable user" The Calosian finished after him realizing his mistake, he actually facepalmed at such oversight from his part. "I made a mistake"
Ash ignored that last part and focused on finishing this battle. "Slam it against the ground and finish with disarming voice" He ordered emotionelessly.

"Try to attack with Vine Whip" Calem ordered sounding a bit desperate. He accepted he got the battle lost due to his previous mistake, that doesn't mean he's going to accept it quietly. He and Marisso shall keep fighting until they can't anymore no matter how futile the attempt turns to be.
Marisso did as was told and tried to use Vine Wip to lash out in several directions hoping for at least taking a hit at Astrea.

The psychic type had none of that and proceeded to slam the grass starter into the ground repeatedly. The Chespin on his part refused to submit to the beating he was bing subjected and continued to use Vine Whip like a cornered Pokemon.

Three times Astrea slammed Marisso into the ground before the Shiny Ralts used Disarming Voice sending the grass starter, who still tried up to that point take a hit, rolling before finally falling near defeated.

"Marisso is unable to fight. Battler Calem has no more Pokemon. Ash Ketchum is the winner!" Don George announced.

Ash lowered his shoulders and let out a deep sight. The Kantonian could feel his stomach growiling and feeling tired. 'First day and my second battle was this intense' Still the raven haired let some pride run through him. 'Still is my first day and won two battles already!'

Ash looked Calem who was already checking on Marisso "You did your best friend, get a rest" He said before the red light consumed the Pokemon returning him to the Pokeball.

Ash walked up straight at him and offered a hand "That was fun. You are a good trainer Calem" He congratulated him.

Calem smiled and offered his hand in return doing a handshake signifying the good sportsmanship between the two. "I have to congratulate you too. Honestly that was pretty good fight you almost made me forget you are a rookie" The Kalosian congratualted with sincerity.

Ash response was scratch his head and smile shepishly "I was simply taught by the best teacher" he replied.

"Don't sell yourself short. Very few rookies barely pull a half of what you are capable" His fellow trainer replied with honesty.

The two finally let go their hands and wen't to see the medic for a check up. Ash could sense that Calem was just as exhausted and needed rest, and his team too. Who woulnd't after such an intense battle, food too and a nap. They all have earned it.

XX

"Yeah he won, Oui!" Serena cheered on, happy for Ash victory. But that's wasn't the only cause of joy. The entire battle has been a entire cascade of inspiration of ideas for both contest and showcases, in for the aspirant. In fact she had retrieved her own notebook and wrote down furiously everything coming to her mind. "Guy's let's be ready for tomorrow. We have work to do" Her team cheered in agreetment.

Delia clapped her hands congratulating Ash while her team shout roar's and growls of approval making him realize she was there.

"A bit anti climatic don't you think?" Trevor asked both his friends.

"Maybe" Tierno replied his eyes never leaving either battler "Still that was good fight if a bit short" He made a mental note to avoid using rollout against psychic types or anything too fast either.

"But that wans't a bit brutal?" Shauna said concerned for the beating the grass starter recieved at the end.

"Well Shauna, now you are aware about one of the reasons about why Psychic types were banned before Dark and Ghost types became official types" Trevor replied. He also made a mental note of catching a Psychic type in near future.

XX

Don George stood up there sliently with arms crossed, eyes locked on both Ash's and Calem like a Braviary observing a potential oponent. 'Impressive' He though for himself. 'I made the right call when he choose to stay and observe the battle' That boy Calem is well versed in his craft. Given his specialization as a Mega Hunter, is logical to develop his strategies around Mega Evolutions. And he had been clearly on the bussiness for sometime given most of them don't have problem following complex customized commands. No doubt he's been keeping both himself and his team sharp for the chance of going back to it, he guessed.

As expected from an assistant of the professor who was Mega-Battler before circunstances forced him to change careers.

His eyes shifted in to Ash's 'The boy is very raw but very talented at the same time. Not mentioning being creative' That Wyldfire Dance was indeed a very imaginative use of both dragon dance dragon breath in order to defend and boost his Pokemon, using hydropump to eject oneself . Despite the Rock Type quick defeat, the he tried to exploit the sandstorm, no doubt in order to take advanteg of sand veil and gradualy word down the his opponent. And the shiny Ralts was just a case of using well her species sensing capabilities and abilites as a psychic type. Adding that is how the boy was always carefull to avoid revealing all his moves. Keeping his cards close and never revealing them until is the right moment. His opponent did the same but it was understanable given he was a trainer before the age limit rose.

Just es expected from the boy Champion Lance choose as his future apprentice. As the family head explained to them. And told to keep an eye on him, same with the grandson of Professor Oak, who was chosen by Steven to be his aprentice.

Just as the two teens were joining with their companions Don George walked up to the arena's computer. It was located at the left side of it's seats. The burly manager accesed the device and wen't through the data until he found it. The entire battle recorded by the arena's own camera's, nothing really shady trully. Is well know the Battle Club keeps recordings and other information of battles of trainer's that used the instalations.

"Old G. will surely pass these to the professor's themselves and the league's granbulls" He wrote a note the instalations offcial mail at clans patriarch with the recording inside. It read 'Show it to them and ask if Gary oak's had used some of our instalations in Hoeen' He ended by writting his signature and sending it.
XX

Elder Don George, or Old G. to put in short, fell on his chair exhausted. After a long day of negotiations, signing up contracts, renegotiating current agreements with the league, those new security measures they can't to apply and dealing with the mess in Hoeen. Danm those bastards of Team Aqua and Magma, and Team Rocket too. Millions of Pokedollars lost and personal not mentioning civilian life thanks to them! How three groups can be so stupid to mess with Legendaries!?

The family's patriarch fell on his chair rubbing the bridge of his nose. Right now all he want's is a tequila bottle and watch something that isn't news about crimminal organizations spreading chaos and destruction through the world.

A familiar beep sound came out from the computer in his desk. Breaking the elder from his thoughs. "An email from one our facilites... What would be this time?" He hoped it don't bring bad news, by arceus Sake.

The elder opened the email and read it's signature first. Each Don George is in charge of their own battleclub facility and, blame it on genetics, are identical to each other, the family has their own means to differentiate like signatures for example. Old G. reconogized that signature belongs to one of the family's members of recentlly installed on Kalos. The newest one installed in a rural town who had a path connected to a city that holds one of Kalos eight major Gyms. Given the lack of a urgent tag it ins't something bad, to the patriarch relief.

He read the text in the note and his eyes widened a bit in suprise. Gary Oak? The grandson of Saumel Oak, The Professor Pokemon? The one sponsored by the Hoeen Champion?

The one Steven Stone choose as his apprentice!?

He read the text again, slowy and carefully. It appears the video attached to the email will explain everything. He downloaded the video and watched. It was a battle, but what has of important? Aside from having one of his sons acting as the referee nothing seems unusual.

"This a 3-on-3 battle between Calem Nouvenne of Luminose City and Ash Ktechum from Pallet Town"

Old. G brain froze. He paused the video, put the video in slow motion and clikcked in the second were the contestants names were announced just be sure he wans't wrong. Nope he did hear well, his hearing is still god and that's a relief. Leaving only one remaining question: Why this video was sent to him directly? Sure Lance would love have someone keep an eye on his future apprentice. But the champion wouldn't have covvered it himself? Why go so far as to send a recordind of one of his battle's

Wait... That's it!

Old G. found a way to benefit from this, and not just himself, the kid will benefit from this too. Yes that will work. Without delay the patriarch wrote three email's one has the video adjunted and sent to Lance speaking about a certain propossal he had in mind. Other is the same but directed towards Steven and the last for every battleclub installed in hoeen. He knew it would take some convincing from all the individuals involved, but if it all goes as he hopes, well, everyone would have the time of their lives.
He revised those three email's just be sure nothing is wrong and sent them all. After the last one was confirmed to be sent he opened one of his desk drawers and retrieved a bottle of tequilla and retired to the inner chambers of his mannor.

Tomorrow would be a busy day

XX

"Wait, so the Golem continued rolling until he crashed!" Calem said trying to not laugh.

"Well he crashed... On daisy's Haxorus" Ash spoke recounting the event's of that day when the professor's explained them they way some moves work "And before that, he rolled over the his Nidoking's tail and when he crashed, Hacky fell on another's trainer aggron..."

"And that did not end well" Trevor interjected before taking another bite off his sandwitch.

"Yeah, the professor had to call both his Charizard and Dragonite with the help of Earthbreaker and Durandal to prevent the fight from escalating too much" He took a sip from his juice while rembering that day with awe and fondness "A good chunk of the ranch and the landscape that surrounded it got reshaped that day. On the flip side the Professor's expanded the ranch at more cheaper price's and we had Gojira a few month's later"

The three Kalosian males turned for a second at the aforementioned Pokemon of their Kantonian Companion. Who was eating his foot alongside the others without much though.

While the boy's were talking on one side of the table, the girls were speaking about showcases and constest respectively and delia just enjoyed her dinner.

"Look at this performer called Cyllene, her skate routine is amazing!" Shaune eyed with wonder as she watched through her Holo Caster as the Performer Ice Skated through the stage doing acrobatics with her Pokemon.

"Awesome" Serena said also amazed by the performance "But look at this one. Her names Sharia, and her dance routine is also incredible" That performance in question showed her pokemon using round while one of them, a Oranguru who played a paldean guitar with a skill that would put a professional gutarrist green with envy, while the performer did a flamenco dance, dressed like one and everything! The honey haired girl looked mesmerized by such a beatufull performance with shauna with stars for eyes.

The cafeteria was bustling with activity tonight. At least seven groups of people including Ash's with alongside some of their Pokemon were bustling with activity. The reason is due to the registrations for the Luminose conference open tomorrow, but that's isn't the only reason, registrations for the Master Class and the first Kalos Great Festival were opening the same day. That means not only trainer's were filling the center waiting for tomorrow and get registered for their respective circuits but cordinators and performers were expecting the same and people all the three categories will be filling the centers waiting for the registrations to open.

The cafeteria's TV's, wich at moment were transmitting at the moment new's about the registration's suddenly were interrupted. Color bars appeared on the screens and the sound of the static reverbrated through the cafeteria. Both had been very brief but acomplished it's goal of catching the attention of all the people present in the place turning it onwards the tv.

The screen showed a tall, atractive woman with pink hair, reddish sunglasses and sleeveles black blouse. But the words on the headlines were what took the attention of all the present

"Breaking News: Team Rocket and Team Flare skirmish turned in all out war"

"Bonjour people's of Kalos" The woman said in with a grim expression "I am Malva, member of Kalos Elite Four and News Reporter of Nouvelles Brûlantes. Today I came to report to you citizen's of our region and foreigner's a brutal conflict between the crimminal organizations Team Rocket and Team Flare occurred this sunset at 6:17 pm to be exact on the border's of Luminose City" Soon enough image's about the spkoen conflict started been shown some were censored

All presents had been shocked by the news. But the most shocked of all were from the group of Ash's and company who particularly shaken for the information.

"This come across as shocking for us and the authorities. But we assure you this is not a lie. The most infamous crimminal organizations from Indigo and our own region clashed today near our dear capital. Right now one of our reporter's is on the scene"

The screen shifted to a male reporter who was dressed in black bussiness suit with the most notorious feature is his mustache.

"Merci Malva. Here Gilles de La Francois reporting on the scene of the altercation between both groups" The camera shows a scene of, to put it simply, devastation and carnage. Road's destroyed, vehicles and other types of machinery crushed, smashed and reduced to junk, several times it could be seen parts of a forest and grass burning with firefighters and Ranger's working on extinguishin it. But that wans't the worst part, no.

The were bodies littered everywere, human and pokemon. most of them being Rocket or Flare, some of them could be identified as member's of Kalos Police force, the Military, even one had the reconogizable symbol of the the International Police.

"By Xerneas..." Serena muttered horrified.

"Our team reached one hour later after the conflict ended and authorities got involved. As can be observed by the amount of corpses this could be guessed as both groups were having big operations at the same time, no doubt in direction towards Lumiose, and wich both ended up clashing each other and resulted in a war breaking out between both organization's. We aren't sure for what goal but it couldn't be anything good"

The group head a thud and they turned to see Calem with a worried expression going through his bag. "The professor... I must speak with him!" Soon enough he found his Holo Caster ringing. He turned it on and the device displayed the holgrafic image of a man in between his late twenties to his early thirties dressed in a lab coat.

"Professor!"

"Calem" Spoke Professor Augustine Sycamore his grimm expression changing one to a relieved in a instan the moment he saw his assistant. "Thank Xerneas you are okay"

"The same for me professor" He also sighted in relief. Knowing everything seemed to be fine. "How' the situation there..."

"I take you saw the news" Calem nodded, the professor pressed the bridge of his nose and begun to speak "Thing's aren't looking good here" The pokemon expert voice sounded strained "The city is in a state of emergency, all the routes to Lumiose had been closed off and martial law being declared, nobody get's in or out with Teleport dampener's being active and every authority in Kalos including me are being called to the defence council to address the issue"

Calem expression flashid with a bit confusion
"Ins't that excessive?"

"There's a suspicion off infiltration and corruption. That two infamous crimminal organizations managed to launch operations on that scale on two different fronts without anybody noticing raised alarms on the matter of security" Sycamore explained briefly. His words making not only Calem think, the entire group who heard through the holo caster and some other's who happened to overheard the conversation felt worried about that. Corruption has been an problem that has been affecting Kalos and regions like Kanto, Jotho, Unova, to a notorious extent alongside the current threats off crimminal groups. How deep it runs to allow such disaster to happen in the first place?

"Oh, and by the way. How are doing those four I suppose they are with you now"

At that the other four joined in to the conversation with Ash's and Delia behind them "Professor is good to see you again" Trevor was the first to spoke

Sycamore smiled "Ha, trevor is great see you too again. I guess you must have been doing good for your first day as a trainer"

"Trevor isn't the only one professor" Interjected Tierno "I'm more eager than ever to find the perfect combination between My two favorite pastimes after our first battle" Tierno did some breakdance steps quickly to drive case point.

"Aaah, the rush after the first battle. This brings memories"

"Do not forget about us profesor" Serena said with Shauna following her "We are as determinanted to reach the top"

Sycamore laughed a little "Glad to see optimism in youth's despite the grim situation" the tensión in the air around the group lightened up.

Finally Ash took his turn to look at the proyection "Hello, Professor Sycamore I suppose you know me"

The Kalosian professor eyes him for a moment before fully reconogizing him "You must be Ash Ketchum. Friend of Serena, Oak's favored student and the boy Lance is sponsoring..."

Trevor, with Shauna and Tierno had confused looks. The first was about to ask but was stopped by both Ash and Calem both saying 'We'll explain later'. The entire group now has their attention in the professor's hologram. Who took a moment to clear his voice before speaking again with a serious expression "Ahem, going back to the main issue. How far are you from Luminose"

"We are at Aquacorde Town right now. Just seven days from Santalune from then three weeks to Luminose. That was our route..." The assistant explained to his charge. He then exchanged looks wtih the rest of their group, everyone was looking as unsure as his before turning to the professor "...but I guess the plan has changed"

"Understanable, changing course to another location until things calm down would be the most sensible descision in this circusntance's" Everyone nodded but then came the question "But were we go?" Serena asked as she retrieved her map. "Route four is the main path towards Luminose, other's are either hard to access, take much more time to reach by walking or too dangerous to be considered" The coordinator explained as sho looked at the map

They exchanged looks, that was a good question. As their friend said, the other roads aren't really viable, with the difficult terrain, enourmous lengh and the obvious risk of wild Pokemon. There's a reason about why the numbered routes are taken exist. Without that option what path they must to take now?

"If I'm allowed to give advice" The professor spoke gaining the entire groups attention "I think I have a solution for their current problem" Sycamore told them to give him a second in wich the proyection turned blank for a moment before changing again now dispalying a map of the groups current location and trayectory. "There's an altenative route that can be taken, is at the west of Santalune" He explains as circle mark appears on the maps location. "That path's leads to a forest wich connects to Camphrier town"

"Wait... but ins't that the... Forêt des âmes perdues?" The one who said that name was Shauna, who sounded suprissingly meek "Ins't supposed to be inhabited by g-g-ghost!"

"The forest of inhabited by númerous species of Ghost type Pokémon" Sycamore explained "Is a Paradise for specialist of the type. Meanwhile You may run into the usual risk of Ghost type Pokémon, as long nobody does something stupid like enraging one of the alphas or, Zygarde saves us, the Noblesse then you'll be safe" He stated matter of fact.

"We're as long we are carefull, taking on the forest doesn't seen like a bad idea at all..." Ash spoke his thoughs.

"Ash you are not thinking is good go through a place full of one of the most dangerous types in the world, right?" Tierno asked with caution. No that he it could be blamed on him, Ghost types were indeed dangerous, on par with Dragon and Dark type in the scale of danger, however they can be even more scarier than the latter two. There's a reason why there's so few Ghost type specialist in comparision to Dragon and Dark.

"You don't know about him Tierno" Serena a bit exhasperated "When it comes to Pokemon, not even a Ghost type can make him back down in fear" Her face turned into an amused smile "In fact he would try to catch them if he finds one. Behind Dragon Type pokemon with Fire and Flying following, Ghost types are one of the types he's got the most interest with"

Ash scratched the back of his head in embarassement, his true motive in the open "I'm just curious about the typing, plus training one seens like a challenge worth taking" The boy acknowledged. "You alwas go for anything remotely challenging dear" Delia giggled.

"Regardless about anyone's views on the type" Calem rose his voice gathering the attention of the group once again "The forest is our best option at the moment. Is not just relatively more shorter than the other options, just a week or two at most at foot. Our other option would be Kalos Victory Road and that's out of the questions"

"That's if we take on account the supplies and any possible encounter's with the wild Pokemon, let alone if it's the only danger we find there" Trevor voiced his opinion on the matter.

"We'll discuss the detail's Later" Calem yawned, rubbing his eyes en exhaustion "I'll go to bed first. This has been a long day, tomorrorw we have a lot to do"

Ash stared at his watch realizing it is almost 10:00 pm almost time to sleep "I'll go bed too. Tomorrow we discuss what to do after Santalune..." With that the rest wen't to their rooms, their pokemon coming with them or being returned to their Pokeballs to reasume the journey tomorrow. The professor bid his goodbyes and disconnected himself from the calll.

At the moment Ash and Serena walked into their own individual rooms the exhaustion finally taking over both teens, their Pokemon following. Although most in Ash's part. After the battle with Calem and getting their Pokemon healed the Kantonian spent the rest of his day by buying items and supplies, working with his team in some new strategies once healed, chatting with his companion's, then the news about the Rocket's and Flare's onslaught happened, then Sycamore's call. A hectic day, his first day as trainer. He'll need to work on getting used to it.

"Ash..."

The boy's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his female childhood friend. He turned to Serena who was looking at the windows tapping her finger's nervously "Yes, Serena"

"Thank you for accepting my proposal" She said facing him "You know accepting to come with with me... with us to Kalos" A slight pink blush appeared in her cheeks, wich the raven haired barely noticed due to the exhaustion. Still the boy had enough enrgy to smile at her "Is not problem Serena, you know I'm always willing to help you no matter what"

The Kalosian girl also smiled in response "I'm glad you are feeling that way" She then turned to look at the window "By the way about helping me with my..."

"Tomorrow" Serena turned to him again "I'll help you with your routines tomorrow. Is the very least I can do... Sorry I got too caught in my battle with Calem"

"Don't worry, I know how excited you get when is about battling" She waved her hand dissipating his concer's "Still I'm expecting you to help me. Me and my team are going to be really busy"

Ash gave a simple grin and replied "Then I'll have to work hard to keep up with you" Both teens laughed. While they were speakeing their Pokemon were just giving then amused looks.

"Bonne Nuit Ash" Serena said in classic Kalosian before going to her room

"Bonne Nuit Serena" Ash replied as he got into his room.

Chapter Text

Morning came and everyone woke up very early. The first things they did is getting themselves registered for their tournaments. The boy's minus Calem got registered for the Kalos league, Shauna and Serena for the Master class and the latter also registered for the Grand Festival. After that it was just eating breakfast, checking the supplies and doing their own individual things before parting in direction towards Santalune. The agreed of parting was 12:00 PM and given how early the group's woke up everyone still had time for themselves.

Calem took the chance to contact Sycamore and speak in more detail about their new path to be taken, Delia joined him taking the chance to introduce herself to the professor and discuss about their new route. Trevor went to the nearest library for some books, aiming for information about the Forêt des âmes perdues, guides for alternative routes in Kalos and about Pokemon in general for the sake of knowledge. Tierno decided to take the chance to make his first capture and headed to the river were he could fish a water type. Shauna and Serena went buy accessories and dresses for their Pokemon in preparation for the incoming event's, Serena also bought some TM's to teach her Pokemon a few move's.

And Ash was being Ash, meaning he was focusing in traineing his Pokemon first and then Battle some trainer's in the battlefields outside the Pokemon center, where he won the majority of the fight's with exception of some trainer's who were a lot more experienced, even more than Calem. Like his current opponent.

"Wyldfire"

Tiamat spit several balls of dragonfire while moving left and right towards her opponent. It was Pokemon native of Galar called Toxtricity, a dual Electric/Poison type, wich belongs to a man named Mike.

Said trainer, who's by the was in his mid twenties and a respectable veteran, just said one word "Disharge"

Toxitricity sparked before releasing multiple bolts of electricty at Tiamat. Said bolt's dispersed the fireballs in the instant went straight at the Dragon Type. Tiamat tried to dodge but they were to many and got hit several times before falling defeated.

"Tiamat!" Ash rushed to check on his friend. Once he got close he noticed sparks of static around her body indicating paralysis. He brought from his pack a Super Potion and a Paralysis Heal and applied both of them. Tiamat squeaked at the sting of both sprays, both bruises and static vanishing with Tiamat rising once again with only her pride hurt.

"Not bad kid" Ash heard Mike speak to him as he walked up to him with Toxitricity at his side "You have good skills and talent for battle tactics and stretegies, and your Pokemon are well trained and follow your commands well" The adult Galarian complimented with sincerity.

"Thanks Mike, I worked a lot with team to reach this capacity" Ash's humbly accepted the praise. While he knew he's still a long way to rival someone like Mike, a veteran's praise feels good.

"But at the same time..." The veteran crossed his arms as his eyes changed to a more observant and calculating ones "You and your team lack experience and needs to grow more" He pointed a finger at Ash's belt "Both your Larvitar and Ralts are still the most obvious case. Given how little battling both Pokemon had seen until recently"

"You can know that by just battling?" The junior asked the senior his eyebrows rising.

"Something you learn eventually as the experience with battling acumulates" His gaze turned to Tiamat who was looking defiantly at Toxitricity. Who was just looking amused at the small dragon "Your Bagon is the same but in a lesser scale. She's well trained, moves worthy of a dragon type and the skill and control required to put use to them like that Hydropump. Overall she was breed and trained by someone really good at raising Dragon Type's"

'If only you knew' Ash thought with amusement at the veteran's reaction if he learn Lance was the one who raised Tiamat. Said dragon type, despite still being annoyed at being beaten, puffed with pride at the praise of the veteran

"But she's still very young" And the dragon now turned her annoyance at the Galarian.
Mike finally turned to face Ash's whom he gave that same look, whom for his part didn't even look uncomfortable, he grew used to those kind of stares with the lectures of the professor "And that applies to you" He said flatly.

"Then we'll have to gain experience to solve the problem by battling" He replied in the same tone at the veteran.

"So fast, most novice's ask how you gain more experience" Mike smiled in amusement. It seems Ash managed to win the respect of this veteran.

"The first key towads victory is knowing your limit's, the second is learning how to surpass them" Ash quoted.

"Profesor Samuel Oak" The veteran smiled. It seems this boy will be an interesting opponent.

"He's the best teacher of all" Ash smiled.

XX

"Allumer, Flame Burst several times follow up with Psychic!" Serena ordered to the fennekin.

Allumer concentrated the fire inside of her and shoot several fireballs. After the third shot, the fire type used Psychic in order to hold them. A blue light surrounded the fireballs preventing them from falling on the ground. Allumer seemed to have trouble to keep them on the air, marked by the struggling expression in the fire type.

The fireballs we're keep still for some second before Allumer control slipped letring the the Flame Burst's fall.

"Teshi, Astrea"

At Ash command, both Gardevoir and Ralt's used their psychic abilities to disperse the Flame Burst's. Teshi extingushed the first two in a instante in a display of perfect control. Astrea struggled but managed to finally disperse the fire without touching the grass with time and effort.

"Eight and Fourteen" Spoke Ash as checked both chronometer's "Those were the seconds it took each of them" He showed both marks to verify.

"This is more harder than I though..." Spoke Serena with a small frown forming. "Three week's since we parted from Santalune and used those TM's yet so very little progress" She sighted while Allumer growled in frustration.

"Learning how to control Psychic moves is a slow process. Specially if is for more than just releasing power, even more so for Pokemon who have barely begun to use their psychic abilities" Spoke Teshi's "It will be slow but as time goes on and the more experience she get's it will become more easier for her to use her psychic abilities until she hits a wall and only remains evolution on which Allumer shall become more proficient in and it will continue until her final evolution where she'll be able to use her abilities on a level equal to me and other adult psychic Pokemon" The Embrace Pokemon explained in detail.

"So practice a lot and then evolve her when hitting the limit" The girl had though it for a moment before agreeing "Guess I suppose is for the best..."

"If this advice serves you: Stop for the day and battle with Ash's and your teammates at least once everyday" The psychic type suggested, which suprised Serena but not Ash's in the slightest.

"Teshi's is right. Remember that Pokemon improve through battling. Is instinct on them to grow stronger, there's a reason why many coordinators are also go through the Gym circuit. Even mom did the same" Ash's explained, the psychic type nodding.

Serena took her time to think for a moment about it. She considered for a bit before turning to her partner "What do you think Allumer, should we try battling while we work in our routines?" She saw the benefits of it, but needed to see if at least her starter was onboard with it. The fennekin yelped in what sounded an affirmative response wich was followed by a nod. It was clear Allumer was willing. "Then it's decided" She turned to Ash "After we finish working the routine, you can battle with me?"

"You don't need to ask" Replied the Pallet boy without a hint of hesitation "You can count on me if you need help Serena, I'm always for" He rose his fist in determination.

For this only moment Serena felt truly happy, even if he was oblivious at the fact she was in love in him, she was reminded the reason why.

XX

By the evening, Ash and Serena returned to where their group was camping. It was near a forest glad at the side of the road. Delia's Pokemon were around the camp, at first they seemed to be relaxing but someone with more insight could tell they were keping their eyes open and in positions were they could act quickly in case of emergency. Cleopatra was in fact digging a burrow big enough for everyone just in case. It was truly impressive the amount of powerfull and diverse Pokemon gathered around. The rest of their companion's were surprised by Delia's team from her trainer day's. Trevor even started taking photos of them for the occasion. Serena was the only one who didn't look surprised given she often visited and that included interacting with Delia and her team on occasion.

Speaking of them, Shauna recently finished working on her routines with her team. Both Tierno and Trevor were away trying to catch some Pokemon and returned at the same time than Ash and Serena with unsatisfying results by the looks of their faces Ash's mom was with Mimey cooking and Calem seemed to be observing Earthbreaker who was training Gojira into unlocking some of the egg moves passed onto him, within respectfull distance while his team relaxed too.

And about training, while Ash and Serena went to train with Amellur and Astrea with Teshi's help, the other too were also being taught, at Serena's request, by the retired trainer's Pokemon. Inari was helping Plaisisr, her eevee, with Shadow ball and teaching her too calm mind. While Crasheur was being taught by Piercer, at the best capability of the final stage of the Rhyhorn line. And Tiamat was being taught by Dahaka several new moves and working on improve those she knew.

Tiamat created a small orb of green energy before firing at a medium sized rock, destroying small chunks of it "He taught her Dragon Pulse!?" Ash's shouted in suprise.

"They had been going for a while" Spoke Delia while she And mimey where preparing diner "And before that Dahaka managed to teach her flamethrower and fire spin" She turned to look at her son "By the way Gojira finally unlocked Dragón Dance and Ancient Power" The sound of ground bieng ripped apart brought their attention to thebsource of it, who was none other than Gojira himself using the aforementioned move to rip chunks of the ground and throw it at another rock

"That is amazing" Ash stated excited at the prospect of his friends learning new and more powerfull movies "Astrea improved her psychic abilities, now she can hold objects for longer with her might alone without using calm mind first now, and she learned hypnosis and double Team and improved in those she already know" Ash demostrated it by ordering her to use both, in wich she crated three identical copies of her they generated waves of psychic Power that put all the onlookers in a stated of slight trance before stopping. Next thing she did was to rip several chunks of dirt and trow them a few meteres away and finally she shoot several thunderbolts in succession.

"That's enough Astrea" His friend finally stopped, and decided to sit somewhere and relax. Ash felt satisfied by the progress they did, wich was reflected by the Feeling Pokemon as smile formed in her small lips.

"Then it's our turn, Allumer, mon amour, show your style!" Her friend took the stage and started by using Flame Burst, shooting two fireballs up in the air. When the fireballs staretd to fall down, the fennekin eyes glowed blue and those Flame Burts now were suspended mid air. This was followed by Allumer slow and carefully moving both fireballs. Up, down, left right and one circle these were the motions Amellur made them commit, the struggling expression never leaving her face. She continued doing her routine for five minutes until she used another Flame Burst against the fire balls, making them explode akin to fireworks.

Claps resounded across the camp. "That was impressive Serena" Shauna complimented to her fellow performer. "It's a work in progress" Serena said modestly "I'm still trying to find a way to implement this for performances"

"It's no trouble Serena. With how dedicated you are and peace you go, it will not take too long for you to find out" Delia spoke encouraging words at the girl "Oh by the way, dinner is ready. Mimey and I prepared curry"

The group took their places in the table as both Delia and Mimey served the food. The Pokemon all their bowls served with a variety of foods depending on their species diet and nutritional requirements. "Miss Delia, how do you manage to buy all these food for everyone. It must be expensive to even keep feed even a single of the big ones" Tierno addressed the copperajah in the room. "Well,Tierno it was a combination of good money management, a sucessfull career as a trainer and coordinator, working for the professor and good investiments which helps" Delia replied.

A familar ring suddenly appeared. Calem retrieved his Holo Caster from his pocket and answered the call. The Holo Caster displayed the unmistakable face of professor Sycamore "Professor, you are late to the call"

"Calem" Said the professor behind the Hologram. His tone indicated he was tired and if one payed attention at the proyection bags could be sen under his eyes "Forgive me for not calling sooner. These last week's weren't exactly a walk in the park"

"Not problem professor. I know how busy it get's when event's like that happen" Spoke Calem referencing at altercation between the Rocket's and Flares's near Lumiose. It is still trasnmitted news through all Kalosian news channel's and according to Ash's it reached to other regions. The event became knows as Lumiose's Near Crash worldwide and the fallout has sent repplies through Kalos and nearby regions.

"And speaking about that. I have news... and not good ones. I hate to be the one to deliver it but this has you and your involved" Everyone froze, none said or done anything as they processed what the professor spoke. "Involved?" Spoke Calem first breaking out first from his shock "Professor you are not saying we got somehow tangled in this mess right!?" Calem responded, not believeing it.

The professor let out a deep sight at started to speak "Is not only your group Calem" Sycamore said, his face a mix of worry and anger "This information is highly classified, I'm risking getting in trouble telling this to people other than Calem, you must not tell anyone of this" The listener's looked at each other before agreeing with the professor to not speak further "There's been a breach in the League's databases. Someone hacked throguh the systems defenses and stole a lot of data from the archives. Important and private information" He paused waitting for the groups reaction.

Everyone tensed. Ash, Calem and Delia frowned harshly in particular. Working with their regional professor's allowed then to know the kind of sensitive information the League holds. Not only trainer's sensitive information, they all mean things like, reserves for endangered Pokemon species wich locations are kept classified, document's about investigations, experiments and research too important, or too dangerous, to be keep alone in a sciencist laboratoriy. Protected individuals. Info better kept sealed shut or really bad things could happen.

And now it has been stolen. To be used either for poaching's, kidnapings or worse. The rest had to be explained how bad it could be. Much to their discomfort.

"I see you understand the further implications of this problem" The Kalosian expert said grimmly "Among the data stolen is about certain trainers with particular connections and status" He pasued again before continuing "And I not only speaking about Gyms Leaders or Ace Trainers, there's also relative's and trainers sponsored by important people. Not only league participant's, it also includes coordinators and performers..." He let the meaning of his words sink in.

The first to react at the information was Ash, with bead of cold sweat falling from his face as it tensed "Professor, you are saying we are at the possible risk of being targeted" His words hit like a splash of cold water as they reached the ears of Serena, Trevor, Tierno, Shauna and Delia.

"It isn't only your group who may be at risk, Ash" The professor took a deep breath before further explaining "There are other's who are also compromised. Treainer's with relation to important political figure's, Gym Leader's, relatives or even important researchers. There was a lot of data that was stolen" Before any of them could speak he told them to wait and explained "I am not telling you that you will be the target of some dangerous individual or group. Nor telling you abandon your journey if that's what you think of" A tenous silence spread through the table as they swallowed Sycamore's words.

"Just... be carefull. We don't even know if the responsible for this breach is the same one that caused The Crash" He explained before sighting again. Nobody did asked about it as they were still shaken by the last news "Oh yeah that's not the only thing I called for"

"More bad news?" Tierno said looking incredulous. The professor's shook his head "Not quite, but this is something concerning the Circuits and some event's involved" The proyection changed to several holografic windows "The event's of this last days are still affecting the region and in it's populace in general. The Kalosian goverment is doing it's best to prevent wide spread panic and trying to keep order through the region. The league, like many other entities, is doing their best to keep the spirits of the population up while working to deal with the issue" As soon as the finished speaking the screesn displayed in full revealing the information.

"Hyper-Challenge: The option to raise the Gym battles difficulty?" Ash eyed curiously.

"Increased Monetary Rewards and Special prizes for Hyper-Challenge victors" Trevor stared at the screen.

"Coumarine city's contest, winner gets interviewed by Grand Festival Organizer and Hoeen's contest champion Wallace!?" Serena say out loud. Making everyone take a look at the specific window Serena read. The paragraph that detailed about the interview came with a photo of Wallace posing with his Ace Pokemon Milotic and everything. "They are even doing the same with The Kalos Queen Aria!" Shauna said as read another window.

"This has been planned for a long time" Spoke the professor while proyection atill on display "Not just for Kalos, other regions had been involved in some way to create new challenges and promotions to attract more people into becoming trainer's and coordinators..."

"But the current situation has forced them to rush into implementing these new changes" Calem said in understanding. "Exactly, they fear, and rightfully so, with how messy things had become, people will pull out of their circuits fearing for their safety even with the already implemented security measures. These is to keep the public’s attention into something else while the league is working to finally remove the current threat’s…" Sycamore spoke relaying everything that has been sorted through the last two days the Lumiose council

"The first part not acceptable for any people in charge of organizing the big major event's. Specially with those of the Great Festival. Wallace in particular is working in both fronts to hunt down the Rocket's and Flares keeping with the Grand Festival proceedings" The professor said, his voice being calm and emotionless as he explained the reasoning.

Ash thought about Wallace and his role. The former League champion and actual Contest Champion was the Kalos Great Festival most vocal supporter before announcing he would be involved in it's organization alongside the further establishment of contest in Kalos. He made exhibitions, publicity campaigns, everything possible to hype it. Is not hard to imagine his reaction at the possibility of months of work and publicity being reduced to nothing because criminals actions are scaring people into giving up.

The Kantonian glanced at Serena. Since discovering contest, his childhood friend had been determinated to become a coordinator and achieve the title of contest champion. She worked a lot to learn about contest, had countless conversations with her about the moves used, the performance of several coordinators, even if strategies applied in battles could be used for contest and vice versa. He took a look at the honey-haired girl and her eyes glowed with the same emotions he imagined Wallace to feel if the Great Festival is canceled. Distorsion World, that thought must have crossed her mind if her expression say’s something.

Pure, barely restrained fury and refusal to accept such a thing happening.

"They must do something about them..." Said girl spoke with a coldness enough to be comparable to the Blizzard move. It was stunning for her companions to see the usually kind, friendly and polite Serena speak in such tone "...they can't simply get away with this"

"They are in fact doing something now..." The proyection changed once more to the professor's face "It has been unanimously agreed the situation can't be dealt just by the authorities of Kalos alone. This last act of terrorism was the nail in the coffin for the Minister and the Parliament. There been calls with Indigo and Unova in order to find a solution with the collective criminal Teams, in fact our Champion, Diantha had spoken with Lance had talking recently about initiating action to remove both threats from Kalos and Indigo once for all"

That seemed to calm them down. If Kalos politcal bodies with the help of the league and two champions, one of them considered the strongest champion of all, things would eventually get better.

The professor let out a big yawn, rubbing his eyes in exhaustion "Feeling exhausted professor" Calem joked trying lighten up the air after such serious talk.

"I didn't sleep for two days straight..." Sycamore admitted to his assistant "I'm sorry for delivering more bad news after two days. Is not my intention discourage you from journeying, specially when you have barely begun, if it that anyone's feeling" He apologized profusely.

"It's not problem professor" It was Trevor who reassured "You are just looking out for us, like any responsible adult would do when delivering this information" The other's nodded.

Ash rose from his seat "We are just going to be more careful. And trying to not get in trouble as much as we can" He looked around and the others agreed with his words."We aren't backing down. Not when we are so early" Serena said with determined eyes. "Exactly, we have just begun, and leaving is for the quitters" Shauna expressed her intentions with renewed energy."And what if we find some either Flare's or Rockets, we aren't alone and if worst happens, well not fight head on" Tierno said recounting some reasonable advice his parent's given him before.

Delia only smiled. Knowing Ash and his friends will go forward more prepared than ever.

"I'm glad you are still determined to go on your journey's" The professor smiled despite his exhaustion. "Please be care full and if the worst happens... well Tierno took the words from my mouth" The professor yawned again before saying goodbye. Ending the call.

"Why don't we go to sleep?" Spoke Delia breaking her silence "The burrow Cleo made is big enough for everyone and is hidden in plain sight for extra safety" She pointed at the burrow. the entrance was behind a rock big enough to cover sight of the hole from the main roads view. Nobody will notice it unless someone investigates more deeply "And we have Teshi and Mimey to detect any possible hostiles near. Safe as it can be possible"

"We should take turns to sleep" Suggested Trevor "Remember, the news spoke about the possibility of some scattered remnants of either Flare or Rocket assault's forces roaming around the border's of Lumiose and cities near,"

"That's true" Said Ash's "I'll take the first turn, me and my friends and Mimey will stay awake for a bit longer..."

"Thank's Ash. Just don't forget waking one of us up before going back to sleep" Shauna thanked before taking her things and walking up to the burrow with her team and soon everyone followed in leaving Ash with his Pokemon and Mimey. He turned to the Psychic/Fairy type "Mimey can you set up some of your Area of Effect moves just for extra security"

"Sure, Ash" Mimey nodded before his eyes glowed blue and a massive surge of psychic energy mixed with some of the more ethereal fairy one emanated form him. Blue and Pink energies spread around the area forming a barrier and becoming invisible seconds later. Like it didn't happen but even a non-Pyschic pokemon or human cans feel the them if they focus.

"This my best combined move, the The Dome. Using all the area, camp moves I know in combination with, Miracle Eye, Reflect and Light Screen I create a perfect area that protects us against any hostiles, and increases mine and any ally sensing range several times" Mimey hold his head high with pride "Not even dark types can hide when we are in the zone and it will Require an Elite level ghost type to even make a crack"

Ash looked in awe, Astrea too, even more in introspect give she can sense the energy, maybe Tiamat and Gojiar too if their faces are saying something. No matter how many times he saw this combination move, it never stopped being impressive. Would his friends also be able to do the same one day.

"You will with time and experience, Ash" He heard Mimey's speaking through his mind. No doubt after he reading his thoughts "Currently you can at best combine two moves like flame thrower and dragon breath or confusion and thunderbolt" The raven haired listened intently, the explanation drove him back at the advice Mike gave him days ago. They lacks experience, he lacks experience.

"Well better make a note to start making combination attacks soon or I'll fall behind" Ash sat in the grass stretching his arms. He felt the nightly cold winds wash over his face while keeping an eye in his surroundings "What a long day..."

Tiamat put herself his right keeping an eye at her surroundings alert for any menace though sometimes she stared at the sky possibly dreaming for the day she becomes a Salamence.

Astrea walked up to him and sit in his lap and turned her head up in the sky, doing one of her favorite activities, stargazing. Given her natural ability to sense emotions and the boost from the zone, it won’t be trouble if she focuses in something else for the time being.

Gojira just sit on his left, switching between stargazing or keeping guard. The Rock type had also grabbed several small chunks of soil and ate continuously as like he had no diner previously. Ash chukled a bit at his friend massive appetite.

Mimey simply wandered around the zone, doing the typical pantomime all Mr.Mime are know for, but his face, specially the glowing eyes, tells he's working seriously his assigned duty

XX
Augustine Sycamore sat on his chair, he took a sip wine, burgundy always helped with the stress, the feeling of alcohol pass through his throat always felt relaxing for regional professor. Sycamore sighted before taking a second sip, while on that the professor reflected about his actions. “I am worrying too much?”

“I don’t think so Augustine?” Spoke a male regal voice behind the regional professor. “Right you are. I was going to warn my cousin too” followed a smooth feminine one.

Augustine turned to the source of both voices. The male was orange haired man with black eyes, his expression stoic. He wore a black suit with red stripes. At his side was big feline Pokemon whose most distinctive feature is the large red mane which brings resemblance to an old Ranseian Kanji. The mans presence had a majestic yet intimidating aura reinforced by similar regal but imposing Pokemon.

The female was a fair skinned woman, with blue eyes and violet eye shadow. She worn a white dress whose most distinctive feature are the detail on the back which resemble to wings. Additionally is the swan shaped white necklace with a multicolored stone with a DNA inside it. A Gardevoir walked at her side, not many notable features from the pokemon aside being more taller than the norm and a pendant with a stone set this time with a color scheme similar to the Pokemon.

“Lysandre, Diantha” Augustine addressed the Lysandre Labs President and Kalos Champion respectively. His exhaustion finally carrying into his tone “I guess you sensed I was in urgency”

“You kidding? Beatrice told me the amount of stress and anxiety she felt from you skyrocketed to the point of risking angering Rayquaza” Said Diantha as Beatrice, The Gardevoir, the Champions Starter and Ace Pokemon, noded in silence.

Augustine sighted rubbing the bridge of his nose “Yeah you two are correct. I suppose yo overheard me, right?” He said in a matter of fact way, not sounding accusatory in any way possible to his friends.

“I don’t need to guess you warned Calem and the other kids about the database breach right?” Lysandre spoke seriously.
Augustine simply nodded and took another sip before speaking further “I filled them in with everything as soon as I got near the Holo Caster…” The professor stared at the window thoughfully, while Diantha and Lysandre took their seats each one at his side with ther Pokemon doing the same “I’ll get in trouble for this, but I don’t care”

“I get why are you feeling like this friend” Lysnder told sympeathetically “After all, there’s been multiple reports of important people or relatives of them being targetted by elements of the organized crime, organizations like Plasmas and of course rockets included” Lysandre said calmly but there’s an edge on the tone of his voice “Specially in this actual moment where they have become increasingly bolder with their crimminal operations. If the Crash was enoguh proof of that” He finished with a somber voice.

“How in Zygarde’s name we got into this mess” Diantha spoke taking a sip of wine, much to her starter’s disapproval “First a brutal skirmish between the Rockets and Flare’s happens near the capital and nobody notices it until is too late” The Champion complained before taking another sip, apologizing to beatrice for the possible dizziness and migraine she would suffer later. “Then we learn both organization’s were preparing to attack Lumiose, again without us knowing and then someone steals a lot of classified data from the database, right from our noses!” Diantha slammed her vase in the table and groaned in frustration. Her starter’s face reflecting her trainer’s due to their psychic link.

“I comprehend your frustration Dinatha” Said Lysandre who took a smaller sip on his own “You had too long day’s working to keep order while Augustine and me spend it keeping working with the league searching for what was stolen from the database, finding trails, assisting in security measures and putting in lockdown everything else non-stop” The regal man spoke not allowing the exhaustion he shared with his fellows show.

“Speaking of which…” Augustine turned to face Lysandre “Has anyone found a clue of possible suspects?” The regional professor’s asked his friend. Sycamore spend most of the time between locating what data was stolen or checking his labs computers. After The Crash happened internal and external security became top priority and that includes keeping his own devices in lockdown for safety reasons.

“Not a lot” The orange haired man turned to his friends “We found the cameras stopped working for a time. Specifically around the hallways leading to the central computer’s room and of course the room itself” Lysandre explained calmly to his friends “Is suspected by an outside signal, my best scientist and the police are working in cooperation to track it down, but aside from that there’s nothing. Whoever was, this entity knows to cover their tracks really well” The corporate explained in detail.

“Do you think it was the same one who caused The Crash?” Augustine spoke up “It would be the most logical explanation after all. With everyone focusing in the chaous outside it would be the best opportunity to hack the database and steal the info”. His question lingered through the air for some time before Diantha answered

“We don’t know if there was one individual or even a group. Distorsion, we could guess this was the result of agents from both teams sabotaging each other or, as you suspect, a third party at play…” The champion grabbed her head in exasperation. Beatrice conformed her trainer, in spite of the stress and exhaustion Diantha is feeling also affecting her due to her nature.

“Returning about Calem and those kids…” Bringin the attantion of his friends out of the grim subject, Lysandre brought his Holo Caster “…Remember about the negotiated contracts with The Don Georges I spoke about some time ago?” He said as he pressed the device buttons, Both human’s and Pokemon looked at him questioningly “This was send to my direct email from the clan’s own Patriarch”

The Holo Caster projected the recording of a battle. Augustine and Dinatha shared glances before getting up close to the Hologram and watched it.

“Ah!” The professor said in realization as he watched the record and recognized the two figures “So Calem already challenged Ash’s into a battle” He remembered how his assistant spoke about his desire of fighting one of Oak’s Prodigies, as some members in the scientific community and high ranking individual’s call both Ash and the professor’s grandson Gary Oak.

Diantha tilted her head as she stared at the projection “Isn't that the boy whom Lance chose to sponsor?” The champion remembered the name Ketchum of course. Any high ranking member of the league, be a Gym leader, Regional Professor, Ace Trainer or even a Champion would know when a renowned member of their number’s sponsor’s a trainer, specially a rookie. They gossip of things like that like housewives circle.

Even more so with someone know as one of the strongest champions and the further implications of said choice.

“Yes, indeed” Augustine spoke while watching the video “Actually, his starter is a Bagon bred from his Salamence” He mentioned as he continued to watch the battle, analizing everything about, more especifically Ash’s own Pokemon.

Lysandre’s own eyes slighly curved upwards, Diantha meanwhile eyed curiously at the holografic image of the trainer “He gave a pokemon bred from his own team to a new trainer for a starter Pokemon?” She said, not taking her gaze off the recorded battle

“Steven Stone did the same with the Professor’s grandson, Gary Oak” Sycamore added before his expression chaged to one thoughfull as he continued watching “It got me thinking, why would they do that”

“Potential” Lysandre said with certainty. His friends turned to face him waiting for his explanation “It’s not that complicated as it may seen. Lance and Steven, two of the strongest champions of the Association, saw in these youth’s what they can achieve if trained properly…” He took a sip before speaking further “…Just as Leon said once: Only a true champion knows to discern the potential of an aspirant with a single glance”

“Did you picked that line while you were in Galar” Augustine joked while Lysandre lips turned upwards “That and a Galarian fans tend to be very noisy” Both adults shared a laugh while Daintha smiled while focusing her blue eyes and the video with her starter following. Lysandre’s words resonating in her mind as she watched the rest of the proyected video.

Her gaze turned analytic as she observed the Kantonian’s native way of battling and compared to her friend’s assistant. The boy has talent for sure and must have practiced previously for pulling some of his strategies with relatively ease, no doubt under The Professor’s Pokemon tutelage. Of course he’s still very raw and needs a lot to learn. There’s mistakes only a novice would do, mostly with the his Larvitar wich is clearly not well trained, but there’s also moments where his true potential shines. She bets with a few months of experience and a good teacher he’ll become a great trainer. Curiously his team also reflects this aspect of him. Bagon, Ralts and Larvitar. They are weak in their current forms, but in the future once reached their final forms, each would be a terror in combat. She knows by experience.

Her thoughts were interrupted as she felt the familiar vibration of her Holo Caster in her pocket. She read the contacts name on the screen and sighted as she got up “I have to go”

Lysandre and Sycamore turned their to their friend, whose face said she would not be resting for a few days more “News from the government or the league?” Augustine asked feeling preocupied.

“The league” Diantha spoke, sounding a bit tired “Lance’s is calling me”

Both males looked with seriousness and nodded. They wished Diantha’s luck before taking off with Beatrice following her, leaving the two alone with themselves.
A silence regined in the room after the Champion left, none spoke anything, occupied with their own thoughs while drinking their wins before Augustine got up first

“It’s getting late. I’m going to sleep…” The professor yawned heavily “…Tomorrow’s we’ll give our reports”

“Goodnight friend, make sure to remind Sophie and Cosette to lock the doors before you leave” With that Augustine left the room, now leaving Lysandre alone with his Pyroar, Aslan. The orange-haired man patted his starter, who growled pleasantly, while his attention focused in something else. Specifically the video.
Lysandre replayed the battle from the beginning, observing everything that went through with cold calculating eyes. Every command shout, every used tactic, every strategy applied, on both sides.

He took a moment to observe both combatants and them their teams. His lips curve upwards at the same time his black eyes gleamed with a light that would unnerve even hardened war veterans.

“They seem to have great potential isn’t right, Aslan?” The Pyroar’s only response was a undecipherable grunt, save for his master who had him since he was a young Littleo.

Lysandre only kept watching the frozen video, he stayed for some minutes before finally taking his leave with his Holo Caster in hand and Aslan by his side.
Before leaving the installations he send a Holo Message to one of his contacts. ‘I found another one’ that was everything it said. He send it to his contact and left.

Only he saw the Flare-like Symbol of his contact.

XX

Ash yawned deeply before rubbing his eye, the urge to sleep finally kicking in after at least two hours keeping guard for the time. His friends were also started feeling sleepy. Astrea was already asleep in his lap, Gojira struggled to keep himself awake, all that ground he ate making a hole, and Tiamat was starting to look sleepy.
On the opposite side, Mimey didn’t look tired at all, seemed to still have a lot of energy for most of the remainder of the night. The Mr.Mime didn’t even seemed tired at all.

“I’ll go to bed” Spoke Ash’s tiredly “I’ll wake up Calem, keep an eye open Mimey and don’t forget to wake up Teshi and mom when you feel sleepy” Mimey nodded. Ash told his frinds to come while he carried the sleeping Astrea in his arms. He must go to sleep right now for he had planned an new entire regime for them by tomorrorw. The moves they learned today were good but needed more practice. Gojira in particular needed attention Ancient Power needs better accuracy and less time when ripping shards from the ground and his Dragon Dance takes several seconds to charge which is a problem. Tiamat will be of great help in this regard given how skilled is with the move.

Once finished with Gojira, he’ll be spending time with Tiamat practicing her news moves and start working in combination moves with her. Something significantly harder than simply working on moves as combination moves are an entirely tricky matter given the nature of the move’s energies and technique must channeled with accuracy, at the very least. Let’s not forget the execution. The path to find the right executio-

His thoughts came suddenly at halt when Astrea woke up suddenly. The Shiny looked around frantically, yelping in anxiously. That wans’t the only thing, to Ash’s own dismay and preoccupation.

Waves, emotional waves, the natural ability of the Ralt’s line is to share their emotions with the people they bonded psychically and vice versa. Waves of fear, danger and anxiety splashed over him as his friend looked frantically. Ash’s only wondered what caused her to act like this.

“She’s feeling hostile presence’s nearby” Resounded Mimey’s voice, this time with an unusual edge. “She more than capable of sensing their Ill intent thanks to the Dome”

He turned to see Mimey looking at the forest. His face grimm and his posture ready for combat. “She can’t pit point their location accurately but I can is there…”

“I’ll wake up mom-” Ash was interrupted by the sudden apparition of Teshi and of course his mother. Both with the same grim expression. “You called us Mimey?” Delia spoke, her voice lacking the usual warn and friendliness she was characterized.

Mimey nodded and debriefed his mom about the hostiles nearby. His mom told Teshi something in low voice before turning to Ash “Step back son, I don’t want you to get caught in the middle of this” She told in a tone that expresses both authority and concern at the same time.

Ash silently agreed and took several steps back with his friends and took cover in spot full of tall grass.

He took a glance at her one more and noticed she had two Pokeballs in hand. Guess she saw fit bring two more members of her team if things go really bad.

A sound caught his attention, he couldn’t discern what kind of but it was loud enough to even be heard from the forest. His friends were startled by the noise shouting in panic while his mother and her Pokemon were on the edge.

The first sound was soon followed by several more loud noises. It took no time for the cause to reveal itself. In a stream of flames bursting out of the forest followed by human and Pokemon screams.

Ash heart was pounding with intensity, he felt a small bead of sweat go through his face as he observed from his spot the situation unfolding. He wasn't the only one, Astrea waves of terror and fear intensified and curled in his arms terrified, he felt bad for his friend. Feeling such hostile intent and malice would be overwhelming for any inexperienced psychic type.

His left side felt the rocky skin of Gojira as he got closer to him. He turned to look at his friend who was looking both afraid and confused. The rock type switched between looking at him and then to the forest.

On the other side Tiamat wasn’t looking scared or confused as her own teammates. Quite the contrary, she took a step a ahead and positioned herself in front of him, baring her fangs while growling protectively, eyes flashing both with protectiveness and draconic fury. Is clear she’s willing to face danger in order to protect them.

Ash could not avoid feel happy for having Pokemon like her, even in these dire circumstances.

Finally the sources of this commotion revealed itself. A loud hiss was heard before an orange lizard with a flaming tail came out of the bushes running, a Charmander!. It stopped after he came out, the fire on the tip glowing weakly but with enough intensity to show the Fire types’s physical state by a few seconds. Scrapes, bruises, bites, you name it covered it’s body, that wasn’t the worst. A slash wound was carved in it’s chest, reaching almost the entirely of it’s orange belly and it was bleeding.

Ash eyes widened in horror as he saw the Charmander’s state. Multiple questions flooded his mind as he observed. How it got there? Could they give this one medical attention in time? How long is been in this state? And more important, who or what did this to Charmander!? Those were the question that flooded his mind.

Seconds later he got an answer for the last.

Four figures came out of the bush. Two were definitively Pokemon and by what could be distinguished in the dark by their shapes these were Weezing and Zangoose. Pokemon common in Kanto, Hoeen and many other places.
But the other two were what got their attention. They were humans, both were using lanterns that iluminated the road and as consequence revealing their appearance to them.

The first was just a man dressed in gray and black from cap to the pants, mouth mask and black glasses. He was also holding a bag give the way his left hand was hanging near his shoulder. Ash was never to judge by the appearances but this guy looked like, and possibly was, a thief. But he was nothing compared to the other person.

The second person was a female with green hair and a black cap. The rest of her clothes were also black, with alongside an infamously familiar R letter in the shirt.
“Team Rocket…” Ash’s spat those words as he watched the member of the most infamous, and hated, criminal organization in Kanto and jotho, and potentially the world.

Pokemon poaching, murder, terrorism, you’ll name it. Nothing for them is too low for them if it mean's get what they want. The Crash was just the most recent proof for that. Only one could image all the ways their failed attempt could go and none would be good. Anything with the Rockets is bound to end in that way, Kanto and Jotho knows very well.

Both figures shouted orders at their Pokemon to attack the Charmander. The Zangoose let a bloodthirsty screech before it’s claws glowed red and rushed at the fire type. Weezing only stared at his target with malice and released globs of sludge that from it’s two heads.

“Stop them…” He heard his mother say emotionless before

In a instant Mimey appeared in front of the Charmander, his eyes glowing with psychic power as five glass-like walls appeared in front around both in just the split of a second, forming a box around then. Zangoose slashed the wall with his claws against the barrier, the blobs also collided agsinst the barriers. Neither of them making even a single crack in the barrier’s.

He heard the burglar and rocket grunt shout in disbelief wich were replaced by ones of anger. They begun screaming orders to break the barriers.
Mimey though otherwise. His mother’s starter rose his hands a bit and released to rays of condensed psychic energy at the criminal’s Pokemon from each palm. It was so quick Ash barely kept traction of them. The beams hit Zangoose and Weezign before they could even do anything, both Pokemon screamed in pain before falling to the ground inert.

Both assailants shouted in disbelief before instantly screaming in panic. The reasons was they were hovering above the ground, surrounded by a light purple aura with Teshi behind them her eyes glowing with the same color. It didn’t take a genius to realized she took the assailants momentary distraction to teleport behind and restrain them with her psychic powers.

The outlaw’s struggled trying to break free. That was cut short as the Psychic type put them under her power with Hypnosis. They instantly fell into a trance unable to resist the power Astrea’s own progenitor just for their eyes close and enter in a deep sleep.

Ash released a breath he didn’t knew he was holding. It was the end but somehow that didn’t put him at ease. His Pokemon were the same.

A million questions rushed through his mind as he pondered the multiple scenearios, each one worse then the last, were this Charmander got involved with the Rockets of all people. The line isn’t exclusive of Kanto, but as every species that’s listed as a official starter they are rare enough that is hard to obtain one without the help of a professor or certain breeders.

Rare enough and with their infamous battle capabilities to worth a lot in the black market. Worth enough to try poach one, he thougt with distate. Either the first or belonged to a trainer unlucky enough to cross paths with a Rocket cell. None of those are particularly comforting.

The Rocket's are also another source of worry. Because grunts work in groups and somewhere there must be more Rockets. Whatever cell this one belongs, it must not be to far away. If somehow the whole cell comes after them... Better to not think about

And speaking of the Charmander, he turned to see the fire type unconcious on the ground. A feeling of worry run through him fearing the worst. That was dissipated once Mimey checked him making clear he’s still alive but unconcious.

He could hear voices and sounds coming from the burrow. It appears the conmotion woke up everyone.

Ash is having a bad feeling about this, they might ave walked into a dangerous situation right now. And they are not getting out easily.

This is going to be a long night.