284 Epilogue

Ash and the rest planned returned to Kanto while Casey, Green and Leaf decided to stay back in Jhoto but not before all of the girls had a fun night together. While the girls were having fun Gary had commandeered or rather demanded Silver, Red, Blue and Lance to have a private meeting. James had been dragged in as the only free adult as Brock was busy at the Pokemon center, his work during the Conference had earned him many praise and even a chance to study in Unova. Brock was contemplating on whether he should take the offer or not at the moment though Ash encouraged him to think about it.

James looked at the information Gary had laid in front of them, "How did you figure out who the current bosses are?"

Gary, "I think you should tell him Ash. We already know."

Ash, "I was thinking about it."

Lance, "Tell what? I get the feeling there is more to this."

Ash, "Well, you know about Aura right? I have been researching on it. Thank you for getting me the scrolls Mewtwo."

Mewtwo who had been talking to Lucario nodded, -Most welcome.-

Lucario, -Those scrolls were a good source of information.-

Red, "The one about how aura can help you use Pokemon moves?"

Ash nodded, "Yes, I think it allowed me to get information that I need. It could be this information is from my past life or the future, I cannot tell. But I do know there is some truth to this information. Of course, this information can change with time and actions we take."

Blue nodded, "Yes, that is a smart way to look at this information. Team Snagem was part of Team Rocket a few years ago."

Ash, "Have they disbanded?"

Red sighed, "Sadly no."

Lance, "Under a new leadership they have chased Team Rocket members out of Orre."

Ash, "I see, is Cipher the new leader?"

Red, "We will have to confirm it but I am pretty sure he will be one in the future."

Lance, "Archie and Maxie are listed as two nuisances, why?"

Ash, "Well.... "

James, "You know of their plans?"

Gary, "If it can be called a plan."

Red, "Ash, explain please."

Ash, "Uh ha ha ha! Well, Team Aqua wants to awaken Primal Kyogre to try and flood land across the planet to increase the water mass."

Blue, "What?"

James muttered, "Here I thought Gonzalez was insane."

Red was looking wary, "What about Team Magma? What is their plan?"

Ash answered deadpan, "The opposite of Team Aqua. Awaken Primal Groudon and create more land."

James stared, "That's not how geology works. That's not how Pokemon work. Sure they have the power to do it but they would not go against Nature."

Ash shrugged, "Eh! What can we do about crazy people?"

Lance, "Hunter J is in Sinnoh, are you sure?"

Ash, "As far as I know she returned to Sinnoh region. Mewtwo could not find her anymore so that is the only conclusion I can come up with."

Lance looked at Mewtwo who nodded, "I see and you are sure she will team up with Team Galactic?"

Ash, "She tends to team up with people if it is advantageous to her."

Red, "Team Plasma is marked as a dangerous nuisance?"

Ash, "They want to get rid of technology and bring about a new uhhh... Pokemon era, I think?"

Blue, "Team Flare, that is the team behind all the bombing in Kalos."

Ash, "Yes."

Gary, "Team Skull and Team Yelp are more like trouble makers."

Ash, "The biggest problems are Sinnoh and Kalos when it comes to threats to human lives."

Lance, "I wonder if Cynthia and Diantha realizes this or the new Champions for that matter."

Ash, "I have no doubt they have run into those members."

Gary hummed as they talked more about the future plans to go to other regions to travel and study in. Ash though felt relieved with the information out though Lance looked like he had more questions for him. After the talk was over Lance took Ash with him and they talked about what they had discussed earlier in the impromptu meeting. Ash had come clean with Lance and to say the Dragon type Master was left speechless was a huge understatement. Ash almost laughed but Lance hugged him tight and Ash figured learning about the future dangers would terrify anyone.

Lance looked at him seriously, "Ash, if anything happens promise me you will not head to danger alone."

Ash, "Of course not. I will be careful."

Lance, "Should I talk with Cynthia and Diantha ahead of you? I am meeting them in a meeting some time during this month."

Ash, "Um.. I guess you could tell them about the organizations. But the rest of the stuff."

Lance ruffled his hair, "You can tell them once you trust them."

Ash pushed his hand away but smiled happily, "Thanks."

Lucario, -So we are going to Hoenn next?-

Ash, "Yup, but first let's go home."

The trip to Pallet town was something else with people and reporters flocking the road to catch a glimpse of them. Word had gone out the secondary Champion of the Orange Archipelago was in Jhoto to support her fellow Champion. Misty felt her eyebrow twitch on seeing the crowd that was on the way to Pallet town. Ash could not help but laugh in agreement and then he requested Blue for help to go home. Brock was visiting his family to talk about future plans, especially if he was going overseas, while Misty needed to visit the Gym. Her Master thesis was coming along just fine but she needed a few Gym Leaders approval especially since two of her Pokemon were double typing.

Ash, "Back in Kanto. Thank you Alakazam."

Gou, "We appreciate it."

Brock, "So, Vermillion first then Cerulean followed by Pewter and finally Pallet?"

Misty, "That's the plan."

Chloe, "High time we returned home."

Serena, "Mom and Dad are at Cerulean because of business so Melody will stay with Chloe and I will be with Misty."

Melody, "I heard so many things about Kanto. I will head to Pallet town soon to visit Professor Oak."

Ash, "Are you planning on journeying through Kanto?"

Serena, "Yes, this time I am taking the Gym challenge."

Melody, "And I am taking the contest challenge. We plan on traveling together."

Chloe, "And I am joining them while Misty here focuses on her thesis."

Misty, "I am close to finishing it."

Max, "Does that mean you will be the first Water type Master in this group?"

Ash, "Looks like Gary will not be the only Master in the group."

Max, "No way, don't tell me."

Ash, "Gary Oak is the youngest Eevee Master of Kanto."

That had everyone gaping then talking in excitement as they asked Ash for details about the when and where. Ash raised his hands and explained he found out during the Conference during his talk with Gary and he was keeping it on the down low because he was trying for line Mastery. The group understood and travelled through familiar plains and road catching the bus which would make travel faster. They reached Vermilion City around evening and spent the night there with Ash visiting Lt Surge the next day.

Lt Surge, "Kid, I saw your fight. I am very impressed by your Charizard. He has come really far from the clingy cub he was."

Ash grinned, "Your guidance really helped us out a lot. You should expect him to visit you from time to time. Despite how he had acted earlier he really respects you."

Lt Surge huffed, "He is welcome to visit. I do not mind."

Ash spent the morning with Lt Surge before he had to leave and join the rest on the way to Cerulean City. The Gym was under going renovations and new equipment were bring brought in especially with all the new double type Pokemon that Misty was welcoming to her Gym. The Orangette was sheepish when she saw all the Pokemon who were happy to see her. Serena giggled on seeing the Pokemon glimpse Misty happily making her shriek at the cuddles she was getting. Ash helped her out while grinning in amusement and the Pokemon cooed at her. Daisy, Violet and Lily were grinning as well as they greeted them and congratulated Ash on his win.

Violet, "You know you have everyone curious now."

Ash, "Really?"

Lily, "They want to know if you will challenge the Champions anytime soon."

Ash, "Umm.. That's between me and the Champions. I have plans to travel and my hands are already full as one of Orange Archipelago Champion."

Violet nodded, "I hope you submitted an affidavit about it."

Ash, "Lance helped me submit one."

Brock, "That is good. You plan on heading to Hoenn right? I will go with you."

Max, "I thought you were heading to Unova, not that I am complaining. I like being around you."

Brock, "I thought so too. But when I submitted the things I learned during my journeys, they let me head to Unova at my own pace. Plus I get the feeling my skills will be more useful if I traveled with you."

Ash, "You talked with Gary, didn't you?"

Brock, "Yup, and we need to talk after you catch a break."

Max snickered, "Someone is in trouble."

Misty and Serena snickered as well as they spent the night at Cerulean and the next day Misty and Serena waved them farewell. The three of them headed to Pewter City, the journey seemed shorter now, as they reached Pewter by nightfall. Brock's siblings were very happy to greet them while his parents were very proud of him. They had received the news of Brock getting the chance to study at one Unova's prestigious Universities. Brock's said he would be traveling a bit more as he headed towards Unova and decided to spend a few weeks with his family. The next day Ash and Max said they would see Brock and Gou in a few weeks and headed to Pallet town.

Max, "It feels a little weird to not have others around."

Ash, "Really quiet."

Max, "Yeah, so next is Viridian."

Ash, "Come on if we take the bus we can meet up with Blue first then head directly to Pallet town. It is only four hours away."

Max got on the bus, "Cool! Too bad they have an age limit to enter Mt Moon. I would have loved visiting it."

Ash, "I will take you there in the future."

Max, "Promise?"

Ash, "Promise. Ah! The Viridian forest."

Max looked outside and saw the infamous forest and Butterfree and Beedrill flying around the forest. They reached Viridian where Blue was waiting for them and hugged them happily as they greeted each other. Blue took them to his home where he had a packed suitcase ready to spend time at Pallet town, he needed a break. They traveled together on foot as Ash told Max how he met Fearrow making Max stare at him with wide eyes. They reached Pallet town by the time dusk was falling and Ash moved behind Blue pulling Max along.

Blue smiled his professional smile, "Hello Mayor Bobby."

Bobby gave a jovial laugh, "Blue, welcome back. I see you brought the Champion with you as well."

Blue, "Yes, well, this young Champion had a long day of traveling and needs to rest. So if you will excuse us."

Mayor Bobby nodded, "Of course, of course. Welcome home."

Ash walked away, "Thanks Blue."

Blue, "No problem. Come on. Everyone's waiting."

Ash, "Let's go Max. We are going to do nothing but sleep, eat and relax for a while month then head to Hoenn."

Max, "I am actually really excited to head to my home region."

Ash grinned, "I will show you the best spots in Pallet and Viridian till then."

Max, "Don't you have paperwork though Champion?"

Ash, "Don't worry. I always stay on top of my work."

Blue chuckled, "Smart. Look who's there."

Ash, "Mom, Aunt, Red. I'm back."

Delia grinned eyes shining, "Welcome back Ash."