"Pikachu is down. I repeat Pikachu is down. The winner of the semi-final match and moving on to the final match of the Vertress Conference is Virgil of Accumula town." The announcer yelled over the mic and the audiences cheers. On the battle field below lay one knocked out figure and one barley standing one. The one that still stood was a black fox like Pokémon, with yellow rings. This Pokémon was known as a Umbreon, while the knocked out figure was a yellow mouse with a lighting bolt shaped tail. This Pokémon is known as a Pikachu. On, Umbreon's side of the battlefield stood a male trainer. He was five foot seven, about seventeen years of age, blond hair, hazel eyes and wore a orange jumpsuit type outfit, with white and blue sleeves, black boots, and white gloves. This trainer's name was Virgil. On Pikachu's side stood another male trainer. He was five foot six, warm brown eyes, raven black hair which was covered up by a baseball cap, about sixteen years of age, and wore red sneakers, black jeans, a white and blue jacket/vest with a yellow zipper and black stripes, black fingerless gloves, and a white and red baseball cap, with a blue pokeball in the middle. This trainers name was Ash Ketchum of pallet town. His head was hung, after another loss at victory. He slowly made his way onto the field, crouched down, and picked up Pikachu. All the while hearing the chants and screams of the crowd, cheering for Virgil. After Ash picked up Pikachu, that's when he woke up from the knock out. Pikachu looked up at Ash's face, only to see his mouth, his nose and eyes being covered by the shadow of his visor on his cap.

'Pika Pikachu Pikapi'. Translation (I'm sorry Ash.) Pikachu told him, in a weak voice. Of course Ash didn't understand, but thanks to there bond he had a pretty good idea.

"It's ok Pikachu. They were just a little bit stronger." Ash whispered to his best friend. He then stood up, and saw as Virgil walked over to Umbreon, talked to it, returned it, and walked towards Ash, just then they were at a arms length away. Virgil then raised his hand, implying a hand shake.

"Great job Ash. That was the toughest match of my life." Virgil told him with a friendly smile. Ash raised his head, showing a pair brown eyes. If you had looked close enough you would see pain behind them. He then gave a fake yet genuinely looking smile in return. He put Pikachu in one arm, raised the other and accepted the handshake.

"Right back at ya Virgil. If I had to lose to anyone, I'm glad it was you." Ash replied to him, trying to seem as nice, friendly, and genuine as usual. After that they separated and went their separate ways into their tunnels. All the while the cheers of the crowd still being heard and Ash's Unova friends in the stands. Looking at Ash with sympathy. These friends were Iris, Cilan, Bianca(Unova), Stephan, Burgundy, Trip, Georgia, Cameron, and Cameron's Lucario.

"I cant believe Ash lost." Bianca said in a sad tone.

"Yeah, but coming up in the top four is something he should be proud of. I know I would." Cameron stated, with Lucario nodding his head in agreement.

"It doesn't matter. What does matter is that we go and to cheer him up." Iris stated, while raising out of her seat, and the others following suit.

(Ash's locker room.)

Ash is sitting down in his locker room. Gathering his things while Pikachu stood about a foot or two away on the bench. When Ash was done collecting his things he rubbed his face with both of his gloved hands and gave a sad sigh. He saw out of the corner of his eye, that Pikachu had his head hung down, showing disappointment not just in the lost, but himself. Ash, seeing this tried to put a positive spin on this.

"Well this just proves that we can still get stronger if we try harder. Don't worry Pikachu we'll get'em next time." Ash told his best poke-friend, while getting up with his head held up high. Pikachu, knowing that his trainer was right gave a loud 'Pikachu' in agreement, jumped, and climbed on his shoulder. They then heard foot steps coming towards them. They turned towards the noise, only to see all of Ash's Unova friends standing there.

"Hey Ash. You ok?" Cilan greeted and asked, worried about his friend.

"Yeah I'm fine. Nothing I can't handle. Right Pikachu?" Ash said and questioned, while rubbing behind Pikachu's ears, only to receive a pleased filled 'Pikaaa' as a response.

"Well in that case, how about we go to the Pokémon Center to get your team healed." Trip suggested. Everyone agreed and started to make their way towards the Center. All obvious to the nervous blonde champion that was hiding behind a corner, trying and failing to work up the courage to talk to Ash in front of his friends.

(Earlier(minor flashback), during/after Ash's and Virgil's match. The VIP box.)

We cut back to the VIP box of the Unova stadium. Inside held some of the highest Pokémon officials there were. Ones' like the President of the Pokémon League Charles Goodshow, Sinnoh Champion Cynthia, Unova Champion Alder, Kanto/Johto Champion Lance, Sinnoh Elite Four Flint, Sinnoh Elite Four Aaron, Kanto/Johto Elite Four Bruno, Unova Gym Leader Elesa, Sinnoh Gym Leader Volkner, Hoenn Champion Steven, and Unova Gym Leader Skyla. Charles and Alder had to be there, due to them being the President of the Pokémon League and the other the Champion of Unova. The rest came over for only one reason, some for another reason. The reason/reasons both involving Ash Ketchum. All wanted to see him battle, and a few others wanted to see Ash, just to see him.

"I can't believe he lost. I thought he was going it win this time." Flint stated in a sad tone.

"It seems like the lad can't catch a break." Charles told all of them. Watching as the young trainer walked onto the battle filed to retrieve his fallen starter, friend, brother, and comrade.

"If he was smarter, he would've brought in and use that Charizard of his, or even his Sceptile or Gabite." Volkner said, sounding sad and disappointed.

"You know his style man. He wants to use the Pokémon he catches in Unova instead, you know, to give them a chance." Flint replied to his best friends remark.

"Very respectful, caring, and noble of him. I admit. But not very smart or responsible." Alder stated with a sigh and a cross of his arms.

"It is sad indeed. I think one of us should check on him, you know to make sure he's ok." Lance stated out loud. After that being said, everyone directed there attention to Elesa, Cynthia, and Skyla.

"Why do one of us have too?" Elesa asked,

"Because you're better with comforting. And, the fact you three are head over heels for him." Aaron answered, with him and the other males giving smirks as the three females in the room grew blushes and looked away slyly. Yes it was true. Cynthia, Skyla, and Elesa were just a few of the many, and I mean MANY girls that had a major crush or were in love with Ash.

"But if none of you want too, I guess I could call Clair or Karen. Arceus knows what those two would do in order to comfort Ash." Charles said, with a innocent tone but a wicked grin. After hearing this, the three girls eyes widened. They exactly knew what Clair and Karen would do in order to make Ash fell better. Cynthia, being the fastest, had immediately jumped up from her seat on the couch that was in the VIP room, and jumped over it. Hearing the two girls groan in disappointment and the guys laughing as she left through the door, but not without hearing Lance ask a question.

"Clair would do what now?" Lance asked any and everyone in the room, finally comprehending what Mr. Goodshow had just said.

(A few minutes later.)

Now we're with Cynthia, alone as she walks her way towards Ash's locker room. After a few more minutes she arrives at one of the doors that accessed the locker room. She took a calm breath and opened the door. She walked in and ready to comfort the love of her life, only to see as Ash's Unova friends/rivals were in there. She gave a quiet yelp and hid behind the corner of a wall. She listened as his friends asked if he was ok. He replied, by saying he was fine, and then a boy with dirty blonde hair suggested that they go to the Pokémon Center. Everyone agreed and the left, leaving her alone. She cursed herself for chickening out again, but was relieved to see that Ash was ok and not depressed. She then left, trying to come up with a excuse on why she had came back so early.

(Next day. About 12:00 to 2:00 in the afternoon.)

Virgil had done it. He had won the Vertress Cup. It was a close match, but his Espeon had managed to defeat the other trainers Conkeldurr in the final match. Now he and the two runner ups were on stage, each holding a trophy and wearing a medal.

"It is my pleasure to announce the winner of the Vertress Cup is Virgil." Charles Goodshow stated over the microphone and the cheers of the crowd, while Alder handed Virgil the winners trophy. "But I am sad to say that this years Vertress Cup has come to an end. But I would like to thank every trainer that participated." Charles said and with that fireworks were launched into the sky, after about ten minutes the stadium had started to clear out, until there was no one left. Each gym leader, Elite Four and Champion heading home, some thinking about the future, and some others thinking about a special Jet/Raven black haired boy that touched there hearts.

(Vertress City docks.)

After the closing ceremony Ash and friends/rivals had gone to the Vertress docks, each ready but upset about saying goodbye. Bianca, Iris, Georgia, and surprisingly Burgundy had given him a hug goodbye. Cameron, Trip, Stephan, and Cilan had given him a handshake goodbye and their best wishes. Iris's Axew, Cameron's Lucario, and Cilan's Pansage had given Ash's Pikachu a tearful goodbye, Lucario's being not that sad. Ash and Pikachu went aboard and the ship sailed off, heading towards Kanto, all the while Ash and Pikachu waved at there friends goodbye, with them doing the same. After about ten minutes the ship was out of sight, and the misfit group of kids and teens walked off and in there own directions. Each trying to find there own way to Pallet Town, Kanto. They decided to surprise Ash, by meeting him there.

(Fast Forward. Location: Pallet Town Docks. Time: Lets say 5:30(pm) ish.)

After a few hours of traveling by ship, Ash and Pikachu had finally made to the Pallet Town docks. They were happy and excited to see everybody again. Professor Oak, Gary Oak grandson of the Professor, Delia Ash's mother, Tracey, and all of Ash's Pokémon. Ash was a little upset though. He had heard Cynthia was at the stadium during the league, and he wanted to talk too her. He looked about everywhere but not a single sign. He shook his head and decided to think about the bright side. Ash and Pikachu were home, well close to it at least. When the ship finally docked Ash and Pikachu were the first ones off. They decided to race to Ash's house, a close one but thanks to Pikachu's Quick Attack, he had defeated Ash by a few seconds. Anyway, Ash opened the door, only to find that his mom and Mr. Mime weren't home. They searched through the whole house and the garden, and not one sign. Ash and Pikachu decided to go to Professor Oaks lab, thinking that they were there. It took a few minutes but they finally made it to the top of Professor Oaks outside staircase.

Ash opened the door, and Pikachu on his shoulder, had called out to the Professor, only to receive a quiet nothing. They searched through the whole lab and found nothing. Ash and Pikachu gave each other a confused look, that clearly meant 'what the hell is going on'. They then made there way outside towards the back, hoping that they were there. When they opened the door, they were met with a loud 'SURPRISE' and the faces of all of Ash's Pokémon friends/rivals, his mother, and Professor Oak. Even his Unova friends/rivals were there. Ash was surprised and asked why everybody was here. His mother answered, by telling him 'To celebrate your victory'. After a few more questions and answers the party started. Ash let out his Unova team, in order to party as well. Ash got hugged, nuggied, handshaked, praised, burned, stampeded, and body slammed. After about four to six hours the party died down and everyone left. Now we cut to Ash's house.

(Ash's house. Ash's Room. Time: 10:00 through 11:00 pm.)

Ash is laying down on his bed, unable to sleep, with hundreds upon thousands of thoughts flowing through his head. Ash got up, but awoke Pikachu.

'Pikachu Pika Pikapi?'(Are you ok Ash?) Pikachu asked his trainer. Once again Ash didn't understand, but had a good feeling what Pikachu said.

"Yeah Pikachu I'm fine. I think I'll take a flight with Charizard. You in?" Ash told and questioned his best poke-friend. Pikachu nodded and jumped on hi shoulder. Ash nodded, but before he left he removed a tightly hung up picture frame that was on his wall, revealing a key pad. He typed in 'Pikachu' as the passcode in, it accepted but asked for the other, he typed in 'Cynthia' as the other one in and it accepted. There was a quiet 'ding' and a hole in the wall opened. Out came a small shelf, which held two red and black pokeballs. They were known as Cherish balls. With them also came two Ultra balls. Ash had this constructed, in order to keep his strongest Pokémon hidden, and had it built in while Delia was out for most of the day. He grabbed them, strapped them to his belt, and left. Leaving a note on his pillow saying he was going out for a midnight flight, just incase his mom came in to check on hi, and not to worry. He and Pikachu went over to the lab, went in undetected, grabbed Charizard's pokeball, and went out side, trying to find Charizard. After a few minutes of walking they found him, and walked over. When they were a foot away Charizard had sent a weak Flamethrower there way, as a sign as affection and a greeting.

"Nice to see you too Charizard." Ash told his fire type, while getting up and dusting himself and Pikachu off. "I was thinking about taking a flight. You in?" Ash asked, while holding Charizard's pokeball. Charizard nodded and bent down, allowing Ash and Pikachu access to climb on his back. When they were on, he took off. None of the three knowing that taking the flight would be one of the dumbest, but smartest things Ash ever thought about and done. Why? Well were get to the 'smartest thing' later. As for the 'dumbest thing' is happening soon.

(About half an hour to an hour later. Location: Somewhere close to Cinnabar Island.)

Every time Ash needed a flight to clear his head, he and the flying type in question, sometimes it wasn't Charizard, would fly close to here. It took a short, yet long time, and it was perfect. But now was different. There was a storm, and Ash, Pikachu, Charizard were caught in it. It was too strong, so they couldn't escape. Ash, wanting to keep Pikachu safe, returned him, much to Pikachu's horror, hate, and discomfort. So now it was just Ash and Charizard. That was when a lighting bolt came from the sky, hitting one of Charizard's wings, crippling it. Charizard started to spiral down, heading for the ocean. Ash, being the heroic and sometimes idiotic person he was, return Charizard. After a few seconds he made contact with the water, knocking him out.

(Unknown location to Ash. But we know it as a coast of Asia. Time: Morning. About 8:00 am.)

Ash didn't know how long he was knocked out, or where he was. All he knew is that he washed up on a beach. He started to crawl towards a rock, but stooped half way, too weak to continue. He looked at his belt, only to see that all six of his pokeballs were still attached. He gave a reified sigh, knowing that he still had his Pokémon. He then looked towards the rock, only too see as people, some wearing gas masks, a few with balaclavas, and some bare faced, and all wearing clothes he had never seen before. He then passed out, that's when the figure made it too him. One of the figures, who was wearing a ghost/skull balaclava put his index and middle fingers together and touched Ash's neck, only to fell a light pulse.

"Sir, he still has a pulse. But its weak." He informed one of the solders, this one was wearing a booniehat and had a gray moustache.

"Get him back to base and medical attention. When he wakes up, we'll start questioning him." The booniehat wearing soldier ordered. Then two bare faced solders, one African American and one Caucasian walked up, grabbed Ash under his shoulders, and picked him up. But not without a barefaced soldier with a Mohawk, grabbed one of the pokeballs from Ash's belt and turned towards the booniehat soldier.

"Price. What do you make of these?" The Mohawk solder asked in a Scottish accent, and accidently pressing the button and expanding the ball, surprising the soldiers that surrounded him, and raised there guns towards the ball. Price walked up to him and grabbed it.

"God dammit Soap be carful. For all we this could be a bomb." The now conformed Price told the now conformed Soap, while grabbing it and examining it.

"Captain Price. This, uh kid, has more of them. Counting that one he has six in total." Another soldier, wearing a black balaclava, which only covered the bottom half of his face, told Price in a British/American accent.

"Thanks for telling us Roach. I want these spheres in the lab and examined as soon as we get back." Price ordered. And, with that the soldiers got back into there jeeps. Each not knowing what the future had held in store for them.