Pokemon: Reborn As Ash; Hoenn

May, "I did it, my first ribbon in Hoenn."

Max, "Yeah, but where are your other ribbons? The ones you won in Sinnoh and Kalos."

May, "I left them with mom. She wanted to keep them as a momento."

Molly nodded, "Those were your first ribbons in those two regions. So, I guess they are special."

May smiled, "Yeah, I couldn't say no, not when that was the reason. Plus this way I start on the same level as others."

Ash, "Dinner is ready."

Gou, "Desert too."

Ruby teased, "You sound like parents calling their kids to lunch."

Ash huffed, "If we don't feed you, would you even eat on time?"

Gou was a little pink, "Someone has to in order to make sure you don't starve."

Molly, "Is that roasted steak? You made roasted steak with vegetables."

Ash, "We did buy fresh meat just before leaving the main City so yes. Now eat up."

The next day they were traveling through the forest when May squealed happily on seeing a Wrumple, she had always wanted a Beautifly. She told the rest she was going to catch the little bug for herself and rushed off with Ash and the others wishing her best of luck to catch the little guy. While they were relaxing under the shade and enjoying some hand made candy Diance got distracted by a group of Bellossoms. They were dancing together and Diance pulled Ash to dance with them much to his amusement. The grass type Pokemon were wary of him first but after Diance introduced herself and him they beamed.

Gou, "Is it just me or are the grass type Pokemon blocking our path to Ash?"

Ruby snorted, "Not just you. Unless you know how to dance they will block you out."

Gou, "Oh!"

Molly, "I can dance. I want to join too."

Ash chuckled, "Come join us then. This is fun."

Max, "Yeah, let's dance together."

Gou, "First the Ludicolo and his group and now the Bellossoms. If I didn't know any better I would think the Pokemon in Hoenn love dancing."

Ruby, "Who knows? For all we know the Pokemon in other region dance too but they hide it from humans."

Gou, "Yeah, they would try to take advantage of the situation."

Ash, "Thank you for the dance. Would you like to join us for a bite?"

Lucario, -Honestly Meema, you are going to invite Groudon and Kyogre next.-

Ash, "If it will keep them from fighting and destroying this region then yes. I have been learning how to make food for larger Pokemon from Professor Oak. Usually it was Brock who supplied me with it but I do not want to disturb him this year."

Gou, "He is writing one of his main exams right?"

Max, "I heard those exams were tough to crack."

Ruby, "There are five hundred candidates for the exam and from there only ten percent clear the exam. Many times it is less and most drop out after failing to clear it after the third try."

May, "I am back. Huh? Ash, did you get a new Pokemon too?"

Ash shook his head, "Nope, she is Diance's chosen partner. I did not do anything this time."

Bellossom bowed, "Som bell Bellossom."

May, "Nice to meet you too. Are you going to catch her though?"

Ash, "With a Heal ball. That way Diance can claim her in the future as one of her own."

Ruby, "I do the same thing for anyone Orion is interested in. He prefers flying types over other types. I am guessing Diance prefers Pokemon who can dance."

Ash, "But Bellossom is the first one she picked as her own though."

Ruby, "There are usually ten advisors at least according to legends so I am guessing we have to gather ten of them."

Ash, "Hmm... Okay, I should get nine more Heal balls then. It's the only neutral pokeball that can guarantee the Pokemon will be safe and able change their status."

May, "This is so cool to learn about. I have heard stories of Legendary Kings and their ten Knights before."

Max, "They went on many adventures. I personally loved the story about the treasure hunt in the sea."

Molly, "I like the one about the forest soul. It was just so beautiful."

Ash smiled, "We are heading to Dewford Island next. I was thinking once we are there we should have a beach day."

May, "Ooh! I want to get a new swimsuit then."

Ruby, "Dewford is mostly known for Devon Corp. Rarely anyone goes there for the beaches though lately it has become popular."

Gou, "It's because there are not many people there it is perfect for us to let loose and have fun."

Ash, "According to this there is a Devon Corp building in the next town. That reminds me I have a delivery to make for Professor Oak there."

Ruby, "Report on the latest Pokedex?"

Ash nodded, "Yeah, the Corporation really did a great job with the Dexes before."

Ruby nodded, "Shall we?"

Ash, "Depends, is the little guy full? I noticed he has a big stomach."

May giggled, "That he does."

Max, "He also fell asleep."

Molly, "He is cute."

Ash, "Great, let's get going. We should reach by nightfall."

Lucario muttered, -And out of the open area.-

Ash, "Something wrong?"

Lucario frowned, -I am not sure. I feel a little strange though.-

Ash, "Strange as in a Legendary is near by or strange as in we have to deal with some trouble making humans?"

Ruby, "It could be either of them. Let's just stay ready to face it."

Lucario sighed, 'Right! As if that helped before. I better stick close to Meema just in case.'

Diance eyed her older brother, "Ance."

Lucario, -I am alright Diance. It's just the last few weeks have been hectic.-

Ash, "That is one way to describe the last month."

Max, "Look over there. This town has a Pokemon center."

May, "Great, we do not have to search for a hotel that would allow Pokemon inside."

The night ended peacefully luckily though it did not stop Lucario from being vigilant and keeping an eye out. Phantump had to force him to sleep which he did after a bit of back and forth with the ghost type. The next day they headed to the Devon Corp building and looked around the many exhibitions on the first two floors. Then Ash left the group to head to the office area to deliver the report he had to give them. The receptionist accepted the package and thanked him for it before handing him an envelope marked for the Kingdom of Rota. Ash froze as he blinked at the letter with the very familiar address on it making Lucario stare at him hard.

Lucario, -Come Meema, it will be ok.-

Ash, "I hope so. I really hope so."

Ruby stared at his pale face, "Let's go get you something warm to drink like coffee or tea."

Ash nodded, "Good idea, I do not want Molly or Max to see me like this. Unlike Gou and May they shou not have to worry about this."

Ruby, "I understand though they are smart and will figure it out."

Ash, "I know. Let's get going. I promised them a fun beach barbeque. Besides the receptionist mentioned I could take my time delivering it and I would get a call on when to head that way."

Ruby, "I see, they need other packages to reach Rota first. Well, you can take the time to compose yourself. I do not know what has you freaked out but it will be alright."

Ash, "You will not ask?"

Ruby stared at the younger boy, "I know Rota deals with Aura Users so it has something to do with your Aura I suppose."

Ash nodded, "More or less, yes. It's stupid honestly I don't even know why I am reacting like this."

Ruby, "Probably because heading there will change you and make your position as one of the few active Aura users a lot more permanent. It is a very big change compared to everything else."

Ash looked at his now cool drink, "I guess. Thanks Ruby for talking me through this."

Ruby, "No problem, shall we hold the barbeque tonight? It will help you and everyone feel better."

Ash smiled, "Yes, sure, why not."

May, Gou, Molly and Max met up with them after they had satisfied themselves with the tour through the building. Ruby announced they were going to have a beach barbeque that night but before that they would be heading out to try Rustboro pasta. One of the most famous pastas in Hoenn which had everyone perk up as they were kind of hungry and it was lunch time. They headed to a more older looking part of town where the restaurants looked like one of those old retro restaurants in New York. Ash paused at that thought, he had not thought about the big apple in a while. The City may not have been his home but he recalls heading there for work multiple times though the work was blurry.

Ruby, "Here we are. Hello old man Anthony."

Anthony, a chubby old man with an apron appeared, "If it isn't our dear Champion."

Gou, "You know each other."

Ruby, "Yes, it's a long story."

Anthony laughed, "My grandson Peter literally dragged our young Champion to my shop saying he needed to taste the best pasta in town."

Ruby, "I was not a Champion yet back then."

Anthony, "Potato, potato. Now, I suppose you want your usual?"

Ruby, "Yes please. For all of us."

Max, "Will we get to meet Peter? I am curious now."

Anthony, "Not this time of the year. He is studying in that fancy culinary school in Unova region. He will not be back till autumn, I am afraid."

Ruby, "Ah! Peter told me about it in his last letter."

Ash, "He sounds like someone who was Brock to us."

Ruby grinned, "Yes, he always made sure to send me food to eat. His packs helped me get through the more rougher training."

Molly, "The training to become a Champion."

Ruby, "Yes."

Max had wide eyes, "It can't be more intense than Ash's training right?"

Ruby was quite for a bit then, "Just a little bit slightly more tense. As a Champion you cannot rest for a bit."

May deadpanned, "That's going too far. Ash gives his Pokemon a break every two days after intense training."

Gou, "Yeah, training without break is madness, Ruby."

Molly looked worried, "Are you sure you are alright?"

Ruby, "It may be crazy but it's necessary to protect the region. There cannot be any hesitation when it comes to keeping the region safe."

Ash, "As long as you are keeping an eye out for your and your Pokemon's health, Ruby."

Lucario sighed, -And here I thought my Meema had terrible habits.-

Ruby, "Ehehe."

Anthony, "Here's your pasta."

"Thank you."

The lunch was filled with more questions about his training (May, Max and Molly) and prodding for his health (Ash and Gou). Ruby tried to answer it as truthfully as he could without telling them sensitive information and from the look on their Pokemon's deadpan faces he knew he did not comfort them as he had thought. After lunch they decided to head to the beach to search for a good location for their barbeque only to come across Team Aqua. Ruby and Ash cursed as they pulled the group away from the area as quickly and quietly as possible but it was too late. One of the grunts had seen them run and alerted the rest to their presence on the beach.

Ash, "Hide! Now! We need to wear our disguises."

Ruby, "Right! I guess it's time for Cheryl and her twin Jason to appear. Shall we my dear sister?"

Ash rolled his eyes as he put on his dress and wig, "Yes, yes, let's go. Fix your wig first."

May, "Go, we will back you up once ready."

Gou who was going by Archie smirked, "Let's show them who's boss."