Pokemon Journeys: Masters 8 Tournament

Chapter 4 - Ash vs. Alain! The Rematch!

Ash headed to Wyndon Stadium and met with the gang who watched Iris's match with him last time. But there were some other people.

"Alola Surprise!"

"Everyone!" Ash was so happy to see his friends from Alola.

They were all in good shape, and they had a brief chat. Everyone seemed to have improved. Kiawe became a Kahuna; Sophocles had completed his Junior Astronaut Training Program in the Mossdeep Space Centre; Lana caught a Manaphy during one of her fishing trips; Mallow's restaurant got a star from Michelin; Lille and Gladion found their father in Crown Tundra with Ash, Goh, and Chloe some time ago; Rotom Dex was working for the Aether Foundation, and it promised Ash to record all the matches for him to study. Ash was so glad to see everyone advancing in their lives.

Even Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet had brought their baby Lei to watch Ash's match. Kukui patted Ash's head, "Congratulations for coming so far, my boy!"

Burnet carried Lei and pointed at Ash, "Say hi to big brother Ash!"

Lei reached his hands towards Ash, and Ash carried him and patted him. The two boys were having a great moment, and Lei apparently liked Ash.

"Ash!" a female voice was nearby.

Ash returned Lei to Burnet, turned around, and saw his mom, Professor Oak, and Tracey, "Hi mum! Hello professor. Tracey! It's been some time. How are you all?"

"We are good!" Professor Oak waved his hand, "But more importantly, our boy Ash is doing so well! He is finally a Pokemon Master!"

"I am really proud of you, Ash!" Delia hugged Ash. She was almost crying to see her son having achieved so much. It was the same kind of emotion when she saw him win the Alola League.

"Thanks, mum!" Ash returned the hug.

"We will be rooting for you, Ash!" Tracey said.

"Thanks, Tracey!" Ash said.

Iris appeared next to Ash, saying that she hoped Ash win the match, and Ash congratulated her on a good battle against Lance.

"It's Ash! Hi Ash!" some young girl's voice could be heard.

"Bonnie! Clemont!" Ash was glad to see them, "Are you guys here for me?"

"Don't run so fast, Bonnie!" Clemont panted from behind and took some deep breaths to recover, "It's been a long time, Ash! We are here for you!"

"Wow, Ash, you have so many friends supporting you!" Bonnie exclaimed cheerfully when she saw the crowd next to him, "Where is Serena though?"

"She is taking a flight here," Clemont explained, "She will watch the fight, but she will be late."

"Serena is coming too?" Ash was surprised to hear that name.

Clemont nodded, and the gang once again greeted and introduced themselves to each other.

Ash could not forget what happened in the Kalos airport earlier. Except for his mum, she was one of the few girls who had done this to him, but she was the only one who made his heart race after she did that. And when they recently met in Hoenn, her appearance changed so much that he could barely recognize her! She definitely looked a lot more mature, optimistic, and energy-giving...

"What are you thinking?" Misty patted Ash's shoulders.

Ash jumped a bit and scratched his cheeks, "Nothing..."

"Get yourself focused," Brock suggested, "We will be rooting for you in the stadium."

"Make the rematch count!" Clemont nodded at Ash.