Ash x Serena Rise of the forgotten hero

Before the Tempest: Kalos Prepares

Today was the day that Ash was heading back to Kalos! The excitement in the air was palpable as he finalized his preparations.

"Did you get everything, my boy?" Professor Oak asked, a glimmer of pride in his eyes.

"I believe so!" Ash replied, his enthusiasm shining through.

"Here, take this," Oak said, handing Ash a sleek Rotom phone. "I've already saved my number and Professor Sycamore's in it. Now you can contact us anytime, anywhere!"

Ash accepted the phone gratefully, slipping it into his pocket. "Thank you! This will come in handy." He glanced at the clock and noticed the time—11 AM. His flight was scheduled to leave at 11:40. "It's time for me to go," Ash announced, determination in his voice.

"Let's get going then!" Oak responded, a sense of urgency in his tone.

Thirty minutes later, they arrived at the bustling airport, filled with the sounds of chatter and excitement. Ash turned to Oak, his expression a mix of gratitude and melancholy. "Thank you for taking care of me after what happened to my mom," he said, a hint of sadness lacing his words.

"It was my pleasure," Oak replied, offering a reassuring smile. They shared a warm hug, embracing the bond they had formed.

As they pulled away, Oak looked at Ash, his eyes shimmering with emotion. "Just promise me you won't do anything too reckless. Come back to me alive," he urged, a tear glistening in his eye.

"Don't worry, Professor. I've come too far to fail now," Ash reassured him, confidence filling his voice. "And one more thing: if things get out of hand, look after your friends and Gary. Even if they don't remember me, keep them safe."

"I promise," Ash vowed, his resolve firm.

Suddenly, the intercom crackled to life. "Xerneas Airlines to Kalos is now open for boarding. Please make your way to the terminal."

With that, Ash said his final goodbye, determination etched on his face as he headed toward the plane, Pikachu perched confidently on his shoulder. They boarded the aircraft, buckling in for the next four hours of adventure.

Four hours later...

Ash stepped off the plane, the vibrant atmosphere of the Kalos region welcoming him. As he exited the airport, he spotted Diantha and Professor Sycamore waiting for him, both beaming with warmth.

"Good to see you again!" Diantha greeted with a smile.

"Good to see you too!" Ash nodded, excitement bubbling within him as they piled into the car and headed toward Sycamore's lab.

Meanwhile, with Serena...

Serena was buzzing with energy as she decided to call up Clemont and his sister Bonnie. With Bonnie recently turning ten, she was now a Pokémon trainer, proudly showcasing her Dedenne and her starter, Fennekin. They were all heading toward the Nebel Plateau Forest, a place filled with memories for Bonnie since it was where she had said goodbye to Squishy (Z1).

"I hope we can encounter some new Pokémon today!" Bonnie exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Little did they know, they weren't the only ones seeking Zygarde...

"Boss, come in," a female voice crackled through the communicator. "We spotted two girls and a boy heading towards the forest. They're the same ones that thwarted our plans before!"

The speaker, Mable, with her striking blue hair, was one of Team Flare's four admins.

"Well, since Ash is still in Kanto mourning his dead mother, we can continue as planned. Without his leadership, they'll be easy to dispose of," the boss said, a sinister smirk creeping onto his face.