What If Ash was in Pokemon Horizons?

Strong Bonds, Can't Lose!

A news broadcast goes live, a reporter sat at a desk holding a stack of papers. "This just in, not even 24 hours after Exceed's exposé against the Rising Volt Tacklers and the World Monarch. Many allies of the Monarch himself have come forward defending their friend. Some say the had encountered the Rising Volt Tacklers before the incident in Laqua."

The camera cut to an interview, "Yeah, I met Ashy Boy and his new gang a while back." Gary's voice was heard, "We helped 'em find an Entei, gotta admit, those kids were pretty nice, seems like they just wanted to fulfil the wishes of some guy named Lucius. Plus, I know Ashy Boy's gotta got heart, he'd never steal."

"And can we just talk about those Exceed guys teaming up with Team Rocket?!" Goh's voice cut in, "Those guys are bad news, and people just believe they're good now?"

"Some companions state that they were present a year ago at Laqua, stating that the Explorers did most of the damage."

"I was sent there per request of Professor Oak." The news report cut to an interview with Tracey. "Ash and the Rising Volt Tacklers had fought against the Explorers, who wanted to gather Laquium, they didn't care about the damage they could cause."

"And those Team Rocket grunts Giovanni said went rouge were helping us," Chloe added.

"Some allies to the World Monarch even stated they saw a Strong Sphere in use and didn't like the results." The reported added, "The former Pewter City Gym Leader even stated his perspective about the incident that occured during the Strong Sphere showcase."

"Those Explorers, Coral and Sidian I think? Used those Strong Spheres to take out our Pokemon in one hit." Brock explained, "And after that, they had their Pokemon attack our Pokemon even though they were already unable to battle. Ash did what he thought was right and tried to stop the attacks, which lead to him being slammed into a wall."

"I saw someone use a Strong Sphere on a Stunfisk." the report cut to a tesimony from Clemont "That Pokemon became so erratic even its trainer got concerned."

"Ash was someone who helped saved the Kalos Region!" Bonnie interrupted, "Did everyone just forget about that?!"

"Officals at the Blueberry Academy even state that the Rising Volt Tacklers have been respectful during their stay." The reporter added.

"The Rising Volt Tacklers have good hearts," the camera cut to an interview with Iris, "They just wanted to train and get stronger to save the world."

"While I didn't get to met them, I have faith that Ash has good taste when it comes to friendships." CIlan added.

The camera cut to the reporter, "Despite this, many members of the general public believe that the Monarch may have simply asked his friends to make false claims. Other theorize that the Rising Volt Tacklers have manipulated the Monarch into helping them."

Someone whispers into the reporter's ear, "I'm getting word now that in spite of the controversy, the Strong Spheres have been banned in the following locations: The Gyms located in Pewter City, Cerulean City, Petalberg City, Striaton City, Opelucid City, and Lumiose City. Any and All Pokemon Contests in the Hoenn and Sinnoh regions. And and all Pokemon Showcases in the Kalos region. All Trials and Grand Trials located on Akala Island. And lastly, the Pokemon League conferences located in the Hoenn, Unova and Alola regions."

"Usage of Strong Spheres in any space of exlcusion will result in automatic forfeit." The reporter conlcuded, "More on this story as it develops."

"Ash? Ash!"

Ash felt a tap on his shoulder, looking up from his Rotom Phone to see Roy staring down at him, "Are you still watching that news report? C'mon everyone's waiting for us in the director's office."