POKÉMON: THE FINAL JOURNEY [ON HOLD]

2. BACK TO THE BATTLE FRONTIER

Next morning...

"Thank you once again, Professor, for looking after these guys," said Ash while looking at the Pokeballs in his hand.

"Don't mention it, Ash. Now go on ahead and break a leg. Make Pallet Town proud once more, by winning the World Championships!!" replied Prof. Oak, brimming with excitement as he sent off Ash.

"You bet, Professor. Let's go, Pikachu!!" said Ash as he ran towards the check-in area for his flight to Hoenn.

"Pikaa!!"

Ash had picked up his Charizard, Infernape, and Sceptile from Prof. Oak's lab early that morning before leaving for Hoenn. He had decided that this time around, he would be using his best Pokemons. The ones whom he had trained rigorously, the ones who rose to the challenge when he needed them the most, those were Pokemon whom he was relying on this time.

The flight ride was a smooth one. Ash and Pikachu enjoyed their ride by munching on snacks while gawking at all the flying-type Pokemon. One thing that hadn't changed about Ash in all these years was his love and bubbling curiosity for Pokemon. Even a flock of flying Pellipeper was enough to get the young man excited.

The two partners landed in the Hoenn region by evening. Ash and Pikachu quickly got their luggage after getting off the plane. But now, Ash was clueless. He had come down to the Hoenn region, but now he had no idea what to do. Unlike the previous Battle Frontier, which was spread across the Kanto, the new one was situated in one place. The location of the new Battle Frontier was the route connecting Mauvile City and Slateport City, and Ash was unaware of this fact. The only silver lining in this hopeless situation was that Ash was currently in Mauvile City, and the whole city was bustling with advertisements about the Battle Frontier.

"Umm... looks like we got to find a way to reach the Battle Frontier on our own, Pikachu," said Ash with a pressed smile.

"Pika-Wika." sighed Pikachu expressing his playful disappointment at Ash.

Ash and Pikachu went looking around the Airport going through each advertisement. After about what seemed like an hour searching, Ash was finally able to pinpoint the location of Battle Frontier. 

"Looks like we will need to catch the hourly shuttle bus to the venue. Let's go, Pikachu, the counter's just outside the Airport," said Ash with a tinge excitement.

"That won't be necessary, Ash."

The voice which had just interrupted Ash's train of thought belonged to a man whom Ash didn't recognize.  The man was neatly dressed in a black suit complete with a fedora and a pair of sunglasses. He gave off the aura of a gentleman, someone who was important in some way.

"Um.. do I know you, Mister?" said Ash after he saw turned and saw the man.

 "Looks like my disguise is on point." said the man while moving his sunglasses slightly up to reveal his full face. 

 The man was none other than the one and only Steven Stone. Yes, it was the reigning Champion of the Hoenn League himself. 

 "Wha?!?! Steve---!!" Ash almost shouted with surprise. 

 But, before he could complete, Steven shut him up by holding his mouth.

 "Shhh!! I am under disguise, so keep your mouth shut. I don't want people pouncing on me for autographs." whispered Steven.

After calming down Ash, Steven let go of Ash's face. He then proceeded to adjust his sunglasses and fedora.

"Mr. Steven, why are you here and whats with the disguise?" said Ash densely.