: Lumiose City, Kalos :

Clemont and Ash, along with Pikachu, walked into the hotel where the Alolans were staying. Ash looked around and spotted Professor Burnet. He then started walking towards her.

"Professor Burnet, we've got a guest," Ash said excitedly as Professor Burnet looked at Clemont.

"Ahh, Clemont, there you are. Nice to meet you," Professor Burnet said, looking at Clemont. "And it seems like you've already met an Ultra Guardian."

"Nice to meet you too, Professor," Clemont said, shaking hands with the Professor. "Ash here is an old friend and travelling companion of mine."

"I see," Professor Burnet said.

"Yes, Professor! We've travelled throughout the whole of Kalos together," Ash said excitedly.

"Oh, that's great," Burnet exclaimed. As the conversation continued, Ash looked at himself in a reflection in one of the mirrors in the hotel lobby.

"You both keep talking. I'll be back in a few minutes," Ash said, leaving the two.

Ash then went to the videophone and dialled Professor Oak. After what seemed like an eternity of talking, Ash placed a Pokéball on the videophone, transferring it to Professor Oak.

"... Are you sure, Ash?" Professor Oak asked Ash.

"Yes, Professor, I need his help right now," Ash replied. He grabbed hold of the new Pokéball that he transferred in for Infernape. "Thanks, Professor," Ash said, cutting the call.

Ash then went back into his room. Pikachu was already there, taking a nap. Ash picked up his Kalos outfit that his mother fixed for him and put it on. Pikachu woke up after hearing the rustling and rubbing of clothes and looked at Ash.

"Pika?" he said in a confused tone. Ash stretched his hand and rubbed Pikachu's head, which made him release a cute, "Chaaa!"

"Let's go, buddy," Ash signalled, beckoning Pikachu to come onto his shoulders, which Pikachu did happily. As Ash walked out, he was faced by Mallow, who was headed for Ash's room and saw him.

"Wowie, Ash is that you?" Mallow asked, amazed and shocked, looking at Ash's snug and striking fit.

"Huh?" Ash turned back. Mallow's jaw dropped as she looked at Ash's appearance. She had always seen him wearing T-Shirts and shorts, so this was new.

"You look... great!" Mallow exclaimed. Ash explained to her that he was doing it for Serena so that he could cheer for her in an old-fashioned way.

"Great," Mallow replied. "I see you've got a bit of a crush on her," she added. The two then headed into the lobby to see Professor Burnet, Kukui, and Clemont talking about the mission.

Ash explained to the two professors that he would not be available for field checking that night, as he wanted to go and cheer for Serena. The professors agreed in unison, looking at Ash and telling him that the others would do just fine. Ash thanked the two professors and left along with Clemont.

Just then, at the Lumiose Airport, another plane from Hoenn landed. Two familiar faces were walking out of the airport when they were attacked by a Kalos trainer, surrounded by a red and green aura.

"Max!" the girl wearing orange and green yelled, grabbing hold of her brother before the green-haired Kalos trainer attacked them. Within a few moments, Mayer and his Blaziken were also on the scene.

STAND TALL

A few hours later...

: Gloire City, Pokémon Master Class :

Serena dropped the microphone and headed for Ash. She ran to him and hugged him. Everyone who came to the Master Class was surprised to see this action.

"Serena..." Ash began, but he was cut off before he could complete his sentence.

"Ash, I don't want to stay. I want to go with you, wherever you go. Take me with you!" Serena said, her head against Ash's chest.

"But what about your Kalos Queen title? If you go with me, you'll no longer be the Kalos Queen," Ash replied.

"I know, but I don't want to leave you," the new Kalos Queen said. "Let Aria continue as the Kalos Queen. I just want to go with you," she sobbed. Aria was shocked by this. Serena was ready to give up the title of Kalos Queen, a title for which many other girls had fought relentlessly.

: Hoenn Region :

Palermo watched the scene unfold before her, a small smile gracing her lips as she thought to herself, "This girl is truly determined." She had suspected that Serena would make this decision from the moment she met her. With a sense of admiration and understanding, Palermo picked up her phone and dialled Monsieur Pierre, her voice firm as she spoke, "Respect her decision, she knows what she wants and we must support her in this."

: Gloire City, Pokémon Master Class :

"Now, that is true love," Monsieur Pierre said, cutting the call. The spotlight was now on Ash and Serena. Ash broke the hug and looked at Serena, he nodded his head and smiled. Serena smiled back at Ash and then went back onto the stage.

"Aria," she began, "You're my inspiration. I've defeated you and it's all because of the motivation Ash gave me. I hereby request you to continue as the Kalos Queen. This is my request, will you please?"

"Are you sure you want to go with Ash?" Aria, who had lost her title a few moments ago, asked Serena.

"Yes," Serena replied, with tears in her eyes.

"Just think about it one last time," Aria added.

"I've thought about it for over two years now. No more thinking needs to be done, Aria," Serena replied. Aria smiled back at Serena and placed her hand on Serena's shoulder.

"All the best then, Serena," Aria told her, smiling. Serena smiled back. The two shared a brief hug as the audience looked on. Even now, the two mysterious eyes seemed to be watching Ash, they appeared and disappeared in the blink of a second.

Kiawe, who was out on field check, called Ash to update him. In the middle of the call, he was attacked by the same trainer who attacked May and Max, it was Sawyer.

"Kiawe, what happened?" Ash asked as he could hear voices rustling on the other side. Kiawe didn't respond. Ash turned around and quickly searched for Clemont in the crowd. As soon as he spotted Clemont, Ash ran to him and said, "Clemont, I want you to go and check on Kiawe. I'll be there with Serena as soon as this ceremony is over." Clemont nodded in agreement and left. The two eyes now followed Clemont and seemed to move fast.

Ash was now waiting outside the Master Class Castle for Serena. He was there with Bonnie who had just woken up. "Ash, where's my brother?" Bonnie asked drowsily, she had been asleep almost this whole while.

"I sent him to save my friend who was in a bit of trouble," Ash replied. As Serena came back out, Bonnie started walking towards her.

"Congratulations, Serena," Bonnie said, hugging her.

"Thanks, Bonnie!" Serena told her, turning towards Ash, "Thank you again, Ash, this win was because of what you told me the first time we met. I still remember those words, 'NEVER GIVE UP UNTIL IT'S ALL OVER'," she said, smiling. Ash smiled back at her and for a brief second looked into her eyes, all he could see was pure emotion towards him. Ash then realized Kiawe and Clemont were in a battle and grabbed a Pokéball.

"Serena, we need to move, Clemont needs our help," Ash told her, bringing out his Charizard.

"Pika!" Pikachu exclaimed. Pikachu didn't know Ash had swapped in Charizard with Infernape.

"Wowie, Ash, you never said you had a Charizard," Bonnie said, looking at it with admiration. Pikachu was still confused about why Charizard was there.

"I thought I did," he said to Bonnie, but then looked at Pikachu's confused face. "I made Professor Oak transfer it to me today," he said, petting it, "Get on." Bonnie was the first to get on, followed by Ash, followed by Serena. Serena was a bit frightened, but Ash helped her. The magnificent Pokémon rose as they made their way and flew to Clemont.

: Lumiose Stadium, Lumiose City :

Charizard swooped in, its aura flaring as it roared a challenge at Sawyer's Mega Sceptile. Ash leapt off its back, landing beside Clemont and calling out, "Sawyer, what's going on? Why are you attacking us like this?"

Sawyer's eyes were glowing red, his aura crackling with dark energy. He seemed possessed, his expression twisted in rage as he ordered his Sceptile to attack again. Clemont would have been KO'd if not for Charizard's timely arrival.

"Sawyer, it's me, Clemont! Don't you remember?" Clemont shouted, frantically defending himself from the onslaught. But Sawyer didn't seem to hear him, his mind consumed by the darkness that controlled him. Ash and Clemont exchanged a worried look, realizing that this was not the Sawyer they knew.

STAND TALL INSTRUMENTAL IN THE BACKGROUND

The mysterious ninja Pokémon didn't show itself but was surely helping. Clemont was still confused about what it was. Ash and the others were here now. Ash had also called the two Alolan professors and his Alolan friends. Everyone was confused about what was happening. But slowly, Ash's face lit up with realization, and he began to smile. Clemont, seeing Ash's expression, knew that Greninja was here. It was shrouded in a blue watery orb, striking Sawyer's Mega Sceptile with fierce blows. Rotom Dex was popped out of Professor Kukui's sling bag by now.

"What is that thing?" Rotom Dex exclaimed in shock, clicking pictures of it fighting fiercely with Sawyer's Mega Sceptile. The ninja Pokémon slowly revealed itself as Ash and Greninja got back in sync together.

"A talking, flying Pokédex?" Clemont asked in disbelief, staring at Rotom.

"Yes it is and I made it, it's called the Rotom Dex," Kukui answered, pride in his voice.

"Great! Anyways, that Pokémon right there, we call it ASH-GRENINJA," Clemont said, awe in his voice.

"Wow!" Lana exclaimed, admiring the powerful Pokémon.

"Way to go Ash and Greninja!" Bonnie cheered, jumping up and down. Ash was back in sync with his old pal Greninja and ordered him to use Water Shuriken, which the ninja Pokémon followed with deadly precision.

From Professor Sycamore's lab, Alain catches a glimpse of the bright Shuriken "What could it be?", he wondered.

"That's Ash's Greninja for you," Clemont says as Sawyer's Sceptile faints. Despite this setback, Sawyer still has a formidable team, with Slurpuff, Aegislash, Salamence, Clawitzer, and Slaking at his disposal. Greninja had almost swept through all of them, but now it was exhausted. Ash notices this and decides to let Charizard take over the battle.

Charizard manages to defeat Sawyer's Clawitzer, despite the type disadvantage, but it becomes weakened in the process. Seeing this, Sawyer decides to mega-evolve his Salamence. Ash smirks at Sawyer's move, but he has a trick up his sleeve as well. Glistening brightly on his shoulder is a mega-evolution crystal. Ash decides to mega-evolve Charizard, and it turns its skin black and shoots out blue flames. The Alolan kids look at Ash in awe. "It's been so long since I've battled like this," Ash says as he makes a fist. Charizard easily defeats Sawyer's Salamence and secures the victory for Ash.

Sawyer, however, is still mind-controlled, and his eyes turn to a burning red as he recalls his Salamence. Ash tries to snap Sawyer out of it, but he remains unresponsive. Suddenly, the two Hoenn trainers, May and Max, come running up from behind the group.

"Hey Serena," a girl calls out to Serena, but Ash recognizes the voice before she finishes.

"May?" he turns back to see his old friends.

"Ash?!" May and Max exclaim in surprise.

"You know them, Ash?" Serena asks.

"Of course, I do," Ash replies with a smile.

"Max, you're crushing me, man," Ash says with a laugh as Max tackles him in a bear hug.

"Hey Ash, long time no see," Max says, releasing him.

"Yeah, Max. How have you been?" Ash replies, still chuckling.

"Great, so what brings you here?" Max asks.

"Mission," Ash replies, his attention shifting as he sees Sawyer making a break for it. "Charizard, stop him!" he commands his Pokémon.

"Hey, Max and May," Serena greets the newcomers with a smile.

"Sorry Serena, we couldn't make it to the Master Class. We had a small problem come up and missed it," May explains, pointing towards Sawyer. She then turns to Ash, "Hey Ash, how are you?"

"Great, May. What's this problem you're talking about?" Ash asks.

"I'll tell you, that guy was hypnotized by a mysterious-looking Hypno, it was like a Hypno and a Tentacool, merged," Max interrupts, providing more detail.

"Nihilego," Ash mutters to himself.

"Hmpf?" Serena and May say, looking at him in confusion.

Ash turns towards the other Ultra Guardians, "Charizard, let him go," he commands his Pokémon.

"Ash, why are you leaving him?" Burnet and May question in unison.

"Rowlet!" he calls to the bird which was sleeping in his bag. "Follow him," he signals. Rowlet starts to follow Sawyer and the others start following it.

After a few minutes, the trail leads them to a Nihilego that had taken over a Hypno. "I knew it!" Ash exclaimed.

"NIHILEGO!" Burnet was surprised, Lillie was scared, and the others were amazed. The Nihilego had healed Sawyer's Pokémon. The gang had to battle Sawyer and another trainer once again. They managed to separate Nihilego and Hypno, but Nihilego had to be sent back. Clemont, Bonnie, and Serena took Sawyer and the other trainer for treatment.

"Ash, we have to do something," Mallow says blocking another attack from Nihilego. Ash smirks and turns his cap backwards. He then throws a Beast Ball at Nihilego and successfully manages to catch it. Professor Burnet has already located the coordinates of the Ultra Wormhole and now Ash throws the Beast Ball back into its Ultra Wormhole, back into its homeworld.

"That was so cool, Ash," Max tells him.

"Thanks, Max," Ash says scratching the back of his head, "anyway, you guys didn't tell me why you were here?"

"Oh that, we came here to see Serena's Master Class in action," May replies with a grin. "What about you, Mr World Champ? I bet you're here for the same reason, to witness the incredible talent on display."

"Exactly," Ash replies with a nod. "But how did you even know Serena in the first place?"

"We met in the Hoenn region," May explains. "We had some great adventures together and stayed in touch ever since."

"I should have guessed that," Ash says with a chuckle. "But, May, didn't you ever mention to Serena that I was your friend?"

"The opportunity never came up," May replies with a shrug.

Just then, Serena comes by and says, "Ash, good news. Sawyer and the other trainer are doing well," as Ash turns to her with relief.

"That's fantastic to hear," Ash says, before turning back to Professor Kukui and the others. "Listen, guys, I'm planning to stay in Kalos for a while. I might give the Kalos League another try and see if I can bring back the championship to Alola. Professor, consider this a well-deserved holiday for me. I'll be back in Alola after a month or two. And, Professor, do you mind if I take Rotom Dex with me?"

"Of course not, Ash," Professor Kukui replies with a smile. "Take all the time you need."

"We'll miss you, Ash," the Alolan kids say in unison, their faces etched with sadness.

"I'll miss you guys too," Ash says with a genuine smile. "But it won't be long, I promise. With that said, I gotta go! I have a championship to win!" Ash says with determination as he starts to leave, ready for his next adventure.

"See you soon, Ash," the others wave at him as Togedemaru starts crying over Ash's Pikachu, which she reluctantly leaves after Sophocles picks her up.

Ash then turns towards Serena and May, who were talking about him. "Guys, shall we leave?" Ash asks them. With that, Ash, Serena, May, Max, and their Pokémon set off on their journey.

"They sure have something going on between them," Burnet says, giggling at Professor Kukui.

"What do you say?" Kukui replies, "How about a walk in the most romantic city on the face of the earth?" he says, offering his hand to Burnet. Burnet shyly takes his hand and turns back to the students.

"Kids, you go to the hotel. It's too late for you to be awake," Burnet says, "We'll be back soon."

"Okay, Professors," the kids say, turning back and walking towards the hotel. The Professors walk in the opposite direction. Ash and his crew were now walking back to the Prism Tower to check on Sawyer. Rotom Dex was still busy wondering about Ash's Greninja.

"Ash, can you explain to me about your Greninja?" Rotom asks Ash, which Ash does by explaining the bond phenomenon. After a few minutes of silent walking, Max breaks the silence.

"So, what do you plan on doing while staying in Kalos, Ash?" Max asks.

"I've got a lot of catching up to do, Max," Ash says, looking up at the Moon. Greninja comes face to face with Ash, ready for their next adventure together.

"What is it, buddy?" Ash asks, looking into Greninja's eyes with concern.

"Nin!" Greninja says, holding out its Pokéball towards Ash.

"Ah! Are you sure?" Ash asks, surprised and a little taken aback by Greninja's sudden decision.

"Ninja!" Greninja confirms, nodding its head with determination. Ash holds the Pokéball in his hand, feeling a mix of emotions as Greninja fist-bumps it and gets recaptured. He thinks back to the first time he caught Greninja as a Froakie, and all the incredible battles and adventures they've shared since then.

"Pika!" Pikachu exclaims, his eyes lighting up as he jumps up and down in excitement.

BE A HERO