I know this outline isn't as detailed as the Hoenn, but that's expected since I hadn't made it here yet. Expect Hoenn to be the same way. I hate that you all had to wait so long and hate that I won't be able to write this in full, but when you have to stop, you have to stop. I still hope you enjoy knowing how everything would've gone. Once again, thank you for all your support for everyting. Here is the entire Battle Frontier Segment outline. The Sinnoh Outline will be coming, too.

Battle Frontier Outline

Ash, Serena, and May arrive back in the Kanto region at Viridian City. They are heading to Pallet Town to celebrate Ash, Serena, and May's accomplishments from Hoenn. Along the way, they pass by the Viridian City Gym. Ash and Serena have flashbacks of all that had happened when they were there three years ago. May asks what it is, and Ash and Serena give her a brief explanation.

Serena asks if Ash is curious to see who the new gym leader is, and Ash realizes that they never heard this information before nor did they bother to ask their parents. They make their way over to the gym and read the sign. They see a familiar name on the sign but think nothing of it as there are a lot of people with that name. The gym also doesn't appear to sport a specific type of Pokemon. Letting their curiosity get the better of them, the two enter the gym.

The first thing they notice is how different the gym looks. Where Giovanni's gym was dark and foreboding, this gym actually has a rather exciting feel to it. The room is well-lit which shows off the walls which had several Pokemon using powerful attacks painted on to them. The atmosphere would really get someone pumped up to have a gym battle. They then hear a voice call out of them if they are there to have a gym battle. Ash and Serena turn to see the gym leader, and their eyes widen in absolute shock at who it as, as does the gym leader.

It turns out to be the gym leader is none other than Ritchie. Ash and Serena remember him from when Ash competed in the Kanto Pokemon League and had formed a great friendship with him. They are very excited to see each other again and hurry over to Ritchie. He even still has Sparky with him.

The next scene shows the group having lunch together. The two Pikachu and humans catch up with each other about what all they had been up to. Ash and Serena introduce May to Ritchie and explain how they know him. Ritchie says he doesn't specialize in types and that he really wants to gauge a trainer's skill by learning how they react to a variety of Pokemon and trainers usually challenge him for their last badge. Ritchie reveals how he became a gym leader and that after Kanto he went to the Sinnoh region and won the Pokemon League. He managed to win the Sinnoh League there and was approached by a man named Scott.

Ritchie says Scott learned that he was from Kanto and invited him to be the first person ever to try out the new Battle Frontier Challenge in Kanto. Ritchie thought that sounded really interesting and went back to Kanto to try it out. Though he ended up almost losing a few times, he and his Pokemon managed to pull through and win. Ritchie then says the champion, Blue, was impressed with his accomplishments and said they really needed a permanent gym leader at Viridian City and offered him the job if he was interested to which Ritchie accepted.

Ash then asks Ritchie what the Battle Frontier is to which Ritchie explains. They then see a stout man drive up with sunglasses and casual clothing. Ritchie recognizes the man as Scott, and Scott mentions that he was heading to Ritchie's gym to see how he was doing after the Battle Frontier but happened to see him here. Scott then introduces himself to Ash, Serena, and May, and states that he recognizes Ash from seeing him win the Hoenn League on TV. Ash states he managed to beat the Elite Four but lost to Steven which impresses Scott even further. After lunch, Ash asks Ritchie for a non-official Pokemon gym battle to which Ritchie gladly accepts.

They head back to the gym. Ash uses his Pikachu and Ritchie uses Sparky while Scott referees. The two trainers note how much better the other has gotten since they battled in the Kanto League. After a long and arduous battle. Sparky faints, and Pikachu faints two seconds later. The two friends shake hands and congratulate each other on such a close battle. Scott is impressed and asks Ash if he's ever heard of the Battle Frontier challenge, and Ash responds that Ritchie told him about it. Scott goes into further detail about it and says that Ritchie was the first one to win, and there hasn't been a winner since. Scott then says he believes Ash has what it takes to be the second winner and invites Ash to try it out. Scott then gives Ash his card and tells Ash to give him a call if he's interested before departing. Ash then looks at the card and realizes Scott is the actual owner of the Battle Frontier.

Serena, May, and Ritchie ask Ash if he'll do the Battle Frontier, and Ash replies that he'll think about it.

Ash and Company arrive in Pallet Town and are greeted by all of their families for the party. Gary and Leaf included. Gary and Leaf reveal to the group they won the Pokemon Snap Contest and were chosen by Professor Rowan in the Sinnoh Region to be his assistants due to the extensive research they picked up during the contest. They ask the group to join them in going to Sinnoh, and Ash is about to agree but remembers the Battle Frontier. He then tells them he wants to try that out first, but, he may go to Sinnoh afterwards.

They all visit the Pokemon ranch, and the scene with Fearow and Scyther trying to attack Ash occurs from Chronicles Chapter 3. After that, Ash and Serena's other Pokemon reunite with their trainers. Max is just as excited to see them this time as he was the first time and can't wait before he's old enough to be a trainer next year since he's 9 now.

Ash and Gary have a battle with Pikachu versus Arcanine. Ash wins and Gary smiles and is reminded Ash is still the better trainer and the two shake hands.

Ash and Serena ask May what she plans to do now, and she said she wants to try out the Kanto region contests because Drew and Harley are supposed to be here. Ash and Serena invite May to travel with them again which she happily accepts. Max seems sad that everyone gets to go on adventure instead of him. Norman then gets an idea and requests to Ash if it's alright if Max travels with them during Kanto as he believes Max would learn a lot before he begins his journey. Everyone is surprised with Norman at making the suggestion as he was so strict before, but Norman responds that he needs to loosen up a bit and that he trusts Ash. Max looks hopefully up at Ash in a pleading manner, and Ash agrees.

The next day, the group heads out from Pallet Town on their new adventure, and Leaf and Gary leave for Sinnoh.

Ash shows Max how to catch Pokemon and catches a Ralts for him. Even though it's Ash's Pokemon, he lets Max bond with it and says that will be his first Pokemon when he starts his own journey in a year. Max is thrilled. Serena jokes with Ash about how the Ralts he gets always seem to for other people as it was the same case for Wally.

The group is having a tough time finding the Battle Factory, and they run into Scott who offers to take drive them there. Overhead, they are amazed to see an Articuno fly above them, but Scott is pretty chill about it and slyly tells them they'll probably see more of it as they get closer which confuses them. Once they get to the Battle Factory, they meet Noland who introduces himself as the Frontier Brain. Ash is eager to have a battle with Noland who agrees, but before they can start, Articuono, Zapdos, and Moltres all appear and are intrigued with Ash and Serena. May whispers if this probably has to do with their status as "Chosen Ones" and they agree, but they probably aren't the same legendary trio they met before. Both Scott and Noland are impressed, and Scott comments how he must've picked a really good one to try the Battle Frontier and is really eager to see how Ash does against a Frontier Brain.

Noland tells the group about how he came to befriend the legendary trio, and the group gives a very broad explanation of how the trio of birds came to see them without revealing their "Chosen One" status. Ash then asks Noland if he's ever used them to battle before, and Noland laughs it off and says he could never do that as he isn't actually their trainer. Ash then doesn't beat around the bush and asks if the three Pokemon he could choose to battle would be Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. Noland smiles and looks over to the three legendary birds as if to ask permission, and they reply in the affirmative. May thinks Ash is crazy and wants to know how he plans to beat three legendary Pokemon, but Ash winks and says he's already decided and makes a call on his Pokegear.

It's the next day, and Ash has already gotten two of the Pokemon from Professor Oak's lab, Aerodactyl and Noctowl. The group wonders who the third one is, and they hear a roar in the sky above them. They see Charizard swoop in. Ash and Charizard are ecstatic to see each other and after a brief reunion, Ash begins his first Frontier Brain battle. Though extremely difficult, Ash manages a win with a combination of Noctowl's wits, and Aerodactyl and Charizard's power. Ash gets his first Frontier symbol, and Noland tells Ash the next closest one is the Battle Arena. Ash hopes all the trainers are this good and thanks Scott and Noland before they head off.

The group next arrives in Saffron City for May's first contest, and May looks forward to using Electrike. The group stop by at the Pokemon Center and are very surprised to see Sabrina and her father there. There is a brief reunion where Sabrina and her father are still very thankful for helping them out a few years ago. Ash and Serena explain what happened to May and Max. Sabrina says she still runs the gym and was at the Pokemon Center to heal her Pokemon.

The group then finds Harley there, and he is overly polite and acts overjoyed to see May there, but Sabrina immediately calls him out and says he's not sincere which deflates Harley considerably. May says she isn't worried as she knows Harley's tricks by now. Harley tells the group that the deadline for registering tomorrow is 10 AM which May doesn't believe, and Harley insists that he wants May to register so he can be beat her. That's why he wanted her to come to Kanto to begin with and says it would be counterproductive if he gave her false information on the contest. He then leaves much to the group's relief.

As the group is healing their Pokemon, Serena privately asks Sabrina if she can help her with something in regards her ESP, and Sabrina says she will be happy to help.

The next day is May's contest, and she uses Electrike for the appeals round and Swablu for the attack round. Harley uses his Cacturne for the appeals and Wigglytuff for at the attack round. May wins which enrages Harley, and he figures he'll have to come up with a foolproof plan to get May to lose somehow the next time and storms off.

Serena meets with Sabrina in private at her gym after telling the groups she was going for a walk. Ash wanted to come along, but Serena said she was fine. Serena tells Sabrina about her ESP and how she's been having several dark visions of the future and wants to know if all of this is set in stone like her killing Ash or getting killed by a silver-haired woman, or if there is a way to avoid it all. Sabrina responds this is different than what happened with her as Sabrina had closed off all her emotions, and the opposite seemed to have happened to Serena. Sabrina then sadly says that avoiding visions brought by ESP are very hard to avoid, and if Serena doesn't actively and purposely try to stop them from happening, they will come true. As of right now, those are the futures that will happen unless she gets another vision that says different. Serena becomes upset and really worries about hurting Ash and getting killed. Sabrina tries to console her, but it does little to make Serena feel better. She then thanks Sabrina for giving her insight on this and will cling to actively avoiding those situations. Sabrina then offers to have a Pokemon battle with Serena to which Serena agrees. Serena uses Mudkip and Sabrina uses Kadabra. Mudkip evolves into Marshstomp during the fight, and Serena manages a victory.

Before she leaves, Sabrina tells Serena that it's that type of determination that will help, and as long as Serena remembers her love for Ash and the world, she might be okay. Someone who loves the world couldn't possibly destroy it, after all. Being Johto Queen probably helps with reminding her of that. Still, Sabrina warns that all it takes are a few pushes in the wrong direction to corrupt someone like it once did to her. Serena nods and leaves to go back to the group. Serena then tells Ash that she met with Sabrina for help about the visions she's had, and Ash reassures her that he's here for her, too. The group leaves Saffron City.

Serena befriends a Mime Jr. that likes to mimic her every movement and catches it. She decides to keep it out its ball often because it likes to mimic her so much.

The group arrives at the Battle Arena, and Ash challenges Greta where he learns that spinning a wheel determines how many Pokemon Ash will get to use against Greta's three. Ash notices the wheel only has the numbers one to three listed and asks Greta if it lands on one, does that mean he has to try to win with one Pokemon. Greta smiles and tells Ash that it's where the challenge lies if he's unlucky. Despite the group feeling nervous, this actually excites Ash as he loves a good challenge, and that he didn't win the Hoenn League for nothing. He eagerly spins the wheel, and it lands on two. Since he'll be using only two Pokemon, Greta reveals her three Pokemon will be Hariyama, Medicham, and Hitmontop so Ash can plan accordingly. Ash decides to use his Sceptile and Snorlax due to its ability to sumo wrestle and take hits. Ash barely manages a victory and wins his second symbol. Greta tells Ash she understands how he won the Hoenn League and believes he can go all the way here but to be careful of the seventh brain he'll face as he's just as strong as a league winner.

The group comes across a farm where the owners say a Munchlax is causing trouble by trying to eat all the Pokemon eggs there. The group thinks it's disgusting and want to help out. However, the Munchlax is trickier than it looks and gives them the slip, though they manage keep it from consuming more eggs for the day. Ash is reminded of when he caught Snorlax back on the Orange Islands and that it was eating all the fruit…only this time its Pokemon eggs, and these Pokemon won't even hatch if Munchlax eats them. They manage to trap the Munchlax, and May gives it an earful to the group's surprise which makes Munchlax feel awful, but it still wants to eat the eggs. May realizes she has no choice but to capture it and battles Munchlax with her Bulbasaur and captures it. She then tells Munchlax from the pokeball that she'll have to quell its egg-eating habit with something else. The owners of the farm thank the group and give May a Pokemon egg as a reward that is white and brown striped. Ash and Serena give each other a knowing smile as they believe they know what it is.

The group then arrives in Silver Town which is where May's next contest is. Ash and Serena remark how they never visited here when they were first traveling in Kanto, but it seems like a nice place. May runs into Drew who looks pleased that May decided to come to Kanto, after all. He then tells the group that he's giving this contest a pass which disappoints May as she was really looking forward to battling Drew. Drew tells May that they'll have to make up for it once they get five ribbons and duke it off in the Grand Festival which cheers her up. Drew then tells May he'll be watching her and wishes her luck in the upcoming contest before he heads off. Serena says she can't tell if Drew likes or dislikes May, but May says it's definitely the former but blushes due to how that sounded.

In the next contest, May uses Skitty in the appeals round and Munchlax in the battle round which she discovers is actually a strong battler. May wins her second ribbon.

The group arrives at the Battle Dome and is surprised to see a group of reporters who all want to talk to Ash about him conquering the Hoenn League and is now challenging the Dome Ace, Tucker. Ash suddenly knows what Serena feels like sometimes but happily answers all the questions until he is pushed aside when Tucker shows up. The reporters all immediately head over to Tucker and bombard him with questions like they did with Ash earlier.

The group head into the Battle Dome for the match where Ash officially meets the friendly but showy Tucker. Tucker explains to Ash that they will have a triple battle, and Ash smiles and tremembers his match with Luana in the Orange Islands.

The match begins and Ash is met with the roar of the crowd and smiles until he realizes that no one is cheering for him and instead all applauding for Tucker who makes quite a dramatic entrance. Tucker sends out three Pokemon: Swampert, Arcanine, and a Salamence. Ash uses Corphish, Swellow, and Dragonite to combat Salamence's strength and experience with a triple battle before as a Dratini. Tucker's Pokemon are in perfect sync, and May notes how his fighting is like a contest battle. Arcanine and Swampert are on the ground create a fusion of water and fire while Salamence covers them from the air. Meanwhile, Ash and Dragonite are trying to get Corphish and Swellow to work together, but the two are having trouble cooperating. It isn't helping Ash that everyone is rooting against him, and Serena believes this may be part of the challenge to. Dragonite gets hurt by constantly shielding Corphish and Swellow who are too busy arguing which makes them feel guilty. The two work things out and start listening to Ash and pulling off fantastic combinations with Dragonite backing them up. Ash manages a hard fought victory against Tucker's powerful team.

When he wins, Ash is met with awkward silence in the Battle Dome as it appears no one was happy that he won. However, Tucker eases the tension by applauding for Ash first which creates a ripple to the rest of the audience. Tucker proudly displays Ash as the winner which causes the crowd to actually cheer for Ash. Tucker tells Ash he definitely a talented trainer with his Pokemon and hands Ash his third symbol. Tucker reveals Ash should try the Battle Pike next near Fuschia City

Serena's movie has finished production, and she is shown a preview screening along with Ash, May, and Max. Most of the chapter would focus on the movie showing. There's a bit of sourness in the group when they see Sableye as part of the movie, also, but they ignore it. Afterwards, Serena asks her friends what they thought of it, and they say they loved it and it is sure to be a success when it is released in theaters. Ash says Serena was his favorite character, and Serena jokingly tells him she better be.

The group nears Cycling Road for a shortcut to the Battle Pike, and learn it is closed due to a lot of attacks by water Pokemon on the bridge, but the Pokemon Rangers are handling it. Curious, the group go to Cycling Road and are cut off by a woman named Solana…and Misty! Ash, Serena, and Misty are shocked yet thrilled to see each other again, and Misty quickly explains to Solana that Ash and Serena can be trusted. Misty is introduced to May and Max. Serena asks if this means that Misty has graduated, and Misty reveals she is nearing it, and she is interning with Solana as part of the final stage before she becomes a ranger of the sea. Misty also reveals she and Rudy are officially dating now.

The group spends the chapter figuring out the problem with the water Pokemon and solve it. It was also exciting for them to see Misty in action and what she will end up doing one day. Once Cycling Road is reopened, they continue on to the Battle Pike.

The group arrives at the Battle Pike, and see Scott there. Scott tells the group that Lucy prefers serpentine-like Pokemon and always hits as hard as possible for quick wins. They then head in and meet Lucy who seems rather friendly despite her somewhat intimidating appearance. She uses Seviper, Milotic, and Gyarados, and Ash uses Donphan, Pikachu, and Primeape. Ash wins and get the Luck Symbol. They then notice Lucy appears to have a soft-spot for squinty-eyed Pokemon when she hugs one that was hanging around the gym.

May's third contest is in Fuschia City; I don't have much detail about it. She uses Squirtle in the appeals round and Combusken in the battle round. Combusken learns Mega Kick. Meanwhile, an Aipom escapes from the Safari Zone and seems to take a liking to Ash and starts following him around.

Two part MasterMind of Mirage Pokemon Arc: Misty isn't there but Gary and Leaf are.

Ash's battle against Spencer; Spencer uses Shiftry, Chansey, and Claydol. Ash uses Sceptile, Heracross, and Swellow.

Ash's Ralts falls ill, and Max panics and doesn't know what to do. The group tell Max that part of being a trainer isn't to panic and to think of a solution as he'll have to do this a lot when he becomes a trainer. Max goes through all of his previous knowledge and is able to correctly care for Ralts until it feels better. Ash tells Max he thinks he'll be ready to be a trainer any day now. Max can't possibly think of a timeline where he makes fun of Ash for his trainer skills. (reference to anime)

May's fourth contest. She uses Electrike and Dustox and wins. Her egg hatches into an energetic Eevee afterward. Serena thinks it acts a lot like hers.

Lucario Special that loosely follows Lucario and the Mystery of Mew and Mewtwo Returns.

Ash and the group arrive at Cameron Palace where they learn there is going to be a celebration of Sir Aaron every ten years. Wanting to take part in a tradition to serve Ash's ancestor, the group participates. They also see Delia Ketchum there. Delia says that she remembers when she came here ten years ago with Red, Riley and when Ash was just a little boy causing Ash to blush and May and Serena to giggle.

Ash gets to dress up in the clothes that Sir Aaron wore, and Serena and May dress up like princesses, and Max as a squire. Delia remarks how grown up and handsome Ash looks in Sir Aaron's clothes which embarrasses him again. All the participants then hold a Pokemon tournament which Ash wins. As a gift, he is given Sir Aaron's staff to hold and take pictures with. As Ash strikes his pose, and to everyone's absolute shock, a Lucario emerges from the staff.

Lucario immediately goes up to Ash and starts asking "Sir Aaron" where King AZ is and why it was sealed away after the weapon was released. Lucario is disappointed at the loss of life the machine caused. They could've worked together to stop King AZ.

Ash doesn't quite know how to respond to this and says that he isn't Sir Aaron, and that Sir Aaron lived a very long time ago. Lucario is confused by this and wants to know how this is so as Ash has the exact same aura as Sir Aaron. This draws a gasp from the audience at that information which embarrasses Ash again. Ash then doesn't see the point of keeping it secret any longer and tells Lucario he is a descendant of Sir Aaron.

Lucario is having a hard time processing this before he suddenly become alert and turns an evil eye to Serena. Lucario tells "King AZ" how dare he show his face here and that he must be stopped and fires an Aura Sphere at Serena, but she is protected by Pikachu who counters the attack. Lucario is angered by this and asks how a Pokemon can protect an evil person like King AZ. Ash is angered, too, that Lucario tried to attack Serena, and Lucario accuses "Sir Aaron" that just because they are old friends to not try to sympathize with his evil intentions.

Ash again tries to convince Lucario that he isn't Sir Aaron, and that Serena isn't King AZ. Lucario opens its eyes and looks around at everyone staring in surprise and fear at the scene before them. Lucario seems to finally accept this that they aren't the same people it knows but can't be around someone who gives off an evil presence like Serena. Lucario comments on his disgust that Sir Aaron was a coward for allowing the weapon to take so many lives which must've been why he sealed Lucario. Ash is angered at the attack on his ancestor and tells Lucario to take it back. Lucario does not and flees the palace.

After a moment of confusion and fear, activity seems to return to almost normal at the palace. Ash, however, isn't in the mood for festivities despite urging by May and Max. He can't find Serena anywhere, either, and goes to look for her. Serena is seen by herself on the balcony of the palace and is visibly upset from what happened earlier from Lucario. She wonders to herself if she really does carry the same evil presence as King AZ did. Ash comforts her that he doesn't believe so and that Lucario is making a huge mistake. He states that he can't feel any evil coming from Serena and neither do their other Pokemon until Serena remembers how Larvitar was at first. Serena gets upset again and wonders if the only reason Ash and none of their Pokemon fear her is because of their familiarity with her. Ash again tells Serena that she'll be just fine, and the two share a dance and a kiss. Ash senses a presence is watching him, but he ignores it as it doesn't seem malicious. As Ash and Serena head inside, Mew then pops out from behind a pillar and does a swirl before telepathically communicating with another that it's found Ash again.

The next day, the group leaves the palace, and Delia returns to Pallet Town. The group has no incidents throughout the day until nightfall when they are suddenly attacked. Lucario is revealed to be the attacker and seems solely focused on attacking Serena. Ash angrily tells Lucario that Serena isn't AZ again, and Lucario responds that even if they aren't the same person, Lucario can sense her evil intentions with its aura and that she must be stopped. As an aura user, Ash should be fighting Serena rather than protecting her, and that its people like him, Sir Aaron, and an AZ that caused Lucario to lose faith in humanity. Ash is enraged about the Lucario's continuous accusations against Sir Aaron and Serena and gets into a brawl with Lucario.

The two fight until Lucario gets tired of the constant blows and knocks Ash back with an Aura Sphere. Ash isn't injured too badly due to his own aura but tells Lucario to get lost and that he doesn't deserve to be the partner of a good man like Sir Aaron. Lucario narrows its eyes and tells Ash he'll be sorry for trusting Serena before he leaves. All humans will.

Later that night, Max and Ralts sneak off after overhearing from Ash that Lucario is still nearby and waiting for the opportunity to attack them again. Max finds Lucario behind a tree staring up at the night sky. Lucario doesn't sense hostility from Max and makes no move attack him or speak harshly to him. Max offers Lucario a chocolate bar, and Lucario hesitates for a moment before accepting it and comments that it's actually quite tasty.

Max then asks Lucario about why he's so hostile to Ash and Serena, and Lucario sighs before it responds that the two give off the same presence as Sir Aaron and King AZ. Max says he doesn't understand all of this Sir Aaron and King AZ business, but he knows Serena's a good person and that she's been helping his sister with her contests and is even the Johto Queen and has won the hearts of millions. Lucario isn't moved by this and says King AZ was the same way until he tried to destroy the world. Max still doesn't understand and asks Lucario if he could at least try to make friends with Ash and Serena. Lucario refuses and leaves.

The he group runs into another Pokemon Hunter who attacks the group for their Pokemon, and the group as well as the hunter are surprised when Mew appears. The Pokemon Hunter immediately goes for Mew, but is protected by Pikachu. Mew teleports Pikachu and Mew away, and the Pokemon Hunter is driven off by Lucario who appears and protects the group.

Lucario then tells the group that it senses Pikachu has been taken to a secret location and will help the group rescue it as they'll need its aura to follow the right path. Ash wonders why Lucario is offering to help them now, and Lucario says that while it is angry, it will not abandon anyone in need. Ash reconsiders his view of Lucario at this and apologizes for his hurtful comments earlier. Lucario hesitates and apologizes for attacking Ash and its hurtful comments earlier, too. Lucario then tells Serena that it will give her a chance which she appreciates, though Lucario isn't willing to be friends with anyone.

Lucario eventually leads the group to where Pikachu is being kept over the period of a couple of days with a few brief skirmishes with the same Pokemon Hunter from earlier. Lucario senses something bad has been happening where Pikachu is and believes that Mew appearing before Ash wasn't a mistake. Ash and Serena remember their meeting with Mew and Mewtwo a few years ago and wonder if Mew appearing was a request for help. The group is now determined more than ever to get where Lucario is taking them. The group gains Lucario's trust.

As the group gets nearer to a secluded location, they are attacked by several Pokemon. However, when the Pokemon see that Ash and Serena are among them, they back off, much to the group's confusion. Lucario then leads Ash to the center of the area which is surrounded by high cliffs. Ash is immediately greeted by Pikachu and Mew who seems weakened. Ash is surprised to see Mew again and remarks that if Mew is here that Mewtwo must be, as well

Mewtwo confirms this by appearing and stating that it is good to see Ash again. Ash and Serena look around and notice that all the Pokemon around them must be the cloned Pokemon which is why they never attacked them upon recognizing them. May and Max are wondering what on Earth is going on, and the group gives them a recap.

Mewtwo explains to Ash that it and Mew have been weakened, and that several Pokemon hunters haven been attempting to enter their paradise for a while after coming upon their location. The group wonders how that came to happen, and Mewtwo explains that one of their young clone Pokemon wandered too far from the paradise and got captured by a hunter. Upon learning that this Pokemon was different, the hunter released it and put a tracking device on it ensuring it would lead them to other special Pokemon which it did. Mewtwo says it destroyed the device upon discovering it, but by then it was too late. They have had a Pokemon hunter in their domain almost every day since then, and they are relentless.

Mewtwo says that it and Mew have been successful in stopping the Pokemon hunters, but have been weakened by constantly having to battle them and putting up protective barriers around the paradise.

Mewtwo then says Mew attempted to locate Ash as he was one of the only humans they could trust to help it to which Ash and everyone else agrees. Lucario wants to help, too.

The details after this are hazy, but the paradise gets overrun by Pokemon hunters, and the group ends up starting to lose due to the Pokemon hunters brutal tactics. In order to protect the Pokemon, Lucario sacrifices itself by healing Mewtwo and Mew with its aura, and everyone is able to drive the Pokemon hunters away for good.

Ash is upset as Lucario begins to fade away after using up its aura, but Lucario says that it's okay as it finally will get to meet up with Sir Aaron again in the afterlife. Lucario believes that Ash is really Sir Aaron's descendant and was happy to have known him. Lucario then apologizes to Serena and states the she is a good person. Lucario thanks Ash for restoring its trust and that even though there are bad humans like AZ and the Pokemon hunter, there are good ones, as well. Ash then tells Lucario to say to hi to his Uncle Riley for him, and Lucario says that it will before peacefully fading away. The group consoles Ash upon Lucario's death.

Mewtwo tells Ash that it feels the same way as Lucario and knows there are good humans out there which is why it chose to never destroy them completely years ago. Mewtwo gives Ash its thanks for remembering them and helping them and the clone Pokemon in their time of need. Now that the Pokemon hunters are gone, Mewtwo requests to the group that it keeps this location a secret to prevent an incident like this from happening again. The group then bids Mewtwo, Mew, and the clone Pokemon goodbye before continuing on their journey. (ends two parter)

Almost at the Battle Tower, the group meets a girl around their age named Anabel who helps them out in a small jam. As thanks, they invite Anabel to join them for lunch which she accepts. Anabel quickly warms up to the group and seems to have a lot of fun having conversing with Ash. Ash mentions that he's challenging the Battle Frontier to Anabel, and she reveals she's the Frontier Brain of the Battle Tower and says that Scott told her about a powerful trainer named Ash and that she is pleased that it's him. Ash requests a chance to face Anabel, and she says that the Battle Tower was closed today but will make a special exception for Ash. Despite how well Ash and Anabel seem to get along, Serena doesn't get jealous as she doesn't sense any romantic feelings between the two.

The group arrives at the Battle Tower and meets Scott there. Scott reveals he was visiting Anabel on her day off, but seems excited that she made a special case for Ash, and the challenge begins. Anabel uses Espeon, Metagross, and Alakazam. Ash uses Pikachu, Tauros, and Corphish. The battle seems to be going in Ash's favor until Anabel's Pokemon seem to start attacking on their own. Scott reveals that Anabel has ESP, and that when she really gets into a battle, she can start communicating with her Pokemon telepathically which amazes the group. Due to not being able to overcome this, Ash gets his first loss in the Battle Frontier.

Ash isn't too upset as he can just keep trying until he wins, but Scott tells Ash that the Battle Frontier doesn't work the same way as gyms. As he told Ash at first, the Battle Frontier is designed for exceptionally powerful trainers, and that Ash is only allowed three losses total before he's disqualified. Upon learning this information, Ash knows he has to think of a strategy on how to beat Anabel.

Ash spends the next couple of days training but can't think of anything to combat Anabel. Anabel visits the group, and she and the rest of the group have fun playing with their Pokemon. Serena briefly muses if it's okay for a Frontier Brain to just play with them like this, and Ash and Anabel both say they don't have any problem with it. Anabel comments to Serena that she senses she's an ESP user, too, and Serena nervously says she is, and wonders if Anabel can sense this so-called darkness that others can. Anabel reassures Serena that she believes she is a good person, and that Ash must sense it, as well.

Upon hearing his ability to sense things and from his recent knowledge from Lucario, Ash suddenly believes he knows how to beat Anabel and challenges her again which she accepts. Anabel and Ash use the same three Pokemon, and Anabel once again displays her ability to communicate with her Pokemon telepathically. However, Ash shares his aura with all the Pokemon he uses so they can feel the commands he is wanting them to use through his will. Ash manages to pull off a victory and wins his sixth symbol. Anabel reveals to the group that the location of the Battle Pyramid is near Pewter City for right now and wishes Ash luck and that she had fun hanging out with them. Ash says the same, and the two shake hands before the group heads off.

The group arrives in Mulberry City for May's chance to win her final contest, and Serena surprises everyone by saying she'll enter the contest, as well. May is surprised by this and asks Serena why, and Serena reveals she really wants to test how far May's come by challenging her in an official match. May is nervous and doesn't see how she'll win but enters anyway. May and Serena enter the contest with Eevee, and Beautifly in the appeals round, respectively. They go through the rounds and end up facing each other in the final round. May uses Munchlax and Eevee while Serena uses Pelipper and Marshstomp. May loses and Serena wins a ribbon, though she reveals to the group she doesn't plan on getting five to enter the Grand Festival. Due to her loss, May becomes determined and doubles up on her training.

The group arrives at the Battle Pyramid but discover no one's there. They discover some ruins nearby and investigate them. They find a man there named Brandon who tells them off for coming here uninvited. Ash says they were just looking around because the Frontier Brain wasn't there. Brandon reveals to them that he is the Pyramid King and will accept Ash's challenge after he's done studying the ruins.

Once they are back, Brandon says they will only use one Pokemon here, and he uses Regirock and Ash uses Sceptile. Despite Sceptile's type advantage, Brandon's sheer power overcomes Ash, and Ash loses. Ash knows this is his second loss and can't lose again unless he becomes disqualified. He decides to take some time before he challenges Brandon again. Brandon tells Ash where he'll be next, and the group watches in amazement as the Battle Pyramid actually rises to the air and flies off. The group then realizes that's why the general public never know where the Battle Pyramid ever is because it's constantly changing locations.

May once again tries for her final contest in Pewter City and asks Serena to enter again so she can officially challenge her. Serena agrees, and May uses Squirtle in the appeals and Combusken in the battle. Serena uses Seviper in the appeals and Zangoose to battle. May's Combusken evolves into Blaziken, and May manages a hard fought win against Serena. May can't believe she actually won as she awarded her fifth contest ribbon. Serena hugs May for her victory and tells May she's very proud of her. May isn't arrogant enough to believe she's surpassed Serena yet but knows this victory was a big step forward. Serena tells May to go on and win the Grand Festival now.

The group returns to Pallet Town for rest and relaxation as Ash and May train for the Battle Pyramid and Grand Festival respectively. The group discuss their plans about what to do next since their journey here is beginning to close, and May reveals she'd like to go off on a journey of her own this time. Ash and Serena are sad as they believe it's a good idea as May has grown a lot from when she first started out on her journey. Max says he'll only have to wait a while until he starts is own battles. While there, Ash visits Riley's grave and is soon joined by his mother. Delia tells Ash how Riley had been keeping an egg to give to Ash as an aura partner before he died, but Delia came to have it afterward. Delia says she avoided giving it to Ash at the funeral and when he first came back from Hoenn as she believed it was too soon since Riley's death to give it to him. After seeing him at Cameron Palace, Delia knows Ash is ready now and presents an egg in an incubator to him. Ash asks what Pokemon it is and Delia says she thinks he already knows and that it will hatch soon.

Ash catches Aipom

It's time for May's Grand Festival. All of May's family is there, along with Brendan, Ruby, and Sapphire. May sees Drew and Harley, as well, and meets an apparently powerful but friendly coordinator named Solidad. Drew tells May that Solidad is the best coordinator he knows next to Ruby, Lisia, and Robert. May knows she'll have an uphill climb to win this.

Drew, Solidad, and Harley make it past the appeals round, with the latter dressing up like May and calling himself "Mayley" which grosses the group out, and May is very embarrassed. Apparently, he was just doing it to rattle May's nerves. It doesn't work, however, and May makes it past the appeals round by using Electrike. When the boards are being shuffled, May discovers her first opponent is Harley to her disgust.

Harley says he plans on beating May just like last time and will do whatever it takes to do so. May tells Harley that's she's sick of his games and wants a fair fight. She then tells Harley that if he was such a great coordinator, he wouldn't have to keep relying on tricks to beat her or get her disqualified. Harley deflates at that and says that's fine, and they will have a no tricks battle for a change, and Harley will prove to May that he's better by beating her fair and square. Harley then decides to make it interesting and states that the loser has to apologize for all the bad blood between them in the past. May doesn't believe she has anything to apologize for, but after a rant by Harley, May agrees as she believes this is the only way to settle things with Harley once and for all.

May and Harley have their contest battle. May uses Blaziken and Munchlax while Harley uses Banette and Cacturne. May manages to beat Harley.

Harley is furious about the loss, and May confronts him awaiting his apology. Harley sneers and refuses and says he'll never apologize to May. Serena gets angry and wants to get at Harley, but May stops her and asks Harley what his problem is. She asks Harley if he even remembers why he hates her to begin with. Harley thinks about it for a moment and realizes he has nothing. May reminds him and says that he mentioned to her that it was because she insulted his cookies by calling them half-bad which ignites Harley to go on a rant about how his cookies were delicious. May stops him and says that she actually thought the cookies were really delicious, and that her saying half-bad was just a different way of saying that. Harley looks dumbfounded at May for a moment before he grabs her hands and actually asks if she really though they were good, and May confirms theywere. May then shrieks in surprise when Harley wraps May in a big hug and spins her around. Harley then sets May down and admits that maybe he did overreact, and noone disputes that much to Harley's embarrassment. Harley then clasps his hands and bows to May and finally apologizes for all the bad stuff he did to May and the past and really wishes to be friends her. May is hesitant at first, but she actually detects the sincerity of Harley this time and agrees. Harley is happy and wishes May luck in the rest the contest. As he leaves, Serena wonders if it's even possible for May and Harley to be friends, and May tells Se Serena that she believes everything has been solved between them and says not to worry.

Drew and Solidad make it past their first round, and May learns she has to battle Drew next. Drew looks forward to seeing how far May has come since the Hoenn Grand Festival and looks forward to battling her.

May and Drew battle. Drew uses Roselia and Masquerain, and May uses Dustox and Squirtle. May manages a tough win and moves on. Drew is disappointed about his loss but then walks up to May and hands her a rose saying it's for her Dustox. Drew tells May that she's the real deal and is really happy she became a coordinator so he could meet her. May blushes and says she glad she met Drew as well despite him being a jerk at first. Drew blushes and tells May if they could just forget about all that, and May agrees. Drew tells May that he has no doubt Solidad will make it to the final round and says for May to prepare for a tough battle.

Sure enough, Solidad makes to the final round, and she and May battle. Solidad uses Slowbro and Lapras, and May uses Bulbasaur and Swablu who evolves into an Altaria. May barely manages is a win. Solidad thanks May for such a great battle and believes she will go far in her contest career. May nearly cries as she is crowned the winner of the Kanto Grand Festival and is embraced by her family and friends who are proud of her achievement.

After the ceremony, May is wanting to get interviewed by several reporters, and she now knows how it feels for Ash and Serena. She manages to break away, and she goes to a more remote part of the Indigo Plateau for some privacy. May then lets all of her Pokemon out and shows them the trophy she was given and states that this victory was for all of them. May then thanks her Pokemon for their amazing work and hopes they continue to be a team which her Pokemon of course agree to.

Drew comes along and figures that he would find May out here away fro the craziness and sits down next to her. He then asks May what she plans on doing, and May said she isn't sure. Drew states that Solidad is going to Johto and that's where he would like to go, as well. Harley then startles Drew and May by scaring them from behind and makes a suggestive remark about two teenagers being alone together at night which quickly embarrasses the two. May tells Harley they thought they were over this, and Harley tells May they're still good, but he can't resist teasing her sometimes because he does it out love…whatever that means, and May doesn't want to find out so she lets it go.

Harley then tells May and Drew that he's heading to Johto and hopes the two will be there, too, and runs off. May and Drew don't think they'll ever figure that guy out but at least don't have to worry about his tricks again. Drew then says he really hopes May goes to Johto before he mumbles something which May didn't hear. Drew then clears his throat and says that he merely hopes that he and May see each other a lot more often in Johto, and May thinks that would be really nice. Drew then bids May farewell and gives her a rose. May rolls her eyes and says it must be for her Dustox, and Drew surprises May by saying it was actually for her that time. He then leaves while May blushes and watches him go.

May returns to her friends and family where they all have a huge party. Afterward, all of May's family departs, and May tells everyone that she's going to travel to Johto next. Before she does, May says she still wants to stay with Ash and Serena a little longer so she can cheer Ash on as he goes against Brandon, which Ash is thankful for.

Ash visits Professor Oak's lab and decides he needs to use veterans to defeat Brandon. Rather than Pikachu, he decides to use Venusaur, Blastoise, and calls for Charizard again. The four train together.

Ash visits the Battle Pyramid and knows this is his last chance to try to conquer the Battle Frontier. Scott is also there and is looking forward to Ash's battle. Before Ash battles Brandon, he asks Brandon to use his full power and wants him to use Regirock, Registeel, and Regice against his three. The group thinks that's crazy due to the sheer power of those Pokemon, but Ash tells them that if he wants to be the best, he has to beat the best. Brandon admires Ash's willpower and determination and agrees to hold nothing back and battle with the three Regis. Ash battles Brandon and after one that comes right down to the wire, Ash barely manages a win.

The group is ecstatic that Ash is able to win, and Ash wins his seventh symbol and a plaque and ribbon stating his achievement of the Battle Frontier. Scott and Brandon are especially impressed, particularly Scott. He states he figured Ash was special and invites him to be a Frontier Brain, but Ash declines and states that like with his offer to join the Hoenn Elite Four, he still has more challenges ahead of him before he wants to settle down. Scott respects Ash's decision and hopes they meet again someday before he drives off.

The group decides what to do, and May expresses her desire to head to Johto like Drew and Harley are. She also states she would like to travel by herself to get stronger, and Ash and Serena are sad but know May is ready to do so. Max also says he's heading back home to Petalburg City so he can prepare for his own upcoming Pokemon journey. Ash decides to let Max keep Ralts, and Max and Ralts are both really happy about it.

Ash and May hear about an upcoming contest, and the group wants to see May perform one last time before she leaves the group. Both Serena and May coax Ash to join the contest as well for fun as he's the only one who hasn't competed yet in one. Ash thinks it might be fun to try something new and decides to enter with May. The two make it to the final round with Blaziken vs. Sceptile. Somehow, the two end up tying with an equal amount of points left at the buzzer. Lillian tells Ash and May they only have one ribbon to give and ask Ash and May what they'll do. May and Ash give each other a knowing look and Ash has Sceptile use Leaf Blade to cut the ribbon in two, and Ash and May keep one half. May says she'll keep the ribbon as a memento of all the fun she had with Ash and Serena, and Ash says he'll do the same.

After a few farewells, May and Max leave on a boat to their respective destinations. May thanks Ash and Serena for everything and Max wants to battle Ash one day. Ash tells Max that it's a promise. Once they are out of sight, Serena notes to Ash that it's just the two of them again. Ash replies that he loves having companions with them but thinks it's nice when they can have some alone time. The two go on a date before heading back to Pallet Town. Ash asks Serena where they should go next, and Serena believes that circumstances will definitely lead them someplace. The next time, a new journey will begin for them.