With the information that came to light, it became quickly apparent that things were not as simple as everyone thought.
But at the moment everyone currently believes that the President, when he found out about this leak, decided to run away, and it makes sense since the Chairman said that his accounts were found drained of everything.
Until they found out what happened or where he is, technically that meant that the Chairman was the new highest authority in the Pokémon Association, so after having to take a moment to process that, he immediately called in that all the Gym Leaders would be keeping their jobs, along with an internal investigation led by none other than Winona.
When Wallace heard that, he immediately suggested that to make things 'fair,' as the Champion he should go with her, but in truth it was because he wanted to spend more time with Winona and talk about their relationship.
And after everything, for the first time, Winona agreed, even though she knew that this wasn't about any investigation.
Oh speaking of which, also the Gym Leaders, now that everything is over, they all thought that since they still have their jobs, that means they are gonna have to deal with the cleanup.
Everyone groaned and decided to leave now to see how much rebuilding they were gonna have to do for their towns, as Gym Leaders this did fall under their jurisdiction.
But none of them left without first going over to Ash and the gang and thanking them, and inviting them to come around any time to hang out. However Juan stood by and decided to do something.
Since he was the 8th Gym Leader, and he remembered that Ash, Wally, and Brendan were going to challenge him, and let's be honest here, after everything they just did to save Hoenn, that was a better test than he could ever hope to give.
Besides, Gym Leaders don't always have to give out a badge with a battle, it could just be given out if the Gym Leader feels like they earned it, and you would have to be high on so many drugs to think that they didn't earn it after everything that just happened
And then finally, he went to May. Since he spent weeks training with her, he knew that she was aiming to be a top Coordinator and that she had 4 Ribbons, but in those weeks he also saw how May was and how she grew, and in his own words that was a more beautiful performance than any that could be given on any stage, so with his authority he gave May a Ribbon.
And yes he could just give out Ribbons, he was actually going to be one of the judges in the upcoming Hoenn Grand Festival since Wallace couldn't due to being Champion.
But that meant May qualified, and so did Ash and Brendan. All 3 of them had what they needed, that technically only left Wally, but they could help him get his after they all took a long nap.
Anyway after Juan left to do damage control in his city, next were the Frontier Brains. They greeted the gang but they also had to go too since Scott was going to make them do a good bit of stuff, although before they left Anabel sent Ash a message with her psychic powers, and then they left.
But not before Brock promised Lucy that he would come pick her up for Christmas so she could meet his family, which Lucy was excited for, so she left by giving Brock one more kiss before they got back on their boat.
That left the Elite 4. Immediately 3 of the 4 went directly to the Team Aqua and Magma members, especially Archie and Maxie, and put them under arrest, because sure they helped at the last moment, but they still did everything they did.
At first Green and Gary of all people were gonna protest and tell them not to take Courtney, she can't be part of it, and even the people in Team Magma said the same thing. Unfortunately that's not how the law worked, but if what they said was true then she might be able to be let off.
So begrudgingly Gary and Green had to let Courtney be taken away, and even then she had her blank aloof face, which only made things worse. Gary huffed and stomped away pulling out his phone to try and get Daisy on the line finally, and Green went after him to grab him and teleport to find Daisy the second he found out where she was, because yes she trained up an Abra to teleport like Ash did with Abby.
Now as for Archie and Maxie, when the Elite 4 even put their hands on the duo they collapsed, their bodies finally gave out on them, and they needed immediate medical attention, and no they didn't ask Ash for one because he was out of Aura and two, they weren't dying at least as far as they could tell, since none of them were trained.
But anyway Sidney, Phoebe, and Glacia were the ones that took them away, and they would have to be talked to to find out more grunts, but that was for later.
But before they left, Ash did stop them for a moment and went over to Amber and gave him 3 Poké Balls. He was confused, but when he checked what they were he nearly cried, they were his 3 Volbeat, the ones that he thought died in the cavern.
Considering they were just 3 Volbeat, and the Elite 4 were you know, the Elite 4, they decided there was no harm in letting Amber keep them for now, but once they were in a cell the usual procedures would be followed. With that everyone left.
Now Drake stayed behind, since he still needed to hear what Joseph had to say, and he needed to make sure that Steven got to him after everything.
Speaking of Steven, he was trying to recover right now after, you know, being dead for a bit, still hard to believe after everything, and Alain was near him helping him sit. Again Wallace would have stayed to help his best friend, but Steven was kinda the one that pushed him to go after Winona.
Speaking of Alain, he was still here, and now that things calmed down, his eyes wandered over to where Ash was. He narrowed his eyes after everything he saw.
But before he said anything they heard a ship horn. They looked out and in the distance they saw Mr. Briney driving Drake's ship and Ultima came back with Mr. Stone.
When they got here it did not take long for Drake and everyone to explain what happened including the fact that Steven did die for a bit, but Ash brought him back, and while that shocked Briney and Ultima, Mr. Stone immediately bowed to Ash and thanked him about a thousand times for saving his son.
Even when Ash tried to tell him that there was no need for that, he refused to accept it and told him that he could never repay him, but if there was anything that he needed to call him without hesitation.
So Ash sighed, but told him that in that case how about they go somewhere, and Steven might want to come too so that he could get some closure about 'that,' but only after Steven recovered since he was still not doing too well.
Joseph, when Ash said 'that,' his eyes widened, but he knew that this was something that would need to be talked about eventually, and he spent too long running from his past. If he really wants to keep going he'll have to face it.
So with that Joseph took Steven to help him get medical help and a checkup. He got taken by Drake, Briney, and Ultima and sailed off.
That left them here, Ash, Brock, May, Brendan, and Wally were together.
"Sooo…now that we saved Hoenn…what now?" May asked, still a bit dazed about what Juan did for her, while her Minun rested on her head.
"Well, I'm dying for a burger," Brendan said, rubbing his stomach, "I don't wanna see a berry for at least a month…" As he said that, his Plusle chuckled, thinking that was just more for him.
"I would...but I need to take May and Wally to do something," Ash revealed, "I can drop you off somewhere, and you too Brock, but this is kinda important."
"Really, what could be so important Ash? I mean we did just save Hoenn, can't be anywhere near that—" May started but she never finished.
"It's about your dad," Ash said, making May stop.
Wally covered his mouth and remembered how Norman was before he had to leave, "Oh no...is he…"
"Wait, why are you saying it like that?" May quickly noticed Wally's tone, "What happened to my dad?"
"He's fine, and we're going to see him, but this is why it's important," Ash crossed his arms.
"Ah…I can tell when I am not needed...sooooo ima go," Brendan awkwardly said and looked over at Brock, "You wanna…you know," he gestured with his head.
Brock looked at him, then over at Ash, and Ash gave him a nod. While he looked at May's worried face, he sighed, nodded to Ash, gave him a pat on the shoulder, and left with Brendan. They could teleport with Lunatone, it's better if Ash deals with it, he is always better with emotions.
Ash tapped his foot, looking at his nonexistent watch, while May was stressing out on what Ash meant and why Wally looked so scared. She hugged her Minun tightly, so much that it tapped her arm quickly, so Pikachu and Vee had to jump over to her shoulder and try to help her calm down.
After a moment, Abby finally appeared and with her was Max. Max looked up and immediately looked excited, "Big bro Ash, I did what you told me to, aren't you proud of me? I think I should—"
But May immediately looked at him and let go of Minun and grabbed Max's shoulders, "Max something happened to Dad!"
Max's excited smile immediately fell, "What?" his voice cracked.
"Not exactly, but I'm going to take you to him, he's waiting for us," Ash said as he was gonna gesture for Abby.
Suddenly behind him Alain spoke.
"Wait just a moment."
Ash's eye twitched and he sighed, "Dude, now is really not the time," he turned.
"Maybe, but I saw, there seem to be a lot of Mega Evolution users here, but you have a Charizard as well," Alain continued.
"And?" Ash asked crossing his arms, "Get to the point."
"I want to challe—"
Alain started but Ash stopped him.
"No." Ash didn't let him finish, "First, I'm busy with my friend's dad, we are all tired, and I don't even think your Charizard can fight right now, so maybe I'll come back later, but right now please leave us alone."
Alain blinked and looked behind him to the now stressed May and Max, and he seemed to understand slightly, but he didn't give up.
"Fine, but only so that we can be at our best. Once I see you again we better fight."
"Fine sure whatever," Ash waved him off, "Please leave us alone."
Ash turned and walked back to everyone, leaving Alain there.
And before Alain could say another word, Abby teleported them away, and that left Alain here, on a rock in the middle of the ocean.
Huh.
He really didn't think that one through.
—
Ash teleported them back to Petalburg City, in the Gym, where when they got there they saw Norman getting treated by Caroline while his Slaking sat protectively nearby.
And when they saw him they saw that he didn't have his jacket and they saw the scar on his body.
Immediately May and Max jumped at their dad and grabbed him looking scared, especially because of how weak he looked.
Norman grunted in pain, but he smiled and explained the situation to them, all of it. He already told Caroline earlier but hearing it again still hurt her, making her hold him again.
And when May and Max heard he almost died they hugged him tighter and cried, and Norman comforted them rubbing their heads, reminding them he was okay, wasn't he, and that was thanks to Ash.
He revealed that Ash was the one who saved his life, and as soon as they heard that the hug and tears immediately went over to Ash as May and Max grabbed him and hugged him crying into his shoulder and side, thanking him over and over again for saving their dad.
Ash could only sigh and rub their heads, since sure May just helped save the world but she was still only 12, and Max was still a kid, they were terrified of losing their dad.
Even Caroline joined in and gave Ash a hug thanking him as well.
Meanwhile Norman looked over at Wally and smiled. Standing up with a grunt he walked over to him, and from his pocket he pulled out a Balance Badge and handed it to Wally, telling him that he more than earned it, he saw how strong he became, and he deserved it.
So with trembling hands Wally took it and held it, and felt like this was a dream. His hand instinctively went to his pocket but there was no inhaler there, he kinda lost those back on the tower, but he felt like he didn't need it.
Not anymore, he could breathe clearly for the first time in his life. He felt like things were gonna be okay and he was strong enough to face it.
And as he thought that, outside the window, a snowflake fell, then another, and another, it began to snow. And now that the weather isn't going back and forth this was happening.
Like it was mentioned before, Hoenn really doesn't get snow, the climate was usually too humid, but it seems like after all the weather changes because of the weather trio it made it possible to have snow.
So for the first time in years Hoenn would have a white winter.
—
After Ash got held by May and Max and was pretty much forced to stay for breakfast, since remember the sun was coming up, it was morning, after that he finally managed to get May and Max to let go of him after they calmed down a bit.
He still had things he needed to do, a few of them, but he promised he would come back around to visit and check up on them, so begrudgingly, with only one last hug to say goodbye, they let Ash escape.
Meanwhile Wally went to his house, well his parents', but they had also kinda gotten evacuated, but he could wait for them, and he could tell them the news that he was cured. Ash wished him luck and left too, this was one loose end taken care of.
Abby teleported him to a mountain, honestly the location didn't matter, all that mattered was that he was alone, and he waited. Soon after both his Deoxys returned holding a few things, and they presented them.
Starting with Deoxys 3's core, it was cracked but Ash could sense it was still alive, he'd look into helping it later, he still had Sird's capsules she used to revive the original 2, but what was more important was where this one came from.
As far as Ash knew there were supposed to be 2, he looked over to his 2 aliens, "You know this guy?" he asked but they shook their heads.
That opened more questions, it was possible that this was just another member of their race since they were aliens, it was also possible that this Deoxys was from another universe, maybe somewhere else they had a Mr. Stone that did send the meteor away and it got sent here, it was possible.
Anyway Ash could check with Deoxys 3 when it woke up, he put that aside for later, what was important was what else they had.
You see when both Deoxys were collecting the chunks of the meteor, in those chunks they found some shiny stuff they thought Ash might like.
And when they brought it to Ash, indeed he was surprised and also excited, with a big old grin, in Deoxys 1's hand was a bunch of Keystones, like 10 of them, and over in Deoxys 2, he saw something that did really confuse him, since Deoxys 2 was the one that held the core of 3, it had its hands full but it still brought something it found, a black Mega Stone.
Ash blinked for a moment and took it, looking it over, he felt like he recognized what it was, but it was just at the tip of his tongue.
Just then his Absol found him and jumped behind him, huffing as if announcing that he was here, it was satisfied that it managed to play a part in preventing the disaster.
Ash nodded at him, but then something occurred to him, he looked at him and held the black Mega Stone in his hand, "Do you want this?"
Absol tilted his head, but he was interested, he got closer and held it in his paw, and while he held it Ash took a step back and raised his hand, "Ok let's see if this works, Mega Evolve," Ash pressed his Keystone.
Immediately Absol was enveloped in light, and when it faded, Absol did change, but it wasn't normal Mega Absol, this was Mega Absol Z, with his black coat and red wing.
That confirmed what Ash thought, and it explained why Ash didn't find any of the other Mega Stones when he looked, they weren't here, Super Meteor Delta brought more, not all of them since he remembered Misty did have a Starminite, and it wasn't just here in Hoenn, almost every region had chunks fall into their borders
So that meant Ash had to move, immediately he told his Deoxys to go out and collect all the ones they could find, but then he stopped and remembered, didn't Darkrai also get a Mega in the DLC?
Ash smirked and let it out too, and told Darkrai to go out and find anything that attracted its attention then bring it to him. Darkrai nodded and phased into the ground.
He also reverted Absol back to his base and pulled him into his Pokéball, he did his job, he wasn't needed any longer.
Next up, Ash stretched his arms and thought about which one to do next, then he remembered something, and thought, 'oh yeah...might as well do it now.'
He pulled out his phone and texted Damian's number, asking him if he was free right now.
—
{An Hour Later}
In a submarine, Ash and Damian were going underwater near Sootopolis, they were both silent and Damian didn't have his usual nervous smile, he crossed his arms and looked out the window.
"How did you get your hands on a submarine again?" he asked.
"Is it important?" Ash answered.
Damian shrugged, "Guess not…"
They got down, and on the radar the submarine had they found what they were looking for, an underwater cave, Ash drove the sub in, and they entered shortly after and the door opened.
"So you ready for this?" Ash asked stepping out.
"No not really," Damian answered but he stepped out anyway, you might wonder why he was acting so differently, well you'll learn when you see why they are here.
Together they walked through the cave, and eventually found what they were looking for, or more accurately who, sitting in the corner of the cave, with her wetsuit ripped and noticeably missing an arm, was Audrey.
Kyogre didn't kill her when she got taken, she just got dragged down here, but unfortunately Ash decided to leave the decision of whether to leave her down here up to Damian, after all she is his mother.
Audrey heard footsteps and looked up seeing 2 kids, and one of them she recognized barely, the baby that she left behind years ago to start this dumb plan, she stood up slowly, "a-are you…"
Damian could barely look at her, but he walked up close to her, then when he was there he delivered a slap to her face.
As Audrey held her cheek Damian spoke, "You are a disgrace of a mother, and a horrible person, but you are still my mother…" he huffed and turned around, "You can come with us, but when we get there you will turn yourself in," he said not leaving any room for negotiation.
And Audrey felt all her strength leave her body, she lost everything, what right did she have to say anything, so with her head down, she followed Ash and Damian to get out of here and face the consequences of her actions.
As for Zenith, yeah no he was dead dead, he melted, no second chance for him, anyway this was not Ash's problem, Hoenn could deal with her, he had more stuff to do.
—
{The Next Day}
After Ash and Damian took Audrey to be taken away and Ash teleported over to Green and Gary to learn the situation, apparently they finally got to her and as soon as the words even left their mouths she was shocked, so Gary and Green said they would go pick her up, Ash could wait in Hoenn.
So technically that is what he did, he was in Hoenn still, just not where they thought he'd be.
Ash was sitting at a table, comfortably drinking tea, and from the corner someone walked out and looked at him and sighed, placing down tea snacks next to him, it was Anabel.
Since Anabel told him they needed to talk, Ash thought might as well deal with this now, "So, since I'm like this, should I call you Anabel or Darling?"
Anabel tried to ignore him, but she couldn't hide the small flinch she did when he called her Darling, "Shut up," she huffed.
"Right, acting like you weren't relieved when you saw me and Rayquaza~" Ash said with a smirk.
"You pull all of that, and save Hoenn and you still act like this," Anabel muttered, and she pretended to ignore Ash.
"I'm surprised you came like this," she sat down across from him.
"What did you want D? He's kinda busy with the leaks, if you know what I mean," Ash smirked.
"So you're the one that leaked everything," Anabel sighed, "Why am I not surprised, then what really happened to the President of the Pokémon Association?"
"Oh he's dead," Ash said casually, "And no, I didn't do anything to him, it's a long story but basically all you need to know is Rayquaza killed him."
Anabel's eye twitched but she sighed, "Fine," and she set her cup down.
"So, why did you tell me to come here?" Ash asked, "Not that I don't like seeing you and all, but I'm kinda busy."
Anabel ignored that last part, "It's about Guile, or at least the person who was in the armor."
Ash frowned, "So, do you have anything?"
"Not even a name," she sighed, "Looker said that it's like his memory got wiped, but that doesn't make sense, if that happened we should sense it with our Psychic types."
"Hmm, well, Team Rocket also captured some members of Team Galactic," Ash put his cup down, "It's kinda similar, from what we found it works like a hivemind, basically their boss Cyrus does some kind of brainwashing, but it's not...I really don't know, anyone not important is just given a number."
She rubbed her head, "Of course, uhh, this is a headache."
Then she looked down at her cup, "Also, I have one more question, when we met, the first thing you asked us to give you was information on Galactic, but how did you know about them?"
Ash sighed, "I think they kidnapped my friend's sister," he said, now this was a bold-faced lie, but the way Ash said it made Anabel blink in surprise.
"Really?" she muttered.
"Yeah, I don't know much about her, but I know she went to Sinnoh and hasn't been seen since," he said, sighing, "I've been looking for leads, that's mainly why I started in Team Rocket and worked my way up, I thought I could learn more, you know one evil organization to another, but I haven't found much."
"That's...understandable," Anabel muttered, "but then why are you still in Team Rocket? I mean last time you got mind controlled."
"Well, that was one faction of Team Rocket and he got captured," Ash reminded her, "But also, let's be honest, when our options are people that commit genocide, terrorism, and kidnapping with brainwashing, and a group of people that just want to make money but at least have a moral code, which one do you think sounds less bad?"
"Fair…" Anabel sighed, "I just don't know how I feel about you working for Team Rocket now that I know...you."
"Well if it makes you feel any better I have no intention of letting Team Rocket stay around forever," Ash waved his hand.
Anabel had to lean back for that one and she took off the scarf and put it on the table, "You really make my job way harder."
"Isn't that a good thing for you?" Ash asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Sure, if I believed you but I don't, and if I don't that means anything can happen," she huffed.
"I mean, while I do understand that, you know I am trying my best," he gave a lopsided smile, "I did do everything I did to save Hoenn remember, I didn't want anyone to die."
She stopped and looked down, and sighed, she had to admit, Ash was reliable, even if he was an idiot.
"I don't know if I will ever believe you, but I do know you have a good reason to do things."
"Sure, anyway, do you have anything else, or should the next time we meet be with D?" Ash asked.
She sighed, "I still have another month here, then I might request a transfer to Sinnoh," she muttered.
"I'll see what I can do about that," Ash said as he pulled out a notebook and handed it to her, "By the way here are all the captured Team Magma and Aqua grunts I got, figured you might want it and could get a nice little promotion~"
"Please don't say it like that," she sighed but she still took the notebook.
Ash looked down at the scarf now, "Well, I guess next time I'll come as D and you can give him the scarf back huh."
Anabel blinked, looked at him, then the scarf, then she shrugged, "I changed my mind."
She grabbed the scarf back quickly, "I'm keeping it."
Ash looked at her, then laughed.
Anabel immediately looked offended, "Stop laughing."
Ash stood and started walking away, "Alright, alright."
He stopped at the door and without turning around he smirked, "See you later, Darling."
Anabel froze. Ash opened the door and immediately got hit in the back of the head by a spoon glowing with Psychic.
Anabel calmly picked up her teapot next, "Get out."
Ash grinned and walked out, closing the door behind him.
Leaving Anabel alone, she looked at the empty seat and held the scarf.
She huffed and stood up, going to get some stuff ready, but as she did she muttered under her breath, "Idiot…"
As for Ash, there was still more to do