It was a dark and peaceful night in the small town of Pallet, the only sound that could be heard was the gentle rustling of leaves in the Oak Lab Pokémon reserve. But amongst the quiet, a small creature was on the move. It scurried through the bushes with lightning speed, making its way to a tall tree.

"Pika!" it called out, summoning one of its friends from above. A monkey-like Pokémon, Infernape, gracefully leapt down from the tree and landed beside the small creature. Together, they made their way to a nearby branch where a Greninja was soundly asleep.

Infernape and Pikachu, the small creature, shook the branch vigorously causing Greninja to jolt awake. The Ninja Pokémon looked around in confusion, unsure of what was happening.

"Pi Pikachu," Pikachu said, gesturing to Red who was nearby. Greninja was taken aback, it didn't know what to make of Pikachu's suspicions. It quickly brushed the topic aside.

"Gren Greninja Nin," it replied, trying to reassure Pikachu. But the small creature wasn't convinced, it continued to recall Red's behaviour.

Infernape watched the exchange from a distance, wishing its friend Charizard was there to lend a hand. But Charizard had returned to the Charicific Valley for some much-needed training.

Pikachu shrugged, the weight of its suspicions weighing heavily on its shoulders. It turned away, on the brink of tears. Greninja noticed this and comforted its friend with a reassuring gesture.

The next morning, Red woke up early and left Pallet Town without a word. Gary watched from his balcony, a small smile on his face, relieved that his friend was alive.

Many days passed, and one day, a letter arrived at Gary's front door. He opened it eagerly, unsure of what it might contain.

Dear Oak,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to inform you that I have decided to participate in the World Champions Trophy. While I am confident in my abilities, I must admit that the competition will be tough. I am particularly concerned about facing off against strong trainers like Lance and Tobias.

I would greatly appreciate it if you could bring my Pokémon to assist me in the tournament. I trust Greninja will be able to assist you in this matter.

Additionally, if you can make the trip, I would be delighted if you could bring Serena and the others along. Their support would mean a lot to me.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, Red

P.S. If you come, bring Serena and the others along.

Gary couldn't believe what he just read in Red's letter, on the one hand, he was ecstatic about his friend's opportunity to compete in the World Champions Trophy, but on the other hand, he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. Despite this, Gary knew he had to help his friend and he quickly went to Greninja to discuss a plan of action.

Meanwhile, in the Alola region, a roar echoed through the sky. All the Guardian Deities and the inhabitants of Alola looked up in confusion. Clouds began to form above the peaceful region.

"Looks like a job for the Ultra Guardians", Gladion said, turning a bracelet around his wrist. Slowly, something emerged from the bracelet and covered Gladion, revealing his Ultra Guardian uniform. Every other Ultra Guardian was alerted and quickly followed suit, donning their own Ultra Suits. Within minutes, they reached the source of the roar but found nothing out of the ordinary.

"We found nothing", Gladion reported back to headquarters. The Ultra Guardians left the area, but the same roar was heard in Hoenn, Unova, Kanto, Sinnoh, Johto and finally Kalos. Everyone came out of their houses to investigate, even the legendary Pokémon, including the three Unova Dragons, knew something was amiss. Ash's Greninja, who was alerted to the situation, opened its eyes.

In Cerulean Cave, Kanto, time seemed to pause for Ash as he looked around. "The time has come," a voice spoke out. Ash turned to see Arceus, his father, Great Grandfather, Sir Aaron, and Red standing next to it.

"Chosen one, it's your time to show the world what a true trainer can do," Arceus said. Ash's family members simply nodded in agreement. "And it's your time to be reborn," Satoshi added. Ash knew what this meant and he couldn't help but smile.

"Good luck, son, for your championship and your life purpose," Ash's father said. They all faded away and time resumed. Ash knew that the journey ahead would be challenging, but with the support of his family and friends, he was ready to face whatever came his way.

: Kalos Region :

"Finally, I found you," a mysterious, shadowy figure said to thin air.

Meanwhile, in Anistar City, Olympia collapsed onto the ground. She called out for her apprentice, Diantha, who arrived shortly after.

"Olympia," Diantha called out as she rushed to her side.

"I'm here, Diantha," Olympia replied weakly. She explained to her apprentice about the impending threat and urged her to find Red. Diantha was shocked to hear about another crisis looming on the horizon, but as a trainer and a champion, she knew she had to act. With determination in her eyes, she turned to leave.

: Pallet Town, Kanto :

"Do you think this will work?" Gary asked Greninja, the Ninja Pokémon.

"Ninja," it assured him.

"But what about Pikachu?" Gary asked, worried about the small creature's reluctance to return to its Pokéball. The two of them thought for a while, trying to come up with a solution.

: Team Rocket HQ :

"Boss, we've discovered a strange energy signal coming from Cerulean Cave again," a grunt reported to their leader.

"I see, two times in the same week," the leader said with a smile. Behind him, a woman with purple hair stood, who appeared to be his assistant. She gestured for the grunt to leave.

"Boss, what do you think we should do?" the woman, Jessie, asked.

"Jessie, Mewtwo is a rare catch, we should wait for the right opportunity," the leader said, stroking a Meowth that was sitting on his lap.

"Team Rocket has to make an epic comeback," Meowth purred contentedly, enjoying James's petting.

: Ketchum Residence, Pallet Town, Kanto :

Gary was sitting on the couch in the living room, waiting for Serena. Delia had informed him that she had gone to take a bath. After a few minutes, Serena walked into the living room, still wiping her hair.

"So, what is the reason my busy brother has come to see me?" Serena asked, taking her seat. Gary sat there thinking for a moment before speaking up.

"I want to talk to you about something," Gary replied.

"What is it?" Serena asked.

"After that incident, Serena, you have never enjoyed yourself for even a few moments," Gary said, referring to a past event that had left Serena emotionally scarred. Serena bowed her head, not wanting to relive the past.

"So, what now?" she asked in a low tone.

"I've got an invitation as a Pokémon Professor to see the Pokémon World Champion League. I wondered if you wanted to come along," Gary replied. Serena thought for a moment before responding.

"Okay," she said simply. Gary got up from his seat.

"We're flying to Unova tomorrow, the playoffs are being held there," Gary informed Serena before leaving.

Two days later, Professor Oak, Gary, Pikachu, Serena, Delia, Grace, Misty and Brock all landed in Unova and were heading out of the airport. A familiar figure saw Serena and ran towards her, embracing her.

"I knew you'd come," the young girl said to Serena. Everyone turned to see who the girl was.

"Bonnie?" Delia and Grace exclaimed in confusion, looking at the young girl. Clemont then came running towards his sister.

"How many times should I tell you not to leave me like that?" Clemont scolded his sister before looking at the others present.

"Hey Bonnie, hey Clemont," Gary greeted them, followed by the others.

"So, what are you doing here in Unova?" Serena asked them.

"You could say for the same reason you're here," Clemont replied.

"How do you know what we're here for?" Gary questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, why would someone come to Unova without any plans and that too at this time of the year?" Clemont replied, his answer seemed to convince everyone.

"Well, let's say you're here for my battle," a lean man interrupted.

BE A HERO