Meanwhile, in the Human world…

As the helicopter set itself down in the courtyard of Professor Sycamore's lab, Steven Stone smiled and stepped out, followed by the Kalos Gym Leaders, Alain, and Ash's group. Entering the lab, Sycamore came out to greet them.

"Ah, congratulations on defeating Lysandre, everyone! But, as a few of us know, we still have a problem."

"What kind of problem?" Alain asked.

"I'll explain." Steven said. "Before I arrived here, I was in Hoenn, overseeing the reconstruction of the Dimensional Shifter. For those who do not know, it was created to teleport a large meteor away from our world. During a course of events known as the Delta Episode, it was smashed and destroyed. We were attempting to fix it, when it malfunctioned. Six Pokemon trainers were caught in the blast."

"Are they okay?" Bonnie asked.

"We do not know. The device created a rift that teleported them to an unknown location. We have no idea of their current state. The rift was safely contained and damage was minimal, but we have not had contact with any of the six trainers since." Steven replied. "One of the reasons I came to Kalos was to ask for help in my search. I have sent messages to many strong trainers that I can count on, and they all agreed to help. They should be arriving at Lumiose Airport soon, with the remains of the Shifter. I need to know something from all of you...."

Steven paused and sighed.

"....Will you help us find them?"

"Count on it." Ash said, and his group voiced their agreement. Alain crossed his arms and nodded as well.

"Good. Right now, I have tasks for all of you. Clemont, Bonnie, I need you to work on the Shifter when it arrives, to see what you can do to fix it. Everyone else can take this time to explore, or train out in the backyard. However, I need everyone here back by 3 o'clock, so we can head to the airport."

"Sounds good." was the general response from everyone present.

"Alright then. You are all free to do what you need." Steven said. "Professor, a moment?"

As the trainers and Gym Leaders spread out, Ash headed out back with his group. As they sat down, they could see in the distance the tall figure of Prism Tower.

"I wonder who's coming…" Ash said to himself as he walked inside with Alain.

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Later, at the airport

As the group stood on the runway, at a safe distance, they watched the large plane descend and land with a screeching halt. Ash smiled as the stairway dropped, and out came many familiar faces.

Brock, Misty, May, Max, Dawn, Iris, and Cilan, with their Pokemon alongside them.

Archie and Maxie, of Team Magma and Aqua.

Norman and Sophie.

Professors Oak, Birch, Elm, Rowan, and Juniper, along with Bianca, Tracey, and Cheren.

Mr. Stone.

Gary Oak.

Champions Cynthia, Alder, Lance, and Drake.

A trainer clad in a red cap, red jacket, jeans, and black shoes.

A girl clad in a black and red shirt, grey shorts, and a ragged cape, along with a Whismur.

A small boy of about Max's age, with green hair, along with a Gallade. He seemed rather confident for his small stature.

And Drayden, the Opelucid City Gym Leader.

As they all stepped out onto the runway, Ash waved to his friends, who waved back enthusiastically. The Champions greeted Steven and Diantha, a recent arrival. The small boy and the girl stood back, but they eventually stepped up to talk with Steven. Drayden then struck up a conversation with the girl. Ash overheard the word "Draconid", and he made a mental note to ask the Dragon Master about it later.

"Alright, if everyone will follow me?" Sycamore asked, and everyone nodded. As the group began their walk to Sycamore's lab, Gary Oak stepped up to walk alongside Ash.

"Hey, Ash!" Gary said.

"Hey, Gary? How've you been?"

"Cool! Check this out!"

Gary rolled up his sleeve, revealing a Key Stone.

"I got this from Gramps, along with a Mega stone. Guess what? My Aerodactyl can Mega Evolve!" He said.

"That's great! Wait till I show you what I can do my my Greninja!" Ash replied, and they both laughed.

"Also, Ash? You know the trainer in the red cap?"

"Yeah?"

"I was hiking Mount Silver, when I ran into that guy. He challenged me to a battle, and he beat me like I never stood a chance. Each of his Pokemon took six moves or less to beat mine!" Gary said, and Ash gasped.

"He's that strong?" Ash asked.

"Yeah! Apparently he's a Pokemon Champion, too! But he doesn't talk much. I don't even know his name"

"I do talk, you know."

The trainer walked up next to them, looking straight ahead. Ash looked at him with an odd expression.

"And if you want to know my name, just ask." he said.

"What's your name, then?" Gary said, slightly irritated.

"Red."

Red sighed and looked at Ash, who opened his mouth slightly in shock.

"When you have achieved your dream, find me on Mount Silver. Then, you will ascend to greater heights."

Red walked off, and Ash turned to look at Gary, who shrugged. As the large group approached the lab, a Fly Drone spied on them from the air. It buzzed, then it flew off to a nearby Cafe, to a man clad in a purple and grey suit. His face was obscured by a hat. He pulled out a radio and spoke.

"They've pulled out. Mission begins now."

"Confirmed. Shall we intervene now?"

"No. Wait until first contact. Then, we will strike."

"Confirmed. We await your word."

The man sighed and smiled.

"Team Nova's greatest mission has begun."