Prologue
A Trainer From Pallet Town
At sixteen Ash Ketchum had seen a great deal more of the world than most people his age, and he was certainly the best traveled among his childhood friends. Pikachu, his closest friend, was the only person by his side the entire time. Together they had participated in innumerable battles, and had shared great victories as well as crushing defeats. Each battle had been a lesson and, no matter the outcome, the two dear friends were grateful for them all. Yet, even so, more battles, and the lessons that would come with them, lay ahead.
At that exact moment Ash and Pikachu were aboard a ferry headed for Ash's hometown of Pallet. It had been two years since Ash's last visit to his home, and the same amount of time since he had last set foot on the soil of his homeland. He had been traveling in strange new regions across the ocean when he had received news that the National Pokemon Champion, the legendary Lance, had set up a tournament to decide on a suitable replacement. Ash was one of only sixty-four people to receive an invitation to participate in the challenge.
Pikachu was curled up, asleep, on the seat next to Ash. Ash smiled, glad that at least his dearest friend could relax. Anticipation at the new journey ahead of him kept him awake. He had been in such a rush to get back to Pallet Town and start on his quest that he had forgotten to inform his mother that he was on his way home. He had no doubt that she would be very happy to see him, but he also knew that she might not be prepared to have him return.
Still that was the least of Ash's worries. Aside from the difficult challenges ahead on the trainer front there had been some disturbing news as of late. It seemed that Team Rocket, the preeminent criminal organization of the country, had recently fallen apart when faced with a strange and mysterious new organization. Details were still slim, but the concept of a criminal organization fiercer than Team Rocket worried Ash a great deal.
"We've reached Pallet Town Harbor. All passengers prepare to disembark," came a voice over the speaker system.
This raised Ash from his stupor of thought. "No reason to worry. What will come will come," he muttered to himself.
He made sure his bags were in order before waking Pikachu. His closest companion opened his eyes slightly, looking a tad bit grumpy.
Ash chuckled. "Come on Pikachu. A new set of adventures awaits."