Dreaming Big

Squirtle… Bulbasaur… Charmander… Bulbasaur… Squirtle… Fire… Water… Grass… Flamethrower… Razor Leaf… Water Gun… Ash slowly drifted off into slumber. Years of anticipation were reaching their climax. Tomorrow was the day he got to choose his very first Pokémon.

Beep Beeeep Beeeeeep BEEEEEEEP
Ash shot up out of bed, thinking an intruder had attacked him. Upon realising it was actually his alarm clock, he slowly calmed down and made his way back to bed "AHHHHH", Ash fell to the ground with a harsh thud, clutching his left foot in shock and agony.

Just beyond his leg, a shattered alarm clock in the shape of a Pokéball lay in ruins.
"I was dreaming of catching a wild Pokémon, I must have thrown it in my sleep"

The sheer excitement at even the thought of Pokémon made Ash's blood run faster. The hope and expectation of catching his first Pokémon caused him to bounce around uncontrollably. Whenever Pokémon was mentioned, there was nothing strong enough to contain Ash's joy and exhilaration.

Ash lay on his back, wide awake. The pain slowly alleviating as he gazed upon the Pokémon draped walls in his room. A comprehensive history of the world of Pokémon dominated the large wall opposite his bed.
Maybe one day, they will write about me in the history of Pokémon.
Slowly shifting his gaze to the right, multiple Pidgeot, Fearow, Articuno, Moltress, and Zapdos were all scattered amongst a pale blue backdrop. Fluffy white clouds sat amongst a vast sky.
I have always loved flying Pokémon, maybe I will specialise in them.
Ash subtly moved his eyes to the left. An equal third of this wall was dedicated to each starter Pokémon in the Kanto region. A lush green backdrop popped Bulbasaur into focus. Bulbasaur, as strong as he is loyal, the type of Pokémon that will always be by your side. Over the years, Ash had methodically gathered all available research and data on all three starter Pokémon.
A deep ocean blue splashed over the second third of the wall. Squirtle's innate love for the open water highlighted by the salience of a surfing Squirtle.
All these facts and my decision is still no clearer to me. Ash grew frustrated with his indecisiveness. The final third of the wall was painted a fierce, bright red. Charmander stood confidently in the centre. Small in stature but abounding in courage, Charmander will fight by your side until the very end.
They are all as amazing as each other, I am afraid of making the wrong choice. Ash's judgement was clouded, his indecision was gnawing at him like a herd of buzzing Beedrill.

"Ah, forget it" Ash spat, jumping to his feet beside the bed in frustration. Ash now faced the wall behind his bed, laying eyes upon something that clutched his heartstrings. Slowly making his way over to it, memories of his mother buying it from a retired Pokémon trainer flooded his mind. She paid far too much for it, and she carried it on her back a long distance, all because she knew how much it would mean to her only son, Ash. She knew how driven for success he was, she was in constant admiration of her son's love for Pokémon.

Now, five years later, Ash carefully ran his fingers over the smooth, buffered edge. Still in disbelief at the great lengths his mother went to in attaining this. All to serve as a reminder for Ash's to pursue his dreams… To be the best.

Ash softly shook his head, flashbacks repeatedly caused him to drift from reality. Taking a few steps back, Ash marvelled at the workmanship, the intricate details that only a trained eye could detect. Not a nail out of place, not a corner was cut, no mistake was made on this project. Ash had seen many beautiful trophy cases, but none more authentic and spectacular than the one that stood before him.

"When I first saw it, all the shelves were overflowing with trophies-"

Ash immediately spun around "Mom… when did you… how long have…"

Delia brushed off Ash's broken, incoherent questioning.

"This belonged to Sarah, she is now a retired Pokémon trainer. Upon her first journey she defeated eleven official Pokémon gyms, won three separate Pokémon tournaments, and made the grand finale at the Pokémon League. I wanted you to have her trophy case, because I know you can be even better than Sarah."

Ash nodded silently in agreement, now understanding the meaning behind the trophy cabinet.

"I'm going to be the best, even better than Sarah was!"

"I know you will be Ash"

"Thanks for believing in me Mom"

Ash intentionally averted his eyes from his mother's gaze. One look into her trusting, innocent, loving eyes would cause tears to well up uncontrollably. Rushing over, he hugged his Mom, then headed for the front door.

Delia felt upset that her only son was growing up and leaving on a Pokémon journey. But, she knew he would be fine on his own, after all, he was ten years old.

"Don't forget to bring a snack with you."

"I'll be fine Mom, you worry too much."

"Okay, say hello to Professor Oak from me, love you."

"Love you too Mom."