The sound of the alarm ringing caused Ash to stir from his slumber. With a loud groan he twist and turned his body as he burrowed his face onto the pillow. He wasn't a morning person and wanted nothing but to sleep till his heart's content. That's when he heard his mother clearing her throat, multiple times. He opened his eyes slowly and saw his mother starting at him with a bubbly and cheerful looking smile, just the mere look of her smile woke Ash up to say a hearty good morning to her.

"Morning mom." He yawned as he said those lines, receiving a good morning from his mother, Ash turned and look at her and was puzzled as why was she here in his bed. Normally she would be in the kitchen preparing breakfast and-

"Wait I'm not in my bedroom?" Delia giggled at her son's forgetfulness, he must have forgotten that he wanted to sleep with her last night. It wasn't long before Ash came back to his senses and realize that he was in his mother's bedroom. He blushed lightly as he felt embarrassed for being so dumb and forgetful.

"Well I hope that's the only thing you forget." Referring to Ash's first pokemon journey, Delia was quite worried when Ash gave her a puzzled look. (although it was adorable) Good Arceus! She was glad Leaf is travelling with Ash or else Ash would get lost on his first day! It took a while, but Ash finally remembered as he mouth an "oh".

"Oh, oh, OH! OH! That's right! Today is the day!" Ash shouted excitedly as he jump of the bed, however the excitement didn't last long when he remembered the conversation he had with his mom last night. The images of his mother breaking down in front of him and the loneliness in her voice just twisted Ash's heart again. The room that was once filled with energetic chirpiness now was replaced by an air of somberness. Delia who instantly realized what was happening upon looking at Ash's face, walked up to him and placed her hands comfortably on Ash's shoulders.

"M-Mom, I-" Raising his chin up lightly with her finger, Delia only beamed a loving smile at Ash before tugging her hand onto his.

"Let's have breakfast first alright Ash?" Wordlessly, he followed his mother who hummed a tune. If his mother was putting on a facade of happiness she is doing a remarkable job at it.

"Does pancakes sound good Ash? Or maybe waffles? Sunny side ups? Which one do you want?" Ash really found it hard to answer her question considering he was choking his words out.

"A-Anything is fine mom." Delia only nodded with the same bright smile still plastered on her face. It was worrying Ash on how happy she was, should he do his part and try to be happy for her too?

"Pancakes it is then!" Sitting down on the dining table, Ash stared at his mother who was working on pancakes. Clad in his pajamas, Ash gave out an audible sigh as he laid back on the chair.

"The pancakes are almost done Ash!" Ash nodded and stared at the ceiling before him, maybe he should change his clothes. It would certainly give him some time to think on what to say to her later.

"I'm changing my clothes mom." Receiving a loud "okay!" from her, Ash slowly walked upstairs to his room and change his clothes.

'Am I leaving home? Is this it? Is this where my journey begins? How would mom feel? Wouldn't she feel alone?' Ash shook his head of those thoughts, he had to remind himself that this is what he always wanted. To travel the world, explore new regions, meet new friends and more pokemon! He already had this internal conflict last night, he is not doing this again!

'The only price I'm paying is that mom would be alone... I'm not sure if that is a price I'm willing to pay.' She was the most important person in his life, the thought of her being sad because of his absence was heartbreaking. Ash sighed and stared at his cap, where was the excitement of beginning his journey? Getting his new starter? Why did it feel so gloomy now? This isn't how Ash envision he would start his grand pokemon journey with Leaf.

"Ash breakfast is ready!" Ash snapped out of his thoughts and wore his cap, he quickly walked downstairs only to find Delia already sitting down. She smiled at him and ushered him to sit next to her, something which he obliged without hesitation.

"I made it just the way you like it! Soft all around but crispy on the edges." Delia winked at Ash who just laughed, she always know how to cheer him up.

"Thanks mom... I- really appreciate all the things you have done for me. I know it's difficult to raise me single-handedly and I'm very grateful-" Ash spoke in a very uncharacteristic voice as his eyes dilated into a darker shade.

"Nonsense!" Ash stared at his mother who looked pissed off, she was standing up with her hands on her hips as she gave him the firm glare that he had not seen ever since he was a kid.

"Wha-"

"Ash Satoshi Ketchum I don't remember raising you being so weak and emotional! Today is the day that you get to become a pokemon trainer, to get your first pokemon! But look at you! Being so gloomy and sentimental?! Get a grip Ash, you're leaving me, so what?! I can take care of myself! I don't need you to stay with me for the rest of your life so I can be happy! If you want to make me happy then go out there and become the next Pokemon Master! I want to see that "I'm going to be the best of the best, like no one ever was" attitude from you Ash! So stop crying and go out there and make something out of yourself! I know you can do it!" Delia roaring wasn't the least frightening to Ash, rather it was inspiring. Was she holding those thoughts to herself this entire time? Was she tired of seeing him moping around?

"Mom... you're right! I would prove to the world that I'm going to be the next pokemon master! Just you wait mom. in a few years time, your son is going to be the strongest pokemon trainer in the world!" Gobbling up the last of his pancake, Ash ran out of the house with blazing speed as the familiar determined look on his face finally returned to him.

"I will be back soon!" Ash shouted loudly as he energetically ran towards the lab, he didn't fail to notice the adoring smile on his mother's face.

'That's my Ash..'

Ash was feeling it, the excitement, the adrenaline and the joy of becoming a trainer. He was starting to feel all of it, and right now he just couldn't wait to get his desired starter, charmander. No more being sad about leaving his mom behind, she may it clear that she would be fine without him. All he had to do now is to win, and accomplish his dream.

"Ash!" Ash stopped his tracks, he recognized that sweet voice instantly. He turned around and saw Leaf smiling at him, good lord she looked cute in those clothes, especially with that white hat that he got her for her birthday. Perfection!

"Leaf! I thought you overslept." Leaf scowled at him and hit his shoulders playfully, did Ash ever mentioned that he LOVED these playful interactions?

"Hey! that's my line." Noticing Ash wasn't carrying his backpack, Leaf stared at him with a grin.

"Forgot your backpack?" Ash smirked and shook his head.

"Nah, I'm going back to my house later after I got my starter." Leaf pouted, so he didn't forget.

'Besides, it would give me the chance to see the town one last time and say goodbye to mom.' Ash kept that thought to himself.

"Well come on! We have to get to the lab before Gary does!" Ash already started running, with Leaf following the suit.

"Right at ya!" After running through all the hills and the slopes, they finally made their way to the laboratory. They begin to slow down their pace and started walking, knowing that a new chapter of their lives is about to unfold. Leaf stared at Ash who was walking in front of her, he was in good spirits and was smiling all the way.

'I always dream of going on a pokemon journey with Ash. We made a promise to each other when we younger that wherever "you go, I go with you". That we always stay together, as a team. I'm scared but having Ash by my side make everything seemed so... trivial. I know I can always count on him, I just hope he does the same.' Leaf placed her hands on her chest and smiled softly.

One day, she would tell Ash how she feels about him...

"Professor Oak? We are here to get our pokemon." Ash shouted loudly as he banged on the door. Professor Oak who was inspecting the starter pokeballs instant greeted Ash and Leaf with a smile.

"Ah Ash, Leaf! I didn't expect you two to come this early." Professor Oak chuckled, with his hands deep inside his pockets.

"I'm guessing we came before Gary?" Professor Oak only grinned and nodded.

"That is correct, but we don't have to wait for him. Come then! your partner awaits!" Leaf was smiling all the way through, she jumped onto Ash and placed her hands on his shoulders, her head peering over his shoulders.

"Really professor? We don't have to wait for Gary?" Professor Oak smirked when he saw Ash's blushing face, can't blame he though.

"Y-You know you are quite heavy right?" Leaf stuck her tongue out in response.

"Of course. Gary being Gary is probably still sleeping as we speak." The elderly- I mean the handsome and dashing professor led the two aspiring trainers towards a table that had three unique pokeballs on it.

"Alright Ash here's charmander." Ash took charmander's pokeball from professor Oak's hand and held it gently. He rubbed the pokeball with his thumb and held tight in his hand.

"Thank you professor Oak." The professor nodded and turned to Leaf who was holding back her anticipation.

"And here's-"

"Bulbasaur! Yay!" Leaf jumped for joy as she snatched bulbasaur's pokeball from the professor, holding it close to her. Professor Oak sighed at her antics but smiled nonetheless, she really is something.

"Geez Leaf, and you say I'm the immature one." Leaf grinned and stood in front of Ash, there was something beautiful in Leaf's eyes that Ash couldn't describe it. He knew she was childish but honestly that really made Leaf more appealing to Ash. Yet she also has the air of maturity around her that Ash couldn't placed his fingers on.

'I guess she just know when to be childish, when not to be.' His not complaining though, Leaf was just too cute when she's acting like a little girl.

"Alright then! Let us meet our new companions!" Ash called out charmander, the Kanto fire type smiled when his eyes laid on Ash.

"Hi charmander my name is Ash, would you like to join me on my journey to become a pokemon master?" The enthusiasm in Ash's voice really made him likable to Charmander. He tilted his head to aside before hugging Ash with a big smile on his face.

"Okay, okay I like you too charmander!" Ash hugged his starter back with a laugh, he could tell he is going to get along with charmander just fine. Leaf giggled at how adorable the two looked, she stared at bulbasaur's pokeball with a grin and called him out.

"Huh?" Bulbasaur looked around until he realized what was going on, he turned around until his eyes laid on Leaf. He cocked his head to aside curiously before walking towards her.

"Hi bulbasaur! My name is Leaf, would you like to be my friend?" How could he say no to that? His trainer is both adorable and sweet! Bulbasaur nodded and nuzzled his cheeks against her legs.

"Sure!" Leaf giggled and hugged bulbasaur close to her.

'This is my bulbasaur, there are many one like it, but this one is mine.' Did I ever mentioned Leaf was the possessive type?

"So that's a bulbasaur." Ash walked towards Leaf with charmander in his arms. Upon seeing Ash, bulbasaur narrowed his eyes and stared at him warily. Noticing her starter's stare, she patted his bulb and stared at Ash with a adoring smile.

"It's okay bulbasaur, Ash here is my best friend. We would be travelling together." Bulbasaur nodded and went to say his hello to Ash. Completely forgetting that he almost threaten to hurt him a second ago.

"My aren't you a strong little fella." Ash patted bulbasaur's head as charmander made his way towards Leaf, eager to meet the pretty trainer.

"So you are travelling with Ash? That's awesome!" Obviously Leaf couldn't tell what charmander was saying, but she knew that he was happy to see her and that's enough in her book. She didn't resist the urge to give charmander a hug, something which the Kanto fire type is fond of.

Professor Oak gave off a small smile seeing the heartwarming bonding moment, he placed his hand on the wall of the laboratory and sighed.

'It gladdens me to see the new generation of pokemon trainers bonding so nicely with their pokemon. Really makes all the years of research and work paid off.'

"Aww you two are so cute!" Ash and Leaf turned around and saw Daisy smiling at them.

"Daisy!" Leaf ran to her and smiled at the older teen who hugged her.

"It's soooo good to see you two!" Ash calmly walk towards Daisy and waved a hello to her, which irked Daisy.

"Ash you don't have to be so modest and shy! Come here and give me a big hug!" Ash's face went red when the older teen hugged his affectionately, she was even ruffling his hair!

"D-Daisy!" Leaf smirked at how Ash was so easily flustered, it really made him cuter when he's like that.

"See not so bad right? Or would you rather have Leaf to give you one?" Daisy and Leaf smirked when Ash turned his head away, his face filled with crimson red.

'Darn it, why does ALL the women in my life have to tease me one way or another?' Seriously, it has to stop.

"Ahem, we're not finished yet." Professor Oak gave the three youngsters a deadpan look.

"What do you mean professor." As if on queue, two shadows appeared in the corner of Ash's eyes.

"ASH/LEAF!" Ash reacted in time and caught pikachu who was buzzing in excitement and joy. Leaf on the other hand was caught off guard when she laid her eyes on the vulpix.

"Oh my gosh vulpix!" Leaf hugged vulpix close as she kept saying the words "I miss you".

"Hey buddy, I haven't seen you in a while." Pikachu nodded and nuzzled Ash's cheeks.

"Well it seems like vulpix and pikachu would like to go with you." Professor Oak sat right back down and took a sip from his coffee mug.

"Really guys?" A symphony of nods were enough to answer that question.

"Really are you sure professor? I mean it wouldn't be fair for other trainers who only receive one pokemon for their starting pokemon."

"Nonsense Ash, of course it is fine. Besides they wanted to come with you, who am I to stop them?" The cheeky tone on Professor Oak caused Ash to laugh.

"Oh yeah before I forget, here you go." Professor Oak stood up and handed the two trainers his custom made pokedex.

"Professor is this a pokedex?" Ash held the pokedex in his arms carefully, he is know to have butter fingers when handling fragile and delicate objects.

"Indeed it is Ash, consider a farewell gift on my part."

"Professor-" Leaf was trembling when she held the pokedex, it really felt that this was it. Their goodbyes to everyone, and they haven't even got out of town yet.

"Now don't get all emotional on me your hear? Listen, I have watch you two grow up in Pallet town, both of you have blossom into beautiful people with beautiful souls. I have always thought you two as my own grandchildren and I want you two to know how proud and happy I am to see you where you are on this day. Nothing makes me happier than to see my own grandchildren growing up and on the verge of beginning a new chapter in their lives. My only word of advice to you is live, live and be happy. You will find what's more important in life as you continue your journey." Professor Oak placed his hands on Ash's shoulder, he ruffled Ash's hair when suddenly Ash gave the professor a bone crushing hug with tears falling from his eyes.

"I-I will professor... thank you for everything, grandfather." Professor Oak sighed softly and hugged Ash back.

"You're welcome Ash, you're very welcome." Ash withdraw back as he wipe the tears off his face, he was immediately pulled into a hug by Daisy who was saying her goodbyes to him.

"Leaf, care to give an old man a hug?" Professor Oak smiled lightly when Leaf hugged him fiercely.

"P-Professor..."

"There, there Leaf, there's no need to cry. We will see each other again." Professor Oak whispered soothingly as he patted her back.

"I look forward the day you become Ash's bride." Leaf pulled back immediately and stared at the professor with a blush on her cheeks, that was one way to stop her from crying! Grinning at her reaction, the old goat wiped away the small tear on the corner of his eye and sighed.

"Well I have not been that emotional in a long while." Leaf remained silent as Ash stood next to her, his hand entwining her's.

The pokemon stared at their trainers and their caretakers. They realized now, how important they were to each other and how much they loved each other.

"I haven't seen professor Oak cry ever... Ash and Leaf must be very special to him." Pikachu spoke to no one in particular as he stared at the professor.

"I think he considers them as family, I know I would." Bulbasaur stared at the floor and closed his eyes, vividly remembering the moment he had with Leaf earlier.

"No matter what happens, the bonds of friendship and family are always here to stay." Vulpix spoke softly, her eyes fixated on Leaf.

"Is that what you believe in vulpix?" Charmander turned to the fire fox, who's smile seemed warm and gentle.

"Of course, someone special once told me that." Pikachu only smiled at her statement.

Leaf's POV

I've always known that saying good bye isn't easy, especially to someone you consider as family. There were many unspoken words I wanted to say to them, how much you appreciate them and how much you love them. Yet you could never get the words out, whether you got caught in the moment or your pride won't allow you to say those words. The people of Pallet Town has always known to be friendly and caring. Not a single resident here have I ever seen done anything bad or malicious. To think that I would leave this place that I called home and go out into the vast of world of pokemon is terrifying. I'm scared, more than anything.

But I know that my pokemon and Ash would be with me by my side. Through thick and thin, especially Ash who I know I can always rely on. However right now I'm saying goodbye to the most important people in my life, my mom... and not even Ash can make me feel better.

"Mom." Her soft and delicate hands cupped my cheeks, the warmth from her hands and the gentle smile on her face temporarily melt my worries away, yet it resurface quickly, clouding my thoughts with despair. I was choking my words out with everyone watching me, almost as if they were judging me. This was not how I plan on saying my goodbyes.

"Leaf sweetheart." She placed her forehead against mine, no words were needed as we completely understood each other. Still it didn't mean I didn't cry, I sobbed in front of her, in front of everyone. I didn't want to leave my mom, the facade I put on this morning has finally taken it's toll but mom can see it through me easily. She knew from the moment I woke up this morning that I was trying my hardest not to look down. So she put up the act as well.

"I-I don't want to leave." Those were the words I wanted to tell her, the moment I woke up I want to scream those words at her. She held me tenderly and softly, like how a mother does when she comforts her child. My pokemon were comforting me as they nuzzled legs, I would have hugged them and said thanks if it wasn't for me not wanting to let go of my mom. I was afraid that I would never see her again, I was afraid that she would feel that I would be like my "father" who left her and never came back.

Then a pair of warm arms were wrapped around my waist. It was then I felt my mother let go of me as she gave me a teary smile. I wasn't surprise to find out that it was Ash who was hugging me from behind. I was well aware how awkward it was in the public, but considering everyone knows of our "relationship", it didn't came to them as a surprise.

"We must learn when to let go Leaf, to step out of our comfort zone. The world is filled with opportunity and dreams that awaits us, I'm sure your mother wants you to achieve your dreams too." Right now I feel so weak, I never wanted to cry, especially in front of Ash but he had seen me cry more times than anyone. If there is one person who won't judge me when I'm at my weakest, it was Ash.

"Y-Yeah, you're right." He spun me around, this time his hands were placed firmly on my shoulders. His hazel brown eyes really bring out the kind and gentle person he is. He raised my chin up and looked at my eyes, the intensity between us was so strong, I swore he was going to confess to me right there and then.

"I'm here with you, you're not alone. Your pokemon is also here with you. So be brave, and walk this path with me. I need you Leaf." I'm pretty sure my cheeks went bright crimson red, arceus he could say the sweetest things in the least romantic moments. It didn't help the fact that everyone around us were snickering and smirking at us, especially our moms. I swear these two have been shipping us together the moment Ash moved into Pallet Town!

"I need you too A-Ash." He beamed a smile at me as I close in the gap between us and gave him a hug. He rubbed my back in a comforting manner and whispered "I'm here for you". Like how he used when we were younger, looking back now, I see no reason not to fall for him.

"Leaf dear, I know the outside world can be cruel and scary, so take good care of yourself and Ash alright?" Delia smiled at me brightly, she gave me a hug of her own as soon as Ash broke off the hug with me. Here I am basking in the warmth of family being all so dramatic. But I realized it now that...

This would be the last time I would ever cry in front of mom.

Normal POV

Ash stared at Pallet Town from a distance, all sorts of emotions surged through him but he managed to smile nonetheless. He stared at Leaf who walked next to him, she was biting her lower lip as she looked at the ground beneath her. Concerned of her silence, Ash patted Leaf's shoulders.

"It's just us now, so that means I'm relying on you." Leaf turned to Ash who grinned at her, she laughed at how serious he tried to sound yet the damn grin on his face contradicts it.

"Only if you do 90% of the work."

"Huh what do you mean?!"

"You know like gathering firewood, setting up the tent, cooking- oh wait you can't cook!"

"Of course I can! I'm just not as good as you that's all!" Leaf grinned, she likes it when he compliments her indirectly.

"Geez thanks for the compliment Ashy." Ash rolled his eyes and stared at vulpix who was sitting on Leaf's shoulders. He remembered fondly on the day he met the fire fox pokemon.

It was during a sunny day, where Ash and Leaf her were playing with the pokemon that were in the ranch. The young vulpix approached Leaf timidly and wanted Leaf to play with her which she gladly accepted. Ash remembered how happy Leaf was when she play with her. They grew attached to one another and became the best of friends. It was almost the same story with him and pikachu honestly.

"Sooo now that we are ACTUALLY on our pokemon journey, what do you want to do now?" Leaf blinked her eyes, she placed her finger on her chin and was looking like she was deep in thought.

"I don't know honestly, maybe we should train our pokemon and get to know them better first? It's not like we have a "how to start your pokemon journey guide"." Sounds good to Ash, Leaf was always better at coming up with ideas.

"Alright then, let's find a clearing so we can start our training session." Charmander and pikachu rubbed their paws together, eager to test each other's might.

"But before that, we first must establish that in our first gym battle, we would be facing a rock type gym leader. So I think it is wise for me to teach pikachu and charmander steel type moves and- Leaf?" Ash was well aware that Leaf was backing away from him with eyes that screamed fear.

"I'm sorry, sorry. It's just that you suddenly spoke in a different manner! I mean seriously who use the word "establish" when they are only 10?" Was he doing it again? He did have a tendency to speak differently when he is nervous or agitated.

"Sorry it's just that I'm kinda nervous." Leaf grinned and stepped closer towards Ash, much closer.

"What? Ash Ketchum nervous because of a gym battle!?" Leaf faked her shock expression as she widened her eyes just to mock the heck out of Ash. Ash on the other hand only scowled and gave her a deadpan look.

"Getting tired of your sarcasm Leaf." Leaf grinned and wagged her fingers.

"When have you not?" Ash sighed and continued to walk with the pokemon as his eyes were straight on the path. That's when he felt Leaf hugging his arm suddenly.

'Bingo!' Ash was a master at mind games.

"Okay, okay I'm sorry alright, just don't give me the cold shoulder. You know I hate that." Leaf's pouts were very dangerous, very dangerous to Ash's heart.

"Yeah, yeah." Leaf giggled and hugged Ash's arms tighter, she failed to see the genuine smile and the small blush on his face.

"So back to teaching your pokemon steel type moves, do you think it's possible for vulpix to learn iron tail?" Vulpix perked up immediately upon hearing her name.

"Yeah of course, anything is possible if you put your heart in it." The determine look on Ash's face really reminded Leaf of someone.

"Man you sound like a typical shounen protagonist."

"I do not!"

"I want to become the next pokemon master and I believe through the powers of friendship and not giving up, I can achieve my dream! I want to be the best of the best, like no one ever was so I can protect my friends and family!" Leaf's ability to imitate is frankly amazing.

"Leaf!" Ash shouted as he flailed his arms, he doesn't sound like that! Does he?

"What? That's the truth isn't it?" Ash wasn't sure if that was a compliment a not, but if it's coming from Leaf it's a 50/50.

"Why am I friends with you again?"

"Because I'm so likable!" Leaf bounced next to Ash and hugged his arm again, Ash really couldn't figure her out! One moment she was teasing him, the next minute she was being affectionate with him.

"Well I don't deny that." Ash went to her ear and whispered those words to her in a deep husky tone, causing Leaf to have shivers down her spine as she stared at Ash bashfully with a blush on her cheeks. She hated it even more when he had a satisfied smirk on his face, it just goes to show how much Ash had an effect on her.

"D-Darn it Ash don't do that." Just as Ash was about to say something, they heard a ear piercing scream from the woods.