Amy looked back up at the Professor.

"I certainly didn't stop thinking about it." She admitted, sticking the Pokedex into her pocket. "And I'm still nervous." A little laugh was let out, and then she sighed. "But… yeah. I'd like to give it a try."

Her rival smirked. "About time you grew up." Amy's eyes flashed.

"Says the boy who still reads Hairy Persian." The boy's face became as red as a Pokeball as he retaliated.

"What!?"

Grinning Amy kept going. "Daisy told me all about it! Secret Pokemon wizards… how childish can you get?" She shrugged smugly as Gary smoldered.

The older Professor shook his head as they bickered. But inside he felt rather good about the outcome. Amy was willing to try, and that was good enough. Hopefully in time she would become stronger, and ready and willing to attempt harder challenges.

"Now, now!" Oak attempted to calm them down. "This is your last night in Pallet Town! Do you really want to spend it fighting like this?"

The teens paused, staring at one another. Both of them almost responded with a "Yes", but then shrugged and gave up fighting. Oak sighed, brushing his hair back.

"All right then. I believe we've all been invited to your house for dinner haven't we?" The Professor looked to Amy and she nodded. The three headed out, as they began recounting Amy's adventure. Both Oaks were curious about how she'd fared traveling, and Amy didn't mind explaining.

Though… for reasons that were her own, she said nothing about the gym or her meeting with the mystery Pokemon. It seemed not only personal… but also frightening. It was all too shady, and speaking about it seemed risky.

The stars began to appear in the sky as the three arrived at the Wright home. At about the same time as they were walking through front pathway, two figures showed up at the end of the road.

"Hey! Amy! Gary!" A kid shouted, running towards them happily. Recognizing the voice Amy grinned and waved.

Ash Ketchum appeared by the gate, wearing his typical red hat. His mother was right behind him. With the Oaks and the youngest Wright, the Ketchums entered the household. It was rather loud when they walked in, as the TV was turned up, and Ryan and Pidgey were happily cheering about the battle that was occurring on the screen.

"I've never seen Pokémon so into battling…" Amy shook her head. "I only meet the weirdoes." She sighed and moved into the kitchen as everyone else greeted Mrs. Wright and settled around the living room.

"So, Prof. Oak, how are things at the lab?" Mrs. Ketchum began, starting the conversation.

"Very well, I've started a new study –"

Amy moved to the kitchen to help her mother. "Anything I can do?"

Mrs. Wright glanced up, surprised, and then smiled sweetly. "Oh I can handle it. I don't want you working during your last night at home."

"But I didn't tell you I was –"

"I knew you would." Mrs. Wright began making salads. "You're your father's daughter; of course you want to venture out into the world." She winked at her daughter. "Go join the others, I'll be there soon."

The girl gave in, accepting that it was true; it was her last night in Pallet, and she wanted to have as much fun as possible.

0-0-0

"So how was your trip to Viridian City, Amy?" Mrs. Ketchum asked.

Though she'd already explained it once, Amy didn't mind talking about it again. "It was interesting. As you can see, I made a new friend."

Pidgey was sitting with Ryan, Daisy's Charmander, Gary's Bulbasaur, and Ash's unruly Pikachu. They were in the kitchen, nibbling on Pokémon snacks and talking happily. Bulbasaur wasn't very talkative, and she kept glaring at Ryan. Ryan was too involved in the conversation to notice.

"He's adorable!" Daisy happily commented.

"The poor guy was being bullied by two Spearows when I found him." Amy explained.

The Professor crossed his arms. "Spearows can be very vicious Pokémon. I wonder why they were attacking him…"

A sweat drop appeared on Amy's forehead. "Well… about that…" She quickly explained the situation.

At once everyone spun around to look at the Pidgey. Now that they knew about it, it was much more obvious.

"Poor guy…" Ash murmured.

"But you're right Amy; once Pidgey evolves he'll be able to fly just fine." Oak assured her. "Going with you is a good idea."

At this point Gary cut in. "You gonna name that one too?"

"Of course. I think they need individual names, but that's just me." The teen frowned. "But I don't know what to call him..."

"How about 'fatty'?" Ash offered. Everyone in the room glowered at him. He backed off. "S – Sorry…"

"He might have the right idea, but maybe something nicer." Amy's mother offered from the kitchen. She was setting the table. For a moment she paused to think of a suggestion. "How about… Pudgey! Pudgey the Pidgey!"

"Uh… Mom?" Amy sweat dropped. "That's about as good as Ryan's original idea of "Ninja Death Turtle"… or something like that."

Ryan over heard and barked a retort. "Squirtle, squirt!" It was Ultimate DEATH Turtle, thank you!

Ignoring him Amy thought about it. "Well… if I shorten it… how about Pudge?"

"Pudge?" Gary frowned.

"I think it's adorable!" Mrs. Ketchum approved. The female trainer stood and walked over to her friend, kneeling to pet him.

"How do you like the name Pudge?" She asked. "Do you like it?"

As the two spoke Ryan crossed his arms and muttered. "Squirtle Squirtle…" You didn't ask me if I liked Ryan…

For a moment Pidgey was quiet, and then he chirped and nodded. Pudge it was.

"Cool" Amy petted him some more. "Welcome to the team, Pudge."

0-0-0

After dinner the adults went back to the living room, but the children headed outside with their Pokémon for some fresh air. Outside the Pokemon got to know each other, giving introductions they had forgotten to do when they were inside eating.

They were sitting out in the grass in a circle, and nearby their trainers were leaning against the fence.

Laughing, talking, and looking up at the stars, four of the Pokémon seemed content. The fifth, Ash's Pikachu, was brooding near the edge of the circle.

"Pika? Pika pi?" Finally Pikachu spoke, arms crossed, surprising the others. They all looked at him. So your name is Ryan… The Squirtle at the end of the circle perked up. Pikachu turned and frowned at him. "Pikachu… pika pika!" A human name… you let a human name you?

Ryan folded his arms and frowned back. "Squirtle." So what?

The Pikachu turned her back to him. "Pikachu, pika!" You just submit to their will?

He shook his head stubbornly. "Squirtle Squirtle!" No! Amy's my friend. She didn't force me.

Bulbasaur and Charmander watched the verbal fight as Pudge just cowered not likely the tensions. Ryan put a hand on his chin for a moment. "Squirtle… Squirtle…" Well… I did want a cooler name than Ryan…

Grinning in triumph Pikachu spun around. "Pika! Pikachu!" See! You're letting that human control you!

Ryan frowned at her. "Squirtle!" That's not true!

Across the way, the four humans talked.

"So what are your plans for the big journey?" Daisy asked, addressing the group. "What do you want to accomplish?"

Immediately Gary smirked smugly. "To fill up my Pokedex of course."

This prompted Ash to cheer. "Me too!" He had been given the third Pokedex. "Only I'll do it way before Gary and I'm gonna become the best trainer there ever was!"

The other boy scoffed. "Yeah right. If you become the best I'll eat a Weedle."

For some reason Ash took him seriously. "You're on!" Gary blankly stared at the boy like he'd lost his mind.

Laughing at their antics Daisy turned to Amy. "What about you? Eager to fill your Pokedex?"

She shrugged. "Sure, though I'm not in a rush." She sent a look towards the two boys. Then her eyes softened a little. "I've thought about it a lot; I've been thinking about training in general…"

Nearby Ryan and Pikachu continued their argument. Ryan was still defending himself against the other's accusation. "Squirtle squirt! Squirtle… Squirtle!" Amy doesn't force me; she didn't even want me to battle! "Squirt Squirtle." But now we're a team. He smiled and crossed his arms, looking towards his trainer. "Squirtle squirt squirt! She's gonna help me achieve my dream!

Still Pikachu looked a little skeptical. "Chu?" And what's that?

Ryan looked at the sky. "Squirtle…" My dream…

Amy crossed her arms and looked off into the distance. "My dream…"

Got a package full of wishes…

At that moment Ryan let out a burst of joy and shouted his greatest hope to the world.

A time machine, a magic wand,

A globe made out of gold…

"SQUIRTLE! SQUIRTLE!" I WANNA BE REALLY STRONG!

No instructions or commandments

The Pokemon winced from the noise but the humans didn't notice.

Laws of Gravity or indecisions to uphold

Amy began murmuring to the group.

Printed on the box I see


A.C.M.E.'s Build-a-World-to-be


Take a chance - Grab a piece


Help me to believe it

"I want to work with Pokemon differently."

What kind of world do you want?


Think Anything


Let's start at the start


Build a masterpiece

For once the boys were quiet and actually listening. Amy glanced over at them.

Be careful what you wish for

"I'm going to show the world how Pokemon should be treated. And maybe if I become Champion… maybe they'll listen." She smiled.

~History Starts Now~

0-0-0

Inside the adults talked back and forth about the same subject as the teenagers outside.

"I don't know what I'll do without Ash." Mrs. Ketchum sighed. "It's going to be so lonely around the house."

"Don't worry." Mrs. Wright smiled knowingly. "We mothers will cope together. Maybe even train some ourselves."

"You're always welcome to drop by the lab and see the Pokemon there. They'd love it!" Oak offered.

As it grew darker the teens and Pokemon filed back into the house (other than the brooding Pikachu who remained outside) and joined their parents.

"Well I guess we'll head home. Ash has a lot of packing to do!" Mrs. Ketchum said ignoring a small tear that threatened to fall.

"Mom…" Ash sighed.

"And I'm sure Gary and Amy must do the same." Prof. Oak stood to leave.

Everyone gathered by the front door, saying their goodbyes. Daisy approached Amy again. "I'll be rooting for you Amy. You too Ash." She looked to the black haired boy.

"What about me?" Gary demanded with a little frown. His sister laughed.

"That goes without saying." She kissed his forehead and he flushed, turning away.

"Amy, you – you're the oldest of you three." Mrs. Ketchum said when she walked up. "I'm counting on you to keep an eye out for Ash okay?" She sniffled. "And Gary too of course."

Both boys seemed disgruntled by the idea of a girl keeping an eye on them but they didn't say anything. Taking an index card and tearing it in half, Amy wrote her cell phone number down on both papers, and handed one to each boy.

"In case you need me" She said. Gary took it begrudgingly, and would likely throw it away later. Ash slipped his into his pocket with a huff.

"Goodnight Professor." Amy said as he walked out the door. He was the last to go.

Before he exited he turned back to look at her. "You made the right choice." He murmured. "You will treasure this journey and this time of your life for as long as you live." With a reassuring smile and a wink, the Professor disappeared out the door.

0-0-0

Before bed, Amy checked her supplies. Pudge had fallen asleep already, snuggled into Amy's pillow. Ryan sat on the desk, swinging his little legs. He was watching as his trainer talked to herself and packed her bag.

She had her cell phone – and on it was a little pokeball cell phone charm, given to her by her cousin in Cerulean. Despite her dislike of the item she kept it since her cousin had bought it as a good luck charm.

Her Pokemon supplies: potions, antidotes, food, and such, were all in the bag. Spare clothes and womanly supplies were also packed, along with other items that might be needed, like bandages or tape. There was a diary and a camera in the bag, so she could record her journey, and a sleeping bag and two extra blankets, since the Pokemon would need to be warm too.

The bag wasn't too heavy, but it was rather large. Hopefully over time she'd build up enough muscle to carry it with ease. For the moment she struggled to set it on the floor.

Ryan jumped off the desk and moved to the bed. "Squirtle?" Ready to sleep?

Tired the girl nodded, falling back onto the bed without thinking. Luckily its shaking did not wake Pudge. Amy closed her eyes, sighing deeply. When she opened them slightly she saw Ryan's big eyes looking at her. If she of jumped she would've fallen off the bed but she caught herself.

"Gee, thanks." She frowned playfully at him. Ryan for once didn't joke back.

"Squirt?" You okay? The Pokemon frowned.

Nodding Amy sat back up and sighed again. "I'm just a little overwhelmed. It's sinking in." She let her head fall back. "I'm leaving town, and I'm not coming back until we get the ultimate dream – the eight badges, the league championship. How long will that take?" This time she fell onto the bed gently. "A year? Or two?"

Ryan touched her arm. "Squirt Squirtle." Don't worry. We'll do it in record time! We're so cool like that.

Amy laughed quietly and shook her head. "You're good at cheering me up. And we hardly know each other yet."

The Squirtle moved to the pillow with a big grin. "Squirtle Squirtle." Traveling together will change that.

Too tired to think of anything else Amy just nodded and settled between Ryan and Pudge, still in her clothes. She closed her eyes and in a moment was sleeping as deeply as Pudge. It took Ryan a while longer. He was busy thinking about all the changes in his life.

In a day or so he'd gone from being Prof. Oak's buddy who simply lazed around the lab, either bored or helping with research, and now he was going on an adventure! He'd even met an amazing Pokemon of a type he didn't even know. That Pokemon… Ryan would never forget him.

Finally, thinking excited thoughts about the next day, Ryan curled up beside Amy and fell asleep.

0-0-0

Before you could say "good morning" Gary was up and gone the next day, already on his own and on the road. Apparently he hadn't left without incident, as both Daisy and the Professor had fussed over him beforehand. One of the two even broke into tears; and as Daisy calmed her emotional grandfather, Gary made his way out into the world.

That was at about six o'clock in the morning; Amy was not in a rush to leave, and woke at eight instead. Pudge and Ryan were excited to get on the road, urging their trainer to hurry. The whole morning they bounded about the house, cheering like children.

Mrs. Wright had breakfast ready for them. The Pokemon ate as Amy took a shower. Once she stepped into her room to get dressed, she noticed something new. A new outfit.

"I bought it while you were in Viridian." Mrs. Wright explained as she walked into the room. The proof was in the price tags that were still on the garments. "Adventurers should have their own unique style right?"

Wrapped in her towel Amy moved to the bed. "Wow mom; it's awesome!"

It was a red skirt with a blue tank top, which matched well with her white hat. Beside it was matching pants and a long sleeve shirt with a jacket, so she could adjust to any environment. The shoes were red and white with blue socks.

"Thanks" She began getting dressed; Mrs. Wright smiled before heading down the stairs.

It was nine o'clock by the time the three had eaten, dressed, and were ready to get on the road. After one last bathroom break everyone headed outside.

"Here, take the camera" Amy took the object out of her bag and handed it to her mother. Then she, Ryan, and Pudge posed on the stairs, close to one another.

"Come on, bigger smiles! This is the first day of your big adventure!" The three obliged. With a click and a flash the moment was saved.

"Thanks" Amy took the camera back and put it in her bag. Mrs. Wright watched her eyes full of unshed tears.

"It's really happening, isn't it?" She murmured.

"Don't worry, mom." Amy put her bag on and smiled reassuringly. "You won't lose me." Not like you lost Dad.

"I know; you can take care of yourself." She smiled. A tear escaped her eye. "Call as often as you can! At least once a week."

Someone walked up behind the two. "And you can always call me, if you need me." Prof. Oak joined them. He handed Amy a piece of paper with his number on it. "Just in case you need help."

"Professor." Amy smiled happily. "Thank you."

"I might've made a mistake in convincing you to go." He admitted with a smug smirk. "If you like some other city better than Pallet Town, you might start your own lab. Then I'd lose a valuable partner."

Amy's heart soared and she leapt at the older man hugging him tightly. "I'll come back promise!" Ryan and Pudge watched giggling.

"You'd better!" Oak laughed. Then a realization hit him. "Oh, one more thing!"

He handed her six Pokeballs from his jacket. "You'll definitely need these!"

Amy shook her head. "No thanks."

Both the Professor and Amy's mother looked shell shocked. "What!?"

"I've managed to add a Pokemon to the group without forcing him to join me." Amy reached into her pocket and pulled out Ryan's pokeball. "I've decided to go without them."

Ryan and Pudge were just as amazed as the two humans as Amy gave Ryan's pokeball to Prof. Oak.

"Are you sure?" He asked. She nodded. Suddenly Prof. Oak laughed and it was Amy's turn to be confused. "You'll make a fine trainer Amy. And a great Professor!" He put his hand on her shoulder. "You've got heart."

Cheering, both Ryan and Pudge agreed. They were presently waving flags that read "Amy #1!" and "YAY Amy!" which had come from out of nowhere. Amy twitched. "O –Kay…"

"You'd better get going." Mrs. Wright whispered, trying to hold herself. Amy nodded feeling her own heart tightening.

"Take care of my mom okay?" She asked the Professor.

"Of course." He nodded.

Amy, Ryan, and Pudge turned to go.

Mrs. Wright began waving. "Take care! Take a lot of pictures! I want to know all about your adventures!"

Amy waved behind her, as Ryan and Pudge chirped their own farewells.

"She'll be all right." Mrs. Wright murmured to herself.

"Yes, she will. Amy doesn't know her own strength, but she will. Though Ash and Gary have determination and great potential, Amy loves Pokemon. Perhaps that will help her where talent will not."

Amy and her partners faded into the distance; Prof. Oak returned to his lab; and Amy's mother continued to stare down the path for a long time.

What kind of world do you want?


Think Anything


Let's start at the start


Build a masterpiece

An hour or so later the three stopped in Viridian for lunch, and around twelve o'clock they approached the Viridian Forest.

At that time Ash woke up.

"I overslept!!!"


Be careful what you wish for


History starts now...