When I begun this story, I began with several thoughts in mind.

First, what would happen in a world where it wasn't just little critters people can catch in balls have extraordinary powers?

Second, what would become of a Pokemon story if the writers knew about later characters like Paul, the Frontier Brains and Serena at episode 1?

Third, what would a meeting between a fan Red and a canon Ash really be like, if the writer did not favor one over the other?

This story aims to do so, and hopefully be different in the process. After all, this is a story that Red and Ash are balanced out; Ash has something that Red does not; and it has nothing to do with being from a now dead world.

How many stories would ever suggest Ash is better than Red at anything positive?