Coauthor:Nitro Zeus
Pallet Town: Ketchum Residence, 4 Years Later…
It was the night before he'd set off for his journey, and Ash was trying on the clothes his mother made. He has his limited-edition Indigo League hat, sea blue jacket, pair of green gloves, and emerald, green backpack. He also wore a black shirt, light blue jeans, and sneakers.
"Tomorrow, I get to start my journey with Pikachu." Ash was clearly excited. "My dream is to be a Pokemon Master!"
Delia threw the door to his room open and saw Ash striking a pose with his pokeball alarm clock. His television was on showing a special battle between two trainers. One has the sun pokemon Espion while the other trainer threw out an Onyx.
This was the Kanto Champion League Battle with the challenger, winner of the Indigo League, and the current Champion of Kanto who Ash was familiar with. The champion was Wes Orre who was in fact Michael's older brother.
Any trainer who wins a region's Pokemon League has the right to face it's Elite Four and Champion. If they win, they become the new champion. Currently, Kanto's Champion League consists of Lorelei, Bruno, Agatha, and Lance with Wes as the champion.
Delia was in her night robe, with a towel wrapped around her head, and a green face mask on. "Ash, get to bed." Ash jumped at her presence causing his pokeball alarm clock to fly at Delia who caught it. "It's late, and you should be asleep."
"I know mom." Ash moaned, before realizing his tone, which seemed to harden Delia's glare. "I'm just too excited. Tomorrow, Pikachu and I can set of on our journey."
Delia sighed as she knew how long her son has dreamed about this. "Fine, you can stay up for ten more minutes, but I want you in bed soon after." She then walked over to the television. "For now, you can at least watch something educational."
Delia changed the channel to Professor Oak who was going over the three starters a new trainer usually can chose from.
Ash sighed since he knew there was no point in arguing. "Ok mom."
"Also, get out of those clothes, or they'll be too dirty to travel in." Delia scolded.
Yvonne Residence
Serena was already in bed; however, she couldn't sleep. The girl was tossing and turning with mixed feelings about what tomorrow would bring. She decided to take her mind off it by attempting to focus on something else.
What came to mind was when Grace started training her to race Ryhorns. After a few lessons, she discovered it wasn't for her, but she was too shy to tell her mom. This was her mother's livelihood. That said, Grace could tell Serena didn't like it.
The mother simply thought the training would help her grow as a person. Plus, she saw the training as good bonding time. Especially when it came to her daughter's crush. At first, she wasn't too sure about them being together, but that changed when they were nine…
1 Year Ago…
After another painful racing lesson, Serena was sat on a bench in the nearby park. She was on the verge of breaking. Sure, she never out right told her mother she didn't like Rhyhorn Racing, but she gave several hints. Almost as many as she gave Ash about her feelings.
Ash had walked into the park and noticed how down his friend seemed. He knew how much Serena hated her training and just wanted to help. With his mind made up, Ash walked up behind Serena and leaned against the bench. Serena didn't seem to notice.
"Hey Serena." Ash stated.
After a few moments, Serena looked at the raven hair boy with a weak smile. "Oh, hey Ash."
Normally, she'd be more engaged in a conversation with her crush, but she wasn't in the mood.
"Alright, what's wrong?" Ash asked.
Serena sighed as she knew she didn't want to bring her crush into her problems. "It's nothing."
Ash raised an eyebrow in skepticism. "At this point, I've known you for four years Serena, so I think I know when something's up."
"Really?" Serena challenged.
Ash crossed his arms. "You're upset about Rhyhorn Racing, right?" Serena was shocked he figured it out. "Serena, you can't keep this up. You need to tell your mom you don't want to be a Rhyhorn Racer, or you might say something you'll regret."
"I don't know." Serena sighed sadly. "Mom is so enthusiastic about us doing Ryhorn Racing together." She shook her head. "I don't want to upset her."
"Serena. Your mom loves you." Ash stated. "She might not know how you truly feel, but she'd never want you to be upset yourself. Really, the longer you hide the truth, the more upset she will be. Hey, if you can't do this alone, I'll come with you."
"Alright Ash." Serena stood and looked at him. "Will you really come with me?"
Ash smiled. "I'll be with you all the way."
Ash may have been oblivious, but she could count on him to be there when she needed him. The pair soon made it to Serena's home where her family's Rhyhorn was asleep in his out house.
Now that they were close to her home, Serena was nervous again. "N-no." She sat on the ground and curled up. "I can't do this."
Ash sighed since he was sure he convinced her to do this. "Serena, you can do this."
She didn't move, so Ash sat next to her before spouting words of encouragement. Grace was watching this out of the window, and it almost brought a tear to her eye. She never wanted to make her daughter miserable. She only forced the lessons to help her confidence.
She also noticed how Ash was supporting her little girl. Up until this point, Grace was on the fence about her daughter pursuing him. Now, she can genuinely see them together. Serena had been considering just being friends with him, but she couldn't forget these feeling.
After a few minutes, Ash had convinced her to go through with this. Serena subconsciously held his hand. Ash felt a little uncomfortable, but if it helped her, he'd be fine with it. Grace decided to play it like she hadn't seen what occurred. She sat in her armchair and picked up a magazine.
Grace heard the door open and watched as the pair entered the living room. "Hello Sweetie. Back so soon?" She then nodded to the boy. "Hello Ash."
Ash raised his hand. "Evening Ms. Yvonne."
"Mom!" Serena shouted louder than she intended.
"Yes dear?" Grace asked.
"Mom I..." Serena paused before speaking rapidly. "…don'twanttobeaRhyhornRacer."
Grace could barely make out the mumble that followed. "Sorry, but what was that?"
Serena took a deep breath. "Mom, I don't want to be a Rhyhorn Racer."
"Okay." Grace replied as if it were no big deal.
"Okay?" Serena asked clearly confused.
She even looked towards Ash who shrugged.
Grace stood up and approached her daughter. "Serena, I know you've never liked Rhyhorn Racing, and I never intended you to become one like me."
"Then, why did you do it?" Serena asked.
"I put you in training for a few reasons actually." Grave stated. "Firstly, I thought it would be a good way to spend time together. After all, I have no idea about fashion which you like to remind me of often."
"Sorry about that." Serena apologized sincerely.
She would always say her mother doesn't know anything about fashion. She once even asked her mother for her opinion on a hat only to choose the opposite hat since it had to be cuter than her mother's choice.
"Secondly, I know Rhyhorn Racing builds character and confidence." Grace stated. "I thought it would help you grow, and it seems I was right." Serena gave her mother a confused look. "In the past, you'd have accepted the training and let me run your life. Now, you're fighting against it."
"Thank you." Serena stated.
The mother and daughter hugged while Ash smiled warmly at the scene.
Grace smiled slyly before whispering to her daughter. "With all this free time, you can work towards your true goal."
Serena knew what her mother meant, and it made her turn bright red. "MMMOOOMMM!".
Present
After a trip down memory lane, Serena smiled sadly. Ash helped her get the right to find her own dream. Since that day, she considered becoming a trainer, breeder, watcher, doctor, researcher, coordinator, connoisseur, and more. She just wasn't certain. She sighed as she laid in her bed.
Maybe she'd find something on her journey. Then, it all came back to her. Tomorrow she'd be setting off on her journey. As things stood, she didn't know when she'd see her friends again. Maybe Ash or Michael would let her travel with them.
Ketchum Residence, Morning…
The next morning, Ash woke up nice and early. He used to have a bad habit of sleeping in and throwing his clocks while he slept didn't help. Thanks to Serena and Michael helping him break that habit, for the most part, he was much better at getting up these days.
Ash dressed himself and made his way downstairs to discover breakfast waiting for him. He sat down and began eating while his mother looked on sadly. Today her baby boy would leave, but Delia knew she couldn't hold onto him forever. Still didn't mean it wasn't upsetting.
"Honey." Delia put a hand on her son's should "After you're done eating, you should get going, so you aren't late." She patted her son's shoulder. "Make sure you stop back here before you leave."
"Of course, mom." Ash nodded. "I'll be sure to come back."
Ash finished his breakfast and was out the door.
Yvonne Residence
Despite the rocky night, Serena managed to wake up at a decent time. She wore a dark grey tank top, red skirt, black high-tops, and a dark pink hat paired with a black hatband and ribbon bow. When she made it into the kitchen, Serena saw her mother sitting at the table.
As soon as Grace saw her daughter, she smiled. "Morning Serena."
"Morning mom." Serena replied as she sat down to eat breakfast.
Outside
Ash ran to the lab and ended up arriving before anyone else.
"Well, Ashy-boy I'm surprised you're the first one here." Garry had climbed up the steps with a smirk. "Looks like we finally found a use for all those childish games you used to play, huh?"
"Talk all you want Gary, but I was still the first one here." Ash grinned. "If I didn't already have a starter promised to me, I'd get first pick."
"Going first isn't all it's cracked up to be." Gary stated. "Knowing Ash will get that Pikachu made my choice of starters easy."
"Third in line, huh?" Cross walked up the stairs next. "I'd be more disappointed in myself if I didn't already have an idea what Gary's choice is. In the end, I'll get the pokemon I want." He approached them. "I'm surprised you woke up on time Ash."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ash questioned. "You know Serena and Michael helped me prepare for today."
"I'm aware, but their training hasn't completely erased your tendency to sleep in." Cross smirked. "I was certain today would be another one of those cases."
"Yeah, well I showed you." Ash crossed his arms.
Michael and Serena arrived together with the pair noticing Ash's current posture.
"Oh boy, looks like Gary and Cross have been getting on Ash's nerves again." Serena stated.
Michael joined them. "You three better be playing nice." He had a stern look that none of them wanted to mess with, and they each even rubbed their ears. "I won't tolerate you guys fighting in front of the professor."
The boys all looked at each other and simply turned their heads away.
Michael shrugged "At least you aren't fighting."
As Serena joined them, Ash took note of her. "Oh, hey Serena."
"Hello Ash." Serena nodded.
At that moment, Professor Oak came out to stand before the trainers. "Greetings, everyone."
"Morning professor." Michael cheerfully greeted.
"Morning." Cross stated simply.
"Morning gramps." Gary replied.
Ash smiled. "Good morning Professor Oak!"
Serena bowed her head. "Good morning sir."
"Children. Today is the day you start your journey and enter the world of pokemon." Oak walked inside while calling back to them. "If you follow me, we'll get you all set up. Please do so in order of arrival."
Ash took the lead with Gary, Cross, Michael, and Serena falling in behind him. Oak led them into a room which resembled a living room, with five pokeballs, and Pikachu, on the coffee table. Once everyone was inside, Oak signaled the children to stand in a line.
"Today, you five are about to set off on your own journey with your pokemon partners." The Professor announced. "Together, you'll meet and befriend people and pokemon alike while working towards your own dreams."
Serena flinched at that last sentence since she didn't have her own dream.
"My assistant will now hand each of you a pokedex and pokeballs." Oak stated. "The pokedex will allow you to research, record, and store information on any pokemon you find. Although it has the capability for all pokemon, I wish for you to record the 150 species native to Kanto."
Everyone gladly accepted the items. Especially Michael who, unlike the other guys, wanted to record and store information on every pokemon in the pokedex.
Once things settled down, the Professor continued.
"Now, as is tradition, you will choose your pokemon in order of arrival." The Professor explained. "Ash, you would be first, but we all know who your desired partner is. Still, would you please step forward?"
Ash approached the table and grabbed Pikachu's pokeball. "The time has finally come buddy." He held out his arm to Pikachu. "You're with me, right?"
"Pika!" Pikachu happily exclaimed.
He scampered up Ash's arm and sat on his shoulder. Ash and Michael then pulled out their pokedex:
Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon. An Electric type. Pikachu have pouches on their cheeks that can store electricity, which they release if threatened. Male and female Pikachu have differently shaped tails.
Type: Electric
Ability: Static
Sex: Male
Current Moves: Thunder Shock, Tail Whip, Quick Attack
"Considering how much the two of you have bonded, I don't think there is a better starter for you." Professor Oak stated with a smile.
Ash rejoined the group. "You know it professor."
"Next, will you step forward Gary?" Oak asked.
With Ash having Pikachu, there was only one choice for him. He smirked as he swiped the pokeball containing Bulbasaur. Without a word, Gary pressed the button releasing the grass starter.
"Yo pal." Gary remained standing and looked down at the mon. "What's say you and I take the Indigo League by storm?"
Everyone sweat dropped at Gary's attitude with the grass starter taking a considerable amount of time to look over his new trainer. Eventually, the little guy moved over to his trainer and rubbed up against his leg in acceptance. Gary and Michael used their dexs to get a read on him:
Bulbasaur, the seed pokemon. This pokemon feeds on sunlight through the bulb on his back. The size of the bulb shows its health. If in danger, the bulb will open and release spores as a defense mechanism.
Type: Grass/Poison
Ability: Overgrow
Sex: Male
Current Moves: Tackle, Growl
Once Gary returned his pokemon and was back with the group, the professor looked to Cross. "You are up."
"It's about time." Cross walked forward and immediately took Charmander's pokeball. "In my mind, this the best starter of the lot." He pressed the button releasing the fire starter. "Hey Charmander, you up for taking the world by storm with our strength?"
Charmander studied the confident, arrogant boy before deciding that he seemed rather capable. The pokemon nodded before displaying his power by scratching at the air rather quickly for a starter.
"That's what I like to see." Cross smirked. "I can tell you're strong and ready to throw down."
He and Michael used their Pokedexs:
Charmander, the lizard pokemon. His mother lights a flame on his tail at birth. If the flame goes out, this pokemon dies. The strength of the flame is a sign of this Pokemon's health.
Type: Fire
Ability: Blaze
Current Move: Scratch, Growl
"I must say that Charmander is the perfect starter for you." Professor Oak nodded. "You two will make a powerful duo."
Cross smirked as he recalled his pokemon and joined the group. "There's no question about that."
"Now, Michael and Serena. You two arrived together, so decided among yourselves who'll go next." The Professor instructed.
"Be my guest Serena." Michael nodded. "I was going to be perfectly fine with whomever I'd get, so I'll let you have the choice."
"Are you sure?" Serena asked.
Michael nodded before putting his arms behind his head. "One hundred percent!"
"Thank you." Serena approached the table and looked at her options. "I'll choose Eevee." She released the pokemon, and the evolution pokemon came out dancing around her. "Oh my, she is graceful." Serena crouched down and got the pokemon's attention. "Hello Eevee." She smiled. "Would you like to come with me?"
The pokemon jumped into Serena's arms and nuzzled her.
Ash nodded. "I think you two will make a great team."
Serena and Michael then used their pokedexs on the mon:
Eevee, one of two Evolution Pokémon. A Normal type. Eevee can evolve into many different Pokémon.
Type: Normal
Ability: Adaptability
Sex: Female
Current Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip
"Well Michael, you are our last trainer, so come on over to claim your new partner.: The Professor requested causing Michael to run to the table and grabbed Squirtle's pokeball. "It seems someone is rather eager."
"Sorry professor." Michael blushed in embarrassment. "I honestly do thank you for this gift."
Oak just smiled and gave him a gesture to let the pokemon out.
Michael released Squirtle and dropped to his knees before the pokemon. "Hello Squirtle. I'm Michael. Do you want to go on an adventure with me?"
Squirtle studied the guy, but it only took a couple seconds before he made his decision. The tiny turtle pokemon happily jumped into his arms. This made Michael laugh with joy as he hugged the pokemon back.
"You two seem like a perfect match." The Professor commented.
Michael pulled out his pokedex:
Squirtle, The Tiny Turtle Pokemon. After birth, this Pokemon's back swells and hardens into a shell, if separated then another shell will form. it can spray powerful jets of water from its mouth.
Type: Water
Ability: Torrent
Sex: Male
Current Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip
Michael rejoined the group.
With all the pokemon and trainers acquainted, as well as all the equipment handed out, the Professor saw it suitable to bring it to an end. "Now, it is time for you to set off on your journey with your partners into the world of pokemon."
Outside
Once outside, Gary jumped into a red convertible with an entire cheer leading squad. They drove off causing the remaining trainers to sweat drop.
"Since when does Gary have a car?" Serena asked bewildered.
"Or a cheer squad?" Ash asked with the same tone.
"I have no idea." Michael replied with the same tone.
"Later you three." Cross was the first to recover and walked on by the three off them. "Charmander and I are hitting the road. If you even want to stand a chance, as small as it is, you got to know we'll be looking for the strongest and toughest pokemon out there."
The three friends watched the boy leave before Ash turned to his friends. "Okay guys, why don't we meet up at the entrance to town before we start our journeys?"
They agreed with Serena remembering how troubled she was by the night before.
Ketchum Residence
Ash entered him home and his mom came out of the kitchen. "Ash and Pikachu."
Delia was happy that her son could finally have Pikachu, but she was sad, at the same time, because this made it final. Hey baby was going to set out on his journey.
"Yep, it's us." Ash smiled. "I now have the perfect partner in Pikachu."
"I can see that." Delia smiled. "Now, while you were at the lab, I made sure you'd have everything you need for your journey." She held his bag out. "There's a fresh change of clothes, your sleeping bag, a packed lunch, and a first aid box."
"I got it mom." Ash took his backpack and put it on. "I should probably get going. I promised Serena and Michael we'd meet up before setting off on our journeys."
Ash made his way towards the door only for Delia to call out to him. "Ash." He turned and his mother came on over to hug him. "I know you have a tendency to find trouble, but please promise me you'll try to be safe out there."
Ash hugged his mom back. "I always try mom, and I'm still here now." He pulled back with a grin. "Don't worry about me because I had you to teach me what I need."
With that, Ash took his leave.
Entrance to Town
Michael was on his bike while Serena stood nearby.
"Guys, I'm coming!" Ash called out.
They turned to see him running towards them.
"Considering you were actually early to Oak's lab; I suppose logic only dictates that you'd be late now." Michael stated in a joking manner.
Ash scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, sorry about that."
The three friends looked at one another as none of them wanted to say goodbye but they had to.
After a few minutes, Michael spoke up. "Ok guys, I guess I'll see you around."
That made it official and prompted the three of them to share a group hug. Michael then peeled off down the road making Serena sad since she hadn't had the courage to ask to accompany him.
With Michael gone, Serena and Ash were silent once more. The girl knew this was her last chance to possibly accompany a friend. She just had to form the words. Ash saw that she was struggling, and he had a good idea what she wanted.
"Hey Serena." Ash finally spoke up. "How about we travel together?"
Martin(Guest): First, thank you for being the first review on this story. I can say that Ash won't be as dense as he was in the anime, so don't worry about that.