Chapter 1: Return to Pallet Town

It was only just a few hours until he arrived at his hometown of Pallet town and Ash Ketchum was super excited. He excitedly looked out the plane window at the scenery below. The plane would land in Viridian city. From there he would walk onward until he reached Pallet town. He could not wait to tell his mom all that had happened to him since he last seen her in person. The Kalos region was amazing and he had learned so much. He had met some new friends and challenging rivals who both helped him grow strong as a trainer. It was sad to say good-bye to his friends. They have been through so much together. At the same time, it felt great to travel back home for a bit and take a vacation from traveling. He loved his hometown of Pallet town. It was a small quiet town but there was still plenty to do.

Just a few days before leaving, Ash had sent an email to two of his long time friends – Brock and Misty. He understood that they both were probably extremely busy with their respected gyms. Yet, it would be amazing if they could find time and meet up at least for a little bit. Ash beamed. He could hardly wait. Couldn't this plane go any faster?

One other person that he couldn't wait to see in person was Professor Oak – the one who gave him his pal, Pikachu oh so long ago. He didn't bother sending Professor Oak an email. Ash just wanted to surprise him. He could only hope Professor Oak wasn't too busy at the lab.

Ash looked over at Pikachu who was resting on the seat beside him. "We should be getting close now, buddy."

Pikachu! Pikachu said understandably.

"Attention all! The next stop will be Viridian city in approximately fifteen minutes. Thank you!" a voice on the intercom spoke.

Ash excitedly glanced out his seat window again. "Alright! Pallet town, here we come!" Pikachu hopped on his trainer's shoulder and took a glance outside.

"I can't wait to visit home and see my friends and Professor Oak. It's going to be a great week back. Right, Pikachu?"

"Pika – Pika – pi!"

Ash sat back, closed his eyes, and imagined all that he would do as soon as he got back home. He had not seen his old friends, Brock and Misty in like forever. As soon as the plane landed in Viridian city, he would stop by the town's Pokémon center to check his email.

"May I have your attention, please?" the voice on the intercom announced once more. "We are in progress to landing in Viridian city. Please have your belongings ready, and thank you for flying with Pokémon United Air!"

Ash stepped off the plane along with a significant amount of others. The airport was bustling with life. Each person had his or her own journey ahead of him or her. Some might be fellow trainers, some might be Pokémon Researchers, or maybe some could be gym leaders.

With his backpack securely strapped to his back, and Pikachu perched on his shoulder, Ash reached into his pocket and pulled out a map of Viridian city. Sure, Ash probably didn't need a map. He had been to Viridian city before. Granted it's been quite a while. He searched the map for the town's Pokémon center to confirm. It was just as he remembered. He tucked the map back into his pocket and raced to the Viridian city Pokémon center.

The Pokémon center there was not really all that busy right at that time. It was only 11 am, which reminded Ash of how hungry he was. Ash promptly walked up to a young lady with pink hair tied up in circular pigtails. Beside her, there stood a Chansey.

"Hi, Nurse Joy!" Ash beamed excitedly. "I don't know if you remember me or not, but I'm traveling back home from the Kalos region. I'm Ash Ketchum and this is my partner, Pikachu. We're both very excited to be back home for a week!"

The Viridian city Nurse Joy smiled at Pikachu and scratched under his chin. "Aww! How could I forget an adorable face like Pikachu's?" She looked over at Ash. "I do remember you. It's great to see you again. We're glad you stopped by the Viridian city Pokémon center. Is there anything I can do for you, Ash?"

"Not really," Ash replied looking at the row of phones and computers." I just need to use the computer to check my email, and the phone to call my mom."

"Very well," Nurse Joy smiled. "Let me know if I can be of any assistance."

First things first! Ash thought. He raced over to the phone and dialed a number he was very familiar with.

A lady that appeared to be in her thirties with brown hair tied in a loose ponytail appeared on screen.

"Hi, Mom!"

"Ash! How was your trip? Did you have a safe trip? When can I expect you home?" His mother asked excitedly.

"Yeah, Mom! It was great! Everything's okay for me and Pikachu right now." Ash had so much to tell his mom but he figured it would be best to wait until he saw his mom in person to tell her all about his adventures. "You can expect me and Pikachu home very soon! I'll tell you all about everything! I need to check my email now to see what's going on with Brock and Misty."

His mom smiled yet looked concerned. "Very well, Ash. I hope you have an empty stomach. I made some food just for this occasion. Brock and Misty are more than welcome to join if they are able."

Ash's eyes grew wide at the thought of food. Of course, he was hungry! And if he wasn't before, he was now. "Thanks a lot, Mom! See you soon!"

Next was checking his email. He signed into his account and waited in anticipation as the screen loaded. Please let them say yes! Ash prayed. Even if just one of them can hang out that would be okay. It would be even better if both of them could though. I know Misty is probably tied up defending the Cerulean city gym and Brock defending the Pewter city gym…

Ash composed himself and saw that he had two unread messages. Lo and behold, one was from Misty and the other was from Brock.

Hey, Ash,

The Cerulean city gym is a bit crazy right now. I've had some very talented trainers battle me for the Cascade badge. Thanks so much for keeping in touch. I asked my sisters if one of them could take over the gym for a day and Lily said she could do it! It would be great if all three of us could meet up somewhere. I will just meet you at your place. This is exciting! See you soon!

~ Misty

Yes! It was great that Misty was able to make it. What about Brock?

Ash clicked on the second unread email.

Ash,

It's great to hear from you! How has your journey been? I would be delighted to meet up with you and Misty. It's been a while! Actually, Misty just emailed me this morning and suggested just meeting you there at your house. We can decide what we want to do from there.

~ Brock

Ash hastily logged off the computer and hurried out of the Pokémon center. "Bye, Nurse Joy! Thanks, again!" Ash called over his shoulder. Both emails were good news for him. He was ecstatic that both of his two best friends could find time to visit.

"Pikachu! Are you ready to see Brock and Misty again? I know I am! And Mom of course! Then we can see if we can visit Professor Oak and see some of the Pokémon I have there at the lab!"

Pikachu nodded eagerly. "Pika - pi!" Pikachu sounded almost as thrilled as Ash. Ash stepped out of the Viridian City Pokémon center with Pikachu on his shoulder and headed straight toward Pallet town as fast as his legs could go.