Pokemon: New Beginnings
Chapter One
Somewhere near Pallet Town…
"Sniff…hello? Somebody?" A small girl cried, laying on the forest floor in fright. "Help me!" The poor 6-year-old had gotten lost, wandering deep into the forest near Professor Oak's pokemon ranch when she tripped and fell down a ravine. She lost both her hat and her dignity in the tumble, landing harshly on her foot. Her ankle hurt and she couldn't move it very well, so she was a sitting duck.
A nearby bush rustled! She yelped as she flinched away from the sound. The bush kept rustling…kept rustling…
"Wag?" A little Poliwag poked its bulbous eyes from the bush. Not recognizing it, she scooted away from the strange creature, eyeing it fearfully. The pokemon simply gurgled and waddled on, leaving her behind. Before long, she heard another sound, more human than before.
"Poliwag? Where'd you go? Poliwaaaag!" A sun-tanned boy with black hair popped into existence, following the tadpole's trail. "Oh, hey! Are you ok?" he asked. The girl stared at him, then started to cry, shaking her head furiously. "What's wrong?" he asked as he knelt down next to her. He noticed the sprain right away. "Ope, you have a sprain! I had this happen too one time after climbing a tree with Gary. I think I fell like 10 feet or something, at least that's what Gary said. He's pretty smart, even if he's a pain in the butt. I'm Ash, by the way. What's your name?"
"Ser…Serana." She replied, calming down a bit. Whether it was the relief of being found or just the boy's presence, she was already feeling a lot better. Emotionally, anyway. The ankle still hurt like it was on fire. A small handkerchief came into her view.
"Here," Ash offered. "You're crying." She blinked, taking the cloth gratefully to dab the tears away. Soon enough Ash managed to prop her up on one leg, supporting her on his shoulder. She blushed a bit at the closeness, but Ash gave no mind. They walked on three legs back to the ranch, Ash calling out to the adults in charge. As they limped along, Serana really wanted to go home right about now. She had been here a mere two days, and she was already sick of this place.
"Almost there!" Ash encouraged. "Don't give up till it's over, ok?"
Serana blinked, taking in his words. Ash's eyes shone back at her teary ones with a sort of…sparkle? Drive, maybe?
She smiled back. Ok, so maybe not everything about Kanto was bad after all.
And thus, our story begins.
xXx
Eight years later…
This…is the world of Pokemon. A world where creatures of many different types and kind roamed over the whole world. Fish and dragons alike swam through the depths of the sea as all kinds of bird soared through the skies. Living plants meandered happily through the meadows as Tauros and Miltank grazed through the day. Even within intense volcanoes life could be found, as a colony of Magbies soaked in the continuous heat. Cracks and crashes could be heard in the mountains as Geodudes and Machop fought out their differences. A wonderous world for sure, ripe with potential.
Near the expanse of Professor Oak's Research Lab and Pokemon Ranch lived Pallet Town, as far out in the boonies as one could go in all of Kanto. Despite being so out of the way, it was also home to one of the biggest and well-known Pokemon research facilities in the world. Every new trainer in Kanto had to go here to start their journey as Pokemon Trainers. By the age of fourteen, any young boy or girl can choose a starter pokemon and travel the continent, collecting Gym Badges to compete in the local Leagues. It's there that trainers truly test their mettle in battle.
Not only is it all of those things, but it's also the home of one Ash Ketchum, who managed not to sleep in that fateful morning.
"I'm up I'm up I'm up!" Ash shouted, running down the stairs frantically. "My alarm clock broke and I don't know what time it is and-"
"Ash, honey!" his mother soothed, making breakfast leisurely. "Relax, sweetie, you're plenty early. An hour earlier than you planned, in fact!"
"Mime Mime!" Mr. Mime confirmed. Delia's Mr. Mime was practically a staple in the Ketchum household, using its Psychic powers to help with all the daily chores. Though it did like to relax from time to time, preferring to snooze in meditation 2 feet off the floor. But now, it was drying the dishes. Ash sighed heavily, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"Oh man…thanks Mom. I know I'd never live it down if I was late." Ash lamented. Gary would really become insufferable then. "Need help with breakfast?"
"Now that you mention it, yes! Could you fix the eggs while I finish these pancakes?" Delia asked. Ash hopped to, beating the eggs a tad too aggressively in his vigor. In preparation for the journey, Delia made a point of teaching her son how to cook. He wasn't perfect, but at least he won't starve out there on his own. He can at least make himself breakfast now.
"So Ash," Delia asked as flipped some flapjacks. "Has the Professor been able to talk to you about today?"
"No need!" Ash waved off. "I know how it works, I've been waiting this long, you know!" Ash had always dreamed of what his starter might be: either Squirtle, Bulbasaur, or Charmander! "I think I might know what to pick!"
"I see," Delia sighed. "That man gets so busy sometimes…so forgetful. Ash dear," she explained. "There's a slight change in plans in how today will go with your starter."
Ash's smile dimmed a bit. "…do I still get a starter?"
"Yes dear, but it may not be the one you're thinking of. Professor Oak should've told both you and Gary."
Ash thought hard at her words. Not that she mentions it, he vaguely remembered something about starters from another region. Something with a K? Delia continued. "You and Gary will be getting starters, but one of you will be picking from a different set of starters than in Kanto. It's a new research project the Professors doing, you see."
"So…I might not be able to get Squirtle? Or the others?" Ash asked, slightly disappointed. "But wait, what are the other pokemon? Are they rare?"
"In Kanto?" Delia laughed a bit. "One of a kind really. These pokemon are native to the Kalos Region, making them very rare in most regions. I'm sorry, sweetie, I thought you knew already…"
"It's fine!" Ash said cheerfully, dishing out some eggs onto a plate. "After all, even if it's not what I thought, they'll still be super rare! Gary'll have no idea what hit him!"
Delia sighed and smiled in relief. The two talked more during breakfast, talking about the various gyms and key locations on his journey to visit. It wasn't long until Ash asked about the starters again.
"Sorry honey," she said with a smile. "you'll just have to see when you get there."
They soon finished up, with Delia pushing him out the door rather than helping with the dishes. Wouldn't want to wake up early and still be late after all! As Ash ran to the Pokemon Lab, another boy could be seen racing up next to him. They both picked up speed, trying to beat each other to the door.
"No way you'll beat me, Ashy-boy!"
"Fat chance, Gary!" Ash shouted back. In the end, they both crashed right into the Lab in a heap at the exact same time. Oak turned to the two boys, then looked to his watch.
"Hmm! Right on time, you two!" Oak mock congratulated. "But a tie again, as usual."
"No way!" Gary yelled with a grin. "I totally won that time!"
"Huh? No way!" Ash replied, matching the other boy's energy to a T. Oak just shook his head, beckoning them into the Lab. They passed other aids, who busied themselves with various research or species of Pokemon. They eventually approached two large incubators, with 3 Pokeballs each stored within.
"Gramps, what gives?" Gary asked. "Why are there so many?"
"Honestly, Gary if you had listened to any of my lectures on the matter, you would know. You know, right Ash?"
Ash nodded, making Gary frown. Of course, Ash had only just found out, but that was neither here nor there.
"Right, let me reiterate." Oak explained. "In this incubator lay the three classic starters of the Kanto Region. You would know them to be Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle." he then patted the next one. "And in this one lays the three starters of the Kalos Region, which is thought to have split off from our continent a few million years ago. Before I explain further, let me introduce you to two guests to our region. You may come out now!" Oak called. A side door opened up, revealing two new people. Well, one of them was new.
One was a taller boy with black hair and dark clothing, with a fuzzy blue scarf adorning his neck. He had a serious expression, scanning over the two boys before landing his eyes on the pokeballs.
The other was a girl with long, golden locks of hair running down to her midsection with bright blue eyes. She wore a high-waisted red skirt with a black tee and a round red hat on her head. She seemed cheerful enough as she stepped into the room but froze the moment she saw Ash. Ash noticed her and waved kindly. 'She's kinda familiar…do I know her?' he thought. She saw the wave and gave a deep blush, standing next to the other boy.
"These two are natives from the Kalos Region and have volunteered to begin their journey in the Kanto Region for the sake of my research, same as you!" Oak elaborated. "You see, Ash and Gary, one of you is going to pick your starter from one region, and the other shall pick from the other region. With your Pokedexes, which I'll hand out in a moment, you will record their growth and adaptation to their new environment, which is theorized to be near identical to Kalos. Our friends here shall do the same, selecting a pokemon from either region and raising them accordingly. This way, we can truly see firsthand how their development might change, or not change given the new area and non-native trainer!"
As Oak explained, Ash was practically vibrating with excitement. Professor Oak was trusting them with something that important? Awesome! Meanwhile, Gary listened politely, but really just wanted to get his starter already. The Kalosian boy seemed to feel the same, keeping his gaze on the incubators. Perhaps they had the brief already? The girl turned her attention to the Professor but kept stealing glances at Ash. 'Seriously, who is she?' Ash thought again.
"Now then," Oak beckoned the new trainers forward. "I'll allow our guests to choose first, then you will choose from the remainder." Gary frowned at the new info but stayed silent. Ash furrowed his brow too but shrugged. Made sense, really.
"Now then, you two have decided what region to choose from?" the older man asked.
"Yes." The boy said while the girl nodded. "I'll choose from Kanto, please."
"Wonderful, Alain." Oak smiled, opening the incubator. Both Kanto boys held their breath a bit. This guy, who they'd never seen before, was going to choose one of their starters!
'Please don't pick Squirtle!' they both thought as Oak opened the balls, one by one.
"First, we have the Grass-type: Bulbasaur!" Oak opened the ball, letting the Seed Pokemon materialize…
…only for it to be asleep. The group deadpanned at the snoozing Grass-type, who couldn't give a care in the world.
"Right…next, we have the Fire-type, Charmander!" The next pokemon materialized, who was far livelier than the previous one. It swished its fiery tail back and forth, snapping its teeth with excitement. To Ash and Gary's relief, Alain seemed to smile at the lizard, who picked up on the boy's presence immediately.
"Lastly, we have our Water-type, Squirtle!" Squirtle practically bounded out of its pokeball, grinning smugly at the group in a show of confidence. It was ready to go, that's for sure.
"Alright, Alain!" Oak stepped back. "Which one shall you choose?"
Alain at least had the composure to take his time, though he already had his starter picked from the start. "…I'll choose Charmander."
"Chaaaarr!" The fire lizard cried happily. The tiny turtle merely sneered as Bulbasaur blinked awake. It looked around, saw the new trainers around it, and went back to sleep.
'Ok, so there's still a chance.' Ash thought. Unfortunately, he knew perfectly well that Gary wanted the same pokemon and Ash's second choice was just picked. Ash sighed a bit. 'Whatever, a pokemon's a pokemon.'
"Alright, Serana. You're up!" Oak beckoned. Now it was Ash's turn to freeze as the girl stepped up.
'Wait…Serana? Sounds way too familiar…'
"First," Oak started, pulling out a pokeball. "We have the Grass-type, Chespin!" In a flash of light, a cheerful gopher-like pokemon appeared, who had long spikes poking out of its head with softened and sharpened with ease. It trilled happily when Oak gave it a small berry to munch on while it waited.
"Next, we have the Fire-type Fennekin!" A yellow/red fox materialized, licking its fur to look presentable to its new trainer. It barked excitedly when it saw the group.
"Last but not least, the Water-Type Froakie!" The last pokemon materialized with no fanfare, simply eyeing the group before gazing elsewhere. As if it was bored.
"Alright Serana, which pokemon do you choose?" Oak asked kindly. Unlike Alain, Serana picked her pokemon almost immediately. "Fennekin, please!" She knelt to eye level of the fox. "Pleased to meet you! I'm Serana!" The fox barked happily, wagging its tail.
"Right then, Ash, Gary, do you know which region you would like to choose?" Oak asked. Gary rolled his eyes obnoxiously.
"Obviously, Gramps! You know I've wanted Squirtle since forever!" he said. Behind the Professor, the Squirtle cheered a bit before regaining his prideful composure.
"I suppose you're right…" Oak sighed. "Ash? What about you?" Ash frowned a bit, looking to the remaining starters. Squirtle obviously had a…well, a bit of an attitude while Bulbasaur couldn't be bothered to be awake for the selection. Meanwhile, the Chespin seemed to be amiable enough and the Froakie at least had some seriousness in him. He decided. Sure, he had his heart set on a Kanto starter, but quality is what matters, right?
"That's fine, I'll choose Kalos." He answered to which Oak nodded thoughtfully. Gary immediately rushed for the Squirtle, who jumped into his arms with glee. They were made for each other. "Oh yeah! Just you wait, Ash! I'll become the champion for sure!"
"Ha! Maybe, but then I'll take that title right from you!" Ash announced. Alain cocked an eyebrow at the two while Serana giggled. What about?
Maybe later.
"Alright, Ash." Oak asked. "Which pokemon do you choose?"
Ash scratched his chin in thought. If he was smart, he might choose the grass-type to gain the advantage over his rival. But grass types were pretty common anyway, he figured. There were literally hundreds of grass type pokemon in the fields of Kanto. Catching one later would be a cinch.
He looked at the Chespin, who had finished his snack and gave a small burp before standing again. Battle wise, this one had potential, with the sharp spines and potential draining abilities. Not to mention how easy it would be to train due to its low temperament. As for the bubble-frog, it had started to peer in Ash's direction with sharp eyes. It didn't seem mean, or cocky or anything like that. It was just…serious. Focused, like it was on a mission.
And it wanted to know if Ash was serious too.
Ash pointed down. "Froakie! I choose you!"
Froakie's eyes widened before nodding with a croak. Chespin gave a small trill, then walked back to the Professor, who simply smiled at the Spiny Nut Pokemon. "Don't worry, now, you'll get to stay with me!"
"Chesss pin pin…" the pokemon grumbled. Oak grinned again.
"I have berries."
"Chespin!?"
"Yes."
That's all it took for the little gopher to forget about it, easily choosing a lifetime supply of berries over an adventure any day. Oak returned both grass-types before regarding the new trainers. "Now that each of you has chosen your new partners, here is the latest model of the pokedex and 5 empty pokeballs. Use them well you four!"
Ash gratefully accepted his pokedex, which looked to be a square pane of glass bordered by red plastic. It was a different model from the usual Kanto Dex and was far more advanced with its holographic display. The glass lit up upon being pointed at Froakie, rattling off info as it displayed the species.
"Froakie: the Bubble Frog Pokemon. Water Type. Despite their happy-go-lucky nature, Froakies keep a watchful eye on their surroundings and are rarely caught off-guard. They use the frubbles on their neck and back for protection and concealment, able to fling them off with great accuracy. Lightweight and strong, this pokemon is quite agile and can leap as high as one story from hatching."
"So cool! You're amazing Froakie!" Ash complimented. Froakie looked up at his trainer and grunted neutrally. Perhaps this arrangement won't be so bad after all, the Froakie thought. Only time will tell. Gary took his pokedex, pointing it to Squirtle.
"Squirtle: the Tiny Turtle Pokemon. Water type. When in danger, Squirtle will retreat into its rock-hard shell and attack with bursts of water at every opportunity, sometimes biting with its sharp jaw. It's shell also reduces resistance in water, allowing it to propel itself in water at high speeds, making it an excellent swimmer."
"Alright!" Gary cheered. "We're gonna be the best around, got it Squirtle?"
"Squirtle-squirt!" the turtle agreed, cocky as ever. Serana also took a quick scan of her starter.
"Fennekin: the Fox Pokemon. Fire Type. Its large ears allow this pokemon to vent heated air, reaching over 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Fennekin uses this ability to cool down and to intimidate its opponents. It likes to snack on whatever twigs it can find for both energy and in preparation for evolution. Despises being dirty and will bathe in flames to rid itself of dirt. Though it can have a hot temper, Fennekin is quite loyal and does its best for its trainer."
"That's interesting, better keep those ears open then!" She commented, petting the fox's yellow fur. Fennekin was already loving the attention, snuggling in close to the girl. Alain knelt down to his Charmander, scanning it.
"Charmander: the Lizard Pokemon. Fire-type. While it can live in most environments, it obviously prefers hot places, such as volcanoes and hot springs. Its tail flame is a measure of its health and emotional state, burning intensely when enraged and wavering in good spirits. If the flame is low and flickering, the pokemon is in poor health and should be cared for."
"Hmm...I see." Alain muttered. Charmander was a bit...excitable. But that was alright, he supposed. That kind of passion can be used, channeled into strength. Should Charmander want to be a strong Charizard one day.
Oak cleared his throat, gathering their attention. "Alright, if you would, please return your pokemon to their pokeballs." They did so. "Now that each of you has a pokemon, your life as a trainer begins today. As I'm sure you're aware by now, being a pokemon trainer is a full time job. Even if you don't pursue battling or the like, caring for your pokemon's needs is essential to their happiness and health." The Professor frowned a bit at the warning. "Failing to care for or neglecting your pokemon can result in the suspension or revocation of your trainer licenses. While caring for their basic needs, such as food, water, and training are rather straight-forward, I encourage you to explore your pokemon's specific needs as a unique member of its kind. Not every pokemon is the same, after all." He smiled again, returning to his cheerful self. "That said, have fun on your journey! It's a large world out there, but I'm sure you'll all be just fine with pokemon on your side. Remember to record your pokemon's growth for me in your pokedex every two weeks or so." he instructed. "Get moving and good luck!"
"Thanks Gramps!" Gary said, already walking out the door. "Leave it all to me, ok?"
"Not quite what he said…" Alain deadpanned, clipping Charmander's pokeball to his belt. Ash did the same, making his way to the door with Serana in tow. Serana was about to say something when Oak stopped the boy.
"You all go on ahead," he said. "Ash, I need to speak with you privately. Won't be a moment."
"Alright." he agreed, leaving the group behind. Serana seemed disappointed but followed the others out. Ash shifted nervously in the large lab. "Is there something wrong, Professor?"
"Not at all, young man, not at all. But I do need to speak with you concerning that Froakie of yours." Oak explained. "You see, you aren't this Froakie's first trainer."
"What?" Ash asked. "What do you mean?"
"This pokemon has been picked before, in the Kalos Region a total of 5 times already. Every single time, this Froakie has returned to the pokemon lab in Lumiose City, where most trainers start their journey." Ash frowned angrily at the new info.
"So he was abandoned? Five times?" he asked incredulously.
"Not exactly," Oak corrected. "Of those five times, Froakie had left his trainer four times, with one almost immediate return. The fact that this Froakie didn't outright reject you is surprising."
Ash seemed confused. A pokemon rejecting their trainer? And so soon? "Why would it do that?"
"My compatriot, Professor Sycamore and I have a theory." Oak elaborated. "We believe that Froakie may have...high standards for its trainer. Whenever it's on its own, it's constantly training. Even going as far as attacking a blank wall to improve its fighting ability. It could be that its previous trainers couldn't keep up with his desire to become strong." Oak tapped his chin in thought. "According to Professor Sycamore, Froakie here is quite the black Wooloo, even among his own kind. He doesn't quite play well with others, preferring to train by itself. Could have something to do with it." Oak patted the boy's shoulder with a chuckle. "Don't worry Ash. I'm sure you'll get through to Froakie. Even if you don't, you can always pick Chespin or Bulbasaur if need be."
"Thanks, Professor." Ash looked down to the new pokeball on his belt. If Froakie had high standards, then surely Ash could earn his trust, right? We'll just have to see. "I'll take good care of him!"
"See that you do." Oak waved as Ash left. "Good luck, young man!"
"See ya!" he called back. He ran outside, ecstatic. After so many years of waiting, he finally had a pokemon! He can be a Pokemon Master!
"Hey Ashy-boy!" Came a taunting voice. Gary was tossing his pokeball with one hand, walking up to his rival. "You done dawdling yet? Cause if you are, I challenge you!" he shouted.
Ash grinned in delight. "You're on! Go, Froakie!"
"Go, Squirtle!" Gary yelled back. Both pokemon materialized in front of the two, already tense and ready to fight. Ash quickly scanned Froakie again.
"This Froakie is male and knows the following moves. Pound, Growl, Bubble, Quick Attack, Lick, and Camouflage. Its Ability is (Unknown)."
Ash frowned at that last bit. Unknown? Seriously? He decided to put a pin in that for now.
"Froakie, use Quick Attack! Get close!"
"Fro!" The frog barked back, rushing towards the blue turtle in a streak of white.
"Withdraw!" Gary commanded. Squirtle immediately started to hide inside its shell, but Froakie's Quirk Attack was faster and struck true, sending the blue and brown shell skidding away. Squirtle's defense was raised though, so a direct attack won't work as well a second time.
"Stay on your toes!" Ash called out. "Use Growl!"
"Rapid-Spin!"
"Fro-ki-kie!" Froakie shouted, making Squirtle shiver a bit in its shell. Then, without warning, the shell began to spin in place before shooting off at Froakie!
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Ash yelled. Froakie bobbed and weaved out of the way but would still get hit with glancing shots from the turtle. 'Gary's trying to counter Froakie's greater speed with Rapid-Spin, trying to pin him down!' Ash thought frantically. Froakie was feeling the pressure too, those glancing hits were really chipping away at the frog. 'We need to keep our speed advantage!'
"Bubble! Then Growl again!" Ash instructed. Froakie blasted frothy bubbles Squirtle's way, which bounced right off the spinning water type. The Growl seemed to take effect though, as Squirtle's attack power was waning. Squirtle eventually stopped its attack, popping out of its shell in dizziness.
Ash saw the opening instantly. "Now Froakie! Quick Attack!"
Gary grimaced, seeing the opening too. "Water gun!"
POW! Froakie sped towards his opponent, taking the water gun point blank! But the little frog powered through, striking the turtle right in the jaw! Critical hit!
"Squirtaaaaaa…" Squirtle tumbled back from the strong attack, landing on his belly. He tried to get up, but fell back down, unconscious.
"Yes!" Ash cheered. "Great job, Froakie!"
"Froakie-Fro!" Froakie cheered as well, losing his serious mood. He jumped back to Ash with a small gleam in his eye. This one. This one is good.
"Tch, Squirtle return!" Gary sneered, recalling his starter. "Lucky hit, Ashy-boy! Next time, we'll mop the floor with you!"
"Lucky?" Ash yelled back. "Not luck, just pure skill Gary!"
"Fro!" Froakie seemed to confirm. Gary just shrugged nonchalantly. "Whatever, I'm headed out! Gotta get that first Gym Badge. Smell ya later!" With that, he ran off as if he won the battle in the first place.
"Jerkface…" Ash grumbled. Froakie was rumbling a bit too, just not from frustration. "You hungry?" Ash asked. Froakie croaked, as to say yes. "Alright, we'll get some food and leave at noon. Mind returning for me?"
"Fro-fro." he answered, tapping his pokeball to return in a flash.
"Man...still a tough battle though." Ash sighed, making his way back home. "Wonder where the other two went? Did they leave already?"
xXx
"Alright Fennekin," Serana held up a pink treat. "Try this one!"
"Fen!" The fox sniffed the pastry before giving it a small lick. It was...ok. But...not quite. "Fen kin-kin!"
"Not sweet, huh?" Serana confirmed. The two had left a few hours ago to begin their journey and were having a small picnic just outside town. The forest was mildly dense, but not scary at all. The perfect spot for a little get-to-know-each other time. Alain, the other boy she came with, elected to continue to Viridian City to train up, which Serana didn't mind too much. She's not fragile or anything, and most kids go through this at her age. And she's got her pokemon for protection! Speaking of which...
"This Fennekin is female and knows the following moves. Scratch, Tail Whip, Ember, and Hypnosis. Its Ability is Blaze, which powers up its Fire-type moves when in a pinch."
"I see!" She tapped the pokedex, trying to learn more about her partner's diet. "Usually likes spicy food, as Fire-types can digest it better than any other type. Ok! One spicy pokepuff coming up!" She got right to work, adding some more pepper to the next pastry. She's never made a spicy desert before, but there's a first to everything, right? She also started another sweet one for herself. Yeah, she has a sweet tooth. So what?
Meanwhile, Fennekin had made itself comfortable in Serana's bag, choosing to chew on a small stick it found. Serana noticed how it chewed and swallowed the wood, starting with the softer bits before she chewed up the harder parts to eat. Good info for the report at least.
"Here we are!" She topped the red pastry with a small jalapeno for taste. "Try this, ok?"
Fennekin sniffed the new pastry, liking the smell immediately. It took one bit. Then another. Then another!
"Fen fen!" the fox squealed, gobbling up the pokepuff in seconds. "Yes!" Serana cheered. "I'm so glad you liked it! Was it good?" Fennekin was about to answer but held its head back suddenly.
"Fennekin?" The fox was rearing back a bit. "Fe...fenne…"
"What's wrong? Are you ok-"
"...ne-KIN!"
"WAH!" Serana yelped. A stray ember erupted from the pokemon's sneeze, firing into the treetops! Serana bounded up in panic. "Oh no! Quick! We need to put that out!" She swept up the blanket, upending her entire set-up. "No no no nonononono!" She tried to blow the fire out, but it was only getting bigger! "What do I do?"
xXx
A while earlier…
"You have everything?" Delia asked for the fourth time today.
"Yep! Got my map, my food, the pokemon feed, my pokedex, everything!"
"Clean underwear?"
"Mom!" Delia chuckled a bit before waving goodbye. "Good luck sweetie! Be safe!"
"I will! See you later!" Ash called back as he left. Finally, after so many years, he was on his way to become a pokemon master! He was on the dirt road out of town when he got to thinking. It would be better to get to know his pokemon before asking it to battle all the time, right? Froakie didn't seem the social type, but it was worth getting to know the picky Water-type at the end of the day. He pulled out Froakie's pokeball, releasing the frog.
To his surprise, Froakie was already poised for battle, facing the opposite direction. Seeing no opponent, Froakie looked around in confusion. "Froakie?"
"Easy, bud." Ash said calmly. Froakie looked back to his new trainer. "Sorry about battling before really getting to know you, I was just excited." Froakie blinked twice. It didn't really mind that, but most trainers never really bothered checking at all.
"Anyway, you and I are partners now! Which means we have to learn how to work as a team during battle, and anything else that comes our way." Ash explained. "So here's the deal. I'm gonna make you a promise, alright? I want to become the greatest pokemon trainers in the world. If you're willing to work with me, I'll make sure you become the strongest Greninja ever!" Luckily, Ash did a bit of research before heading out.
Froakie's eyes gleamed at the prospect. Becoming strong was most pokemon's goal, but to become the strongest? There nothing Froakie wanted more. But to do it, he needed a trainer to reach his full potential. One with the drive to never settle for less.
The others in Kalos, those newbie trainers, didn't have what it took. Some ordered him around like a robot, demanding he do what they say even if it was dumb. Others just didn't want to be strong, but rather wanted to just go home and live their everyday life. That's fine for them, but not what Froakie wanted.
But this trainer. This one was different. He couldn't explain if he tried but...he felt it. In his jellies.
"Well?" Ash asked again. "Do we have a deal?"
Froakie cocked head, smiled, and jumped onto his trainer's head. "Froakie-Fro!" Ash grinned at the action. "I suppose that's a yes! You wanna return or stay out here?" Froakie then moved to Ash's shoulder, sitting comfortably while keeping a good eye out. "Alright then! Let's go!"
The two kept on their trek, following the long trail to Viridian City. The Gym there specialized in ground types and was the toughest Gym in Kanto. Even with the technical type advantage, Ash and Froakie alone were lightyears away from being able to challenge it. So the plan was to stay the night in Viridian, then move on to the nearby town, Pewter. The gym there used Rock-Types and was the perfect gym for new trainers. Froakie would sweep the floor there with enough training. Five of the eight Kanto Gyms regulated their strength based on the challenger, depending on their number of badges, while Viridian, Saffron, and Cinnabar didn't hold back at all, no matter the trainer.
But even with the advantage, Ash knew he couldn't win the League with Froakie alone. He needed more team members. Before he left, he did a bit of research on Froakies species and evolutionary line. Frogadier, Froakie's evolved form, had incredible speed and agility, able to scale a skyscraper in mere minutes without tiring. It was even fast enough to run right across large bodies of water, due to its low weight. Its attack was good too but didn't compare to the terrifying strength of a Greninja.
Gaining Dark-type attributes upon evolution, Greninjas were lightning fast, cunning, and precise, taking down opponents in seconds without ever being seen. Their strengths were in their power, accuracy, and evasion, with only one glaring weakness. The whole evolutionary line was woefully unprepared in defense and could be taken out in just a couple solid hits. In other words, they're squishy. In a straight fight, such a pokemon would faint after a well-placed Brick-Break to the face. On the other hand, Greninjas make up for their lack of physical defense with their speed and evasive techniques, such as Smokescreen and Double Team.
Froakie would eventually become one powerhouse of a Greninja, Ash was sure of it. He was also a fan of the "strike hard and fast" strategy they were known for. However, he needed pokemon that could cover Froakie's weaknesses, in typing and stats. Bulky, slow pokemon could provide that coverage, able to tank attacks that would smear the frail Water-type. Electric-types needed to be countered too, so a Ground-type would be essential. If he could find a decent Flying-type, he could cover the Grass weakness, along with the eventual Bug and Fighting weaknesses. A Fire-type would resist the newly classified Fairy-Types and would deal with Grass well enough. Though they're typically rather rare, Fire-types were practically a staple in a well-rounded team.
As Ash considered his strategy, Froakie was keeping a close eye on their surroundings, looking out for danger or worthy opponents. The grass ahead rustled with activity, which didn't miss Froakie's eye. "Froak-kie-kie!"
"Hmm?" Ash grunted. "What is it?" Froakie's usually relaxed face shifted to battle mode as he spotted a disturbance. Ash saw it too and took a stance to battle! The grass parted…
"Pichu?" A tiny, yellow mouse clambered out of the tall grass, holding an Oran berry. It looked around, sniffing the air, then spotted the duo. It was guarded, but curious.
"A Pichu?" Ash asked incredulously, pulling out his pokedex. "I've never seen one before!" Pikachu could be found closer to Viridian Forest, but Pichu were way rare!
"Pichu: the Tiny Mouse Pokemon. Electric-type. Pichus are the baby form of Pikachu and are rarely hatched in the wild. Due to its youth, it can't produce very much electricity in battle and will grow exhausted if it uses too much. They are playful pranksters, often shocking their trainers for laughs without causing any real damage."
"Alright!" Ash decided. This would be his first capture! "Froakie, I choose you!"
"Fro!" Froakie bounded forward, already rushing his new target. Pichu saw the strange pokemon coming and instantly ran the other direction, shifting into Quick Attack with ease.
"Froakie, use Quick Attack too! Get close!" Ash commanded. Froakie blasted forward, striking Pichu in the back! The Electric-type stumbled, dropping his berry as it rolled. Pichu gasped, running back to its lunch! But there was a Froakie in the way!
"Use Bubble!" Ash yelled. Froakie jumped up, blasting high-speed foam at the mouse! But Pichu acted, sending a small Thundershock to intercept the attack. Froakie prepared to attack again, but the Pichu simply ran around him, grabbing the berry again and eating it with earnest.
"...seriously?" Ash asked no one. Pichu was barely battling, he just cared about his food! "Use Pound!"
Wham! Froakie landed a perfect hit in Pichu's face, knocking the half-eaten berry out of its mouth! Pichu turned to grab it again…
But it was gone! A Rattata jumped out of nowhere and stole it, running back into the forest! Pichu froze, staring at the spot in shock. Froakie cocked his head in confusion. Was the Pichu gonna battle or not? Then Pichu whipped around, fury in its little eyes. Froakie got his answer.
"Chuuuu!" Froakie was instantly shocked by the largest Thundershock the little mouse could muster, which wasn't a lot, but the super-effective attack sure hurt!
"Froakie! You ok?" Ash called out. Froakie gave a pained grunt but was still standing. Yellow sparks ran across Froakie's body, a telltale sign of paralysis. "Hang in there, let's finish...this?" He looked back to the Pichu. It was spinning in circles, far too dizzy to battle. That last attack was too much for it, so it ran out of juice. It plopped down in the grass, knocked out.
"...alright then…" Ash picked out a new pokeball, tossing it forward. Pichu was sucked in, becoming red energy as it got captured. The pokeball shook once. Twice. Three times…
Click!
Success!
"Ha ha! Our first capture!" Ash cheered, running towards the still pokeball. He quickly pocketed it then felt around in his bag, pulling out some paralysis medicine. "C'mere, Froakie, let's fix you up…"
Before long, Froakie was completely fine, if not a little tired from the battle. Ash produced Pichu's pokeball again, turning it in his hand.
"We should probably heal Pichu up, it probably wasn't too happy about missing its dinner huh." Froakie croaked in agreement. Pretty single-minded back there if you asked him. "Ok Pichu, come out!" Ash flipped the pokeball open, releasing the mouse. When Pichu materialized, he swayed a bit from exhaustion, but was awake.
"Hi Pichu!" Ash greeted. "Before anything else, you're probably famished, right? Want food?" Pichu was about to shock the weird kid, but the mention of food perished the thought. Ash poured out some Pokefood for the mouse, which Pichu gave one sniff to before gobbling it up at max speed.
"Woah, Pichu! Slow down, you'll choke!" Ash cried. Froakie rolled his large eyes at the infant pokemon, who beat its little chest to force down the food. "Just eat slower, ok? No one's taking your food." Pichu slowed down a bit, eating till it was completely stuffed. "You must have been starving!" Ash speculated. "I'm gonna take a quick scan of you ok?" His pokedex beeped, scanning the eating mouse.
"This Pichu is male and knows the following moves. Thundershock, Growl, Tackle, Quick Attack, Tail Whip, and Thunder Wave. It holds the Egg Move Volt Tackle, which is yet to be unlocked. Warning, this move must be unlocked before evolution, otherwise it will be lost. Its Ability is Static, which paralyses foes upon physical contact in battle."
"Woah, you can learn Volt Tackle!" Ash exclaimed. "You're pretty strong, Pichu! You feeling better?"
Pichu squeaked excitedly but stayed seated in its food-coma. Ash smiled before continuing. "So Pichu, I caught you ok? Do you know what that means?" Picku just stared at the boy, not knowing what he meant. "...guessing that's a no. So basically, I'm Ash, your new trainer! And I'd like for you to be on my team! You'll be battling other pokemon, getting stronger, that kind of thing! But if you don't want to, you don't have to stay. What do you think?"
Pichu cocked its head in thought. To be honest, Pichu didn't have much chance of survival anyway. Most of the Pichu line were hatched as Pikachu in the wild for a better chance of survival. Therefore, Pichu's days were numbered on his own. But having a trainer would keep him alive, maybe even let him evolve one day!
And humans had food!
"Pi Pichu-pi!" The little Electric-type bounced up, sparks flying from its cheeks. Ash laughed in excitement. "Yeah! Then starting today, you're a part of our team!"
Froakie took another look at its newest teammate. Once Pichu got stronger, the type difference could make for some interesting competition. But only if Pichu got stronger. For now, the tiny mouse could only shoot off one or two Thundershocks before passing out. Froakie decided to wait and see, maybe Pichu would surprise them both.
Fwoom!
All three heads whipped around at the sound. A flash of fire glowed from down the trail! Ash grimaced. "That can't be good, Pichu return!" He tried to return Pichu, but it dodged the red beam! "Pichu c'mon! We gotta go!" Pichu ran up Ash's leg, settling into his coat. It was actively avoiding the pokeball! Ash gritted his teeth, now smelling the smoke. "Fine, just stay in there ok? Don't want you getting hurt. Froakie, let's go!"
xXx
"C'mon, c'mon!" Serana cried, but to no avail. Fennekin was running around too but had no way of helping. "Please just go out! Someone do somethin-"
"BUBBLE!"
"Frobobobobobourrr!"
Out of nowhere, a jet of foamy bubbles struck the fire, putting it out with a blast of steam! A couple more shots and it was out completely, leaving only burnt branches behind.
"Hey! Are you alright?" a voice called from down the trail. Serana waved away the steam with relief. "Yes! Thank you so mu-hold on…" she looked closer at their savior. "...is that you Ash?"
"Huh? Oh, it's you! Serana, right?" Ash asked as he jogged up, his Froakie hopping beside him. "I'm Ash Ketchum! You were at Professor Oak's lab!"
"Th-That's right!" Serana confirmed, still holding the slightly charred blanket. "Fennekin and I were having a picnic, then she sneezed, and then the tree caught fire, then...well…" she looked around at the ruined campsite. Food was scattered everywhere, attracting a couple of Rattata to steal some morsels. Even a Pidgey swooped down on a sweet looking Pokepuff before taking off. "...you know the rest. Heh…"
"I...think I got all that…" Ash said in confusion.
She dropped sweat, looking down sheepishly. "Some way to start my journey, right? What a mess."
"Don't worry," Ash reassured. "Froakie and I can help clean up! Right, Froakie?" The Bubble Frog gave him the side-eye. Apparently putting the fire out was enough for him. "C'mon, it won't take long. Besides, I'll bet I can do it faster!"
Froakie's eye ticked. 'Are you sure about that?' It seemed to ask. Ash only laughed heartily. "Let's start with the food, ok?" A yellow head popped out of his coat, salivating heavily. "Wait, didn't you just eat?" Ash asked his Pichu, who ignored the question.
"Hold on!" Serana objected. "It's my mess! I'll just slow you down, so-" but Ash stopped her with one hand. "Please, it's ok. Let us help, alright?" Serana hesitated, but sighed. "...ok. I guess the food is ruined though."
"Probably, but not all of it!" Ash figured. "Let salvage what we can, then we can hit the road."
xXx
A few minutes later…
"Fro...kie!" Froakie croaked as he dusted his white hands. The area was clear now, and he had some extra food for his effort (minus what Pichu devoured). Ash patted his head in thanks before recalling him. "That's everything I think." he announced.
"Wow! Thanks so much, Ash. It really means a lot!" Serana thanked as she repacked her bag. "Your Pichu is so cute, by the way!"
"Thanks!" Ash answered, scratching the Electric-type behind the ear. Pichu was sitting safe and sound in Ash's jacket and wasn't moving anytime soon. "He's a recent catch, just up the road there. I think he might be a black-hole in disguise though…" The two laughed at that, falling into a comfortable silence.
Serana gulped nervously. If there was any time to ask, it was now. "So...Ash?"
"Hmm? Yeah?" the boy responded. Serana blushed a bit before asking. "Do you...remember me?" They both froze at the question, then Serana unfroze in embarrassment, blushing furiously. "S-S-Sorry! I just...I thought you might...nevermind!"
"Hold it…" Ash muttered, kneeling close to the girl. Serana seemed to gasp as he reached towards her, specifically, her hat. He sloooowly took the hat off. A beat passed. Then another.
"...wait a minute...Serana...from camp?" he realized. "It's you! That one girl who hurt her ankle!" he yelled in surprise. Grinning, Serana nodded, taking her hat back with a giggle. "Yep, it's me!"
"I thought you seemed familiar!" Ash exclaimed. "I had no idea! You...how've you been?"
"I've been great!" she answered. "I see you're where you wanted to be! Pokemon training and all."
"Well yeah! I don't give up that easy!" Ash laughed. "What about you? Weren't you a Rhyhorn racer or something?"
"My mom was, is really." The two sat comfortably as they talked, catching up after such a long time. "She wanted me to become a Rhyhorn racer too, but my heart wasn't in it. Took a while for her to figure out though." She shook her head, tucking her long hair back. "So, when the opportunity came down to start my journey in Kanto, I just went for it!"
"That's amazing!" Ash complimented. "I can't imagine starting anywhere but here! You've got guts!" Serana giggled again at the praise. "Thanks, Ash. I honestly can't believe I ran into you again! I wanted to say something at the lab, but I didn't want to interrupt the Professor and all."
"I hear ya. Though I'm sure he wouldn't have minded too much." Ash commented. "You happen to see Gary at all?"
"Oh, that rude boy?" she asked. "Er, sorry...he's your friend right?"
"Ha ha! Yeah, he can be a bit of a jerk sometimes, but he sure knows his pokemon! He's the Professor's grandson after all."
"Wait really? I thought he just called Professor Oak that because of his age!"
"Don't get me wrong, he is kinda rude. But he's my rival too, so I like to check in on him. And he's my friend." Ash explained.
"Well, Alain and I saw him driving to Viridian with a squad of cheerleaders." Serana answered, to which Ash suddenly sputtered.
"Cough cough, what?" he yelped between coughs. "He's driving? I'll never catch up!" Ash groaned. Serana patted him consolingly, stifling another laugh. Ash seemed to get over it though. "What that other guy, Alain? You know him?" Serana shook her head no. "I think on the plane he said he was from Lumiose City. I live a bit further south. Didn't talk much though.
"Hmm, interesting. I wonder how he'll do with that Charmander." Ash pondered. "Anyway, I should probably get moving. I'd like to get to Viridian before dark." Serana frowned, then pulled up the map on her pokedex.
"Ash...that's about 3 miles! Are you sure about that?" she asked. Ash shrugged.
"No big deal, they have rooms at the Pokemon Center after all. I'd rather sleep in a bed, at least for the first night." Serana blinked at the new information. Now that he mentioned it, a bed does sound way better than camping…
"Alright!" she said, standing up swiftly. "Me too then! May I..erm...may I come with you?" she asked. Ash seemed to consider for a moment, before grinning.
"Yeah! Definitely!"
"Really? Thanks!" Serana said happily. Traveling together was way safer anyway. "You think we'll run into anything dangerous?"
Ash looked down the trail as he gathered his own gear. "I doubt it, no way we'd be that lucky. Just Rattata and Pidgies on the way to Viridian City, with the occasion Bug-type." Ash pointed to her pokeballs. "Your Fennekin will have an advantage against bugs. Maybe you could catch one?" Serana didn't think about that. What pokemon would she catch? What did she want to do anyway? Sure, she was here to go on her journey, but did she want to challenge the gyms? Compete? Something else entirely?
She shook her head. "Maybe, maybe not. I guess I'll catch what catches my eye, you know?" Ash nodded in understanding, standing up.
"Alright, you ready to get moving?"
"You bet!" she answered. With that, the two trainers went on their way, navigating the forest at a quick pace, maybe even too quick for Serana's taste, but she refused to fall behind. Even if Ash's walking pace was way too fast.
But about an hour later, she finally caught a break.
"I challenge you to a battle!" A youngster yelled, brandishing a pokeball. Ash grinned in response. "You're on!" Behind him, Serana leaned on a fencepost, panting. "Ha...ha...finally!...ha…"
"Go! Rattata!" The purple rat materialized immediately, awaiting its orders. Froakie hopped off his perch on Ash's shoulder, studying his new opponent. The rat was easily level 4 or less, while Froakie was about level 7 by now, almost 8. Piece of cake.
"Actually, Froakie," Ash interrupted. "I know you can handle that, so let's let Pichu have a shot."
"Fro?" he seemed to ask. It made sense, not that Froakie liked it much. "Fro-Froakie." he grumbled.
"Pichu, you ready?" Ash asked. Pichu popped his head out of the jacket again, hopping out to battle. "Great! Use Quick Attack!"
"Chu-Pi!" It cried, dashing towards his foe. Rattata also used Quick Attack as they zipped all over the battlefield. They were about equal in speed though, so no decent hits on either side.
'Gotta slow it down,' Ash thought. "Thunder Wave! Draw it in!"
Pichu skidded to a stop, letting the Rattata get close. Just before impact, Pichu shot a thin bolt of electricity through his opponent, then jumped out of the way!
"Rata-ta-ta!" the rodent squealed. It didn't hurt much, but the immobilizing status effect sure wasn't comfy. "Ratatta, use Tackle!" the youngster yelled. But Ratatta couldn't move!
"Let's finish this, Pichu! Thundershock!" Ash called out. Pichu ran in close, easily overtaking its opponent! One decent shock later, and the battle was over. The youngster sighed and recalled his Ratatta. "No fair...using fancy pokemon." he mumbled as he paid up. Ash shrugged it off. Though Pichu was itself rare, Pikachu weren't exactly unheard of.
"Great job, Ash!" Serana called from behind. She couldn't help but admire Ash's battling. Intense, yet smart! 'Maybe I can be like that too!' She thought.
The duo moved on, occasionally stopping to battle some more trainers from time to time. Serana even took on a couple challengers at Ash's suggestion. Even if she didn't compete, stronger partners could never be a bad thing when traveling.
"Ok Fennekin, use Ember! Keep your distance!" she called out, hearing a sharp bark in response. Fennekin shot sizzling fireballs towards the opponent's Pidgey, who got hit by one but dodged the rest.
"Get up there, Pidgey!" the other trainer urged. "Get some height!" The bird obeyed, flying higher into the treetops. Fennekin tried to keep up but couldn't pin down her target!
"What to do…" Serana wondered aloud. "Fennekin, let it come to you! Stand your ground!"
"Fenne!" the fox called back. The trainer grunted with annoyance. "Pidgey, use Tackle! Smoosh it!"
"Pidgooo!" The avian pokemon screeched, diving towards its prey. Serana's eyes widened at the opening. "Now! Hypnosis!" As the Pidgey dove closer to Fennekin, the fox's eyes glowed an eerie purple, hitting the bird point blank! Pidgey was inches away when it plopped down, asleep.
"No, Pidgey! Get up!" her opponent yelled. But his pleads fell on deaf, sleeping ears, the brown bird snoring its worries away.
"Great job, Serana!" Ash congratulated. Serana grinned, pulling out her pokeball. "Thanks Fennekin! Retu-"
"Hold it!" the other trainer yelled. "The battle's not over! My pokemon hasn't fainted!" Serana quirked an eyebrow at him before looking back to the Pidgey, still sound asleep. "Umm…but Pidgey can't fight anymore, can it?"
"As if!" the guy yelled angrily. "Pidgey! Get up and use Gust!" But the bird didn't move. At this point, Fennekin, was curiously poking the bird, looking back at Serana expectantly.
"Hey!" Ash interjected. "Pidgey can't battle! Just return it already!"
"No way! Pidgey, Sand-Attack!" Again, the bird didn't move.
"Ok, Fennekin! Return!" Serana pointed the pokeball again but was stopped by her traveling partner. "Serana," Ash said quietly. "The battle isn't over until the pokemon actually faints or is returned. If you return Fennekin, you'll technically forfeit."
"But…Pidgey can't fight! It's like you said…" Serana gestured to the snoring bird, to which Ash nodded.
"Right, but in the league rules, sleep can be countered in various ways, so sleep doesn't actually end the battle. But I doubt Pidgey has any sort of counter for it." Ash glared at the trainer, who kept yelling out random commands at his downed pokemon. "He's being dumb, but by the rules you have to defeat his pokemon to win."
Serana looked back at the "battle", where Fennekin was now barking to wake the Pidgey up, thoroughly confused as to what it should do. As was Serana. She couldn't just attack a defenseless target!
Luckily, she didn't have to. Fennekin gave one final prod before Pidgey's eyes snapped open! Instantly, it beat its wings into the dirt, kicking up a Sand-Attack!
"Yeah! Good job, Pidgey!" the other trainer called out. Pidgey gave a loud cry as Fennekin blinked the sand out, looking at its fur.
Its yellow fur.
Its beautiful, yellow, usually shiny fur.
A fire flickered in the small fox's eyes, her fur bushing up in fury. "FenneKIIIIN!" Without warning, or Serana's command, the Fire-type launched a blazing Ember at the bird, hitting it with an explosion! Pidgey tumbled back a distance, then fainted, defeated.
After the battle was over, it took both Ash and Serana to hold back the furious pokemon, who only calmed down when Serana was able to clean the sand off her coat. After that ordeal, it was clear the Fennekin was strong, with the right motivation anyway.
As for Ash, his pokemon were progressing with every battle they fought. Pichu could only fight with two, maybe three Thundershocks at a time before tiring, but Froakie was already a monster among the cannon-fodder. No offense to anyone, but the longer Ash battled, the easier it was to defeat the local kids. They were just small-fry at this point. Once Froakie started one-shotting even relatively stronger pokemon, he switched to Pichu to get the mouse more experience. As for Froakie, he would hop along, occasionally practicing his moves on the local flora.
Froakie's Ability remained a mystery to Ash, though. There wasn't a pokemon without a special ability of some kind. He did his homework of course, but Froakie showed no signs of his Hidden Ability: Protean. The closest Ash ever saw was through the move Camouflage, which allowed Froakie to change his type based on his immediate environment. Sit on a rock while using Camouflage, become a Rock-type. Use it in the grass, become a Grass-type. Invaluable for sure, but not Protean. Protean changed the users type based on the move the pokemon is using, the moment they used it. A Protean Froakie using a Normal-type move would immediately become a Normal-type pokemon, giving the move STAB damage, as well as gaining any natural advantage to being that given type. The potential for resistances and even immunities to certain moves more than made up for Greninja's lack of defense. That, along with the humongous move-pool available to the Greninja-line, made a Protean Greninja an absolute demon in battle, even getting banned from use for a few years before the law's repeal.
This wasn't the case for Ash's Froakie though. While the usual Ability, Torrent, could be Froakie's Ability, he had never been pushed far enough to activate it. Besides, if it was Torrent, the pokedex would've just said so. So what gives? He'd just have to ask the Professor.
Four hours later, after many Rattatas, Pidgies, and a rather curmudgeonly Spearow, the pair finally saw lights in the distance as the sun set. Viridian City.
"Welp…" Ash announced. "...we made it!" Serana had been dragging herself along at this point, way too tired to even think of battling anymore. But she quickly perked up at the sight of civilization. "C'mon!" Ash called as he jogged downhill. "We're almost there!"
Serana nodded with a smile and ran after her oldest friend.
Hey everyone! Been tossing around a Pokemon story for a while and decided to finally post it. Took a long hiatus from writing due to a recent move, but I'm back!
To start things off, Ash is going to be a lot smarter and kinder in his initial journey. He's done his research and knows a lot more about training pokemon than in the anime. Furthermore, Serana's presence lead me to make him slightly less…well…annoying. He'll still be quippy, just nicer to others.
Having Froakie as his starter will change things as well, so expect large deviations from canon as far as the storyline goes. As you may have figured out already, Froakie's Ability is Battle Bond, which is why the Pokedex doesn't recognize it. It's literally a one in a billion Ability compared to Protean, which is more one in a million.
Pichu was an obvious pick and will eventually evolve into Pikachu as time goes on. Other members of the team will also fill in, but he won't throw a ball at everything he sees.
As for Serana, she is more or less the same as in canon with small differences. Obviously, there's no "Kanto Queen", so preforming that way is out. The pokemon she catches will also vary, as there are no local Pancham to catch. Machop perhaps? She may even focus on studying pokemon (someone has to). Maybe pick up some Breeder tips from Brock? The list goes on.
Mega Evolution will play a part in this story, as you may have guessed with Alain's involvement. But it won't be really introduced until later on.
Thank you for reading! Till next time!