Chapter I: A good beginning

My father left one sunny day after my ninth birthday. At that time, I didn't completely understand the look on my mother's face – I was just happy because the previous day I had received my first Pokémon: a recently hatched Pichu.

Yesterday, I had spent all day running around with Pichu – although it was only a baby Pokémon, it had a lot of energy. When we returned home, late at night, both of us practically passed out on my bed. Today, I was having a quick breakfast to continue our playing session for the day – we were planning to go to Oak's ranch – but it was interrupted when mom sat on the chair beside me.

"Ash, honey," she started. "Have you had fun yesterday?"

I looked away from the TV. "Yes, mom!" I exclaimed, "You had fun too, right Pichu?"

"Piii," It said, crawling to my lap. Pichu looked at me asking for scratches – it was already spoiled. I turned around to smile at my mom but an awkward silence fell upon us.

After a long pause, she said shakily "Ash, Red- your dad is on a mission. He won't be coming home for a while."

Despite my enthusiasm, everything seems to be going wrong that year. Janine moved to Johto with her father; then Brock became Gym leader so he couldn't bring Forrest to play anymore; and worst of all, Misty's parents died.

Misty, with her orange hair and bratty attitude, was almost like one of the boys. Always happy and loud, in all the years I knew her she never cried – even when she almost drowned chasing a Poliwag – but she sobbed during the entire funeral. Her sisters – Daisy, Violet, and Lily – were also devastated but they keep it together – they have become the next Gym leaders (and Gym leaders didn't cry.) After the ceremony, I approached Misty, trying to cheer her up but nothing I did work. I understood, after all my dad had left for a while and I already missed him; Mr & Mrs. Waterflower had left forever… By the time we returned to Pallet even Gary was sad.

Without most of my friends, Pichu became my comfort blanket. We tried to train for weeks – but, truly, we mostly just played and ran around Pallet – until Daisy, Gary's older sister, took pity on us and taught me how to train.

Gary noticed and became jealous. One afternoon, he came to my house and shouted "Don't steal my sister!", but after a couple of days, he also joined us. Daisy was only twelve, but she seemed to have infinite patience, and she was happy to take us everywhere. We explored Oak's ranch – and tried to touch every Pokémon, even the bigger ones like Charizard or Dragonite. She started teaching us the basics to be a Pokémon trainer: how to feed and clean our Pokémon, the correct use of potions, and other important things but I was antsy to learn how to battle. Gary was also looking forward to that particular lesson; after all, his role model was Blue – the strongest gym leader in Kanto and his dad.

"Boys…" became Daisy's signature phrase, but finally she gave in and took us to the Viridian Forest. Professor Oak's Arcanine accompanied us on our small trip, and we spent almost two weeks learning survival tactics in the wilderness and correct use of the Poké balls. By the end, we left dirty and tired but happy with our new Pokémon. Gary and I had captured three each – Rattata, Spearow, and Weedle for him, while I had Rattata, Pidgey, and Caterpie. They were quite common but we were excited to have new friends.

Without noticing, it was already time to go back to school. The Viridian School was small, and mostly taught basic stuff – reading, writing, and maths. However, when you turn eleven the teachers start to prepare you for the Pokémon Trainer's exam. Gary and I breeze through these new lessons – we had field experience after all. The exam varied in difficulty depending on who you selected as your sponsor, almost everyone selected the Viridian or Pewter Gyms – gym leaders were easier than the regional professors, but they usually gave you a common Pokémon (Viridian gave Mankey, Rhyhorn, or rarely a Growlithe. Yes, I asked!). Only three out of thirty students had selected Professor Oak as their sponsor – I included obviously.

I was bored with most of the classes, except for Pokémon history. As a Kanto born and raised, I had heard about the wars and the Pokemon League foundation but I learnt more extensively about Kanto and Johto conflicts and their alliance against Orre.

I also learnt about legendary Pokémon and Kanto Champions – including my father, the one who had finally unified the Johto and Kanto and strengthened our Leagues to avoid another war. Finally, I learnt about the laws that every trainer should follow – don't mistreat or abandon your Pokémon, don't steal or attack another trainer, etc. The most surprising information I heard was that was only twenty years ago that you started your career as a trainer at ten years old. That was kind of crazy, right?

Around that time, my mom's restaurant became more popular than ever. Remembering that Daisy always told us that a good trainer should be able to feed himself, I started helping mom twice a week. The previous year, I was so focused on Pokémon that I hadn't been spending much time with her. I felt a little guilty, but she reassured me with "I'm just happy that you're happy." Working with mom was fun; as she had also hired a cheery girl called Leaf, who lived on the other side of Pallet Town and was one of my three classmates that had chosen the Professor as a sponsor.

Leaf's main features were her long brown hair and her perpetual smile. She was as enthusiastic about Pokémon as Gary and me. One day after a work shift, she confessed that her family didn't have much money – her father was a fisherman that sadly died in a storm and her mother had a small plant shop called 'The Greenery'. She told me that her dream was to travel all around the world with her Pokémon, to see other cities and discover new places. After that, I always let her take the tips from customers; after all, I spent my money on stupid things like candy and toys.

Daisy's fourteenth birthday arrived, and so her Pokémon journey finally started. She chose a Squirtle – "It is the cutest" she said with finality – and left after saying her goodbyes. Gary and I continued hanging out in the ranch, challenging each other in everything – Pokémon battles, fishing, chasing Nidoran, eating competitions, etc. – until the Professor tired of our nonsense put us to work for him. We tried our hardest; after all, it was a privilege to help the famous Professor Oak.

One late afternoon, after repairing fences for almost three hours – Tauros broke them at least twice a month, Gary and I were just laying down under the shadow of a tree. I was petting Pichu, who was sitting on top of my belly – it had got heavier and bigger and its tail had also changed to almost a Pikachu's tail; signs that its evolution was very close. I was thinking about how all of my friends seemed to have a clear dream…

I was almost envious of Gary and Leaf – both of them had a goal to follow. Leaf wanted to be an explorer and Gary wanted to follow Professor Oak's path – win a conference and then become a regional professor. What was my goal? Deep down, I knew what I wanted – bring dad home… to mom. I wanted him to see me become a good trainer just as he was. However, it felt almost silly; my father will probably finish his mission and come back any day – he doesn't need a noobie trainer to help him, he is the Champion.

"You know," Gary muttered. "My Beedrill is getting old…, so is your Butterfree."

I have noticed – Daisy taught us that the wild Caterpie and Weedle lived three to five years at best. "Yeah… well at least they had a lot of babies." I watched the multiple larvae and pupae forms that were on the trees. "It is what it is, Gary."

"You are a copycat, Ashy-boy. My sister said that." He was also watching the bugs.

"No, she didn't!"

I knew that I was falling for his taunt, but his stupid cocky smile always pissed me off.

"Ha!" He suddenly stood up – waking my starter in the process. He started to run, laughing because Pichu, in panic, attacked me with a weak Thunder Shock.

"Uggggh, what an idiot." Pichu nuzzled against my face as an apology. It was very cute, but I couldn't say it at loud. What if Gary hears it?

That night, after brushing my teeth, I saw a bright light coming from my room. I already knew what it was, it wasn't my first time watching an evolution, but I ran towards it anyway.

My oldest Pokémon and best friend was finally evolving.

"Pikachu!" It said as a greeting.

It has been around 2 years since Pichu evolved. But enough about memories; tomorrow is going to be an exciting day for me and Pikachu…

Our journey is finally starting!

I had asked my Raticate and Pidgeotto if they wanted to come with me. I already knew that Raticate wanted to stay on the ranch – she had never been a big fan of battles but it never hurt to ask again. As expected, Pidgeotto nodded and Raticate shook her head in negative. I recalled Pidgeotto and hugged my other Pokémon as a farewell, she tried to be aloof but I knew that Raticate was a big softie inside.

I returned home late. I called mom but the house was empty, so she was probably still in her restaurant. Yesterday, she had given me a professional Trainer bag as a birthday gift. It was perfect for long travels, extremely durable, and had a huge item capacity that you could visualise on your Rotom phone. It was made from the same technology that Poké balls – transforming certain objects into red light for better storing. I decided to put everything that could be useful – potions, different coloured Poké balls, my tent and sleeping bag, clothes, food and some berries, and various trinkets that I had found in the Oak's ranch like black glasses or Soothe Bell – before going to sleep.

The next morning, I quickly changed into my new trainer's outfit – dark blue jeans, a black t-shirt with reddish lines, a red and black Poké hat, and black running shoes – and ran downstairs to have a light breakfast before going to the Professor's Lab, but before entering the kitchen I heard two different female voices having a conversation.

Pikachu and I exchanged a look.

"Go'mornin'" Leaf's lazily greeted. Mom was finishing with the scrambled eggs; toasted bread was already on the table.

"Hey," I said, while Pikachu made a chirping sound. "Good morning, mom." I poured myself some orange juice and looked at Leaf with interest. She still looked half-asleep but was already fully clothed in her brand new Trainer's outfit.

"Leaf stayed the night. She helped me close the restaurant," Mom explained. She finally sat down and sipped her cup of coffee. "I offered her to stay here. It is much closer to the Lab."

"Thank you, Mrs. K- Delia," Leaf corrected. "My mom was relieved... she says that I'm not a morning person."

Leaf finished her breakfast with a cute pout. I turned away and looked at Pikachu who was sneakily eating my toasted bread. Lately, he behaved more mischievously but I usually forgave him quickly. He knew that I wouldn't get angry – I have spoiled him too much.

After more than five years together, Pikachu and I have gotten very close that I swear I can understand his Pika-speech. It's probably high friendship or affinity?

I was lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice when I finished my breakfast.

"Thanks, mom," I said standing up. "Leaf, we should get going."

"Ookaay," Leaf said and left the kitchen to give my mother and me some space.

I was trying to find the right words to say, so I thank her again.

"Ash, you don't have to thank me twice. You are my son," she interrupted me. "I know that you're not a reckless boy but I want you to promise me that you won't go looking for trouble, please."

Her teary eyes remind me of ''that day''. I think she knew that I still wanted to find dad a.k.a. trouble.

"I can't promise that," she opened her mouth to protest but I quickly continued. "But I can promise that I won't go look for him until I have a strong team, okay?"

She looked somewhat defeated but nodded. I didn't want to leave on bad terms so I hugged her tightly and after a soft "I love you" and "You are the best mom in the world" I let her go.

Mom kneeled at Pikachu's height and asked him to take care of me, which I pretended to be offended by. Pikachu puffed his small chest, proud, and exclaimed an affirmative.

Leaf was outside pretending that she didn't hear anything. "Thank you for everything, Delia."

"No problem, sweetie. Take good care," Mom waved us goodbye as we started walking towards the Lab. "Ashy, don't forget to change your underwear."

"S-so, where's your bag?" I asked, trying to fill the awkward silence. My face, red out of embarrassment. Pikachu, already perched in my right shoulder, was grinning. He found mom's joke very funny. The little jerk!

"Home... I promised Mom that I wouldn't leave without saying goodbye," Leaf said. "Which starter are you going to choose? Bulbasaur is the cutest, right?" she stated, daring me to disagree.

"Sure… You know, yesterday, I saw Professor Oak receiving Poké balls from another professor. Maybe, this year he will give Johto starters? Or Hoenn's."

"Chikorita and Treecko are also very cute." Obviously, Grass was her favourite Pokémon type.

"Well, Gary wants Squirtle. He has mentioned like a hundred times…" I said. "Apart from us and Gary, only one more trainer passed the Professor's test, right?"

I tilted my head to look at Leaf. Pikachu imitated me, making her laugh.

"I think so," she said between chuckles. "I heard that he or she is from Cinnabar, so probably will choose the fire type."

"Charmander is the coolest," I said.

I wanted Charmander. I turned to look at Leaf's brown eyes – was she messing with me?

"Let's hurry up!" I said running, Leaf followed me laughing.

The Lab was a twenty-minute walk from home but we reached in only five; well before the scheduled time.

Leaf was slightly out of breath but recovered soon enough. Gary was already there with a new motorbike – It was cool but I didn't want to tell him that. The jerk had already a big head.

"Hey Ashy-boy, petal-girl." He was as annoying as ever and by the look on Leaf's face, she agreed. "Do you like-"

"Ash was telling me that he saw the Professor receiving new Pokémon, do you know something about that?" Leaf interrupted him. Gary stared at her before saying, "No."

He didn't look as confident as before. He wanted Squirtle badly. The Lab's doors opened before we could continue our conversation.

Professor Oak came out and gestured to us to enter the Lab. Even though he was in his early to mid-sixties, he was still a tall strong man. His greyish hair gave him a wise appearance and with good reason: he was considered the best Pokémon professor of all the regions.

I had entered this place hundreds of times but this time it felt special. I was nervous and I could see that Leaf and Gary were too.

We followed the Professor to the centre of the Lab. Among the rows and rows of bookshelves, there was a big machine with three Poké balls. Only three?

"Professor?" I asked. "Where is the fourth trainer?"

"He – Ritchie won't come until tomorrow. His ferry was delayed... a Gyarados' herd was migrating around Cinnabar."

The three of us shared a look of relief. We wouldn't have to fight for a Pokémon.

Before the selection of our starters, the Professor updated our Rotom phones with the Pokédex app. He gave us a quick tutorial about its main functions – scanner, information about wild Pokémon, move-set of captured Pokémon, etc. – and five standard Poké balls.

It was time for the selection of our starters. Finally! This was the main reason that the Professor's test was the hardest on Kanto. He gave an extremely rare Pokémon which was a huge advantage to any aspiring trainer.

The Kanto starters were almost impossible to obtain without a regional Professor. Bulbasaur only lived in reservations, Charmander in hidden mountains, and Squirtle in remote islands. The three were the most sought Pokémon in Kanto alongside Dratini.

Leaf went first. She didn't even look at the other two other Poké balls as she skipped directly to the one with a leaf sticker.

"Bulbasaur, I choose you!" she shouted.

From the red light, a small dinosaur-like Pokémon appeared. The Bulbasaur was bluish green and had a green plant bulb in its back. Its intelligent eyes glanced over everything before settling on Leaf.

Leaf, flexing her legs into a seiza position, approached it and introduced herself, "My name is Leaf and I want to travel around the world, d– do you want to be my partner?"

Bulbasaur considered for a few seconds before nodding and immediately was enveloped in a hug courtesy of Leaf. It looked quite happy before Leaf recalled it. She took off quickly because she wanted to start her journey as soon as possible.

"Don't forget your bag," I shouted before she left the Lab. She just waved.

Gary went second. He seemed to have recovered his confidence as he walked towards the machine.

"Any Pokémon that I chose will be the best," he said grabbing the Poké ball with a teardrop sticker. He hesitated for a second before throwing the ball and from the red light came a small turtle.

It was light blue and had a small bushy tail and a brown patterned shell. It grinned at Gary who returned the gesture and looked proudly at his starter.

He stood firmly and said, "I am going to become the strongest trainer ever. Do you have the guts to follow me?"

His little Squirtle looked ecstatic, jumping around while me, the Professor and Pikachu watched in amusement. Gary recalled his starter and after thanking his grandfather, he went to the Lab's exit.

"Good luck, Ash," he said without turning. We fought a lot but, in the end, we are still good friends.

I replied with, "You too!" and he also left.

It was finally my turn. I was already thinking about how to train Charmander. According to the beginner trainer's guide, they were the hardest to train of the Kanto starters. Usually, you have to focus on training its power and control to prepare for its evolution… I should probably go catch a Water type and –

"Ash, I need to ask you a favour," Professor Oak said, interrupting my musings. "Yesterday, I received a Pokémon that has been proven a challenge for rookie trainers. It has been returned twice and has abandoned its last trainer. Professor Sycamore from Kalos thinks that it's looking for a more experienced trainer."

He took a Poké ball that was in his lab coat and handed it to me. I hesitated to grab the Poké ball. It had a teardrop sticker… a Water type.

"I can't give it to Ritchie and I do not have the time to train a Pokémon either," the Professor started. "I know I'm asking too much but please take good care of it."

While I was thinking, Pikachu came down from my shoulders and inspected the Poké ball. I wanted the Charmander but Professor Oak had always been nice to me and he never asked for any favours so I couldn't refuse.

"Sure, Professor," I replied and sat cross-legged with Pikachu next to me. He understood the situation and was completely alert. Just in case, I also had my Pidgeotto's Poké ball ready. The Professor didn't specify if my new partner was aggressive but you never know.

I softly released the ball's tenant. As usual, a red light formed and a small frog Pokémon appeared.

It had light blue skin, big yellow eyes, and white bubbles on its chest and back. Its back legs looked like they were ready to jump or attack. I got the impression that it was testing me, seeing what I would do. I carefully took out my Rotom phone and scanned it.

"Froakie, the Bubble Frog Pokémon –" the Pokédex droned on. I ignored the dull robotic voice and quickly read about him – it was a male Froakie.

I skipped his move-set for the moment and focused on his level: it was 14! So that's why he doesn't accept a rookie trainer... he probably wants someone who can prove their strength. On top of that, he was also close to evolving - maybe a week or two away.

"Hello, Froakie. I am Ash Ketchum and this is Pikachu," I pointed to my oldest partner. Pikachu waved his paw. I continued, "I know that you are looking for a strong trainer, so give me a chance. I won't let you down."

The small frog didn't look convinced.

"I'll be honest with you. I haven't trained a Water-type before… but I have trained four Pokémon and my Pikachu is strong," I quickly stated. Froakie focused his big eyes on him before asking him a question in poké-speech.

I wasn't that worried anymore. Pikachu will always have my back so I let them talk for a short while before saying, "So... what do you think, Froakie? Do you want to go join me?"

Froakie nodded. It was somewhat forced but it was a good first step; I closed the space between us and carefully petted his head.

It was moist but not totally unpleasant. I asked him if he wanted to stay outside but he shook his head so I recalled him. With a happy sigh, I stood up and faced the Professor who had a small smile on his face.

"Well done, Ash," He praised. "Froakie has lots of potential. Take good care of it."

Thanking him for my new partner, I quickly left the Lab.

The closest gym was Viridian but I wasn't ready. You need a full team for that kind of challenge. My next destination should be either Pewter City or… Cinnabar Island. My new Pokémon was effective against either Gym but the rest of my team wouldn't help much against Rock types.

Swiftly, I put together a new plan. I could head south of Pallet Town and instead of following the standard route, go in reverse.

I had to prepare for the Cinnabar Gym – Blaine had finally retired. The new Gym leader was also a Fire-type specialist so Froakie would have the type advantage…

If I didn't take the next ferry, it would take me at least five days to reach Cinnabar. That was plenty of time to start a training regime for Froakie and learn some new tactics for Pikachu and Pidgeotto.

I checked an unread message from Leaf – something about Oddish and Bellsprout in the Viridian Forest. I told her that I was going south and wished her luck on her journey. Gary hadn't written but he will probably call after winning the Boulder Badge just to show off.

Before completely leaving Pallet Town, I called mom to tell her about my new plan. I was telling her about my new Pokémon when she said, "You should call Misty. Froakie is a Water type, right? Maybe she could give you some pointers."

We finally reached the end of Pallet Town and with a lingering look, Pikachu and I left our hometown.

Entering Route 21, I phoned Misty's home. After two rings, a female voice answered my call.

"Cerulean Gym speaking, what's the reason for your call?"

"Hi, er- Is Misty around?"

I heard the receptionist asking for my name and calling for someone afterwards. Finally, another female voice answered: "Hey, Ash. What's up?"

It was Daisy, the eldest of the Waterflowers sisters and the main gym leader of the Cerulean Gym. Even though I haven't seen her in a couple of years I remembered her voice.

"Today is your first day as a trainer, right?" Daisy continued without waiting for an answer. "Sorry but Misty is not here... she went to capture a new Pokémon. Gyarados – I think."

"A Gyarados? Do you know where?" I asked but I already had an idea where Misty could be.

"I think she went to Route 21… that is her usual fishing spot," Daisy paused. "She needs to chill, you know... why don't you take her on a date?"

I remember now that Daisy's favourite hobby was teasing.

"Goodbye, Daisy," I said. "Thanks -"

However, before I could hang up, she started speaking again, "Seriously... Misty needs to relax. She has been training so much and she's very talented... but she should be having fun, so please take her with you. It'll be good for her."

Daisy was right. Misty had become more serious, almost bitter. I don't remember seeing her laugh as much anymore… She hasn't visited Pallet in over a year either.

"I will ask her… but I won't make her come with me if she doesn't want to, okay?"

"Thank you... and don't get too handsy with-"

I hung up so quickly that I almost dropped my phone. My face was red – Daisy was probably laughing her ass off right now. Pikachu, the traitor, was snickering.

Route 21 was a small and simple route, at the least the land part. It had a dirt road that was surrounded by tall grass on the left and a heavily forested area on the right. It will take us a couple of hours to reach the Pallet Port on foot.

I let Pidgeotto and Froakie out of their Poké balls and signalled to Pikachu to stand with them. I wanted to take a photo of my team to remember how we started – Pidgeotto had her wings spread, proudly presenting herself. My two other partners were standing on each side of her; Froakie looked a little bored while Pikachu was grinning.

I saved the file as "First day!" and scanned my three Pokémon. I knew more or less the stats of my older Pokémon but I wanted to see what the Pokédex app could do.

The first thing I noticed was their levels. According to the Pokédex, Pidgeotto was at level 21 while Pikachu was at 25. I need more battle experience as my only real Pokémon battles were against Gary.

Froakie was not native to Kanto so I quickly read about his species. His Pokédex entry showed his level, habitat, and other important information but I couldn't help to focus on how cool his fully-evolved form looked like.

Focus Ash! I told myself.

Froakie's move-set was a little basic with Pound, Bubble, Quick Attack, and Water Pulse. Three of his four moves were quite common but Water Pulse was a strong water technique, especially for his level.

I noticed that in contrast with Squirtle and its evolutions, the best water type on Kanto, Froakie wasn't made for defense but rather speed. I could work with that type of build, after all, Pikachu's battle style is similar.

"Okay! Guys… and girls," I corrected before Pidgeotto protested. "We are going to start our training. We'll run for five to ten minutes for warm-up and then we'll focus on strengthening your moves. What do you think?"

Pidgeotto and Pikachu voiced their approval while Froakie nodded. As we were about to start I approached Pidgeotto.

"Hey, girl. Can you fly and check if Misty is on the beach? Her usual spot is around the rocky parts – I think the east side. Can you do that for me?"

I was trying to be as polite as possible because Pidgeotto had become very temperamental since her evolution. She looked offended, probably thinking that I doubted her flying abilities... Regardless, Pidgeotto nodded and pinched my hat before taking off.

I stared at her retreating form for a second before focusing on Pikachu and Froakie.

"Let's start!" I exclaimed.

I took it easy at first. I wasn't sure about Froakie's stamina and I didn't want to push him too much. Surprisingly, Froakie managed to keep pace with Pikachu. He wasn't as quick but he was in good shape.

I finally called "Stop!" and we sat down on a patch of grass. While they caught their breath, I poured two bottles of water into a medium water bowl.

My two Pokémon drank for a few seconds. I, also, had a big gulp before pouring some water on Froakie's body – the Pokédex said that while they could live on land, their skin needed continuous moisture. Pikachu, as always, was a messy drinker so I had to dry his face with a small towel.

"Do you guys need more water?" I received two negative head shakes. "Okay then... let's start with—"

A loud bird cry interrupted me.

Pidgeotto landed a few feet from us. A young girl wearing red and white sneakers, jean shorts, and a light yellow t-shirt jumped from her back.

Her striking orange hair was still styled on a ponytail but she didn't wear her red suspenders anymore. She had six Poké balls clipped around a belt – three on each side of her waist.

"Hi!" the orange head girl smiled. "How about a battle?"

"Trainer Misty Waterflower would like to battle!" the robotic voice of my Pokédex announced her challenge.