A/N: And there we have it, the first chapter of Pokémon: Indigo League! The journey is relatively the same, but with some different elements that are both similar and not so similar. And as for the cast, well, the main cast is thus:
Sarah Natochenny - Ash Ketchum
Laura Bailey - Maya Ketchum
Ikue Ōtani - Pikachu
Rachel Lillis - Misty
Bill Rogers - Brock
Michelle Knotz - Jessie
James Carter Cathcart - James/Meowth
Koichi Yamadera - Mew
Pokémon: Indigo League
Chapter 1: Pokémon, I Choose You!
Act I
The adventure begins with what looks like the beginning of the original Pokémon video games, but it soon transitioned into animation as we see a Blastoise and a Gengar battle in a stadium full of screaming fans.
"Yes, this battle of the Pokémon League finals is really picking up steam!", the announcer spoke as the Blastoise then jumped and spun around toward Gengar, who dodged it in the nick of time.
"Gengar dodges it!", the announcer spoke before Blastoise landed on the ground and then got out two water pistols on its shell, prompting Gengar to jump up and use Night Shade on it.
"It's Night Shade! But Blastoise withstands it!", the announcer shouted as Blastoise withstood the Night Shade before it then fired an Ice Beam at Gengar, quickly freezing it in ice.
"Wait! That was an Ice Beam! And Gengar is frozen! What will the Trainer do now?", the announcer asked as the Gengar's trainer was retreated back into the Poké Ball before he got out another and sent out a Venusaur.
"There goes the Poké Ball... And the next Pokémon up is... Venusaur!", the announcer shouted before Venusaur then launched Razor Leaf.
"It's a Razor Leaf!", the announcer spoke before it hit Blastoise, who lost its balance for a moment before getting its footing back and then launching a Hydro Pump from both its water pistols, hitting Venusaur directly.
"But Blastoise's Hydro Pump scores a direct hit!", the announcer shouted before Venusaur then charged in as did Blastoise with both Pokémon clashing with each other before moving back from each other.
"Wow! Venusaur's Solar Beam, and Blastoise's Hydro Pump... What POWER!", the announcer shouted as said attacks clashed with each other before they ended with the same result while showing an excited young boy with a young woman and Charmander happily watching.
"MAN! Oh, wow! Yess! Yeah! Get 'em!", the boy shouted excitedly.
"Just think, Ash. Tomorrow, we're going to start our journey to achieving our dreams, you becoming a Pokémon master, while I become a Legendary Gym Leader.", the young woman grinned as she stroked the top of Charmander's head gently.
"Char.", Charmander grinned.
Narrator: Those are Ash and Maya Ketchum, from Pallet Town. Ash is almost ten years old while his older sister Maya is 15. When youngsters with aspirations to become Pokémon Trainers turn ten, they can choose their first Pokémon from Professor Oak. They can choose from Bulbasaur... Charmander... and Squirtle. Then, they can begin their exciting journeys as Pokémon Trainers!
"I'll journey to gain the wisdom of Pokémon training. And I declare to the Pokémon of the world. I will be the greatest Pokémon trainer. The Greatest Pokémon Master... of all time!", Ash proclaimed.
"And I will be the first Legendary Gym Leader and make a Legendary Gym and Pokémon Center!", Maya added.
"Ash, Maya, you two get to bed!", Delia shouted, surprising both brother and sister alike as the former inadvertently tossed the clock, which was caught by Delia before it opened up, revealing inside it a sort of cuckoo Pidgey.
"It's 11 o'clock and you two should be asleep.", Delia scolded.
"But tomorrow, I begin my Pokémon journey. I can't sleep.", Ash responded.
"Neither can I, Ash. I'm just as restless as you about my own Pokémon journey. Not even if I got my own starter Pokémon like Charmander here.", Maya responded, gesturing to Charmander.
"Well, if you two can't sleep, you should at least get ready for tomorrow. Here, watch this.", Delia spoke before she then changed the channel to a program featuring Professor Oak.
"Hello there. Glad to meet you. Welcome to the world of Pokémon! My name is Oak. People affectionately refer to me as the Pokémon Professor.", Professor Oak greeted before he then got out a Poké Ball and released Cubone from inside it.
"Cubone!", Cubone grinned.
"This world is inhabited far and wide by creatures called Pokémon. And if you want to know how people tend to interact with these Pokémon...", Professor Oak began as he walked to his left, still facing the camera, albeit slightly, and passed by several Pokémon, including Oddish, Diglet, Exeggutor, Nidoking, Ponyta, Onyx, Machomp, Butterfree, Pidgeot, and even Pysduck.
"Well, some people keep them as companions. Others have them do battle. As for myself, I study Pokémon as a profession. But enough about me. As you already know, tomorrow's the big day for the newest class of Pokémon students. I'd like to introduce you to Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle. Each one is available for new trainers. Which one shall you choose?", Professor Oak asked.
"Go to bed when this is done.", Delia spoke.
"All right, we're going.", Maya assured.
"And change into your pajamas, OK?", Delia asked as she then walked out of the bedroom.
"...to help them develop their special powers.", Professor Oak spoke on the TV.
"We're going.", Ash grinned.
Pokémon - I Choose You!
Later that night, both Ash and Maya were now fast asleep.
"Bulbasaur... Charmander... Squirtle... Here we go. All right, I choose you!", Ash spoke in his sleep as he grabbed the Voltorb clock nearby and then tossed it like a Poké Ball, inadvertently breaking it before he slumped back into bed.
The next day, though, Ash was still sleeping as a Doduo crowed to the sun. Not long after, Delia went inside to urge him off.
"Ash Ketchum, are you still asleep? You'll be late getting to Professor Oak's lab!", Delia urged.
"Yeah, right, Professor Oak's lab...", Ash spoke, starting to wake up before panicking.
"What?... Oh, no! What time is it?!", Ash exclaimed before fumbling his way down the stairs.
"Mom, why didn't you wake me up?!", Ash exclaimed as he ran out his room and went downstairs hurriedly.
"You said yourself when you turned ten, you could wake up on your own!", Delia responded before Ash burst out of the door and ran as fast as he could go.
"Squirtle, Bulbasaur Charmander, anyone is fine - just please, save one for me.", Ash panted in worry.
Meanwhile, a crowd has gathered to see another trainer off while Ash was running to Prof. Oak's lab to get his first Pokémon after having overslept.
"Gary, Gary, he's our man! If he can't do it, no one can! Gary, Gary-", the cheerleaders cheered.
"Oh, sorry!", Ash exclaimed as he cut through, making the cheerleaders gasp.
"Hey!", the cheerleaders exclaimed before Ash crashed into a trainer and fell down.
"Hey, watch where you're going!", the trainer exclaimed before Ash got puzzled and then stood up.
"Well, you must be Ash. Better late than never, I guess. At least you get the chance to meet me!", the trainer, otherwise known as Gary, smirked.
"Gary?", Ash puzzled.
"Mister Gary to you! Show some respect! Well, Ash, you snooze, you lose, and you're way behind right from the start! I got a Pokémon and you don't.", Gary smirked.
"You... got your first Pokémon?", Ash spoke in shock.
"That's right, loser, and it's right inside this Pokéball", Gary replied smugly as he took out his Pokéball and began spinning it with the spectators cheering.
"Let's go, Gary, let's go! Yeah yeah!", the cheerleaders cheered.
"Thank you, fans! Thank you for this great honor! I promise you that I will become a Pokémon master, and make the Town of Pallet known all around the world!", Gary addressed to the crowd, posing triumphantly as the spectators cheered again.
"Excuse me?", Ash asked.
"Yeah?", Gary wondered.
"I was just wondering if you could tell me what kind of Pokémon you got.", Ash responded.
But Gary put his arm down and, with one eye closed, leaned close to Ash, one arm at his hip, the other holding the Pokéball.
"None of your business! If you showed up on time, you would've seen that I got the best Pokémon from Professor Oak. It's good to have a grandfather in the Pokémon business, isn't it?", Gary smirked before it went to him and his cheerleaders in his car, saying goodbye to the crowd.
"Thank you for coming out to see history in the making! Now I, Gary Oak, am off to learn the ways of the Pokémon trainer!", Gary said as he and the cheerleaders drove off.
Ash, left alone behind everyone, clenched his fists and gritted his teeth.
"Oh, I'll show you!", Ash growled before Professor Oak came in.
"Oh. Hello, Ash. So you're the last of the four young ones starting out on their journeys today.", Oak greeted.
"Oh, Professor Oak, where's my Pokémon?", Ash asked.
"Your Pokémon?", Oak puzzled.
"Yeah, I'm ready.", Ash responded.
"You look like you're ready for bed, not for Pokémon training. I hope you don't think you're gonna train in your pajamas.", Oak spoke.
"Oh, no, Professor. I got messed up this morning, and I was a little late, but believe me, I'm ready for a Pokémon.", Ash insisted.
Inside Prof. Oak's lab, a few Poké Balls with a starter Pokémon's name inscribed on each one were visible as the pod opened up both ways.
"I've thought about it a lot and it took me a really long time, but I finally decided. I'm gonna choose Squirtle!", Ash spoke as he picked up said Poké Ball empty, much to his shock.
"I'm afraid Squirtle was chosen by a Trainer who wasn't late.", Professor Oak explained.
"I've got no one to blame but myself. Okay, then I'll choose Bulbasaur!", Ash spoke as he went with said Poké Ball only to find this one empty, too.
"What?", Ash spoke in surprise.
"Bulbasaur went with a Trainer who also got here on time.", Professor Oak added.
"Aw... All right! I mean I really want Charmander!", Ash spoke before he wound up that the last one, too, was empty, much to his disappointment.
"Being a second late for a train, or even a Pokémon, can be life changing.", Professor Oak spoke.
"Oh... Does that mean... I go on my journey without a Pokémon?", Ash spoke sadly.
"Well, there is another, but...", Professor Oak began.
"Professor, I'll take it!", Ash interrupted before the center of the pod opened up to show a Poké Ball with a Thunderbolt symbol on it.
"I think I should warn you that there is a problem with this last one...", Professor Oak responded.
"So what? Since I was late, then I've got a problem with me, too!", Ash responded.
"All right...", Professor Oak responded before the Poké Ball opened up, this time, releasing an actual Pokémon inside it as diamond-colored light left the Poké Ball, much to Ash's astonishment.
When the light left the Poké Ball, it formed into a sort of mouse with a zig-zag tail before the light dissipated, revealing its actual form, which is a short, chubby rodent Pokémon. It is covered in yellow fur with two horizontal brown stripes on its back. It has a small mouth, long, pointed ears with black tips, and brown eyes. Each cheek is a red circle that contains a pouch for electricity storage. It has short forearms with five fingers on each paw, and its feet each have three toes. At the base of its lightning bolt-shaped tail is a patch of brown fur. It shook itself for a moment before looking up as Ash grew amazed.
"Awesome! All right, then you're my Pokémon!", Ash grinned as Pikachu blinked twice.
"Pikachu. (Hello there.)", Pikachu greeted.
"This Pokémon is called Pikachu.", Professor Oak responded.
"It's so cute! Looks like I got the best one!", Ash grinned.
"You'll see...", Professor Oak responded.
"Oh, yeah! Hi, Pikachu, my name's Ash Ketchum! You and I are gonna be best friends!", Ash grinned as he picked Pikachu up and hugged it, which was apparently more than Pikachu could handle.
"Pi... Pika... CHU! (Hey. Let go... NOW!)", Pikachu exclaimed, shocking Ash with its Thunder Shock.
"It's the Electric Mouse Pokémon. Pikachu can be rather shy, but quite electrifying when touched by humans.", Professor Oak explained before Pikachu finished shocking Ash.
"Hey, I can take a little zap!", Ash assured.
"All right then. If that's how you feel, then take these -your Pokédex and Pokéballs. And this is Pikachu's Poké Ball.", Professor Oak spoke as he handed Ash said items.
"Thanks a lot, ProfessORRRRR!", Ash spoke as he reached for said items, prompting Pikachu to zap him again, this time, zapping Professor Oak along with him.
"YOU'RE WELCOME!", Professor Oak exclaimed.
Meanwhile, Maya was sleeping soundly when Delia went inside her daughter's room.
"Are you still asleep, Maya? You're gonna be late for the start of Ash's Pokémon journey.", Delia spoke as Maya started to stir awake before getting shocked by this.
"What?! Oh, no! I overslept!", Maya exclaimed before she got off her bed, got dressed with shoes and socks on, and grabbed her Poké Ball with Charmander inside with her.
Moments later, outside Delia Ketchum, Ash's sister, Maya, and a small group of people stood outside, making noises in celebration of Ash beginning his journey.
"Ash? Remember, you were going to head out on your journey right after getting your Pokémon. For goodness sake!", Delia spoke.
"Mom! Maya!", Ash spoke in surprise.
"Oh, Ash I'm so proud of you and your sister. You two're finally gonna fulfill your dream and start your Pokémon training. But I'm - I'm gonna miss you two so much. Oh, my little babies.", Delia spoke.
"Pikachu. (Dumb human.)", Pikachu commented.
"Here. I packed shirts, underwear, a towel, your toothbrush, and a sleeping bag. I also packed your sneakers and jeans, and your favorite snacks and some hot chocolate in case you want something hot. But, be careful not to burn yourself. And a pair of rubber gloves to do your laundry, and a new clothesline to hang it out to dry...", Delia began as she unpacked said items on Ash, who had to stop her form doting on any further.
"Mom, you're embarrassing me in front of all these people! Don't you know I'm a big kid, now? Pokémon trainers can take care of themselves.", Ash responded.
"I understand. Hmm? That's your Pokémon?", Delia asked.
"Pikachu. (Forget it.)", Pikachu responded.
"Yep, that's my Pokémon.", Ash responded.
"Pi. (I don't like this kid.)", Pikachu spoke.
"Wait. You actually have a Pikachu? That's awesome.", Maya grinned before she got out her own Poké Dex as she held it up before an image of a Pikachu appeared on the monitor of it with a female voice speaking up.
"Pikachu. The Mouse Pokémon. When several of these POKéMON gather, their electricity could build and cause lightning storms.", the female voice in the Poké Dex stated.
"Wow. They can really do that? Looks like you're lucky, Ash.", Maya grinned.
"Well, not exactly... But still, with Pikachu at my side, I'll get all the Pokémon in the world.", Ash responded.
"That's a pretty tall thing to say, but I'm sure you can get it done sooner or later. But you're still in the dark about a lot of things involving Pokémon. Besides, you and your Pokémon might want some company, so Charmander and I are coming with you.", Maya grinned as she then got out her Poké Ball and released Charmander.
"Charmander. (Hi, there).", Charmander greeted.
Ash: Alright! Now I have three times the company. You, my Pokémon, and yours, too!", Ash grinned.
"Don't Pokémon usually go in their Poké Balls?", Delia asked.
"They sure do! Come on, Pikachu, get in!", Ash urged before Pikachu only turned its head away.
"Pi. (Nope.)", Pikachu refused, slightly infuriating Ash.
"Get in your Poké Ball!", Ash urged before Pikachu whacked it away with its tail straight toward Ash, hitting him in the face.
"Ooh. That's gonna hurt. But then, again, it's not exactly unheard of. In fact, take a look at this.", Maya spoke before she got out her Poké Dex, which gave a vital explanation.
"While being trained, a Pokémon usually stays inside its Pokéball. However, they are many expectations: Some Pokémon hate being confined.", the Poké Dex spoke in a female voice.
"Oh, right. This Pikachu hates getting into any sort of Poké Ball.", Professor Oak remembered.
"Whoa, it does? Now get in!", Ash spoke before repeatedly trying to get it to go inside.
"Pi-ka-chu-pi-ka-chu-pi-ka-chu! (No-I-will not-go-inside-that-ball-so-stop it!)", Pikachu responded as Ash continually tossed the Pokéball at Pikachu in rhythm up until Pikachu whacked it toward Ash's face, earning its own giggle.
"Wow! If you're playing catch, then you're good friends already!", Delia grinned.
"Yeah, you're right! We're best friends already, right?", Ash realized.
"I'm not so sure about that. I doubt it even likes me, either.", Maya responded before she went over to it.
"Hi, Pikachu. Wanna go with me?", Maya asked.
"Pi. (No thanks.)", Pikachu refused, turning its head.
"Aw. You see?", Maya groaned.
"Don't worry. Professor Oak told me that Pikachu is a little shy.", Ash explained.
"Oh. I guess it explains a lot. Some Pokémon can be timid around humans. Right, Mom?", Maya asked.
"True. But it's a little weird.", Delia commented.
"Weird?", Ash puzzled.
"Pika... (I'll show you weird...)", Pikachu spoke.
"Oh, I wish you hadn't said that!", Maya exclaimed before Pikachu zapped her, Charmander, and everybody, well, everyone except Professor Oak.
"Those rubber gloves your mom packed will come in handy.", Professor Oak assured.
"Why?", Ash asked, still getting zapped.
"Rubber blocks electricity.", Professor Oak assurred.
"Great!", Ash grinned before, after a moment, the zap stopped and everyone that got zapped fell flat to the ground.
"Well… I'm definitely wide awake now.", Maya spoke weakly after coughing out smoke before falling back.
"Don't forget to change your underwear... every single day.", Delia spoke dazily.
"O.K.", Ash agreed.
"Charmander, I have a feeling that those two are gonna need some time to get to know each other.", Maya guessed.
"Char Char. (Uh-huh.)", Charmander nodded.
"Pikachu.", Pikachu grinned.
Later, Ash and Maya are leaving Pallet, but Ash was dragging Pikachu along by a rope as it was very hesitant.
"Ash, if I hadn't noticed that Pikachu doesn't want to go, I certainly have now.", Maya stated.
"Pikachu, are you gonna be like this the whole way?", Ash asked.
"Pi. (Yeah.)", Pikachu replied before Ash sighed and knelt to Pikachu.
"Is it because you don't like me?", Ash asked.
"Pika-pika. (Absolutely.)", Pikachu replied.
"Well, I like you a lot. And since you're the Pokémon I'm training, don't you think you could be a little nicer and just open your mouth and tell me what's wrong?", Ash asked before Pikachu did so, albeit literally.
"Uh, that's not exactly what I meant. Is your name all you can say?", Ash responded.
"Pika. (Yeah.)", Pikachu responded.
"Thing is, Ash, There aren't many Pokémon in the world that can speak English like you and I can.", Maya responded before Ash sighed and turned to Pikachu.
"Well, no matter what, I want to be your friend. So we're all done with this. And I'll get rid of these.", Ash spoke as he untied Pikachu and removed the gloves.
"Now. Put 'er there.", Ash offered.
"Pi. (No.)", Pikachu refused after it turned its head away.
"Still not good enough?", Ash asked.
"Pika. (Still no.)", Pikachu replied.
"You're a handful.", Ash grinned.
"Well, I'm sure Pikachu will warm up to you eventually. Just like my starter Pokémon, Charmander. Just give him some time.", Maya assured just before she and Ash heard a noise.
"Hmm? What's that noise?", Maya puzzled before everyone looked and saw a bird-like Pokémon near by.
"Hey, a Pidgey!", Ash grinned as he got out his own Poké Dex.
"Pidgey is a flying Pokémon. Among all the flying Pokémon, it is the gentlest and easiest to capture. A perfect target for the beginning Pokémon trainer to test his Pokémon's skills.", the Poké Dex responded.
"That's awesome! Yes!", Ash spoke excitedly as he tossed his backpack aside and got out a Poké Ball.
"Catching that Pidgey's gonna be my first step toward becoming a Pokémon Master! Go, Poké Ball!", Ash shouted before the Poké Ball, turned it into a red, Ruby-like light, sucked it inside, closed, and landed.
"I caught it!", Ash grinned.
"Don't count your chickens before they hatch, Ash! From what I heard about wild Pokémon, they'll most likely try and break out of the Poké Ball once inside during the capture process.", Maya warned, before, right on cue, the Poké Ball started wiggling, and Pidgey soon broke out as a Diamond-like light, which formed back to how it was and then ran away.
"Aww, I blew it.", Ash groaned before Pikachu laughed.
"To capture a Pokémon, you usually have your own Pokémon battle with the other.", Ash's Poké Dex explained.
"Now he tells me. Go, Pikachu!", Ash urged before Pikachu turned away.
"Chu. (Forget it, chump.)", Pikachu refused.
"Aw, come on, aren't you gonna help me out?", Ash asked.
"Chu. (No.)", Pikachu replied.
"But why not?", Ash asked before Pikachu ran up a tree and yawned.
"Wow. That Pikachu does NOT like you.", Maya guessed.
"Fine, then. I'll do it myself.", Ash sighed as he grabbed his backpack.
"Okay, I got an idea.", Ash spoke as he got out his pajama top.
"Whatever it is, I don't think it's gonna work.", Maya spoke in worry.
Who's that Pokémon? Segment
Ash, Maya, Misty, and Brock: Who's that Pokémon?
Act II
Ash, Maya, Misty, and Brock: It's Pikachu!
"Pikachu!"
Back to the show
Ash was then seen sneaking up on the Pidgey with his pajama top in hand.
"Ok... just be quiet... there's nothing to be afraid of.", Ash spoke as he snuck up on Pidgey cautiously before the Pidgey turned to see Ash.
"Hi, little friend...", Ash said before, after a moment, proceeding to try and capture the Pidgey using the pajama top.
"Sorry, buddy!", Ash shouted before he managed to place the pajama top on the Pidgey.
Unfortunately, the Pidgey then created a blast of wind to free itself, spinning Ash around before he was flung off of Pidgey and he handed on the grassy ground.
"I tried to tell you.", Maya spoke.
"Huh, what happened?", Ash puzzled.
"Pidgey's Gust power creates tornadoes. It also has a Sand Attack.", the male Poké Dex responded.
"Sand?!", Ash reacted before the Pidgey quickly used Sand Attack to blind Ash in order to escape.
"Guess it's not my lucky day.", Ash groaned.
"I got this covered. Charmander, I choose you!", Maya shouted as she got out her Poké Ball and launched it before it then opened up and released Charmander.
"Charmander! (What's up!)", Charmander said.
"All right, use Flame Tail!", Maya shouted.
"Char. Char...mander! (Right. Flame... Tail!)", Charmander shouted as it jumped up and used Flame Tail to send the escaping Pidgey falling down to Earth.
"Hurry, Ash! Catch it, quick!", Maya urged, surprising him before he then nodded and got out his Poké Ball.
"Go, Poké Ball!", Ash shouted as he launched his Poké Ball toward Pidgey, trapping it again.
But this time, after a few moments of shaking, the Poké Ball stopped shaking and let out a few stars from on top, indicating that the capture is complete.
"Yes! I caught a Pidgey!", Ash shouted excitedly.
"You're lucky I decided to help you. So, just remember that you learned from this Pokémon battle, okay?", Maya asked before she noticed something going on in Ash's backpack nearby.
"Over there!", Maya shouted, pointing to a purple creature with whiskers and a buck tooth snooping around in his backpack with Ash noticing.
"Hey! Get outta there.", Ash shouted before the creature took off with some food.
"A Forest Pokémon, Rattata - it likes cheese, nuts, fruits, and berries.", the Poké Dex responded.
"Yeah, but this isn't a forest, it's an open field.", Ash responded.
"It also comes out into open fields to steal food from stupid travelers.", the Poké Dex added.
"That means I... I'm stupid?", Ash asked in shock.
"I'm pretty sure your Pokédex didn't mean that, blunt as it is.", Maya assured.
Suddenly, a small group of Pidgey popped up in the grass, but Ash threw a rock at them in frustration, prompting them to fly away.
"Hmm? Well... hmm? I'll get you this time.", Ash spoke as he then picked up another rock when he saw what he thinks is a Pidgey, but Maya knew better.
"I think I recognize that shape...", Maya spoke before gasping in realization.
"Ash, wait!", Maya exclaimed, prompting Ash to stop in surprise, inadvertently throwing a rock, which hit the Pokémon, which turned to reveal that it was not a Pidgey.
"Spearow.", the Spearow spoke.
"Oh, no! It's a Spearow!", Maya spoke fearfully before she got out her Poké Dex.
"Unlike Pidgey, Spearow has a terrible attitude. It is very wild and will sometimes attack other Pokémon and humans.", the female Poké Dex stated.
"That's what I was afraid of! Spearow have a pretty short temper!", Maya exclaimed before the Spearow flew toward Ash, but soon changed targets when it saw Pikachu and dove down towards it only for Pikachu to duck.
"Hey, leave Pikachu alone! It didn't throw the rock!", Ash shouted.
"Wild Pokémon tend to be jealous of human-trained Pokémon.", Ash's Poké Dex explained before the Spearow proceeded to nearly knock Pikachu out of the tree.
"Pikachu!", Ash shouted.
But then, with one Thunder Shock, Pikachu took it back down to earth as it fell weakly.
"Hey, you got it!", Ash spoke in surprise.
"Not for long, it didn't!", Maya spoke in worry before the Spearow stood up and confirmed her fears.
"Spearow! (Hear my call!)", Spearow shouted.
"It's calling for backup! The cry of a Spearow can be heard over a kilometer, or half a mile away. That means that the other Spearows will be getting the message and come right after us!", Maya exclaimed.
"Uh-oh!", Ash spoke in worry.
Soon, just as Maya predicted, a whole flock of Spearow came flying toward them.
"Let's get out of here, quick!", Ash urged.
"Pikachu. (Agreed.)", Pikachu nodded.
"Everyone, run for it!", Maya shouted before soon, all four of them were running as the Spearow chased after them in hot pursuit.
"Don't worry, Pikachu, no matter what, I'll save you.", Ash assured, but Pikachu pulled ahead.
"Don't run ahead. I said I'd protect - OW!", Ash exclaimed as one of the incoming Spearows pecked him.
Then, it and the rest of the Spearows flew past Ash and Maya in order to attack Pikachu.
"Leave it alone, Spearows!", Ash shouted before Pikachu landed on the ground abruptly as the flock of Spearows relentlessly hurt it.
"Those Spearows are being relentless!", Maya exclaimed.
"Knock it off! I'm the one who threw the rock! You should be attacking me!", Ash shouted before he managed to get past the Spearows and get Pikachu before running with Maya and Charmander following them up until they ran to side of the cliff where a waterfall was present.
"Charmander, I need you to use Flamethrower as we all jump.", Maya spoke.
"Char?! (What?!)", Charmander exclaimed.
"Don't worry. I'll get you in your Poké Ball just after you use Flamethrower.", Maya assured.
"Well, here we go!", Ash spoke.
"Here goes nothing! Charmander, use Flamethrower..., NOW!", Maya shouted as she and Ash jumped before Charmander fired a Flamethrower at the Spearows, burning them to the point of retreat.
"Charmander, return!", Maya shouted before she brought Charmander back inside its Poké Ball just as our heroes are swept through the water, passing all sorts of Pokémon, especially a Gyarados.
Further down river, a young redhead girl was seen fishing and she soon took a bite almost directly. The float gave a tremendous bobbit!
"Oh! Oh! Hey, I got a bite! Oh, wow, I really think this could really be a big one!", cried the girl, jerking up her rod.
But what a surprise. Instead of any sort of fish, let alone a fish Pokémon, the girl had landed Ash, Pikachu, and Maya, who landed up onto shore.
"Nah, it's just a couple of kids. Oh, and a Pokémon. Oh, are you two OK?
"Yeah, we're OK.", Ash assured.
"But don't you mean 3?", Maya asked.
"I mean you and that Pokémon, not you! Look what you done to that poor little thing.", the girl responded to Maya, scolding Ash afterwards.
"Hey, my brother would never hurt a single Pokémon unless it was so that he could catch it! He loves Pokémon same as me!", Maya snapped back.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know you both cared for Pokémon that much. Again, I'm sorry let's try this again. I'm Misty. It's a pleasure to meet you both.", Misty spoke.
"Nice to meet you, Misty. I'm Maya. And this is Ash, my brother.", Maya greeted.
"Uh, hi.", Ash greeted.
"All right. Now that we know each other, let's get to business. Is it breathing?", Misty asked.
"I, I... I think so.", Ash responded.
"It's been attacked by those awful Spearows. We barely escaped with our lives. For all we know, they could be back.", Maya added.
"Well, just don't sit there, it needs a doctor right away. There's a medical center not to far from here. You two've got to get moving now!", Misty urged.
"You mean a hospital?", Ash asked.
"Yes, for Pokémon.", Misty responded.
"It's called a Pokémon Center, Ash.", Maya stated.
"Oh. Thanks for the tip. OK, can you tell me, which way do we go from here?", Ash asked.
"That way.", Misty responded, pointing the way.
"Thanks.", Maya grinned.
But in no time at all, the duo noticed the returning Spearows.
"They're coming back! Run!", Ash shouted before he got on Misty's bike.
"Hey, what are you doing?", Misty asked as Ash put Pikachu in the basket.
"I'm borrowing this!", Ash urged before he took off.
"Wait! Hey, that's my bike!", Misty shouted.
"I'll give it back someday!", Ash shouted as he rode off.
"I am so sorry that my brother took your bike. It's urgent, but I promise I'll try and get it back to you in one piece!", Maya shouted as she, too, took off with a skip and a jump before running the rest of the way.
"Oh, you...", Misty groaned.
As Ash rode on with Maya running alongside him, it started to rain.
"Pikachu...", Pikachu spoke weakly.
"Pikachu! You're gonna be just fine! Hang in there!", Ash assured.
"This is the road to Viridian City. If we can make it there, we should be able to patch you up!", Maya assured before looking back to see the flock of angry Spearows.
"Oh, no! Spearows incoming!", Maya shouted before the Spearows caught up and went on the attack, forcing Ash and Maya to go up a ramp and crash land as Pikachu flew out of the basket and landed on the ground.
"Pikachu!", Ash shouted before Ash crawled to his Pokémon as the rain continued to come down with Maya struggling to get up with Pikachu even worse off than before.
"No, Pikachu. This can't be happening, right?", Ash asked worriedly before lightning struck around the clouds with Ash hearing the Spearows coming, much less seeing them coming, and getting out Pikachu's Pokéball.
"Pikachu. You've gotta go inside. I know you can't stand going inside your Poké Ball, but still... in there, you'll be protected. So come on... Get inside, please?", Ash requested.
"But Ash... Pikachu doesn't...", Maya began.
"Then leave the rest to me.", Ash responded before he stood up.
"I'll take care of this!", Ash assured.
"Ash, what are you doing?!", Maya shouted in worry before Ash turned around and raised his arms.
"All right, you! I don't think you know who you're dealing with. But I'm Ash Ketchum, from Pallet Town! And I'm gonna be the world's greatest Pokmon Master! Mess with me and you're gonna lose! I'm gonna catch all of you Pokémon at once!", Ash warned to the angry Spearows just as Maya realized, or at least remembered, how important it is that a Pikachu survives and turning to it.
"And I am Maya Ketchum, also from Pallet Town! I will be the first Legendary/Mythic Pokémon Trainer and Gym Leader, and I will stand by my brother's side.", Maya added, surprising Ash before giving a determined grin with Maya turning to Pikachu.
"Pikachu, you've gotta get inside your Poké Ball now! It's the only way!", Maya urged to Pikachu, who grew touchingly hesitant as Maya turned back to Ash.
"All right, you, hit us with your best shot!", Ash and Maya shouted in unison.
The Spearows then charged at Ash and Maya as everything went into slow motion with rain drops now visible as well as slow lightning bolts before suddenly, Pikachu jumped over to Ash's shoulder and leapt into the air as Maya noticed.
"ASH!", Maya shouted before Ash saw Pikachu up in midair as it then got supercharged by a bolt of lightning, and used a Thunder Shock, blasting all the Spearow to the point that after the explosion, they all took off in a panic, scattering in all directions.
Soon after, Ash and Pikachu opened their eyes as the storm clouds parted with Misty's bike apparently charred by the explosion.
"Pikachu... We... beat 'em.", Ash grinned a bit weakly.
"chu... (Sure did...)", Pikachu grinned before it gently licked Ash by the cheek.
"You'll stay? Mean it?", Ash asked before Pikachu nodded and then getting nuzzled on by Ash.
"Wow! That was the most powerful Thunder Shock attack I've ever seen!", Maya spoke in surprise.
Then, a loud noise came and Ash spotted a Pokémon flying through the sky. Unknown to him and the others (although Maya seems to know), it's the legendary Ho-Oh. As it flew past them, a feather fell off.
"No way! Is that...? No, it couldn't be!", Maya gasped.
"What's that?", Ash asked.
"You really don't know? That's the legendary Pokémon, Ho-Oh!", Maya exclaimed.
"Huh?", Ash puzzled in surprise with Pikachu just as surprised.
"I was planning to get to it sooner or later, and I still am, but I never thought I'd see it this soon.", Maya grinned, astonishing Ash and Pikachu as they grinned.
"Pikachu? Someday we'll both meet that Pokémon.", Ash grinned.
"Pikachu. (I hope so.)", Pikachu grinned.
But then, a small Pokémon suddenly appeared on the ground. This is a pink, bipedal Pokémon with mammalian features. It has a rounded, wide snout; triangular ears; and large, blue eyes. It has short arms with three-fingered paws and large hind paws with oval markings on the soles. Its tail is long and thin with an ovoid tip. Its fur is so fine and thin, it can only be seen under a microscope. Only it isn't so fine now, mainly because it seems recently injured, making Maya gasp.
"Ash, come quick! There's another injured Pokémon over there!", Maya shouted before Ash went over to her and saw what Pokémon Maya was gesturing to.
"What kind is it?", Ash puzzled.
"There is no data. There are still Pokémon yet to be identified.", Ash's Poké Dex responded.
"That's Mew! The Mythical Pokémon and the rarest of all...! But it's hurt! Badly! We have to get it and Pikachu to the Pokémon Center, and quick!", Maya shouted.
"Right!", Ash nodded.
"Pika...! (Got it...!)", Pikachu agreed before the duo then headed into town urgently with Pikachu licking Ash by the cheek again, although Mew grew hesitant with Maya, who turned to it.
"Don't worry, Mew. We're not gonna let anything happen to you! I swear it...!", Maya urged before the trainers continued down the road upon which the sunset was taking place.
Narrator: This is just the beginning of the amazing adventures of Ash, Maya, Pikachu, Charmander, and of course, the mythical Mew. Their journey is destined to be packed with non-stop action, millions of laughs, heart-pounding perils, and endless excitement. Together they'll encounter fantastic friends, evil enemies, and meet creatures beyond their wildest imagination. And as their story unfolds, we'll unlock the magic and mystery of a most wondrous place: The incredible world of Pokémon.
A/N: It looks like Mew is appearing early. Pretty cute, right? Now, what could happen in the next chapter? We'll all know soon enough. :)