Chapter 2: Rainbow of Beginnings

Ash swept up the broken glass off the floor. Occasionally he would glance over by Pikachu who had been enthralled by Eevee. Together, they were harmlessly playing with each other while his friends helped to pick up the mess that Pikachu had made. He wondered if there was a way to get through the storm of the electric mouse's heart.

The raw hatred and anger were fresh in his mind. He understood that its previous trainer was horrible in every possible way, but Pikachu, nor any Pokémon, should take their anger out on everyone else. Bad people will always exist, but there was a lot of good in the world too.

The Pallet Squad gathered around the circular table after tightening the place up. Bulbasaur and Squirtle were returned to their respective balls.

Gary was further apart from the group than usual. His arms were crossed and his eyes furrowed. He grunted whenever anyone talked to him while staring at the holographic image of a map of Kanto.

Professor Oak rubbed the back of his neck while looking at Ash, probably having some reservations of the young man taking a dangerous Pokémon. "I must apologize to each of you." He glanced at each person while gazing particularly at Gary. "I know this isn't how you all envisioned the beginning of your journeys, especially to Gary and Ash as I know you two wanted to battle."

Gary placed his hands in his pockets and closed his eyes. "It's fine, Gramps." He sighed. "Pikachu's previous trainer must have done a number on its trust in people. I understand you were just looking out for it." He turned to face Ash. "I truly hope Pikachu will open up."

"Thanks, Gary," Ash smiled. "When I do, we'll have our battle."

"It'll still be for that hundred bucks," Gary snickered. "So, you better be ready!"

Professor Oak chuckled while picking up several pieces of paper and handing it out to everyone. "These are letters of endorsements for any prestigious competitions you might want to participate in."

"We already registered Ash and Gary for the Gym Challenge," Daisy added. "Starting today, both of you have about six months to obtain all eight badges."

"Despite being sons of legends, you two have to start at the bottom as rookies," Professor Oak frowned. "As such, don't expect star treatment everywhere you go and remember that winning battles and minor competitions will help to raise your ranking."

The Pokémon League classified trainers into different Trainer Classes based on skills. No matter what, one was placed in the Rookie Trainer class since one's official record was 0-0 and no accomplishments. Ranking up was a matter of having a good record and accomplishments for becoming a Trainer and Seasoned Trainer class.

Beyond Seasoned Trainer were the Challenger, Ace Trainer, and Star Trainer classes. This bracket of classes was usually invited to tougher competitions like the World Championship Circuit, Battle Frontiers, and Regional Championship Leagues. Among these classes, it was all about accomplishments and who one beats along with recognition from the Pokémon League Association (PLA).

A rigorous system, but one Ash was determined to climb the ranks in order to fulfill his dream.

"I bet I will rank up before you," Gary chuckled.

Ash crossed his arms. It would be easier for him considering Ash needed to help Pikachu first. That could take days in itself. Not a fair bet at all. Still, it was annoying that he's already behind Gary. "We'll see."

"Before you all leave," Professor Oak motioned Daisy who had a gift bag in her hand. "We have some parting gifts for each of you." He reached into the bag and pulled out a yin-yang necklace with a particular gem in the center of it. "Gary, this is from your father. He wanted you to have it as a reminder that the key of any good team is balance."

Gary held out his hands as the necklace was gently placed in his hands. His eyes twitched while examining the gem in the middle. "No way. Is this his Keystone too?"

Daisy nodded. "He figured you wanted to explore Mega-Evolution and hopes you'll find a corresponding stone for your Pokémon. You should give him a call later."

Gary slipped on the necklace with a smile. "Don't worry because I will. Thanks, Gramps and Sis."

Professor Oak reached inside the bag once again to pull out an old notebook full of different post-it notes and handed it to Leaf. "Here's my old notebook of drawings of different Pokémon. Perhaps, you'll find it useful for your research."

"I promise to take good care of it!" Leaf shakily held onto the book. Her eyes lit up and she appeared as if she wanted to cry tears of joy. "I can't wait to read it!"

The Professor once again pulled an item from the bag. This time, it was a red hat with a white arc in the front. Instead of looking old like Ash remembered, it looked brand new. Maybe it was freshly bought. "Ash, your dad wanted you to have his hat. He had it restored and everything."

Ash held onto the hat and stared at it. For the past eight years, he hadn't seen him in person and rarely spoke to him ever since going on a journey. One that had his mother worried at times. It was hard to believe he went through all that trouble to get a hat restore. Still, it warmed Ash's heart. "Did he say anything else?"

"That he loves you and he'll be watching when he can," Professor Oak answered. "He also wanted it to be a reminder to focus on what's in front of you instead of everything around you."

The raven-haired man placed the hat onto his head. "How do I look?" He asked Serena.

His best friend giggled. "Even more handsome if that was possible."

Ash grinned. There was no way he could lose with his dad's lucky hat.

"We haven't forgotten about you, Serena," Daisy stepped forward with the bag and handed it off to the honey-blonde.

Serena looked inside with her jaw dropped. "Woah! There are so many cute accessories for Pokémon in here."

Daisy giggled. "I used to dress up my Pokémon. I figured you and your Eevee will find some use for it along with any other Pokémon you'll find."

"That's so thoughtful of you!" Serena beamed. "I'll be sure to send you lots of pictures."

The burnet girl winked. "Looking forward already." Then she gave her little brother a hug. "I'll miss you, bro. Don't do anything too crazy on the road."

"If you should be saying that to anyone, it should be Ash," Gary remarked.

Ash rolled his eyes, but what Gary was saying was untrue considering Pikachu's behavior.

"Don't be a stranger now," Professor Oak chuckled. "You can call me for anything and being affiliated with my lab can open doors that would be normally closed. Also, remember that Pokémon are your friends first and not the subjects of a study."

"We will," the Pallet Squad said in unison. "Bye Daisy! Bye Professor!" Gary said 'Gramps' and 'Sis' instead.

The Pallet Squad gathered their belongings and walked out the front door and down a flight of stairs. Pikachu followed Eevee's lead. Waiting at the bottom was a group of women with a red car. They waved at the group with only Gary waving back.

"There's my ride," Gary said at the bottom of the stairs with the rest of the group stopping about midway with their jaws wide open. "Leaf, I look forward to seeing some amazing drawings of Pokémon that don't roam around Pallet Town and seeing what you uncover as a Pokémon Watcher."

"T-Thanks, Gary," Leaf responded while glancing between the woman and herself. "Uh…good luck with your Gym Challenge."

Gary snickered. "Serena, I hope Ash doesn't get you into too much trouble and that you'll discover a topic for yourself in due time."

Serena nodded with an awkward smile. "Thanks. I'll be rooting for you in your matches."

The man nodded back. "And Ash…" He stared at Ash with a pause. "Be ready because I won't hold back!"

"I won't hold back either!" Ash smirked. "Good luck in your matches."

"Humph," Gary chuckled. "I don't need any luck. I'm the great Gary Oak! If anyone here needs the luck, it'll be you, Ashy-boy. Smell ya later!" He waved with his back turned to the group and got into the car before driving off.

Serena turned to Leaf. "Since when does Gary know those people?"

Leaf shrugged. "I suppose being the son of a champion and grandson of a renowned professor have their perks."

Ash bit his lips. That Gary made him mad with that nickname. In no way he was still a boy. "I'll show that Gary who needs all the luck in the world!"

"Cool it there hotshot," Leaf said while continuing her way down the stairs. "You'll need a little luck in getting Pikachu to turn over a new Nuzleaf. Do you even have a plan on getting it to open up?"

"Sort of," he replied while scratching his cheek. "I was thinking about the fields before Route 1 would be a good place to start. It might feel more at ease than being in a town or city. There I should be able to talk to it some more."

"Is that how you helped every other Pokémon at the lab?" Serena asked.

Ash always forgets that his friends never seen him deal with the abused Pokémon. Usually, he was with Daisy or Professor Oak in an isolated location while his friends had other duties. They pleaded to help many times, but the Professor never allowed it for a reason that could be summed up as Pikachu's mini assault on the lab moments ago. Still, he wondered why they didn't ask him for help earlier in the week.

"Like I keep saying, I understand what they're feeling," he began. "I tell the Pokémon a story and try to relate to it. Once it has an understanding of who I am, they usually open up. I got a little careless with Pikachu because I didn't want to let Gary down with our battle."

Leaf scratched her chin while standing by a bike rake with her bike. "Hmm. It still sounds like hocus pocus to me, but I'm curious to know what you felt with Pikachu."

"Hard to describe," Ash looked at Pikachu who was still chasing Eevee around Serena's feet. He wanted to recall the feeling, but Attract actually made Pikachu happy. "There was definitely hatred and anger, but I think behind that was sadness that created more of a numb feeling. Nothing I've ever seen or felt before so it'll be a little tricky." An idea formulated in his mind, causing him to snap his fingers. "Do you want to help, Leaf?"

His childhood friend pondered the thought while sheepishly looking at the ground. "Honestly, I would like to see how you manage to befriend such a rampant Pokémon; however, I think the smallest possible group would be better for this situation. I think I would be in your way given how it reacted to everyone."

Ash frowned and crossed his arms. Another one of his attempts to get her to join them had failed. He was starting to think she didn't like him as much as she used to when they were kids. Maybe he was late one too many times. Before he went further down that rabbit hole, Serena wrapped an arm around his neck.

"Don't worry, Leaf," she said. "We understand. I'll make sure that Ash isn't barbecued by Pikachu. Right Eevee?"

"Vee!" It barked.

Ash was grateful to know his best friend was going to be with him. He was still bummed out that Leaf wasn't going to join, but excited to see what the world had in store for him.

Leaf unhooked her bike with a frown. "I feel really bad about this, but I think it's for the best. Call me if you want some extra brainstorming power. I'll do my best to pick up and um…please tell me when you have a match at one of the Gyms. I'll try my best to keep up with them."

Ash smiled as it means that she cares about him still. Leaf normally didn't care about the Gym Challenge or battles in general regardless of whoever was participating. "Of course! I appreciate the support."

"And I'm assuming we should tell you about Gary's matches too," Serena added with Leaf nodding in response. "I gotcha covered as long as the next time we meet up, you'll draw pretty pictures of our Pokémon!"

"Deal!" Leaf laughed before hopping on her bike. "Good luck to you both and see you around!"

"Bye Leaf!" Ash and Serena waved goodbye as she rode away.

When they turned around, they saw Pikachu fanning Eevee with a giant leaf. Where did that leaf even come from? Ash checked his phone to see that about twenty minutes had passed since Pikachu was put under Eevee's spell.

"Maybe I should talk to Eevee about not abusing Attract's power…" Serena said.

"Probably a good idea," Ash remarked.


Ash sat in the grassy field, leaning against his backpack, and browsing through the various apps on his phone. He checked the Castform Weather app that had tiny icons of Castform and its various weather forms to indicate the weather. It appeared it was going to rain in several hours. The other app he spent time looking through was the VS Seeker. The app allowed Trainers to find people with similar skill levels to battle and it'll house battle data.

Occasionally, he would look over at Pikachu who was chasing Eevee. He estimated that it took about a half-hour for the effects of Attract to wear off due to Pikachu breaking free on the way over. Soon, the electric mouse would be free and he would have to figure out how to open its heart.

He decided it was time to check the Pokédex to learn more about his new Pokémon. Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon. It has small electric sacs on both its cheeks. If threatened, it looses electric charges from the sacs. When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity can build and cause lightning storms.

Gender: Male

Ability: Lightning Rod

Nature: Lonely

"Interesting," Ash frowned while he turned to Serena who was sitting upon a rock. "Apparently Pikachu has a hidden ability. Perhaps its pervious trainer kept it around because of it."

Serena furrowed her brows. "That's still no excuse to torturing the poor Pokémon."

Ash shrugged. "I doubt having a hidden ability would be cause for any cruel punishments. Something else must have happened." He looked at Pikachu and Eevee more closely. "It makes me curious about Eevee."

Despite the Evolution Pokémon being at the lab, he hadn't interacted with it as often as Serena.

Serena patted the spot next to her as she pulled out her Pokédex. Eevee, the Evolution Pokémon. Its genetic makeup is highly irregular that allows it to evolve in a variety of ways pending on the environment, exposure to special stones, and happiness.

Gender: Female

Ability: Anticipation

Nature: Quirky

The honey-blonde's eyes widened. "I didn't think Eevee had a hidden ability."

"Yeah," Ash chuckled. "I thought it had the Run Away ability since it kept running away from everyone."

"It makes me feel better that it had been at the lab this entire time instead of in the clutches of abusive people," Serena sighed.

Ash nodded in agreement. It was horrible that some people in this world would experiment on Pokémon or hunt them down for profit. He always needed to remind himself that Rangers and Guardians exist to put a stop to those plans.

"Oh," Serena clapped her hands. She grabbed a dish bowl from her bag and opened a can of Pokémon food to pour into the bowl. "Ta-da! I thought Pikachu might be hungry after all the running around Eevee had been doing. Maybe it could be a peace offering."

Ash took the bowl with a smile. "Good idea." He checked his phone and he still had some time left before Pikachu would come to its senses. "While we wait, I was wondering what made you decide to help me with my topic? We all agreed beforehand not to reveal our topics until today. How did you know you would enjoy helping me?"

His best friend started to play with her hair. "Uh…I just know you and that…it had something to do with becoming a Pokémon Master. I still don't know how being a master doesn't equate to being the strongest…I mean why did you choose the topic of Pokémon Potential?"

"You're not wrong and that it relates to becoming a Pokémon Master." He gazed upon the cloudy skies. "Being a master is more than just becoming the strongest recognizable trainer in the world. To me, it's about being able to connect with Pokémon while also being able to bring out a Pokémon's full potential!"

Serena nodded slowly. "Then why participate in the Gym Challenge if you don't plan on being the strongest?"

"I think meeting all sorts of people will help," Ash exclaimed. "Many trainers have different philosophies in how they bring out their fullest potential. Gym Leaders, especially, have to adapt to a wide range of Pokémon given to them by the PLA. It'll be interesting learning from them." Then he scratched his cheek. "Also, I suppose if Gary is doing it then it's expected of me too."

Serena appeared she wanted to say something when Pikachu started to move of its free will.

It shook its head while surveying the area. Upon laying eyes on Ash, it started to spark its cheeks.

"Pika!" It warned.

Ash hopped off the rock and slowly approached the Pokémon. He placed the bowl halfway between them and then backed away.

"I bet you're hungry!" He said with a smile. "Go on and eat."

Eevee wagged its tail and approached the bowl meant for Pikachu.

Pikachu pushed Eevee to the side before it could reach the bowl.

"Pika. Pikachu. Pika!" It warned.

Eevee titled its head. "Eevee. Vee. Vee."

"Pika. Chu. Chu!" It faced Ash with its cheeks sparking more erratically.

Eevee shook its head. "Eev. Vee. Ve. Eevee. Vee."

"What do you think they're talking about?" Serena asked Ash.

Ash focused on their interaction. He felt frustration from Eevee while a combination of fear and anger from Pikachu. Then he slapped his forehead. "Of course! Its previous trainer must have poisoned its food so it doesn't trust any manufactured food."

His best friend blinked several times. "I'm guessing Eevee is explaining that we would never poison anyone."

The Evolution Pokémon appeared fed up with the arguing and used Attract once again. This time, Eevee commanded Pikachu to eat the food. It stood triumphantly.

"Eevee!" Serena yelled. "You weren't supposed to use Attract again!"

The yelling caused Eevee's ears to fall as it frowned.

"Baby steps I guess…" Ash sighed.


Ash and Serena hid behind the rock. They wanted Pikachu to avoid seeing them at all costs. Serena had a talk with Eevee and how they were trying to befriend it and how Attract made it impossible. A timer on Ash's phone counted down with five minutes left before Pikachu was free once again.

"Think Leaf is still around here?" Serena asked.

"I bet she's already beyond Viridian City," Ash replied. "She's probably tired of drawing the Pokémon in this area anyways."

His best friend giggled. "Like that has stopped her before in terms of drawing the same Pokémon repeatedly. Say, do you think her topic would be useful in terms of unlocking a Pokémon's full potential?"

Ash looked upwards. He had never considered physique before and intrigued by the possibilities and applications of using weight and speed. "Maybe we could watch some League battles later to see how other trainers have used physique."

"I can think of come performances and Contests that might be worth looking into as well," Serena clasped her hands together.

Looking into Contests was interesting too. He knew that Serena had been a huge fan ever since they were kids and she would talk about certain Coordinators. Recently, she had been talking about a Coordinator from the Kalos Region.

"Speaking of Contests, I was wondering if you were going to participate in any while we're on our journey?"

Serena blinked. "What? Me in a Contest?" She started to twirl a strand of hair. "Um…they definitely seem like a fun time, but I don't think I would be any good."

Ash tilted his head. "Because you haven't done them before? Haven't you talked about the Kalos Queen for the past few months and it had only been her first time doing them too?"

His best friend's face started to turn pink. "Well, she's a rather special case. A retired Contest Master took her under their wing after a PokéVision video went viral. I don't have that kind of support. Let alone many rookies don't even earn all five ribbons in their rookie seasons."

"Perhaps you don't have a coach like a retired Contest Master, but you got me," he grinned. "I would be your number one fan!"

Serena's jaw dropped as she struggled to find any words much to Ash's confusion. He only said what she told him when they first made plans traveling together.

The timer on his phone hit zero which prompted him to peak at their latest plan. This time they had set out two bowls of food. Instead of Pokémon food, they had chopped up berries. Eevee had been slowly eating its bowl when Pikachu shook its head and surveying the area.

The electric mouse appeared shocked that Eevee was eating. Upon seeing it was a bunch of berries, it decided to head over to its bowl to sniffle it. It eyed the food carefully before trying a piece. Then it started to eat piece by piece to Ash's delight.

Ash approached the eating Pokémon from behind while keeping a safe distance. He knew as soon as he stepped forward that Pikachu would turn around, sparking its cheeks.

"PikaPi!" It warned.

"Easy there!" He raised his hands, showing that he didn't have a Pokéball near him. "I just want to talk." All that could be heard was the spark of electricity. "I'm sorry that your previous trainer did so many horrible things to you. But you can trust me. I would never harm a single Pokémon."

Pikachu shook its head. "Pika. Pikachu. Pika!" Anger radiated off the electric mouse.

There had to be a way for Pikachu to see that Ash only had its best intentions. He wished he could relate to how it felt, but that would require some crazy parents. First, he needed to do something about its anger. A lightbulb lit up in his head as he spread his arms out.

"Don't believe me so then hit me!" Ash taunted it. "Hit me with everything you got!"

"Ash! What are you doing?!" Serena cried out.

Ash held out his hand to stop her from advancing while maintaining eye contact on Pikachu. "You think all humans are evil. Here's your chance to eradicate a human scum."

Pikachu stopped sparking its cheeks with a jaw dropped.

"Come on!" Ash continued. "Unleash that hatred you harbor inside! Unless you finally realized that I only want to be your friend!"

Tears trickled down its face for one reason or another. Without warning, it began unleashing a Thunder Shock.

Ash juked out of the way and started to run down the field. "Is that all you got?"

Pikachu shook its head and bolted after him with Quick Attack.

The young man made a hard right to avoid being bashed.

In response, Pikachu swung an Electro Ball.

Ash ducked to avoid it but ended up getting hit in the chest by Quick Attack. As he was falling down, the pushed Pikachu back into the air.

There, the electric mouse summoned a powerful Thunder Shock straight towards the ground.

Ash rolled out of the way and stood up. The look on Serena's face made him pause. He could tell that she was fearful of him getting hurt. If she had seen him at the lab, maybe she wouldn't be fearful. He pressed on to avoid an Electro Ball.

He positioned himself in between Pikachu and the rock he had been hiding behind. His heart started to pound with his breathing coming shallow. He had no idea how much longer he could keep up evading. He turned his head around to see Serena was wisely at a safe distance near the path of Route 1 with Eevee by her side. Then he turned his attention on Pikachu.

Pikachu panted from the string of attacks it unleashed. As far as Ash could tell, Pikachu had more of a numbing feeling compared to mostly anger as it did before. Could it be confused about how it wanted to feel towards people?

"Feeling better?" Ash asked.

"Pika!" It began sparking its cheeks once again.

Ash frowned. "Just think for a moment. If I wanted to hurt you like your previous trainer then I would have done so already. I allowed you to vent your anger towards me."

The wind started to pick up with Pikachu in silence.

Ash sighed while lowering his head. Maybe Gary was right about Pikachu in isolation. Maybe there wasn't any hope in befriending Pikachu. No, he refused to let Gary have another win in their rivalry. There was no way he could give up now either.

"Here's the deal," he said. "Stop sparking and being hostile towards us. Travel with us for a day and give us a chance. If you truly hate being with us, then I'll find you somewhere to live, far away from any humans." He paused. "Or attack me now and I'll take you to that place anyways. No trick. I'm being honest. Your call, but it's a win-win situation for you no matter what."

Pikachu stopped sparking and appeared to be pondering the thought. The trust in humans must have been shattered beyond repair as it sent another Thunder Shock towards Ash.

The League Trainer juked out of the way so the attack could harmlessly hit the rock or so he thought. The electricity arced upward until it zapped a passing Spearow.

"Spearow!" It cried.

The Mouse Pokémon had its eyes closed nor did it appear to have heard the cry.

"Pikachu, stop!" Ash called out. "You're hurting a Spearow!"

The electric mouse opened one of its eyes and stopped. "Pika?"

Ash sighed of relief. "Sorry about that Spearow."

Surprisingly, it managed to shake off the attack and continued flapping its tiny wings in the sky. "Spearow!" It shouted once again.

Ash's chest tensed up as a flock of Spearow started to fly out of a nearby tree and cover the skies. The flapping sound made him hold his breath longer than he usually did as he grabbed his backpack to sling around his back. "RUN!"

Pikachu decided to join Ash in heading towards the dirt path in Route 1.

Serena waited until Ash was with her before running together with their Pokémon behind them.

"That's some rotten luck," the honey-blonde said. "Why did you taunt Pikachu like that?"

"I thought releasing its anger would be a good idea!" Ash instinctually grabbed ahold of her hand. "You could have warned me about a flying Spearow!"

Serena furrowed her brows. "I was too worried about you being barbecued! Think Pikachu can scare them off with an electrical attack?"

"Considering the first Spearow tanked a hit and called reinforcements, I doubt it!" Ash turned his head to see how their Pokémon were faring.

There must have been nearly a hundred of them soaring above the trees. Several of them dove towards Pikachu and Eevee.

Pikachu pushed Eevee out of the way of the first wave and ended up getting pecked.

Eevee unleashed a Swift that got the Spearows attention.

The Mouse Pokémon had enough breathing room to zap the nearby ones, causing them to flee.

Unfortunately for the two, the rest of the flock swooped in, attacking with no end in sight.

"Return!" Serena aimed the red beam; however, a Spearow kept the beam from reaching Eevee.

Ash wondered if he should use his Pokéball to return Pikachu, but it hated being inside for one reason or another. It didn't matter anyway as the flock. Without hesitating, he ran through the flock while enduring the pain. He picked up Eevee and Pikachu in his arms and used every ounce of concentration to run out of the flock.

Serena quickly returned Eevee to its ball and ran by Ash's side.

Pikachu barely had its eyes open. Seeing the weak expression caused Ash to grit his teeth.

Raindrops slowly fell before it became a downpour. Amazingly, the flock persisted in their pursuit.

"They just won't give up!" Serena panted.

Ash furrowed his brows. If he hadn't been insistent on befriending Pikachu. Maybe they wouldn't have been in the mess they were in. Maybe they could have been in Viridian City. He looked down to check Pikachu's condition. What am I thinking? I can't think like that right now. Not when Serena and Pikachu need me.

He tightened his grip on Pikachu and scanned the path up ahead. There was a bunch of bushes off to the right. He took a deep breath and hoped Serena would forgive him. As they approached the series of bushes, he extended his arm and pushed his best friend into them without looking. He knew if he saw her face, he would attempt to soften her fall and both of them would be at the mercy of the Spearow.

A sinking feeling washed over his chest. He hated himself for what he did, but he pressed on for Pikachu's sake.

"At least she's safe," he kept telling himself.

"Pi-ka," Pikachu said weakly.

"Don't worry, Pikachu," Ash replied. "Everything's going to be okay. I'll protect you until the very end!"

The young man continued down the path for some time and reached a hill. Without many options, he decided to climb upward despite the incline slowing down his pace. At the top of the hill, he tripped over a rock, fell against his side, and began rolling down the hill. Upon reaching the bottom, his grip loosened causing Pikachu to roll beyond him.

The Spearow flew in a circular pattern, laughing.

Lightning flashed in the sky before the roar of thunder in the distance.

Ash weakly crawled over to Pikachu. He looked upward to assess his situation once again. A tear fell from his eye as it was warmer compared to the raindrops that pounded his face. He then placed Pikachu's Pokéball in front of the electric mouse.

"Pika?" It asked by the gesture.

"I know you hate being in the ball, but it's the only way for you to be safe," he simply said. "I beg of you to get in the ball…Serena will find you and when she does, she'll take really good care of you…and when she does…" Streams of tears began falling. "When she does, promise me that you'll replace the best friend she'll lose."

Pikachu looked up at Ash. "Pi-ka."

Ash took it as a sign that Pikachu would enter its ball and stood up to face the flock. "Spearows! Do you know who I am? I am Ash Ketchum of the town of Pallet. I'm destined to become a Pokémon Master. I can't be defeated by the likes of you!" He hoped he was stalling long enough. "I will capture and defeat every one of you! You hear me?"

He closed his eyes. Thoughts of his friends came to mind. How he was never going to have a battle with Gary. How he was never going to see another amazing drawing from Leaf. How he was never going to see Serena again. "Come and get me!" He shouted against his will.

Time slowed down as lightning flashed once again. He felt something climb his back and onto his shoulder. It was Pikachu.

The electric mouse jumped into the sky against the flock. Lightning stroked down before a blinding light filled the area followed by a thunderous boom and, "PIKA-CHU!" Everything was black afterwards.

Ash slowly opened his eyes. His vision was blurry before focusing onto Pikachu. The rain had stopped and the Spearows were gone as far as he could tell.

The electric mouse smiled weakly.

"We…beat them," he managed to utter.

"Pika…" It replied.

A giant shadow washed over them. Both of them turned to the sky to see a bird-like Pokémon soaring over them. It had mostly red feathers around the neck and wings. The body comprised of white feathers while the tail was golden. The entire Pokémon had a golden glow around it.

Together, they watched the majestic Pokémon fly over a rainbow. Landing in between them was a mysterious feather that shined like a rainbow.


AN: I hope you enjoyed that chapter. Sorry if I overplayed some of the drama. It is supposed to be a stressful situation after all. Also if Serena doesn't seem to be doing much at the moment, please understand that this is only the beginning and she'll definitely have a bigger role later on in these situations. She was also the main focus of the last chapter so it was Ash's turn to shine.

Questions you might have

Q: How are the Trainer Classes Structured?

So if you want to think the first three classes (Rookie, Trainer, and Seasoned) as being different forms of casual Trainers while the later three (Challenger, Ace, and Star) being different levels of pros. I have specific requirements sort of thought out. If you want a general idea, you can always PM me as some of it will be explained later. I'm also open to a different name other than Seasoned if you guys wanted to suggest something else.

Q: Why am I adding in Trainer Classes?

I think it's important to distinguish between different skill levels and makes a lot of sense in terms of organizing different competitions. I hope you like this idea.

Q: When will we see Gary and Leaf again?

We'll hear from them soon. The next time we'll probably see them is Vermillion City.

Q: Where's Misty?

She won't be introduced until Cerulean City. I have my reasons for it. Plus, I wanted to give Serena and Ash some time to travel by themselves for a little while before I add a different character to shake things up.