This is the very first chapter of my first ever Fan Fiction. If one of you happen to accidentally stumble upon this story either because you are bored, or a big fan of Pokémon like I am then let me know with a quick review. I am your simple yet humble host, God of Sun, telling you to sit down and buckle up, because this is going to be a ride that I hope won't disappoint.

For those of you wondering this is a redone version of the Pokémon anime, specifically the Kanto region, and how I personally believe the story would have turned out if Ash had woken up and didn't oversleep. I thank you all for coming all the way here just to read, and I promise to try not to disappoint. Whenever I work on the next chapter I will come back to previous ones to find/correct any mistakes that may have appeared as a result of my foolishness. If this story isn't to your liking then you are more than welcome to leave, but please remember that this is my first ever story so it would make since that it wouldn't be perfect.

Disclaimer: I do not own, have not, or ever will own Pokémon. All rights go to the respective owners. I recommend watching/playing Pokémon in general.

Now without further ado, Here is the first ever chapter of 'The Very Best!'

The Very Best:

Chapter 1:

The Starter, Pallet Town, And The Very First Steps

Opening (If you really want to):Departure (From HunterXHunter, cover by Studio Yuraki) Or Pokémon Theme song (by John Siegler and John Loeffler)

"Maybe you think I'm a little too brash. But the Master is here! And my name is Ash."

-Ash Ketchum


Underneath the bright, early morning sky is where we see a small little town. This town was called 'Pallet Town' in the Kanto Region, and it was one of the most smallest places in this entire Region. All over this town was long straight fields with houses sprinkled all over, mountains off in the far distance. The sun was just about half way up the horizon, and only now were people beginning to finally wake up from their sleep. It was calm and peaceful in everyway.

"Koo! Koo! Koo!"

Was the noise that came from an alarm in one of the many houses of this town. The alarm was shaped like a ball that had a white bottom half while the top was a bright red and, for some unknow reason, there were two very serious looking eyes on the red part. It was opened to reveal a clock that said '8:10'. The clock itself was behind a bird like creature that was attached to a spring on the ball. The bird had pinkish feet and beak with brown and cream colored feathers on it's body. It not only had it's wings sticking ou,t but it was also the one that was making the 'Koo' sound.

"Koo! Koo! Ko-" The noise the alarm was giving out was cut off when a hand slammed the ball shut, forcing the bird back into the ball.

The hand was revealed to belong to a skinny 10 year old, the person that owned this room. He had dark black hair with two lightning-bolt like marks under his black eyes. The kid's wardrobe was currently green shorts and a green shirt that had large yellow stripe running down the middle.

This was Ash Ketchum, a boy that was about to go on a journey of a lifetime.

After the evil alarm had been silenced by Ash the boy began to get up from his bed, that was quite high off the ground with a ladder leading to it, and went to go get his clothes. His room was painted a nice green with a calendar right next to the only window into this place. A wooden desk was present near his bed, a small boxy TV on top of the dresser, and a plushie of a creature with brown and white fur that had cat looking ears along with it's eyes being closed in the corner of the room.

"This is it." Ash thought as he was putting on some pants, "April 1st, the day where I can finally get my starter Pokémon.'" He said in his mind as he put a baseball hat on top of his head. "I will become a Pokémon Master, no matter what." He stated as he put on a jacket over his shirt. "So be ready world, because I won't take 'no' for an answer!" Ash stood proudly with his new cloths.

Gone were the green pajamas that he wore a few seconds ago. They were now replaced by a white and blue short-sleeved jacket with a gold trim that also had a white-collar and sleeves. A Dark teal T-shirt underneath and stuck in blue jeans with light blue cuffs, black and white sneakers with red dots on the side, finished with green fingerless gloves with light green borders. On his head was a red and white cap with a green stylized 'L'.

He looked around his room, knowing that it would be the last time in a while. He took one last long breath in as he was walking towards the door, and let out a happy sigh. A kind smile was the last thing he gave the room as he closed the door.

Ash walked past his mother's room, Delia Ketchum, and went downstairs. His plan was to just head straight for the front door so that he could run to the professor's lab. However, there was one thing that made him stop completely in his tracks as he reached the ground floor. His mother.

Delia Ketchum was a slender woman with fair skin and brown eyes, her smooth brown hair was tied in a ponytail by a green scrunchie. She was currently wearing light yellow T-shirt, a pink apron, blue jeans, and orange shoes. She was leaning against the wall, both of her eyes focused on her son.

"H-Hi, Mom." Ash said, a bit scared of the woman in front of him. Delia merely stared.

"So," She began after a few seconds. "You're really going to become a Pokémon Trainer?"

"That's right, and I won't stop trying to become one." He declared as he pumped his fist. All of a sudden, Delia began to walk over to Ash. Ash was immediately worried by this, thinking that he just gave the wrong answer. Instead of yelling or doing anything bad though, she softly put a hand on her son's head.

"I know that you are a big boy now, but-" She said as her arms wrapped her child into a hug, Delia's eyes were starting to tear up. "-I don't want to say goodbye to you!" Gone was serious manner that came off of her before, all that was left was the love and care that any mom would have for there children. Ash gave a kind smile as he hugged his mother.

"Don't worry, I will come back here one day." He promised his mom as he pushed her away, standing right by the front door went t of the house. "And when I do, I will be the greatest Pokémon Trainer that had ever lived!" Was the final thing he said as he closed the door to the house, leaving Delia alone.

Delia, even though she had a tear running down her face, gave a warm smile when she heard what her son said. The promise that Ash had just made was not only for her, but also to the entire town as a whole. Her eyes then focused at a framed picture that was on the wall. Sadly, since the Sun was finally high enough, the picture was covered by light so one couldn't see who it was.

"I wish you were here." She said to herself as she began walking to the kitchen. "I know that you would want to meet your child if you knew he was here." As she was going to go wash the leftover dishes from last night, there was something on the counter that made her turn her head

Lying on the counter was some eggs and rice on a white plate that she made for Ash for breakfast. The same eggs and rice she woke up extra early to make.

"WAIT! ASH FORGET BREAKFAST!" Her scream could be heard outside the walls of the house.


"Man, I wish I had breakfast." Ash said to himself as he ran towards the professor's lab, grabbing his stomach in hunger. He had been running the past few minutes in the hopes that he could be first to chose the starter that he wanted. But, in the back of his mind, he knew that someone was not going to concede with that idea. Suddenly, he skidded to a halt when he arrived at the building that he was looking for.

The building was quite normal looking, aside from the windmill sticking out the back. It looked to have two floors to it, a red roof, a cream like colored base, windows all over the front, and stone stairs that led to it's front door. Ash looked up to make sure that no one was there before him, and smiled when he didn't see anyone. Ash happily ran up the stairs and was heading straight up the stairs to meet his new Pokémon.

But then, right as he was about to reach the door, a voice talked behind him.

"So the loser himself finally showed up." A male voice said loudly behind Ash, making the 10 year old look behind him.

At the bottom of the stairs stood a tall 10 year old boy that looked like nothing but trouble. His hair had an auburn color to it, and his eyes were black just like Ash. Covering the boy's form was a long-sleeved purple shirt, and dark blue pants that were stuffed into brown boots. A black necklace with a yellow and blue yin-yang was hanging from his thin neck.

This was Gary Oak, the grandson of Pallet Town's professor.

Ash gave a small smile as he saw his frenemy begin walking up the stairs. "Hey, Gary."

"That's Mister Gary to you!" Gary demanded as he reached the top, arms folded behind his back. "Show some respect!"

Ash, while a bit taken aback by the bluntness, decided to strike up conversation. "So what are you here for?"

"I'm here for my Starter, I thought an idiot like you would've figured that out." Gary spat harshly, a big smirk on his face.

"At least I made it here first, unlike some people." Ash countered, a bit of uncertainty in his voice.

"Hey! You should be grateful! You are currently talking to the almighty Gary Oak! AKA: The future Kanto Region Champion!"

"No way! I am going to be the Pokémon Master! YOU GOT THAT?!"

Gary folded his arms. "It seems like Ash can't control his anger. What a shame." He said in a smug way.

Ash gritted his teeth in anger. However, before either of them could continue their squabble, a voice from behind caught they're attention.

"Oh my gosh! Both of my friend's are here!" A girly voice chirped excitedly. The two boys turned, knowing exactly who it was.

Running up to them was a young girl with slightly messy dark brown hair that reached her lower back. She was 10 as well and currently had on a sleeveless teal shirt with a bit of black too it. A short pinkish-red skirt, light blue slouch socks, and white shoes with a pinkish-red stripe down the middle. Just like Ash she too wore a hat, but it was a white buckle hat that had a red circle in the middle. she had black wristbands, and a yellow messenger back across her chest.

This was Green, the friend to all.

Without so much as a sign, Green gave a gigantic bear hug to both of the boys. Both of them had they're feet off the ground and couldn't do anything as the girl had mashed them together in her arms.

"I am not your friend." Gary somehow managed to say in a mean way.

"Could you put me down already!" Ash was able to say in a direct way. After 2 seconds, the girl put the two boys back on the ground.

"Sorry." Green said sheepishly. "I am just so stoked to be here! Especially with you guy's!" She raised her fist in excitement.

"I'm glad to see that you are as happy as ever." Ash told his friend in a kind way. Green gave a wide smile.

"Why wouldn't I be? After all, I can finally get the Charmander that I had always wanted!" Gary smirked when Green finished her sentence.

"Too bad that your little lizard is going to be defeated by Squirtle. Everyone knows that water beat's fire!"

"Who said you were going to be the one to get Squirtle, Gary?" Ash asked in deviance. Gary's only response was a glare and a pointed finger at the 10 year old.

"Oh Please! You are probably going to get the stupid Bulbasaur that no one, and I mean no one likes!" He yelled back, not noticing that someone was coming up behind him.

"And what does that leave me with?" A voice asked calmly from behind the mean boy. Everyone turned they're heads to see the newcomer.

Said newcomer was another 10 year old who was quite tall for his age. He had pale brown hair with a red and white cap, his eyes were dark red, and wore a red sleeveless jacket with a white collar and stripe. a black undershirt, yellow backpack, baggy blue jeans, and finished with a black, red, and white running shoes.

This was Red, a quiet and mysterious boy.

"Yay! Red's here!" Green ran over to the new boy and gave him another big him without warning. However, unlike the other two, she wasn't able to lift him off the ground. The boy's only response was just silence, and a quick pat on the back.

"So Red," Ash decided to get the boy's attention as Green was finally starting to let go. "You figured out which Pokémon you are going to get?"

Before the young man could even mutter a word, Green decided to steal the spotlight. "I want to get Charmander because he is cute, and so I can treat like my little child." She giggled as she spoke, then out of nowhere her face formed into deep seriousness. "And if you think about stealing my child, then I will make sure to give you a world of pure agony." She finished in a cold tone.

Red, who pretended to not hear the last part of the girl's sentence, decided to answer Ash's question first. "Well, I'm not quite sure." Red began as he walked over to the other two boys. "I guess I never really gave it that much thought." He finished in a almost bored way.

Suddenly the door, to the building that they have been standing by, opened up. Everyone watched as someone walked out of the lab.

Standing in the doorway was a man that appeared to be in his late 50's. He had peach skin, gray hair, and thick, bushy eyebrows. he was wearing a light maroon polo shirt, beige pants that were held up by a brown belt, and finished off with a clean white lab coat that had three pockets in the front.

This was Professor Samuel Oak. He was the grandfather to Gary Oak, and the Pokémon Professor of the entire Kanto Region.

"I see that you are all here." He began in a old voice. He then motioned his hand towards the door. "If you want a Pokémon to begin your journey, I suggest you come into the lab with me."

Gary pushed Green, who was in his way, down onto the ground and walked in with power on each step. Ash quickly helped Green up, both of them giving a glare at Gary as he walked away. Red just gave an apathetic look at the situation.

One by one they all entered, Oak then closed the door once the 10 year old's were inside.


Inside the building were machines that were put next to a bright yellow colored wall. The floor was made up of large blue tiles that reflected the sunlight that was coming in through the big windows that were at the very back of the room. A white board was put to the side of the room, there was a bookshelf underneath metal stairs. On the stairs wasn't anything of value, except a wooden door that led into an unknown room.

Ash, and especially Gary, didn't react to the room as they have been in it multiple times. Red just remained calm as ever, but Green had stars in her eyes as was looking around as if it were a candy shop. She would try to touch every interesting she saw, but she would be spotted by either Gary or Oak and scolded for acting like a toddler. The insults mostly came from Gary.

"Now, I am going to need you all to line up so we can figure out who's going first." Red had to drag Green away from her personal fun, but that was the only problem that they had.

The order of the line was Red in the far left, Green in the middle left, Gary in the middle right, and finally Ash on the far right. All of them looked nervous as Oak was revealed to be moving a pointed finger across from everyone, a look of deep thought was etched onto his face.

"You shall go first." Oak finally said as he pointed a finger on the chosen child. And that child's name was Ash.

"Hey!" Gary said out loud in outrage. "Why does a loser like him get to go first, while your own grandson is left here to rot?!" He pointed to himself for emphasis.

"Well, you snooze you lose." Was the only answer Oak gave Gary as he lead Ash forward, Gary gritted his teeth in anger from behind them.

In front of Ash was cylinder shaped object that had buttons on the outside and a large glass dome covering the top. Inside the dome is what looked like three red and white ball's that not only had a black stripe going across it horizontally, but also a button in the direct center.

It was called the Poke Ball. Out of nowhere, the dome of glass came undone with a mechanical sound until it was out of sight.

"Just go and pick any you like." Oak directed, his arms behind his back. Ash, without hesitation, picked up one of the ball's.

"I have thought about it a lot," He began as he took the Poke Ball out of it's container. "And it took me a long time. But I finally decided to choose, Squirtle." With a simple finger click, the Poke Ball opened.

A bright white light came from the once closed Poke Ball, This light almost bathed the entire room. Everyone, minus Red and Oak, had they're mouths opened in shock. Green had her mouth opened the biggest out of everyone, but it was hard to tell if it was from shock or from pure excitement. The light then somehow moved away from the ball that it came from and landed on the table. it suddenly took shape.

When the light was all gone all that was left was light blue creature that had a appearance similar to that of a turtle. It had a shell that was brown on the top and light brown on the bottom. It also had holes that allowed it's head, limbs, and tail to be exposed. It had light purple eyes, and a kind smile on it's face.

"Squirtle!" Was the first thing it said as it looked up to it's Trainer.

"Wow, It's so cute. it's the best of all!" Ash said as he decided to go and pick up his new partner.

"Whatever you say." Oak said plainly as the ten year old picked up the blue turtle.

Ash, not even noticing what the professor just said, picked up a happy looking Squirtle. "Oh, hi Squirtle!" He then brought the Squirtle in for a hug. A hug that the Pokémon happily gave back.

Gary rolled his eyes at the situation. "Ok, you met your Pokémon. Now move so the person that actually matters can have one too." He said in a very bossy, and rude way.

Ash, while still giving his new partner a hug, decided to just comply. However, this didn't stop the Ketchum from giving a determined look to Gary as they walked past each other.

Gary went and grabbed another Poke Ball, a cocky smirk forming on his face. "Since the loser back there took the Water type," Gary pointed a thumb behind him that landed on Ash. "I am going to go with the Grass type, Bulbasaur!"

Just like before the Poke Ball opened, except now only Green was the one who even reacted. The light instead landed on the floor and began to morph into something else.

Where the light once was now had a Pokémon that resembled a frog, but bears three claws on each of it's feet and hold no tail. it had large red eyes, and yet small but still sharp teeth. it's skin was a light turquoise color with some dark, green spots. it's most notable feature was the green plant like bulb that it had on it's back.

"Bulbasaur?" The Pokémon asked in confusion, even tilting it's head.

"Don't worry," Bulbasaur looked up to see the one who was going to be his Trainer. "I will make you the strongest so that we can makes these pieces of trash know better." Gary finished by pointing to every other 10 year old in that room. Only Green and Ash, who was still holding Squirtle, were the only ones to respond with fierceness in they're eyes.

The Bulbasaur wasn't even paying attention to the ten year old's rant of being the strongest. It instead went up to Gary's leg and tried/failed to climb up so that the Pokémon could give a hug to his Trainer.

"Hey! what do you think your doing?!" Gary yelled as he tried to push his new partner away from him. "Can't you see I don't have time for this behavior from you!" He finally pushed to Pokémon down to the ground, and gave a cold stare at the Pokémon.

"Bulbasaur." Is what came out of the mouth of the clearly ashamed Pokémon. The Bulbasaur said nothing as he followed his Trainer back to the line. Green looked downright happy.

"CAN I GO?! CAN I GO?! CAN I?! CAN I?!" Her begging scared just about everyone in that room, even the last Pokémon in the Poke Ball heard it.

"Well, if you want t-" Oak tried to direct the girl to her new partner. However, she already heard enough. Green ran straight for the last remaining Poke Ball on the table.

"Mama need's a new pair of, Charmander!" Was the last thing Green said before she opened the Poke Ball.

Once again the light came out, and Green had a big smile on her face as the light started to form into something else.

there on the table stood a dinosaur-like Pokémon. Most of it's body was colored orange, while it's underbelly was a pale light-yellow color. The most shocking think about the creature was a small fire coming out of the end of it's tail, and looked like something important.

"Charm-" Before the Pokémon could even finish speaking Green immediately ran over to her partner and gave it an almost bone crushing hug. She squealed out in excitement.

"Oh, Charmander!" Green said in a almost childish voice as she pulled the Pokémon back so that she could have a better look. "Do you realize how long mama has been waiting for you?" She questioned her new partner. Charmander didn't know what to think of the situation he was in, but just decided to play along with it. If one listened closely, they could hear a small growling sound.

"And the crazy meter has gone full blast." Gary muttered under his breath, Green happily walked over to her friends.

"Squirtle?" The Pokémon asked the Charmander in concern as it saw the state the other was in, Squirtle still being held by Ash.

"Charmander." Was all the lizard said with a dismissive wave of it's hand.

"Well, that's everyone." Oak said as his eyes swept across everyone in the room. "Except," He said as his eyes focused on Red, who still looked indifferent. However, before he could continue Red raised his hand to stop him.

"Don't worry about it." He said simply as he was already making his way for the exit. "I know you no longer have any Pokémon."

"Well, that's not entirely true."

Red stopped in his tracks and turned around to look at the Pokémon professor. a look of almost interest in his eyes.

"You see, there is still one left. But I am not sure if you would want it." Oak told the boy as he tapped his chin in thought. Red responded with a very small shrug.

"I really don't mind, professor." Red stated as he walked back to the pod that once held the poke balls. Suddenly, the center of the thing opened up to reveal a 4th Poke Ball. Oak grabbed the Poke Ball, albeit in a very cautious way.

"I should warn you," Oak began in a very unsure way. "This Pokémon is a bit... unstable, to say the least."

"Professor," Red started calmly. "I know you are worried, but please don't be. I can take care of this." He finished in a sort of blunt way.

"Well, if that's the case." Oak said uncertainly as he gave the ball to the kid.

The Poke Ball was about to open and show everyone what was in it. But before it could open fully, Red slammed his hand at the top of it. Oak was about to question why he did that, but Red beat him to it.

"I rather see what I am alone." He told in a quite relaxed way as he walked back to his spot, Poke Ball still in hand. Even though Oak still wanted to question Red, he knew that this kid liked to do things his way and he wasn't one to judge.

"Well now that we have all that covered, you guys are going to need your supplies." Oak said as he went to go get something from him desk, and closed the drawer when he was finished. "Now here take this," He stuck his two open hands out at Gary. "Your Pokédex and Poke Balls."

in his right hand were six Poke Balls although they looked quite small compared to normal ones. On the left hand is what looked like a little, red rectangular device that had blue light on the top left.

The device was known as the Pokédex, the source of all Pokémon knowledge in a Region.

Oak gave them all 6 Poke Balls and a Pokédex that they all put away. all of a sudden, a car horn could be heard outside and what sounded like people cheering.

"Well, it sounds like all the people that adore me are outside." Gary said, sounding quite complacent about himself. "Thanks, Gramps." Was all Gary said as he, along with his Bulbasaur, left the building so that they can greet their fans. Oak just sighed in response.

"Thank you so much professor." Green said joyfully as she walked up to him, sticking her arm out for a hand shake. The Pokémon Researcher took it with a small smile on his face, happy to see that someone was actually grateful.

"Yea, Your the best." Ash added as he came over to give a fist bump, the Researcher did with a small smile still on his face. Finally Green and Ash, with they're partners still in hand, walked out of the building to begin their own journey. Red silently walked over to Oak.

"thanks again, Mr. Oak." Red said simply as he offered a firm handshake which the old man took without hesitation. Red then left the building behind everyone else, the Poke Ball still in his hand.

Oak, though he looked a bit serious, actually had a small smile in his heart. Because, for some unknown reason, he just knew that things were going to turn out great. "I just know," he said in his mind, as he walked off to go finish some paper work he needed to do. "These kids are going to do amazing things."


Outside Gary was soaking up all the praise like a sponge. There was a gigantic group of people that came here just for him. They all kept praising and complementing him. Off to the right side of group was a nice and fancy looking car that had an open roof and was for Gary and Gary only. At the frond of the horde of people there were three cheerleaders in white and blue outfits with pink. fluffy Pom Poms. Not only were they dancing in sync, but they were also singing this:

"GARY! GARY! HE"S OUR MAN! IF HE CAN'T DO IT, NO ONE CAN!"

Gary got a wide smile at the people around him. "Thank you fans! Thank you all for this great honor!" He said as he lifted his arms in praise. His Poke Ball, that held Bulbasaur inside, in his left hand. "I promise you all that I will become a Pokémon Master, and make the town of Pallet known all around the world!" Gary announced to all of his fans who's only response was to cheer louder.

The three cheerleader girls ran up to him and lifted him up as they fully extended they're arms. Gary merely just sat down in they're hands as they guided him to the red car, a cocky look printed on his face. They eventually put him down on the back seat of the car as one of many fans was currently at the wheel. "Thank you all for coming out to see history in the making!" He exclaimed as the car started to move. "Now I, Gary Oak, am off to learn the ways of a Pokémon Trainer!" Was the final thing he told everyone as his car sped off down the road, but that didn't stop the fans from trying to follow him.

"What is that guy's problem?" Ash questioned Green as they saw the young boy go off into the distance.

"It's either not having a brain, or not having a personality." Green responded, her Charmander still in her hands. They decided to both share a small laugh, that soon came to an end when they heard what sounded like a circus instrument playing. "Hey Ash! Look, it's your mom!" Green said as she pointed forward.

Green was right as Delia, now without her apron, was coming towards them with a small group of people behind her that were banging pots and pans. They were also revealed to be the ones the instrument noises were coming from. In her hands was a small green backpack that had an orange stripe going through it, and a yellow white square on top top of it. Ash ran down the stairs with a smile on his face.

"Mom!" Ash said as ran right in front of his mom, Green following close behind.

"Oh, Ash. I'm so proud of you. You are finally going to fulfill your dream and start your Pokémon journey. But, I-I'm going to miss you so much." She used the backpack that she was holding to wipe away tears that were threating to escape from her eyes. "Oh my little boy!" Delia finished saying, bits of sadness in her voice. Squirtle then came up right next to Ash to see what was going on.

"Squirtle." The Pokémon said in a slow, almost sympathetic way.

Delia unhurriedly opened the backpack's main pocket. "I packed your sneakers, and jeans. Nice clean shirts, and underwear. And your favorite snacks, and some hot chocolate in case you want something hot. But be careful not to burn yourself. And a pairs of rubber gloves to do your laundry and a new cloths line to hang it out to dry." One by one, Delia put the all previous said stuff in the arms of Ash. The boy was starting to get overwhelmed by the shear amount of stuff. However, before she could put what ever was left in Ash's arms the ten year grabbed the backpack away from the woman.

"Mom! Your embarrassing m. In front of all these people." Ash told his mom, as he tried to stuff the items in his arms back inside the backpack. "Don't you know that I'm a big kid now? Pokémon trainers can take car of themselves." Ash then zipped the back pack when it was full and put it on. Green gave a small giggle behind him.

"I understand." Delia finally said in defeat, and brought her head now. Only now did she realize the Pokémon that was right next to her son. "That's your Pokémon?"

"Squirtle." Was the answer it gave to the woman's question.

"Yup, That's my Pokémon." Ash answered for his mother. Squirtle gave a happy nod. "With Squirtle by my side, I will easily become the next Champion!" Ash bummed his fist for emphasis.

"I thought all Pokémon stayed inside they're poke Balls, why doesn't this one?" Delia question was more for the Pokémon the for her son, a hand placed on her chin.

"Huh? Oh, yeah right." Ash answered as he grab a Poke Ball from his back pocket. "Squirtle, get into the ball now." Ash then throw the Poke Ball at his starter.

Instead of going back into the Poke Ball like it should, Squirtle merely wacked the thing away with it's tail. Ash was noticeably confused but tried again to put his Pokémon away. The Trainer and Pokémon were currently trying to hit the ball to each other. Squirtle would use it's tail, sometimes head, to push the Poke Ball back at Ash, who would just catch in his hand to try again. While they were both getting a bit frustrated at each other on the inside, Delia saw it in a different way.

"Oh, your playing catch! Your friends already." She exclaimed in her usual enthusiastic way.

"Uh, sure." Ash said in a bit of an uncertain way as he went to pick up his partner.

"Don't worry about it," Oak told the kid as he came up right behind him and Green. "Sometimes Pokémon just don't like being in they're Poke Ball, and can reject going in if they so choose." The professor finished explaining to the young Ketchum, who mostly understood what he said.

"Well, what about Green over then?" Delia pointed to the Charmander holding girl. She gave a small, kind smile.

"Sorry, but I refuse to trap my child in a ball." Was the answer she gave as another hug for her starter was in session. Charmander, even though it wanted to launch fire at the girl, they're journey has not even begun yet. Besides, the Pokémon had the admit that the hugs were somewhat satisfying.

"Well Ash, I recommend you get going if you want to get the good Pokémon." Oak instructed the young boy, who finally realized just how high the sun was.

"Oh, right. Thank you once again, Professor Oak." Ash then motioned for Green to follow him. "Let's go, Green." The girl ran after the boy with a happy smile imprinted on her.

The two kids began to run down the path, the Pokémon still with them. Delia saw them walk away from the group, sadness deep inside her. Even though she that this day was one day going to come, that did not mean it was easy for the young mother.

And she wasn't going to just let her child leave like that.

"GOODBYE, ASH!" Delia called out to her son, a tear already down her face. Ash turned around and started to run backwards, all so that he can see all the people that cared about him.

"GOODBYE EVERYONE!" Ash yelled back at the group. "I PROMISE TO MAKE YOU PROUND!" He promised everyone, as he turned back around to catch back up with Green.

Delia, even though tears were running down her face, kept an open smile was on her. She didn't even react when everyone, except Oak who gave a small smile, instantly began to cheer after hearing that from Ash. Everyone else began to comment on how much the two kids have grown as people over the years, but not Delia.

"Ash," She began to speak in her mind. "You have already made me proud."


Ash, with Squirtle by his side, was currently running with Green, who's Charmander was finally on the ground instead of her arm. They wanted to make a quick stop at Green's house, the place was right next to Route 1 as well.

The path that led outside of Pallet Town.

After a few minutes of running, all 4 of them came to a hard stop as they were in front of their destination. It looked like any normal house that you would find in this town, except this one a few more windows and a nice red color to it's roof. A white fence enclosed the house and had a small gate so that it could be protected by any Rattatas trying to enter.

"Well, I guess this is where we go our separate ways." Green told her friend as she offered him a high five, a gesture that Ash happily took without issue. "I just want you to know that I am really going to miss you."

"Don't worry," Ash told her with a dismissive hand wave. "I know for sure that I am going to see you and Red again." Ash said it as if it was a well known fact. She gave a caring looking smile as she picked up her partner gently. Then her eyes promptly widened in realization.

"Hey, wait a minute. Where is Red?" Green began to look around her, even her Pokémon joined her in the search.

"Hmmm, don't know." Ash told her as he too glanced around him with Squirtle. "I didn't see him come out of the lab, or when I turned around to face everyone."

"Maybe he just left on his own." Green concluded. "You know how he is."

Ash could only nod in response. "Well, goodbye Green!" He waved at her as he walked off with Squirtle by his side.

"Bye Ash!" Green went through the fence gate, with Charmander still in her hands, and walked inside the house. Giving her friend one last look before she closed the door behind her.


In front of Ash and his Squirtle was Routh 1, a rocky path that led to a nice looking forest. Ash had his eyes dead set on the path forward and even his Starter looked ahead with some noticeable determination.

"You're ready Squirtle?" Ash turned his head to ask his turtle partner.

"Squirtle." Was all he need to say with a nod, and unexpectedly jumped up on Ash and landed on the kid's back. Ash didn't even seem to remotely mind.

"All right," He said with determination all over his voice. "Let's do this!"

Ash took his first few steps forward, now he was no longer a child anymore. He was a person that was about to go on a adventure of a lifetime, and he was going to make it all the way to the end. Even though he knew that it would be filled with challenges, obstacles, and hardships, that wasn't even going to remotely stop him. He was Ash Ketchum. He was the boy who was going to become the next Pokémon Champion. Ash took one deep breath in through his nose, and smelled something truly amazing. No, it wasn't the flowers nearby or the smell of the nice cool breeze passing through. It was something else entirely.

It was the smell of a journey.

END OF CHAPTER 1


Remember, everyone! Don't be scared to voice your opinions or thought's with a review! I should have the next chapter coming out in the next 2-3 days at the time of this message! I am really exited on how this story will turn out! And I hope you do too!

THANKS FOR READING!

-Saltyboi257

Ash's Team: Squirtle