Chapter One: Happy 10th Birthday, Max!

Note: This story is linked to my story: Our Family, and I wanted this story to be slightly different from the anime and games.
Ages:
Ash, Dawn, May, Misty and Tracey
: 13
Max: 10
Brock:18
Professor Oak: 53
Delia, Caroline and Norman: 32


"There, that's the last one! I can't wait to see his face when he sees this" an excited brunette female said as she tied the last helium Treecko balloon onto a chair which was sitting at the table. The girl, her parents and friends have been busy setting up a surprise party for her younger brother.

"I admit, that was fun. I wonder if Ash and Brock have managed to keep him entertained while we set up the party" her father said to her.

"Knowing them, they would. I know he'd also be going to Professor Birch's to get his first Pokemon too. I know he's been super excited about it" the girl replied with a smile. She looked at the kitchen and felt pleased with the work she had helped with. In the kitchen were blue and white streamers along the wall, several starter Pokemon helium balloons that were tied to the chairs, the wooden table was set up with cardboard plates, napkins and cardboard cutlery, along with the cups too.

"Max won't be here until this afternoon which will give us enough time to organize the food" the girl's mother said smiling to her.

"I'm so excited to see him. I wonder what Pokemon he'd choose" an older male said. The man himself was wearing a pair of khaki trousers, a red shirt, a long lab coat and a pair of shoes.

"I'm guessing Treecko. I remember him telling me that he was very fond of Ash's Treecko" a younger woman standing next to him commented. Next to her was a Mr. Mime.

"Mime - Mime!" Mr. Mime commented.

"Thank you, all for coming to Max's party, Sam, Delia and Mr. Mime and thank you for helping us set it up" the girl's father said smiling to the couple.

"It was a pleasure. Max and May are great kids, we wouldn't miss it for the world" Delia commented smiling to him. "Norman, you and Caroline have two beautiful children. I'm looking forward to seeing what Max wants to do in his travels. I know May is a coordinator a great one might I add!" she added, looking at the brunette who smiled in return.

"Mhm! I'm looking forward to seeing that too and I agree, you are a great coordinator, May. Not only that, however, Dee and I have some exciting news to share when we get the chance to talk to Max, I think the four of you would be interested in hearing about it" Professor Oak said.

"Hm? The four of us? You mean, Ash, Max, Brock and me? I'm curious, new Pokemon? And thank you - I hope the next region we travel to has contests too. It's fun coming up with new combinations for my Pokemon" May told them.

Professor Oak wanted to tell her; however, he figured it was best to wait for the four to reunite, it wouldn't be fair otherwise. Brock was with Ash, keeping Max occupied while they set up the party.


Earlier that morning, Brock, Ash and Max left his house in Petalburg City to help Max get all the items he wanted for the journey.

"Have you written your list down, Max?" Ash asked, watching as Max pulled out a piece of paper from his shorts.

"Yep! I wrote everything I could think of. I could hardly sleep last night; I was that excited! To think, I'll be able to get my very own Pokemon this afternoon after all of these years waiting!" Max answered in great excitement. The boys were in the Pokemart, browsing the shelves for the items they needed.

"That's great news, Max! What is the first thing on your list? I know that feeling, I slept in but ran to Professor Oak's in my pajamas" Ash said recalling the day when he got Pikachu, who was sitting on Max's shoulder for a change. Brock was with them, however, flirting with the female store clerk.

"I have Revive! I know how important that is to have when a Pokemon is defeated in battle, and you don't have a Pokemon Center nearby. Next up would be Potions, Super Potions, Full Restore, Full Heal, Hyper Potions and Max Potions. I need Leppa Berries to fill my Pokémon's moves in case they run out" Max told him.

"You're organized, Max. Yes, it's certainly important to have them on you. Have you decided which Pokemon you'll chose?" Ash asked, eager to know.

"I learned from you guys. Yes, I already decided on my starter Pokemon and what I want to do" Max answered smiling to him.

"What Pokemon did you decide and what are your plans when you get to start travelling?" Ash asked, noticing that Brock came back with a gloomy face expression.

"I take it she rejected you?" Max said, looking at Brock who nodded. "As to your questions, Ash, you'll find out when I get my Pokemon - I want it to be a surprise for everyone."

The three boys finished shopping in the Pokemart then went to find a new outfit for Max to travel in.

"Though, I am wondering - will the four of us be travelling together again? I love being with you three" Max wondered, hoping he'd still be able to travel with his sister and friends.

"Of course, Max! The four of us will always be together" Ash promised, smiling to him, Brock nodded in agreement.

"Someone's gotta do the cooking and teach you guys how to do that" Brock said with a grin.

The three went to a clothes store nearby where Max chose a new outfit and planned to put it on the next day. "That reminds me Ash, when are you going to tell her?" Max asked smiling to his friend.

"Tell who what?" Ash asked awkwardly, watching as Pikachu jumped from Max's shoulder back to his.

"Tell May your feelings" Max answered grinning. "I know you have them for my sis, and I support it! That'd be so cool having you for a future brother-in-law!"

Ash blushed - Max wasn't wrong, he admitted to Max and Brock a while ago when the three had the chance to be alone that he had feelings for her. "I'll tell her when the timing is right - I don't want to mess things up - I want to make it special" he replied.

"Have you got much planned for it, Ash?" Brock asked curiously.

"Kinda, but I don't know what I have on mind would make it corny or not, the other people who know about my feelings for her are my parents, the advice they gave me helped a lot to and from what I've learned throughout the years I know that certain ways don't work" Ash said, hinting that he wasn't going to use Brock's method to win her over.

"You'll have to tell me what you've got in mind when you both get together, Ash!" Max said smiling to him.

"I know you can do it, Ash. Though, I'd be jealous if you got a girlfriend before I did" Brock added, and the three laughed. Their next destination was Professor Birch's lab in Littleroot Town which took them a few hours to get to.

The three boys walked up to the professor's lab's door which was already open with Professor Birch himself standing there. Not much has changed from his appearance since they last saw him.

"Hello, Professor Birch!" Max said excitedly.

"Hello, Max, Ash and Brock oh and Pikachu! It's great to see the four of you, come on in and Happy Birthday, Max! How are you and have you decided on your Pokemon?" Professor Birch said as he walked with the three to choose his first Pokemon.

"Thank you so much, Professor Birch and I'm so excited for my first Pokemon. Yes, I already decided that I want to go with Treecko" Max said smiling as he straightened his glasses which slipped down a bit.

Ash smiled with Max's decision though he loved all three Hoenn starters. He remembered raising his Treecko which was now a Sceptile.

"You and Treecko would go well together, Max" Professor Birch said as he showed Max the table that had three starter Pokéballs. "Treecko's should be the one on the right" he added, wanting Max to do the pleasure to get his first Pokemon.

"OH boy! I can't wait for us to start training and bonding!" Max said in great excitement, thanking him once again, he ran to the table and picked the Pokéball that Treecko was in and held it in his hands.

"Treecko, you and I are going to become very close friends, I promise you. The two of us are going to work really hard together in gym and contest battles" Max gushed as he pressed the button to enlarge the Pokéball, then again to release his starter Pokemon. Red light appeared out of the Pokéball and onto the floor, once it vanished, a Treecko appeared in front of him.

"Treecko - Tree?" Treecko said to Max. Max however, noticed something unusual for his starter Pokémon which got him even more excited.

"Hello, Treecko. My name's Max and I'm going to be your new friend. These two are Ash and Brock who love Pokémon as much as I do. Though, I admit, you look different, I was most certain Treeckos have a green tail, not a red. Are you okay? and your belly looks as an unusual colour too" Max introduced himself as he hugged his new starter Pokemon.

Professor Birch chuckled. "Treecko's fine, and in good health in fact, Max. This one is special because it's a shiny one meaning a different colour to the regular Treecko. When Treecko evolves, its evolution will be a different to normal as well. You might need to be cautious with this one as many people love shiny Pokémon and would do anything to get their hands on them to add to their collection" he explained.

"Sounds like something Team Rocket would do since they're always after Ash's Pikachu. I'm eager to keep this one for sure and by the looks of things, this Treecko is a boy" Max said studying the Pokemon to ensure he can give the Treecko the right pronoun.

"Yes, you're correct - your Treecko is a boy. Here is your Pokédex, Max and five Pokéballs to help you on your journey" Professor Birch said.

Max excitedly took his Pokédex and Pokéballs from Professor Birch and put them on his short's belt and the Pokedex in his pocket. He looked at his Treecko who walked next to him.

"Thank you, for everything, Professor Birch, I can't wait to start my journey with my friends" Max said smiling in excitement. "Are you ready, to go, Treecko? I want to introduce you to my family and the rest of my friends" he said as he went to recall Treecko, however, Treecko whacked the Pokéball from Max's hand which made Ash and Brock look at one another and laugh.

"Sounds to me, that Treecko doesn't like the idea of being inside the Pokéball. That's how Pikachu and I started out, Pikachu would refuse to go in there and likes it on my shoulder" Ash said as he gently scratched his Pikachu's chin.

"Pika- Pii!" Pikachu cooed enjoying being petted by Ash.

"Is that true, Treecko?" Max asked, Treecko nodded, Max pressed the button on his Pokéball to make it small and clipped it to his belt along with his other Pokéballs. "That's okay, Treecko, you and I can walk side by side together. We just have to be vigilant because someone might take you from me being a rare colour, I won't let them though" Max promised his Treecko.

"Treecko, Tree!" Treecko said as he walked next to Max.

"Let's go, everyone! I'll tell you about my journey when we get back, Professor Birch. Thanks again, for everything and for my new Treecko!" Max said in delight. Ash, Brock and Max bid the professor goodbye and left for a three-hour journey back to Petalburg City.


"Quick, hide! I think they're coming" Caroline whispered as she spotted Max walking ahead with his friends and a Treecko. Norman hid behind the couch, while Professor Oak, Delia, Mr. Mime, Caroline and May found their own hiding spots nearby.

Max smiled as he walked up to his home. "Treecko, this is where I live. I live with my sister who you'll meet and my parents" he told the Pokemon who listened with great interest.

"Treecko, Tree?" Treecko said.

"Yes, they'll be your family too!" Max informed him, both Ash and Brock looked at one another and smiled.

Max opened the door and was surprised to see nobody home. At least, it looked that way. "Weird, I thought they'd be home" he said and started to walk further. His stomach grumbled which made him want to go to the kitchen to get some food. Ash and Brock followed though they already knew what was happening.

"SURPRISE!" Caroline, Norman, May, Delia, Mr. Mime and Professor Oak jumped out of their hiding spots and ran up to Max, in delight.

"Happy Birthday, Max!" They exclaimed.

"I had a feeling you'd choose Treecko!" May commented though noticed his one was different to Ash's. "But why is yours different?" she asked.

"Thank you everyone! Professor Birch told me that mine's a shiny Treecko and that lots of people would be after him because of it" Max explained to her.

"Yes, Shiny Pokemon are well sought for due to their magnificent colour and how unique they are. It's rare to find a shiny unless you're really lucky, in this case, you're really lucky, Max!" Professor Oak said. "I've heard a while ago that people like to make them as trophy Pokemon."

"I've heard of that! Trophy Pokemon basically means they want to keep the Pokémon for the sake of the look and unique - meaning they don't really care for it" Max said looking at Treecko. "I couldn't do that with Treecko though! I love him and certainly am looking forward to training him."

After chatting excitedly to his friends, Caroline decided it was time to bring Max his presents. "Sam, I think you should give Max his present first" she said to the professor who nodded.

Professor Oak nodded and got out a small box which made Max immediately think there was a pair of shoes in there. It was wrapped neatly in a ballooned themed wrapping paper with a red bow tied around it and a name tag.

"It took us a while to figure out what to get you, Max, though, when we figured it out, we knew you'd most likely like it!" Professor Oak told him, as Max read the name tag.

'Dear Max, Happy Birthday, from Delia, Professor Oak and Ash!' Max read on the tag. Smiling, the ten-year-old undid the ribbon and unwrapped his present only to see he was wrong about the shoes. A smile appeared on his face as he looked at the box: "The Sinnoh Region Pokénav! This Pokénav tells you all about the hot locations in Sinnoh and about its gyms, contests and places to stay and sight-seeing!" he read aloud in great excitement - that alone got May, Brock and Ash's attention too - they weren't aware of the Sinnoh Region until now.

"Does this mean that Sinnoh is a different region we can go to, Professor Oak?" Max asked.

"Yes. Actually - a friend of mine, Professor Rowan lives there. And he has told me something very exciting that I believe you four would be interested in. I can't tell you what it is exactly as we all would need to have a meeting with him to find out, if you're keen on exploring Sinnoh!" Professor Oak answered smiling to see everyone at once thrilled of the news.

"I think that's a great idea, Sinnoh, here we come - Ash, May and Brock are you guys coming?" Max said. "Oh man, I can't wait to see what Professor Rowan has to say! Wonder what he's going to tell us - maybe about rare and exclusive Pokémon!" he gushed.

"You bet, Max! I can't wait to enter the contests and get more ribbons" May said.

"Of course, I'm going for the gym battles" Ash added.

"Pi-Pikachu!" Pikachu nodded in agreement.

"I'm in! It'd be nice seeing a new region and of course girls!" Brock said with hearts in his eyes as he imagined himself winning the heart of Nurse Joy.

"Treecko, Tree!" Treecko added.

"If you open the Pokénav box, Max, there's another gift inside" Delia said, smiling to the excited boy.

Max at once undid the box of the Pokénav and took the Pokénav out, only to find four tickets to a boat underneath it.

"Wow, what boat is this for?" Max asked wondering if it was related to Sinnoh.

"It takes you to Sinnoh, Max, however since all of us are going there we all have the tickets to the one boat. We wanted to ensure that you were interested of course! Your father and I have plans to holiday in Sinnoh and catch up with our friend, Johanna" Caroline told him smiling to him.

"Who is Johanna?" Max asked curiously.

"Don't you remember, Max? We've seen mum talk to this blue haired woman on the video phone sometimes" May told him.

"Now I remember. That's great news, Mum! Yes, we're certainly in for Sinnoh, I want to enter both the Pokémon League and enter contests with Treecko!" Max said after May reminded him who Johanna is.

"Sounds like we both have a rival, May!" Ash commented smiling to her and Max.

"We do! Let's all do our best" May said.

"When should we get going?" Max asked - eager to go to Sinnoh now.

"The boat leaves on the weekend so in a few days' time. For now, I think we all should start packing things up and ensuring we have everything ready for the Sinnoh Region and the Pokémon we want to have" Professor Oak told him. He asked Misty and Tracey to look after his lab while they were away and promised them, he'd give them something in return as well as a nice sum of money for doing the job.

After the party, Max, Ash, May and Brock busied themselves with packing each chatting excitedly as they did, Treecko helped Max while Pikachu helped Ash.


Three days later, Ash, May, Max, Brock, Pikachu, Treecko, Professor Oak, Delia, Mr. Mime, Caroline and Norman left to go to the Sinnoh Region on boat. Max lay on a deck chair with Treecko and studied the Sinnoh Region map with his Pokemon, while Brock flirted with several girls around his age, Ash and May discussed their plans for the region, Ash deciding he wanted to do both Contest and Gym battles after remembering how much fun he had with May when they became a draw. Delia talked to Caroline and Norman with Mr. Mime while Professor Oak chatted away with fans and signed autographs for them and posed for photos with them too.

Caroline called Johanna on the video phone which was on the boat and told her that the group were coming to meet her in Sinnoh, Johanna grew excited with the news and couldn't wait to introduce Dawn to them.


Laying on the floor in her bedroom in pink pajamas was a thirteen-year-old girl with sapphire blue hair and eyes to match. She was bare foot and hugging a Piplup plushie as she watched the TV in her room, kicking her legs to and fro. "C'mon Ash and May! You can do it, I know you can!" she cheered on her idol, May Maple a Pokémon Coordinator. She was watching a repeat of the Pokémon Contest, but she still loved the thrill of it.

"Dawn! Are you in bed yet?!" a female's voice called out through her closed door.

"Not yet, Mum, I'm watching the Pokémon Contest" Dawn called back, pausing the TV and getting up from the floor, with her Piplup plushie in her arms. "It was incredible watching Ash and May battle together" Dawn added in excitement, imaging herself entering the Pokémon contest. Her bedroom door opened and revealed her mother, Johanna holding a Glameow in her arms, smiling to her daughter.

"I know your excited to go onto your journey tomorrow, Dawn but it's getting 's almost 10:00" Johanna told her. Glameow jumped from Johanna's arms and walked over to Dawn, who smiled and petted her.

"I guess you're right, Mum. I'll head to bed" Dawn said smiling to her mother. After giving her a hug, Dawn bid Johanna good night and watched as Glameow followed Johanna out. After waiting a while, Dawn returned to watching the contest, this time keeping as quiet as she could and fell asleep around 11pm, dreaming about the contest.


The next morning, Dawn awoke to the alarm going off, groaning, she fumbled as she found her Piplup alarm clock and switched it off. Then jumped up from her bed. "Today's the day! My birthday and the day I get to start achieving my dream of becoming a Coordinator and I get to choose Piplup!" she thought smiling as she did. After a quick shower, she changed into her outfit for the travel season, having packed the night before, Dawn didn't have to worry about the items she needed, instead, the happy teen grabbed her suitcase and ran out of her room after making her bed. She raced down to the kitchen to see her mother making a delicious breakfast for her.

"Morning, mum!" Dawn said as she placed her suitcase on the ground against the wall.

"Hi honey! Happy Birthday, Dawn, have you got everything ready for your journey?" Johanna said, looking at her daughter proudly.

"Yes, check it out and thank you!" Dawn undid her suitcase and showed her surprised mother the items she got.

"Oh Dawn, that's not how you could travel! How about this bag? It's much lighter and has plenty of room for everything even if it doesn't look like it. I know you need to see Professor Rowan today, however; I have a surprise for you" Johanna said smiling to the teen.

"Will that bag fit all my stuff in it? Thanks mum, what kind of surprise?" Dawn asked.

"Yes, believe it or not it will fit all your stuff in. We'll be meeting Professor Oak -" Before Johanna could say anything else and explain the full plan, Dawn got over excited.

"No way! THE PROFESSOR OAK?! I've ALWAYS wanted to meet him; I've listened to all his talk shows! How did you get to make arrangements to meet him?!" Dawn gushed.

"Yes, Professor Oak! Actually, he's a friend's friend of mine. My friend Caroline knows him and his wife very well and they have a son named Ash Ketchum" Johanna explained, enjoying her daughter's reaction, wishing she could record it all.

"Ash? Ash Ketchum? The very Ash that I watch on TV? Wait - does that mean May would be there too?" Dawn asked wondering if she was dreaming.

"Yes, the Ash that you admire a lot, and yes, she'll be there too. Along with her brother, Max and their friend, Brock. We'll go after breakfast then you can meet them and get your first Pokemon afterwards if you like!" Johanna said.


"But Jessie, do you really think it's a right idea, to follow the twerps to Sinnoh?" James mumbled as he and Jessie disguised themselves as an elderly couple on the boat. Meowth was dressed up as a child even though he felt the clothes were uncomfortable.

"Yes. We've been watching them for so long what difference does it make? We've watched the kid celebrate his 10th birthday and get a shiny Treecko which we need to catch for the boss" Jessie told him. That was true - even though it didn't seem that way, Team Rocket had followed Ash, Max and Brock to get his first Pokemon and back home, they watched Max celebrate his tenth birthday with his loved ones and friends.

"I heard the twerps say something about contests" James said. "*sigh* Why do we even bother catch Pokemon when our plans always fail?" he mumbled.

"We want to impress Giovanni, James. If we catch the Treecko the twerp has, he'd give us a massive pay rise and so many rewards!" Jessie told him. She and James had informed Giovanni that Max had a shiny Treecko which Giovanni was once interested in as well as this Pikachu they've been chasing after.

"Must we always steal, Jessie? Isn't there more to life then stealing other people's Pokemon?" James asked. "I'm tired of losing and being blasted away. I'm sure you are too!"

Jessie thought for a moment. "You could be right about that, James. But what else can we do? We've got no other choice - no-one will hire us or help us!" she added with a sigh.

"We'll figure it out. We could ask the twerps. Let's leave Team Rocket, Jessie and start a fresh new life in Sinnoh. Let others be Team Rocket and take our place blasting off at the speed of light" James said. Meowth listened in interest.

"Are you outta your mind, James? What are we gonna do for money? No-one will give you both any" Meowth pointed out.

"I guess we're stuck in a rock and a hard place, huh?" James mumbled. "I suppose we have no choice."

"Meowth's got a point. We're stuck being Team Rocket for money" Jessie said with a sigh. "Now let's get back to planning to steal Pikachu when we get to Sinnoh, since it's the only thing we're good at!"


Sandgem Town soon appeared as the boat itself made its way towards the docks. Ash, Max, Brock and May couldn't wait to start their adventure in the Sinnoh Region.

"I'm so excited, Sandgem Town Gym, here I come!" Ash exclaimed thinking that's where his first gym battle was.

"Uh, Ash? Sandgem Town doesn't have a gym. The first Sinnoh Region Gym is in Oreburgh City, which is at least a few days walk from Sandgem Town. To get to it, we have to go through Jublife City" Max corrected him as he showed him. Treecko and Pikachu looked at the map as did Ash, May and Brock.

"Thanks for letting me know, Max. Does Jublife City have a gym?" Ash asked.

"No. The following gyms are: the first one as mentioned is in Oreburgh City - the gym leader there is a Rock Type trainer and the leader's name is Roark. Second gym is in Eternia City, the leader is named Gardenia and she's a grass type trainer..." Max began to tell him before Brock interrupted.

"Gardenia - such a beautiful name for a gorgeous girl!" Brock gushed imagining himself flirting with her.

Max, Ash and May looked at Brock and laughed.

"The third gym is in Veilstone City, their leader is named Maylene and she's a fighting type..." Max started to explain.

"Maylene and Brock! Or Brock and Gardenia, I can't decide!" Brock gushed.

"The fourth Gym is Crasher Wake, and he is in Pastoria City. He is a water type trainer. The fifth gym is in Hearthome City and their leader is Fantina and she's a Ghost Type trainer" Max continued on the list of gym leaders in Sinnoh.

"Max, you're making this really hard for me to decide on who to choose out of Maylene, Gardenia and Fantina!" Brock blurted out with hearts in his eyes imaging himself being surrounded by the three gym leaders.

"You're meant to challenge them for a battle Brock. The sixth gym is in Canalave City and their trainer is a Steel Type named Byron. The seventh is in Snowpoint City and their leader is named Candice and she's a water type. The final gym is in Sunyshore City and the leader is named Volkner, he's an Electric Type" Max said as he finished explaining the gym locations as if he knew Sinnoh like the back of his hand.

"May, all the Pokemon Contests are in Hearthome City according to the map" Max told his sister.

"I can't wait to go there! Ah, it's just so exciting!" May said. "Thank you, Max!"

"Thank you for telling us all the gym locations, Max. Where is the Pokemon League located?" Ash asked - he and Pikachu could hardly wait to start earning the badges and entering the Pokemon League.

Max smiled. "I'm going to leave that one as a secret for now as I want to focus on earning the badges. However, I can tell you the Elite Four are the strongest trainers in the Sinnoh Region" he added.

Ash understood what Max meant. "I'm so pumped! Can't this boat go any faster?!" he said - eager to get stuck into earning badges.

"If it did, I'm sure a lot of us would get seasick!" May commented, she then looked at Brock who had hearts in his eyes thinking about the female gym leaders that Max had mentioned. "Well, except for him - he's already lovesick!"

The four friends began to plan their journey in Sinnoh, it was decided they'd stay a few nights in Sandgem Town to have a look around then head to Oreburgh City for the first gym battle. By the time they finished planning, Professor Oak, Delia, Caroline and Norman came to the four with Mr. Mime.

"It looks like we're almost there," Professor Oak said noticing that the boat was now starting to slow down as it got ready to dock at Sandgem docks - just a few hours later, the ship docked and got ready to disembark its passengers.

"Now Ash, before we rush off to Sinnoh, there's something I'd like to tell all of you!" Professor Oak said as he looked at his son who was about to rush off.

"Sure, what is it, dad?" Ash asked, eager to know what he was going to say. Brock, Max and May listened in all eager to learn.

"Your mother and I wanted to introduce you to a friend of ours - I know we mentioned her name earlier, but we didn't get to introduce you to her. Her name is Johanna, and she has a daughter named Dawn who is the same age as you and May. From memory, Dawn wants to be a coordinator and Johanna told us she'd meet us at the docks. Dawn gets her first Pokemon today. We also want to talk to you about something exciting that Professor Rowan had discovered - he thought this would be useful for you in future battles" Professor Oak explained.

May looked at him in interest - she was eager to meet Dawn. "Dawn sounds like she'll be such a fun person to hang around with. I'd love to meet her and help her out with her dreams" she said, smiling to him.

"I agree with you, May! What does Professor Rowan want to share with us?" Ash said - looking forward to meeting a new friend.

"I can't tell you in case of eve droppers. I'll let him explain show you when we get to his lab. When we get there, I'd better let Misty and Tracy know we made it safely to the Sinnoh Region" Professor Oak told him, before the speakers interrupted them.

"Attention everyone! We have made it to Sandgem Town and you may now disembark the ship, if you're a new passenger here, welcome aboard! Have a great day!" The ship's captain announced over the speakers. Sure enough, when Ash looked at the docks, he saw many people already getting off as well as two people with blue hair - a girl his age and one older than her.

"That's them there, Ash" Professor Oak pointed to the pair with blue hair. He scanned the crowd of people to see if there was anyone else, he knew in the crowd - much to his surprise, Professor Rowan was there with some of his assistants. "This works out perfectly, Professor Rowan is there too.

Brock looked at the crowd and noticed so many beautiful girls out there. He couldn't wait to meet them and start asking them on a date.

"Treecko, check it out. This is Sandgem Town, we're finally in the Sinnoh Region. Our first gym battle isn't too far away, however, you and I need to practice battles too!" Max said to his shiny Treecko who was sitting on the railing with Max firmly holding his Pokemon to ensure he doesn't fall off.

"Treecko - Tree!" Treecko said in interest.

"I think we should disembark now" Delia suggested, Caroline and Norman nodded in agreement. Professor Oak, Delia, Mr. Mime, Ash, Pikachu, Caroline, Norman, Max, Treecko, May and Brock made their way off the boat after collecting their belongings and double checking to see if they had everything - which they did. When they got off, Professor Oak was greeted by a lot of fans before he could reach Johanna and Dawn. Jessie, James and Meowth followed the group in their disguises of course and hid amongst the crowds so they didn't get spotted.

Ash chuckled as he watched his father talk to his fans and sign for autographs. He was used to seeing scenes like that it didn't worry him. After signing for fans, Professor Oak returned to his family and the group made their way to Johanna and Dawn - who were waiting patiently to see them.


"Oh, wow! It really is you! I can't believe it" Dawn gushed as she met Ash, May and Professor Oak for the first time. She didn't know of the others of course but was still delighted to see them at last. "I've always wanted to meet the three of you! I'm Dawn and it's nice to meet you, I'm such a big fan! Ash, I've seen your battles and May, your contests are out of this world! Professor Oak, I love listening to your Pokemon Talk shows, I never miss them!"

"Hi Dawn, it's very nice to meet you too! Being a Coordinator is hard work but a lot of fun too!" May said smiling to the fan.

Dawn looked at Ash. "The way you battle, Ash is incredible - its thanks to the both of you I've learned a lot. I can't wait to get my first Pokemon and start winning contests" she said smiling to them.

"When do you get your first Pokemon, Dawn?" Ash asked.

"I'm meant to get mine today, then I can finally start travelling. I already know who to choose!" Dawn told him.

"That's exciting news, Dawn! It's nice to meet you too. Hi, I'm Brock and I'm a Pokemon Breeder" Brock introduced himself after finally getting the chance.

"I'm Max, nice to meet you! This here is partner, Treecko. I only got him a few days ago" Max explained.

Delia, Caroline and Norman took turns in introducing themselves to her. Dawn then introduced Ash, May, Max and Brock to her mother - since her mum already knew the others she didn't need to worry about that part. After a quick chat to Johanna and Dawn, Professor Oak noticed Professor Rowan approaching the group which worked out well with the timing.

"Hello, Professor Oak. It's been a while - welcome to Sinnoh" Professor Rowan said smiling to him.

"Thank you, Professor Rowan, it certainly has been a while since we've met. Ash, May, Max and Brock, I'd like to introduce you to a friend of mine - Professor Rowan" Professor Oak introduced the four to Professor Rowan. Delia, Dawn, Johanna, Caroline and Norman already knew Professor Rowan.

"I've heard a lot about you, Ash and May from the Pokemon League and Contests. Nice to meet you all. I have something exciting to share with the lot of you, come on to my lab and I'll be able to show you and Dawn, you'll be able to get your first Pokemon then too - this discovery counts you as well." Professor Rowan said. The large group made their way to Professor Rowan's lab, all chatting excitedly wondering what he was going to show them. Little did they know that Team Rocket had followed the group and already plotted to steal some Pokemon from his lab.

"Perhaps he's got some rare Pokemon?" James suggested.

"If he does, it will be ours!" Jessie commented imagining the team finally getting a promotion from Giovanni. "When we see what it is, we'll tell Giovanni we're in Sinnoh!"

"Da question is, what IS Professor Rowan going to show da twerps?" Meowth asked interested to know - leaving it to their imagination. Jessie imaged a lot of gold nuggets, while James imagined a stash of rare bottle tops and Meowth figured perhaps there might be a shiny version of him in the lab... Whatever it was, Professor Rowan planned to show the group, they'd have to wait and find out...


What do you think Professor Rowan will show them?
To be continued...