Chapter 1: I Choose You!

As a reminder, I will be using descriptions of designs for Pokémon and outfits from Bulbapedia and/ Pokémon Fandom Wiki, more or less word for word on here. That is to say, I am giving them credit for such descriptions.

I am writing this out immediately upon finishing the writing of the prologue, and am unsure at which point I will upload any chapters. Of course yous will already know the answers to that though. With nothing much else to say, I suppose let's get this started.

A soft morning breeze runs across Pallet Town as it seems to represent the polar opposites of the past twelve hours. Usually the town is a nice, calm location; today it has police going across the entire lab and the surrounding woods in an attempt to find any information out about the crime committed the night before. They were trying to figure out who stole the Pokémon.

The obvious choice would have been Damien, however Gary identified the thief as a female. Which outside of Serena, Lillie, Grace and Delia only really left Gary's sister Daisy Oak. However it was fairly easy to rule all five out based on how Daisy had been at home with her grandfather, and the others were at the Ketchum household. Plus even disregarding that, Lillie wouldn't have stolen the Pokémon due to her phobia of them.

It left the Pokémon professor with only two official starters plus a technical option; the 'Tiny Mouse Pokémon'.

Elsewhere however sleep comes rather deep and rather difficult to break free from. Or at least according to one Ash Ketchum that is.

"Come on Ash! Wake up!" Serena yells at her close friend as he lays on the arm chair from the night before. His response? Just an incoherent mumbling. Both Serena and Lillie are in shock that the boy was still sleeping.

Lillie comments "It's the 'most important' day of his life, so of course sleeping in makes sense" as she tries to hold back a giggle at his poor ideology.

It was true, Ash had spent years preparing and readying himself to become a Pokémon trainer. He had attended several summer camps under Professor Oak, allowing him to meet many species of Pokémon and a large variety of people.

One of the summer camps even took him, Serena and Gary to Alola for a special camp experience. While there, they had encountered a variety of different children. Three years ago the trio went and met Professor Samuel Oak's cousin Principle and Professor Samson Oak.

There was Kiawe, a rather cool, calm and collected child who was a few years older than the remainder of the children. He seemed to have good knowledge on Fire type Pokémon and would often try to do things on his own. He lived on Akala Island

A female named Lana, who wouldn't stop talking about Water type Pokémon and fishing. She was a really calm and gentle girl who cared for Pokémon even if they may come across as scary. Though she was rather shy around Serena and Ash while at the camp.

Mallow, a fan of Grass types and nature, was rather upbeat and outgoing in her friendliness. This would lead her to quickly befriending Ash, Serena and even the introverted Lana. Though she would often forget small or key details due to her over eagerness.

Then there was Sophocles, even at his young age, he loved technology and wanted to 'invent' stuff. Which would lead both Professor Oaks to give him safe tools to 'invent'. Even if that was just a Pokeball… that he would then use to capture his first Pokémon in soon after. He was favourable towards Electric type Pokémon.

A fairly 'creepy' girl, Acerola, had a love of Ghost type Pokémon. Which often scared Ash, Serena and Lana at camp with her campfire stories about ghost types. Though she was harmless otherwise.

Hau, was like Ash, very energetic and excited to see new Pokémon. Though being the grandson of a famous trainer in Alola, he wanted to separate himself and be his own trainer. Not to be exclusive to the Fighting type.

Luna, a bright young girl would try to mix with the other students to befriend, help and grow from them. In the five weeks at the camp, she showed her compassion to helping weaker Pokémon like Comfey, Yungoos and an injured Litten. To her, helping others made her feel great in herself.

Sola, a fairly to himself boy would often keep away from the others in order to do things on his own. This didn't mean he didn't like the others, only that he preferred his own company or even just felt that the others were a bit too much.

Despite the amount of people they met there, one quite a few years prior may hold an equal significance as well. One from four years ago.

(Flashback, Past Tense, No POV)

Ash had awoken late the day of that particular day of Summer Camp. As he awakened, he was only partially aware of his surroundings. Looking over at his Voltorb alarm clock, he noticed the time to be about 9:38. He closed his eyes as he thought nothing of it.

Though almost immediately his eyes snapped open as he checked the day, only to realise that it was the first day of the annual Summer Camp hosted by Professor Oak. After jumping out of his bed, he quickly dressed himself then rushed out of his bedroom.

As he came down the stairs, Delia looked over at him and asked "Oh, you've only just woke up? I thought you had left already"

By her side, a small, bipedal pink Pokémon with a chubby, vaguely star-shaped body. A small, pointed tooth protruded from the upper left corner of its mouth. It had wrinkles beside its black, oval eyes, a single dark pink oval marking on each cheek, and large pointed ears with brown tips. A tuft of fur curled over its forehead, much like its large, upward-curling tail. Each stocky arm has two small claws and a thumb on each hand and both feet have a single toenail. There's a pair of tiny, butterfly-shaped wings on its back.

Delia and Ash had long lived with their fairy-type Clefairy, named Clef. It was a gift to them by Ash's father.

In his hurried state, Ash responded "Yep, I woke up late. I'll see you later Mum" as he pulled out a ready-made sandwich from the fridge, an apple and some water before leaving. Well and leaving the front door open.

Delia sighed as she saw what he did.

Clefairy, as helpful as ever closed the door with its extra door handle. They had installed it once Clefairy started living with them as a way for Clefairy to open doors conveniently.

With a smile, Delia thanked Clef for her help.

At the Pokémon lab Summer Camp group.

There was seven children, despite there being seven children having signed up for it. Now that wouldn't be so bad, if it hadn't been obvious to the professor that a certain someone was missing. Two males and five females. The boy's names were Goh and Damian. While the girl's names were Serena, Chloe, May, Lyra and Dawn.

Goh had an androgynous appearance. (A/N: it means a person who shows traits, in their appearance, of both masculine and feminine features. Which Goh is actively described as which is intentional). His hair was messy black hair with two red highlights, tan skin and blue eyes. He wore dark grey shorts, with a grey and red top featuring a cartoonish Gengar on the front. He had a greyish-blue, single strap rucksack.

Damian had ocean blue hair with brown eyes. He had worn a pink shirt and brown trousers. He could have been considered 'stylish' if his personality wasn't horrible.

Chloe, a short and slender fair-skinned girl with maroon hair and green eyes. Her hair had been tied into a single long braid. She wore a baby blue pair of shorts with red and white shoes with a gold buckle on each. Her white top had a yellow bow around the collar and a red hand bag.

Serena had honey-blond hair separated over her back, and both shoulders with blue eyes. Her skin was fair, which complimented her mostly pink outfit. Her hair was covered by a straw hat with a pink bow. Her dress was two toned pink that went down to just above her knees. Her shoes were also pink with straps.

May was a slim girl of average height with brown long hair that had a single fringe at the center with three edges secured by a red and white kerchief. Her eyes were blue with long eyelashes. She wore a red top that had a blue oval around the neck area while she wore dark blue shorts, red trainers and black socks.

Dawn had a fair complexion, blue eyes and long navy blue hair down to her shoulders. She wore a black top with a pink skirt going to her knees. Her shoes were brown that only went to her ankles.

Lyra was short, with fair skin and brown eyes. Her brown hair had been tied into low bunched pigtails. She wore a short sleeved, red top which was covered by dark blue suspenders which were attached to her shorts. Her red socks had covered her thigh length white socks.

The maroon-haired female raised her hand to the professor as she asked "Ah, Professor, isn't it time to be on our way" which as she finished her hand descended back to her side.

Professor Oak, with his arms folded answered "Yes but, I'm afraid we're still missing somebody" as his eyes went to the sky. He was fully aware of how the boy always woke up late on important days.

May then comments "But he should have gotten here a long time ago" as she groans. See she wasn't too big of a fan of Pokémon or at least not of becoming a trainer. Her parents thought it would help her to go visit the camp before they left Johto to move to Hoenn soon.

Her younger brother had been jealous of how he was 'too young' to attend the camp however May would have happily given her position to him.

Letting out a little laugh, the professor told her "We're waiting on a rather lively young man who lives in the neighbourhood"

Hearing this, Goh spoke up to say "I know what" as he threw his arms around "he was so excited about our trip, he couldn't sleep" before he put his arms on his hips to finish "Kind of a simple minded and not responsible guy huh?"

This left May, Lyra and his friend Chloe weirded out.

Damian remarks "Who even invited this boy to this show anyway?" as he spoke low enough for the adult to likely not hear him.

Frowning, Chloe turned towards him and said "I did. Goh is my friend, is there an issue here?" as she glared towards him.

Unfazed, the boy responded "Maybe you shouldn't have invited him. He's like a puppy, overly excited yet out of control"

Dawn then chimed in "He's a child, he's excited that's all. And I would hardly call him a puppy, he's lively" as she stood by the girl.

Goh didn't even seem to register that they had been talking about him.

The Professor then said, in response to Goh, "You may have a point there" then he had stopped himself as he took on board the boy. He then asked "Wait, what was your name?"

Goh then excitedly pointed to his lone friend and exclaimed "See, she invited me along. I'm Goh!"

As the man looked at the girl in question he remarks "A friend of Chloes?" as he had slightly tilted his head.

Pulled away from Damian's comments, Chloe responded with a smile "That's right, he comes to watch the research at my dad's lab all the time Professor. So I brought him"

Having smiled at this revelation, Oak said "Oh and how is Professor Cerise?"

Chloe responded with 'fine' to the professor.

Professor Oak then turned his attention back to the group as he continued "Chloe's father does a lot of research on Pokémon, just like me. Not only that but he's been hailed as a genius since he was young, a promising researcher"

Rather tired of waiting, Goh then asked "So, how long are we going to wait for the irresponsible kid anyway?"

Damian was bored of Goh, but he had raised a good point. He was aware of who they were waiting for. Ash Ketchum. The two of them had always been at odds end. They very clearly disliked one another.

Serena on the other hand was off to the side away from the others. See each of the children came from all over. Damian was from Pallet Town, like Ash. Lyra and May were from the Johto Region, Chloe and Goh lived near Vermillion City while Dawn was from Sinnoh.

Serena had been born in the Kalos Region, Vaniville Town, a relatively unknown location of the region. However her Mum, Grace, had brought her to visit Kanto in order to see what the place was like. She had been considering moving to the Kanto Region anyways, so took Serena to this camp to give her something to do. That way, Grace had the chance to check out Viridian City.

Dawn had been brought to the camp by her mum, Johanna as she was visiting Kanto to participate in a few contests over the next few weeks. So during a bit of downtime, Dawn was sent to go to Pallet Town to keep her busy and give her a chance to meet new people, even if for a short time.

The Professor responded with "Delayed leaving means delayed returning. That settles it, let's be on our way"

With that, he led them off to the safer areas of the research labs more extended tour.

He would then go on to say "Alright then, it's time to observe the multitude of Pokémon living in this forest"

This had received cheers from Lyra, Chloe, Dawn and Goh. Damian didn't care too much, he had other motives for being there. Serena was again anxious of her surroundings due to the unknown Pokémon that could be lurking around any corner. May was indifferent to the experience, she may have dressed like a tomboy but she didn't like being in the woods.

As the Professor brought out one of the starter Pokémon usually reserved for beginning trainers they watched as a small reptilian Pokémon which resembled a light-blue turtle. It stood on its hind legs. It had large, reddish eyes and a slightly hooked upper lip. Each of its hands and feet had three pointed digits. The end of its long tail curled inward. Its body was encased by a tough, primarily brown, shell.

As the professor began to speak, Goh cut him off as he said "It's a Squirtle, the tiny turtle Pokémon and a Water type. Their shell seems to form and then harden after birth"

Blinking back his shock, the Professor said "That's right actually Goh. I suppose Chloe was right. You have learned a lot at the research lab"

Goh, rather arrogantly, remarked "Well, when it comes to Pokémon, there isn't a thing that I don't know"

Chloe, feeling like he had overstepped a line, said "But Goh" only to have been cut off.

Professor Oak started laughing at his comment said "It seems like you're quite the expert then Goh"

This got a laugh out of the young boy as they moved on. As they saw another Pokémon, the professor asked if anyone could tell them anything about it.

Goh had told them "It's Kakuna the Cocoon Pokémon"

Said Pokémon was a yellow, insect cocoon-like Pokémon. Kakuna had a dome-shaped head and black, triangular eyes with glowing white pupils. It has two scythe-like arms in the middle of its body.

They then spotted an avian Pokémon that resembled a light-brown duck with a white underbelly. It had a flat, yellow beak, brown eyes, a V-shaped black marking on its forehead and a three feather crest on top of its head. Its wings are as big as its body and seem to function similar to hands. It had yellow legs with webbed feet and a stubby tail.

Goh then spotted a tiny, brown Pokémon that seems to have the majority of its body buried under ground. It had beady black eyes and a large, round, pink nose. Not much to it really. The six year old made comments about the bird being Farfetch'd and the next one being Diglett.

Then pointing to another similar Pokémon, he proclaimed "And that's Dugtrio, the evolved form of Diglett!" It was more or less a triplet of Diglett. The trio, scared, burrowed underground and left quickly. He continued "They can dig tunnels at over sixty miles an hour"

All of this information had left the professor and children dumbfounded.

Chloe then started to say "Excuse me, we do have Professor Oak here" but gets interrupted.

"What she meant to say was that you're annoying. Maybe cut it off" Damian commented with a glare as he had his arm at his waist.

As he had attempted to defuse the situation, the professor commented "It's nothing Chloe, your friend is rather knowledgeable on Pokémon"

Goh didn't really hear his words, he had focused on the bully's words instead. As he stared at the ground, Chloe stepped in front of her friend. She told Damian "He's my good friend and I think you're being rude. He's just excited" as she stared daggers at him.

Unfazed, Damian straightened up and told her "Oh right, you're one of those girls who defend their loser boy friends. Maybe if you were as silent as her" as he motioned to the honey-blonde female, Serena. He then continued "You'd be considered smart"

Dawn interjected "You're being horrible here, whoever you are. Why are you even here?" as she stepped beside Chloe as her arms were folded.

Feeling stressed out by the commotion, Serena quietly moved away from the others. She never was a fan of people fighting as it often led to harsh words or physicality.

No one had seemed to notice at first that she had left the group. (A/N: We'll get back to that portion of the story, MUCH later on as it's not that important now. And yes, we did just introduce May, Dawn, Lyra, Goh and Chloe incredibly early).

As our young raven-haired boy arrived at the lab, he had been informed that the others had left already. Before the Professor's Aid could stop Ash, the young boy had ran off into the forest to catch up with the group.

However as he ran along he spotted a Pokémon that his father loved. Or at least the evolutionary line of his father's starter Pokémon.

The Pokémon in question was a small blue tadpole-like creature. It had large eyes and pink lips that can also act as suction cups for rocks. It skin is very thin, but flexible and difficult to puncture. There was a black and white swirl on its abdomen. It walked on its two legs and had a long, thin tail surrounded by a light-blue semi-transparent fin.

Eyes widened, Ash comments "It's a Poliwag, just like Dad's Poliwrath. One day I'll try and capture my own Poliwag" the sound of his voice had startled the young boy as it darted off into the bushes from the boy.

Without thinking, Ash pursues the water type to try and befriend it.

Nearby, Serena was talking aloud to herself "Why do people always have to be so mean? I don't even know him and he just had to be horrible about me" as tears had ran down her young face.

Moments later, a bush started to rustle next to her. Her eyes widened from fear as she had quickly turned to run off. However in her panicked state, she spun and twisted her right leg and landed on her right knee mostly. She had likely sprained her ankle in the fall.

She fearfully watched as a Poliwag leapt from the bushes. It had briefly glanced to her then ran off also in fear. Serena then had watched as a young, dark haired boy emerged from the brush.

As he saw Serena lying there crying, he had asked "Hey what's up?" while looking down at her with concern etched upon his face.

Taking a big gulp Serena had told him "My leg" as she pointed to her right knee "I tripped and sprained it I think"

He looked at Serena's knee and told her as his eyes widened "You're bleeding as well!" as he came closer and told the girl to stay still.

Softly he explained to Serena "Mum told me what to do if something like this happened!" as he took out a handkerchief. He wrapped it around her bleeding knee which seemed to do a good enough job of covering the wound up. At least for the time being.

Serena then told the boy "It still hurts!" as she went to clutch her knee. She hadn't properly noticed her sprained ankle at that moment in time.

He told her that he wasn't done yet. Serena watched as he did some odd movements with his hands as if a magician. He then said "Feel better! Feel better, right away!"

And it did ABSOLUTELY nothing.

He saw this and said "Never give up until it's over" which seemed redundant then and kinda still does now. He then offered the injured girl his hand. She hesitantly took it and as he pulled her up, she fell into his arms.

As she had pulled away, he smiled and she felt her cheeks heat up. He continued to hold her soft hand as he walked her to get some help.

They would soon find the Professor along with May, Dawn, Lyra, Goh and Chloe. Damian had left against the professor's orders to stay with the group.

While Serena was getting help, Ash encountered the others for the first time. He had introduced himself "Hey I'm Ash, I kinda slept in late" as he sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.

Dawn decided to approach him first "Hey, I'm Dawn from Sinnoh" as she smiled at him. She then raised her hand upwards calling for a high five.

Grinning Ash reciprocated and slapped her hand with his own.

Lyra then commented "Aw, aren't yous cute" as she giggled.

Ash, confused as always, commented "What do you mean? It's a high five" as he narrowed his gaze at the brunette.

After letting out a brief laugh, Lyra responded "Nothing, I'm Lyra from Johto, nice to meet you Ash" without any of the theatrics that he shared with Dawn.

Deciding to shed her anxiety a bit, May introduced herself "I'm May from the Johto Region as well… well we're looking to move soon but still" with the grace of a rock as she rushed her words.

As they were talking, Goh and Chloe were off away from them, talking about what had happened shortly beforehand.

(End of Flashback, no POV, Present Day)

There was actually supposed to be someone else there that day. Another young female, from Pallet Town had missed that day. The reason? A house fire that had struck her home, seemingly killing her and her parents Myra and Trey in the process. No one was certain as to what had caused the fire.

Serena then decides to play her ace, as she comments "Well if he doesn't hurry it along, we might need to leave to get my Pokémon without him" as she smirks watching as Ash's eyes rip open as he jolts up off of the armchair.

He asks in fear "Wait, it's today that we get our Pokémon?" with his eyes wide in shock.

Serena, still smirking, answers "Yep, so you better get ready. We need to leave shortly, Mum's waiting for us already I'm sure"

Serena's waist-length honey-coloured hair has been styled into a low ponytail. She has a dark pink hat with a black band, a black tank top, a red pleated skirt, black thigh-high stockings, and black sneakers that have a pink semi-circle shaped like a Poke Ball on them. Her shirt collar is white and her hat has a tiny bow attached. She was wearing a pink backpack.

Lillie's platinum blonde hair had been first stylized by Grace but 'perfected' by Serena's help over time. Her hair has two braids on each side of her face. She's wearing a white dress with transparent outlines, a pair of long socks with white shoes resembling ballet flats. She has a round bag with a Poke Ball design on both sides.

Inside said bag is her earliest friend, and so far the only Pokémon she is comfortable coming into contact with, Nebby. She hopes to one day find out where she came from and where Nebby came from.

Ash barely notices any of that however as he rushes off to his bedroom to get himself ready.

As he emerges from his bedroom, the girls bear witness to his long planned attire for the Kanto Region.

He has on a blue-short-sleeved jacket with gold trim, white collar and sleeves, a dark teal t-shirt, blue jeans with light blue cuffs, black and white sneakers with red dots, green fingerless gloves with light green borders, and a red and white hat with a green stylized "L". He is also holding a green backpack with a yellow square label with black adjusters on them.

Lillie then asks "Are you finally ready then?" as she holds back a giggle.

Grinning Ash comments "Of course I am, let's go off to the lab!" as he walks to the front door.

A voice cuts him off however, "Hang on there Ash", it was Delia.

Ash, confused, then asks "What is it Mum? We're going to be late" as he raises his eyebrow.

"Make sure to change your underwear every day mister, brush your teeth and treat Serena and Lillie good on your journeys" Delia tells him sternly as her son glances over at the females in question. Though his cheeks are reddened due to the first part of his Mum's orders.

Embarrassed, Ash responds "Mum!" before continuing "Obviously I'll keep them safe, now we need to hurry and leave"

He quickly rushed himself and his friends off after that while they both giggled at his misfortune. On the way to the lab at first they were just able to joke around and discuss about Serena and Ash's starter plus what their plans will be for when they leave.

they stop as they realise there's a decently sized crowd of people outside of the Pokémon lab, the trio go around the crowd as to be fair there was an expectation that there'd be a crowd of onlookers. They went to the fenced off entrance where a guard was standing, alongside two police officers.

This confuses the three of them as they approach them. Ash then asks "Has something happened here?"

One of the officers, instead of answering, asks "Are you three the trainers which Mr. Oak were supposed to see today? About your starter Pokémon"

Serena smiles and says "Yes, we are officer, my name is Serena, this is" she points to Ash "Ash, and this is" then points to Lillie "and this is Lillie".

The officers communicate with one another and the guard and make sure that those three names were correct for the soon to be trainers. Once they did, one of them escorted them up to the lab.

While on the way up there, Serena questions "May I ask why are there police here Sir?

Not turning to speak to the young girl, he responds by saying "There was a break in last night and we are still investigating, something of great value was stolen. We are taking no chances in risking another robbery"

"Like what? What was stolen?" Ash asks concerned and oblivious to what could be so important that someone would break in and steal from a Pokémon lab.

Fairly quickly Lillie answers bluntly although unintentionally "It must be the Pokémon"

At that the officer stops and turns around which causes the children to stop. He eyes the blonde female carefully as he asks "What makes you say that Lillie?"

She becomes extremely uncomfortable as his gaze is fixated on her now. Serena notices this pretty quickly in her place "Sorry officer, she's rather shy and can sometimes say things rather straightforwardly. But I know she didn't break in last night, she was with me and Ash, alongside Miss Ketchum last night. Plus she's rather scared of Pokémon, so she wouldn't even contemplate such a heinous act" she stood in front of Lillie as she told the officer this with a stern look upon her face.

He mulls her words over in his head and nods his head then continues walking to the lab. The rest of the walk there is in silence, however Serena takes Lillie's hand in her own and the shy girl squeezes her hand in appreciation.

When the four of them arrive, Professor Oak and Gary Oak approach them with solemn looks on their faces. The professor tells the officer that he will be fine with them now. The officer eyes Lillie still suspiciously but turns to leave.

Gary notices this and says to the officer, "She didn't do it, leave her alone" he's stern and authoritative tone. The officer doesn't acknowledge him as he leaves the lab, his blue periwinkle hair waving behind him as he leaves them closing the door behind them.

Ash asks them "So what happened then last night?"

Sighing Professor Oak says "Someone broke in and was caught by Gary. Before he could have done anything, a girl broke past him after grabbing one of the starters" his eyes downcast as he tells them the news.

"So what does that mean for the others then?" Lillie asks as it becomes pretty obvious that there are three soon-to-be trainers but only two starter Pokémon.

There is a silence as all five of them know that only two of them can properly start their journeys today. Well that's what three of them believe anyway.

Ash stands there silently as he thinks to himself 'I wanted to become a trainer today. But I can't take that away from Serena, and the Professor will probably want Gary to have his starter. That leaves me…'

Seeing his downcast expression, Serena knew what Ash was about to say so she speaks before he can "I'll stay behind Professor. Give Ash and Gary their starters instead" as she stared ahead with determination in her eyes. She knew Ash's dream and she hadn't even decided what it was that she wanted to achieve in her journeys yet.

Admittedly she was content to just travel with Ash and Lillie until she could find her own path. She felt like a pest for selfishly wanting to go with him to try and find herself but she felt that that was where she belongs for the time being. At Ash's side. However if that had to wait, so be it.

Ash, hearing this, speaks up "No, give Serena and Gary their Pokémon, I'll wait until you have more Professor" as he felt sad but was adamant to not hold his best friend back.

Actually that may not be necessary, Ash and Serena. Let me sort them two out first and I will present an option for you" Professor says hesitating on his decision.

However before continuing, he turns to them both as he speaks "I must say, that both of you are incredibly mature for being willing to keep yourselves back for the other" as he gives them a smile. Then turns back to what he was doing.

They go over to where the Pokeball machine is. Professor Oak now unlocks the glass panels and then enters a password which brings up two Pokeballs. Picking them up he brings out both of them.

The first one is a small Pokémon that resembles a light-blue turtle. It has large, purplish or reddish eyes and a slightly hooked upper lip. Each of its hands and feet have three pointed digits. The end of its long tail curls inward. Its body is encased by a tough shell that forms and hardens after birth. This shell is brown on the top, pale yellow on the bottom, and has a thick white ridge between the two halves. The water type Pokémon Squirtle.

The other is a small, quadrupedal Pokémon that has blue-green skin with darker patches. It has red eyes with white pupils, pointed, ear-like structures on top of its head, and a short, blunt snout with a wide mouth. A pair of small, pointed teeth are visible in the upper jaw when its mouth is open. Each of its thick legs ends with three sharp claws. On their back is a green plant bulb, which is grown from a seed planted there at birth. The bulb also conceals two slender, tentacle-like vines and provides it with energy through photosynthesis as well as from the nutrient-rich seeds contained within. The grass and poison type Pokémon Bulbasaur.

"Are you okay with Bulbasaur, Serena?" Gary calmly asks the honey-blonde female as he keeps an eye on her reaction and the two starter Pokémon.

She considers what he is offering, she takes Bulbasaur and clearly he want's Squirtle. She approaches the grass type and asks if they would be okay joining her. The grass Pokémon eyes her cautiously and looks towards the professor, he nods his head and the Bulbasaur approaches her, sniffing her outstretched hand. Then takes a tentative lick.

"Seems like he likes you Serena" Ash says with a smile.

"She, Ash, that one is a female, the Squirtle is a male" Professor Oak corrects the young boy as he watches his own grandson walk over to the water type.

"You ready to become my partner? To beat everyone and get famous?" Gary asks, kneeling down, to the shell Pokémon with a rather determined look plastered on his face.

The water type nodded in affirmation and Gary stood back up and looks to his grandfather.

"Now that those two have received their starter Pokémon, allow me to introduce you reluctantly to another Pokémon. However I must warn you that he can be a little over the top due to it's past" Professor Oak tells Ash as he presses another button which revealed a concealed Pokeball, with a lightning bolt over the release mechanism.

He presents the Pokeball to the raven-haired boy, and excitedly Ash calls the Pokémon out of its ball.

Pichu is a small, ground-dwelling rodent Pokémon with pale yellow fur. Its ear-tips, collar, and tail are black and angular. Pichu's pink cheek pouches can store small amounts of electricity, and its tiny nose looks like a dot. It stood on its hind legs as it looked around then saw that Ash held a Pokeball and put two and two together, glaring at him.

Ash approaches the little electric type and Pichu becomes defensive dropping to all fours almost like a feline instead of a mouse.

Lillie and Serena look on in concern for his safety as he tries to pick the 'over the top' Pokémon up. Only to be immediately shocked for his troubles. In the process, Pichu jumps out of his grasp as Ash laid on the ground. Both girls rush over to him but Lillie carefully avoided going near the Pokémon.

They checked on him as Professor Oak comments "Shocking, isn't it?" everyone else ignored him except for Ash.

He just laughs and says "Is that all you got Pichu?"

This takes the others aback and causes Pichu to narrow his eyes at his new trainer. But just because this person has his Pokeball, it doesn't mean that he had to obey this child. No, he had trusted his previous owner and he was abandoned a short time ago. Pichu couldn't trust anyone, Ash would need to earn it.

After Ash got up and then tried to return his new Pokémon to its Pokeball, the pichu nimbly dodged the beam. Three times. Rather tired, Ash gives up and remembers what his mum had mentioned a few days prior. Rubber gloves. He took off his bag and put them between his jeans and his belt.

"Okay you four, now that we have handled the starter Pokémon, I have a few more gifts to present yous" Oak tells them as he walks over to his desk then grabs a red rectangular object and presents it saying "As you all would know, this is a Pokémon Encyclopaedia, or Pokedex. You can use it to get data on known Pokémon, transfer your own Pokémon and as an official I.D. for your travels to show that you are trainers. Or at least are representing my lab and I"

He hands each of them a Pokedex, including Lillie. Then hands them each a decently sized bag of Pokeballs each for their journeys, at least to get them started. The bags were then placed into each of the trainer's bags.

The professor looks to Lillie asking "Do you at least want a few? Or at least one for 'Nebby'?" as he holds his hand out holding five empty Pokeballs.

At hearing its own name, Lillie's bag shakes slightly as the zipper slides along, clearly Nebby's psychic powers.

At that the professor instead presented a Pokeball to Cosmog as an offering. The cosmic entity curiously pokes the ball and is quickly absorbed. No resistance.

This surprises the all-white outfitted girl as she considers the older man's offer. She accepts them tentatively as she makes it clear "I don't think I will be that useful in capturing Pokémon. I don't want to make them battle"

Serena responds by saying "You won't need to Lillie, it's more of an option in the event that you do find a Pokémon that you do like, you can befriend them and just travel with them, no battles necessary" she smiles at her friend as she finishes.

That seems to make Lillie feel better and she agrees with the female. After that Gary leaves the three of them a few minutes before they leave. What are they doing in the meantime? Pichu.

Having a fun idea, Ash decides to use his new Pokedex to look at information on Pichu. Dexter says robotically "Pichu, the Tiny Mouse Pokémon, and an electric type Pokémon. Pichu charges itself with electricity more easily on days with thunderclouds or when the air is very dry. You can hear the crackling of static electricity coming off this Pokémon. When Pichu plays with others, it may short out electricity with another Pichu, creating a shower of sparks. In that event, this Pokémon will begin crying, startled by the flash of sparks"

Then they also do so with Serena's Bulbasaur. Dexter comes alive again saying "Bulbasaur, the Seed Pokémon and a grass and poison type Pokémon. A strange seed was planted on its back at birth. The plant sprouts and grows with this Pokémon. Bulbasaur can be seen napping in bright sunlight. By soaking up the sun's rays, the seed grows progressively larger"

They then leave the lab making their way down to the gate. However the blue-haired officer is no longer there. Ash is carrying his little mouse while the electric glares at him.

Delia and Grace greet them at the bottom of the small incline down from the Pokémon lab.

Delia says to Ash, "So what Pokémon is this, Ash?" as she looks to the mouse with curiosity. Of course she is aware that trainers would usually be given the chance to choose between the grass type Pokémon; Bulbasaur, the fire type Pokémon; Charmander and the water Pokémon; Squirtle.

Glancing down at his first Pokémon, Ash says "This is Pichu, something happened at the lab last night and I was given the opportunity to instead have this one, an electric type"

Seeing the sparks at the small Pokémon's cheeks, Delia comments "Honey, doesn't it seem a bit agitated? Maybe you should return him to his Pokeball?" as she suggests this, the Pokémon shoots her a glare as if to tell her that would be a bad idea.

"He doesn't like going inside his Pokeball. Did absolutely everything to dodge the beam to return it" Ash says as he feels slightly frustrated, however he wasn't going to let a minor setback ruin the start of his Pokémon adventure.

"Which starter did you choose Serena?" Grace asks as she looks upon her daughter, for perhaps the last time in a while she may see her in person.

With a smile, Serena answers "I got myself a Bulbasaur, she seems much better behaved than Pichu over there" and as she says that she looks over to the raven-haired boy who seems to be both excited and stressed out as well. Of course Ash would've preferred a better start to his adventure.

After they finish their goodbyes Ash, Serena and Lillie leave Pallet Town.

Some short while later, they encounter a wild bird. It is a small, plump-bodied avian. It is primarily brown with a cream-colored face, underside, and under feathers. On top of its head is a short crest of three tufts. The centre crest feathers are brown and the other outer two tufts are cream-colored. Just under its crest are its narrow eyes which have white sclera and pupil along with its black irises. Angular black marking extend from behind its eyes and continue down its cheeks. It has a short unremarkable beak and two feet each with two front toes and one back toe.

Ash swipes out his Pokedex and scans it. Dexter comes to life saying "Pidgey the Tiny Bird Pokémon, and is a normal and flying type Pokémon. It is docile and prefers to avoid conflict. If disturbed, however, it can ferociously strike back. It may also kick up sand to protect itself"

Placing Pichu on the ground, Ash tells the electric type "Use thunder shock Pichu"

The electric type doesn't bother to do so.

Lillie whispers to Serena "So how is he going to be able to continue this journey if his only Pokémon won't even obey him?"

Serena laughs slightly as she gently responds "I'm not quite sure, but it is kinda funny. So long as he doesn't spend forever doing this"

Ash mutters to himself as he has an idea which could work or not, he takes out an empty Pokeball. He turns his hat around so it's back facing and tosses a Pokeball towards the Pidgey… only for another Pokémon to fly in the way.

Another small avian Pokémon, it had rough, brown plumage on its head and three brown tail feathers. It has narrow, dark brown eyes with white pupils and a short, hooked beak that is light pink. The feathers covering its wings are pinkish-red with lighter tips, and it had a beige underside with two thin, horizontal stripes. Its light pink feet both have two toes at the front and one on the back of them.

The ball connects and encapsulates the Pokémon almost immediately after it connected with the bird Pokémon. The ball hits the floor and it rocks several times and after about three wobbles, it dinged signifying a successful capture.

"Wait was that supposed to happen?" Lillie questions in amazement and shock with widened eyes.

She isn't the only shocked one. As Ash goes to pick the Pokeball up, a cloud of smoke engulfs the Pokeball and the children. Then as it started to clear up, the Pokeball was gone. It was taken!

"Where'd my Pokémon go?" Ash yelled looking around stunned. However they didn't have much time to do much about it, as a flock of that same species of Pokémon approach squawking at the trio.

Lillie takes her Pokedex and scans the Pokémon. Dexter says to them "Spearow the Tiny Bird Pokémon, a normal and flying type Pokémon. Its short wing make it inept at flying. It moves about hurriedly and pecks at bug type Pokémon in the tall grass. Its reckless nature leads it to stand up to others-even large Pokémon- if it has to protect its territory"

Thinking quickly, Serena tells them "We need to go guys, now!"

They start to try and leave but Pichu stands its ground sending weak arcs of electricity towards the bird Pokémon but that does nothing to them. If anything it only seemed to agitate them even further.

It has been said that wild Pokémon have differing opinions on 'captured' or 'enslaved' Pokémon. Some suggest that they attack because they are jealous, curious or want to prove themselves as better. Other times they are protective as they have no desire to be taken away.

The flock of Spearow start to use a combination of razor wind, whirlwind, uproar and echoed voice towards Pichu. It caused a fair amount of damage but only somewhat as the gang of birds aren't being focused at the same spot.

Ash rushes forwards and blocks Pichu from the brunt of the moves. Some of the moves impacted his back and backpack. This action surprises the tiny mouse as he didn't see this happening. A human actually seeming to care about him? And willing to put themselves in harm's way to protect their Pokémon?

When there seemed to be a small window of opportunity, Ash grabs Pichu and rushes towards and past the girls as they all take off running. They knew they had to get away and try to get to Viridian City even if it was still a long ways off. They keep running through the woods as they avoided hitting any of the trees, branches or bushes.

Not only was that part of the problem, Pichu starts to spark involuntarily, and it begins to rain severely. They rushed through the thickening tree line now drenched and they hear a rumbling from above.

Stopping, Serena says to the others "Maybe it would be best for us to wait it out here now. The Spearow probably won't find us here"

"I don't know if that's a good idea though" Lillie chimes in feeling the stress of the situation taking over. "We won't be able to stay out here especially while Pichu needs to get some help"

Looking down at his first Pokémon, Ash responds "You're right Lillie, we need to keep going. However I have an idea"

Shortly after, Ash runs out from under the tree line catching the attention of the Spearow. They start pursuing him as he holds a blanket in his arms, protecting it from the gaggle of bird Pokémon. He keeps running knowing that Pichu's safety rests in his hands. To an extent.

He escapes the tree line turning his head to see if his plan was working. Indeed it is, they're right on his tail. Turning quickly he realises that he's on a cliff edge overlooking a river.

'Here goes nothing' Ash thinks to himself as he takes a few steps back and then runs into a jump off the ledge into the river and goes under. By now there's a rumbling above in the sky.

As the young boy swims through the rapids he catches brief glimpses of several water type Pokémon: Magikarp, Horsea, Staryu, Goldeen, and a blue… egg?

Ash strains to be able to get a better look at this 'egg' but then comes close to another blue Pokémon comes into view. A blue serpentine Pokémon with an extended body covered in slightly overlapping scales. While mostly blue, it has a yellow underbelly and has a row of yellow spots down each side. Its mouth is rather large and very much open, with four teeth currently in view while having yellow lips and two blue whiskers, one on each side.

The raven-haired boy hasn't much time to do much more looking as the Pokémon of rage forcefully swims past and sends the boy further along until he is caught by a… hook? He feels himself get dragged out of the water and lands in front of a young teenage female with orange hair in a small side ponytail.

She's wearing a yellow crop top and jean shorts held up with red suspenders. Most of her midriff is revealed here. She has on red, yellow and white sneakers with it, and also carried a red drawstring backpack with it. Then she's also holding a Poke Rod with a Pokeball attached as a sort of lure.

The female is in shock as Ash clutches the blankets still and tries his best to catch his breath. "Are you okay?" she asks wide eyed and mouth agape.

"I need to get to Viridian City, what way is it?" Ash responds hurriedly and rather frantically. He knows he doesn't have too much time for the plan to work out.

"It's that way" she says as she points in the direction of a… marked pathway. And a bicycle!

Ash grabs the bicycle, telling the stranger that he needs to borrow the mode of transport.

Before she can respond, she hears then sees the gang of flying types approaching. She tells him "I'll let this go, but I'll come too" then she looks at what he is holding and questions "What's in the blankets?" then gets on the bicycle getting Ash to climb on as well behind her.

"My plan, I needed to form a distraction" Ash tells her with a smirk as they ride off and holds on to this girl appropriately as they ride off in the rain with the Spearow still pursuing them.

As they continue to ride, a bolt of lightning zaps into a tree up ahead, one that seems to have been weakened prior anyway and fell due to a combination of the wind, rot and the bolt. It crashes in front of the duo and causes them to crash since they couldn't react in time. Ash and the female are sent flying off the bike landing fairly hard on the ground. They look to the bike. Absolutely trashed and ruined.

That delay only worsened as the tiny bird Pokémon catches up to them. Glaring at them Ash reveals that the blanket only has wood in it. No Pichu!

(Flash back, Ash's POV, past tense)

"Look guys, I will distract them while you two get Pichu to Viridian City to help him" I told them sternly as I handed Serena the gloves and then the electric mouse.

With a concerned look on her face, Serena responds "But why don't we all just get there through the woods together?"

I responded "Won't do, they will just pursue us as we try to escape them"

Lillie then asked "How will you be able to convince them that you have Pichu then?" she had raised her left eyebrow at me.

"That's an easy solution!" I told them and set the plan into motion.

(Present tense, No POV)

'Now all I hope is that they got Pichu to a Pokémon Centre' he thinks to himself as he stares down the feral Pokémon, both determined and scared.

Misty on the other hand reaches for a Pokeball however as the Spearow swoop in, an electric shock comes blitzing from behind a tree nearby. Then as the duo look over, Pichu comes running over and is clearly still injured.

Ash tells him that he needs to go get help with Lillie and Serena. Speaking of which they come running out too.

Determined, Pichu charges up a surge of its unstable electricity and just as it goes for thunder bolt a bolt of lightning engulfs the electric mouse and super charges the electric attack shocking all of the Spearow.

After which Ash hugs his starter… his friend tightly and then it happens. Pichu starts to glow and change shape, growing in size and presentation. As the glow dies down a new Pokémon stands before them.

A short, chubby rodent with yellow fur with two horizontal brown stripes on its back. It has a small mouth, long pointed ears with black tips and brown eyes. Each cheek has a red circle or pouch which is used to store electricity. It has short forearms with five fingers on each paw and its feet each have three toes. At the base of its lightning bolt-shaped tail is a patch of brown fur.

Ash takes out his Pokedex and scans his newly evolved Pokémon. Dexter tells him "Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon and an electric type Pokémon. Whenever Pikachu comes across something new, it blasts it with a jolt of electricity. If you come across a blackened berry, it's evidence that this Pokémon mistook the intensity of its charge. This Pokémon has electricity-storing pouches on its cheeks. These appear to become electrically charged during the night while Pikachu sleeps. It occasionally discharges electricity when it is dozy after waking up"

Suddenly the skies part to clear as a large bird Pokémon flies past.

Lillie pulls her Pokedex out to scan it. But Dexter gives no information. An 'unidentified Pokémon'.

"Just imagine there are plenty of Pokémon out there for us to discover and learn about. Maybe we will see that rainbow Pokémon one day again" Serena tells them as she realises that the orange-haired girl is still there.

She extends her hand to the tomboy dressed female and says "Hello my name is Serena"

The girl looks at her and accepts the handshake as she responds with "My name is Misty"

That's all for this chapter. Nearer to the end, I did copy and paste what was from the original working of this particular chapter as it made more sense for what I was doing for this one. Most of the change for this chapter comes from the whole introduction of future characters. That will come in handy later.

Plus while I am still uncertain, I may use this order of the regions for this story: Kanto, Orange Islands, Johto, Alola, Unova with Decolore Islands, Kalos, Hoenn, Sinnoh and Galar. Although that's still up in the air. I do intend on visiting Alola much earlier due to the whole Lillie storyline.

Also as a note, I MAY introduce fan-made Mega Evolutions, Gigantimax and/or Regional Variants/ lookalikes, over time just to freshen up parts of this whole experience. Plus, Ash will have some access to Aura, and Serena to her own powers.

Now will anyone legitimately die in this whole story eventually? Maybe, but it will be for legit story reasons and not just for the sake of it.