In the small rural farm community of Pallet Town, the sun began its slow rise. Most residents of Pallet town, be they people or Pokemon, slept blissfully unaware of the dawn of a new day. Ash Red Ketchum was not most people. He was awake in his room, dressed ready to go, and making one final check over the supplies in his green backpack.

Today was the day. The day his life truly began. The day Ash Red Ketchum started his Pokemon journey. The young man in question was a boy of 10 years of age, with messy black hair, and a skinny frame. In the wide world of Pokemon, this is the age when children become eligible to start their Pokemon Journey. Some wait longer, and some never embark on a journey to begin with, but most do go on a journey at some point. It is a right of passage undertaken to turn children into mature adults.

For Ash, he had been ready for this day for what felt like all his life. He had dedicated his young life to preparing for this day. With the aid of the local professor and Pokemon expert, Samuel Oak, Ash had studied countless hours in anticipation of this day. He read both books and published journals, watched countless league battles, and even assisted the professor in his research with the Pokemon the professor had at his ranch. Though he enjoyed learning from the books and the professor, what truly captured his attention were the many battles. The closeness between trainer and Pokemon, the strategy undertaken in each battle, and the sweet taste of victory. Ash saw this and he craved it. He would rise to the top. He would be a Pokemon Master! It was what he was born to do.

Satisfied that he had packed everything in his bag, Ash put on his backpack, and headed downstairs. He arrived to the smell of a wonderful breakfast and his smiling mother. Delia Ketchum was a pleasant woman in her early thirties with an outgoing personality. She had been a constant source of support for the aspiring Pokemon Master, and his only parent. Ash had asked her before of his father, but she never said much on the subject. She did say that he, "Was a man of few words, but had a passion for battling and strove to be a Pokemon Master, just like you." As for what happened to the man she loved, she did not know. Nobody knew. He disappeared almost 11 years ago and shortly after Delia found out she was pregnant with her son.

Though her son had inherited her outgoing nature, she still saw the same look in her son's eyes that his father had. "I made your favorite today Ash. Pancakes, biscuits, and plenty of bacon!"

"Your cooking is always the best! Man am I going to miss this," said the boy as he sat down and began to devour the meal. The response made Delia pause and almost frown for a moment. She was proud of her son to be sure, but couldn't help the sadness and worry she felt. Would he be safe, or would he disappear like his father? Caught up in her thoughts, she didn't notice Ash had stopped eating and was looking intently at her with concern. "Mom? Are you ok?"

The smile popped back on her face immediately, "Of course dear. Just lost in thought. Now, you did remember to pack everything right? Do You have enough underwear?" The boy's face lit up a deep red and he sheepishly nodded. He was so fun to mess with.

Before they knew it, breakfast was over and the moment she was dreading, and the moment he was looking forward to, had arrived. Both Ash and Delia got up from the table and looked at each other for a moment saying nothing. "Well Mom... I guess this it," Ash said as he tried to keep his face blank and tears out of his eyes. Delia had no issue showing her emotions and brought her precious son into a deep hug as her eyes did begin to sparkle. "Make your dreams come true and promise you will stay safe Ashy. Above all, know that your mother loves you very much."

Losing the battle to completely keep his composure, Ash returned the hug and his eyes began to water as well. "I promise to be careful... and I love you Mom," replied Ash in a soft voice. They stayed that way for a while, but all things come to an end. Firming up and separating himself from his mother, that determined glint returned to his eye. "I will be a Pokemon Master," exclaimed Ash in an exuberant voice! Giving her one more smile, Ash quickly turned around, opened the front door, and sped off through the early morning breeze, towards Professor Oak's lab.

Watching her son take off with such determination, Delia couldn't help but chuckle. "He's so much like you... I only wish you could be here to see it Red."

There goes chapter one! With that out of the way, howdy everybody! I have been an avid reader of Pokemon fanfiction for quite some time and decided to throw my hat in the ring with this story. As my username suggests, I am an accountant and can be busy during the week, but will do my best to update as often as possible. What did you guys think of the chapter? I love critique, so have at it with the reviews!