After a good night's sleep, it was deja vu all over again for Ask Red Ketchum. The sun was just showing up on the horizon and once again, Ash was double checking his supplies for his now delayed journey. Not that he minded the delay when he thought back to the day before.
Ash not only received his very first Pokemon, but he also won his first trainer battle, and managed to catch his first wild Pokemon to boot! All in all a good days work. Still, Ash couldn't help but frown when he recalled the one major blemish on the day. Damien was a bully. Ash had obviously dealt with that before, growing up with Gary, but Damien took it a step further. The way he treated Bulbasuar really riled Ash up. Mercifully, the poor Pokemon had fainted before Damien could make good on his threat to bring physical harm to the "plant" as he called it. Soon after, the snake's hidden Doduo and Damien himself met a similar fate thanks to Pikachu.
After cleaning up and leaving his Pokemon in the Professor's healing device, Ash went back outside looking for the Professor and found him talking to an Officer Jenny, while Damien raged unheard behind the soundproof doors of the Officer's Police car. Verbal and attempted physical assault of a Pokemon constituted abuse, which was more than enough to have your Pokemon license revoked. Officer Jenny promised to escort the young man home and Damien would be prohibited from going near, much less owning a Pokemon, for at least a few years.
As for Bulbasaur and Doduo, Professor Oak took in the former to treat its wounds, while Officer Jenny confiscated the Doduo, promising to find a good home for it. Ash pestered the Professor multiple times last night about Bulbasaur's health and mental state, until the annoyed man sent the kid to bed.
Having thought about that unpleasant business more than enough, Ash's mind focused back on Charmander and Pikachu. He really was proud of the way his starter and first friend fought. The bravery Charmander showed in taking that powerful Thundershock and the strength he displayed in fighting through it amazed the young trainer.
Then there was Pikachu. Ash's thoughts were a bit all over the place when it came to the yellow mouse. On one hand, he was grateful that Pikachu stepped in and protected him and Charmander, not to mention impressed with its power. On the other hand, Ash still didn't know why it did so in the first place. From what the Professor had told him, Pikachu had been a nuisance since it showed up at the ranch a few weeks ago. Ash wanted answers and he would have them when he talked to Pikachu later on.
Finished with his thoughts and satisfied that everything was in order, Ash exited the spare room he was allowed to sleep in and walked into the main lab area on the second floor where he first received Charmander, finding the Professor was already there sitting at a desk with three Pokeballs and drinking his normal morning coffee.
"Good Morning Ash. Did you sleep well," asked the kind older man.
"You bet Professor! I'm raring and ready to go," the boy exclaimed in dramatic pose.
"Yes I can see that," chuckled the professor. "But before you head out and conquer the world, I have a few things for you my boy. First, here are your Pokeballs back," said the Professor as he handed two of the three Pokeballs over. "There is also the matter of your prize money," at which point the Professor pulled out a large stash of money (commonly known as Poke).
"When did I earn any prize money," questioned the boy.
At this the Professor almost glared at the boy. "Did you or did you not pay attention to my lecture yesterday young man? Anytime a trainer defeats another in battle, official league rules dictate that prize money must be awarded. You defeated Damien in battle Ash, which means you are entitled to a reward... You have shown great potential in battle as a strategist, but you really need to pick up the pace in other areas. Lucky for you, I did remember and Office Jenny allowed me to get your reward from that other boy."
"Hey! I didn't forget..." mumbled a very red Ash.
"Well, that aside, here is the money. Be sure not to lose it or spend it all at once," warned Professor Oak, who then handed over the money.
"Now there is one final item I wish to discuss with you," Oak said with a strange glint in his eye. "I have a young Pokemon here with little experience to the world, besides human cruelty. This Pokemon could stay here of course, but without exposure to the outside world and somebody to show him a different way, I fear the young creature would suffer prolonged mental harm. It is fortuitous then that I have a young man with a good heart about to embark on his journey," Oak smiled.
In a quiet and serious voice, Ash said, "Professor... Are you asking me to bring Bulbasaur with me on my journey?"
Not skipping a beat, Professor Oak confirmed the question. "Yes Ash. I believe that would be best for both Bulbasaur and you as well. Bulbasaur will learn compassion and love, while you will experience the difficulties of helping another rise from adverse circumstances. This will help you to grow as both a person and a future Pokemon Master. What do you say Ash," the professor asked as he picked up Bulbasaur Pokeball and held it out. "I will not judge you harshly if you say no."
Ash placed a hand on the ball, but not quite taking it yet and looked at Professor Oak. "Yes," Ash said in a firm voice. "I will take Bulbasaur on my journey and help him grow strong. More importantly, I promise to show him the true meaning of friendship. You have my word on that Professor."
"And I know you are good for it Ash... At least when it comes to anything related to Pokemon," he said with a chuckle and released his hold on Bulbasaur's Pokeball, allowing Ash to clip it onto his belt with the other two.
"I'm afraid that is all I have for you Ash. I know I have research to do and the time has come for you to head out on your adventure. Best of luck lad," said Oak, clapping the boy on the back for good measure.
Giddy with excitement at the prospect of finally leaving Pallet, Ash gave a quick, "Thanks Professor! I promise to call you and mom when I reach Viridian City," and took off down the stairs, and out the door in what seemed like no time at all, leaving behind a befuddled, but amused Professor Oak.
Sprinting down the dirt road out of town, Ash couldn't help but be excited. Pokemon, battles, and adventure all lied on the path ahead. He stopped to give one final look at his home town, vowing not to return until he was far stronger. Striking a dramatic pose, he exclaimed, "I WILL COME BACK A POKEMON MASTER! I SWEAR IT!" As he turned back towards the path ahead, he heard a high pitch roar in the sky. Looking up, Ash saw a massive bird with beautiful gold, red, green and white patterns. Pulling out his Pokedex, he found that the device had no data on the beast. The creature flew west, leaving behind a rainbow and a young boy in awe, as the sun rose, both in the sky, and on Ash's journey.
END CHAPTER
Ash finally leaves Pallet town, but brings along one more Pokemon for the ride. You may have already guessed, but Ash getting Charmander and Bulbasaur effectively cut out a few future episodes of the Anime from appearing in the story. From here on out, things will begin to change more. We will still have some familiar episodes woven in, but not everything will make the cut, and I would also like to work in some original content as well. One major, but somewhat subtle change will occur next chapter. Can anyone guess what it is based on what has already transpired?
Remember to review with your thoughts/critique :)
