Disclaimer: I do not own the Pokémon Series, I do not have any rights to the Pokémon Series and I do not make any money from writing these fic's.

A/N: Written for Remi's Novel length challenge and different POV Challenge. The prompt for this chapter is Making History and the POV for this chapter is Pikachu's and Red's.

Chapter 3

Pikachu grinned happily as he nuzzled his trainer's hand and enjoyed the shocked yet hopeful expression on his face. As he waited for his trainer's reply Pikachu watched as Ash's emotions shone clear for all to see in his eyes. Shock, surprise and happiness were the main emotions that shone brightly for all to see.

"Pika, Pikachu," Pikachu said as he hopped forwards on his trainers lap and gently tapped Ash's shoulder in an attempt to break him out of the shock.

"Ash?" Red asked worriedly, Pikachu could already see the bond beginning to form between his new trainer and the seasoned trainer already. "Is everything alright? Did I say something wrong?"

Concern and worry raced through Pikachu's body as he tried to work out just what was wrong with his new human partner. Quickly Pikachu looked over Ash only to find him still frozen in shock, there was no physical reason that Pikachu could see, or smell, that might tell him or give him a clue as to why Harry had not responded yet.

As the seconds passed by and turned into a full minute Pikachu stared at his trainer in worry and he could feel the concerned gazes of Professor Oak and Red too.

"Maybe this was a bit too much, I know that his mother normally keeps him at home where it is safe," Professor Oak said worriedly as he tapped his chin with his hand. "Maybe we should wait a year or a few months until w-"

"I want to! That would be great!" Ash suddenly cried out in excitement as a large grin appeared on his face. "I would love to go to Johto with you through...only if you are sure."

"Are you sure?" Red asked softly as he shared a quick glance with Professor Oak. "Just now you just seemed to...freeze and become a statue."

"I am sorry about that but I was just really shocked that you would be willing to travel with me," Ash replied with a sheepish grin.

Pikachu felt himself relax at his trainers words, when his trainer had first frozen he had thought the worse. As he looked at his happily smiling human he made a promise to himself to protect his partner from whatever was out there in the world. He would not allow anything to harm a friend of his and as far as Pikachu was concerned Ash was a very dear friend. Turning his gaze away from Ash Pikachu turned and gave Red a clear warning look.

Red did not miss the look Pikachu shot his way, he had seen it many times before on his own Pokémon's faces before he had been forced to take refuse on Mt. Silver. Through he could not find it in himself to be angry or upset with his new travel companions Pikachu as he understood the look.

"Well then as it seems that everything has been sorted out and you have both come to a decision it is now time to begin your journey," Professor Oak said with a familiar smile on his face that had Red feeling as if he had gone back in time. "Ash, your backpack is already packed and waiting for you by the front door and I have the tickets for the trip to Johto."

"I always did like travelling by Abra," Red said with a small encouraging grin on his face. "It is much faster and better than travelling by boat or car but just you wait until we get a chance to let my Pidgeot to fly us around places! I am sure that you will just love feeling the wind in your hair!"

"I cannot wait, everything that I have heard about the Johto region sounds amazing and I cannot wait to travel with you and Pikachu," Ash replied, Red watched as Pikachu grinned up at Ash at the fact that he had been included. "Do you think we could do the Pokémon gyms? And maybe see the man who makes Pokeballs from apricorns in Azalea town?"

"Sure! I promise you that we will take our time and explore the Johto region, even if that means we are still travelling around the Johto region after the region's big league tournament," Red promised, he understood how it was for new Pokémon trainers setting out and wanted to Ash's first journey something to remember. "Pokeballs out of apricorns sounds interesting, I would like to see that too."

"Then I will inform Kurt that you will be stopping by to pay him a visit," Professor Oak said good naturally, confused Red shot the Pokémon professor a confused look causing the man to continue. "Kurt and I are long time friends, we have made many amazing discoveries together. In fact because of our work Pokémon can now enjoy Pokeballs that are better suited and more comfortable for them."

"Wow, it sounds like you and Kurt has been making history with your discoveries," Red said as he listened, he turned and shot Ash a grin. "How about it? How about we start making history ourselves?"

With a true smile on his face Red watched as Ash nodded his head and quickly stood up. Pikachu quickly used its skill and speed to jump onto Ash's shoulder and made itself comfortable.

"Do not forget the tickets, without these you will not be able to get the man to transport you to the Johto region," Professor Oak said, Red watched as the aged man slipped his hand into one of his white lab coat pockets and pulled out two tickets. "It is a good thing that I decided to get another ticket just in case Gary decided he wanted to travel with someone."

"Thank you for everything Professor, I promise you that I will make your proud," Ash promised causing both Red and Professor Oak to smile.

"You already have Ash," Professor Oak answered as he handed Red the two tickets. "Just promise me that you will phone your mother and I lots and send just as many letters."

"I promise, I will not be like my dad," Ash replied causing Red to frown in confusion. "I will not suddenly disappear and not write to mum or you or even call you both on the phone."

"I know you are not, but you know how your mother can be," Professor Oak said understandingly.

Red stood silent and still as he listened to the conversation between the two males in front of him. Even though he wanted to butt in and ask about Ash's father a strange feeling inside of him told him it would be better not too. After years of travelling and experiences Red made sure he listened to both his mind and his gut.

"What town will we be in when we arrive in Johto?" Red asked as both Ash and Professor Oak fall silent.

"New Bark Town, you should find yourselves standing in front of Professor Elm's lab," Professor Oak said, Red received a thankful look from the Professor for the change in subject. "If you wish to take on the Johto league gyms than you will have to register with Nurse Joy through with how Professor Elm is with his research she spends her time split in between the Pokecenter and Professor Elm's lab."

"Understood," Red said with a nod of his head. "Did you get that Ash?"

"Yup, this is going to be one adventure to remember, I have saved up lots of money so I can send lots of little gifts home to mum," Ash said as he answered Red before turning and speaking to Professor Oak. "Also if Professor Elm let's me I promise that I will give mum and you a phone call from his lab Professor to let you know that everything is fine."

"Your mother will be happy and I cannot wait to hear all about your first moments in the Johto region," Professor Oak said with a knowing grin on his face. "Now go out there and make history, just remember to take your backpack with you Ash. You do not want to end up having to return here from Johto just to pick up your backpack now do you?"

"It was just that one time," Ash muttered, his face going bright red much to Red's amusement. "Besides we only got half way down the road before I realised that I had forgotten something."

Red watched as Professor Oak shot Ash a teasing smile before turning to face him. It was easy for Red to see in the Pokémon Professor's eyes just how much Ash meant to the man.

"Thank you for this Red, if you run into any trouble I am only a phone call away. Also if you find yourself in a jam you will discover that my name can carry a lot of weight so feel free to use it to your advantage if you have to," Professor Oak said with a serious look on his face, Red nodded his head in understanding. "Also make sure that Ash takes his medicine and...his mother has also asked me to tell you to make sure that Ash wears clean underwear every day."

"Mum," Ash groaned out into his hands causing the two elder males to shot him twin amused looks. "I'm a Pokémon trainer now too..."

"Last checks then, do you two have everything?" Professor Oak asked kindly, Red paused and mentally went over everything he had and nodded his head. "Good, Ash's backpack is packed and ready to go. All you need to do is pick it up and take it with you."

"Thank you for everything Professor," Ash said as he took a few steps forwards to stand besides Professor Oak. "And thank you for introducing me to Pikachu."

"It is no problem, I am just happy that the two of you seem to be getting on so well," Professor Oak answered, Red smiled and nodded his head in agreement. "Now go out there and explore the Johto region and become a Pokémon master!"

At Professor Oak's words Red and Ash shared twin looks of excitement before turning and running out of the lab. Professor Oak simple laughed as he watched the two boys run out of his lab leaving him behind.

As the sound of the front door opening came to Professor Oak's ears he quickly walked forwards, wanting to make sure that Ash took his backpack with him, only for Ash to shout out.

"Professor! I have got my bag!" Ash shouted out making Professor Oak laugh.

A few seconds later the sound of the front door closing caused Professor Oak's smile to grow. The boy that he viewed as his second grandson was finally starting on his first Pokémon journey, something that many people thought he would never be able to do.

To Be Continued...