[Text] : Author's Note (A/N)

"Text" : Speech by regular people

{Text} : Poké Speech

[Text] : Telepathy

Text * : Pokedex/AI

"We're here!" Ash told the sleeping Pikachu on his shoulder, bearing a wide grin. Pikachu gave a yawn, before rubbing the tears out of his eyes. "Pika Pika..." {And I was in the best part of my dream too...}

"Yeah, yeah. With you, probably including being smothered by ketchup. Maybe you should be known as the 'Ketchup Pokémon'" Ash joked. Pikachu sighed in bliss, before realizing what Ash had said "PIKA! Pikachu!" {NO! Ketchup is a perfectly fine delicacy! It should be the most famous food on earth.}

Then Pikachu smirked "Pika pika chu?" {Or should I just Thunderbolt to make you understand?}

Ash paled quickly. He quickly stammered out "Oh no no no! No Thunderbolts now! Especially not now!"

Then Pikachu's smirk turned into a sly one, and now Ash regretted saying anything about ketchup "Chupi Pika?" {Oh yeah... You got your girlfriend to meet, don't you?}

Ash sputtered "She's not my girlfriend!" He was blushing heavily from the accusation, before he started calming himself down. He slowly stopped the blood rushing to his cheeks, and breathed out. Sometimes, Pikachu was going to the death of him. Thankfully nobody understood him.

He started walking down the road, before realizing he had forgotten to check the address. Checking it quickly, he sprinted to the correct home.

"Pika chupi pika..." {Of course he finds only Serena's home without any help...} Pikachu muttered to himself.

Ash stood in the front of the door, hearing some yelling between two females. He could already recognize Serena's, and the other voice must be her mother. Ash winced slightly, hearing what Serena was yelling at her mother. He did not know that Serena knew a lot of curses, and he never heard her say even a single one in his life.

He gently knocked the door, and immediately the shouting stopped. There was a frantic flurry of footsteps before a lady came to open the door. This was Grace Yvonne.

"How may I help you?" She asked him politely, a familiar accent like Serena's. Then Ash realized he did not think what was he to do. "Uh... Pokemon from Professor Sycamore." Ash replied, definitely not eloquently.

Grace raised one of her eyebrow before opening the door completely, seeing the briefcase in his hand. She smiled "Of course. I did not expect a trainer would come to deliver it."

Ash gave a sigh of relief. He knew moms could be scary. She immediately yelled, her voice reaching the above floor "Serena! Come down here, young lady!"

She looked at Ash, her face apologetic "Forgive my daughter, she is a little too stubborn." Ash smiled, he definitely knew Serena was stubborn, as she was caring, as she was beaut—

Ash berated himself for thinking such thoughts right now. Footsteps could be heard, and a teenage girl, about 15 years old was walking down the stairs. She asked "What is it mom?" She asked grumpily. She glanced at the new visitor, and her jaw dropped in shock

Grace was worried at the reaction. Ash looked at her awkwardly before saying "Hi, my name is Ash Ketchum."

Serena was barely hearing anything, because truth to be told, she had never expected her childhood crush to visit her house!

Grace was still looking suspiciously at Ash, before turning to Serena "What happened Serena? Why are you frozen like a statue?"

This brought Serena back to the reality. "A-Ash," She said in a small voice "Is it really you?"

Ash smiled at her "Yeah." Suddenly she rushed forward to him, and gave him a bone crushing hug. Grace was still watching this, and once Serena parted saying a "Sorry" she said "How do you know this trainer? And Ash Ketchum, would you like to explain why you know my daughter?"

"Ah... Er..." Ash stammered, seeing the protective fury in Grace's eyes. Serena replied, this time in a stronger voice "Well... We kinda met when we were 6."

Grace raised her eyebrows, clearly curious. Serena continued "Remember the summer you sent me to Kanto? Professor Oak's summer camp? Ash helped me there and he was my only friend."

Grace then remembered that boy Serena had been talking about when she was being taken back to Kalos. Her face softened a bit "So you are the mystery boy Serena kept talking before she suddenly stopped."

Ash nodded meekly, not knowing what to say. Pikachu was snickering quietly. Ash even heard Celebi's giggle in his head. "W-well..."

Ash put the briefcase forward, the locks clicking open. Inside it were three Pokémon, and Grace said "Oh yes. Professor Sycamore sent you here for Serena's starter Pokémon."

Serena's head whipped at the direction of her mother "What?"

Grace turned to Serena "Well, since I have seen you not enjoying, and struggling with Rhyhorn Race, I thought a journey to the world might calm your nerves once you come back home, and perhaps concentrate on it."

Serena couldn't say anything. Here was her own mom sending her out into the world, basically freeing her, and her crush was the one to bring her a starter Pokémon? Best. Day. Ever.

The 3 Pokeballs opened on its own, and three figures leapt out in excitement. They were the Kalos starter Pokémon, Chespin, Fennekin and Froakie.

Ash grabbed a Pokedex inside the briefcase and handed it to Serena. She promptly put it in front of each of the Pokémon. The Pokedex beeped before speaking.

Chespin, The Spiny Nut Pokémon. Chespin has a tough shell covering its head and back. Despite having a curious nature that tends to get it in trouble, Chespin keeps an optimistic outlook and doesn't worry about small details. *

Fennekin, The Fox Pokémon. Fennekin can be temperamental, but it tries to do its best for its Trainer. Searing heat blows from its ears. This Pokémon loves to snack on twigs. *

Froakie, The Bubble Frog Pokémon. Froakie is both light and strong, making it capable of jumping incredibly high. The bubbles on its chest and back protect it from attacks. Froakie may appear absentminded, but in truth it pays close attention to its surroundings at all times. *

"But... I don't know how to journey..." Serena said in a small voice. Grace frowned, clearly worried about the issue. Ash took it as an opportunity "Uh... Maybe Serena can travel with me?"

Grace looked at him distrustfully, and before she could say anything, Serena shrieked "YES!" Then her face turned red in embarrassment of her sudden outburst.

Grace looked at Ash "I hope you are not going to take advantage of my daughter like that."

"Umm, no. It's nothing like that." Ash said, his face also red from embarrassment. Grace then apologized "I'm sorry, but I worry about Serena. I don't take kindly to a stranger who appeared out of nowhere and taking my daughter in a journey."

"Well... I am a Pokémon Trainer, and I have traveled 5 regions. I am sponsored by Professor Oak, and I am originally from Pallet Town in Kanto." Ash said, as calmly as he could. Pikachu chirped in affirmative from his shoulder.

Grace seemed to be in deep thinking. Ash was painstakingly under her scrutinizing gaze for a few minutes before she relented "Oh, alright. Besides, I can't change her mind about whom she travels with."

Serena frowned before grinning "Oh, talk about me like I'm not even here. But, thanks mom!"

Then Grace's eyes turned menacing "But remember Ash Ketchum, take advantage of my daughter, and you'll regret it."

Ash just wanted to run out of the house now. Then Serena picked up Fennekin from the three "Well, all three of them are cute, but I think Fennekin's the cutest."

Grace smiled at her "Yes, it is a very cute one." The other starters were saddened on not being picked, before Ash picked both of them up, before saying soothing words "Don't worry, you'll have your chance. And when others pick you, they'll see how strong you two are."

Froakie and Chespin were happy, and puffed up their chests on the praise. Ash chuckled seeing their behavior before recalling them to their respective Pokeballs.

Grace was observing Ash, and thought, Maybe... Maybe I was wrong to assume the boy might take advantage of Serena. But I will keep a close eye on him.

Serena rushed upstairs to change into travel clothing. When she came back, she was dressed in the familiar outfit of black tank top, with a red skirt, and wearing a red/pink hat on her head. She had her Fennekin inside the Pokeball held in her hand.

"Let's go!" She said, before tripping down on the floor. Grace shook her head in exasperation, and said "You really need to pay more attention to your surroundings."

Serena got up, her cheeks already red. Ash smiled, definitely finding it cute. Then he exited to the front yard, before throwing out his Pokeball "Staraptor, come on out!"

"Starap!!!" Staraptor cried out, ruffling the bushes from its powerful flaps. Serena got a bit scared before Ash said "Don't worry. Staraptor is one of my old pals from Sinnoh, and he's a lot caring than he looks."

Staraptor cawed "Rapt." {Don't worry youngling, I won't harm ya.}

Serena calmed down by Ash's explanation, and the Grace said "That is one impressive Pokémon you have Ash."

"Thanks Mrs Yvonne." Ash thanked her politely. Grace waved him off "Ah, there's no need for Mrs Yvonne. Call me Grace."

Ash nodded. He climbed the back of Staraptor, before he gave a hand to Serena "Here, grab my hand to climb up."

Serena's ears were steaming. She was going to hold her crush's hand! She restrained herself from screaming delight and took hold of his hand. His hands were rough and warm. Opposite of her, Ash was thinking how perfectly her hands fit in his.

Pikachu was smirking, seeing the slightly dazed expression of Ash. He got in front of him, before snapping his tiny fingers in front of his. He could've used Thunderbolt, but it would have hurt Staraptor. Eh, he could do worse later.

Ash snapped back to reality, and helped Serena seat behind him. He then patted Staraptor's head "Alright Staraptor, time to go to Lumiose first!"

Staraptor flapped it's wings and slowly started to ascend to the sky. Serena yelled out "Bye mom! See you later!" then muttered "Maybe never."

Grace also yelled back "Take care of yourself too! And don't forget, we are going to practice Rhyhorn racing once you get back!"

Serena rolled her eyes, before looking in front of her. She smiled slightly. Who knew that this would happen when she pecked awake today by Fletchling?

Then she made the mistake of looking down. "AHHHH! WE'RE GOING TO DIE!"

Poor Ash, his eardrums probably burst by the shrieks from Serena. He sighed. It was going to be a long flight indeed.

Thankfully, Serena had stopped screaming, and now she was asleep. It was also almost sunset, so Ash just decided to stay in Lumiose for today. He shook Serena "Hey, we're in Lumiose. Get up Serena."

Serena was wide awake in an instant, and reddened at the slight contact. Ash then said, carrying a peacefully sleeping Pikachu "We should stay here for tonight. Besides two other people will be joining my journey. You'll like them a lot."

Serena was slightly saddened that she and Ash wouldn't travel alone, but she looked forward to the other two people who would travel with Ash. They both walked into a Pokémon Center, before Ash walked up to Nurse Joy, giving her his Pokémon "Please give them a rest Nurse Joy."

Nurse Joy smiled "Definitely. Do you want a room?" Ash nodded, before saying "Can you contact Clemont and Bonnie? And please arrange our rooms with them?"

"For sure. Please give me your ID for a second." She said, typing into the computer. Ash handed her his Pokedex, before sitting in the lounge. Serena also handed Nurse Joy her Fennekin.

A blond popped up, bearing a huge smile "Hey Ash, you're back!"

"Hey Clemont. Hey Bonnie!" Ash greeted, smiling at the girl behind Clemont. She also greeted Ash, before noticing Serena.

She instantly had a reaction, before she slid to her smoothly, before getting down on one knee. She said "Oh you're so pretty miss! Will you take care of my brother?"

Ash subconsciously stepped in front of Serena "Hey! Don't do that to her! She's new to a Pokémon journey!"

Bonnie pouted, before a look of realization came upon her face. She muttered "You could've mentioned she is your girlfriend."

Ash's cheek reddened on hearing the accusation. He didn't say anything back. Clemont activated his Ambipom arm and grabbed Bonnie. "Come on Bonnie! I told you to stop that!"

Fortunately, Serena hadn't heard Bonnie muttering. If she had, let's just say she would have melted right then and there.

Ash then cleared his throat "We'll start traveling tomorrow then." Bonnie cheered, clearly excited for the journey. Serena smiled, clearly amused at the little girl's antics.

Then she looked at Ash, and he was also smiling seeing Bonnie, and had a humorous glint in his eyes.

She was looking forward to the journey.

I posted early! I don't usually, but I'm bursting with so many ideas! I'm writing them down, and they will be in the future chapters!

If anyone wondering why Grace was acting the way I wrote, it's because I tried a more 'protective mother' personality for her. I think it's natural, as Serena has stayed home all her life before Ash came, and her mother would definitely be overprotective.

Nintendofan: Well, I've never given any thought about different Pokeballs. It's an interesting idea. I will think upon it and answer in the next chapter. Don't worry. About Ash battling trainers from the games... I have thought about it, but I think I will bring Pokémon Video Game Characters in the Alola Journey, as they will not fit the Kalos journey at all. Oh yes, I will neither confirm nor deny about the rematches. If you can think a bit hard, this is a time travelling fanfiction. Same goes for Ash's old unevolved Pokémon.

Auramaster ash: Not sure if I would like to bring the Paldea Pokémon right now, but I am giving a small hint that Galar Pokémon will be arriving soon. About Kalos league... Spoilers! Goh? You'll find out in the Pokémon Journeys Arc. For rematch, I say the same thing as I said to Nintendo fan. I neither confirm nor deny it.

ColsonOtis: Good question! Ash understands what Pikachu says, because of their deep bond. He understands Riolu/Lucario perfectly because of their similar aura signatures. Same as Greninja, who also has a strong bond with Ash. As for other Pokémon, Ash understands what they are saying roughly, and guesses. The other Pokémon's speech is given for the readers to understand, as I just don't want them to read only repeating their names.

Au Revoir, as they say in French!