Before the story begins, have an omake:

"Gary effin-Oak"

A younger Ash and Serena were playing at the local park in Pallet town. Ever since the two first met at that fateful summer camp, both became the best of friends.

"Hey Serena, out of curiosity. What Pokemon are you planning to get when we're old enough to start our journey's?"

Serena's cheeks colored a bit from her friend's words. Said blonde then let out a tiny hum as she contemplated her answer while flipping through the sketchbook they were previously doodling on. "Hmmm. I think I'll go with Bulbasaur!"

To further make her point, Serena flipped the pages until they reached a child's rendition of the seed Pokemon and its evolution line. "I think he's the cutest one among the entire bunch!"

Serena then beamed at the raven haired youth as she handed him the sketchpad. "How about you Ash? Which Pokemon do you want to be your first partner?"

Ash then grinned in excitement as he showed off a page that features a badly drawn version of Kanto's very own flame Pokemon. "No contest! I'm definitely picking Charmander! I remember the time when I saw professor oak's Charizard back at his ranch and I thought it was the coolest Pokemon ever!"

Twirling a lock of her blonde hair, Serena couldn't help but suddenly blush as she felt herself get nervous all of a sudden. "H-Hey Ash?"

Said raven haired youth then gave her an innocent-boyish smile and Serena felt her face grow even hotter. "Yeah Serena?"

Gulping a bit, Serena knew that it was now or never. "I-It's just that…When we officially start our journey's…Uummm-" The young blonde girl then bit her lip out of nervousness before finally deciding to take the plunge. "-IsItOkayIfIGoWithYou?!"

Blinking a bit out of confusion at first, it wasn't long before Ash caught up and gave a bright cheery grin in response. "Ahaha. Of course you can come with me Serena! The more the merrier right?"

Serena can't help but feel as if she's on cloud-nine at the moment. In her mind, this very moment was absolutely perfect.

"Hey Ash, you're still hanging out with the weird new girl?"

Serena's face fell as she recognized the familiar voice. Meanwhile, Ash was practically fuming as he glared back at his long-time rival. "And what's wrong if I like playing with Serena? She's really awesome!"

Said blonde girl then began twiddling her fingers while keeping her head down in order to hide the massive blush on her face.

Ignoring Serena, Gary just let out a snort of disbelief as he glared back at the raven haired youth. "Oh yeah? What happens if you get cooties huh? How do you even plan on keeping up with me if you're sick with girl germs?"

Now it was Ash's time to snort as he stuck out his tongue back to the brunette. "Nuh-uh! Both Serena and my mom said that cooties don't even exist! So take that Gary!"

Rising to the bait, Gary then butted heads with the raven haired boy. "They do too exist!"

Feeling ticked off, Ash was quick to retaliate as well. "They do not!"

"Do too!"

"Do not!"

"They do too, you slowpoke!"

"And I'm telling you, they do not! You jerk!"

Both young boys then cried out in pain when they realized an exasperated Serena were pulling on their ears. "C'mon you two, let's not fight. Now promise me that you'll both lay off of each other and I'll let go. Deal?"

Seeing them nod, Serena fulfilled her end of the deal and released the two Pallet town boys. As for Ash, the young boy mentally swore to never incur the wrath of any girl ever again. 'Man, I always thought mom was the only one who could be that scary if she tried. I guess it must be a girl thing…'

Gary was the first one to recover after rubbing his sore ears. "Tch. So what were you guys talking about anyway?"

Ash then began grinning as he showed off the sketchbook filled with Pokemon drawings. "We were talking about what's gonna be our first Pokemon! I'm picking Charmander for sure!"

The spiky haired brunette then sent his rival a condescending smirk in response. "Psssh. Charmander? Typical you would think Charizard is cool. That Pokemon is so overrated. I'd rather pick Squirtle. Blastoise, all the way!"

"You take that back! Charizard is the best! I bet he can beat up your overgrown turtle any day of the week!"

"Ha! You'd lose that bet! Don't forget your lizard with wings is still a fire type! Last time I checked, Fire loses to water!"

Ash then let out what he think is a valiant roar and tackled Gary into the dirt.

Meanwhile, Serena sighed sadly as she began to tear the two boys apart from each other. 'And the day was so nice to begin with. It was just me and Ash. Why did Gary of all people have to show up?'

"End"

Alternate titles would be: 'childhood woes', 'Gary cockblockin' Oak', 'the flame wars'

CHAPTER III: Onward to Kalos

Last time: "Ahaha! What a battle folks! Let's give it up one more time for this year's league winner-Ash Ketchum of Pallet town!"

And now:

A certain raven haired teen then blinked as he felt the sun's rays pass over his brown eyes. Ash then let out a yawn before slowly getting up to do his daily morning duties.

After brushing his teeth, Ash was quick to notice something in the bathroom mirror. The pallet town trainer then squinted his eyes at the reflection and saw the latest addition to his trophy case.

The raven haired youth then promptly did a spit take before rushing out of the bathroom. Ash's jaw then dropped to the floor as he gazed at the big trophy with his inscription on it.

"Lily of the valley conference 20XX. This award goes to trainer Ash Ketchum of Pallet town."

Ash blinked three times. Then twice. And finally once.

The pride of Pallet town then drew a deep breath as reality finally settled in. The raven haired youth didn't even notice his trusty starter also beginning to stir from his sleep as well.

"Oh. My…God…!"

-(scene change)-

"Hey Missus K', what's up? Is Ashy boy up yet?"

One Delia Ketchum then beamed a smile back towards her son's former rival. "Why Hello Gary! I'm fine as usual! As for Ash, I think he's almost done freshening u-"

"YES! YEEESSS! IT WASN'T A DREAM! I'M THIS YEAR'S SINNOH LEAGUE CHAMPION!"

A bead of sweat then rolled down at the back of Gary's head after hearing the loud outburst. The brunette then gave his friend's mother a bemused grin. "You'd think he would stop getting shocked at that fact after being home for three days already."

The much older brunette just giggled in response as she began setting the table for breakfast. "I think it's kind of cute. After all, this is my little Ash's biggest win yet! All that excitement must still haven't left his system yet."

Gary shook his head with a good natured smirk on his face as he also decided to help the older Ketchum with the table. "I just hope it doesn't stay for too long. I'm pretty sure the neighbors don't appreciate the sound of Ash yelling at the top of his lungs every morning."

"Good morning world! It's a beautiful day! The Pidgey's are singing and there's not a cloud in the sky!"

The spiky haired brunette couldn't help but grin after seeing his old rival go down the stairs with a skip in his steps. Right behind him, was his ever faithful Pikachu. "Well well. Took you long enough to get down huh Ashy boy? Always the slowpoke am I right?"

Said teen didn't even bother rising to the bait as he gave Gary a cheesy grin. It even came along with a classic thumbs up. "Oh hey Gary! Talk about an awesome day, right buddy? How about you join us for breakfast? Y'know my mom makes awesome pancakes!"

The young researcher then let out a small laugh at his friend's out of character behavior. "Ahaha. Sure thing Ash. Just make sure to drop by the lab later. Grandpa said he had something to talk to you about."

Gary then placed the palm of his hand over his forehead when he saw that Ash was already busy stuffing his mouth with piles of food. "Hey! Ashy boy! Are you even listening?"

Said trainer just waved his free hand in a carefree manner as he shoveled more food into his mouth with the other. Apparently he was too busy to even dignify a response.

The spiky haired brunette then shook his head in exasperation before grabbing a spot on the dining table as well. 'Heh. This is the Sinnoh league champion? I guess the more things change, the more they stay the same then.'

-(scene change: Kalos)-

In another part of the world, one Grace Yvonne was also doing her part as a mother and was cooking a healthy three course breakfast for her daughter-Serena Yvonne.

The much older woman of the house then let out a tiny huff after noticing the clock on the kitchen wall. Grace then beckoned over a small robin-like Pokemon while she sets the table. "Fletchling be a dear and wake up Serena for me. I'm pretty sure it's a bad idea to oversleep on the day of your first journey and I don't want her to come crying to me if she ends up being late to professor Sycamore's lab."

The now revealed Fletchling then gave a tiny salute with its one wing before taking off. Once out of sight, the tiny robin's expression shifted into a more mischievous look as it neared Serena's bedroom…

-(scene change)-

One scream later, Grace didn't even bat an eye at the spectacle of her daughter running down the stairs while chasing a snickering Fletching.

Serena then pouted once she saw the tiny robin retreat to a high cabinet in the kitchen. The girl with honey colored hair then decided to salvage what's left of her dignity and just sat down for breakfast. "Hmph. I know one thing I'm not gonna miss while I'm out on the road and it's definitely Fletchling's wake-up calls!"

Grace just smiled softly in response to her daughter's antics. At the back of her mind, she was gonna miss waking up and having these moments together in the morning. "Look at my little girl! Heading out to the big world, I'm just so proud of you! Just promise me you'll stay safe!"

Blushing a bit, Serena was quick to hide it by staring at her plate. "C'mon mom, I'm not a little kid anymore. I can take care of myself, no problem! I'm sixteen remember?"

The much older brunette couldn't help but laugh a bit from her daughter's speech before she gently grabbed Serena's hand and sent her a warm smile. "I know, I know. You're all grown up now but I can't help it y'know? It's a mom thing. I can't help but look at you and remember that shy little girl who used to hide behind my leg all the time…"

Returning the gesture also with her hand, Serena was quick to mirror her mother's expression as well. "I understand mom but I like to think that I've gone a long way since then. Still if it makes you feel any better, I can at least promise you I'll drop a call every now and then whenever I get to a new town. Deal?"

Grace then widened her smile in response as she firmly shook her daughter's hand. "You drive a hard bargain Serena buuut…alright! You got yourself a deal!"

Serena then began to giggle a bit after shaking her mother's hand. "Okay, are we done now mom? We're both starting to sound like those corny soap operas we like to make fun off."

Said brunette just decided to dignify her daughter's response by playfully sticking her tongue out. "Oh hush you. Can't a mother have her moments?"

Both women then began laughing out loud before resuming their last breakfast together in comfortable silence.

-(scene change)-

"Bye mom! Bye Fletchling! Bye Rhyhorn! I'll miss you guys! I promise I'll call home soon!"

Grace and her Pokemon were more than glad to return Serena's gesture as they all gave their own farewells. The older brunette then wiped off a single tear from her eyes as she gazed at the slowly disappearing form of her daughter in the distance.

Steeling herself, Grace then cheered her hardest. Alongside her, both Fletchling and Rhyhorn were doing their best as well. "Go get 'em Serena! No matter what path you choose on your journey, just remember that I'll always be proud of you!"

On top of the hill that oversees her house, Serena couldn't help but beam at her mother's encouragement. "Thanks mom, that means a lot! I swear I'll be the best at what I can be once I find my own dream! I promise!"

And with that, she was off making tracks. 'Ready or not Kalos, here I come!'

Grace then smiled brightly at her daughter's back before going back to the confides of her own home. Once inside, the older brunette finally realized that her only daughter was gone.

Feeling lonely, Grace began browsing through the family photo album with a small smile on her face. A brief look of sadness then marred her expression as she gazed at a certain photo graph. 'If only Mark was still here, he would've loved seeing Serena off…'

Clenching her fist, the female racer then shook her head as she absentmindedly turned the paged over. 'The past is in the past. I can't change it. The best thing I could do is build a better future for Serena…'

The next page was bittersweet in its own way as it showed Serena's first day of training at Rhyhorn racing. 'I remember barely talking to Serena after Mark passed on. I was too busy grieving in my own way. Then one day, she suddenly told me that she wanted to be a Rhyhorn racer…Looking back, I knew it was a lie deep down but I couldn't face it, instead I took the easy way out.' Grace then felt tears threatening to fall down as she did her best to hold it in. 'I-I should've tried harder to reconnect with Serena…'

The older brunette then wiped her eyes as she did her best in strengthening her resolve. 'Geez. Here I am still crying over spilt milk when I already promised Serena that things are going to be different from now on!'

Grace then smiled warmly as she reached a picture of a younger Serena and right beside her daughter was a certain raven haired youth. Both of them were lying under the shade of a tree asleep with Serena's head resting on the young boy's shoulder. 'I have to thank you some day Ash. Even now of all times, you're still a positive influence on her. Thanks to you, Serena finally had the courage to go out and find her own dream.'

-(scene change: Kanto)-

"Hey Professor Oak, I'm here! It's me Ash! Gary told me you have something important to say to me?"

A bead of sweat then rolled down the back of Ash's head as he saw a haggard looking professor Oak emerge from the stack of research papers on the floor. "Uuuh…Professor Oak? Is this a bad time? I could come back later if you want?"

Professor Oak then stifled a yawn as he slowly ironed out the small kinks in his back. The so called Pokemon prof was quick to wave off the raven haired youth's offer. "Ahaha. It's no trouble at all Ash. In fact, I bet you're just as eager as me to finally get some answers so I think it's best we settle this now my boy."

Ash's brown eyes then lit up in understanding as he recalled all of the good prof's work in the last few days. "You mean, you finally figured out what happened to Charizard during the Sinnoh league finals? That's awesome professor!"

In response, one Samuel Oak was quick to pull out an electronic tablet of some sort and began showing off what he was able to dig up with his fellow regional professors. "It's the latest scientific breakthrough that a colleague of mine just discovered a few months ago. His name is Augustine Sycamore. He's a Pokemon evolution major just like professor Elm. I believe he called this particular phenomena-Mega evolution."

Ash was in awe as he gazed at the numerous pictures that showcased ancient stone tablets which depicted Pokemon such as Beedrill, Gardevoir, and even a Tyranitar transcending into a higher form. "Whoa…this is amazing!"

The raven haired youth's reverie was then briefly cut short when the good professor showed him the next set of pictures. It showed what looks like a human raising his right hand high into the air, on said hand's wrist was a bracelet with a brightly glowing jewel at its center. "Unfortunately, this is another thing that has stumped me ever since last night. It would seem there are two requirements in order to achieve mega evolution. First is a strong bond between human and Pokemon. The second is a special keystone and a corresponding evolution stone."

Ash's eyes then widened in realization as he slightly unzipped his jacket and pulled out a white necklace with a strange orb carved at its center. "Are you talking about this professor?"

Said leading authority on Pokemon then dropped his jaw in disbelief as he stared at the small trinket hanging around the raven haired youth's neck. "Great scott! How long did you have this keystone Ash?!"

The pallet town trainer then shrugged his shoulders in a nonchalant manner. "Well the 'keystone' is something my mom gave to me for good luck." Ash's expression then shifted into a more melancholy look as certain memories came to mind. "And the evolution stone was from Serena. She gave it to me as a memento before she moved away with her family when I was twelve."

Seemingly content, professor Oak was more than glad to hear some mysteries cleared up for the sake of his curiosity. "Ahaha! Who would've thought huh Ash? I can't believe the secrets of mega evolution were just at the tip of your fingertips ever since day one! I really can't believe your luck sometimes my boy! And here I thought, meeting a rare Pokemon was the highlight of your very first day as a trainer! Your luck is just impeccable!"

Another bead of sweat then rolled down Ash's head as he sheepishly scratched the back of it. 'I don't even think being lucky is the right word for me anymore. Especially with all the stuff I keep going through the past years…Heck! I already met Arceus and I'm still having trouble believing it!'

Ash then cleared his throat as he was more than eager to change the subject. "So uuh professor Oak, is that everything? I also have something I want to discuss with all my Pokemon before I head back for lunch."

A metaphorical light bulb then hovered over the older male's head as he remembered the other important news he has to deliver to his protégé. "Oh, I almost forgot with all the excitement! Ash, since you're a trainer under my sponsor, the league already notified me that you can challenge the elite four of Sinnoh any time now. You just have to make sure to notify the league officials in advance so they have time to gather everyone before officially starting."

The raven haired youth then waved off that particular news, seeing as he already thought off asking in advance before making his trek towards home. "That's good to hear professor Oak but I already made sure to ask everything I needed to know about my challenge from mr. Goodshow himself. And although I'm pretty stoked with getting a chance to battle the elite four and Cynthia right away, I told him I'll postpone my challenge for now so I could train more."

Ash then clenched his fists in frustration as he recalled the second half of the Sinnoh league finals. "Almost losing against to Tobias was an eye-opener to say the least. As much as I hate to admit it, I haven't been doing my job as a trainer that well. It was at the back of my mind after he managed to equalize the score and even later when Tobias completely turned it around in his favor for a moment…"

The pride of Pallet town then straightened his back a bit more as a determined gleam shone through his brown eyes. "I realized there was a huge power imbalance in my team. I need to find a balance with training my new Pokemon and the veteran members of my squad as well. That's why I did what I had to do. I know being a champion isn't what makes a Pokemon master entirely, but I've got a feeling that it's the right path on becoming one! I refuse to let down my friends who share the same dream with me! We're definitely gonna win against Cynthia and the rest!"

Meanwhile, Professor Oak couldn't help but smile proudly towards the much younger man before him. 'Well who knew? I'm proud of you my boy. You've certainly came a long way ever since the start of your journey huh Ash?'

Clearing his throat, the much older male then decided to switch the subject back on track. "So where do you plan to go for your little training trip Ash? Are you planning to redo the league here in Kanto? Johto? Hoenn, maybe?"

Ash then shook his head in response as he sheepishly rubbed the back of his head once more. "Ahaha. I'm actually having trouble deciding where to go…although a change of scenery wouldn't hurt. You know me professor, I love going to new places. New places means new challenges and even cooler in my opinion, new Pokemon!"

Professor Oak then snapped his fingers and was quick to open up another file in his tablet. The picture showed a young man in a lab coat who looked to be about the same age as the raven haired youth's mother. "I think I know just the place Ash! Remember my colleague, professor Sycamore? He's also the regional professor for the Kalos region. As an added bonus, you might be able to learn more about mega evolution as well! I heard from Augustine that their region's strongest trainers have a complete and total mastery of this particular phenomena! Incredible isn't it?"

Ash's brown eyes were practically gleaming with unrestrained joy and excitement from just hearing all the info about his next destination. "Oh man that sounds awesome! Please tell me the new league season for Kalos is starting or about to start? Those trainers have got to be competing and I want a shot in battling with them!"

Seeing the much older male nod was enough for Ash to let out a loud joyous whoop into the air. "Then it's settled! Kalos here we come! How about it Pikachu? Are you ready to take on the Kalos region by storm?"

"Pi-Pikachu!"

CHAPTER III: END

To be continued in: A new journey begins!

That's another wrap! Okay first off, two things. Did anybody enjoy the omake? If so would you want more snippets of Ash and Serena's childhood life? (I'm not putting it into a vote I just want to hear some of your opinions) and the next is, yes this chapter content isn't as long but what can you do? it's not like anyone was battling or something. Just good old character development for others.

Audience: Gasp!

Now for the usual notes:

a.)Serena and Grace's last names are just made up for the sake of this story. What? I have to make something up and a lot of writers do the same thing apparently. Misty, Brock, May, Dawn, and etc. the list goes on.

b.)Yes I killed off Serena's dad in this fic. Dead as in he's not coming back to life or was mia for the sake of the plot. There is no 'edgy' reason either such as suicide, killed by team rocket or any evil organization. He's just dead. Presumably from an accident. And no assassination either. Just accept it people.

Sometimes you don't need a convoluted reason as to why a character only has one parent or even none at all. Not everything needs to be emotionally scarring and edgy just for the sake of being cool. This is freakin Pokemon here people. This isn't like Akame ga kill or Berserk.

c.)Now just because we're nearing Kalos, it doesn't mean I'm going to rehash canon. This is an AU fanfic and I'm making my own story as I go along. Yes I've planned things out. The only worry is my typing speed and whatever distractions life throws at me.

d.)So far Charizard is the only one of Ash's Pokemon that could mega evolve. I have no plans in making the rest do it too. Sorry you Sceptile, Heracross, and Glalie fans. My mind is set. I think the honor of mega evolving should go to one's ace Pokemon. e.g. Ash and Charizard, Alain and his charizard, Siebold and Blastoise, Diantha and Gardevoir, Korrina and Lucario.

e. I actually laughed out loud when I read this from my inbox. Somebody actually wanted Pikachu to mega evolve. It doesn't stop there. He/she wanted me to make one up. Like that'll happen.

Let me make this clear, there will be no non-canon evolutions or any fakemon in this fic. I hope this would be the first and last of this kinds of messages. Go to effin deviantart if you want to fulfill your Pikachu mega evolution fantasy.