A new day dawned, and the hot Slateport morning sun woke Ash, who got up and rubbed the drowsiness out of his eyes. Pikachu who was sleeping next to him slowly opened his eyes and stretched, then greeted the human next to him with a characteristic 'pikapi'.

Ash got up and went to get a set of clothes to wear. He has a habit of sleeping shirtless as the orphanage had no air conditioning or fans, and the children had to find ways to overcome the Viridian heat, which although milder than Hoenn's climate, is still hot by standards. from Kanto.

The would-be Trainer grabbed a new set of clothes, exactly the same as the ones he wore the day before, and when he finished getting dressed, Pikachu jumped on his shoulder.

"Let's go to the kitchen and get something Pikachu, we have to go to the tailor in a few minutes, wow, I still can't believe that's me saying something like that." Ash shook his head, chuckling at his own comment and went into the kitchen, mildly surprised to see a full meal on a small table, with a note that Ash picked up to read.

Master Satoshi, your breakfast is served.

I'll be at your residence soon so we can go to the tailor.

On the top shelf of the kitchen are some cans of specialized pokemon food for electric pokemon.

"Apparently someone is hard at work, Martin prepared all this while we were sleeping. And it looks like it's your lucky day Pikachu, these specialty pokemon foods are hard to come by." Ash studied about electric pokémon, after all, he has had a Pikachu for over 10 years, and he knows that electric pokémon depend on a diet rich in electrolytes, hence the passion of his little yellow friend for Ketchup.

He took a can with a specific pokémon bowl and poured the food. Pikachu hopped off his shoulder and sniffed at the food a few times, before perking up and starting to devour everything in earnest. While Pikachu feasted on his food, Ash sat in the chair and ate his breakfast at a leisurely pace. Normally he has the delicacy of a Snorlax around food, but with the possibility of Martin arriving at any moment, he didn't want to risk giving a negative image.

Time passed quickly, and it didn't take long for Martin to enter the apartment, with Ash finishing putting the cutlery in the sink. He was going to get Pikachu's bowl when he was stopped by a hand on his wrist.

It was Martin, for the first time showing any sign of discomfort. "Master Satoshi, please don't bother with the silverware, it's my job to clean it."

"But I..." Ash tried to argue, as he didn't think it was right to leave that job to the butler, however, Martin's irritation became more apparent, and Ash could swear that a purple miasma appeared on the gray haired man's back.

"Let a butler do his job, Master Satoshi." Ash nodded frantically, and the Pikachu hid behind its trainer's legs. To make even a Pokemon scared, it was impressive.

Martin is scary when he gets mad.

With the agility that comes from years in his job, Martin finished putting the cutlery in the sink, and then headed for the apartment door. "Follow me, Master Satoshi, we'll go to our illustrious director's trusted tailor to sew suitable costumes for your first day as a student at the pokémon academy." After what just happened, Ash didn't dare question the butler's words, and followed him down the hall until they reached the elevator, where they went down to the ground floor and walked through the main corridors to reach the entrance to the Pokémon Academy, taking the same limousine as the previous day ready to be used.

Martin opened the door before Ash could take the initiative. With a tired sigh, Ash boarded the limousine, having several students watching the scene curiously, and confirming the rumors that were emerging about a supposed student who had the academy's preference.

The trip only lasted 5 minutes, and Ash glimpsed a clothing store that stood out like a sore thumb, for its expensive-looking exhibits and ancient-looking architecture.

Martin opened the limo door, and Ash got out with Pikachu on his shoulder. "Welcome to 'Touche Dorée'. A warning before we go in, the tailor can be eccentric so keep calm." Ash blinked a few times at the unexpected comment, but shrugged it off, seeing as he had no choice in the matter, and followed Martin until they both entered the establishment, and just as Ash set his first foot in the store, he was swept away by a unknown hand.

"At last you arrived young man, Steven insisted that I prepare one of my creations for a special student, and looking at you, I see why I was entrusted with the job." An elderly man with long white hair and a friendly smile on his face, plump and wearing a purple suit with a bow tie, matching pants and matching leather shoes.

Pikachu jumped off Ash's shoulder and sat on the ground with tiny arms crossed and a frown on his face. The man realized what he had done and scratched the back of his head with a gleeful laugh. Martin shook his head in denial, this is how encounters with this man always unfold.

Ash, though confused, wasn't mad at the old man's eccentric attitude toward him. "My name is Ashura Satoshi, but you can call me Ash. I was informed that I should come here to buy suitable clothes for classes." The old man took Ash's hand in a friendly gesture. "My young man, I am George Mouet, the greatest tailor in Hoenn, and you are not going to buy clothes, each piece is something unique, the manifestation of an identity in fabric lines, a work of mine will never be identical to another piece," A passion in George's voice was inspiring, even if Ash didn't care about fashion, he would never dare to discredit someone who is so passionate about something.

Martin knelt down next to Pikachu. "Master Satoshi will be busy for the next hour, I would like you to accompany me until the garment is ready." Pikachu was doubtful, and looked at Ash, who smiled and nodded. Pikachu jumped on Martin's shoulder, who surprisingly didn't mind, and left the shop as if nothing had happened.

"Follow me Ash, I'll take your measurements, please take off your shirt." Ash was uncomfortable with the request.

"Are you sure this is necessary?" George put a hand to his chin, but he didn't seem bothered by the question.

"It's not necessary for most tailors, but if you want the suit to be perfectly aligned with your body, I need it to have minimal margin of error. Don't worry, it won't take long." Ash grudgingly complied with the request, and took off his shirt. George was as good as his word, and with the agility in line with years of experience, he took all the measurements in a few minutes. To Ash's relief, his pants measurements could be taken without having to remove his clothing.

"You can get dressed Ash, now it's my turn to start making a new work of art, and for that, I'm going to call my old friend. Come help me, Perrin." A pokeball in the tailor's hand released an intimidating-looking spider.

But going against the stereotype of its species, the pokémon started to climb on George's back and was on top of his head.

"Meet my Spinarak. Say hello to our customer Perrin." The pokémon spider waved its front paws.

Ash walked over to George and patted the Spinarak on the head. "Wow, I didn't expect to see a Sinnoh pokémon in Hoenn, how did you catch this nice little guy?" Georges was surprised by Ash's lack of fear, normally people are afraid around Perrin, but considering who this young man's father is, he shouldn't be surprised.

"During my youth, I traveled the world to perfect my craft as a tailor, when I was about to return to Hoenn, the Perrin fell on my head as I was crossing the forest of Twinleaf. I've never been so scared in my life, but to my surprise, Perrin didn't attack me. We soon became great friends, and have been together for over 50 years." After George's report, Ash looked more closely at Spinarak and realized that it was an elderly pokémon. The worn-tipped paws, thicker and thicker jaws, and the horn on the head with a rounded tip are clear signs of advanced age.

"It is impressive that Perrin has not evolved even after so many years." George scratched the Spinarak's head.

"Perrin doesn't want to evolve, his passion, like mine, is to make new works of art. He is the best assistant a tailor could ask for. Now he sits back in a chair and watches a new piece come to life. Perrin, work your magic." The Spinarak saluted with a paw, and jumped on Ash, starting to walk around the boy's body that even though he was calm, he still thought it strange an insect pokémon so close. At all times, Perrin slammed its front paws into specific points on the body, such as the neck, armpits, and the joints of the arms and legs, at an impressive speed.

After a few seconds, Perrin jumped off the Ash and ran to a mannequin, where he began to drop silk, creating a pattern of a suit. Ash began to understand what was going on and was impressed by George and Perrin's ability to adapt the Spinarak's natural features to make a suit.

In just an hour a new piece of clothing came to life where it would normally take a human weeks to do the job alone. George sewed a Poké Ball emblem on the upper left side, and Perrin with impressive dexterity sewed a small logo on the other side, in the shape of a small white Spinarak, from his own silk.

Tailor and his assistant contemplated the new creation, and soon after they both went to different sides of the shop. George had brought a pair of leather shoes, and Perrin had a red tie across his jaw. George clapped his hands and Perrin did the same. "It's done, our newest creation! Ash, get the clothes and go get dressed in the dressing room and let us know how you like it."

Perrin once again surprised the would-be trainer when he folded his suit and pants with pinpoint precision and laid the set of clothes on a chair, while George placed his tie over the top of his clothes and held up his pair of shoes. Ash took everything and went to get dressed. The clothes fit his body perfectly, although it was a particularly difficult battle with the tie. Finishing putting on his shoes, Ash walked out of the dressing room, where George was holding a large mirror with Perrin on his head.

In a word to describe the suit, it was amazing. Perfectly tailored, and it fit like a glove on Ash, it was a black colored suit, with gold sewing lines, having the pokémon academy emblem and the shop's logo on both sides of the chest. The pants were the same color, and together with the leather shoes and the red tie, it completed the outfit perfectly.

Ash stared at his reflection, having a hard time believing that it was really him, the same boy who five days ago was worried he'd have a roof over his head, and was now wearing clothes that would surely be too expensive for his pocketbook, if not. he was the one who had to pay. A shy smile adorned his face, and Ash kept that image in his memory, as it would be the milestone of change in his life, which would mark the beginning of a new stage in pursuit of his dreams.

George scratched Perrin's head, proud of his work. No words were needed, the end result was obvious. "Another satisfied customer, my old friend." Perrin happily waved his front paws.

A few minutes later, Martin returned to the shop with Pikachu on his shoulder, and everyone said goodbye to the tailor and his unusual assistant. George watched the boy get into the limo and head back to school, and for a moment, the image changed, and in Ash's place was an older man, with a red hat and a Pikachu on his shoulder.

George crossed his arms with a serene smile, taking Perrin in his lap. "He's really your boy, isn't he Red? I just hope you give yourself a chance to bond with your son, you both deserve it." Perrin nudged the concerned George's face, and he scratched the spider's head.

"Don't worry Perrin, I'm just thinking of a friend with some family issues, come on let's go back to the store, I got that pokemon food you love." Perrin shivered with glee, drawing a good laugh from the old tailor as he returned to his shop.

The tour of the school was brief, but it gave Ash a basic idea of how the facilities at the Pokemon Academy work. There are rooms divided to meet the specialization of each student, and there will also be general classes, where everyone would attend together. In addition to practical classes in battles and contests, and periodic field trips. Ash understood most of the information, but considering his horrible sense of direction, it wouldn't be unreasonable if he got lost a few times between a class or two.

Now, Ash is walking along with several other students to the auditorium, located in the center of the Pokémon Academy. Being around so many people his own age was making the poor boy miserable, but his nervousness was masked by the intimidating face he was unconsciously adopting. Pikachu was faithfully on his shoulder and was being the target of attention from the students, because besides Ash, no one had a pokémon in their possession, at least outside the pokéball.

The students were wearing formal clothes, the boys in a middle ground between a suit and a school uniform, and the girls in a female version of the uniform, having a red skirt instead of pants.

The auditorium is in a word, impressive. Big enough to house all the students and still have room for extra guests. Ash chose a chair at the back of the room, doing his best not to attract too much attention.

With the students seated, a man went to the center of the stage and grabbed a microphone. Ash could swear he knows that man from somewhere, but he doesn't have a name in mind.

Short cyan hair, cyan eyes, and a young adult face. Wearing a flashy suit that mixes black and purple, with an exotic red tie, black pants, purple shoes and several rings on his fingers. He straightened his tie and started talking to the students.

"It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the Pokémon Academy. The vast majority will know me, but it's a courtesy gesture to introduce myself. I am Steven Stone, champion of the Hoenn Pokémon League, and I am honored to be the director of this preparatory educational institution where the future of Pokémon trainers and coordinators will be built. Many successful trainers and coordinators have emerged from this school, and we expect the utmost commitment from each one of you." Hoenn's champion is the headmaster of the school, Ash didn't know where to hide, why is a man of this caliber in a school? Does not make sense!

Ash wasn't the only one who was surprised, as the students started to argue amongst themselves, but with a few claps on the microphone, Steven silenced everyone. He sure has the charisma of a champion. "Please be patient, everyone will have an opportunity to talk after this introductory meeting. Classes will be flexible, where each student will be able to attend classes corresponding to their specialization. We believe that only you can know which path you want to take in your career, so we'll do our best to help you in the right way. There will also be mandatory classes for everyone, where we will deal with general matters on certain topics, in addition to practical classes on the battlefields for trainers and coordinators, along with outdoor classes, where everyone will learn to deal with the volatile environment that is the world beyond from the walls of this academy."

Steven's words made all the students fearful but also excited, that's why each of them came from different parts of the world, to become skilled trainers and coordinators.

A huge screen appeared behind Steven, where there was a triangle with the letters A and B. Steven took a stick from inside his suit and touched the screen with it. "Our academy has an extremely competitive selective system, and we recognize that each one of you has the right to be here, however, this is not an ordinary school, we are in an environment where we will prepare competitors, and therefore, I cannot lie and say that each of you will be treated equally. As everyone may know, our pokémon academy has a referral system where students use the credentials of a renowned name in the pokémon league or pokémon contests committee, these few students will be in class A, where they will be accompanied by a selected team of teachers that meet the innate capabilities of each nominee.

And then chaos ensued, obviously the students didn't like the idea that some would be privileged, Ash was silent, praying to any deity to be in class B, the last thing he wants is to be the target of frustration from teenagers.

But what no one imagined was seeing Steven change his typical attitude, screaming into the microphone. "Silence! Are you finding this unfair? Do you want everyone to be treated similarly? If you think that, give up being trainers or coordinators! Each of you are walking a path where only the best will be remembered, the first competition is in this academy, face adversity, overcome your limits, and prove to yourself and others that you have the ability to thrive in our world." Many students gasped at what the champion of Hoenn said, but none of them dared to question him.

Because in the end, everyone knows he's right.

With a considerably calmer tone, Steven continued his speech. "Class A students will have their names on the screen and will come to the stage in order of nomination credentials, according to the order of: Gym Leader, Pokémon Teacher and finally champion of a region sanctioned by the Pokémon League, or Top Coordinator. The rest of the students will be in class B and will be able to retire to classes, where teachers will be waiting for them."

The names of each student with a picture next to them appeared, one at a time.

Class A - Students

Kanto Region

Misty Waterflower – Cerulean Gym

Gary Oak – Professor Oak

Leaf Green – Professor Oak

Hoenn Region

May Maple – Professor Birch

Brendan Birch – Professor Birch

Sinnoh Region

Paul Shinji – Veilstone Gym

Dawn Berlitz – Sinnoh Top Coordinator: Johanna Berlitz

Unova Region

Hilbert Toya – Professor Juniper

Hilda Touko – Professor Juniper

Kalos Region

Calem Matieu – Professor Sycamore

Serena Yvone – Professor Sycamore

As the names appeared on the screen, the students took to the stage, some were uncomfortable with the attention, others had a high ego, and there were also those who did not care about the opinion of others, but the undeniable fact is that each of them would be the focus of student attention for years to come, both good and bad attention.

Ash nearly passed out in his chair with relief when the last name was revealed. "Thank Arceus I'm not on that list." Pikachu mimicked his human friend's actions, just like Ash, he's not a mouse that likes the spotlight.

Steven greeted each of the students with a handshake, and when everyone lined up next to the champion of Hoenn, he spoke again. "These 11 students were nominated by some of the biggest names when it comes to Pokémon, whether in the competitive area, or in research on these fantastic creatures that live among us, some regions, such as Johto, Alola and Galar did not send students, because has its own graduation templates. However, there is one student that I made a point of leaving to be revealed last, after all, with such credentials, he deserves an introduction of his own."

A last name began to appear on the screen, and as the students read what was written, one of them turned pale, as if the soul had just left the body.

Ashura Satoshi – Indication 1 - Viridian Gym

Indication 2 - Kanto Champion and World Coronation Series Champion – Red Ketchum

No sound could be heard in the auditorium, such was the shock of the revelation, and our protagonist? He had gotten up without saying a word, walking slowly towards the stage.

Everyone stared at him, trying to catch a glimpse of the one who was nominated by the most powerful trainer alive, while Ash kept a neutral expression, but his mind was something else entirely.

'WHY THE FUCK AM I ON THIS LIST?! EVERYONE IS GOING TO HATE ME NOW, DAMN WHAT HAVE I DONE TO DESERVE THIS, AND WHY DID THE CHAMPION NOMINATE ME?!'

Our poor protagonist was reluctantly getting a symptom of 'protagonist syndrome' firsthand.

Pikachu was giving off little electrical sparks from his cheeks, such was our favorite little mouse's nervousness, and that just helped give the wrong picture of Ash, who felt like he was walking to the gallows.

With slow steps, he climbed on stage and the other 11 students faced him, curious about the new member of this select group. Ash's suit although similar to the rest of the students, showed the image of someone of greater importance, and the lack of any expression indicated someone with excellent emotional control.

Oh, how wrong they are.

Steven reached out to shake Ash's hand. "Welcome to the Pokémon Academy, Ashura Satoshi. It's impressive that you have a pokémon before you even start classes, and it seems to be a pretty strong Pikachu, if it can fire sparks for so long without showing fatigue." Steven's comment further increased the intrigue about Ash, and the boy's unreadable expression with the pokémon on his shoulder, receiving a champion's praise is an extremely rare privilege.

Ash squeezed Steven's hand without saying a word, causing a bead of sweat to break out on the back of the well-dressed man's neck. 'Boy of few words, just like Red. Looks like the apple didn't fall far from the tree' He thought. "Ashura Satoshi, as the student with the highest credentials out of all those enrolled in the Pokémon Academy, I would like you to make a speech on behalf of Class A to the rest of the student body." Steven patted Ash on the back, who walked to the small podium in the center of the stage without any excitement.

Or at least that's what people assumed.

But internally, Ash was close to having a nervous breakdown, he could hold in one hand the number of conversations he had had with people his age, and now he would have to speak to a crowd.

Steven took the microphone. "With you, Ashura Satoshi. Come forward, tell us your dream, and if you have any inspiring words, we look forward to hearing." Steven handed the microphone to Ash, who gripped it tightly.

'Come on Ash, it's simple, say your name, dream and never talk to anyone in public again!'

Ash brought the microphone up to his mouth, and his next words would start a hilarious and wholly unintentional reputation in the Pokémon Academy. "My name is Ashura Satoshi, but I prefer to be called Ash, my dream is to be the greatest Pokémon trainer in the world, and nothing and no one will stand in my way." Ash spoke with a neutral face, and eyes slightly narrowed, he handed the microphone to Steven, who almost dropped it, surprised by his choice of words.

Ash lined up to the right of the A-class students, and instinctively many of them gave him some space. The other students in the auditorium were wary of the detached tone in which Ash's words, for it didn't seem to be a simple speech, it was a promise that honestly, no one would dare to disagree that he would carry out.

And also some students saw those lines as a challenge, because Brendan, Hilbert and Paul watched Ash's movements like hawks, one with envy, and the other two with a little respect? Well, every student has their quirks.

And so, the students' presentation came to an end.

Thanks to the 'inspiring' words of a certain student with a Pikachu on his shoulder, Steven canceled the introductory classes, deciding that they would take place from the next day. Students who know each other formed groups to talk to each other, and enjoy the extra free time they gained. Between them two students from Hoenn walked together to a more secluded spot.

"Damn May, tell me what you want, I have to get ready for classes tomorrow, and I'll start running around town until early evening. Maintaining my physical size is not easy." Brendan was a tall boy, considerably muscular for his age, with short brown hair, and a white beret with black and red accents on his head.

May looked away, her face red, but continued walking towards some trees in the small central park at the academy. "Just…follow me ok? What I am going to tell you is something private." They both reached the trees, and Brendan leaned his back against one of them with his arms crossed.

"We are already here, tell me what is so important to talk to me away from everyone." May held the tails of her skirt tightly, took a deep breath and spoke at once, because she knew that if she hesitated, she would lose this chance.

"Brendan, since we met, we've become great friends, we've lived together for so long, and we've been through a lot together. It's not a secret that I don't get along with pokémon very well, I have nothing against them, and being a trainer was never something I wanted, but when I heard that you were going to this Pokémon Academy, I did everything to convince the teacher Birch, to leave me with the second lab spot." She expected a lot of things from her friend and love interest, but what she didn't see coming was Brendan punching a tree.

He was furious.

"How can you do something like that? May, do you know how many tried to get the privilege we have, to study with the best teachers and students in the world?! Every day, I watched boys and girls our age leave the lab disillusioned, my father was even sadder for destroying so many dreams, and when I heard that my best friend was going with me, I was happy, and proud that you finally showed some interest in me. Pokémon, but now, you tell me that you came here with no interest in competing? What could be more important than being a successful trainer?! Brendan's voice got louder and louder, and May started to cry, but still she didn't give up what she came to do.

"I DID ALL THIS BECAUSE I LOVE YOU!" She screamed, and Brendan was left speechless. That certainly wasn't the answer he was hoping for.

He put a hand to his forehead and closed his eyes, trying to process what he just heard. "Since when?" He asked, May was still crying, and between sobs she answered.

"Since we were kids, I did everything to try and get you to notice Brendan, but nothing worked, so I accepted that I had to do something, that's why I'm at this school, that's why we're talking now." She was hopeful, all she wanted was confirmation of what she had wanted so much for several years, just one word and her day would be perfect.

However, things do not always go as planned.

Brendan opened his eyes and sighed before speaking. "May I…damn, how do I say this? Look, we've been friends for several years, and I like you, we've lived together for so long that your parents are practically my family, but I can't lie to you, and worse, to myself." May felt a pit in her stomach.

"What do you mean?" She asked in a shaky voice. Brendan couldn't bear to see his best friend so broken and fragile, but he had to be strong, and sincere, for both of them.

"I love you May, but it's the love of a brother to a sister, I consider you someone very close to me, but not in the way you want. I'm sorry, I can't lie to you, that would be too cruel, all I have in mind is enjoying the next few years, and leaving this academy a capable trainer, I don't have time to look for romance, and even if I did, it wouldn't be with you, I just couldn't lie to myself and pretend that I love you like a woman. I...I think it's best if we don't talk for a while. Goodbye May." Brendan turned and ran, leaving May alone, digesting what he'd just heard.

Small sniffles turned into a silent cry, she lost the strength in her legs and fell to her knees on the floor, hugging her own waist. Drops of water began to fall from the sky, signaling that a storm was on its way.

And even as lightning sliced through the skies over Slateport, a girl's anguished scream echoed through the trees.

A few minutes ago...

Ash was sitting on one of the outdoor chairs near the auditorium. Several students passed by him looking away, and others were visibly uncomfortable with his presence, but no one had the courage to start a conversation. Gradually the place became empty, until only Ash and his pokémon could have a moment of peace.

Ash lowered his head and comical tears streamed down his face. "I screwed up Pikachu, everyone is going to hate me now, why did I have to give a speech, I barely talk to anyone, let alone several people at once..." Pikachu slammed his paws on his trainer's back, trying to comfort him, however, he stopped when sparks started to appear on his cheeks. Ash snapped out of his moment of self-pity when he felt a small jolt. He took Pikachu in his hands and saw the sparks.

Looking up at the sky, he saw dark clouds quickly changing the weather. "Looks like there's going to be a storm soon Pikachu, your cheeks always sparkle when the clouds have too much electricity." Right after Ash spoke, drops of water began to fall, quickly turning into a heavy rain. "Damn Pikachu, let's go to the barracks, before the storm gets worse!"

"Pikachu!" The electric pokémon agreed and both started to run, however, Pikachu stopped abruptly, making Ash also stop running. The electric mouse's ears twitched, and with a cry of "pikapi", Pikachu ran towards the trees.

"Pikachu, don't go into the trees, it's dangerous to be near them in a storm!" Ash followed his Pokemon. The rain got even heavier, and the strong winds were very cold because of the humidity. As they entered the small forest, Ash could hear the sounds of someone crying, and finally understanding what made Pikachu run, he quickened his own pace. With some effort, both advanced into the small forest and in a clearing they saw a girl kneeling on the ground, completely wet, shaking and sobbing.

Ash approached and when he recognized who the girl was, he ran even faster. "May!" He reached where May was and knelt down, holding her shoulders, looking for any kind of injury. "Damn it, what the hell are you doing alone in the middle of this storm? It's dangerous to hang around here with so much lightning in the sky." May looked directly at Ash and the sight of her made his heart sink.

She had swollen eyes, and she was crying, her clothes were muddy and she was shivering from the cold. "Ash?" May spoke her name in a weak voice, at that moment, Ash stopped caring about the storm, and placed a hand on her face. "May…what happened?" The question was enough to make her sob again. "Brendan he... I..." That scene was heartbreaking, this is not the same May he met the day before, she was a happy girl who seemed to be as happy, or even more, than the Leaf, and here she is, completely bereft and being comforted by the most unqualified person possible, a boy who three days ago didn't have a single friend.

A particularly strong ray cut the sky, and the noise startled May, who started to fall backwards, however, Ash caught her. She was taken aback, and when she looked up at him, she saw the pure concern in the boy's eyes that she barely exchanged a few words.

"Come on, I'll take you to my quarters, I don't know where you're staying and I would never forgive myself for leaving you in the middle of this storm. Pikachu, stay on May's lap, I'll get us out of here." In a bold move, he scooped May into his arms and stood up. Pikachu jumped onto May's lap, and the yellow mouse snuggled up to her, making her instinctively hug the pokémon.

May buried her face in Ash's chest. "You didn't need to help me, why did you come?" The question was sincere, Ash has no obligation to help her, they're not even friends, and here's this kid who less than an hour ago intimidated at least half of the academy with his cold and emotionless pose, and still speech most intimidating, in the middle of a storm, willing to help when no one came.

That question legitimately confused Ash, and without looking at the girl in his arms, he began to run between the trees with surprising agility. "What kind of question is that? It's not wrong to help someone in need, Pikachu heard someone crying, I followed him and found you, but don't worry, it won't be long before I get to the barracks."

Even though she was extremely saddened by the rejection she received, May felt deeply grateful for the boy who carried her in his arms. In any other situation, she would never let someone take her in their arms, but this time it didn't feel wrong. In her weakest moment, a complete stranger helped her. "Thanks." May whispered as she closed her eyes. Ash didn't hear the girl's words, her focus was on getting to her accommodation as quickly as possible, before they both caught a cold.

Luckily for both, no one was in the corridors where Ash ran with May in his arms, and in less than 5 minutes, both were in the elevator, going up to the 9th floor. When the elevator door opened, May was intrigued by the fact that only one door was present at the end of the short hallway.

"Are you sure we are in the right place?" Ash raised an eyebrow at the question, but it was a good sign that May was speaking more normally.

"Yes, my accommodation is on this floor, I just ask that you don't mind, even I was surprised when I first walked in." May didn't understand why she would be bothered, of course, being in the dorm with a boy she barely knows is strange, but other than that, what else could surprise her?

Oh, how wrong you are, May Maple.

As she opened the door, May's jaw threatened to drop. This isn't just a dorm, it's bigger than her house in Petalburg! Ash looked at the girl's incredulous expression and sighed despondently.

"I knew you would be upset." May was startled by the comment, and was embarrassed to realize that she was acting like an idiot. "N…don't worry! It's just that I didn't expect you to live in a penthouse apartment. How many students live here?" Ash cocked his head to the side.

"I live alone, my butler brought me this apartment last night, I call it public housing so no one will be disturbed." The brunette stifled a laugh, imagining how Leaf would react to seeing this place.

However, a sneeze made her blush with embarrassment.

Both stared at each other for a few seconds, and as much as Ash thought the sneeze was cute, he wouldn't admit it when the girl was in his arms.

"I'll take you to the bathroom in my room and prepare a hot bath, I don't want to see you cold on the first day of school." May didn't question the idea and Ash took her into the bathroom. May whistled, impressed by the size of the place. "Wow, you never cease to amaze me. It even has a bathtub, now I'm jealous, in the room I share with Leaf we only have a shower and the room has two beds and a closet." Ash put May on the ground, and Pikachu shook its fur before running into the living room, as it hates getting too wet.

May crossed her arms and leaned her back against the wall, watching Ash run the hot tub. When the tub was considerably full, he turned to leave the bathroom. When he opened the door, he turned and spoke to the girl. "Leave the dirty clothes in the hamper, I'll get a set of my clothes for you to wear, I'm sorry but I don't have any women's clothes to borrow. If you need anything, just call me." Ash was leaving the bathroom when May grabbed his arm.

"Thanks for everything, really, you had no obligation and you still helped me." Ash scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment, it's not every day that a pretty girl thanks him for something.

"It was nothing, and you're friends with Leaf, she would be mad at me if she found out I left you alone in the rain." May put her hands on her hips with a frown.

"So you only helped me because I'm friends with Leaf? Am I not your friend, 'Ashy'?" There's the silly nickname again, Ash flushed with embarrassment.

Scratching the back of his neck he looked away. "It's just that we barely know each other, and I didn't want to give you the wrong idea, damn it, I'm not used to talking to someone my own age, I look like an idiot." May started laughing at the embarrassed boy.

"Come on, laugh at the man in the wet pants." Ash spread his hands in mock drama. May was feeling better, she was still sad about the rejection, but it only took a few minutes with Ash for him to make her happier. It reminded her of her conversation with Leaf the day before, making her feel bad for judging him as a wannabe playboy. It became clear to May that Ash is just a shy boy, fun to tease and kind even to people he doesn't know. Now she understands why Leaf got so attached to Ash in just one day.

Shaking her head, May let go of Ash's hand, but not before speaking to him one last time. "Don't be silly, of course we're friends, I consider myself a pretty good judge of character, and no one can be mean to a cute little mouse as a friend. Now close the door and let a lady shower." May's smile turned mischievous. "Or does 'innocent Ashy' want to spy on me? Imagine when Leaf finds out…?" Ash closed the door and ran out, that's what he gets for being nice to someone else, plus a girl having fun at his expense!

Meanwhile, May shook her head in amusement, today she lost something she wanted so much, and would surely hurt for a long time, but she also gained an unlikely new friend. Finishing undressing, she placed the clothes in the hamper and climbed into the tub. The hot water relaxed her muscles, the steam mingling with fresh tears.

Right now, all May Maple wants is to be able to cry alone for a few minutes, for what she lost, and also for what she gained.

Ash changed in the second bathroom, and as he went to put the suit in the hamper, the clothes disappeared from his hand, courtesy of Martin, who held them with his typical neutral expression.

"Busy afternoon, Master Satoshi? Apparently it was a wise choice to make his suit out of Spinarak silk, they are stain proof and extremely durable. Let your guest know that dinner will be served right after she finishes her bath, and the clothes will be clean and ready to wear the next day. One of the bedrooms will be ready for Miss Maple's use." Ash started to cough, in shock at what Martin said,

"How do you know May is in the bathroom?!" Martin remained expressionless.

"A good butler always knows what goes on in his master's household. Sir Satoshi, please do not be reckless, do not do anything naughty with Miss Maple after dinner." Ash opened and closed his mouth a few times, Martin turned and walked out of the bathroom as if nothing had happened.

The poor boy decided to pretend he didn't hear the last part of the sentence and went back to his room, where he put on a set of clothes identical to the one he wore the day before. A second set of clothes was neatly folded in the center of the bed, courtesy of Martin, who had passed by before finding him in the bedroom.

"Ash, I finished showering, give me the clothes." He picked up the folded clothes and stood in front of the door, placing them on the floor.

"They're on the floor by the door, I'm waiting for you in the living room." Ash left the room and May opened the bathroom door, picking up the black long-sleeved shirt first. The difference in height, added to Ash's slightly larger physique, made the shirt reach halfway up the girl's thighs, and her hands disappeared inside the long sleeves. The red bow, her signature brand, was placed in the basket, and she combed her brown hair to make herself minimally presentable. For a moment, she thought about putting on the pants, but immediately dismissed the idea, they wouldn't sit tight around her waist at all, and the shirt was already big enough to cover anything important.

She put the folded pants on the bed and went to the living room, where Ash was waiting for her, sitting on the couch and watching a Hoenn pokemon league battle. Without any ceremony, May sat next to the boy, calling his attention. When Ash saw her with only her shirt on, she blushed with embarrassment and immediately fixed her eyes on the TV screen. The shirt, although loose on May's body, did nothing to hide her 'assets', and the last thing Ash wanted was to gain a reputation as a pervert.

"My dad is also always watching battle reruns, he's a gym leader, but it wouldn't hurt to watch something fun every now and then. Hey Ash, were you serious when you introduced yourself to school?"

"Yes, my dream is to be the best Pokemon trainer in the world. It may seem arrogant, but for a long time I believed it to be impossible, and when I had the opportunity, I couldn't afford to miss it." May was impressed with the sincerity of her new friend, he seemed arrogant in the auditorium, but now hearing the same thing, it sounded different, not like arrogance, but like a dream, just like any other.

"I wish I had a dream as impressive as yours." May said to herself, but Ash heard it, and turned around with confusion in her eyes.

"Why do you say that? A dream doesn't have to be impressive, it just has to be something you really want to do." May was startled to realize that she had spoken aloud, but Ash's words left her in doubt.

"He is sure? I did everything to get a place at this academy because I like a boy who ended up rejecting me, there is nothing more pathetic than that." She tried to speak in a teasing tone, but her eyes filled with tears.

"It's not pathetic." Ash spoke and May wiped her tears with her arm, looking at him. "Loving someone isn't pathetic, and even if it didn't turn out the way you wanted it to, at least you won't have any regrets. Admitting that you like someone must be one of the bravest things to do, don't be ashamed of it, and what about your dream, who said you can't find it during your years at that academy? Live at your own pace, May, one day you will find someone who loves you for who you really are." May was genuinely impressed by what she heard from the same boy who blushed with embarrassment at a simple joke.

They were the words she didn't even know she needed to hear, and it came from someone she'd just met. She poked Ash's rib with her finger and laughed as she startled him. "So in addition to being recommended by the world champion, you are also a motivational coach? Who would have thought that Ashy would know how to calm the heart of a sad lady." She finished speaking by sticking out her tongue.

The sound of the door opening caught the attention of the duo, who saw Martin with a cart full of dishes that made Ash and May's stomachs rumble at the same time, both blushed with embarrassment and scratched the back of their heads in embarrassment. Pikachu, who was lying on the other side of the couch, was amazed that a human female could look so similar to Pikapi. Well, he's already at the age of looking for a partner, or two, who knows, given Pikapi's luck, it would be several females in the future making his life a cheap romantic comedy.

A shiver down the yellow mouse's spine made him shudder, he had just jinxed himself, hadn't he?

Third chapter, and here officially ends the prologue, from now on the day to day of the Pokémon Academy will be exactly more emphatic, and I hope you enjoy the story so far, and that you will be with me in the next ones.

About a comment saying that I would stop reading because of the lack of reasons for Red to abandon Ash, well, I haven't even started to touch the tip of the iceberg that is the plot of this story, of course I wouldn't give everything away in the first few chapters, have patience, and let the plot speak for itself.

Until the next part of Wrong Side of Heaven.