"Mommy, I don't want to go to school." said a 7-year-old Serena as she trembled in her white dress and straw hat.
Grace smiled down on her daughter, "Oh Serena, aren't you tired of being here all day? You can finally go and make more friends!"
Next to Serena a boy slightly shorter than Serena stepped forward, "Don't worry Ms. Yvonne, I'll make sure Serena has a terrific day and makes lots of friends!"
Grace smiled warmly at the boy and in her thick Kalos accent said, "Thank you Ash, I know I can count on you."
Ash took Serena by the hand, causing the young girl to blush, and after a quick wave to Grace and his mother rushed out the door. When the two were out of sight Grace took a deep sigh and turned back to her guest sipping coffee at the kitchen table.
"Thank you so much for stopping by Delia. Honestly I don't know if I could have gotten Serena to go to school without Ash."
Delia smiled warmly, "Oh it my pleasure, I'm sure it must be so hard for Serena with her first day in a new school."
Grace sighed again, "Honestly I just don't know. Serena has always been a little shy but since we moved out here she's been completely different. I've signed her up for everything from that camp to the soccer team but outside of Ash she hasn't even been able to look in the direction of other kids."
"Change is hard." Delia said earnestly, "But give her time. I'm sure once Serena spends day with other kids she'll come right out of her shell."
"Oh, I pray so." Grace muttered.
A bit aways down the road Serena was now dragging her feet, not even Ash holding her hand could motivate her anymore.
"Ash, maybe we should just skip school." Serena muttered.
The young Ash looked back in surprise, "If we did that our moms would be really angry. Besides, you can meet all my friends!"
"But I already have." Serena pouted, "Leaf just calls me 'Little Miss Shy' and Gary makes fun of my accent." Like her mother the young girl had quite a distinct Kalos accent.
"Oh don't worry, Leaf is just playing around. If you stand up to her she'll be your friend in no time. And Gary may seem mean but he's actually my best friend!"
Serena looked up a bit hurt by this.
"I mean besides you of course." Ash cut in quickly.
The two then stopped at the doors to their elementary school. Serena was now visibly shaking with fear.
Ash placed his hand on her shoulder reassuringly, "Serena, you don't have to be afraid of anything."
"But what if the other kids make fun of me? What if the older kids hurt me? What if our teacher doesn't like people from Kalos?"
Ash quickly stepped in front of the girl and with a wide smile declared, "Serena, as long as we're together I promise I'll protect you from anything!"
Serena stared in awe of the boy, as a deep crimson spread across her cheeks.
It had been about three hours since Ash and Serena had departed for Viridian City and already Serena wasn't sure what to talk about with Ash. It wasn't like she couldn't think of anything to say. She and Ash had been great friends for years, it was just that whenever a conversation veered even a little towards a topic Serena viewed as romantic she tensed up and became incredibly awkward. For example, Ash had been talking about getting dinner when they got to Viridian City and Serena's mind instantly ran to a romantic dinner together. It hadn't always been this way. Sure, when the teen first met Ash in a forest around Pallet Town she had started to develop a crush but that was natural. Serena had just arrived in a new town and knew no one, so Ash was a bit of a savior to her. Eventually though Serena would meet Leaf, Yellow, and other girls in her class and develop many friendships. Still, over the years Serena watched the confidence and enthusiasm that Ash attacked everything with and couldn't help developing some deeper feelings. It also didn't help that Ash was kind, and muscular, and had wonderful, tanned skin, and- Serena smacked her cheeks to get out of her daydream.
"Serena, you ok?" Ash said looking over confused.
Serena laughed nervously, "Hehe yea I was just thinking maybe we should stop for a quick snack!"
Ash smiled broadly, "Great idea! There's a tree over there we can set up under."
As the two sat down Ash continued to chat on and on about whatever came to his mind. The other kids had always made fun of his denseness when it came to girls, Ash never seemed to be romantically interested in anyone. But truthfully it was something Serena liked about him. Serena had always been a little prettier than the other girls in school, or as Leaf had once described her, "Drop dead gorgeous" During her childhood multiple talent scouts had approached her mother requesting Serena take part in child acting or modeling because of her appearance. Although Grace had always shot it down calling it beneath her daughter. At school this also materialized with Gary a few times trying to arrogantly hit on her when they were younger or boys being unable to hold conversations around her because they would get nervous. Ash on the other hand never seemed to notice, he just always chatted with her as if he only cared about what she had to say.
"So, Serena, do you think you should let your starter out for a bit?" Ash asked, again snapping Serena out of her thoughts.
"Oh right" Serena responded, "I guess I haven't gotten to spend much time with her."
The thought that she was casually carrying another life on her hip was still taking some adjusting.
"Ok" Serena declared proudly as she held up a pokeball, "Come on out!"
As she tossed in the air a small brown fox materialized before them. It stretched its legs before cheerfully chirping, "Ee-vee!"
"Awesome!" Ash said in awe as he held out his pokedex, "Eevee, the evolution pokemon: thanks to its unstable genetic makeup, this special Pokémon conceals many different possible evolutions."
The Eevee rubbed itself against Ash before returning to its owner's side who happily gave it a treat.
"You're so lucky you got one. Have you thought about what you want her to evolve into?" Ash inquired.
"Not really" Serena answered truthfully, "I didn't know I was getting her till today after the ceremony."
Traditionally trainers will choose between a grass, water, and fire starter from their region. But in recent years it had become increasingly common for parents with a little more money to buy their children a different starter pokemon. Serena had been surprised the previous month on her 16th birthday when her mother had told her that she and stepfather were buying her a pokemon. Of course they had kept what kind a secret until today.
"I'm just really happy I didn't get a Rhyhorn." Serena said with a sweat drop.
"You should just be glad you got a starter that likes you." Ash grumbled as he looked over his shoulder.
Serena frowned sadly as she looked to where Ash was staring. Sitting on a rock about 30 feet away was a glaring Pikachu. After the shock had revealed Pikachu really did despise people, Ash had learned another tough reality: Pikachu hated pokeballs even more. The mouse had outright refused to go back inside and seemed content to wander off on its own until Serena had thought to bribe it with food. Now the mouse just followed its meal ticket from a distance while shooting them daggers anytime they looked his way.
"Ash, its only your first day together." Serena said, "Prof. Oak told us that Pikachu seemed scared of people, maybe you just need to try a different approach."
Ash thought on this for a moment before giving her a warm smile, "Thanks Serena I think you're right."
He then picked up a rice cake that they had been snacking on and approached Pikachu. The pokemon immediately got in a defensive stance and began sparking electricity at the boy but Ash ignored this and simply held out the rice cake. Pikachu quickly snatched it from the trainer and began eating the treat.
"Listen Pikachu, I'm sorry we got off to such a rough start." Ash said gently, "This must have all happened really fast for you, but I promise if you give me a chance you won't regret it."
He then reached out to pat the electric mouse on the head but on contact Pikachu released another devastating thundershock.
"Ash!" Serena yelled as her crush writhed in pain.
As she helped Ash to his feet the boy looked at the pokemon in frustration and shouted, "Well forget you, Pikachu. I don't need you anyway!"
Pikachu seemed to shrug in indifference as it continued to eat the now charred rice cake. Suddenly a bird pokemon landed down where they been eating and began pecking at a rice cake.
Serena quickly pulled out her pokedex, "Pidgey, the tiny bird pokemon: Common in grassy areas and forests, it is very docile and will chase off enemies by flapping up sand."
"Hey what if I just catch this Pidgey, then I can have a pokemon that will respect me!" Ash said mostly to himself. "Stand back Serena."
He then pulled out a pokeball. After doing a bit of a grandiose windup the teen heaved the ball towards the bird. Pidgey was promptly absorbed into the pokeball which began to shake aggressively. Finally the pokeball seemed to stop shaking and Ash marched over victoriously.
"Isn't a pokeball supposed to ding when a capture is complete?" Serena asked aloud, but it was too late. Just as Ash was getting close the ball blew open, tearing itself to pieces as the Pidgey flew out. The tiny bird squawked in desperation as it flapped its wings right on top of Ash knocking the teen over before the retreating.
"'Ugh I got sand in my eyes!" Ash complained as Serena again ran to help him. This time though the pair heard condescending squeals as Pikachu was rolling on its back laughing uncontrollably.
Ash turned red in embarrassment before snapping, "Oh shut up!"
Then just by them there was a rustle in the bushes.
"It must be that Pidgey." Ash said as he crouched low and picked up a rock, "This time I'll weaken it a little first."
He then jumped and heaved the rock, a perfect throw that smashed directly into the rustling grass.
"Direct hit!" Serena cheered.
Ash smiled proudly as he held out another pokeball, "Now come out Pidgey!"
Suddenly a dark shape emerged from the grass flying aggressively at the pair. The two jumped to the ground to avoid it as the pokemon then flew high in the air. It was not a Pidgey. This was a pokemon with jagged brown feathers and red wings. Quickly Serena pulled out her pokedex, "Spearow, the tiny bird pokemon: Spearow has a very loud cry that can be heard over half a mile away. If its high, keening cry is heard echoing all around, it is a sign that they are warning each other of danger."
"A Spearow?" Ash cried in surprise before hardening his face, "No matter, I'll still catch it!"
The Spearow didn't turn back to attack the two trainers though. This time it had a new target, Pikachu.
"It must know Pikachu is yours!" Serena said as the Spearow moved into attack position. Pikachu didn't flinch though. Glaring at the pokemon he released a thundershock attack that scored a direct hit, frying the bird.
"Not bad" Ash said to himself before preparing to throw the pokeball, "Well Spearow, I guess you're mine!"
Before he could throw though the Spearow raised its head and released a loud cry that forced the trainers and their pokemon to cover their ears.
"Ugh what was that?" Ash complained.
"Didn't the pokedex say something about a Spearow crying?" Serena asked before both trainers turned to each other, "Oh no!" they both exclaimed in unison. In the forest just ahead, dozens of red lights were now glowing, they were the eyes of the Spearow's flock.
"Run!" Ash shouted but it was too late before they could react over 20 Spearow had flooded out of the forest towards the group. Soon the trainers were desperately throwing their arms around to avoid the sharp talon and dangerous attacks. Eevee attempted to protect her trainer but was quickly overwhelmed and, in a bid to protect her, Serena returned the fox pokemon to its pokeball. Pikachu was fearing better though as its electric attacks were bringing down scores of Spearow. Finally, a slightly larger Spearow surprised Pikachu and landed a powerful drill peck attack from behind, knocking the mouse to the ground. The other Spearow didn't let up though aggressively attacking the fallen Pikachu with all they had.
Pikachu moaned in pain as its consciousness faded before a voice cut through, "Let him go!" Ash appeared from nowhere and threw himself directly in the path of the Spearow tearing both his clothes and skin apart as he scooped up Pikachu. The mouse looked up in shock as the boy rushed forward still fending off attacks. With his free hand he grabbed Serena's wrist and the two took off.
"We need to get out of here!" Ash shouted.
"Where can we go?" Serena shrieked in fear.
"Anywhere but here." Ash responded as the large Spearow reappeared and landed a drill peck directly on his back. Ash grunted in pain before swiftly turning and placing Pikachu in Serena's arms, "Hold him!" Ash shouted. As he turned around to face what he assumed was the lead Spearow. The fierce bird was now circling back, it's beak emanating white energy that spun like a drill. Ash didn't dodge though. Throwing his fist forward he punched the Spearow directly in the beak. Blood splattered everywhere as the Spearow drilled into the middle of Ash's fist but soon it lost momentum and Ash was able to punch it into the ground. Serena and Pikachu looked on with utter bewilderment. The other Spearow seemed unsure of what just happened but soon they gathered themselves and prepared to resume their attack. Ash prepared himself to fight them all with his bare hands but suddenly electricity arched over his shoulders in every direction. Pikachu rushed in front of the boy blasting static everywhere, fending off the flock, until finally he gave out and collapsed. As the Spearow recovered from the attack Ash scooped up Pikachu and soon he and Serena were again running down the road. This time though as the Spearow closed in Ash came up with a plan.
"Serena," he said as calmly as he could, "Look up ahead. It's a cliff to the Viridian River. We're going to need to jump in."
"What?!" Serena shouted in fear, "That has to be a 50-foot drop!"
"I know but we don't have a choice." Ash said briefly making eye contact with the girl, "Serena you need to trust me."
Tears now pouring down the honey blonde girl's face she gulped before nodding, closing her eyes the two jumped. It must have been only a few seconds but to Serena it felt like an hour. Time stopped as she hung weightless in the air before finally there was a crash and they were in the water. The Viridian River was strong and soon the two were completely without control of their bodies as the current swept them away.
Sitting far down the river was another girl. She had orange hair, a yellow shirt, and short blue jean short with overalls. Today was meant to be a day of intense training but instead the girl had gotten distracted with fishing. Sighing to herself the girl looked up at storm clouds rapidly rolling closer and closer.
"Well, I guess I better get back to Viridian before the storm. I can always train tomorrow." She said to herself. As she went to stand up though her fishing rod yanked aggressively. The girl was soon forced to wedge herself behind a rock as she held on to the fishing pole for dear life and reeled.
"Did I finally catch a Gyardos?" She exclaimed. This was it. This would show her sisters how powerful she was. As the girl reeled with all she had, finally, the rod snapped back pulling something out of the water. It wasn't a Gyardos though, in fact it wasn't even a pokemon, just two brats.
As the two teens got to their knees they began coughing aggressively to get out all the water.
"What in the heck were you two doing?" The girl scolded before gasping, "What did you do to that poor Pikachu?"
On the ground Pikachu was now matted in both its and Ash's blood while also covered in bruises and open wounds.
"Stupid *cough* Spearow *cough*" Ash struggled to say.
"Ash," Serena almost whispered. They looked up to see her pointing in the distance. The Spearow had found them.
"They don't give up." He muttered. Quickly looking around Ash found what he needed. "Hey lady, sorry to do this but we need your bike."
"What?" The girl said in shock. Before she had a chance to properly protest though Ash had jumped on with Pikachu barely conscious in the front basket and Serena clinging to Ash on the back.
"We promise we'll give it back." Serena said apologetically as Ash sped away leaving the girl in complete shock.
Down the road Ash pedaled with all he could. "No way those Spearow will follow us into Viridian City, it's way too crowded. We're almost there just hang on tight you two!"
Serena looked back over her shoulder. The sky was now pitch black as rain was increasingly coming down on them. That didn't stop the Spearow though. Led by the large one Ash had punched, the flock was getting closer.
"Ash, please. We need to go faster, they're almost on us." Serena begged.
Ash did pedal faster. Faster than Serena thought possible. As he began putting distance between him and the Spearow suddenly the road had a steep drop. Ash was not able to hold control and he and Serena were thrown from the bike crashing to the ground. Ash cried out in pain as he looked at his ankle. There was no way he could ride now. Next to his leg he saw Pikachu. The pokemon had been caught up in his foolishness and now looked barely alive.
"Ash" Came almost a whisper. Ash looked up to see Serena sitting there staring at the Spearow. She was now pale white and only soft tears were streaming down her face, "Are we going to die?"
Ash looked at her in shock before looking back at Pikachu's limp form one more time before finally taking a deep breath, "No you're not." He said as he got to his feet. "Serena, I want you to take Pikachu and run to Viridian City as fast as you can."
"What are you saying Ash?" She began.
"Just go!" Ash barked, before looking back over his shoulder to her, tears now streaming down his face as well, "Please just go."
Walking forward Ash stood between the wreck and the Spearow.
"Spearow!" He called with all his strength, "My name is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town! I am destined to become the world's greatest pokemon master. That means there's no way I could lose to weaklings like you. So come at me! I'll take every single one of you by myself if I have to, I WON'T LOSE!"
As Serena watched Ash in horror, only one memory danced in her head, a 7-year-old Ash smiling at her on the first day of school, "Serena, as long as we're together I promise I'll protect you from anything!"
"ASH!" she screamed as she tried to get to her feet but before she could a yellow blur dashed past her. Quickly, Pikachu ran to Ash and jumped on his shoulder. From behind Serena saw very little. But had she been able to see Ash's eyes she would have seen them now glowing bright blue. As Pikachu made contact with Ash his eyes too turned blue. Leaping forward the pokemon was enveloped in a sphere of blue electricity that released the largest electric attack Serena had ever seen. Then, black.
"Serena, Serena." Serena opened her eyes to Ash's smiling face. As he helped her up Serena looked around in confusion to see dozens of Spearow knocked out cold on the ground.
"Pikachu did this?" She asked amazed.
"He did," Ash responded, holding up the exhausted mouse. Weakly, Pikachu licked Ash's cheek and smiled.
Suddenly out of nowhere the dark clouds split open and sunlight beat down on the trainers.
"Amazing" Serena said weakly as she looked up at the light.
"Do you see that?" exclaimed Ash. Above them flew a massive bird with beautifully colored feathers. Ash had never seen a pokemon with so many incredible colors, red like fire, yellow like the sun, green like emeralds, and white like snow.
"See what?" asked Serena.
"That bird!" Ash shouted,
"Ash, I don't see a bird." Serena said, concerned, "Do you think you might have a concussion?"
Suddenly though a single feather floated down to them, it was unlike any feather the two had ever seen. Longer than Ash's hand, this feather was fiery red and somehow was glowing a yellow energy.
"Well, I see that." Serena said in awe as the feather fell directly into Ash's hands.
"And look at that." The boy said, pointing in the other direction. Before them was a large city stretching on endlessly.
"We finally made it to Viridian City." Ash said.