Chapter 3: I Choose You!

The next two years at the Pokemon school were definitely something Ash was not expecting. Not only was he forced to take classes such as "Elemental Theory" and "IV Training" but he also had to deal with the fact that not only was he not the best amongst the Pallet Five, since that spot belonged to Gary. But he wasn't even in the schools top twenty. Which made Ash's skin boil since that spot went to Damian. Damian who now had evolved from a mean little boy into the school's number one bully. He was the type of person who would always find a way to get Ash in trouble or make fun of him in the halls, which in turn infuriated Ash, especially when he would say mean things about Serena. There was this one time that things got so bad their altercation had ended up with both Gary and Ash physically fighting Damian, this was after he had bad mouthed Serena and Leaf because they had gotten better scores than him on a quiz.

While there, Ash and Serena decided to make a promise. After what they had seen with Professor Oak, they decided that no matter what their individual goals were, they would travel together and do their best to help all people and Pokemon in need. And to do so Ash figured he would have to be the strongest, so he had set his goals on defeating every Gym leader in order to take part in the Indigo League. And with a little convincing from Serena, he'll also be joining her in the Battle Chateau. This is a battle tournament where you compete to earn the rank of Duke or Duchess with the winner getting a special reward. Although no one knows what it is, this is because only Duchesses and Dukes are informed, and they aren't allowed to tell anyone what the prize is if they do not share the rank.

The only thing that bummed Ash out was that in the entire two years he was at the school, Pichu, still didn't trust humans. And this is all Ash has been thinking about for the las three days since they had all arrived back to Pallet after graduation. After all, tomorrow is the day they get their first Pokemon and finally get to set out on their journey, and Ash while forgetful at times, has not forgotten the promise he made to Pichu. No matter what, Ash will make him trust in others again.

As Ash was lost in thought Delia came bursting through the door. "Ashton Ketchum! What are you doing up at this hour! It is 1 Am. Do you want to be late to get your Pokemon tomorrow?"

"Sorry mom...I'm just a little nervous that's all." Ash replied, getting himself tucked into bed.

Delia just smiled and took a seat on the bed and began playing with his hair. "Are you worried about Pichu?" Ash just nodded in reply. "Honey, you are one of the kindest souls I've ever met, you always put yourself before others, including Pokemon. No matter what happens, just remember that it's not over till it's over."

"But what if I can't do it? What if Pichu hates me forever?" Ash could feel the tears starting to form.

"Ash trusts me, there's no way anyone could hate you forever." Delia gave him a kiss on the head and walked over to the door.

With a little smile Ash spoke. "Thank you, I really needed that. Goodnight Mom."

"Of course honey, that's what I'm here are for. Goodnight Ash."

And as Delia turned the lights off and left the room Ash finally fell into a slumber as he dreamt about going on his journey with his best friend Serena and thinking about how he has the best mom in the world.

Well...it happened again, Ash was currently holding on to his bag as he sprinted down to Professor Oaks lab about an hour later than the supposed arrival time. He was wearing jeans, and a black shirt, with a blue jacket over it, along with green shoes that matched the C on his limited edition Pokemon League hat. And as he finally barged through the front door of the lab, he felt his body collide with someone else and next thing he knew, Ash was on the floor looking up at Gary.

Gary, who was now wearing a long sleeved purple shirt, with black pants and black shoes, spoke up. "Watch where you're going Ashy Boy. You just bumped into the greatest Pokemon trainer to ever live!"

"That's not possible Gary, I didn't bump into myself, did I?" Ash snorted

Gary just smirked "Last time I checked a Pokemon trainer needs a Pokemon and you don't even have that. The early bird gets the worm Ashy, and your worm ran away ages ago."

Ash rose up and began to yell. "Oh yeah? I'll show you Gary, when I get my Pokemon we will destroy you in no time!"

"Geez, did anyone every tell you you're louder than a roaring Charizard, now if you don't mind get out the way Ashy Boy, I have a journey to set out on, I'll smell you all later." And with that they all watched Gary leave the lab hoping into a red convertible being driven by a bunch of cheerleaders and speeding off.

Ash just stood there shaking his fist "That Gary! I'll show him"

The next person Ash saw while walking to the Pokemon room was Leaf, she was wearing a blue shirt that complimented her blue boots, along with a red skirt and a white hat.

"Hey Ash you're finally here!" Leaf said squishing him in a bear hug.

"Hi Leaf, so what Pokemon did you end up getting?" Ash replied, trying to get out of the hug as he could now feel his lungs collapsing.

As soon as Leaf heard the question, she squealed in excitement and said "Bulbasaur I choose you!" as the little green Pokemon with the bulb on his back began to lick his trainers face.

"Woah! He's so cool, man this little guy totally fits you." Ash remarked

"I know right! Together he and I will catch every Pokemon to ever live!" And with that she gave Ash one last hug and said goodbye, allowing Ash to finally make his way into the room where the starter Pokemon were being kept.

Walking into the room, the first thing Ash noticed was Serena. She was wearing a red skirt, with a black shirt and black shoes, and to top it off, a pink hat. She currently seemed to be in some sort of argument, and that's when Ash realized who she was talking to.

In front of Serena was Damian wearing a pink polo shirt with a red undershirt, brown pants and brown shoes. He also had white shades in his hair and a brown vest, and currently he was making a big scene because Serena didn't want to battle him.

"Damian, I already told you, Eevee doesn't want to battle, I'm not going to force my Pokemon to do something it doesn't want to." Serena yelled as Eevee hid behind its trainer.

The blue haired boy rolled his eyes. "Charmander here needs to get stronger, he's way too weak right now, so fight him so he can get stronger or else." Charmander looked at Damian with a hurt expression but took his battle stance anyway.

As Daimian went to command Charmander to attack Ash finally intervened. "Leave Serena alone. If you want a Pokemon battle, I'll give you one Damian."

Damian just laughed. "And how am I supposed to fight someone who doesn't even have a Pokemon. You're even weaker than Serenas useless a-" but before he could finish his sentence, Ash had ran up and punched Damian square in the face, causing the blue haired boy to fall on the ground.

Ash looked down at him in pure anger. "Don't ever bad mouth Serena. I thought you learned your lesson last time Gary and I showed you up." This had caused Serena to blush, who had been taken aback since neither her nor Damian had seen him walk in.

Just as Damian was about to retaliate, Professor Oak walked. "Is everything alright?" The old man in the lab coat asked.

Damian just shrugged as he got up from the ground. "Yeah, we're good. Charmander and I were just going." And as Damian passed Ash he whispered. "Watch your back Ketchum. There won't be anyone out there to save you and your little girlfriend next time."

As Ash watched him walk away, he blushed as his attention turned to Serena who he saw mouth the words "thank you" as she didn't want to interrupt Professor Oak who had just continued to talk.

"Ash my boy, you really need to stop being late all the time, here take these" The old man chuckled as he handed Ash five Pokeballs.

"Sorry Professor, I just couldn't get to bed last night. So, how's Pichu?" Ash asked as he put the Pokeballs away in his bag.

The old man sighed. "Well, I've tried my best, but he still is having issues letting others in, he barely lets me take him out for walks and to eat. But there's definitely progress. Are you still certain he is who you want Pichu as your starter?"

"Positive Professor." Ash instantly Replied.

"Very well then, he is currently out in the forest behind the lab, he usually likes to train out there at this time. Here take his Pokeball, I'd help you bring him in myself, but I've got to go over some reports on fossil Pokemon that I received from Cinnabar Island." Oak handed Ash the Pokeball and with a wave, made his way into his office.

Now that it was just her and Ash, Serena was finally able to thank Ash out load. "Hey Ash, thank you for helping Eevee and I with Damian back there." She said with a small blush which Ash didn't notice. This was because unknown to Ash, Serena had developed a massive crush on him, but to her dismay the poor boy was too dense to ever realize it.

"Don't mention it, that's what I'm here for." Ash replied giving her a big grin which only made her blush harder, luckily, he had begun staring at Pichu's ball, so he didn't notice.

Trying to compose herself, Serena asked "So, what will you do now?" as she picked up her Eevee and began petting her, making the little Pokemon giggle.

Ash just stared down at Pichu's Pokeball.

As the two kids made their way through the forest, Ash and Serena couldn't help but feel nostalgic as they remembered entering this exact part of the forest all those years ago during Professor Oaks summer camp.

Currently leading the way was Serena's Eevee who had volunteered to take them to Pichu as she knew exactly where he would be since she had seen him wander off to train before. And to their surprise finally reaching the clearing where the river was, Ash's eyes widened in surprise as he saw a very familiar sight. In front of them Pichu was standing on a log in the middle of the river surrounded by three Poliwags.

However, this time as one of the Poliwags shot out of the water Pichu jumped on his head hitting with a Thunder Shock and using it's body to propel himself to shore and knocking it out.

Ash asked Serena to stay back with Eevee, making Serena pout since she wanted to spend more time with Ash, but she understood what he had to do so she nodded anyway.

As Ash reached Pichu, the mouse like Pokemon began to spark his cheeks.

"Woah, woah, I'm not here to hurt you buddy. I don't know if you remember me, but I was one of the people who saved you when those poachers captured you." Ash said while putting both hands up.

Pichu just snarled.

Trying to get through Ash continued. "Well little guy, I'm your trainer. Look here's your Pokeball."

At the sight of the Pokeball Pichu flinched and jumped away to get further back.

Ash just smiled. "So, you don't like to be in your Pokeball? That's fine, I won't return you. Look Pichu, I know you don't really trust me right now. But I want to be friends with you. I mean it. So, what do you say?" Ash extended an arm out and suddenly two Poliwags shot out from the water, one facing Pichu and the other one facing Ash.

Instantly Pichu and the Poliwag he was facing began to battle with Thunder Shocks and Water Guns going everywhere. As Ash tried to roll out the way the other Poliwag ran at him hitting him with a Tail Whip causing him to fall back. It was in that moment Ash realized the Poliwag he was facing was the very same one he vowed to catch.

Seeing Ash get hurt, Serena ran into the clearing with Eevee ready to help Ash.

"Serena wait." Ash grunted "This is the Poliwag that I vowed to catch and battle. If you help me win this fight it would be like cheating, and that's something I don't want to do."

"But Ash, Pichu hasn't decided to listen to you yet. How will you fight him?" She had begun to help him up while Eevee and Poliwag stared each other down.

"Trust me, go help Pichu with the other Poliwag, I've got an idea." Ash replied

With a nod Serena ran past Poliwag with Eevee on her tail as she yelled, "Alright Eevee, use Sand Attack." Cause the Water Gun move that the Poliwag had aimed for Pichu to miss and hit a tree.

Seeing as Serena was attacking this Poliwag Pichu decided to shift his focus on the other one, as he charged up a Quick Attack and hit the Poliwag facing Ash in the back.

Ash smiled as this was exactly what he was planning. Maybe Pichu wouldn't listen to him but if they fought the same foe, perhaps that would change things.

"Alright Pichu, use Thunder Shock" Ash yelled.

Pichu rolled his eyes and proceeded to use Tackle and rammed right into Poliwag. Using this as an opening Poliwag flipped his tail using Pound and shot Pichu back onto the ground. As Pichu struggled to get up, Poliwag jumped into the air and slammed into Pichu, using Tail whip to shot him back into Ash, who grabbed him before he could fall on the ground.

Ash looked down at Pichu and began to speak. "Look Pichu, I know you don't like me yet, but I think you're an amazing Pokemon, and together you and I can beat this Poliwag. All I'm asking is for a chance. After this fight I won't ask you to listen to me in any other battles, I just ask that you come along on my journey and that right now you listen for both our sakes."

Pichu looked at him with a skeptical look and the he remembered seeing this boy cry for him back when Professor Oak had caught him in order to save his life. He remembered seeing him risk his life for him to save him from drowning in the log. This boy is kind. Maybe he's right. But one conversation won't solve everything.

"Please Pichu, you won't even need to stay in your Pokeball." Ash pleaded.

As Pichu looked over and saw the Poliwag getting ready for round two, he took one big pause and then nodded at Ash. Right now, this boy and I have the same goal, and if he can help me win then he'll take that chance. Plus going on a journey doesn't sound too bad. But just because I agree doesn't mean I'm gonna make it easy for Ash. After this battle he'll still have to work for my trust.

Meanwhile with Eevee and Serena, Serena had Eevee use a barrage of Sand Attacks causing the Poliwag to be consumed in a cloud of dust, not letting him land any of his Water Gun attacks, making Serena smile. "Alright Eevee now let's show him what we can do, use Tackle!" As Eevee made contact the Poliwag rolled back, but to Serena's shock, her attack barely did any damage.

Serena frowned knowing that this was going to take a little longer and looking at Eevee she could tell that she was already tired, but she couldn't blame her this was Eevee first Pokemon battle.

As Eevee looked at Serena she smiled. Back at the lab she didn't want to fight Damian and Charmander due to him scaring her away when she yelled at her trainer, but after seeing Serena and Ash risk their lives to save Pokemon and to fight, there's no way she's going to sit on the side lines and just watch.

Sick of waiting for Eevee to make her next move, Poliwag moved in for a Pound, seeing this, Eevee looked back at Serena and barked with a determined look causing all the worry the girl had to go away.

"Alright then, Eevee use Tail Whip and wear him down!" Serena called out.

With a nod Eevee moved out of the way of the Poliwags attack, thanking the effects of Sand Attack for making it so easy. Soon Eevee and Poliwag began to enter a sort of Dance, as Poliwag would attack, Eevee would dodge and counter with a Tail Whip slowly wearing the Poliwag down. After a few minutes of this Serena asked Eevee to pull back and create some space between them.

"Now that he's weak this fight is ours Eevee!" Serena gave her Pokemon a thumbs up. "Use the space you got to charge up a Tackle and finish this!"

With a loud bark Eevee began to run at full speed at Poliwag colliding with the other Pokemon and causing him to fall back into the river.

Happy she won, Eevee laid down panting as she heard Serenas cheers while her trainer made her way over to her in order to comfort her and celebrate their victory.

As Pichu saw the other Poliwag fall into the river the little mouse turned towards Ash and gave him a nod. Making Ash grin. "Alright Pichu" the boy said while placing the little mouse back on the ground. "Let's show him what a good battle looks like, start off by using Quick Attack to move in!

As Pichu closed the gap the Poliwag started shooting out Water Guns. "Dodge and use Tail Whip to wear him down!" Listening to Ash, Pichu rolled behind the blue pokemon and whipped him causing Poliwag to fall face first. But to Ash and Pichu's surprise Poliwag shot a Water Gun straight at the ground flinging him up into the air.

"Quick Pichu use Thunder Shock before he comes back down!" Ash yelled out but it was too late, before Pichu could react the Poliwag came down hitting Pichu with a Pound, knocking him back towards Ash.

Ash looked around trying to come up with a solution to this fight when the idea hit him. "Pichu, I know you don't have your full trust in me but in order to win I need you to do as I say. Is that ok?"

Pichu, who was already hurt and tried to complain, nodded as he got ready to follow his trainers word.

At the nod Ash began to call out. "Use Quick Attack and jump onto the log in the center of the river!" While Pichu made his way at full speed towards the river, Poliwag ran behind him, and as Pichu landed on the log, Poliwag dove into the river waiting to launch out from the water at Pichu to catch him off guard. Except Ash remembered that they liked to use that strategy, so he began to call out. "Alright Pichu be ready. When he jumps out the water grab onto his tail and wait for both of you to be submerged to use Thunder Shock." Surprised but happy with Ash's idea. Pichu waited for Poliwag to jump out and as Pichu dodged and grabbed on to his tail soon the two Pokemon splashed into the water and seconds later a power shock of electricity exploded throughout the whole river. And after a few seconds Pichu came out of the water and onto the land while Poliwag floated on the surface of the water with swirls in his eyes.

Ash smiled. "Good job Pichu. And now time for this!" Ash pulled his hate back as he reached for a Pokeball from his bag. "Go Pokeball!"

The ball gave three small shakes before a ding was heard and Ash began to celebrate hitting a pose. "OH YEAH, WE CAUGHT POLIWAG!"

As Ash made his way to Pichu the boy smiled. "Thank you Pichu, you were awesome out there."
The little Pokemon shrugged in a matter fact way and began to lick himself. Ash just giggled. "So, you will be joining us but not battling." Pichu nodded and then turned his back to Ash so he could leave him alone.

Although Ash sighed, he was happy. This was a step in the right direction.

Soon Serena came over along with Eevee who happily began speaking to Pichu. "At least those two are hitting it off" Serena laughed

Ash nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that's a good sign. Hey by the way you were incredible out there."

Serena blushed and began to stutter. She didn't know Ash was paying attention to her battle. "G...g...gee thanks, but all the credit goes to Eevee."

Ash shook his head. "Are you kidding? Yeah, Eevee was awesome but the way you came up with ways for her to overpower that tanky Poliwag was just as impressive." This caused the blonde girls face to turn scarlet red. "Serena, are you ok? You might have a fever." Ash said worriedly.

"I'm f... ...fine, thanks. But hey, you're one to talk" She replied covering her face.

"What do you mean?" Ash replied.

"Ash, not only did you get Pichu to listen but the idea to use water to conduct the electricity in turn boosting Pichu's attack was brilliant." Serena said in awe.

It was now the boys turn to blush. "Well, that's just basic stuff we picked up at trainer school"

Serena gave a sly smile. "You mean the classes you said we'd never use in real life?"

Ash began to rub his head sheepishly. "Yeah, maybe I should've paid a little more attention huh."

"You think?" She said bluntly

"Heyyy I wasn't that bad, was I?" He said looking at her with puppy dog eyes.

"Ashy, you let Damian rank higher than you..." Serena said while laughing.

Damian name combined with the laughing caused Ash to go red. "Alright that does it. I'll really give you something to laugh about!"

Soon Ash began to run at Serena, who knew exactly what this meant. Fighting for her life, she ran in the opposite direction from Ash but wasn't fast enough. Soon the two kids were on the ground laughing and smiling as Ash began tickling Serena who was laughing too hard to tickle him back.

As Pichu and Eevee looked at the scene, Eevee smiled happily hoping to one day find someone who cared for her like that, while Pichu just rolled his eyes thinking the two should get a room.

Well guys hope you enjoyed yet another chapter, here we go to see Ash and Serena get their first mons and although I wanted to give Serena her original fire pokemon, I felt her starting with Eevee felt right

As for Ash, him and Pichu are starting to form a bond, I hope you guys like the slow build up but don't worry I promise next chapter it'll pay off

OH AND ASH GOT A POLIWAG, I hope you guys liked that little hint from the manga.

Anywhoooo see you next time bye guys!