CHAPTER I: FROM THE SLUMS OF PALLET

Once upon a time, there were three childhood friends, called Ash, Brock and Gary. They lived in the kingdom of Kanto and grew up in Pallet Town together. The boys also grew up with their own Pokemon, who became their partners. Gary had an Eevee and Brock had an Onix and most notable of the Pokemon, was Ash's Pikachu, who was always never far from him and preferred to stay out of his Pokeball. He was gifted to him by his father when he was just 3 years old, but since then he had never seen him again. Ash was well known for his mouse-like companion, who never left his side. But he was even more well known for sporting a very unique cavalier hat, with a red feather, that was almost always stuck to his head.

Together, the three young lads and Pikachu were the best of friends. They also shared the same dream and often talked about how amazing it would be to become brave Musketeers. Unfortunately for this trio, however, they grew up in poverty and barely had a Pokedollar to spare between them. Ash and Gary had just turned 18 and Brock was a little older than them, at 20 years old. They were all grown adults now. So it was time to act like adults and get out into the big wide world. They were working on Gary's Grandad's Farm, Oak Fields, but this simply wasn't making ends meet. The Kingdom of Kanto was notoriously known for being short of good work. Unless you were upper-class, you were poor and unfairly paid. So for the last few years, the trio had vowed to each other to travel elsewhere to find a better job and improve their life prospects. They had heard that the Kingdom of Kalos was a lot fairer and paid a much better wage for most jobs. The economy was far better there in general and for that reason, they left their home behind, in search of a better way of living.

They arrived in the spring, the most beautiful time of year in Kalos. Upon arrival, they saw an ad in the local Lumiose City newspaper, to work as cleaners for the legendary Musketeers of Kalos. They had always flirted with the idea of being Musketeers themselves, but quickly dismissed the notion, believing it was impossible for them to live that dream. But having the chance to work for them, was the next best thing. So they immediately applied for the job and were remarkably successful on their very first attempt. A couple weeks later, they were stationed under the finest Musketeer of them all, Captain Giovanni.

And that was where they found themselves today, cleaning his quarters, while his Persian kept a steely eye on them, growling ever so slightly at them. It was perched on a fancy fluffy purple cushion, by a desk, awaiting its master's return.

'Well, would you believe it, guys?' began Ash. 'We've finally made it! Working for the finest Musketeers in the world!'

There were Musketeers across every region, but none half as spectacular as the Kalosian army. Under the motto of, "All for one and one for all," they were sworn to serve and protect the citizens and sovereign of the land, Princess Serena. There were very few monarchies left by this period of time, as Kalos was one of the more traditional regions to keep the custom going.

Garry scoffed at Ash as he dusted an old book on a bookshelf.

'Yeah, but we're not being paid much more, are we? It was rough work on the farm, but Gramps treated us right. And cleaning wasn't what I had in mind when I came here. We're nothing here...'

'Oh, come on, Gary! Have some faith for once! Give it time and we can move up in the world.'

'Yeah, we were lucky to land this job. Just give it time,' added Brock.

Gary wasn't convinced and shook his head, annoyed he had to work such a laborious, almost fruitless job.

'Exactly! Brock's right! But, I get your point. We just gotta aim high! I mean, who knows… Maybe we might impress Captain Giovanni enough to become Musketeers one day!'

Gary guffawed and mocked his friend a little.

'Wow, you really do have your head in the clouds sometimes, Ashy boy. You're way too positive. I'm a realist and I just can't see things getting much better.'

Gary shrugged and continued to dust off the book. Ash was dead serious, though. He had always had the determination of an ox. He wagged his finger, with a confident expression on his face.

'No! You're just too negative, my friend! Don't forget what happened when we were kids…'

Ash smiled nostalgically.

'We made a vow that day that we were going to do everything it takes to achieve our dream. So we can't give up now.'

Brock nodded emphatically, agreeing with Ash.

'Exactly. I remember it like it was yesterday. Remember, Gary?' said Brock.

Gary sighed and then eased up a little, before nodding along with them.

'Yeah, I do.'

Gary allowed himself a little smile at the thought of it. Ash took his hat off and clutched it tight in his hands and casted his mind back to 8 years ago…

It was Ash's 10th birthday, as he, Brock and Gary were walking back home after a lovely day out playing together. The skies were beginning to darken, as their parents worried about them. They were out a little later than they should have been, as they decided to take a backroad shortcut. They approached a cave, where three hooded figures turned their heads and took a good look at the young lads. Then they nodded at each other and ambushed them, blocking their pathway. A Houndoom jumped out with them, barking at the boys menacingly.

'Give us your money, pipsqueaks!' shouted the ring leader.

He pulled out a sharp weapon. The three young boys froze and didn't know what to do. They were terrified. But Ash wasn't having it. He shook his head and bravely stood up to them and refused to give in. Pikachu leapt off his shoulder and rushed to his defense, but he was quickly brushed aside by the Houndoom. Ash reacted angrily and threw a punch towards the ring leader, but he just dodged it and pushed Ash over. The robbers laughed and then rounded on them, thinking this would be like stealing candy from a baby, but then three Musketeers and their Arcanine suddenly came to their rescue. The heroes drew their swords and fended the bad guys off, until they eventually fled the scene. They were no match for the Musketeers. The leader walked back over to the boys and held out his hand for Ash. Ash stared at him in awe for a while, with starry eyes.

'Come on, Son. You're safe now. Let me help you up.'

Ash nodded and took his hand, getting back to his feet.

'Th- thank you, Sir!'

'You're welcome. What's your name, Son?'

'A-Ash,' Ash nervously responded.

The lead Musketeer smiled and then ruffled his hair.

'Well, Ash. You were pretty brave there, you know. You really stood up for yourself. I'm impressed. In fact, you might even just have what it takes to be a Musketeer when you grow up.'

'Oh, wow! You really think so?!' asked Ash, excitedly.

'Yeah. For sure, Ash.'

He winked at him and then began to walk away. But then he turned back.

'Hey, you know what? You deserve this.'

He took his hat off.

'Have it. For your bravery.'

He put on Ash's head. It was far too big for him and barely balanced on his head, but Ash didn't care. He was honoured. Gary and Brock looked at each other open mouthed and looked a little jealous. A Musketeer's hat was no ordinary hat. It was one of a kind. They stared in awe.

'Right, well, you take care now, boys. Get home safe!'

The other Musketeers tipped their hats at them and then they walked down the opposite path. They boys excitedly chatted about the Musketeers the whole way home and Gary and Brock were dying to try on Ash's new hat. The Musketeers were their heroes and it was a day they would never forget…

From that day on, the boys were forever grateful for what the Musketeers did for them, especially Ash, who of course, slowly grew into the hat. And it suited him. Back in the present day, the hat had inevitably become frayed, with Ash wearing it every single day since.

Ash put his hat back on and beamed at his friends. Then he got a daring idea and tipped his hat down, with a determined look and a cheeky grin.

'Actually, you know what? I think we have what it takes to be Musketeers right now. I'm gonna ask Captain Giovanni if we can enlist.'

Brock and Gary opened their mouths wide in shock.

'Woah, woah, woah. Don't get me wrong, Ash. I'd love to be a Musketeer, but we're just cleaners. Commoners... The Captain will never let us join.' said Brock.

Ash shook his head and dismissed Brock's negativity.

'I know, but there's no harm in asking, right? You never know. He might see something in us…'

Just then, the room shook a little, as heavy footsteps thundered down the outside corridor and into the room. The Captain was back. He was the most skilled Musketeer in the land, perhaps the world. And even if it wasn't, he still had a very intimidating presence wherever he stomped about. But he was the most respected Musketeer alive and had truly earned his stripes, with seven medals pinned to his chest to show for it. But he had retired from active duty now, well into his 50s and mainly just did admin work and occasionally trained new recruits. Yet he still wore his full uniform proudly, dressed from the bottom up in big black boots, charcoal grey pants, a brown belt, a red shirt, a blue tunic with a gold fleur-de-lis on the chest, and a majestic flowing black cape. Of course, he was also wearing his own Musketeer hat too, slightly different to Ash's, with a noble white feather sticking out of it instead. Gary and Brock gulped, as he trudged over to his desk. As he walked, he made a heavy clomping sound, which only added to the intimidation factor. Persian jumped up from its cushion, welcoming the arrival of its Master, with a fond little purr. Giovanni stroked it behind the ear, making it purr louder. He sat down behind his desk, in a regal throne-like chair.

'So. I trust you three have carried out your duties for the day?' asked Giovanni.

He gave them a harsh stare and was in no mood for any incompetence.

'Aye, aye, Captain,' replied Ash.

He saluted him, getting a slight chuckle out of Giovanni.

'At ease. You're not a Musketeer, boy.'

Ash quickly relaxed himself and apologised.

'Now, if that's all, you are dismissed.'

Giovanni shooed them away like peasants and then took some paperwork out of his desk drawer. Gary and Brock didn't need telling twice and were on their way out already, but Ash wasn't going anywhere.

'Actually, Sir. I'd like to ask you something, if I may.'

Gary and Brock stopped at the door and gave each other worried looks. They didn't want to anger their new boss and were scared stiff of him. Giovanni slowly raised his head from his paperwork and looked almost shocked, that a common worker actually had more to say to him. Something to ask him, even. What could it possibly be? And how was he this brave? His beady eyes tried to intimidate Ash, expecting him to be meek and afraid like his fellow workers, but he wasn't anything like them. Giovanni considered it for a second, debating whether to even let him ask his question. He was much too curious to say no, though and so he allowed Ash to ask it.

'Hmm. What is it, boy? Hurry up and spit it out. My time is precious.'

Ash cleared his throat and took a deep breath.

'Well, it's actually about what you just said. About me - Well, us…'

Ash motioned to his friends behind him.

'... not being Musketeers.'

Giovanni raised an eyebrow and was wondering where this was going.

'And? What of it?'

'Well, we were wondering, if maybe we could enlist in the army? We've always dreamt of being Musketeers since we were kids. So we'd be honoured if you could give us a chance, Sir.'

Ash beamed and hoped to appeal to the Captain's better nature. But there was only silence. Deafening silence. Giovanni was stunned. Then he suddenly burst into laughter. Ash looked a little surprised, awkwardly looking between Giovanni and his friends, not knowing what to say. Ash didn't think anything he said was funny, but Giovanni just kept laughing and laughing, holding his sides and struggling to breath. Then he eventually composed himself and cleared his throat.

'What?! You three?! Musketeers?! You can't be serious!' he spluttered.

'Well, why not?' inquired Ash. 'We're determined. Aren't we, guys?'

Ash looked back at Brock and Gary, who simply just nodded, not wanting to get involved too much. Ash turned back to Giovanni, almost pleading with him now.

'We'll do whatever it takes, Sir! Train super hard. Make you proud. We're more than just cleaners, Captain. Believe me. Just give us a chance and we'll show you what we're made of!'

'Has he got a death wish or what?' whispered Gary to Brock.

Brock grimaced at Gary in response. Giovanni laughed a little again, but then suddenly switched his tone.

'Absolutely not. You're just commoners, nothing more. Besides, I only accept the best. You're lucky to even be working for me. Now be gone with you.'

He shooed them away again.

'But-' protested Ash.

'Leave!' said Giovanni, not quite shouting, but more stern this time.

He pointed to the door. Ash bravely opened his mouth again, but thought it was better to concede defeat now, in case Giovanni got any angrier. Sometimes being too brave was foolish, after all. He didn't want to push his luck any further and land his friends in trouble too. Even though he was incredibly harsh on them, Giovanni was still right. They were lucky to even have this job. Especially because of their background. Ash and the boys left, but Ash was still just as ambitious as ever. Why couldn't they be Musketeers? Why couldn't three average boys just be the heroes for once? They just needed the chance to prove themselves - an opportunity of a lifetime. Ash wasn't going to give up so easily and even smirked a little on the way out, with unwavering passion burning strong inside him. Kalos was going to be a new beginning for him and only good fortunes could surely come his way now. And as fate would have it, Princess Serena would have something to do with that, as she unknowingly awaited her own destiny, in her beautiful palace a few miles away…