Basically, my idea of an AU, however slight, if Ash had been a bit different in the start of his journey and met someone else instead of Misty. I might be adding elements from the original Pokemon game and Ash will be having more then just the Pokemon on his team from the show. I just feel Ash could've been a bit better, I mean, who sets out into a big adventure like that without at least a basic grip on what they were getting themselves into?

Also, the Pokedex entries will be Generation VI, I just don't feel comfortable using the Sun Moon entries unless I'm putting actual Alola Pokemon in early or until Ash's journey actually gets to the Alola region.

Lalala - Normal Talking

(Lala) - Poke-Translator on

'Lala' - Thoughts

Lalala - Pokedex entry

Okay, lets start this!

Chapter 1: A Different Start and a Different Meeting

It was fair to say not everyone in Pallet Town or even Kanto was a morning person and a familiar crash from the open window of Ash Ketchum's bedroom window made the fact certain enough as the annoying clock his uncle had given him for a gag gift went sailing out the window. If it had been any day before the previous two years, Ash probably would've just smashed the clock or literally just jumped out of his bed from fright, but the last two years have been a bit changing for him.

It had all started when his grandfather had come down to visit. To say it was a beneficial visit was putting it mildly.

Flashback:

Eight-year-old Ash was watching a live Tournament battle when the doorbell had rang. His mother was outback with her garden, but had left the door open in case Ash needed her, so she heard it too. "Ash, can you get that, please?" Delia asked.

"Sure mom!" Ash said quickly heading for the door and upon opening, grinned happily at who he found, "Grandpa! Auntie!" Standing at the older was a man in his late thirties-to early forties with spiked black hair and dark brown eyes dressed in a deep purple, long-sleeved shirt and dark jeans, smiling fondly at the boy. Next to him was a young woman just a little older then Delia with long dark green hair pulled up into a ponytail with an orange hairtie and dark blue eyes wearing a white shirt under a ladybug-print, mid-drift hoodie, pink caprice-sweats and blue sandals, she returned the grin.

"Hey squirt, is your mom home?" Aya asked. To which, Ash replied by looking back into the house and shouting, "MOM, ITS GRAMPA KOGA AND AUNTIE AYA!"

Koga chuckled, "That's one way to get her attention."

"How's the gym doing? Did fight any challengers before you came?" Ash asked excitedly much to his grandfather and aunt's amusement, "Did Vivina evolve yet? Where is she? Did you leave her at the gym?"

"Ash," Delia sighed as she got to door, hair up in a ponytail and dressed in pink overalls, "Give them a chance to answer, honey." Ash smiled sheepishly, "Sorry."

"There isn't a problem Delia, really," Koga assured with his ever patient and calm expression, before smiling down at Ash fondly, "And to answer your questions Ash, the Kanto League has finished just last week, so there aren't any more challengers for me to fight," Ash sagged a little at the answer, feeling silly at forgetting, before hearing his grandfather add on, "And as for Vivina, she's right here."

Koga held out a pokeball and it popped open, allowing its inhabitant freedom. It was a small bug-creature with a round body covered in purple fur with two long white antenna and a pincer-like mouth, stubby, cream-colored paws and matching clodhopper feet. But its most alluring feature (for Ash anyway) was its large red eyes.

"Vivina!" Ash cried happily wrapping the bug-Pokemon in a hug. "Venoo~!" The bug, now known as Vivina, squealed happily, nuzzling her master's grandson happily, having always loved their visits for a good reason.

"Would you like anything Koga, Aya?" Delia offered as they ventured into the house, smiling as the two friends reunited, "I recall you two being fond of my herbal tea."

Koga smiled as well, "That would be nice, thank you, Delia."

"Hey, Ash," Aya said getting the boy's attention, "Why don't you and Vivina play outside for a bit, we'll be right in here with your mom."

Ash nodded before motioning Vivina to follow him as he started for the back door, "C'mon, Vivina!" After an encouraging nod from Koga, Vivina quickly followed the smaller male out wanting to see if Delia's garden was still as beautiful as she remembered.

When Delia came back into the living room, she was carrying a tray with a fresh pot of tea and cups. "So, tell me Delia, is Ash still interested in being a trainer?" Koga asked after savoring his first sip of his tea.

Delia sighed at this, "Naturally, unfortunately..."

"Well, what did you expect Dee?" Aya teased lightly, "He is a Ketchum, its in his blood just it is in ours."

"Which is what worries me," Delia replied, "As I recall, Red didn't exactly have it easy during his first journey, especially when he ran into..." Her face pinched into a small frown, tone souring, "Them."

Aya and Koga's own faces twitched at the reminder of what Ash's father had gone through when he first started his Pokemon journey. The League Challenge was the least of his worries, especially when he crossed the wrong people at Mt. Moon. Thankfully, Red was able to prove he could take care of himself, especially when he had his Charizard, still, the memories gave them both pangs in their chest.

"Plus, even if Ash does take after his father..." Delia continued retaining their attention, "I fear what might happen if he doesn't start taking his studies seriously."

Koga hummed at this thoughtfully, well aware his grandson, like his son, wasn't the biggest fan of books, being more visual learners then readers. Still, Red knew the importance of being prepared and he wasn't aware Ash wasn't taking it more seriously. The world can be as dangerous as it was large and it pained him to imagine something bad happening to his Ash.

Aya had similar thoughts, but actually voiced something, "You know to be fair, Red didn't start out a genius either, but he turned out fine."

"True, but I'm afraid Ash is worse," Delia retorted, "And I fear what might happen if his luck is as bad as his father's."

Koga didn't say anything at first, simply finishing his tea, thinking as he listened to his daughter and daughter-in-law argue over Red's debate luck and poor sense of direction. It wasn't until his drink was gone and he set his cup down that he finally stood, gaining the women's attention. At first, Koga still didn't say anything as he started for the back door, but paused as his hand hovered over the handle, before finally speaking, "I think you worry to much at times, Delia," Delia didn't response as Koga smiled at her over his shoulder, "If that boy is anything like his father, luck, direction or otherwise, he's going to be fine cause there's one thing I know he does have."

Delia blinked at this, "And what's that?"

Koga chuckled in answer, "Determination." That said, he went into the backyard as the redhead looked at her sister-in-law in confusion. Aya just shrugged. even after two decades, neither of them can fully understand the Poison-type Master...and Aya lived with him!

Outside, Koga watched from the fence as Ash and Vivina played a friendly game of tag with two small Rattata and a Mankey. Watching the scene brought a genuine feeling of memories and happiness, maybe even a little sadness to the Gym Leader, still able to remember when that had once been his Red and Aya.

"Grandpa!" Ash's excited cry brought him out of his memories to find Ash back at the fence with Vivina.

Koga stepped aside as Ash wiggled through the fence, holding a loose board up for Vivina before asking, "Grandpa, what makes a Pokemon Master?"

"Is that what you want to be?" Koga asked and Ash nodded. "Yep, I want to best there ever was!" Ash proclaimed throwing his arms up to emphasize his point. "Veno! Venonet!" Vivina cheered making Koga smile.

"Then may I ask why you neglect your studies?" Koga asked making Ash frown a little. "Because books don't make you a Master!" Ash replied.

"Maybe, but they do help you learn how to be one," Koga retorted patiently much to Ash's confusion, "Tell me Ash, do you know what kind of Pokemon Vivina is?"

Ash's face scrunched up at the question, "Of course I do, she's a bug-type!"

"Not entirely, Ash," Koga replied causing Ash to be confused once again, "Vivina is a Venonet and Venonets are dual-types."

"Dual types?" Ash asked confused as Vivina looked at her master suspiciously. "Dual-type Pokemon are Pokemon who have more then one natural type," Koga explained, "Take Vivina for example, yes, she is a bug type, but she is also part poison-type, making her a perfect ideal Pokemon for either Poison or Bug type specialists. It also means she can learn both Poison and Bug type moves much easier compared to other type moves, say for example, Psybeam, which is a Psychic move."

"Wow, really?" Ash asked in amazement. "Really, though there are Pokemon who only become dual types upon evolving, like Charmeleon becomes a Flying-type upon evolving into Charizard," Koga continued, "And those who's type changes upon evolution."

Ash was quiet for a moment before finally finding his voice, "I didn't know there were so many different Pokemon out there."

"Which is why studying is so important Ash," Koga said calmly, his tone gentle, "I'm not saying study every little detail about Pokemon, even your father didn't know everything when he first started out."

Now that got Ash's attention, his eyes widening in shock, "He didn't?" Koga shook his head.

"Ash, what would you do if you came across a Pokemon and your team didn't have the proper training or moves to counteract it?" Koga asked his voice, whilst still calm and gentle, took a strange turn, it sounded a little strained, like he was doing his best to hold something in. Ash didn't know what exactly to say, but he did know the worst outcome to the situation his grandfather described, especially if the Pokemon was large, wild and on a rampage.

Ash looked at his grandfather's face and could see the worries hidden in them and the tall-tale water glint. "Is...this about...what happened to Dad?" Ash asked in small voice. Koga didn't answer right away, but closed his eyes as he answered, "I suppose in a way, it does relate back to it, we're all just afraid you won't be ready and we could lose you."

Ash and Vivina's eyes widened at the admission, "We? You mean, you're scared too?" He always thought his grandfather was a fearless, unstoppable machine and had seen the damage he and his Muk had caused to a Team Rocket base on the news once after his father's...misfortune.

"More then you might think, Ash," Koga admitted without thought, "None of us want you to get hurt; your mother, Aya, not even me." Ash quickly hugged his grandfather as Vivina rubbed her trainer's shin. Ash hadn't realized the incident hadn't only effected him and his mother so horribly and felt awful for not realizing how badly it must've hurt Koga and Aya.

Flashback End.

Ash started taking both his studies and his preparations for his journey more seriously after that. He had made a promise to himself that he would never cause his family that can of pain. It also intrigued him how there were more to Pokemon types and to Pokemon themselves then he first thought. As he researched more, the more he wanted to learn' the basics of Breeding, the idea behind Contests and Showcases. It all made him more excited for his journey. And to think, it was all thanks to that one visit with his grandfather that helped him change from an overly excitable kid to who he was now.

After dressing into a simple black shirt and jeans with his signature League Expo hat, Ash headed downstairs to greet his mother, who was just finishing making breakfast. "Morning, Mom," Ash greeted kissing her cheek before taking his seat and started to eat.

"Good morning, honey!" Delia smiled at her son, "Are you excited for today? Your finally getting your Starter!"

"Yeah," Ash answered after swallowing a piece of pancake, "I still can't decide on who to pick though." Lately, Ash had been uncertain about who he wanted as a Starter, he secretly wished he could've had Vivina, but he knew it was wishful thinking, since she had belonged to Koga since she hatched from an egg that came from his own Starter.

"Well, I'm sure you'll figure it out, you always do," Delia smiled feeling foolish to doubt him like she had, "Do you have everything?"

"Yep, the new Good Rod and lure set Aya got me last year, the cook book you got me, the Starter TM set from Grandpa, several sets of spare clothes," Ash began to list before seeing his mother about to say something and quickly interrupted her, "And yes, mom, that includes underwear!" She smiled sheepishly and allowed him to continue, "That new berry juicer, two maps in case I lose one, I even got Poke-repellent and the micro-breather you gave me from your days as a Pokemon Ranger."

"Good," Delia said as she fetched something from a cupboard, revealing a shoe box, "All your missing is this then."

Ash raised an eyebrow, but took it and opened it at her gesture for him to take it. But when he opened it, he gasped at what he found. It was a simple, red jacket with white lining and short, black sleeves. A little bit plain looking, but its sentiment spoke loud and clear for Ash.

"Mom..." Ash tried to say, his voice straining a little as he touched the worn red, "This is..."

Delia smiled a little, a distant look in her eyes as she said, "He'd want you to have it Ash, its yours."

Ash seemed a little hesitant, but pulled the jacket on after setting the box down. Even after so many years, it still felt the tiniest bit warm and had the smallest trace of a cinnamon and peppermint smell that was mixed with something naturally earthy.

"Now you make sure you call me at every Pokemon Center, young man," Delia reminded strictly, trying to hide her urge to cry, though it showed in her eyes. Her boy was leaving and all she could do was pray he would come back.

While her act could fool many of her neighbors, Ash always could read her much better, always knowing exactly how she felt, something he got from his father she supposed. Ash smiled back at her as he hugged her for what he hated to admit, could be the last time for a while, hiding his own urge to cry, "I promise, mom, even at the side ones."

His words made her feel a little better as she held his face to smile at him, "Good luck out there, sweetie."

"Thanks, mom," Ash smiled back as she let go. Delia briefly glanced at the clock before shooing him out the door, "Now go, before you're late for getting your Starter before I decide to lock you in your room till your eighteen."

Knowing she was just kidding about the last part, Ash just chuckled and headed out the door, "Okay, okay, I'm going; love you."

"I love you too," Delia called back, watching him go from the front door and as he got further and further away, she couldn't help feeling a little anxious and worried, but kept it down as she gave one last whispered wish, "Make us both proud..."

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Ash couldn't quash his own anxiety as he made his way through town toward the hill where Prof. Oak's lab sat atop comfortably. This was his first step towards his goal, his dream. On top of that, it was easily the most important and not one he felt like blotching up. This was his Starter, his real first Pokemon and his potential best friend; it wouldn't be a smart move picking a Pokemon that didn't only best fit with him, but was unwilling to work with him.

Ash had spent all last night considering his choices. As a child, he always dreamed of his choosing a Charmander just like his father did and soaring the skies on the back of his own Charizard, but since his talk with his grandfather, he began to reconsider his choice. While Charmander's line was fierce in their attack power, especially in their final form when they gained an aerial advantage as well as speed, they lacked equally in defensive strength. His second choice had been Squirtle, remembering Gary's own father's Blastoise and its destructive power. The Water Starter's line was notorious for their iron defense and being able to re-turn fire in powerful long-distance attacks like Hydro Pump, but on land, they lacked speed and on most occasions, power in physical, close-ranged attacks. That had left him with the Bulbasaur-line, who, while lacking agility, had great physical power as well as the ability to use toxic powders before dealing devastating blows while its opponent was down from both afar and up-close, however, both its physical and special defenses had much to be desired.

Thus, Ash was left at an empass. Each Starter made up for what the other lacked and thus, made each other just as appealing as the other. It actually made him question how his father was able to pick, but always made him remember what his mother had said when he had actually asked, his father just...went with his gut for lack of better description, he just felt his Charmander was the one for him.

Ash decided he'd cross the bridge when he actually got there and made his way up the steps to the lab's front door. Once there, he knocked and waited patiently before a familiar gray-haired, aged, but warm face of Professor Samuel Oak answered the door.

At the sight of the boy, Prof. Oak smiled, "Ash, good morning; you're right on time!"

"Good morning, professor," Ash smiled back as he was allowed in, "My mom would never let me hear the end of it if I was late."

The professor couldn't help the chuckle at the truth to that statement, while another, more cocky-sounding voice sounded from the next room, "She wouldn't have to if you weren't so Shuckle-slow."

Ash stopped at that and allowed his most mild glare at the person who spoke. The voice belonged to another boy his age with spikey, cinnamon reddish-brown hair and jade-green eyes, wearing a rather arrogant grin. He was dressed in a simple black shirt with the sleeves rolled to a little below the elbow and purple pants with a green and yellow yin-yang charm necklace around his neck and a dark bluish-gray backpack. Standing next to him, leaning against the oddly shadowed corner was a girl their age with a much more unique appearance; her short, blob-styled hair was a stark, snow-white color with the smallest undertones of silver and the way her head leaned allowed her messy bangs to hide her eyes and the way her abnormally pale skin seemed to almost glow in the lab light created something of an eerie, if not just the tiniest bit creepy picture. All she wore was a simple long-sleeved, black sweeter that had long tail and came down to her mid-tights with a simple pair of dark purple shorts and white and faded bluish-grey-striped stockings that disappeared into dark grey boots and pale blue leg warmers, a simple light purple bang was clutched lightly by one hanging hand.

They were Gary Oak, grandson of the professor, and Annabelle Higgins, a mysterious girl from Lavender Town who had recently moved from said place in order to receive her licence. Gary and Ash had once been good friends, their fathers having grown up together and being rivals in their own journey, but as Gary grew he let all of the perks and whatnot that came with being Professor Oak's grandson go to his head and they had fallen out and Gary had never let anyone forget about his family status or how great his knowledge of Pokémon was. Which actually became ironic to Ash after the jerk met Annabelle, who despised him the moment the guy uttered his first sentence to her.

Annabelle, as previously stated, was a mystery. She seemed to loath every little thing that crossed her path with the sole exceptions of his mother, Pokémon and books. He found it funny, since whenever something or someone began to annoy her, she fixed them with the most disturbing stare and/or glare he had ever seen and would keep it up until they eventually left her alone, though it only seemed to egg Gary on, and he had yet to hear her talk, but her intelligence was scary, one of the many things he supposed first attracted Gary to her. Like everyone in simple, small town Pallet, Gary was attracted and awed by all things different and Annabelle was no exception, despite her often creepy or disturbing behaviour, Gary would always try to wow her or simply get her to talk to him, but thus far, failed every single time, though, lately, Annabelle had been glaring at him less and just settled for staring or written messages. It made Ash wonder just how much the two were changing one another.

But apparently, she was making no improvements to his attitude to others.

"Well, most of us don't live so close to lab, Gary," Ash reminded trying to keep himself calm, before offering a smile to the only female present, "Hi, Annabelle, how are?"

The girl finally looked up to fix him with her dark, eerie stare, her startling blood-red orbs shining in the light. There was actually a massive betting-pool going on in Pallet and with a few of the common-visitors who actually met her on whether or not those were her real eye-color or just fancy contacts or a result of some kind of fancy surgery. Personally, Ash felt they were natural, but since Annabelle refused to talk to anyone, he guessed it was something they'd never know.

All Annabelle did in response to him was shrug before fixing her stare on the Professor as Gary asked, "So Gramps, when can we get this show on the road?"

"As soon as..." Prof. Oak began only to be cut off by the door swinging open as someone rushed in, making Annabelle and Ash flinch a little. "I'm here!" A female voice shouted frantically, "I didn't miss it, did I? Am I late? Please tell me there's still a Pokémon left?"

The voice belonged to another girl Ash's age with waist-long light brown hair and dark blue eyes wearing a frantic expression. She wore a blue muscle shirt and red skirt with a pair of white legwarmers and white and pink shoes, a white sunhat with a red, half-pokeball on it and a white and pink bag slung over one shoulder. She was Lucy Everrest, the only other person getting their licence. Like Ash and Gary, she too was the child of what had been dubbed the Pallet Big Three, her mother being Leaf, the only other trainer besides their fathers from Pallet to get into the Final Eight of the League.

"No, Lucy, you're just in time," Prof. Oak said in slightly strained, tired voice, "The door please."

Lucy smiled sheepishly before quickly closing the door with less force then when she came in. No sooner did she turn around, she made eye-contact with Annabelle and her face turned red with anger, eyes narrowing as she asked, "What are you doing here?" And of course, got no actually response as the smaller girl returned to staring at the Professor.

It was no secret that Lucy harboured a crush on Gary and had been ready to confess and ask to go on their journey together when Annabelle showed up and gained Gary's attention, thusly also gained Lucy's ire. Which just made the situation all the more hilarious to Ash and it made him wonder how long it would take Annabelle to snap before all the attention became too much for her. Didn't help that Lucy vowed to become the best, not only to exceed her mother's record in the League, but also to win Gary's affection and prove she was better then Annabelle, who showed very little interest in having a rival and didn't seem to even take her seriously, which only angered the brunette more.

It was then, that Ash noticed something very off. Instead of four pokeballs on the display table, their were two. One had a leaf-sticker and the other had a dewdrop.

"Um...professor, why are there only two pokeballs?" Ash finally asked much to Leaf's horror. "Yeah, I've been wondering about it too," Gary asked frowning in worry, whilst Annabelle nodded to show her own curiosity, but didn't look the least bit concerned, in fact, save for the usual blank expression, she looked bored.

"Well, that's because there was actually five trainers getting their licence and starters today, not just you four," Prof. Oak explained much to their surprise, not that Annabelle showed it, "The fifth trainer came all the way from Vermillion to get her licence and had already come and gone before Gary showed up."

"But there's only two pokeballs now!" Lucy cried with horror, "There's still four of us!"

"Not to worry, Annabelle already has her starter, had it for a while now actually," Prof. Oak chuckled as the other three looked at the girl in shock as she nodded and took out a pokeball that had a purple top instead of a red one. "When did you get that? You little cheater!" Lucy demanded only to shiver under Annabelle's disturbing, yet intimidating stare, it was a glare, but it still sent a shiver up anyone's spine save Ash's grandfather. "Now, Lucy, Annabelle brought it with her from Lavender Town, all she simply needed from here was her licence," Prof. Oak said sternly, making the brunette look down, a little ashamed, but didn't apologize.

'Must be a ghost type then,' Ash figured since Lavender Town was home to Pokémon Tower, which wasn't only a Pokémon burial site, but also home to many ghost-type Pokémon. Ash always figured she would be a Ghost-type trainer, since her attitude was much like most Dark-type trainers, dark, silent and mysterious, only the aura she gave off screamed a creepiness that only befitted a ghost, plus it fit with her demeanour. All she was missing was the mischievous streak and she was a shoe-in for perfect Ghost-type as most trainers often reflected their more favored element, be it personality or way of dress.

"I'm afraid one of you is going to have to wait as I get a Pokémon from the corral," The professor continued snapping Ash out of his thoughts. This made the remaining three trainers to be tense.

After a moment, Ash took a step back and offered, "I'm happy to wait, Professor Oak." Both Gary and Lucy looked a little surprised, but gave grateful glances, while Annabelle looked at him with her usual blank expression, eyebrow arching a little.

Prof. Oak nodded a flash of pride in his eyes, "Very well, Lucy, Gary, if you'd please." Lucy immediately lunged for the pokeball with the leaf-sticker, while Gary went for the other. Like Ash, both had dreamed of following their parents, including picking the same starters, only, they didn't stray from it.

As Lucy's pokeball popped open and released its occupant, it reveal a small, quadruped creature with blusish-green skin that had darker patches that was an odd cross between a frog and a dinosaur, big red eyes and triangular eyes. On its back was a green bulb, claws on its feet and sharp teeth. This was Bulbasaur, the Grass starter of Kanto.

Gary released his new partner as well, revealing a small blue turtle creature that stood on its back legs, each appendage had tree digits, its eyes were a reddish-brown and its shell was brown on top and yellow on the bottom. This was Squirtle, the Water starter of Kanto.

"Bul," Bulbasaur quivered, before looking around, no sooner did he spot Lucy, he immediately went up to her and rubbed up against her leg, a smile on his face, "Bulba~Bulbasaur!" Lucy smiled happily as she crouched to pet her new partner.

"Squirt!" Squirtle cried excitedly upon seeing Gary and instantly jumped into her new trainer's arms, making Gary laugh, "Squirtle-squirt!"

"I see they've taken a quick liking to you two," Prof. Oak chuckled along, pleased with the two's display, "These are for you two." He handed them both a small, rectangular device; Gary's a deep blue and Lucy's a lovely forest green.

"Cool, aren't these the newest versions of the Pokedex?" Gary asked excitedly, holding it in one hand and holding Squirtle with his other arm as she looked at all the buttons in wonder. "That's right," His grandfather nodded, "As you know, they have many functions as a vast source of information for Pokémon all over the world, including the Alola region, they also serve as virtual I.D. and portable PCs for a when you wish to make quick, last minute switches in your teams," He then motioned to Annabelle, "I've already gave Annabelle her own and the standard six pokeballs." Annabelle held up her dark purple pokedex in response and Ash spied the empty pokeballs in an open pocket of her bag as Gary and Lucy were handed their own pokeballs.

"Good luck out there, you guys," Ash wished them.

Lucy nodded, "You two, Ash, maybe I'll catch you at Viridian." Ash shrugged in response.

"I wouldn't count on it, the only interesting thing on Route one is the rare Mankey and Giovanni doesn't take on newbies or even trainers with a badge or two," Gary said, "So I'm going straight to Viridian Forest, what about you Anna-" He did a double-take to see the object of his affections was already gone and quickly ran out the door, Squirtle in his arms, "Annabelle, wait! There was something I wanted to ask you!"

Lucy panicked at this and quickly followed after picking up Bulbasaur, "Ask her what? Gary!" Ash and the Professor just shook their heads.

"As for you Ash, I'm afraid I only have one other Pokémon available for you," Prof. Oak admitted as he walked over to a metal shelf that had a protective cover, "A recently caught Pokémon."

"You were actually considering giving a wild Pokemon to a rookie trainer?" Ash asked in a voice of disbelief. Prof. Oak had the decency to look embarrassed as he admitted, "The trainer from Vermillion caught me off guard."

The light died down to reveal a small, quadruped creature that resembled a mouse that stood on its hind legs with yellow fur with two horizontal stripes on its back. Its mouth was small, its ears long and pointed with blackish-brown tips and brown eyes. It had a yellow, lightening-bolt-shaped tail with a patch of brown at the base and red circle-shaped pouches on its cheeks. It stood there, shaking the feeling of being in a pokeball off and blinked cutely as it took in its surroundings. This was Pikachu, a popular Electric type among young girls, but unlike them, Ash knew better than to underestimate a Pokemon, tamed or otherwise.

Pikachu proved him right by growling upon noticing them, realizing it was going to be given to a newbie trainer, cheeks sparking dangerously. Ash kept his hands up to show Pikachu he wasn't a threat as he took a few small steps towards the clearly angered rodent as the professor watched with baited breath.

Pikachu kept his eyes on this one human, knowing full well the professor was too scared of him to do anything without another Pokemon present. Right now, his main concern was this darker haired male who was approaching, but still respecting his space. Pikachu had to give him points for that as Ash knelt down once in arms length of him.

"Hi, Pikachu, look, I realize you might not be very happy with being captured or having a trainer right now," Ash said to him earning a stern 'pika-pika' along with a sharp, agreeing nod from his potential starter, "But I'd really like it if you could be my starter, I'm aiming to be one of the best and to get there, I'm going to need Pokemon who are willing to work hard to be the best and the strongest out there," Pikachu was clearly calming down a bit as the sparks slowly disappeared as he listened, allowing the others to relax, by the gleam in his eyes at the 'strongest' part, he was liking what he was hearing so far, "I won't lie and say it's going to be easy, but I don't believe in running from a problem. Aside from that, I'd really want my Pokemon to be part of my family."

If Pikachu had any doubt that Ash wasn't a serious trainer, he didn't now. It took a mature trainer to admit something like training to be the best wouldn't be easy and the mouse could tell by the determination in the boy's eyes he was serious. But what really had Pikachu sold was the family part. It wasn't often for Pokemon to hear that their trainer didn't see them as tools and actually wanted to really care about them. What Ash didn't know was that, that one sentence had earned him Pikachu's trust, respect and loyalty.

Ash held out his hand to Pikachu, who didn't need any further prompting, nuzzled affectionately. Letting out a soft 'pikaaa' as his fellow starters were gaping at him as he allowed Ash to softly pet him between the ears.

Pikachu then scurried up Ash's arm, settling himself on Ash's shoulder as the boy stood. Ash smiled at the professor, "Professor, I pick Pikachu." Pikachu let out a happy 'Pika-pi, Pikachu!' nuzzling his new trainer.

"If I've said it once, I'll say it again Ash," Prof. Oak shook his head fondly, "You defiantly have a way with Pokemon."

Ash just chuckled with a smile. The professor then handed him his own five empty pokeballs and a fire-engine red pokedex and said, "Make me proud out there." Ash smiled back and nodded, before turning and heading out.

No sooner did Ash walk out the door did he jump at the sudden cheers that assulted his ears. He looked around wide-eyed at the assembled crowd of his neighbors. "Mom," Ash said as his mother hugged him, "What's going on?"

"Oh, Ash, you didn't think the town would let you kids go off without a proper farewell, did you?" Delia smiled at her son's surprised expressions. "Maybe," Ash admitted as Pikachu snickered at his master's surprise.

"And who's this?" Delia smiled at Pikachu. "This is my starter, Pikachu," Ash introduced, "Turns out there were five starting trainers this year instead of four, a girl from Vermillion signed up last minute, so Oak had to find a spare."

"That Oak is never going to get the idea of being prepared no matter how many times I try to drill it, is he?" A voice teased from behind Delia. "Somehow, I don't think so," Another familiar voice added as the crowd chuckled.

"Grandpa!" Ash grinned as Koga and Aya revealed themselves, grinning at Ash's happy-face, "Aunt Aya! I can't believe you're here!"

Aya laughed as her nephew hugged her, "Of course, you didn't think we'd miss this day of all days, did you?" Koga remained silent as he took in how much Ash looked like his father in that jacket and hat.

"Pikachu, these are my aunt and grandpa," Ash introduced his curious Electric Starter, "They run the Poison-Type Gym over in Fuschia City." Pikachu gave a cheerful wave with a bright 'pika-pika!' from Ash's shoulders, despite feeling a little intimidated by the elderly male, feeling the experience and power radiating off him.

"Its nice to meet you, Pikachu," Aya smiled rubbing the rodent's head gently, "Be sure to take good care of our Ashy, now, ya hear?" Pikachu smiled with nod, enjoying the attention.

Ash blinked in surprise when his grandfather suddenly held out a pokeball to him, "Grandpa?"

"Think of this as a late birthday gift and a way to make me sleep better knowing you have an experienced fighter," Koga stated as Ash hestitently took the pokeball, before the man smiled fondly, "Besides, Vivina's been looking forward to this all year, it'd be a shame for you two to be separated any longer."

Ash's confusion broke into a wide, excited grin as he immediately freed his new Pokeman/old friend and playmate. The purple bug known as Vivina let out a chirp as she shook off the feeling of being in a pokeball after the white light died down and glanced around before her eyes landed on Ash and she let out a loud, happy, "Vee!" Before tackling her old friend in a hug, making him laugh happily as he returned, Pikachu having jumped off his shoulder to avoid the Venonet.

"I can really take Vivina with me on my journey?" Ash asked his grandfather. "Of course, she's been rather downtrodden lately and it took a visit to Sabrina to figure out what was wrong," Koga explained, "Turns out she's been wanting to go with you ever since you turned eight."

"Is it true, Vivina?" Ash asked. "Veno-Venonet~net!" Vivina nodded before being set down, she looked at Pikachu curiously, "Venonet?" Pikachu began interacting with her and everyone was pleased to see no hostility between the two.

"But won't you need her for Gym Battles?" Ash asked curiously. Koga shook his head, "Her mother and the rest of my team are more then enough, she belongs to you."

"Well," Aya smiled at him, "What are you waiting for, scan them." Ash smiled back before taking out the thin device and pointed it first at Vivina. The Pokedex let out a few beeps before it opened, the screen sporting a picture of a Venonet as it began to recite information about Vivina's species:

Venonet, the Insect Pokemon

Dual Type: Bug/Poison

Its big eyes are actually clusters of tiny eyes. At night, its kind is drawn by light.

Ability: Compound Eyes

Hidden Ability: Run Away

This Venonet is female and knows the moves: Tackle, Disable, Foresight, Supersonic, Confusion, Poison Powder, Agility, Baton Pass, Bug Bite, Screech* and Secret Power*.

Note: Agility is an egg move and is unlocked.

Note: Baton Pass is an egg move and is locked.

Note: Bug Bite is an egg move and is locked.

Note: Screech is an egg move and is unlocked.

Note: Secret Power is an egg move and is unlocked.

Pikachu looked at his new teammate in surprised-respect since she was clearly not expecting her to be so well experienced, Vivina just chirped happily as she shook her fur in pride. Aya just rolled her eyes at the bug's display, while Delia and Koga chuckled.

"Wow, those are some amazing moves, Vee!" Ash smiled at her, "You even have most of your egg moves unlocked!" Vivina almost preened under her new trainer's praise. Ash then pointed his pokedex at Pikachu, who stood still as he was scanned and the picture of a Venonet was replaced with a picture of a Pikachu as it spoke again:

Pikachu, the Mouse Pokemon

The Evolved Form of Pichu

Type: Electric

It's in its nature to store electricity. It feels stressed now and then if its unable to fully discharge the electricity.

Ability: Static

Hidden Ability: Lightning Rod

This Pikachu is male and knows the moves: Thundershock, Charm, Tail Whip, Sweet Kiss, Growl, Play Nice, Quick Attack, Thunder Wave and Volt Tackle*.

Note: Volt Tackle is an egg move and is locked.

Everyone was quiet as they looked down at the Pikachu in shock. Pikachu just smirked as he puffed his chest, clearly proud of his current moveset, guessing they weren't expecting him to know Fairy-type moves and he was partially right.

"Are you sure Sam didn't mistake this one for a different Starter Pikachu?" Koga asked breaking the silence. Ash could only nod, "I guess he must've learned some of those moves while a Pichu." Pikachu scurried back up to his trainer's shoulder and gave an affirmative nod, he was a warrior from birth and was proud of it, so naturally he started training once he was old enough before he evolved.

"Good luck out there, Ash," Aya wished as he hugged her nephew once more as the small family stood at the entrance to Route 1. "Thanks Auntie A," Ash smiled.

"Take good care of those two, Ash," Koga advised his grandson, even if he knew Ash would do so regardless if he said anything or not, "Those are special Pokemon you have."

Ash smiled at him with a respectful nod, "I know grandpa and I will." Vivina, who was safe in Ash's arms, chirped her farewell to her previous master, more then ready for adventure, while Pikachu just smiled from Ash's shoulder.

"You better call whenever you get to a Pokemon Center, young man," Delia warned clearly trying not to cry, which pulled at everyone's heartstrings, "And remember to keep yourself kept and fed, and of course your Pokemon, and I swear, if I hear one thing about Organizations, I-!"

"Mom!" Ash interrupted, "I promise there will be no Organizations and I will call!" Delia smiled watery as she pulled her son into what might the last hug for a good while. With one final wave, Ash and his new Pokemon set off to begin their adventure.

Ash spent the first few minutes just walking and talking mostly to Vivina, who used her version of charades or just (and mostly) nods or shakes of her head/body to answer him with Pikachu simply making his own curious comments every now and then. "I just realized I forgot to ask you something Pikachu!" Ash realized using one hand to slap himself, earning a curious tilt of the head and 'pi', "I was wondering if you wanted a nickname, Vivina's different because I gave her that name when she hatched, so I was wondering if you wanted a name, since it'd be easier to tell you apart if we ever come across a big group of Pikachu and it wouldn't exactly be nice to always be called your species."

Pikachu thought on that, a little surprised by the consideration and logic his trainer made and would love to be called something, even if he already had a birth name, though he was also curious to what names his trainer would come up with. His respect for Ash increased at that very moment. Vivina cheered when her new friend and teammate nodded to their master's request, happy to see how well he was getting along with Ash and was also eager to hear what Ash would come up with.

"Okay...hmm..." Ash nodded before thinking of a good name for Pikachu, "How about...Zeus?" Pikachu blinked in response, so Ash explained, "Its the name of a foreign god of thunder and lightening, plus its sounds strong and kinda cool, what do you think?" Pikachu found himself nodding along with his trainer's opinion of the name, despite how its origin sounded more Legendary fitting, but found himself smiling at sign of confidence his trainer was already displaying toward him and nodded with a cheerful 'pika.'

"Great!" Ash grinned reaching up to scratch his new friend between the ears, earning a happy and drawn out 'pi' of content, "I guess the first step for now is to catch a water-type for the first gym, just to have type-advantage for a back-up plan." Vivina and the newly christened Zeus nodded at the logical thinking and the purple bug couldn't help her excitement at the idea of a new friend.

So Ash kept walking and looking around for any sign of water, while Zeus kept an ear out for it. While walking, Ash though about how he would train his soon to be team of three and how he'd prepare for the Pewter Gym. He already had severe type disadvantage since Rock-types were commonly dual-typed with Ground, both of which Zeus was weak against and like Vivina, Zeus' body was built to take damage. Since he didn't have any Rock or Ground type Pokemon or Pokemon who can use moves of those types for resistance training, he'd have to reply on type advantage on the moves they could learn. Unfortunately, the only Grass-type moves Vivina could naturally learn was Stun Spore and Sleep Powder and he was sure the leader would be prepared for that, and he didn't have the TM for Solar Beam, while the only Grass type move Zeus could learn was Grass Knot, a TM, which he also didn't have. Though he did have the TM for Brick Break, a Fighting type move Zeus could learn as well as the TM for Toxic, which both of his friends could use. So other then working on both TMs and adding maybe a move or two of their natural moves, he supposed for now, he could only work on their stats, mainly their speed and defense, both physical and special.

A loud 'pika-pi, pika' and a sharp pulling on his jacket collar snapped him out of his musings as he looked at Zeus in surprise. The little yellow mouse's ears were twitching and he was pointing towards the bushes, indicating he had found the river, which was confirmed when Ash went in the direction Zeus had pointed and started to hear water for himself.

Grinning, he praised, "Good work, Zeus!" Zeus grinned back, proud of himself, especially when Vivina gave an equally praising, "Veno-no, Venonat!" While clapping her little paws together cheerily in glee.

However, what Ash found when he got to clearing next to the infamous river of Route 1 was not what he expected. Yes, there was the river, separating the meadow in two, the next part leading up to a little ledge that most likely lead up to the next part of Route 1 and back to the main road, the water itself falling from above a tiny cliff-like ledge. What he didn't expect to find was someone else already there.

That someone else being a young girl, who had to be about his age or maybe a little younger. She was sitting contently against a flat rock with her knees-drawn to her chest. She had golden-blonde hair, which was pulled up into an elegant bun, but what caught Ash's attention was the two unique streaks running side-by-side on one side of her head, from her bangs to the ends of her hair through her bun, one was crystal-blue and the other rose-pink, but he found it nice on her. Her eyes were a beautiful, expressive shade of blue, reminding Ash of the ocean, and resting on her cute, heart-shaped face was a pair of stylish, black-framed glasses. She wore a short-sleeved, light, grayish-blue, buttoned-up blouse and violet pleated skirt with a pink and indigo twelve-pointed star over the left hip, and her boots were platformed, being purple with pink laces and indigo legwarmers. She was currently drawing in a sketchbook.

In front of her, just a few feet away, two Pokemon, both familiar, playing some sort of game of chase. One was a Pikachu, who was by no means any different from Zeus in appearance save one detail, this one's tail was curved like a heart at the end, signifying this Pikachu was female. The other was an entirely different Pokemon, being an orange bipedal lizard with a cream colored underbelly that started at its chest, two little fangs peeked from both jaws, the lower being smaller then the upper. Its arms and legs were short and a little stubby with three claws at the end of all four and its long, slender tail ended with a bright flame and its eyes were a bright shade of dark blue. Oddly, around its neck was a pink bandanna. Ash recognized this Pokemon as Charmander, Kanto's Fire Starter.

"Oh!" The girl uttered in surprise as her head jerked in his direction, eyes widening in clear surprise to see another trainer, but she smiled a little as she waved, "Hi."

Ash waved back a little, smiling a little, "Hi, are these your Pokemon?"

"Yep, girls, come say hello!" She called out to her Pokemon, signifying the Charmander was female too as they stopped playing to hurry to the girl's side, making her smile as her Charmander wiggled under her arm and her Pikachu climbed up onto her shoulder, similar to Zeus' own perch, "This is Nicola," The Pikachu waved her own greeting, "And this is Diana." Her Charmander waved as well with a bright 'char!', before the girl placed her hand over her chest, "And I'm Vivian."

"Its nice to meet you, Vivian, I'm Ash," Ash introduced himself before motioning to his own partners with a smile, "And this is Zeus and Vivina."

"Pikachuu!" Zeus grinned happy to see another Pikachu. "Veno-Venonat!" Vivina added cheerily.

"Wow, a Venonat!" The newly named Vivian smiled with a sparkle in her eyes, "Its so rare to see one all the way out here! You normally see them around Fuchsia City or in the deeper parts of Viridian Forest!"

"Yeah," Ash smiled as he set his childhood friend down, allowing Zeus to hop off as he and Nicola, who also hopped off her perch to approach her fellow Electric-type, started to interact, "My grandpa gave her to me today when I started my journey."

Vivian smiled at this as she got up, revealing the pink Silph Co travel bag with the same twelve-pointed star on the flap, which she slipped on as she said, "Then you must've gotten this guy from Prof. Oak then," She slowly approached the two electric-types and, after putting her pink sketchbook away, held out her hand for Zeus to sniff, which he did, before allowing her to pet him, much to Ash's amazement, while Vivian chuckled, "He's quite the specimen for a Starter, most domesticated Pikachu aren't nearly this big to start off with, usually they get to their proper size after a little training and the right nutriments."

"The old fossil caught him wild," Ash shook his head at the professor's antics fondly, also impressed with her observation, before smirking, "You kind of caught him off guard," He chuckled at her look of surprise, "Since you have a Charmander, I kinda figured you were the extra starting trainer, I just didn't expect you to also have a Pikachu."

She smiled at him as she pushed up her glasses and stood straight, "You'd be right in the guess and, like you and your Venonat, I got Nicola from a family member," She shrugged a bit, "The Pika-line is...sorta a signature...for my family."

Vivian then resettled in her previous sitting spot, since he wasn't challenging her to a battle, "So, Ash, what brings you to this part of Route 1?"

"Just looking for a Water-type," Ash shrugged smiling at the casual feeling of the moment. "Preparing for the Gym Challenge, I'll take it," Vivian guessed making him nod, "Not a bad move, since the first Gym specializes in Rock-types, which are commonly dual-typed with Ground-types," She then nodded towards the river, "There's mostly just Magikarp and Goldeen here, though, the Goldeen-line aren't very helpful outside the water and the Magikarp line can't either until they evolve."

Ash nodded along with her logical stand-point. He honestly wouldn't have minded a Magikarp, but for now, he'd just have to wait and see what the river would throw at him. "Do you mind if I fish here?" He asked politely.

Vivian looked away from the playing and conversing Pokemon to look at him mildly surprised both by the tone and the fact he was actually asking her. But she smiled, finding it a nice change as she answered, "Go right ahead."

Ash smiled back before setting down his backpack and getting his re-constructable fishing rod. He had set some money aside from helping his mother out at her restaurant to afford something nicer then the cheap, run-of-the-mill rods that could only handle Magikarp and the occasional Goldeen or Shellder.

He settled himself next to Vivian, his back to her and began fishing for a water-type. "Do you fish often?" He asked her, which he thought was a reasonable question, since Vermillion City was Kanto's main source of travel, having the biggest coastline, and thus, the biggest port for boats and ships, the perfect fishing spot.

Vivian shrugged a little despite knowing he couldn't see with his position. "Not really, I'm...I'm more of a book person and..." Vivian tried to explain without getting too personal, "I use to spend most my time in my cousin's lab." Ash nodded accepting the answer, he did wanted to ask about her cousin and their lab, but decided it was too personal at the moment.

"Do you have any tips?" He asked instead. Vivian again shrugged, "I'm not a Water-expert but, basically, you just pull and reel whenever you feel a strong-ish tug on the line, but you don't want to go too fast or slow; too fast could scare them away and too slow will give them a chance to get away." Ash nodded, accepting her answer.

For next few minutes, they sat in a semi-comfortable silence before Ash felt a tug on his line. His reeling had caught the Pokemon's attention, drawing Zeus and Vivina to his side, anxious to see what their possible future teammate could be and ready to act on Ash's word. Vivian and her own Pokemon also watched to see what his catch would be.

With a strong lift and reel, Ash's catch emerged from the water, flying over his head and landing on the ground. He turned to find it was a Pokemon that resembled a black pearl within a blue-violet colored bivalve shell. Its eyes were mostly white with very small black pupils and its tongue a simple red. Ash had reeled a Shellder.

Vivian couldn't help but speak as Shellder regained its bearings, "A Shellder? But...Shellder are deep sea-Pokemon, what's it doing all the way out here?" Ash found himself wondering the same thing, Shellder were uncommon in rivers, mostly in the shallows (or close to them) at docks in cities with ports like Cerulean or Vermillion, or sea-fishing or deep sea-diving, but he wasn't about to look the gift in the Rapidash's mouth.

"Vivina, let Zeus have this one," Ash said quickly, making his Bug-type pout a little, "Zeus, get between Shellder and the water, don't let it get away!"

Zeus quickly obeyed, using his Quick Attack to get between his new opponent and its escape route, much to Shellder's anger as it glared at the electric-type, not at all scared of the type disadvantage. It responded to intrusion by firing a jet of water at Zeus, who only skidded back a little, but was otherwise unharmed due to being an electric type.

Ash smirked, "Okay, Zeus, use Charm, then Thundershock!" Vivian blinked in surprise as Zeus gave his opponent a charming smile before winking, throwing poor Shellder off as it glowed red, signifying its attack power lowering, before quickly snapping its shell closed in time to block the arc of electricity Zeus fired at it before glowing blue as its defense rose from the use of Withdraw.

"Withdraw might not be as effective as Protect," Vivian remarked as Shellder opened its shell to show the attack hadn't done as much damage as one would've expected, "But for Pokemon like Shellder its a close second."

Ash nodded in agreement as Shellder closed its shell again and launched itself at Zeus in its own version of Tackle. "Use Quick Attack to dodge!" Ash ordered causing Zeus' lower body to glow white as he quickly avoided Shellder's attack, "Now Thunder Wave, then Thundershock!"

Vivian, Nicola, Vivina and Diana quickly lept up onto the rock to avoid Zeus' electricity. Unfortunately, Shellder didn't have such luck and was immediately paralyzed and was unable to close its shell in time to avoid getting shocked silly by another of Zeus' Thundershock, rendering it unconscious. Ash took his chance as he took out a standard pokeball, tossing it at Shellder, who was immediately sucked in, in a red light.

Everyone watched in anxious silence as the pokeball fell to the ground and rocked slowly back and forth three times before a ding was heard as the shaking stopped. Shellder had been caught.

"I caught a Shellder!" Ash cheered as he rushed to grab the pokeball, followed by Zeus rushing up onto his shoulder, "We got a new friend, Zeus!"

Zeus cheered as well, "Pika-pikachu!" Which roused a cheer from Vivina as she rushed to join them as the other girls slowly got off the rock.

"Congratulations!" Vivian smiled chuckling at the clearly happy, if a little hyper display only to suddenly hear an angry squawk, making her blink, "Huh?" She turned and paled to see a Spearow shaking of sparks of electricity, mostly gotten hit by Zeus' Thunder Wave...and it didn't look happy as it turned up to glare at her.

She slowly stepped back followed by Diana, who also spotted the angry Flying-type. "Um...Ash?" She said quiet enough for just him and their Pokemon to hear. He hummed looking at her, only to pale and wince at the same time as the Spearow let out a very loud and very angry caw.

Picking up Diana as Nicola rushed onto her shoulder, Vivian screamed, "RUN!" Ash didn't hesitate in doing the same as he grabbed her free hand with his and took off, Zeus running on foot and Vivina in his other arm.

Soon entire flock of Spearow and Fearow were upon them as they ran. It also soon began to rain, making it hard for Vivian to see as they fogged up her glasses, causing her to miss seeing a little dent in the path, which caused to trip with a startled cry, throwing Nicola from her shoulder as she landed on her side. Ash noticed this immediately when her hand left his and turned in alarm with a shout, "Vivian!"

Her glasses had fallen off during the fall, but Vivian didn't need them to tell her that the brown blur coming at her was a Spearow. Vivian screamed remembering Diana and tried to use her body to shield her Starter, who had tried to get up to defend her trainer. But an attack never came as a voice cried out, "PIIIIIKAAAA!" Before a blinding yellow light flashed.

When Vivian looked up, she saw a couple brown blurs on the ground with yellow blurs dancing around them, telling her some Spearows got electrified. She looked to the side to see a yellow blur with a curved tail get between her and the remaining flock protectively, "Nicola?" She was startled when the orange blur of her Fire-type got out from her protective hold and took a stance next to her teammate, "Diana?"

"Vivian!" Ash said urgently as he knelt by her, "Are you okay?" He handed her, her glasses, but she didn't put them on as she nodded silently, an unsure expression as Ash glared up at the flock angrily.

Suddenly, Ash got between her and the flock too, arms open wide as if to shield her from any attack as Zeus and Vivina also lined up with Nicola and Diana. "Spearow, do you know I am? I'm Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town!" Ash yelled up at them defiantly, angering them more, "I'm going to be the world's greatest Pokemon Trainer and I'm not going to best by any of you! So try and stop me!" Egged by his bait, the Spearow and Fearow all dived, aiming for the human boy, much to Vivian's alarm, despite her awe of his standing against the flock.

"Ash!" She cried, "Nicola, Thunderbolt! Diana, Ember!" Ash was startled at the seriously powerful blast of electricity her Pikachu produced so easily and had to wonder just how long she had her Pikachu, while Diana, while weakened by the rain was steadily shooting little bursts of fire at whatever Spearow or Fearow got too close.

Shaking his head, Ash added, "Zeus, Thundershock! Vivina, Confusion!" Zeus aided his female counterpart with his own arcs of electricity, while Vivina concentrated and used her psychic power to knock two Spearow at a time around like ragdolls before dropping them to the ground.

Suddenly, as Nicola powered another Thunderbolt and Zeus a Thundershock, their tails touched just as a streak of lightening struck the two, causing a charge that bathed the area in a blinding light, causing the two's comrades and trainers to cover their eyes. When the light died down, the two trainers were stunned to find every Spearow and Fearow was now on the ground, some charred from being too close to the super-charged blast, others singed and smoking, around them a large amount of grass was shriveled up and nearly black from the electricity, forming a large, crater-shape, almost like a scar, around them, nearly bushes and trees were bare of leaves, the naked branches literally smoking from what had happened. Both Pikachu laid on the ground, exhausted as their comrades sat on their butts stunned.

"What...was that?" Ash finally asked after what felt like an eternity of silence of just staring at what their electric types just did. "I...I...I...I don't know..." Vivian admitted shell-shocked, in all her years she's never seen two Pikachu, even when purposely combining their power, cause such damage, but wondered if it had been the lightening that caused the power boost.

Shaking her head, she blinked in surprise when the blur that was Ash was close to her again, sounding concerned as he asked once more, this time in a more gentler, less rushed voice, "Are you okay?"

"Y-Yeah," She nodded looking up at him, sure her shock was clear on her face, "You...you just...saved me."

Ash smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head, "I'm can't take all the credit..." At this, Nicola and Diana almost tackled the girl with cries of their species names, making her smile and laugh, shaking out of her shock.

He held out a hand and she smiled, taking it, letting him hoist her up to her feet as the rain came to a stop, the sun peeking out through the clouds as they parted. She took out a handkerchief from her bag to dry off her glasses before setting them back on her face, before smiling up at the sky to feel the sun on her face, only for her smile to fall into a shocked expression as she pointed, "What...is that?"

Ash and the Pokemon looked up in confusion only to gasp in shocked-awe at what they found. Flying elegantly through the sky was a giant bird Pokemon that resembled a phoenix and peacock. Its feathers were both red and gold, glistening beautifully in the new sunlight with otherworldly radiance. The tips of its wing feathers were white, tipped with green and were prismatic, leaving a beautiful rainbow in its wake, while its peacock-like tail were gold and yellow. Its long beak was yellow, it had a green stripe around its neck and black rings around its beautiful garnet-red eyes. It was truly a marvel to behold as the two humans below stared on in both shock and awe, while the Pokemon, while also in awe, bowed in respect to the grand avian-Pokemon.

Ash could only breath two words due to the mixing emotions trying to surface at once, "...Lady Ho-oh..."

Vivian, however, couldn't talk due to the breakdown, reload and repeat session her brain was having, never having to expected to see a Legendary, of all Pokemon, so early in her journey, much less at all. To top it all off, it was a Legendary that hasn't been seen it almost a millenium, she surprised herself by not fainting.

But what neither human noticed was a pair of beautiful gold and pink feathers had fallen from Ho-oh's tail. Both feathers floated harmless onto the two's heads, bursting on the contact, casting them in a gold and pink-tinged glow for a few seconds before settling. But it didn't escape the notice of their four Pokemon, who shared looks of shock, unsure of what to make of this development.

Ho-oh flew onward, smiling inwardly. This hadn't been what Mew had foretold exactly, but she wasn't complaining. She could see both humans were as pure as could be, worthy of two of her feathers and one other gift. She could hardly wait to see how things turned out.

As the Queen of all Flying-types slowly disappeared, Vivian finally found her voice, "Was that...really...Ho-oh?"

Ash nodded, "I guess she sees more in us then a pair of ordinary Rookie Trainers." As he said this, he tossed her a wide smile, making her look at him, a little surprised, but smiled shyly in response, blushing a bit.

They stood there for a while longer, admiring the rainbow Ho-oh left behind and how it seemed to make Viridian a becon with how it stretched across for travelers as weary as they currently felt, it before their respective Pika-pal resumed their proper perches. Ash then picked up Vivina and Vivian picked up Diana, and they began walking towards the waiting city.

"I guess you're Pika-pal doesn't like her pokeball either, huh?" Ash joked after a pensive silence. "Pika-pal..." Vivian mused over the term thoughtfully, before smiling more sincerely, "I like that..." She then answered, "And yeah, she really doesn't, ever since she was a Pichu."

Nicola blanched at the idea of being in a pokeball, muttering something about them, making Zeus nod in understanding, which in turn made both their teammates shake their heads in amusement. "Why don't you have your Charmander in her pokeball?" Ash asked curiously.

"Call her Diana and why don't you have Vivina in hers?" Vivian responded in kind. "Well, her being outside lets me bond with her better," Ash answered, "Plus, I'm not used to her being in a pokeball." Vivian smiled at this, before wincing as pain shot up her leg.

Ash noticed the wince and looked at her in concern before noticing she was limping and remembered her fall, and instantly felt stupid and guilty. "Oh, geez, are you okay? I didn't think you fell that badly!" Ash apologized.

"I'm fine," Vivian assured, "Its probably just sprained, nothing to worry about," Just as she was about to press on, her leg gave way, making her yelp in surprise and Diana and Nicola quickly jumped out of her arms to the side to avoid getting squished, but Ash was quick to catch her, Vivian sighed, "Or...it could be a bit worse than a sprain."

Setting Vivina down and Zeus hopping off his shoulder, Ash placed her arm around his shoulder to help her walk, "Here, just until we get to the Pokemon Center."

Vivian frowned and tried to pull away as their Pokemon watched, "What, no, Ash, I can walk just fine on my own!"

"Vivian, I just want to help," Ash protested as he tried to keep her from pulling away. "And I don't want help!" Vivian insisted, "I'm fine!" Ash sighed, figuring he didn't have a choice.

Vivian smiled thinking she won, only to yelp in surprise when Ash suddenly wrapped one arm around the small of her back and the other under her knees, effortlessly lifting her into his arms bridal-style, much to her embarrassment as she shrieked, "ASH!" Ash just chuckled and continued on to Viridian, making her pout as she stopped struggling after a moment. Nicola, Vivina, Zeus and Diana all shared a grin before quickly following, all knowing one thing for absolute certain; this journey just got interesting.

Like I stated before, I just couldn't resist not trying my hand at this sort of genre of Pokemon story after reading so many. I just hope I did the sub-type justice. Basically, Ash is mature and smart, but he isn't all powerful and neither is Pikachu, they both grow and get stronger then hard-earning way. Don't like this fact, then don't read the next chapter. Yes, he will be getting all of his canon-Pokemon, but he will also be getting other kinds of Pokemon too, as Vivina the Venonat makes clear.

I'd like to make an apology to all Misty fans who are reading this, but I feel it fair to give the honest truth that I just didn't like her in the beginning. She just struck me off as brattish at first (still does from time to time) and it took me a while to genuinely like her as one of Ash's companions. I created Vivian with the intention of giving Ash a more...how do I put this?...gentler approach to meeting his first traveling companion. Like her, hate, I don't care cause, she's staying. I also made her as a book-worm type, simply to give more Ash information that I don't think he's going to normally get otherwise. I gave her Nicola the Pikachu cause I thought Pikachu himself could use the companionship. I could be wrong, but I don't think we got to see him interact much with his own species apart from the colony of Pikachu they meet in the woods that one Kanto-episode. And Diana the Charmander cause I just wanted to.

But please, tell me what you think of Annabelle. She is going to have screen time, along with Lucy and Gary. I like to think I painted her in the idea of how a general ghost-type trainer would be. I mean, Misty's character suits the ocean, tempermental and unpredictable. Brock's (don't worry, he will be in this as more than a Gym Leader) fits with a mountain, unwavering in what he believes in and force to be reckoned with when pushed, even Sabrina's character fits with her choice in Pokemon-type. So I like to think I made Annabelle's character well into her chosen type, quiet and unassuming, yet an aura of creepiness that gives her an intimidating presence, I like to think.

Well, let me know what you guys think in your reviews...well, if you review. See you in the next chapter!;)!