Welcome back everyone to Master Quest. After some time off, it's time to get back into Ash's journey and see where he ends up through it all. For those who didn't read them, there's two one-shots that take place between the last chapter and this one. They're not too important, well, one is kind of, but they help explain where a few characters are.

Ch 1: Home

The cool air whirled in the breeze, a gust of wind bit at Ash's exposed face before he shivered from it. Not used to the temperature, the young boy zipped his jacket up as Pikachu hopped inside to stay warm; the Electric Mouse Pokémon nuzzling against the boy's body to generate warmth. Shoving his own hands into his pockets, Ash glanced forward towards the other members of his traveling party. Each of them likewise looking uncomfortable from the weather, each of them having grown numb from the frigid air. In fact, he couldn't even remember how long they had been waiting for the last bus of the day. If it wasn't a necessity of his to make it home by tonight, Ash figured it would have just been smarter to wait in his warm dorm room until morning and then take a bus during the day. But his energetic self wouldn't allow that, the sound of a running engine filling his ears; a smile crossing his frozen face as he shivered. The vehicle came to a rolling stop, the small group gathering around it as the doors opened wide. A gust of warm air escaping from them as the group sighed in relief.

"Pika!" Pikachu cried out happily. His head popped out from his resting spot as his body followed shortly after it. The Electric-Type bounding up the small steps as the others followed behind him, each of them handing their ticket to the driver. Following after Pikachu, Ash sat himself down near the front of the bus, his best friend sitting comfortably on his lap.

"Man it's so cold out," Ash muttered as he soaked up the heat. His body was still shivering as the others sat down around him; Janine grabbing the seat next to him while Gary and Leaf sat across the aisle. Taking a look around the vehicle, Ash was surprised at the lack of travelers aboard it. Despite being the only one to Pallet Town for the remainder of the evening, the bus was empty except for three passengers that appeared to be asleep in the back. Whether they were supposed to still be here or missed their stop was beyond Ash's understanding. Before he knew it, the doors to the vehicle slammed shut, the bus pitching forward as Ash's body hit the padding before him. Letting a chuckle escape his lips, his mind drifted back to the cold weather he had experienced since returning from Vermilion City.

"It's never been this bad before..."

"Or maybe you just think so cause it's your first time experiencing a real winter," Gary replied, the boy removing his gloves. Casting a glance towards Ash, it was met with a swift glare; the young boy not caring for the way his rival spoke to him. "Pallet Town is typically warmer than a city like Viridian at this time of the year thanks to the warm currents brought to it by the waters from the south.

"Places like Pallet Town or Fuchsia City are typically warmer than say Pewter City or Viridian City. Those two cities typically have colder winters and springs due to the air coming down from the mountains that give off an extra chill. Though speaking of Fuchsia, why's the little ninja with us?"

Janine seemed to tense up at the question, those gathered around all staring at her for a moment. Ash wasn't sure what caused her to grow tense, especially since it wasn't a big deal that she joined them. To him, it was just going to make the break better by having another friend around. Deciding to explain the situation, Ash cleared his throat.

"She's gonna spend the break with us. I guess something happened at Fuchsia City and her dad doesn't want her there in case something else happens."

"Is that it?" Gary asked, staring at the duo. Ash wasn't too sure what that was supposed to mean, the boy merely nodding his head in agreement. Gary seemed satisfied with the answer while Leaf appeared happy over the sudden change.

"This'll be great! With you here, Janine, we'll be able to do so much together," Leaf spoke up, turning her body to face the honorary member of the Pallet Town group. Janine merely smiled nervously as Leaf reached across and clasped her hands around Janine's own hands. The bus struck a light bump, but it was mostly unnoticeable for the group as Leaf continued on. "Gary and Ash are fun to be with but hanging out with them isn't the same as spending time with another girl. And besides, we all know they'll just run off to go train the entire time."

"Obviously. Though I doubt it'll be any use for Ashy-Boy. No amount of training will help him," Gary remarked. The comment angering Ash as he leapt to his feet, hands raised in front of his body.

"Try saying that to my face and see what happens! Besides, we tied last time we battled."

The bus struck another bump, the action knocking Ash into his seat while Gary laughed at the action. Ash felt his temper rising but did his best to hold it back as Leaf tried to diffuse the situation. Muttering to himself, Ash turned to the window and stared out it; Viridian City now out of view as they made their way closer to Pallet Town. He couldn't tell how long they had been traveling, but his heavy eyes told him to sleep. Yawning, Ash stretched his arms outwards before shutting his eyelids. He might as well get a bit of sleep before they reached Pallet Town.

The rest of the trip seemed to pass by quickly for Ash, the boy being awoken from his slumber by Janine shaking his shoulder. The bus having reached their destination before he even realized it. Standing, the boy stretched out his stiff muscles as he waited for the others to move. Even Pikachu seemed to be stiff from the ride, the Electric-Type moving his limbs before scurrying up the student's arm.

Finally able to get off of the bus, Ash and Pikachu took their first steps back in Pallet Town with joy; the city having stayed the same as the last time they were here. The only difference being lights were strung around houses for the winter season. Turning to the others, Ash noticed Gary already leaving. The boy not even having the decency to say a simple goodbye.

"Don't mind him, Ash," Leaf spoke up, hands behind her back as she took a few steps in the direction of her own home. Twirling to face him, the girl smiled at her childhood friend. "You should have realized he wasn't going to say anything to you. Though, he has been getting better since the Class Battle to everyone else."

"Go figure," Ash muttered, Pikachu patting him on the back of the head.

"Well you are his rival even if he won't admit it out loud. Anyways, I better get going. I promised my dad that I'd help at the shop tonight; we should meet up during the break, maybe I can get Gary to join us too."

"Sounds good," Janine added in as the young girl walked away from them. The sound of the ground crunching as her feet made impact filled the silent air as it were just Ash and Janine left at the bus stop now. Even those three weirdos from the back of the bus had vanished, Ash wondering if they were visiting someone in Pallet Town. None of them looked familiar to him, but that could have just been cause of their outfits covering most of their features. Either way, Ash didn't care as he turned towards the direction his house was in.

Taking a deep breath, Ash smiled at the smell of Pallet Town filling his nostrils. It was great to be back home after being gone for so long. Grabbing Janine's wrist, he took off, the girl surprised by the action as Pikachu sprinted ahead of them.

"Let's go! My mom probably has dinner ready for us, you'll love her cooking!"

"D-Did you even tell her I was coming?"

"Nah, but she won't mind at all," he replied with a chuckle, the girl shaking her own head at his words. Making their way through the small town, the boy quickly pointed out a few places of interest within their quiet community. Namely the post office and town hall while also pointing out his mom's restaurant that was already closed for the day. They came to a slight stop as they passed the restaurant, Ash stopping to admire it for a moment as his grip was released. Something seemed strange to him, one of the lights appearing to be on in the kitchen. He wondered if maybe his mom was still there, but as soon as he saw it, the light shut off. He couldn't help but think he had been seeing things so he rubbed his eyes for a moment. Seeing that nothing was out of the ordinary he paused to talk about the building.

"That's where my mom works, she inherited it from my grandma. I never got to meet her, but from what I was told she loved cooking; guess my mom got her love of it from spending so much time working there."

"She runs it all by herself? Your mom must be an amazing cook!"

"For sure! Her dishes always taste great and they're always fresh too," Ash stated, his mouth watering at the thought of food. Brock was probably the only person who came close to his mom's own cooking in his eyes and even then he couldn't bring himself to say that they were even comparable. Something about his mom's cooking was indisputable. "Though, she has a few people working for her. Before leaving for school I used to help out when I wasn't at Professor Oak's place."

"Pikapi!" Pikachu stated, the voice catching Ash's attention as he looked down at his leg. Pikachu had been standing there tugging on his jeans, Ash being unaware of the action. He hadn't even seen Pikachu turn back towards him. Understand what Pikachu was getting at, Ash bent over and picked his best friend up.

"You're right, Pikachu, we should be getting home," Ash stated as the duo continued on. Janine followed shortly after them, girl having been looking off into the distance for a moment. Following where her gaze had been, Ash could have sworn he saw something or rather someone, but he wasn't sure. Taking another step forward, Ash was met with a surprise as his body seemed to smack into something invisible. Janine bumping right into him.

"What gives?" Ash asked, pressing his hands against the invisible wall. It seemed to stretch for a bit, Ash unable to find an opening to get around it.

"It's seems to be some sort of invisible wall. Like the ones my dad uses for his training sessions. Someone must have put it up as a prank. Might as well just turn around and find a way around it," Janine replied, walking face first into another wall as she tried to turn. Bouncing off the wall, the girl landed on the ground with a thud. Ash coming to find out that all sides were now blocked off; it was as if someone wanted to box them in.

"I swear if this is Gary's doing..." Ash growled out as he tried to push upwards, even the area above them being blocked off. Giving up, the boy sat on the ground opposite Janine as he threw his hands behind his head. This definitely wasn't how he expected his first night back to be. Sighing out in defeat, Ash looked to the side only to notice what seemed to be a strange figure glaring at them. Squinting to get a better view, the being seemed to vanish from his sight just as quickly as it appeared; the action leaving Ash perplexed as to whether someone had actually been there all along.

In that moment, however, the boy found himself tipping to the side; his body finding out that one of the walls were now gone. Pushing his body off the ground, Ash stood while Janine joined him in the action. The duo looking confused over the entire situation while Pikachu merely climbed onto Ash's shoulder.

"I wonder if it was all cause of those flowers," Janine asked, pointing to the path of flowers that aligned the street. Ash's feet were dangerously close to trampling them, the boy taking a step away from them before looking at the flowers. In fact, the flowers seemed to run through the entirety of Pallet Town, a feature Ash didn't remember being there before. "Maybe they didn't want us ruining them."

"If they were worried about some flowers they could have just said something. I mean, a simple 'don't step on those' is better than trapping us in a box somehow," Ash muttered out in annoyance. Throwing his arms behind his head, Ash let a chuckle escape his mouth from the thought of the incident. Only in Pallet Town would something as ridiculous as this occur. As it was, he couldn't stay mad about the entire event since it was to protect something defenseless. He then decided to pick up his pace, his eyes starting to make out his familiar house off in the distance. Squinting, he could see a light source coming from the building, the boy being notified that his mother was home. Now running, Ash turned back towards his friend and called out to her.

"We're almost there! Come on!"

Janine didn't argue with him before racing after the boy and his best friend. As he ran, Ash could only think of finally making it home again and having a nice meal made by his mom. After today he was in need of some relaxation before getting back into training. As it was he hadn't trained for a few days and he didn't want his team to get rusty, especially since they just added a new member to their group in Squirtle. Finally reaching the house, Ash burst through the front door. He couldn't help it, he was finally home and was too excited to take it easy. Looking around the entrance, Ash noticed no trace of his mother except for her shoes resting peacefully.

Listening, he could hear the sound of running water coming from the kitchen so he called out to it. "Mom! I'm home!"

"Pika!"

"I'm in the kitchen, Ash. I wanted to have a surprise meal ready for you when you got home, just finishing up the dishes now. I had a feeling you didn't eat much today so hopefully you're hungry for a big meal," his mother replied, her voice bringing a smile to Ash's face. Or rather he assumed it was her voice causing the smile, though based on the growl that came from his stomach it might have been the food.

Taking a step forward, Ash stopped himself once he realized Janine hadn't entered yet. Casting a glance backwards, he watched as the young girl stood outside the entrance just staring at the front door. A mix of nervousness and awe appearing on her face.

"You coming?"

Janine jumped at the question, the girl nodding nervously. Taking her first step inside the house, Janine gazed at the interior as Ash just laughed at her reaction. It was almost like she had never been to someone else's house before, though it made her wonder what the houses in Fuchsia City were like. Pointing in the direction they needed to go, Ash kicked his shoes off as they made their way to the dining room. Entering it, the duo noticed the food made for tonight seemed to have been made in anticipation for a party. Though Ash had a feeling he could eat a good amount of it himself, and whatever was leftover he could finish tomorrow.

"Mom, I hope you don't mind but I brought a friend home for break," Ash stated in the direction of the kitchen. The sound of running water came to a stop while Ash took a seat, the boy waiting for his mother to finish drying her hands and look at them. Casting a glance at the food once more, he noticed a few of his favorite dishes sitting around; he was almost tempted to grab some but one look from Pikachu told him to wait.

Eventually, Ash watched as his mom turned to face them. The woman looking like she hadn't even broken a sweat between cooking and cleaning. For some reason, Ash felt slightly nervous while his mother's eyes rested on Janine. Something about the length of the look caused doubt to creep inside of his thoughts for the first time. He figured she would have accepted it just fine, not even needing to think it over. But now he wondered what they would do if she said Janine couldn't stay there, perhaps Leaf had space at her house? Or if the worst came to it he was sure Professor Oak would allow her to stay at his place until school started up again. Those worries were dashed however as his mother smiled at the girl.

"That's fine dear. It'll be nice to have another girl around the house. And I'm sure Leaf is already thrilled to have someone to spend time with in Pallet Town. I'm just excited I'll be able to try a few new recipes with two mouths to feed."

"Told you," Ash whispered to his friend, Janine stifling back a laugh. The sound of water running made Ash realize his mother had returned to washing the dishes, his stomach rumbling once more from the sight of the food. He wished she would just come sit down so they could eat, but he didn't dare say that especially after she had not only made all this food but allowed Janine to stay here.

"There's just one rule, Ash. You two have to sleep in different rooms."

Ash was perplexed by the comment, of course they would be in different rooms; his only had one bed anyways. He wasn't going to force Janine to sleep on the ground. Looking at Janine, he noticed how she seemed to be a light shade of red now. The boy wondering if she was growing hot from the heat inside the house.

"Well yeah, you know there's only one bed in my room. I had thought Janine could use our guest room," Ash answered as Janine took the seat next to him. Pikachu sitting to his right as his mother came to join them. Ash gave a smile to his mother as she sat across from the duo, placing one final desert onto the table before motioning for them to dig in. Not needing to be told twice, he began to stuff his plate with all the delicious foods presented before him; Janine and his mother acting with more manners when it came to grabbing food.

"She'll stay in your room and you'll sleep on the couch," Delia replied. The words were a shock to Ash, the boy missing his mouth as the carrots on his fork scrapped the side of his face. The words didn't come out in a mean tone and her face was still just as happy looking as before, but Ash could tell she meant business. He figured something had to have happened that required him to give up his room. "The guest room is currently occupied by someone else, Ash. And I refuse to have Janine sleep on the couch."

"Oh it's no problem at all, Mrs. Ketchum."

"You're our guest, Janine. And besides, Ash used to crash on that couch all the time as a kid. He'll be fine."

Ash just plopped his carrot into his mouth and chewed away. He knew there was no need for him to get involved in this conversation. And besides, by sleeping down on the couch it meant him and Pikachu could stay up all night watching official League battles to learn new ideas for their training sessions. Smiling to himself, he figured it was going to be a win-win for him: his mother was fine with Janine and he would be able to learn some new techniques. Now focused only on his food, Ash drowned out the noise of his mother and friend talking and instead devoured his food. Even Pikachu joining in as the Electric-Type poured ketchup onto the food before him.

Before long, Ash found himself unable to continue eating and placed his utensils down onto his plate. The action being a symbol from him that he would partake in conversation now; his mother taking advantage of it as she asked a question.

"How was your first semester, Ash? You did study and remember to turn in all your assignments, right?"

Ash coughed as he heard the question, the last bit of food he was swallowing getting caught as he was forced to pound on his chest. Getting it down, Ash sighed out before chuckling nervously. He had hoped she wouldn't have asked him about his grades. Yeah, he passed all his classes but some were by the skin of his teeth and he wasn't quite sure she would appreciate that. Casting a glance towards Pikachu, the boy figured it would be best to just get it over with. Sliding his eyes away from his mother, the boy began to speak.

"I wouldn't say all assignments...though I know I definitely passed every class so that's a positive. I just wouldn't be expecting my name on the dean's lists. Hehe..."

Delia shook her head at the boy, Ash no doubt expecting some sort of disappointment from his answer. Instead he was shocked once he heard her laugh from his answer. "I should have expected that from you. You're not exactly the scholar type. But that doesn't mean you can slouch off when it comes to your work. You don't want to fail your classes after all."

"I know, mom. And there's no need to worry over it cause I'll make sure to at least pass. Can't guarantee anything like a 'B' though," Ash replied before leaning back. Looking around the table he was met with exasperated looks from everyone. "What? It's true."

No one said a word as they instead finished their meals, the remainder of the evening passing by peacefully for the group. Eventually, Ash decided it was best to get his bed ready for the night and scavenged for extra sheets and blankets laying around the house. Laying them across the couch in a manner he would be able to use them later, Ash led Janine upstairs and towards his room. Even if he wasn't using it himself, he still wanted to take a peek at his bedroom; it had been months since he last saw the inside of it and he wondered if all his belongings were still the same. Leading her down the hall, Ash paused for a moment as he could have sworn mutters coming from the guestroom. Pausing for but a split second, the boy questioned if he should enter the room and meet this guest or merely continue on. The latter option was the one he went with as the noise came to an end; Ash figured the person was probably just getting ready for bed since it was later at night. His curiosity was peaked though, especially since it was usually only family and close friends who seldom used that room. So if his mother had let someone use it now, then they had to be either important or good friends with her. And yet, Ash couldn't picture any of his mom's old friends coming to visit now.

Walking past the room, Ash came to a slow stop in front of his door. Sweeping his hand outwards to grab the doorknob, he swung the door open to reveal its contents. "And this is your room I guess."

A small smile crossed over his face as his eyes scanned the room, it had been left exactly how it had been the day he left minus the dirty laundry of course. Taking the first step in, his eyes peered around as they landed on each and every item he had scattered about. From his League memorabilia to a some figurines sitting on a shelf, each item held significance to him. Janine likewise noticed his belongings, passing by a shelf with a few figurines on it before stopping in front of it.

"I never pictured you as a collector," she teased, picking up one of the figurines and looking at it. Ash froze for a moment before snatching it from her hands, the figurine being placed safely back onto the shelf.

"I'm not. These are just special to me so I like to keep them in nice condition and in a spot I can see them," he explained before tossing Janine's bag onto his bed. The luggage bounced around on the piece of furniture as Janine joined it by laying across the surface of the bed. Ash watched the girl rest for a moment before a yawn escaped from his lips. Staring at the time he finally realized just how late into the night it actually was and figured it would be best to get some sleep before he ended up just sleeping tomorrow away completely. Picking his old alarm clock up he tossed it towards Janine, the girl springing up to catch it with one hand.

"You can use that to set an alarm. I'm not sure how early you like to get up at. The TV also works if you want to watch anything up here, just make sure you keep the volume down or my mom will come in. Or at least she used to when I would watch stuff at two in the morning."

"Sure," Janine replied as her eyes stayed pointed at the ground. Taking a sigh, the girl appeared to be thinking something over to Ash, but she never got the words out as he figured it would be best if he left. Making his way out of his own room Ash shut the door lightly as he could have sworn Janine say something. Standing against the closed door he rubbed beneath his nose while chuckling softly to himself over the fact he thought she thanked him. Turning to Pikachu, he brought an end to the action before smirking at his best friend.

"Race you to the couch!"

"Pika!"

The two-bounded forward as Pikachu took the early lead thanks to his training, though Ash wasn't one to give up easily. Picking up his own speed, Ash sprinted down the hall before diving at Pikachu, the boy grabbing ahold of his best friend's tail as electricity shocked him lightly. Still, he didn't let go and instead tossed the Electric-Type behind himself before leaping to his feet. Ash could hear Pikachu cry out in annoyance from behind, but that didn't matter as he was in first now. Reaching the stairs, Ash took his first step downwards as a bright light filled his vision and caused the boy to tumble down the flight of stairs. His body struck each stair painfully as all he could see was white, his hearing letting him know that Pikachu was involved in some way thanks to his laughter. Struggling to stand Ash leaned against the wall until fully stable on his feet, only by then it was too late as he soon learned.

"Pikapi! Pikapi!" Pikachu cried out teasingly as Ash followed the voice. Walking into a piece of furniture Ash paused a moment before rubbing at his eyes, the whiteness slowly leaving his retinas until he could clearly see Pikachu resting atop the back of the couch. His cheeks glowing with a small amount of electricity.

"No fair! Using Flash like that is cheating, Pikachu. You've spent too much time around Surge."

"Will you two boys stop roughhousing!? Some of us need to get sleep for work tomorrow!" Delia called out as Ash jumped from his mother's words. He knew she didn't anger often or easily, but he did know it was best to stay off her bad side since when it did show up things could get ugly. And the last thing he wanted to do was upset her during the middle of the night.

"Sorry, mom! We're heading right off to bed!"

"Pipi!"

The two cried out in unison before Ash dove straight for the couch. Sliding over the top, he landed atop his sheets before tossing the blankets over himself and Pikachu as he argued to himself over the idea of using the TV. The remote sat right before him so it wouldn't be an issue of getting it; it was just taking the risk with his mother. He knew there would be an old battle airing at this time of night, but if she heard them at all they would be dead. Sighing in defeat, Ash turned his body to face away from the television set before slamming his eyes shut. That seemed to be for the best as any thoughts of using the TV vanished as the fatigue he had been fighting finally washed over him. The feeling striking against his entire body like a wave in the ocean crashing against the shore; Ash yawning one more time as his thoughts became all jumbled together within his head. Yawning one final time, he passed off into a deep sleep.

Time passed by for Ash as he stayed deep within his slumber, the boy unaware of the time passing by through the night. The only noise to disturb his slumber were creeks coming from the stairs, though he paid little attention to them or the muttering that came from that direction. Instead turning his body away from the stairs and delving deeper into his sleep, the sound of a slamming door telling him that someone had left. Light soon shined in through the window, but the comfort of sleep kept him from responding as he threw a pillow atop his face to block out the unwelcomed sunlight. Moaning, he could feel Pikachu scurrying away; the action signaling that his best friend was now awake for the day and that he too should get up but his body refused. And yet, he couldn't help but question his laziness considering he was back home; it wasn't as if he had classes for the time being, he could do whatever he wanted. Stretching, a yawn escaped his lips before his eyes shot open, the boy finally awake now. Rubbing his eyes to dispel any thoughts of lying back down he proceeded to glance around the area. Noticing his mother's shoes now missing he figured it must have been her this morning that had come downstairs. It made sense to him as well, she probably had to leave for work when he heard someone. Continuing to look around, he noticed Janine watching him from the dining room table.

"Look who finally decided to wake up," she teased before stabbing a cut piece of a pancake with her fork. Popping it into her mouth, the girl playfully smiled at Ash as the boy got off of the couch and picked up his discarded blankets. "I didn't think you were ever getting up."

"I didn't want to," Ash responded with a light moan. Now that he was up and moving, he realized just how uncomfortable his makeshift bed truly was; his back now stiff and sore from having to sleep on the couch for an entire night. Realizing this, he could only imagine how things would be by the end of their break if he continued to sleep on the couch.

"But now that I'm up I can give you a real tour of Pallet Town, how's that sound?"

"Better than watching you sleep. Let's go then." Standing, Janine grabbed her now empty plate with one hand before pushing her chair in with the other. Making her way over to the sink, she deposited her dishes into it as water ran over them. "I didn't really get a chance to see much since we got in so late."

Nodding, Ash grabbed his jacket off the nearby coatrack and tossed it onto his body before slipping his shoes on. All ready, he waited for Janine to finish preparing as the girl slid her own shoes on. Throwing a jacket on, the young girl motioned that she was all set as Pikachu climbed onto Ash's shoulder. Opening the door, the due were met with a sunny day, a light breeze passing by that caused Ash to shiver for a moment.

"It's a bit colder than Fuchsia, but not as bad as Viridian," Janine muttered as she zipped her jacket up. Ash paid no attention to the comment as he continued on his way to the center of town. He figured it would be best to start from there again, maybe even stop at his mom's for a bite to eat or even stop by Leaf's house and see if the girl wanted to join them. Turning around to see if Janine was following him he was quickly shocked to see she had already caught up to him and was by his side. It was something he was going to have to remember when it came to her, having been trained as a ninja probably made her stealthy and faster than most people.

Continuing on, they eventually reached the center of the small town, Ash unsure just what there was to show her. In hindsight he realized that besides what they saw last night there wasn't much to really see.

"Well there's the post office and a few blocks over is the mayor's office," he began to explain, counting on his fingers just how many buildings of interest there actually was. Outside of the bus stop and his mom's restaurant and the buildings he already showed, he was left with Leaf's family shop and Professor Oak's lab. The latter he was hoping to save for another day so that they could spend a lot of time there due to its expansive grounds; even with a full day it wouldn't be enough time to explore the entire grounds. "So, it's kind of funny but Professor Oak's older brothers run them. One runs the post office and the other is mayor of the entire town, but mom says he's looking to retire."

"I never thought that the Oaks were that important of a family. I guess it makes sense why Gary is like that, carrying such a prestigious name."

"Don't tell that to him, it'll just inflate his ego. It's kind of funny, when I talked with his dad after the whole Zapdos incident even he joked about Gary's ego and how 'it's something he picked up from the Oak name' or something like that. I wasn't really listening much," Ash replied while Pikachu just shook his head in disappointment. Shrugging his shoulders, Ash continued on his way as Janine followed after him. "I guess this entire town is named after Professor Oak's grandfather cause at the time he was the best trainer from here. But the story sounds a bit strange, like, who names their kid Pallet? And if they name it based on the best trainer from the town, why not name it Red Town or Blue Town? I just think Blue was messing with me back then.

"But enough about them let's get to other stuff, even if there isn't much to see," he stated. Pointing forward, he marched straight by his mother's restaurant as it felt like he was being watched. Looking at the small building, he could have sworn he saw a pair of eyes looking right at him but it didn't seem to be the case. Passing the building, they soon came to a stop in front of a smaller building (though still large in comparison to some of the houses there).

"Which one is this?" Janine asked, tilting her head at the large glass door. Ash just smiled as he stepped forward, the large door sliding open on its own. His eyes shinned with amazement as the door did its act, the man at the counter chuckling at his face.

"Leaf's place. The first floor is their convenience store, the only one in Pallet Town while they live on the second floor. It's actually bigger than the outside makes it look."

"Long time no see, Ash. I see you're still amazed by that door," the man behind the counter stated as the duo walked in. Ash recognized him immediately while Janine stared from behind him.

"Hey there, Mr. Leaf's dad," Ash replied as he bounded over to the counter. Leaf's father sighed from the boy's action before taking his apron off. "And of course I would love that door, who wouldn't? Science can be so amazing! A door that opens without you needing to pull it."

"You know our campus is filled with doors like this and you don't get amazed at any of them," Janine replied, Ash merely chuckling to himself from that revelation. Still, even if other places had them, this one was different to him; maybe it had to do with it being the first of its kind Ash actually saw.

"That's Ash though, always amazed by something even if it isn't unique," Togo stated as he cleaned his glasses. Blowing on them, the older man wiped the steam off of them before placing them back onto his face. "And if you're with him then that must make you Janine. Leaf's mentioned you quite a bit, though she headed out with Gary not too long ago to train. If you hurry you should be able to catch up with them."

"Gary's training?" Ash piqued up, his head turning in their direction. Even Pikachu was interested in that news, as if they refused to let Gary get ahead of them in any sort of way. Grabbing Janine by the wrist Ash started to leave the store only to stop himself. Pausing for a moment, he was thankfully bailed out of his predicament by Leaf's father telling him they had headed towards the forest. Moving out once more, Ash picked up the pace as Janine now trailed behind him.

"If he's out training then we have to be as well, Pikachu! We'll show him some of the moves we've learned!"

"Aren't you getting ahead of yourselves? How are you so sure that you'll even find him?"

"Pidgeot, you've got to be faster than that in battle!" Gary's voice echoed as Janine sighed in defeat. Ash pointed forward in the direction it had come from, as if the boy was silently saying "this way" before rushing forward. Reaching the end of the path, the duo now climbing a grassy hill that gave way to a forest at the bottom. Though it weren't the trees capturing their attention but rather the blur moving between them as streams of water narrowly missed it. The blur soon slowed down as the event before them ended, a Pidgeot landing in the small clearing before them. Ash immediately recognizing Leaf and Gary as he ran towards them, Janine trailing behind.

"That was amazing, Pidgeot! Your speed has really increased since evolving."

"Hmph, his flying was sloppy and it cost him some speed when it mattered. You shouldn't even have to worry about dodging with the speed you possess. We'll run it again until it's mastered," Gary stated as he shoved his hand into his pocket. Ash could see what appeared to be Wartortle out as well though Leaf didn't seem to be doing anything but standing there for the time being.

"Woah! Pidgeotto evolved since the Class Battle, he must have gotten even faster than when Spearow raced him. I bet they would love a rematch!"

Ash's cry caught the attention of those stationed in the field, the young boy sprinting down the hill as he noticed Gary roll his eyes. Ignoring the action, his body came to a stop mere inches away from Gary as Fearow's pokeball rested in his hand. Even if it wasn't an actual battle, Ash still wanted to compete against Gary and show him his skills.

"I doubt your Spearow could keep up with my Pidgeot, especially once he goes all out and reaches his top speed. But losers have to dream too sometimes," Gary responded with a shrug. The boy's words seemed to reach Fearow's pokeball as the device opened of its own accord as Fearow appeared next to Ash. The sudden emergence seemed to surprise Gary for a moment thought it was Leaf that seemed more interested in the creature as she inspected the Normal and Flying-Type.

"Now that Spearow is evolved it might be an even match. Though it lacks the speed Pidgeot naturally has, Fearow are known for their incredible stamina in being able to stay airborne an entire day," she stated while lifting a wing. Ash could tell Fearow was a little embarrassed with someone touching his body but the Beak Pokémon behaved himself. Lowering the wing, Leaf started to inspect Fearow's talons as Janine finally reached them.

"Guess I'm late to the party, did the battle already end?"

"As if I'd ever waste time battling Ashy-boy. As it was, he thought a race was an even test for our Pokémon," Gary stated before petting Pidgeot along the beak. "Once Pidgeot gets up to Mach 2 and gets it fully under control nothing can beat him in speed. Not even that silly Tailwind gimmick you used back then."

"You sound scared, Gary," Janine instigated as she narrowed her eyes towards the boy. Ash seemingly chuckled at what his friend was doing; if there was any way to get Gary to agree to this it would be by getting under his skin. "If you were so sure about the end result you would have agreed immediately to put Ash in his place. I guess Pidgeot isn't as fast as you make him out to be."

Ash waited in silence as Gary's face seemed to twitch for a moment, he could tell that Janine's little comment had gotten to him. Now it was a matter of time until the boy declared the challenge to be happening. Looking to Fearow the two partners nodded in agreement, neither needing to say a word now to understand they would have to work together to win this. Seeing his rival now smirking, Ash knew what was to come out of his mouth.

"You're right, maybe I should put Ash in his place. How does a race around Pallet Town sound? One lap starting here and flying through the town before coming back here."

"Fine with me and Fearow," Ash replied, fist raised before his body. Pikachu mimicking his motion as the Electric-Type sat on his shoulder. His excitement soon turned into confusion as Gary seemed to be climbing onto the back of Pidgeot, the action catching Ash off-guard as Fearow likewise looked nervous. "Uhhh...mind explaining what you're doing?"

"If we're racing we might as ride with them. Like those races on television where competitors race alongside their partners."

"You always did find those dumb races to be cool," Leaf muttered, the words causing Ash to nervously laugh at all the times Gary would make them watch those races when they were younger. Gary didn't seem to appreciate the words though, Ash noticing the boy looked pretty angered by the way Leaf called them "dumb" but Ash wasn't sure if that was the only thing. Deciding to not wait any longer, Ash grabbed Pikachu from his shoulder and handed him over to Janine.

"Mind watching Pikachu until I get back? I would love to have him race alongside me, but I don't want to put any extra strain on Fearow."

"Sure. We'll be cheering you on the entire way," she replied happily as Pikachu sat comfortably within her arms. The Electric-Type cried out happily as Ash got onto Fearow's back, the action causing Fearow to be skittish for a second before relaxing.

Laying across Fearow's back, Ash tried to relax but his body was still stiff. Yes, he knew he had ridden with Fearow before but that wasn't during a race; they were only trying to reach Vermilion City and even then they had just been through a bonding moment of sorts. Ash wondered if Fearow would be able to fly at his best without any worries as long as he was sitting on his back. Taking a deep breath, Ash looked to his left to see Gary sitting comfortably aboard his Pidgeot, the majestic Normal and Flying-Type waiting to take off.

"Having trouble?"

"We're fine, just worry about yourself."

"If you say so," Gary remarked before pointing forward. Ash followed his finger as it moved to the left towards the hill he just came down. "We'll fly up and over the trees before taking a sharp left for the center of town. Then a deep dive towards the ground and we'll fly past the post office, your mom's restaurant and then head by Leaf's family's store before rushing back here."

"Fine with me."

Leaf took those words like both competitors were ready and moved in front of them. Pulling a small piece of cloth from her bag, the girl dropped it to the ground to signal the start of the race. Missing the signal at first, Ash and Fearow watched as Pidgeot burst out to a quick lead, dust blasting the duo in the face before Fearow finally took off.

"We'll have to make up some distance, sorry, Fearow," Ash apologized while turning has hat around. His partner didn't say anything, a boost of speed being kicked out by Fearow as Ash had to hold on tightly. Gary and Pidgeot weren't too far ahead of them, but the difference in speed was obvious; while they were just reaching the middle of the trees, their opponents were already on the descend and heading for the town. Smirking, Ash laughed before pointing a finger forward. "They never said we couldn't use any moves! Tailwind!"

"Roowwwww!" Fearow cried out, a smirk likewise crossing his own face. The air around them seemed to gain an increase in wind strength, Fearow adjusting his wings to pick up speed from it as they quickly found themselves finishing the forest section and heading towards the town. Still, the gap was too big to rely just on Tailwind. And even then, Pidgeot wasn't moving like he had during the training session prior. Either he was tired from it or Gary didn't think that type of speed was needed, Ash wasn't sure but what he did know was he wouldn't go down without a fight.

Starting to decline towards the ground, an idea came to Ash as he placed a hand atop his hat. "Fearow, tuck your wings in and use all our momentum to head for the ground. At the last second pull up and rush straight for Pidgeot!"

"Fearow," the Beak Pokémon replied, Ash feeling a shift in momentum as Fearow pulled his wings in. Between Tailwind pushing them down and gravity pulling them down to the ground Ash figured they had to be moving at a decent enough speed. Squinting due to the wind in his eyes, Ash hoped Fearow would be able to pull up at the right time, otherwise they were going to be in a lot of pain. Trusting in his partner, Ash held tight as a sudden movement told him Fearow pulled up.

Looking outward, Ash watched as much of the small town passed by them, Fearow now acting like a speeding bullet as they closed the gap towards Gary. The young boy already reaching the post office as Ash caught up from behind.

"How'd you catch up!" Gary called from behind, Ash merely ignoring him as they swung around the post office and headed for his mom's restaurant. Luckily for the two racers the streets were empty that day otherwise there probably would be quite a few angry citizens yelling at them.

"Pidgeot, fun's over. Time to tap into your true speed!"

Ash worried about that, taking a moment to look back as Pidgeot was catching up to them easily. The Bird Pokémon was starting to look like a blur to Ash, Pidgeot no doubt tapping into that speed Gary bragged about. In about less than a second, the gap was no more as Pidgeot passed by Ash and Fearow, the latter not willing to lose as he pushed himself further. Mere inches away from Pidgeot, Fearow cried out in determination as a second Tailwind was activated, the gusts of wind putting it even with Pidgeot for a moment only for everything to suddenly end.

"Bang" the noise echoed around as both Fearow and Pidgeot crashed into something invisible. Ash and Gary were likewise pressed against the invisible wall, the four competitors falling to the ground with a light thud as Ash stood up.

"Not this junk again," he muttered out, tapping on the object hidden before them. Gary didn't seem amused, especially once he found out they were trapped in a box like object with no way out. Seeing this, Ash just sat on the ground as he stroked Fearow's beak. "Might as well get comfy, Gary, we'll probably be here a while."

"You've been in this before?"

"Last night."

"Figures you would get caught in the same trap twice. If I knew this was going to be here I would have just flown over it and won easily. Though, with Pidgeot tapping into his speed at the end I doubt you could have won anyways," Gary stated. Ash just rolled his eyes as he saw a strange figure approaching them, the creature making Ash wonder just what it was. He couldn't tell if it was a man dressed like a strange clown or some kind of Pokémon, his confusion being cleared up by Gary.

"A Mr. Mime, I should have figured a Psychic-Type was the cause of this. Though, it's rare for one to be in Pallet Town. I should catch it to add to my collection."

"Who says you get to catch it, maybe I wanted to try and catch it!" Ash retorted, getting in Gary's face as both boys reached for a pokeball. Neither saying a word they tossed the capture device outwards, completely forgetting about the invisible barrier that separated them from the outside world. The two pokeballs bounced off the invisible wall harmlessly as a new person joined the Mr. Mime.

"Mimey, is everything calmed down now?" Ash flinched from the voice, recognizing it as his mother's he turned away from her direction in hopes that she wouldn't notice him. It was for nothing though, as she instantly recognized his jacket. It also didn't help his case that Gary was still looking at both her and Mr. Mime in a nervous manner.

"Ash, were you and Gary the ones racing through the town like idiots? You two could have been hurt or could have damaged part of the town. Then what would you have done? Thankfully my Mimey was here to stop you two when he did."

"Your Mimey?" Ash asked, deadpanning as he started to put everything together, the barrier they walked into last night next to his mom's restaurant, the guest room being used, the muttering from the room, it all made sense. "So this is the person staying at our house!?"

"Yep, Mimey and I became friends shortly before coming out to watch the Class Battle. He just stumbled on into town looking famished and after I gave him a meal he offered to help around the restaurant and house. And then one thing led to another and we became partners."

"Figures my mom makes friends with a Pokémon that's only interested in cleaning and cooking," Ash muttered as he sighed out in defeat. Gary meanwhile wasn't impressed, tapping on the invisible barrier in hopes of being let out. With a snap of his fingers, Mimey dropped the barrier as Gary fell onto the ground with a thud.

"Next time you two want to compete against each other leave it out of the town. As it is, you nearly destroyed Mimey's beautiful flowers," Delia stated, pointing to the path of flowers that aligned the paths across town. The two boys merely bowed their heads in defeat as Mimey walked back into the restaurant.

"Yes ma'am."

And that brings us to the end of the first chapter. It's a little lighter and more of a fun time than previous stuff. But hopefully it's just as enjoyable. Sorry for being late on the update, I'll just say that anything that could happen to make me upload this later than planned did happen.

Thank you to everyone who read the chapter and supports this story. Please leave a review letting me know what you enjoyed and how I can improve the story.