Missing a Memory

Maybe... It's Not So Bad

"Hurry up!" Ash exclaimed, running ahead of Delia, Grace, and Serena. "I want to get there before Gary and Leaf, so I  can play with the Pokémon first."

Delia sighed, Ash and Gary never seemed to get along very much. Not from lack of trying from the Oaks and the Ketchums. Whenever the two young boys met, it was always a competition. Maybe having Leaf and Serena there would help to stop it. "We're only a minute away, and the camp doesn't officially start for another half hour. You're going to be there first, anyway, because Grace and Serena have to meet Professor Oak."

Serena piped up, "Who are Gary and Leaf? Are they nice?"

For once, Ash stopped and answered her question. "Gary is the meanest! He doesn't like me at all. The only person he's nice to is Leaf 'cuz she's his pretend girlfriend. Leaf's nice, and she'll probably play with you along with Gary. I usually hang out with some other kids."

"Is that it?" Grace asked, squinting at the ranch in the distance. "It looks like the image in the brochure except much larger than I thought!"

Delia grinned, "Yep! That's the famous Oak Laboratory. The kids normally spend their time outside the ranch close to the Pokémon that trainers leave with the Professor. They're all very tame, and there is a counselor named Daisy, Gary's sister, to watch over the little ones."

"Wonderful! Serena, doesn't it look much better in person? You're going to have such a great time this summer." Grace looked down at her daughter who was clutching her mother's hand.

"I guess so. It looks kinda plain from here though. Are you sure I can't just stay home with you? I'll even practice Ryhorn Racing!" Serena desperately offered. 

Grace sighed, "No, Serena. You have to try and make some friends while you're here. Who knows how long we'll be here in Kanto... it's for your own good that you stay here for a little while. It's only for half a day, and then I'll come pick you up." 

Ash, having run ahead, reached the lab and knocked on the door loudly, "PROFESSOR OAK!!! It's Ash! I have a new person here!"

The door soon opened, and the Professor came into view. "Hello, Ash! What a pleasant surprise. You're awfully early today."

"That would be our fault, Professor. My name is Grace, and this is my daughter Serena. We talked via email about having my daughter spend some time at your camp this summer. You said to come by early on her first day to get her settled in." Grace explained.

"Ah! It's a pleasure to meet you, Grace, and you as well, Serena. Why don't you let the kids hang out with my granddaughter, Daisy, and the Pokémon? I can go over the camp procedures again and see if you have any questions." Professor Oak pointed to a young girl playing with some starter Pokémon and beckoned the two women inside. "Just go on over and say hi."

Ash immediately ran toward the three Pokémon with Serena reluctantly following. Grace and Delia entered the lab to talk to Professor Oak. 

Once he reached Daisy, Ash greeted her and started playing with the three Kanto starters: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Serena lagged behind and approached slowly. She went up to Daisy and said, "Hi, I'm Serena, and I'm new here. Professor Oak said to come stay with you and the Pokémon while he talks to my mom."

Daisy smiled and held her hand out. Serena reluctantly took it, and Daisy pulled her over to the starters next to Ash. "It's nice to meet you Serena! I'm Daisy Oak, and I help Professor Oak with the camp. You guys are the first ones here, so relax and have fun!"

Serena glanced at Ash, who was busy playing with Charmander. "Ok, thanks, Daisy." She sat down and started petting the Bulbasaur. 

"I'll be over there taking care of some other Pokémon. Ash! Make sure our new friend feels welcome. If you need me just shout." Daisy walked off toward a group of Pokémon farther away.

Ash rolled his eyes, "You'll be fine. They worry too much, and the Pokémon are all friendly anyways. Hey! What did you do to Bulbasaur?"

Serena looked down at Bulbasaur who had fallen asleep on her lap. "Oh, I guess it was tired. I was just petting it. I didn't hurt it, though!"

"I mean I know you didn't, but Bulbasaur doesn't like Gary and me. The only people he tolerates are the Professor, Daisy, and some other girl named Leaf. He doesn't hang out with any other campers." Ash explained.

"I'm just lucky like that," Serena shrugged. "Pokémon never seemed to mind me. Especially Rhyhorn, those always come running when I'm around."

"Can I pet him?"

"If you want, but don't wake him up yet! His bulb is so soft, and he looks so comfortable." Serena smiled.

"Deal!" Ash reached over to pet the Bulbasaur, but just as his hand touched the bulb--

"HEY, ASHY-BOY!" Gary screamed, running up to the pair. 

Bulbasaur jerked awake and ran off toward Squirtle who was sitting by itself under some trees.

Ash glared at the boy, while Serena stared at this newcomer. Who was this kid?

"Gary! I was just about to pet Bulbasaur, and you scared him off! What's wrong with you?" Ash yelled at Gary.

"Nothing's wrong, Ashy-Boy, just wanted to announce my arrival. Chill out, it's not like it disappeared forever." Gary rolled his eyes. "By the way, who are you?" he directed his question to Serena.

"My name's Serena. I'm new here, and my mom enrolled me in this camp. Who're you?" Serena questioned back.

"Gary Oak at your service. This is my grandpa's camp, so just stick with me and you'll be fine." Gary smirked and sat down in between Ash and Serena.

Ash rolled his eyes, "She's fine, Gary. I'm looking out for her, and she wouldn't want to hang out with you anyways."

"Actually I wouldn't mind-" Serena started.

"What's the problem, Ashy-boy? Worried I'll steal your girlfriend?" Gary asked sarcastically.

Ash glared at him, "No! I just don't think she needs your help."

Serena looked between them. She just rolled her eyes and walked off to play with Bulbasaur and Squirtle. They seemed to be much better company. Why would those two boys be fighting over nothing? It's not like she was a helpless Caterpie.

"Hi! I'm Leaf, are you new here?" 

Serena looked up to see another girl standing in front of her. "Uh hi! Yeah, I'm new here. My name's Serena."

Leaf grinned, "Yay! It's going to be so much fun having another girl here besides June and Rose. They're best friends, so I mostly try to hang out with Gary or Ash. But as you can see," Leaf gestured to the two boys, "they don't exactly get along."

"Gary's been here five minutes, and they look ready to tear each other to pieces. Is that normal?" Serena asked, shaking her head slightly.

"More normal than you think! They fight all the time over anything possible. I think it's because they're secretly in love," Leaf winked.

Serena burst out laughing, maybe camp wouldn't be so bad after all.