Ash: Pikachu! We're almost home! Pallet town is just around the corner!
Pikachu: Pikaaaaa!!!
Ash has split ways with Cilan and Iris returning back to Pallet town while the other two companions decided to visit Johto so they could follow their dreams. Iris wanting to become a dragon master and Cilan becoming a connoisseur.
As Ash approached his house he noticed a large grey truck parked just outside his front door sending confused thoughts into his mind.
With Pikachu also determined to find out an answer to their question the pair charged towards their home questioning the presence of the moving truck. Bursting through the front door Ash called out to his mother in an exhausted voice.
Ash: Mum! I'm finally home!
Delia: Ash! What a surprise that you're home so soon!
Ignoring her positive greeting, Ash struck Delia with a tight hug long awaited by his mother.
Ash: I've missed you so much mum! However.... I failed to win the Unova league like I said I would.
Realising that he only managed to reach the top eight, Ash's face dropped in slight disappointment which Delia caught sight of quickly.
Delia: Dear, It doesn't matter if you won the league or only reached the top eight because I'll always be proud of what you have achieved.
Ash: Thank you mum... But I do have one question to ask.
Delia: I presume your question involves the truck outside?
Ash: Mhm. Why is it outside?
Delia: During your journey in Unova I had time to think about our future plans. It consisted of staying here in Kanto or starting fresh in another region, and that's when Professor Oak suggested the Kalos region.
Ash: The Kalos region?!... That also means we'll be leaving Pallet Town and Kanto as a whole.
Delia: Correct. I thought I would interpret the Professor's suggestion and decide on both of our behalves on moving to the Kalos region.
Ash: So when are we leaving ?
Delia: In two days time. It will be a tiring journey, but once we arrive at our new home I can safely say it would of been worth it
Ash: I hope so, but what will happen to my other Pokemon? Will they stay with Professor Oak?
Delia: Actually, each house established in Vaniville Town will also provide ten acres of land allowing plenty of room for your Pokemon to roam around.
Ash: That's a lot of space! And now we're able to experience a new region with all my other Pokemon.
Pikachu: Pika pi!
Ash: Pikachu you really are excited!
With the adrenaline rushing throughout his small yellow body, Pikachu couldn't contain his excitement resulting in Mr.Mime having to use Psychic to calm the furry electric mouse down. While Pikachu was slowly calming down in Mr.Mime's arms, Delia inspected her son's clothing and bag.
Delia: Oh that's right! I almost forgot to inform you that Professor Oak, Gary and Tracey will all be coming round for dinner soon.
Ash: You've got to be kidding me... Why Gary? He stressed me out more than my battles do.
Delia: I can tell you've had quite the journey by how roughened up your clothes and bag is.
Ash: I participated in many battles, so that would explain how damaged my clothes and bag are.
Delia: Well why don't I take your bag and clean your dirty washing while you change upstairs into your night clothes.
Ash: Okay mum... Whatever you wish.
Ash grabbed the straps wrapped around his shoulders, then swung his bag out in front of his body. Rummaging through his bag he pulled out his badge case and the Macho Brace that he won along with Pignite's assistance.
Delia: That should add eight more gym badges to your large collection.
Ash: That's right! I now have forty four gym badges including my four orange island badges and seven frontier symbols.
Delia: You have achieved so much, yet you still have more to learn... Anyway. While I clean your dirty clothes and prepare dinner for our guests, go change into your night clothes.
Ash: Okay mum! Pikachu lets go!
Pikachu: Pika!
The Kantonian immediately sprinted up the flight of stairs as Delia watched in delight to see her son back. Entering his room, Ash felt a calm beginners vibe as he placed his first step into his bedroom. He took of his cap and gently placed it onto his bed, then made made his way over to his desk where he kept all of his achievements he had gained ever since he started his journey six years ago.
Ash carefully placed his Unova badge case next to his set of prized possessions from Sinnoh. Shortly after he placed the orange and red Macho Brace next to the gym badges gazing upon what he gained in Unova satisfyingly.
Once he had changed into his night clothes consisting of a black tee-shirt and grey shorts, he rushed downstairs only to bump into the Professor, Gary and Tracey,
Oak: Oh Ash! It sure has been awhile.
Ash: It sure has Professor.
Oak: Also, after you've done packing could possibly run by my lab to collect your Pokemon? Your mother informed me that I'll be relieved of looking after you Pokemon since the house you'll be moving into will provide plenty of space for your Pokemon to explore.
Ash: Of course I will! It shouldn't take long, so I'll stop by tomorrow.
Oak: Great! Now tell me about your first time experience in the region of Unova.
Ash: It was incredible! Myself and Pikachu met so many new Pokemon along with making new amazing friends! I also made it to the top eight in the league.
Oak: I'm sure you fought well alongside your Pokemon. Learn from defeats and you'll get stronger, but do excuse me. I'll join your mother in the kitchen to let you and Gary catch up.
Ash watched the Professor scurry into the kitchen, then instantly froze to the spot knowing his rival from the beginning was glaring in his direction.
Ash: Sooooo Gary... How is the research coming along?
Gary: Hmph.... It's going very well actually. In fact its because of you and your desire to travel many regions I've been able to cover most grounds regarding Pokemon from different regions.
Ash: Wait hold on. Sooo... From me travelling from region to region in order to reach my dream, I've also been helping you reach your dream of becoming a well known Professor?
Gary: Correct Ashy Boy! You might not be so dumb after all.
Ash: Hey!
Professor Oak's grandson winked in replied knowing he could easily get underneath Ash's skin allowing him to torment the Kantonian even more.
Ash: I'll let it slide just this once...
Gary: Aw you're too kind Ashy- I meant Ash!
Ash: Don't push it Gary!
Being threatened by Ash forced Gary to burst out laughing intimidating the raven haired trainer to the point where he had enough of his rival, yet they've only been reunited for a few minutes.
Gary: Oh boy! You really do make me laugh!
Ash: Whatever Gary... Hey Tracey! How has work at the lab been treating you?
Tracey: Everything is fine Ash, I love looking after different kinds of Pokemon, but now that you'll be taking all your Pokemon with you to Kalos I think my job will be a whole lot easier!
The Kantonian sweat dropped knowing how troublesome his Pokemon could be providing tough times for Tracey and Professor Oak, but Ash just laughed it off until his mum entered the living room.
Delia: Dinner is finally ready everyone! Come sit down!
Ash and Gary: Oh good I'm starving!
Pikachu: Pika!
The Pallet family sat down on a group of wooden chairs surrounding the dinner table and began to dig in. A few minutes into supper time Gary was already launching questions at Ash.
Gary: Whats your next move then Ash?
Ash: My next move? Well... I never really thought about it, but since I'll be heading off to Kalos I think I'll do what I always do. Collect all eight gym badges, then challenge the Kalos league.
Delia: Oh not his time dear!
Ash: Wait what? Why not?
Oak: Ash... Me and your mother have been talking about a School you could attend to so that you can learn more about the region, it's also run by the Professor of that region and his name is Professor Sycamore.
Ash: Wait hold on, Let me process this through my mind... So after six years of travelling through many regions you now want me to attend a school?!
Delia: Every time you head off to a new region you have no clue what you're coming up against, so myself and Samuel have taken the liberty to enrol you into Sycamore High where you can learn more about the region itself along with what battles and new Pokemon will be thrown your way.
Ash: Wait, so how long will school last for?
Oak: Well... If you were attending a school right now you would be in tenth grade. Every student stays until the end of twelfth grade, then decide what occupation they would like to be after they have finished their school years, so in total you will be attending Sycamore High for three years.
Ash: Wait what?! I have to wait entire three years to travel Kalos fully?!
Oak: That's not exactly the case.
Ash: What do you mean by that?
Oak: During the school years students are gifted with holiday breaks, term breaks, after school on the weekdays and of course the weekends to train and progress towards the the Kalos league.
Ash: Phew... For a second there I thought I would have to survive through school without any action.
Oak: No need to worry my boy. Within the school premises you can battle other trainers in their battle classes. I've even heard they have multiple battlefields along with something else which is quite special if you ask me.
Ash: Something special?... What could that be?
Oak: You'll find out soon enough, but for now you must prepare for your years ahead as you'll attend Sycamore High while meeting new people.
Ash: Yay... Can't wait to work with others. Especially since I struggled with Iris calling me a kid every five seconds.
Pikachu: Pika pi...
Slouching back into his wooden chair, Ash folded his arms thinking about what the future inside Sycamore High would bring for him and his Pokemon until his daydreaming was interrupted by a soft gentle voice.
Delia: Dear?
Ash: Yes mum? What is it?
Delia: I've made you some new clothes for when we arrive in Kalos. I've made multiple copies of the outfit, so you'll never run out!
Ash: Wow mum! They look awesome, thank you!
Ash was given a black shirt just like his night shirt along with a blue jacket to put over which had a small white semi circle at the top. The outfit also came with light blue trousers followed by red and black trainers. He also received a red and white hat marked by a white arch. Finally finishing the puzzle was his basic black finger less gloves with red elastic fabric at the bottom which would wrap around his wrist.
Oak: When will your official moving day be?
Delia: Tomorrow will be our last full day here in Pallet town, and we plan to leave around twelve.
Oak: A day and a half it seems. Ash make sure to keep me updated on your progress in Kalos.
Ash: I'll try not to forget Professor.
Gary: Oh one last thing Ash. Have you heard what Kalos is famous for?
Ash: No?... What is it famous for?
Gary: It's known as the region of love, so maybe you'll finally find a girlfriend.
Ash: GARY!
Gary: Jeez... Calm down Ashy boy. Take it like a man because you look embarrassed with that bright red face of yours.
Instead of attacking of Gary with a few punches, Ash slumped back into the wooden chair as his face gradually returned back to its pale state. After everyone had devoured the food from their plates and helped Delia wash up. Professor Oak, Tracey and Gary left leaving Ash with a gift of thoughts about someone.
Ash: Hey mum?
Delia: What is it dear?
Ash: Do you have any photos of me or just in general of Professor Oak's summer camp from ten years ago?
Delia: Yes! In fact I have many of them tucked away inside an album!
Ash: Would it be alright If I could take a look at them?
Delia: I don't see why not. Let me go fetch them from my bedroom for you.
A few minutes later Delia returned downstairs handing over a dusty old album with a brown case covering it.
Ash: Thank you mum! You don't mind if they take this to my room do you?
Delia: Be my guest. I have no quarrels with it.
Ash: Thanks again mum! Pikachu, lets head to bed!
Pikachu: Pika!
Ash and Pikachu dashed upstairs for the third time already today, then jumped into bed leaving their lampshade on for a source of light allowing them to see each photograph clearly.
Ash: Where is she?... She must be in here somewhere.
Pikachu: Pika?
The electric mouse watched his trainer flick through the pages of the album creating a small cloud of dust proving how old the album was. It wasn't long until Pikachu eventually fell asleep. However, his nap was quickly provoked as Ash shouted in relief as he found a group photo of all the campers who attended the event.
Ash hovered his index finger above the photo scanning each and every individual in the picture until he recognised a face peering over a tall child's shoulder at the back. Next to the young girl the Kantonian noticed his baby like face emitting a rather large grin which wasn't a surprise.
The young girl was around the age of six when the photo was taken, she had bright sparkly blue eyes, long hazel hair and a elegant smile showing off her bright white teeth. Seeing her face again brought a smile upon Ash's face, but he wanted to remember her name.
Not being able to find it on the photo, Ash flicked to the back of the album to find a very long list of names which happened to be all the kids that attended the camp. Once again he allowed his finger to scan through each name until he read one which stood out for him.
Ash: Serena Yvonne... That must be her name!
End Of Chapter One