Morning of Beginnings
Ding-ding-ding-ding-ding-ding! The cheerful sound of a Poké Ball alarm clock brought Ash back to consciousness, pulling him out of his dreams.
He reached out lazily, smacking the top of the alarm clock to silence it. The noise stopped abruptly. After flicking it with a playful touch, Ash returned the clock to its rightful spot.
Ding! Dream Points +5.
"Haha… Are you holding a grudge, alarm clock?" Ash chuckled, shaking his head at the system notification. Stretching his arms, he got out of bed and began tidying up.
After washing up, folding his blanket neatly, and making sure his room was spotless—he wouldn't be back for months, after all—Ash stood in front of the mirror in the bathroom. He ran a razor over his face, erasing the faint "Z-shaped" marks from his cheeks. Rubbing his freshly cut black hair, he examined his youthful yet sharp features.
"Still handsome as ever," Ash mused with a self-satisfied grin before heading downstairs.
---
Ash moved quietly to the kitchen and began preparing breakfast. Porridge, side dishes, and a few golden egg pancakes—a simple yet hearty meal—soon adorned the table.
"Ah~ Ash, you're already awake? I was going to make breakfast for you!" His mother, Delia, emerged from her room, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"Go freshen up, Mom. I've got this covered," Ash said, tapping the pot lid with a smile. "Breakfast is ready, and I've already packed my things."
"Oh? Well, if you say so. But don't you have to go to Professor Oak's lab soon to pick your starter Pokémon?" Delia asked as she headed to the bathroom.
"It's still early. I'll eat with you before heading out," Ash replied. Once he'd cleaned the kitchen and hung up his apron, he slipped on his iconic red jacket.
"You really do look good in red," Delia said with a smile as she sat down across from him. Looking at her son—who had been helping at Professor Oak's lab since he was six and had grown taller and more mature over the years—her heart swelled with pride.
Ding! Dream Points +10.
Ash sipped his porridge, smiling softly. "Mom always hopes to send me off with a smile, doesn't she?"
After finishing his breakfast, Ash packed a thermos filled with steamed bun slices, burdock strips, ham, fried eggs, and porridge. He secured everything in a lunch box.
"Is that for Professor Oak?" Delia asked with a knowing look.
"Yeah, the professor doesn't take care of himself. If I don't bring him something, he'll just resort to instant noodles again." With his coat on and backpack slung over his shoulders, Ash grabbed the thermos and prepared to leave.
"Mom, I'm heading out on my journey," Ash said, turning back to look at Delia one last time.
"Be safe and enjoy yourself," Delia said gently, tilting her head with a warm smile. She had always believed that a woman's most beautiful smile should be saved for the man chasing his dreams. Years ago, she'd done it for Ash's father. Now, it was for her son.
---
The morning sunlight draped a soft golden hue over Ash's shoulders as he walked toward Professor Oak's lab. Each step felt light, his excitement growing with every passing moment.
Arriving at the lab, he noticed faint lights flickering from the windows. Has the professor been up all night researching again? he thought.
Skillfully unlocking the door, Ash stepped inside and immediately spotted Gary, his childhood rival.
"Well, look who's here. Have you eaten yet?" Ash teased, shaking the thermos box in his hand.
"Hmph! Do you think I'd eat something made by you?" Gary scoffed, rolling his eyes dramatically.
"Oh? Then why are you here so early, standing guard like a watchdog? Don't tell me you were waiting for me?" Ash smirked.
"Tch. Don't flatter yourself! I'm here to pick my starter first. Then I'll crush you in battle and prove who the future star of Pallet Town really is," Gary said, crossing his arms and raising his chin.
"Sure, keep telling yourself that," Ash replied, setting the thermos on the table. "Now stop posturing and call the professor for breakfast. We'll get our Pokémon after we eat."
Grumbling, Gary turned to fetch Professor Oak. Meanwhile, Ash unpacked the food.
---
"Morning, Ash," Professor Oak greeted as he entered the dining area, looking visibly tired but delighted by the aroma of freshly cooked porridge.
"Wow, fish porridge? This must be your handiwork," the professor said after taking a sip. "It's as good as ever!"
"I'm glad you like it, Professor," Ash said with a grin. He turned to Gary, holding a bowl. "Well, Young Master Gary, should I feed you too?"
"Tch! I can handle it myself," Gary replied, snatching the bowl. One taste of the porridge, though, and his face lit up. "I mean… it's okay. Your cooking isn't terrible or anything…"
"Haha, even while eating, you can't stop talking big," Ash quipped.
"Leave me alone!"
Their playful bickering filled the lab, making Professor Oak smile. "Now this is what true friendship looks like," he thought to himself.
After breakfast, the trio headed upstairs to the Poké Ball storage table. Professor Oak gestured to three Poké Balls.
"These are the starter Pokémon for trainers in Kanto: Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander."
Ash, however, shook his head. "No need, Professor. We already agreed, didn't we?"
"Are you sure? Pikachu may be common and has limited potential compared to these three…"
"I've already decided. Pikachu and I made a promise. We're starting this journey together," Ash said firmly.
Professor Oak smiled knowingly. "That's the Ash I know." Pressing a button, a hidden compartment opened, revealing a Poké Ball with a lightning bolt emblem.
"Pikachu's willingness to enter this Poké Ball—something it dislikes—shows how much it trusts you. Don't let it down," the professor said.
Ash picked up the Poké Ball, releasing Pikachu in a flash of light.
"Pika~!" Pikachu cried happily, hopping onto Ash's shoulder.
"Let's tackle this journey together, Pikachu," Ash said, rubbing its cheek.
"Pika!" Pikachu chirped, patting Ash's head with determination.
---
"Wait! I have a Squirtle under my command!" Gary shouted as he ran back upstairs, panting. "Ash, what did you pick?"
Ash rolled his eyes, gesturing to Pikachu.
"Huh? Since when was Pikachu an option?" Gary asked, confused.
"Pika!" Pikachu shot Gary an unimpressed look, as if to say, I'm one of a kind. You wouldn't understand.
"Okay, fine! I'll take Squirtle," Gary declared, grabbing his chosen Poké Ball.
Professor Oak handed both trainers Pokédexes and Poké Balls. "These are your tools for the journey ahead. Use them wisely."
With their Pokémon secured, Ash turned to Gary. "Ready for our first battle?"
"Not yet! Let's both catch some Pokémon first," Gary said quickly before darting off.
As Ash and Pikachu watched him flee, they shared a knowing laugh.
"Good luck, Ash," Professor Oak said, watching his protégé leave. A gust of wind rustled some papers, revealing an old photo of Ash and other trainers from the past.
The journey had just begun.