Chapter 1 - I Choose You

**Chapter 1**

In the small town of Pallet Town, located in the Kanto region, a young boy named Ash Ketchum was eagerly anticipating the next day. Tomorrow marked the beginning of his Pokémon journey, a dream he had harboured for as long as he could remember.

Ash was passionate about Pokémon and aspired to become a Pokémon Master. Since he was seven, he had devoured every book he could find about Pokémon—learning about their types, attacks, and the best ways to train them.

By his bed sat a green rucksack, meticulously packed that very morning. Inside, Ash had stowed a sleeping bag, a fishing rod, a bag for Pokémon food, and a bag for medicine. He understood the importance of being prepared, knowing that once he set off on his journey, he would be on his own. But he wasn't scared; with his Pokémon by his side and new friends to meet, he felt ready.

At the moment, Ash was glued to the TV, watching an intense Pokémon battle. A Gengar had just used Hypnosis, causing a Nidorino to fall asleep. The trainer quickly returned Nidorino and sent out a giant Onix.

Ash was about to cheer for the trainers when his mother, Delia Ketchum, entered his room. "Ash, you should be in bed," she said. "Your Pokémon journey starts tomorrow, and it's getting late."

"Sorry, Mum," Ash replied. "But I'm too excited to sleep."

Delia smiled gently. "I understand, but if you don't get enough rest, you might miss out on your Pokémon tomorrow. And I know you wouldn't like that."

Ash knew his mother was right. With a sigh, he changed into his green and yellow pyjamas and slipped into bed. "At last, I'll be starting my Pokémon journey," he said to himself before drifting off to sleep.

The blaring sound of an alarm clock jolted Ash awake. He stretched, got dressed in his black t-shirt, blue and white jacket, blue jeans, black and white sneakers, and green fingerless gloves, and donned his red and white hat adorned with a green symbol. This hat was special; he had won it from a Pokémon League contest after sending in one million postcards. It was worth every effort.

After ensuring everything was in order, Ash dashed downstairs. Delia was in the kitchen, preparing toast, eggs, and bacon for breakfast, along with sandwiches for his journey.

"Morning, Mum," Ash greeted.

"Morning, sweetie," Delia responded. "All ready for your adventure?"

"Yep," Ash said. "All set and ready to go."

"Have you decided which Pokémon you want?" Delia asked.

"Not yet," Ash admitted. "But I'm sure I'll make up my mind when I see them."

After finishing breakfast, Ash sprinted to Professor Oak's laboratory, his mind racing with thoughts of the three Pokémon he could choose from: Bulbasaur, a Grass/Poison type with a large bulb on its back; Charmander, a Fire type with a flame at the tip of its tail; and Squirtle, a Water type turtle. Choosing among them wouldn't be easy.

Arriving at the lab, Ash rang the doorbell, and Professor Oak answered. "Good morning, Ash."

"Morning, Professor," Ash replied. "I'm ready to choose my Pokémon."

"Excellent," Professor Oak said, ushering Ash into the research room where the starter Pokémon were kept. "So, Ash, what will it be? Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle?"

As Ash reached for one of the Poké Balls, he noticed a fourth one, marked with a lightning bolt. "Professor, what's this Poké Ball for?"

"Oh, that one," Professor Oak said, "contains a Pokémon I caught yesterday. It's a bit feisty and has a stubborn streak."

Professor Oak released the Pokémon from the ball, revealing a big yellow mouse with red cheeks, brown stripes, and a tail shaped like a lightning bolt. "This is Pikachu, an Electric-type Pokémon."

Ash crouched down to meet Pikachu, who let out a few sparks from its cheeks. Knowing Electric types could be sensitive, Ash spoke gently, "Hi there, Pikachu. You're really cool and full of energy. My name is Ash, and I want to become a Pokémon Master. If you'd like to join me on this journey, I'd be honoured. But if you prefer not to, that's fine too."

Pikachu stared at Ash, seemingly surprised by his lack of fear. It then hopped onto Ash's shoulder, smiling.

"So, it's a yes then?" Ash asked with a grin.

"Pika!" Pikachu nodded.

Professor Oak watched in amazement. Ash had always had a special bond with Pokémon, even from a young age. "Well, Ash, it looks like Pikachu is your choice."

"Yes, Professor," Ash confirmed, looking at Pikachu with a smile. Professor Oak handed Ash a Pokédex and five Poké Balls, as well as Pikachu's own Poké Ball. Pikachu shook its head at the sight of the ball.

"I take it you don't like Poké Balls?" Ash said, observing Pikachu's reaction.

"Pika," Pikachu confirmed with a nod.

"It's okay," Ash said reassuringly. "You don't have to use a Poké Ball if you don't want to."

With his Pokédex and Pokémon in hand, Ash headed home to say goodbye to his mother and grab his rucksack. "Wait till Mum sees you, Pikachu. She'll think you're adorable."

"Pika," Pikachu responded with enthusiasm.

As Ash approached home, a red car pulled up to the lab. His old friend and rival, Gary Oak, Professor Oak's grandson, stepped out. "Hi, Ash. Heading home? Decided to chicken out on being a Pokémon Trainer?"

"Actually, Gary," Ash said, "I've got Pikachu here." He pointed to Pikachu on his shoulder. "And yes, I'm going home to say goodbye to my mum before I leave."

Gary scoffed. "Well, whatever. My Pokémon will be stronger than yours."

"We'll see about that," Ash said determinedly.

Back at home, Delia awaited Ash's return. When she saw him approaching with Pikachu, she exclaimed, "Got your Pokémon, honey?"

"Yes, Mum," Ash said, holding up Pikachu. "I picked Pikachu."

"Pika!" Pikachu greeted.

"How adorable!" Delia said with a gleam in her eyes. She handed Ash his rucksack. "I packed some food for you and your Pokémon."

"Thanks, Mum," Ash said.

"You're welcome, sweetie," Delia said, embracing him. "Be sure to stay safe and keep out of trouble."

"I will, Mum," Ash assured her. He kissed her goodbye, slung his rucksack over his shoulder, and set off on his journey.

Soon, Ash and Pikachu entered a small forest. "This is our first step, Pikachu," Ash said. "You ready, buddy?"

"Pika!" Pikachu responded, punching the air.

Ash spotted a Pokémon in the grass—a brown bird with a cream-coloured chest. He recognised it as Pidgey. He instructed Pikachu to use Thundershock, which easily knocked out the Pidgey. Ash threw a Poké Ball, and a moment later, the ball clicked.

"Yes! I caught a Pidgey!" Ash exclaimed, striking a triumphant pose. He picked up the Poké Ball. "Pikachu, this is the first step in making new Pokémon friends. Let's catch some more."

Pikachu nodded in agreement.

Realising he hadn't checked Pikachu or Pidgey in his Pokédex yet, Ash pulled it out. He examined Pikachu first:

Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon. It can generate electric attacks from the electric pouches located in both of its cheeks. Electric type. Male.

Attacks:Thundershock, Tail Whip, Quick Attack.

"These are good, but we'll need more moves," Ash noted.

Next, he checked Pidgey:

Pidgey, the Tiny Bird Pokémon. If attacked, it will often kick up sand to protect itself rather than fight back. Flying type. Female.

Attacks: Gust, Sand Attack, Quick Attack.

"Both you and Pidgey are strong, but we've got a lot of training ahead of us," Ash said. Pikachu nodded in understanding.

Suddenly, Ash spotted another bird Pokémon in the grass. This one wasn't a Pidgey—it was a Spearow. "We need to be careful, Pikachu," Ash warned. "Spearow can be very fierce."

Pikachu used Thundershock on Spearow, and Ash caught it. "Another capture!" Ash said, pleased. "We're getting good at this, Pikachu."

"Pikachu!" it cheered.

Ash checked Spearow's data:

Spearow, the Tiny Bird Pokémon:Unlike Pidgey, Spearow has a terrible attitude. It is very wild and will sometimes attack other Pokémon and humans. Flying type. Male.

Attacks: Peck, Leer, Fury Attack.

After catching Spearow, Ash reached a stream and decided to fish. He cast his rod and, after a few minutes, hooked a Magikarp. Ash threw a Poké Ball and captured it.

He checked Magikarp's information:

Magikarp, the Fish Pokémon: Magikarp can live in the dirtiest water. It jumps and splCertainly! Here's the continuation and completion of the chapter:

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**Magikarp, the Fish Pokémon.** Magikarp can live in the dirtiest water. It jumps and splashes around. Water type. Female.

**Attacks:** Splash, Tackle.

As Ash was about to leave, he heard a scream from nearby. "What was that?" he wondered aloud. He and Pikachu ran towards the sound and found an orange-haired girl by the stream. She looked distressed as she tried to retrieve her fishing line from the water.

"Are you alright?" Ash asked, running up to her.

The girl looking shocked replied "I caught a Gyarados and it splashed me and swam away. I'm terrified of Gyarados!"

Ash nodded sympathetically. "Gyarados can indeed be very intimidating. I'm Ash, by the way."

"I'm Misty," the girl said, catching her breath. "Where are you headed?"

"I'm on my way to Viridian City," Ash answered. "Do you know how to get there?"

"Yes," Misty said. "Just follow this road, and you'll reach it soon."

"Thanks, Misty," Ash said. "Let's go, Pikachu."

As Ash and Pikachu continued their journey, Ash looked out from a hill and spotted Viridian City in the distance. Just then, a large, red-and-white bird flew across the sky. Ash was intrigued and pulled out his Pokédex, but it had no data on this particular Pokémon.

"Guess we'll have to ask Professor Oak about that one," Ash said. "Come on, Pikachu. Let's keep moving."

With Pikachu on his shoulder, Ash made his way down the hill towards Viridian City, eager to see what adventures awaited him next. The road ahead was filled with opportunities and challenges, and Ash felt ready to face them all with his new Pokémon friend by his side.