Chapter Text
Ash had to put on a ‘disguise’ in order for him to travel without a crowd following him. He really wanted to continue his journey, to become a Pokémon Master. Becoming monarch of Galar made him very famous. He was very young compared to any other champion (minus Iris) and used a Pikachu to defeat Leon. The news spread quickly.
Anywhere he went, people would crowd him, interview him, and ask him for a battle. Ash loved battling of course, but there were SO many people. Even Pikachu zapped some reporters by accident one time. Ash knew it may or may not have been an accident.
He was entering the region of Paldea. It was so vast and beautiful with different regions of deserts, mountains, snowy biomes, and green fields. Ash could barely contain his excitement to go out and explore. But, he would have to do it without bringing too much attention to himself.
His disguise wasn’t bad if he said so himself. A navy blue bucket hat was on top of his head, hiding most of his dark raven hair. Ash put on a white shirt and blue shorts, high dark gray socks, and the same blue and black shoes he had worn before.
Sure, he had noticed that other people wore the exact same outfit, but it seemed like a coincidence at first. Ash kept walking, minding his own business as Pikahcu perched on his shoulder. Pikachu cuddled Ash’s face as the Pokémon smiled.
“Man, I’ll miss Goh and Chloe. They were such great friends…” Ash muttered to his partner. Pikachu nodded in agreement. Ash walked outside of the airport, being blinded by the light as he entered the outside. He shut his eyes and opened them again. Pikachu did the same.
“Woah!” He yelped, staring at the gigantic building that had a Pokéball on it. Pikachu let out a shout of awe as they both stared at the buildings and sights surrounding them. “Isn’t this so cool, Pikachu?” Ash said, looking at his partner. Pikachu nodded as he let out a yelp of delight. Ash closed his eyes with a grin.
Ash and Pikachu decided to walk up to the building with the Pokéball placed on top of it. They wanted to explore and check out all of the amazing sights this region had to offer. With some Pokémon battles along the way, of course.
Something zipped across the sky, flying towards the opposite direction of the way Ash and Pikachu were heading. It almost caused Ash’s hat to fall off and fly into the sky. Ash clutched his bucket hat as his hair whirled around while Pikachu gripped onto Ash’s shoulder. Ash looked up to see a purple-ish figure fly past. Pikachu saw it, too.
“What was that?” Ash mumbled, eyes widening. Pikachu shrugged as he said ‘I don’t know’ in his Pokémon language. Ash looked at the building with the Pokéball and then back at the direction where the figure went. The two could barely see it. It seemed as if it were slightly nearing the lighthouse, about to crash into it. The creature fell straight down after passing the lighthouse.
Pikachu let out a startled yelp, pointing to where it had flown. Ash nodded with a firm look in his eyes. He started to run towards where Pikachu was pointing. Pikachu hopped off of his trainer’s shoulder and started to run beside him.
It took a while for Ash and Pikachu to get to their destination. Ash had luckily found a Squawkabilly Sky Taxi with someone who offered to get him to his destination. Ash agreed and Pikachu followed him onto the ride. The Squawkabillies loved to talk during the ride, always pointing out sights and sounds of the ride. Ash acknowledged their every word, spotting everything the bird Pokémon had pointed out.
The Taxi person seemed confused whenever Ash pointed to anything and then talked about the Squawkabillies. Ash was confused why the Taxi person was confused. Pikachu just perched on the edge of the basket while watching the view from up in the air.
When they landed, Ash thanked the Taxi person and the Squawkabillies. Pikachu waved goodbye to the Pokémon and the human with a smug smile on his face. The duo raced over to the lighthouse, staring up at the top of the structure. “It’s so tall…” Ash whispered with shining eyes.
Pikachu let out a ‘pika’ and jabbed his paw towards the beach below the lighthouse. “Thanks bud.” Ash said with a smile. Ash was careful to look down the cliff as Pikachu hopped back onto his shoulder. He saw two Houndour poke at an injured creature, probably a Pokémon, barking and growling at it. Ash slightly frowned as the Houndour yipped at the unidentified Pokémon.
The purple Pokémon picked itself up with one arm and roared at the opposing Houndour. The roar shook the ground where Ash stood, making him hold onto Pikachu. Ash and Pikachu yelped in surprise as the ground beneath them broke. As they were falling, Ash’s Rotom phone jumped out of his pants pocket and flew above Ash’s shoulders. The boy grabbed the phone and Pikachu grabbed onto Ash’s shoe as he squeezed his eyes shut.
Ash and Pikachu opened their eyes to see the Rotom Phone hovering a few feet above the ground, preventing Ash and Pikachu from crashing onto the floor. The Houndour sprinted away with fright. Ash stepped onto the ground, eyes wide. He muttered thanks to his Rotom Phone. Pikachu hopped off of Ash’s shoe, shaking his fur as he got onto the ground. Ash petted Pikachu’s head.
Ash stared at the unknown Pokémon. The Pokémon stared back at him. The eyes of the Pokémon seemed digital while blinking at him. Pikachu looked at the mysterious Pokémon, mouth open wide. “Pikachu?” Pikachu said, tilting his head. “Are you ok?” Ash asked with a worried look. The Pokémon just kept gazing at both Pikachu and Ash, blinking every few seconds.
“Are you hungry?” Ash questioned, bringing out a sandwich. The unknown Pokémon looked at it. Pikachu pointed to the sandwich, a grin on his face. “Pika pikachu!” Pikachu said, offering the sandwich. The mysterious Pokémon sniffed the sandwich and its eyes widened. It started to gobble up the sandwich with a smile on its face.
The Pokémon let out a happy roar. Ash returned a grin along with Pikachu giving the Pokémon a thumbs up. The Pokémon started to stand up on all fours, slowly walking past Ash and towards a cave. “Huh?” Ash whispered. The Pokémon stopped waking and stood on the center of the beach.
Suddenly, the mysterious Pokémon transformed into another form with a bright purple flash. It started to float, standing on the air with two legs and using its turbines to hover. Ash and Pikachu gazed with awe. Honestly, they both wouldn’t be surprised if this Pokémon turned out to be one of Paldea’s legendaries or mythicals. Ash was the first to speak
“That’s so cool!” Ash complimented, eyes shining. Pikachu said something with an embarrassed look on his face. The Pokémon remained unaffected by the duo’s comments.
It looked back at Ash and Pikachu before floating over to the cave. “I think it wants us to follow it.” Ash muttered as he started to walk over to the Pokémon. Pikachu followed his friend. The strange Pokémon continued into the cave, darkness engulfing it and Ash and Pikachu. “Woah.” Ash said. The cave was as mysterious as the Pokémon. The mysterious Pokémon’s aura was powerful and caring. Playful, even.
Green glowing plants were on the ground of the tunnel everywhere, power emitting from the mysterious plants. The unknown Pokémon in front of them emitted a strong sense of power too, scaring away some of the other Pokémon species in the cave. Ash and Pikachu followed as the strange Pokémon cut down a rocky wall.
A couple of Houndour were hiding behind the wall. They ran away with a scared yelp as they saw the strange Pokémon. “Oye! Oh my gosh!” Someone yelled from the top of the cave. Ash glanced around, eyes wide. Pikachu jumped up with surprise. “Hello?” Ash called, still looking around his surroundings. He spotted someone on the edge of an opening to the cave.
“What are you doing down there? You OK?! You’re not hurt, right?” She shouted, waving her arms in the air. “I’m fine!” Ash yelled back. “Thank goodness!” The girl muttered, letting out a breath of relief. She stared at the unknown Pokémon next to Ash. “Is that your Pokémon?” She asked as she pointed to the mysterious large Pokémon next to Ash and Pikachu. Ash shook his head. “Nope! I found it and it transformed to look like this!” Ash explained, his voice echoing against the walls. The girl looked like she was amazed.
“That’s so awesome!” She exclaimed. “But I probably need to help you get out of here… Come on! Maybe you can try to find a way to climb out of there! If you get close enough I can try pulling you up with one of my Pokémon’s moves!” She screamed to Ash. Ash gave her a thumbs up and kept trailing behind the Pokémon. Pikachu hopped in front of the bigger Pokémon and took his place beside it. Pikachu let out a happy purr and kept walking. Ash gave both of the Pokémon a smile.
The mysterious Pokémon cut down another wall, making more Houndour run away. “Woah! Did you see that? It cut down a whole wall! That was amazing!” The girl shouted, eyes wide with curiosity. “That Pokémon might be as strong as mine! Maybe stronger!” She gasped with wonder. Ash let out a quiet laugh. Pikachu let out a huff, feeling left out. “You’re powerful too!” Ash said to his Pikachu, remembering the time he beat Leon’s Charizard. Pikachu let out a huff in agreement.
“Hey heads up-- some pretty rough and rowdy Houndour live in this cave!” The girl added as she tried to make her voice loud enough to reach Ash. “I’m glad you’ve got your bodyguard,” Ash held a giggle while Pikachu almost fell down with laughter, “but watch your back! They’re strong!” She said, putting her hands on her hips. Ash mentally shrugged. “We can take them on, right, buddy?” Ash asked his partner. Pikachu nodded and grinned as Ash petted his head.
“Behind you! It’s behind you!” The girl yelled, putting a hand to her mouth. Ash and Pikachu and the mysterious Pokémon turned around to see a Houndoom walking slowly towards them. It glared darkly at the group, teeth bared. Ash smirked as he looked at Pikachu. “Ready bud?” Ash whispered as Pikachu returned a smug grin. Pikachu nodded, ready to charge. The unknown Pokémon suddenly attacked the Houndoom and roared at it, receiving another roar from the Houndoom. A pack of Houndour came rushing in to protect their pack leader.
Ash sweatdropped at the sight. “Come on, this isn’t a fair fight!” Ash said, crossing his arms. “Pika pikachu pika pikachu chu!” Pikachu yelled to his trainer, still grinning. “You're right, not a fair fight for them!” Ash declared, pointing at the wild Pokémon. The mysterious Pokémon looked at Ash. Ash nodded with a smile on his face. The Pokémon unleashed neon blue lighting around its body before stopping.
Instead, it swooped over towards Ash and Pikachu, using its turbines to hover above the ground. “Heeeeeey!” The girl yelled as she waved her arms around. “Up here! Quick!” She shouted. The mysterious Pokémon jumped up the rocky cliffs in the cave. It was heading towards the girl. When it arrived at the cave’s exit, the girl began clapping. As she praised the unknown Pokémon, it looked at her blankly.
The Pokémon let Ash and Pikachu down. “That was so awesome! That Pokémon is so cool!” The girl exclaimed with a smile on her face. Ash had an embarrassed look. “Chu!” Pikachu whispered as he rubbed his head against Ash’s cheek. Ash scratched Pikachu’s back. “Oh yeah! Introductions!” The girl suddenly yelped. “I’m Nemona, champion of the UVA’s school council!” Nemona said, pointing to herself.
“I’m Ash--” Ash stopped himself, remembering who he was to the world. “Ash… Pallet! Not to be confused with the monarch! Yeah!” Ash said as Pikachu face-palmed. “This is my partner, Pikachu.” Pikachu let out a ‘pika’ at the sound of his name. Nemona waved to Pikachu. They all turned to watch the mysterious Pokémon float towards the grass, a distant expression on its face.
It let out a sudden roar and another flash of purple appeared. The Pokémon laid down in its original form, a tired look on its face. Ash ran over to it immediately. “Woah! What’s wrong?!” Nemona gasped, running over to the Pokémon. Pikachu patted the mysterious Pokémon with worry. “Maybe it used up all its power?” Nemona guessed, raising one eyebrow. “What is this Pokémon anyway? It looks like a Cyclizar,” Ash hummed at the other Pokémon name, not knowing what a Cyclizar was, “but I’ve never seen one quite like this before…”
“And now it looks so different from a minute ago. You think it’s OK?” Nemona asked with concern. Ash kneeled down to look at the unknown Pokémon. “I dunno.” Ash said as he stared at the Pokémon. The mysterious Pokémon stared deep into Ash’s eyes. “You can’t tell either, huh?” Nemona muttered. “Well, whatever, I’m just glad you got back up here in one piece.” Nemona added, turning to Ash. Ash gave her a sheepish smile.
“Y’know, that battle was really something.” Nemona suddenly commented. “Huh?” Ash said, looking at Nemona with surprise. Nemona put her hand on her hip. “You and this fella looked pretty in sync facing that Houndoom!” She insisted, pointing to the mysterious Pokémon. “Nah, me and my partner Pikachu are always in sync. I didn’t even tell the Pokémon what to do!” Ash explained with slight confusion. Pikachu hopped onto his trainer’s shoulder.
“What?! You didn’t tell it what to do?” Nemona questioned with bewilderment. “I guess it’s not like you’re this Pokémon’s trainer yet…” Nemona mumbled to herself. Nemona eyed Ash’s outfit. “Hey… I’ve never seen you around before, amigo.” Nemona said as Ash tensed up slightly. Ash shrugged. “I’m new?” Ash said nervously. Nemona squinted her eyes as she stared at Ash. Pikachu faltered as they had a staring contest.
“You must be! I’ve never seen you at UVA before! You’re a new student, aren’t you?” Nemona yelled, excitement rushing over her face. Ash nodded quickly as Pikachu shot daggers at his trainer. The joy from Ash’s mood was drained. Nemona was quickly diverted to pointing out that the mysterious Pokémon had perked up. “What am I supposed to do? Tell her that I’m the monarch and champion of Alola?” Ash argued, pulling his face. Pikachu let out a tired sigh.
“You wanna exchange numbers?” Nemona surprisingly shouted. Ash’s neutral expression suddenly changed. “Yeah! Wanna be friends?” Ash asked, smiling. Nemona looked at Ash with surprise. “Yes!” She yelled, shaking her hands. Pikachu beamed as he looked at both of the humans. Ash’s Rotom phone jumped out of his pocket and flew next to Nemona’s phone. Blue light emitted from both Rotom phones.
“I can show you to the school if you’d like!” Nemona offered, happiness showing everywhere. “Sure! I gotta go… check up with my mom though. She’ll wanna know I’m about to go to the new school.” Ash lied, giving up a weak thumbs up. Nemona nodded swiftly and took a step back. “I’ll be right back.” Ash whispered to the mysterious Pokémon. It just stared at Ash.
Pikachu watched as Ash scrambled to grab his phone and dial his mother’s number. The duo headed over towards the lighthouse. Using FaceTime, Ash called Delia.
“Ash? Honey? How are you? Did you make it to Paldea safely?” Ash’s mother asked immediately after the second the call started. “Mom, could I ask you for something?” Ash said, embarrassment creeping into his tone. Delia eyed her son. “What happened now? Did you lose your extra pair of underwear?” She asked with a worried expression. Ash groaned as Pikachu snickered.
“Is it ok if you enroll me into the UVA school in Paldea because I accidentally told someone a fake identity so I could be a normal trainer and she thinks I’m a new student at that school?” Ash questioned as his mother had an unimpressed look on her face. Delia let out a sigh. She smiled. “Alright Ash. Don’t worry! I’ll have you enrolled within a few minutes. I’m sure the principal won’t mind enrolling the monarch, champion of Alola, orange island champion!” Delia chuckled, putting her hand on her mouth. Ash sheepishly smiled.
“Mom…”
“One more thing, Ash.”
“Huh?” Ash muttered, looking at his mother straight in the eyes. “Do you want the school to know you’re the one with all of those titles?” Delia asked, putting her hands on her hips. She wasn’t stupid. Ash was very humble and modest. He was sure to be crowded by the entire school if word got out that the monarch/alola champion/person who declined a brain frontier title/the Kalos Crisis boy/orange island champion was coming to the school. “Oh yeah! I told Nemona, the girl from UVA, that my name was... Ash Pallet!” Ash said, opening his mouth to form an ‘o.’
Delia let out a tired sigh. “Ash Pallet?” She muttered, shaking her head. She smiled, letting out a small laugh.
“Ok, Ash. Stay safe. And that’s to Pikachu too. I’ll have to call the principal right now so be on your way. Love you!”
“I love you too, bye!”
“Pikachu! Chu!”
Ash ended the call, letting out a breath of relief. Pikachu nuzzled against Ash’s leg. Ash turned to look down at Pikachu before he saw Nemona coming over. Nemona waved a friendly hand, walking along with the mysterious Pokémon. Ash stood back up as someone ran up to the four of them. “Why that little…” Ash heard the other strange boy say. The stranger ran up to the mysterious Pokémon, yelling, “What’re you doing out here?!”
Ash stumbled back, surprised. Had the boy recognized who he was? Pikachu stood in front of his trainer, cheeks sparking electricity. “I’m not talking to you two. You can shove off.” The stranger grumbled, glaring at Nemona and Ash. “Pika!” Pikachu growled, pointing to himself. Ash picked up Pikachu, confusion written all over his face. “Wait, I know you! Aren’t you Arven? You’re enrolled in the humanities track, right?” Nemona exclaimed.
“And aren’t you the son of that Pokémon researcher-- Professor Turo?” Nemona added, crossing her arms. Ash thought of whoever Professor Turo was, putting a hand on his chin. Arven whipped around with an angry expression. “Doesn’t matter who my dad is!” He yelled furiously. Nemona jumped slightly at his response. “The real issue is what in the world this Pokémon is doing out here!” Arven argued, placing his hands on his hips. “And what is this form it's in?!” Arven screeched.
Ash frowned, narrowing his eyes at the teenager. “Hey! You can’t insult Pokémon like that!” Ash said, stepping forward. Arven looked at Ash. “It saved Ash from a wild pack of Houndour and Houndoom!” Nemona commented, pointing at the mysterious Pokémon. Ash stared at the strange Pokémon. “I think it wore itself out though…” Ash muttered worriedly, kneeling down towards the mysterious Pokémon. “Yeah! But you should’ve seen it before! It was unbelievably powerful!” Nemona declared.
Arven rolled his eyes and turned to the mysterious Pokémon. “Well, yeah. As it should be. But it can’t fight while it’s like this.” Arven explained, letting out a loose sigh. “The form that Miraidon takes in battle… That’s its true form.” Arven added, still turned towards the mysterious Pokémon. Miraidon kept staring and blinking at Arven.
“Miraidon, huh?” Ash whispered, kneeling towards Miraidon. It seemed to loosen up around Ash. Pikachu waltzed right next to Miraidon, looking at the larger Pokémon with a smug grin. “Agiagias!” Miraidon said, turning towards the lighthouse. Arven shook his head. “You can’t go in the lab. It’s locked.” Arven insisted. Ash raised an eyebrow. Arven turned towards Ash again.
“I don't remember ever seeing you around. But given the uniform... you go to the academy too, do you?” Arven questioned, shaking his fists. Nemona took a step forward. “He’s a new student who just transferred from another school, right?” Nemona replied happily. Ash nodded. “From Kanto.” Ash added, pointing one finger up. Arven scoffed, closing his eyes as he crossed his arms. “Miraidon isn’t the sort of Pokémon that any old Trainer can hope to command. It’s special.” Arven remarked, making Nemona curious.
Ash let out a giggle. “I’m sure I’ve been through many more Pokémon with much worse attitudes. Miraidon just seems misunderstood.” Ash said, standing up again. Arven looked at Ash as if he were crazy. “You think you’re worthy enough to order Miraidon around? Then how ‘bout I test your worthiness?” Arven demanded, putting his hands on his hips. Ash stumbled back, surprised. Pikachu let out a yelp. “What?” Ash exclaimed as Arven grinned. “A Pokémon battle?” Nemona whispered, eyes wide. Arven nodded, closing his eyes. Pikachu winced, squinting as he stared at Arven. “...Alright.” Ash whispered as he glanced at his Pokémon partner. “Chu pika…” Pikachu grumbled.
“I've been feeling all out of sorts, so I'm gonna use this battle to blast these doldrums away!” Arven said, pulling up his sleeves. Arven slapped himself in the face with both hands, releasing an energy of determination. He brought out a Pokéball, grinning. “Skwovet!” Arven shouted, throwing the Pokéball onto the battlefield. Ash smiled, looking at Pikachu. “Go, Pikachu!” Ash yelled, pointing to the battlefield. Pikachu jumped in front of his trainer.
“These memories are leaving a bad taste in my mouth--” Arven declared. “I want it gone!” He added as Skwovet shook his tail. Skwovet let out a squeal when he looked at Pikachu. “Pikachu, use thunderbolt!” Ash yelled as he raised his arm towards the sky. Pikachu jumped up, his cheeks starting to spark. “Pika…” Electricity ran through Pikachu’s body. “Chu!” The Skwovet was hit directly by the attack, the electricity running towards the opposing Pokémon too fast for it to dodge.
Skwovet squeaked as it fell down, eyes becoming swirls. Pikachu let out a yell of happiness. “Seems you know a thing or two about battle.” Arven grumbled, holding one side of his face. “Great job buddy!” Ash complimented, picking Pikachu up. “Pikachu chu chu pika… (It wasn’t even that hard…)” Pikachu commented, shrugging. Ash gave him a great big smile. “Wow, Ash, that was awesome!” Nemona cheered, clapping her hands. Arven sighed deeply. “I guess I wasn't going to stand a chance using some pokemon I just caught…” Arven mumbled with sadness.
“But if you really think you can take Miraidon off my hands for me, you’ll need this.” Arven handed a Pokéball to Ash. Ash looked at the Pokéball with shock. “It's the pokeball the brute’s been kept in.” Arven added, placing it in Ash’s hand. “B-but—” Ash started, bewildered. Arven ignored Ash’s refusal. “Anyway that thing’s your problem now, not mine. Good luck.” Arven said as he ran off. Ash huffed in defeat.
“What? Oye! Can you not hear me or something? Fine be that way, but you better show up for school! What a weirdo…” Nemona said, huffing. She turned to Ash, sharing a few moments of silence. Ash thought Arven’s aura wasn’t that terrible, but it was mostly worry, hope, and determination. Pikachu hopped back onto Ash’s shoulder.
"Sorry about that guy, amigo. I guess he can be a bit... much." Nemona muttered, looking at the ground. She shifted her gaze onto him. “Do you still want me to show you the school…?” Nemona asked nervously. Ash faced the girl, while Pikachu was staring at Nemona. “Of course!” Ash chirped happily. Nemona smiled brightly.
--
Nemona had offered for Ash to tour around the UVA and see the town around it. It was gigantic and filled with restaurants and little shops. Many people were busy on the streets, although no cars were in sight. Ash and Pikachu bolted up the first flight of stairs, stumbling upon two people backing up someone into a wall. Pikachu let out a surprised gasp, jumping forward.
“Don’t you get it?! If you join Team Star, you can shine as bright as anybody!” A teenage girl said with a happy smile. There was another boy standing next to her, arms behind his head as he held a relaxed stance. The person they were backing up stayed silent and still. “Seriously, what's with you? Don’t you wanna burn bright with awesome friends like us?” The girl with a helmet grumbled, her smile turning into a frown.
The opposing girl turned her head down, looking off to the side. “Not really…” she muttered, eyes closed. Ash took a step closer. “Look-- We've got a quota we're supposed to fill for new members, so just sign up already!” The girl with the helmet shouted, shaking her head with disbelief. “Um… I’d rather not…” The shorter girl said, looking back up at her bullies. Ash scowled and ran up to them.
“Leave her alone!” Ash yelled, spreading his arms out in front of the girl with blue and red hair. The girl behind Ash looked slightly baffled. The other two grunts of ‘Team Star’ narrowed their eyes as they stared at Ash. “Oi! What are you doing?” The female Team Star grunt screamed, pointing at Ash. The other boy just softly facepalmed. “You can’t just force someone to sign up for anything while hanging up on them!” Ash declared angrily. “Pika!” Pikachu shouted, pointing a paw at the two. They seemed slightly nervous.
“Fine! A Pokémon battle it is! You’re asking for it, kid!” The female Team Star grunt screeched with fury. She and her partner sent out a Shroodle and a Lechonk. Ash had seen the Pokémon on his way to the school, Nemona pointing out all of the native Pokémon unknown to Ash. “Pikachu!” Ash said. Pikach lunged towards the two Pokémon. Before the grunts could declare any attacks, Pikachu hit Shroodle with an iron tail. Shroodle crashed into Lechonk, knocking both of the Pokémon out.
The grunts let out startled yelps. “You’ll r-regret this!” The female Team Star member screamed, jabbing a finger at Ash. “Hasta la vistar!” She added. Ash just narrowed his eyes with an exaggerated frown. She dashed away, leaving her partner. The male Team Star member let out a tired sigh. “Sorry. She’s new to the team…” he explained, shrugging. “I’ll have to talk to her about that.” He added. “For now, hasta la vistaaar.” He said with no enthusiasm. Ash waved goodbye and the Team Star grunt ran away.
Ash turned to face the girl with blue and red hair. “Are you ok?” Ash asked nervously. The gi stared at him. “I’m fine…” she whispered quietly. Ash let out a relieved sigh. Pikachu nuzzled the girl’s leg. She gasped and jumped. “O-oh.” The girl mumbled, seeing the electric mouse Pokémon. Pikachu hopped back onto Ash’s shoulder, cheeks sparking with electricity as Pikachu rubbed his face against Ash’s cheek. Ash scratched Pikachu’s back in return.
“Who were they?” Ash asked innocently. The girl tensed up for a brief second. Ash caught the uncomfortableness, guilt slowly seeping into her aura. “Team Star. A group made up of people who used to be bullied. At least that’s what I think…” she explained, slightly embarrassed. “Oh. Well then, introductions! I’m Ash— Pallet!” Ash said happily, almost slipping up his ruse. The girl gave him a small smile. “Penny.” She added, shaking Ash’s hand. Ash gave Penny a great big smile.
“This is my partner Pikachu!” Ash added, Pikachu walking across his arm to shake Penny’s hand. “Pika pikachuuu chu!” Pikachu said, his ears peeking up. Penny looked at Pikachu blankly. “He says nice to meet you.” Ash offered, nervously grinning. Penny seemed slightly bewildered before shrugging it off. Ash suddenly jumped up.
“Oh yeah! I gotta meet up with someone. See you around!” Ash yelled, dashing away. Pikachu held onto Ash’s arm with a surprised yelp. Penny simply stared, waving goodbye as Ash ran away. “What a weird person. He’s so powerful though…” Penny mumbled to herself. Her eyes widened, looking at her Rotom phone. She narrowed her eyes and looked back up. Ash was out of sight.
“Aaand this is UVA!” Nemona declared, pointing to the building he had seen before with the gigantic Pokéball. Ash and Pikachu looked at the huge building with awe. “So cool!” Ash whispered, eyes wide. Nemona chuckled. “I know, right? The Pokéball represents how we live with Pokémon and grow with them.” Nemona explained joyfully. Ash and Pikachu looked at each other with a grin.
“Anyway we should get you checked in with the principal, Director Clavell.” Nemona insisted, opening the entry to the school. Ash nodded. “Also, Pokémon have to stay in their Pokéballs indoors.” Nemona added, staring at Pikachu with concern. Ash tensed up along with Pikachu. “…Pikachu doesn’t like going in his Pokéball though.” Ash whispered, darkness starting to cover up his face. Nemona gazed at Ash and Pikachu with concern.
“Maybe we can get that checked up with the principal. I’m sure he’ll understand.” Nemona offered with a hopeful smile. Ash shook his head up and down with a grateful expression. Pikachu let out a happy ‘pika’ as Nemona started to walk in the school. Ash followed the UVA’s school council champion, Pikachu bobbing up and down his shoulder. As Nemona entered the elevator Pikachu hopped down onto the floor. She pressed the button that led to the principal’s office.
As they arrived, Director Clavell was sitting at his desk, a bewildered look on his face. Nemona looked at her principal with worry. “Director Clavell…? Are you ok?” Nemona asked, concern written on her face. Her principal shook his head. “Y-yes. Apologies.” Clavell said, eyes still wide. Nemona bit her lip. “Alright…” she muttered to no one in particular.
Clavell snapped his head towards Ash and Pikachu. “The new student, perhaps?” Clavell whispered. “Yep! Ash Pallet.” Nemona cheerfully introduced, making Clavell seem even more shocked. “Director—?”
“If you could, may you leave us? I will have a talk with our new student.” Clavell interrupted Nemona. Nemona seemed surprised as she took a step back. “Of course.” Nemona muttered, running out of the room. When she left, the sound of her footsteps gone, Clavell stared at Ash directly in his eyes. Pikachu jerked back. “Ash Ketchum?” Clavell echoed, making Ash nod with embarrassment. Clavell let out a long breath, still shocked.
“Your mother was persistent to enroll a few minutes before you showed up.”
“I know. It was my last-minute idea. Sorry.”
“No need to apologize. I’m just surprised the monarch with various other titles would enroll in UVA.”
“Yeah… you put my name as Ash Pallet, right? Sorry, I just don’t want to be recognized that easily.”
“Yes, Ash Pallet.”
“Thank you.” Ash whispered, smiling softly. “Of course.” Clavell responded, eyes finally becoming their normal size. Ash tugged at his bucket hat. Pikachu wagged his tail and jumped onto the principal’s desk. “Is it ok if I let Pikachu out of his Pokéball indoors?” Ash questioned. “Of course.” Clavell said again, still slightly shocked. Ash rubbed the back of his neck. “Pikachu!” Pikachu said with happiness. “He says thank you.” Ash added. Clavell only nodded.
“Thanks again!” Ash waved goodbye along with Pikachu as they exited the room. Clavell left out a breath of air he didn’t know he was holding. He stared at his desk in silence.
“Ash Ketchum… the monarch, champion of Alola, Orange Island champion….” He mumbled under his breath. “ And his Pikachu…”
--
“How’d it go?” Nemona asked as Ash and Pikachu exited the principal’s office. Ash gave her a thumbs up. “Great, actually! He said I could have Pikachu out of his Pokéball.” Ash replied as Pikachu shook his fur. Nemona seemed surprised by his response. “Lucky you! I’m honestly surprised he was so nice to you.” Nemona said, eyes drifting off to the side as she was caught in curiosity.
Ash, Pikachu, and Nemona walked into the elevator. “Now that that’s settled, wanna go to your new room?” Nemona questioned, smirking widely. Ash and Pikachu looked at her with surprise. “My new room?” Ash echoed as Pikachu jumped on top of his bucket hat. Nemona just grinned.
“Yep! The Director gave me the number to your room in the UVA! Exciting, isn’t it?” Nemona explained with joy. Ash’s eyes widened and he opened his mouth. “That’s so awesome!” Ash gasped. “Pika pikachu!” Pikachu chirped, closing his eyes. Nemona stepped out of the elevator as it came to a stop. Ash and Pikachu followed her into a room that seemed particularly large. Nemona stared at the room, wide-eyed along with Ash and Pikachu.
“It seems… big.” Ash commented, facing the ceiling. Nemona blinked rapidly for a few seconds. “Bigger than the regular rooms… Director Clavell must see something in you. Maybe it’s because you're new? I’ve never met anyone from Kanto who speaks fluently in Paldean. Maybe he feels bad for you. Not that you're not cool enough or anything, amigo!” Nemona guessed, shrugging. She clutched one side of her face as she stared at the room. Ash had a dreaded feeling that knew why his room was so grand.
“Man, this place really is big. Has your name on here and places for posters… You can decorate this room to your liking however you want!” Nemona exclaimed, her aura being as bubbly and as joyful as always. “It’s certainly something.” Ash commented, Pikachu staring at Ash with a smug grin. Ash just let out a huff as he looked at Pikachu. “I’ll leave you to it, then.” Nemona declared, grabbing the door knob. She waved a friendly hand and smiled. Nemona left the room, leaving Ash and Pikachu.
“OhmygoshPikachu.” Ash echoed, eyes wide. He rushed over to his fluffy bed and fell straight onto the bed. Ash let out a sigh of relief. “If I’m treated like this from Director Clavell, imagine how students would view me! I’d be swarmed and I’d have all of their attention.” Ash shouted, grimacing. Pikachu patted Ash’s head. “Pika pikachu chu chu pi. Pikachu pipi chu pika. (Don’t think about it too much. You deserve it anyway.)” Pikachu informed his trainer. Ash smiled softly. “Thanks buddy.” Ash responded, making Pikachu smirk.
Pikachu jumped onto Ash’s stomach, making his trainer let out a yelp. “Awww.” Ash muttered, defeated. Both Pikacch and Ash laughed. “I can’t wait to explore Paldea with new friends.” Ash echoed, smiling. Pikachu cuddled himself and laid on Ash’s stomach. “Maybe we’ll see our other friends while we’re here!” Ash exclaimed excitedly. “Pi pika pikachu. (I can’t wait either.)” Pikachu whispered. Ash nodded, still grinning.
--
Later on that day Nemona challenged Ash to a battle with her ace, Tauros. She got one-shotted in an instant.
Ash froze along with Pikachu, eyeing at the fainted Paldean Tauros. Pikachu let out a startled yelp and Ash gulped. Was Nemona going to suddenly connect the dots? “I told you I wasn’t really a newbie to battling…” Ash incoherently mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. Nemona remained silent for a few seconds before squealing at the top of her lungs.
“That was so cool! You are so cool!” She screeched, jumping up and down. Ash and Pikachu’s sighs of relief were heard from a distance as Director Clavell watched, shocked. Pikachu sent a knowing look at the director. Ash just laughed.