Chapter 2: Chapter 1: Awakening and New Companions
Tom stirred awake, his vision adjusting to the bright lights of the Pokémon Center. . He blinked, his mind disoriented, as Nurse Joy's gentle voice reached him.
"Ash, your Pikachu's check-up is complete. Everything looks great!"
"Thanks," Tom replied automatically. He froze. His voice sounded… off, younger than it should be. Looking down, he saw hands that were not his own—small, calloused hands that seemed oddly familiar."She called me Ash....yeah right pickachu shit did I get reincarnated as Ash".
A rush of memories overwhelmed him. He saw flashes of life of Ash, a life filled with journeys, Pokémon battles, and friendships. He clutched his head, trying to make sense of the tidal wave of emotions and experiences that weren't his."Ha,these are almost same as what I have seen in TV".
"Are you feeling alright, Ash?" Nurse Joy asked, concerned.
Tom forced a smile, swallowing his confusion. "Yep, just a bit tired."
Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder, nuzzling him affectionately.Seeing Pickachu like this brought some warmth to his heart.
Tom stood and took a steadying breath. If I'm Ash now, I need to figure this out quickly as I carry on my journey. With a quick thank-you to Nurse Joy, he left the Pokémon Center, still confused and thinking about what to do how to interact with people will they seem me like a wierd person all such questions popped up in his head.He made a quick decision to head to Professor's lab for now.
As he navigated the bustling streets of Lumiose City, Tom paused at an airport map he recalled from earlier.Tom's mind buzzed as he traced the map with his eyes, memorizing the streets that would lead to Sycamore's lab. The city was larger than he remembered—or perhaps it only felt that way because of the strange dissonance between his old self and the new memories flooding his mind. He was deep in thought when he noticed a sudden commotion nearby.
The sharp cries of children broke through his focus, accompanied by the frantic fluttering of wings. His heart quickened as he turned to see a flock of Fletchinder swooping down on a small, trembling Spewpa.
Wow!They look just like woodpeckers except for thier colour,what the hell am I thinking I need to be helping the pokemon Ash tells as soon as he saw the state of the Bug Pokémon's white cocoon-like body was covered in scratches, its movements sluggish as it tried to shield itself from the feltchinder by backing into a corner. There were children nearby who screamed but they were too scared to approach.
Without hesitation, Tom sprang into action.
"Pikachu, let's help it!"
"Pika-pika!" Pikachu leapt from his shoulder, now ready to act as even it could not see bear to see the state of the bug pokemon any longer.
Tom ran toward the scene, adrenaline kicking in. "NOW! PICKACHU THUNDERBOLT right in the middle of the flock that should be enough to disperse them."
Golden electricity crackled through the air as Pikachu released a powerful Thunderbolt. The energy struck the ground right in the middle Fletchinder,they dodged the attack but did not have guts to fight because of thier disadvantage against electricity. They flapped their wings and retreated, disappearing into the sky.
Tom reached the Spewpa, crouching low to examine its injuries. "You're going to be okay," he murmured softly, scooping it into his arms with great care. Spewpa shivered but didn't resist, its tiny body too exhausted to protest.
"Those Fletchinder did a number on you,Ha its alright you are going to be ok we will get you treated soon enough." as he said that he started to rummage his bag searching for a potion when he did not find one he remembered "Oh! Ash would always run to the centre whenever he was alone as he never carried a potion,how can a person be such a idiot"But he felt it the weight of the injured Pokémon in his arms reminded him that this wasn't a game—it was real, and lives depended on his actions.
Nearby, the children began to approach cautiously, he could see there was no fear in there eyes anymore just amezement and respect which brought some relief that they did not take him for a weirdo.
"Wow, that was amazing!" one of them said, their wide eyes fixed on Tom and Pikachu.
Tom gave them a reassuring smile. "You're safe now. If something like this happens again, find an adult or someone who can help, okay?"
The children nodded, their eyes filled with gratitude and happiness for thier survival they gave him a bow before running off.
Tom adjusted the Spewpa in his arms, feeling its faint, uneven breaths. "Hang in there," he said softly, glancing around. Now where's the closest Pokémon Center? His mind raced as he tried to recall the map. Lumiose City was sprawling, and his unfamiliarity with its streets only made it worse.I was so lost in my thoughts I did not see the direction I came from and for some apperent reason I dont remember which direction Ash had gone to reach the center.
He turned in one direction, then another, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. The Pokémon Center feels miles away… what if I don't make it in time?
"All these roads look the same Pickachu" Ash blurtted out clearly furstrated.
As if in answer pickachu pointed its paw toward a nearby road, as if telling him to go that way.
"You think that's the way?" Tom asked. Pikachu nodded confidently.
"Alright, let's go!" With Pikachu leading the way and Spewpa held securely in his arms, Tom picked up the pace. He knew he couldn't afford to waste any time.
Chance Encounter
Carrying the Spewpa, Tom began jogging toward the Pokémon Center, unaware that two pairs of eyes had been watching him from nearby.
"Clemont, was he not so cool right !" Bonnie whispered excitedly.
"I agree," Clemont replied, adjusting his glasses. "But why is he going in that direction?!The professor's lab is nearer when compared to the pokemon center.We should go and help Bonnie. "
Tom paused at a fork in the road, glancing around uncertainly. His lack of familiarity with Lumiose City was apparent. Before he could choose a direction, Bonnie and Clemont approached.
"Hey!" Bonnie called out, waving enthusiastically.
Tom turned, surprised. Recognizing the siblings from Ash's memories, he felt relief seeing them he had thought he would not meet them since he had not gone to Lumiose tower like in the original.
"That Spewpa looks hurt," Clemont said, concern in his voice.
"Yes I am taking to the pokemon center apperently.Man! I am lost this city is so big do you know which way do I need to go to reach the Pokemon Center" Tom replied.
Bonnie tilted her head. "Why not take just take it to Professor Sycamore's lab? It's way closer!"
Tom blinked, startled. "Wait, really? I didn't know that."
Clemont nodded. "The lab's just a few blocks away. If you want, we can show you the way."
Tom hesitated for a moment before nodding. "That would be great. Thanks."
Bonnie beamed. "Can we come with you to the lab? I love meeting Pokémon!"
"Sure," Tom said, smiling faintly. "The more, the merrier."
The Journey Together
As the trio made their way through the city, Bonnie bombarrded Ash with a heap of questions.
"Why were you helping that Spewpa? Were you scared of the Fletchinder? How long have you had your Pikachu?"
Tom chuckled, struggling to keep up with her rapid-fire curiosity. "I just did what anyone would do. And no, I wasn't scared. Pikachu and I have been through a lot together."
Bonnie looked impressed, while Clemont stayed a step behind, lugging a large invention.
"Bonnie, slow down!" Clemont panted. "Not everyone has endless energy like you!"
"You're just slow," Bonnie teased. "Maybe you should ditch your gadgets!"
Tom couldn't help but laugh. The siblings' dynamic was entertaining, and their presence were of a big help to ease some of his earlier unease and tension.
Unbeknownst to the group, a shadow followed silently. Froakie perched on a rooftop, its gaze fixed on Tom. The Water Pokémon's interest deepened with each act of kindness it observed.
The towering silhouette of Professor Sycamore's lab finally came into view, a gleaming beacon amidst the urban sprawl of Lumiose City. Tom felt a surge of relief wash over him as he saw a building that looked like a lab. The Spewpa in his arms stirred weakly, as though sensing safety was near.
"It's just a little further," Tom murmured softly, adjusting his hold on the injured Pokémon.
Bonnie, bounding ahead with boundless energy, turned back to shout, "Come on, slowpokes! The lab's right there!"
Clemont, dragging behind with his bulky invention in tow, huffed in frustration. "Not all of us have endless energy, Bonnie!"
Tom chuckled, his tension easing slightly at their playful banter. Pikachu, perched alertly on his shoulder, chirped in agreement, as though mocking Clemont's struggle.
Bonnie crossed her arms, smirking. "You wouldn't be so slow if you didn't carry that giant machine everywhere, Clemont!"
"It's not just a giant machine," Clemont defended, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "It's a sophisticated invention! You never know when it might come in handy."
Tom shook his head in amusement. The siblings' dynamic was refreshing, a light-hearted counterpoint to the weight of his thoughts. "Alright, guys, less arguing, more moving. Spewpa's counting on us."
The sleek facade of Professor Sycamore's laboratory gleamed in the sunlight as Tom—inhabiting Ash's body—approached with Bonnie and Clemont trailing behind. The Spewpa in his arms whimpered softly, its injuries still visible but its trembles less severe after the care it had already received.
"This must be it," Tom said, pausing outside the doors.
Bonnie, full of energy, darted past him. "What are you waiting for? Go on in! Professor Sycamore's the best!"
Tom hesitated for just a moment, a mix of Ash's memories and his own uncertainty battling within him. Gathering his resolve, he pushed the doors open and stepped into the pristine lab.
The interior was bustling with activity. Researchers in lab coats hurried back and forth, some observing Pokémon in habitats, others analyzing data on complex monitors. The scent of books, plants, and technology blended in the air, a symbol of research and discovery.
A tall man with wavy dark hair and a calm, confident demeanor approached. He adjusted the lapels of his lab coat as he spoke, "Bonjour! Welcome to my laboratory. I'm Professor Sycamore. How can I assist you today?"
Tom shifted nervously, the weight of Spewpa in his arms grounding him. "Hi, I… uh… found this Pokémon hurt in the city. It was being attacked by Fletchinder, and I was hoping someone here could help it."
Sycamore's warm smile didn't waver. He gestured to an assistant. "You've come to the right place. We'll take care of it immediately."
As the assistant gently took Spewpa from Tom, Sycamore tilted his head, studying him. "You seem familiar. Have we met before?"
Tom blinked, caught off guard. "Uh, no. I don't think so. This is my first time here."
Bonnie, ever eager, chimed in, "Ash is just amazing, Professor! He saved that Spewpa all by himself!"
Sycamore chuckled, folding his arms. "Well, then. A pleasure to meet you, Ash. It's not every day we meet someone so quick to jump to a Pokémon's rescue."
Tom rubbed the back of his neck, Pikachu chittering on his shoulder. "I just did what anyone would do. Pikachu helped a lot, too."
"Pika!" Pikachu nodded, its tail flicking in satisfaction.
Clemont, ever the voice of reason, stepped forward. "Professor, Ash was actually heading in the opposite direction, toward the Pokémon Center. We told him the lab was closer, so we brought him here."
Sycamore raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Ah, so you're new to Lumiose City?"
"Yeah," Tom admitted. "It's bigger than I expected. I got a little lost."
"Well, it's lucky you ran into Clemont and Bonnie," Sycamore said, gesturing to the siblings. "They're both excellent guides, even if one of them tends to run ahead." He shot Bonnie a teasing glance.
Bonnie crossed her arms, pouting. "Hey! I just have more energy than Clemont!"
Clemont adjusted his glasses, muttering, "And less patience…"
Tom chuckled at their banter, grateful for their company. It was refreshing and helped ease the tension of the strange day he'd been having.
Sycamore stepped aside, motioning toward the main area of the lab. "While we treat the Spewpa, why don't you take a look around? I'd love to hear more about your journey so far."
Tom hesitated briefly. Sycamore didn't know who he was, but Ash's memories filled in the blanks. Still, every question felt like a test. "Sure. I've just started my journey, really. I came to Lumiose to meet you and see what I could learn."
Sycamore's eyes lit up. "Ah, a budding Trainer! That's wonderful. And with a Pikachu, no less. That's a Pokémon with a lot of potential—and heart."
Bonnie dragged Clemont toward one of the habitats, pointing excitedly at a group of Chespin playing among the plants. "Look, Clemont! They're so cute!"
"Bonnie, don't bang on the glass!" Clemont scolded, hurrying after her.
Tom followed Sycamore deeper into the lab, listening as the professor explained various research projects. They passed habitats housing Pokémon of all shapes and sizes, from Froakie leaping gracefully through water to Fennekin lounging near a warm, artificial flame.
"This lab is incredible," Tom said honestly.
"Thank you," Sycamore replied. "We strive to understand Pokémon better, their relationships with Trainers, and how we can help them grow stronger together."
Tom nodded, thinking of the bond between Pikachu and Ash. Could he live up to the expectations of this body and its legacy?
Before he could dwell on it, Bonnie's voice rang out from the back of the lab. "Clemont, you're too slow! Hurry up, or we'll leave you behind!"
"I'm carrying all the equipment!" Clemont retorted, stumbling slightly under the weight of his bag.
Tom laughed, the siblings' antics lightening the mood. Even Pikachu seemed more relaxed, letting out a cheerful "Pika-pika!"
Sycamore smiled knowingly. "You've made some good friends already, Ash. That's the most important part of any journey."
Tom nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. For the first time since waking up, he felt a bit more grounded. The path ahead was uncertain, but he wasn't walking it alone.
Unbeknownst to them, a small figure watched from a high window. Froakie crouched silently, its eyes fixed on Tom with growing curiosity. Something about this Trainer was different, and it couldn't help but be drawn to him.