Pokémon: Newborn Ash Ketchum – Starting from Hoenn region

[Location: Littleroot Town Port]

The salty ocean breeze carried the cries of Wingulls soaring across the sky. After days at sea, the ship had finally reached its destination—Littleroot Town, the starting point of Ash's new journey in the Hoenn region.

Stepping onto the dock with Pikachu perched on his shoulder, Ash stretched his arms and took a deep breath.

"Finally! The Hoenn region! The air here is so fresh!"

"Pikachu~" Pikachu nodded, equally excited.

With a determined look, Ash clenched his fist.

"Alright! Time to win the Ever Grande Conference!"

Wasting no time, he checked the signboards and started walking toward Professor Birch's lab, located deep within the forested outskirts of town.

---

[Location: Professor Birch's Laboratory]

Knocking on the door, Ash called out, "Hello! I'm Ash from Pallet Town! Is anyone here?"

"Pikapi~" Pikachu added.

The door creaked open, revealing a lab assistant.

"Oh! Welcome to Hoenn, Ash! The professor mentioned you'd be arriving. Unfortunately, he just left for field research in the backwoods. You can wait here for him if you'd like."

Ash grinned. "That's alright! I'll go find him myself—this way, I can see some Hoenn Pokémon too!"

Without hesitation, he dashed toward the wilderness, Pikachu right behind him.

The assistant sighed, shaking his head. "Kids these days sure are impatient."

---

[Location: Route 101 - Hoenn Wilderness]

As Ash wandered through the grassy trails, he suddenly heard voices ahead.

"Just pick one! Any Pokémon will do!"

Ash's eyes widened. "That's Professor Birch's voice! Let's go, Pikachu!"

"Pika!"

They ran toward the commotion, only to see an unusual sight—three Poochyena surrounding Professor Birch, who was hanging onto a tree branch for dear life! Nearby, a girl in a red bandana and cycling gear hesitated with a Poké Ball in hand.

"Hurry up and use a move!" Birch shouted.

"Which move?!" the girl panicked.

"Just say 'Water Gun'!"

"Water Gun!"

A Mudkip materialized and promptly sprayed a jet of water—right into the girl's face.

Silence.

Ash, Pikachu, and Professor Birch collectively stared.

"...Ah?! What just happened?!" the girl, May, sputtered.

Shaking off the moment, Ash sprang into action. "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt on the Poochyena!"

"Pika~CHUUU!"

Electricity crackled through the air, sending the wild Pokémon scampering away.

"Phew! That was close!" Birch wiped his forehead, finally dropping from the tree.

Turning to Ash, he grinned. "You must be Ash Ketchum!"

"That's me! And this is my partner, Pikachu!"

"Pikachu~!"

"Great timing, Ash! I didn't expect you so soon. Let's head back to the lab! And May, I see you're here to pick your first Pokémon?"

May, still dripping wet from Mudkip's 'attack,' laughed awkwardly. "Uh… yeah! I guess so."

Together, the three made their way back to the lab.

---

[Location: Professor Birch's Laboratory]

Inside, Birch placed three Poké Balls on the table.

"Alright, May! Time to choose your first Pokémon!"

She hesitated. "Umm… okay!"

Birch released the first Pokémon.

"This is Treecko!"

A small, green gecko with piercing yellow eyes emerged.

May stepped back. "It's… staring at me."

Ash internally facepalmed. Maybe because it's just looking at you?

Birch chuckled and opened the second Poké Ball.

"Next, we have Mudkip!"

May's face fell. "But Mudkip already soaked me earlier…"

Ash sighed. That was your fault for not knowing commands.

Birch revealed the last Poké Ball.

"And lastly, Torchic!"

A small, fiery chick with fluffy feathers hopped onto May's lap, rubbing against her affectionately.

"So cute! Okay, I choose Torchic!"

"Chaaamo~!" Torchic chirped happily.

Birch handed her six Poké Balls and a Pokédex. "Here you go! Work hard and become an amazing trainer, just like your father!"

May nodded confidently. "I will!"

Ash grinned. "Then let's cheer each other on!"

"Yeah!"

Though she put on a brave face, May muttered under her breath, "I don't really want to be a trainer, though…"

Ash narrowed his eyes. "Hmm? What did you say?"

"Ah! N-nothing! Haha! Let's do our best!"

---

[Emergency Alert! Unknown Presence Detected!]

Suddenly, a mechanical arm burst through the wall, accompanied by an ominous, robotic voice.

"Wahaha! Prepare for trouble!"

Ash's eyes darkened. "Not these guys again…"

Team Rocket had arrived in a massive machine shaped like a battery, its arms reaching toward Pikachu.

"It's Team Rocket! Pidgeot, use Brave Bird! Pikachu, use Iron Tail to break that claw, then Thunderbolt!"

"Pika!" Pikachu flipped in the air, shattering the machine's arm before releasing a powerful jolt of electricity.

BOOM!

The machine exploded, sending Team Rocket flying. Unfortunately, May's bicycle was caught in the blast.

"Hey! We weren't done with our motto yet!"

"Meowth hasn't even spoken yet!"

"Wobbuffet~!"

"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off agaaaain—!"

With a twinkle, they disappeared into the sky.

May stared at her destroyed bike. Then at Ash. Then back at her bike.

"…My bicycle…"

Ash gulped. "Uh… I'll pay you back?"

Pikachu rubbed the back of his head. "Pikapi~"

May sighed. "Forget it… but seriously, who are Team Rocket? And why does that Meowth talk?!"

Professor Birch nodded. "Good question! I know Team Rocket is a crime syndicate from Kanto, but a talking Meowth is quite interesting."

Ash crossed his arms. "They're Pokémon thieves. As for Meowth… well, he learned to talk on his own."

May gasped. "That's incredible! But still… stealing Pokémon is unforgivable!"

Birch clapped his hands. "Now then! You both need to register at a Pokémon Center to enter the Hoenn League. The closest one is in Oldale Town—you should reach it by evening."

Ash nodded. "Got it! Thanks, Professor!"

May sighed. "Walking there alone sounds tough… If only I had a bike."

Ash winced. "Uh… how about we go together? We can watch each other's backs!"

May immediately perked up. "Really?! Yay!"

"Pikachu~" Pikachu smiled, knowing this was just the beginning of another adventure.

And so, Ash and May set off on their journey through the Hoenn region, unaware of the challenges—and friendships—that awaited them.

To be continued...