Pokémon: Newborn Ash Ketchum – Starting from Hoenn region

Ash and May, who had just registered for the Hoenn League, were now making their way toward Oldale Town.

Knowing that May was a beginner trainer and not as physically fit as some others, Ash decided to release his Pokémon for some light training while traveling.

"Come on out! Eevee, Phanpy!"

"Eevee!"

"Phanpy!"

Eevee stretched proudly, while Phanpy excitedly ran in circles around Ash.

"Wow! Are these your Pokémon too? They're adorable!" May's eyes sparkled as she pulled out her Pokédex to scan them.

Eevee…

Phanpy…

"Of course! Eevee, Phanpy, you two can walk with us for some extra training!" Ash handed them both an EXP Share device from his bag.

"Training? Alright! Come out, Torchic!"

"Torrrchic!"

Torchic looked around alertly, expecting an opponent.

"Alright, Torchic, you should walk with us too—consider this part of your training!"

"Torrr!"

The two trainers and their Pokémon continued walking through the forest toward Oldale Town. Along the way, May eagerly asked Ash about his past travels, and he patiently shared his experiences with her.

"Wow! So your former companions were Gym Leaders? That's incredible! And traveling sounds like such an adventure—no wonder it's so popular!" May said with excitement in her eyes.

One Hour Later…

As they walked, a small Azurill appeared in front of them.

"Wow! It's so cute! I want to catch it! Torchic, use Peck!"

At the same time, May quickly scanned Azurill with her Pokédex.

Azurill…

Luckily, Ash had explained many of the basics of Pokémon battles to her on the way, preventing her from making rookie mistakes.

Azurill

Strength: Mid-level Normal-type

Torchic's Peck attack landed, sending Azurill stumbling backward. Annoyed, the wild Pokémon retaliated with a Water Gun.

"Dodge it, Torchic!"

Unfortunately, Torchic wasn't fast enough and took a direct hit from the Water Gun.

"Are you okay, Torchic?"

"Torchic!" The little Fire-type shook itself off and tried to stand strong.

"Don't run away! Torchic, rush in and use Peck again!"

Just as Torchic charged forward, three additional Water Guns blasted out from the tall grass, striking Torchic hard. The attacks were super effective, and Torchic collapsed.

Suddenly, three Pokémon—Azurill, Marill, and Azumarill—jumped out of the grass, glaring at Ash and May angrily.

"Ack! Torchic!"

"May, here's a potion! Use it on Torchic, then return it to its Poké Ball. Eevee, use Shadow Ball! Phanpy, use Rollout!"

"Right! Thank you!"

May quickly treated Torchic and returned it to its Poké Ball for safety. Meanwhile, Eevee and Phanpy managed to drive the wild Pokémon back into the river.

May clutched Torchic's Poké Ball tightly, tears forming in her eyes.

"It's my fault… Torchic got hurt because of me…"

Ash placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Don't blame yourself, May! You did great for a beginner. I wasn't this good when I first started either. Besides, we gave Torchic medicine—now let's get to a Pokémon Center to have it checked properly."

"Pikapi!" Pikachu chimed in supportively.

May wiped her tears away and nodded.

"Right! Torchic will be okay!" She turned and dashed toward Oldale Town.

"Hey! Wait for me!" Ash recalled Phanpy, while Eevee leaped onto his shoulder as he ran after her.

---

Evening—Oldale Ruins

Ash and May arrived at a mysterious building surrounded by tall rocks.

"Wow! It looks so ancient!"

"This must be a ruin," Ash observed.

At that moment, an archaeologist stepped out of the building.

"That's right! This is an ancient ruin. Hello, my name is Metz—I'm currently researching this site."

"Hi! I'm May!"

"Hello! I'm Ash, and this is my partner, Pikachu."

"Pika!" Pikachu greeted.

"You two seem to be in a hurry. Where are you headed?" Metz asked curiously.

"We're going to the Pokémon Center. My Torchic got injured," May explained.

"Oh, I see! The Pokémon Center is right down that path," Metz said, pointing.

Ash and May followed his direction and spotted the Pokémon Center in the distance.

"Thanks for the help!"

"Pikachu!"

Soon, they arrived at the Pokémon Center, where May handed Torchic's Poké Ball to Nurse Joy.

Since she had been running the whole way, she hadn't removed the EXP Share from Torchic. Only now did she take it off and breathe a sigh of relief.

"Nurse Joy, please take care of Torchic," May said anxiously.

"Of course! I'll make sure it gets the best treatment."

"How is it doing?"

"Please wait a moment."

Nurse Joy carefully examined Torchic using the medical scanner.

"It's going to be fine! Just let it rest overnight, and it will recover completely."

"Phew! That's a relief!" May exhaled in relief.

"See? I told you everything would be fine!" Ash grinned.

"Pika!" Pikachu nodded.

"Thank you, Ash. I don't know what I would have done without you!"

"No problem! We're companions, after all! Oh, by the way, Nurse Joy, I'd like to register for the Hoenn League."

Ash handed over his Pokédex, and Nurse Joy inserted it into the registration system.

"Alright, registration complete!"

"Thanks, Nurse Joy!"

Nurse Joy then returned Pikachu and Ash's other Pokémon after checking their health.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu jumped back into Ash's arms.

"Let's go, May! It's getting late—we should call home so our families don't worry, then get some dinner!"

"Ah, right! This is my first time staying at a Pokémon Center. Ash, lead the way!"

Ash took her to the video phones, and they each made their calls home.

Ash first called his mother, Delia, to assure her that he was safe. Then he dialed Professor Oak's number.

"Good evening, Professor Oak! I just arrived in Oldale Town."

"That's great news! You're looking well, and Pikachu seems happy too."

"Pika!"

"I've also registered for the Hoenn League, so I can start challenging Gyms soon!"

"Fantastic! Your new adventure is just beginning!"

At that moment, May, who had finished her call, excitedly leaned into the screen.

"Whoa! It's really Professor Oak! I've only ever seen you on TV!"

"Huh?" Professor Oak looked confused.

May eagerly pushed Ash aside and introduced herself.

"Hello, Professor Oak! I'm May!"

"Hello, Miss May! I'm Professor Oak from Pallet Town."

"I know! My brother and I always listen to your lectures. He's going to be so jealous when he finds out I talked to you!"

"Uh… I see…"

"I just became a Pokémon Trainer and started my journey! Please give me some advice!"

Professor Oak smiled nervously, sweating at her enthusiasm.

"It looks like Ash has found another lively travel companion! You two take care and have a great journey!"

"Yes! Thank you, Professor Oak!"

"Pika pika!"

After hanging up, Ash stretched.

"Aalright, time for dinner!"

"Yeah!"

---

Meanwhile…

In a tiny phone booth, Team Rocket huddled together, plotting their next scheme.

To be continued…