Pokémon: Newborn Ash Ketchum – Starting from Hoenn region

Ash and May continued their journey toward Petalburg City, home to the first Gym in the Hoenn Region.

Along the way, Ash practiced using his aura powers, trying to sense Pokémon and navigate through different terrains. Though he still couldn't form an Aura Sphere, his ability to detect energy signatures was improving.

After a long journey, they finally arrived at their destination.

"This is Petalburg City! Let's go, Pikachu! May, hurry up!"

"Pika~!" Pikachu cheered as Ash excitedly rushed ahead.

May, panting as she tried to keep up, called out, "Ash! Slow down! There's no need to rush!"

After catching her breath, she hesitated before asking, "Are you really planning to challenge the Petalburg Gym?"

"Of course! If I want to compete in the Hoenn League, I need eight badges!" Ash grinned. "By the way, you're from Petalburg, right? You must know where the Gym is!"

May froze for a moment before forcing a nervous laugh. "Uh… actually, I'm not that familiar with it... Oh! I just remembered I have something to do. I'll see you later!"

Before Ash could say anything, she dashed off, leaving him confused.

"That was suspicious, right, Pikachu?"

"Pika~" Pikachu nodded.

Ash chuckled. "She's just like Misty when I visited Cerulean Gym."

Without thinking too much about it, he headed toward Petalburg Gym. The Gym looked more like a large house, except for the official Pokémon League symbol displayed on the front.

Ash knocked on the door. "Hello? I'm Ash from Pallet Town! I've come to challenge the Gym!"

The door creaked open, and a boy wearing glasses and a green outfit appeared, rubbing his eyes as if he had just woken up.

"Ugh, so noisy! I was in the middle of watching the Silver Conference highlights!"

Ash looked at the boy curiously. "Who are you?"

The boy blinked, then his eyes widened in recognition. "Wait a second! I know you! You competed in the Silver Conference! But… you lost in the second round!"

Ash's eye twitched. "Uh… yeah, thanks for the reminder."

The boy crossed his arms smugly. "You got beaten by a Blaziken! If I were you, I wouldn't have lost so easily!"

Ash sighed. "It's Ash, by the way. And you sure talk big for someone who's not even a trainer yet."

Before the boy could argue, he suddenly noticed Pikachu on Ash's shoulder. His expression changed instantly.

"Whoa! A Pikachu! It's so cute!"

Without hesitation, he grabbed Pikachu and hugged him tightly against his face.

"Pika...chu~"

ZAP! A bright flash of electricity filled the doorway as Pikachu electrocuted the boy before jumping back onto Ash's shoulder.

The boy, now slightly crispy, groaned. "Ow... okay, maybe I deserved that."

Still recovering from the shock, he quickly straightened up and puffed out his chest. "Ahem! I am the Gym Leader of Petalburg Gym!"

Ash smirked. "You? A Gym Leader? You're not even old enough to be a trainer."

The boy's face turned red. "W-What are you talking about?!"

Before their argument could continue, a familiar voice interrupted.

"Max, what's going on?"

May appeared at a nearby window and froze when she saw Ash.

Max immediately pointed at him. "Sis! He's here to challenge the Gym!"

Ash raised an eyebrow. "Hey, May. So, you really are from Petalburg Gym."

May laughed nervously. "Hahaha… how did you figure that out?"

"Remember my old friend Misty? When I went to Cerulean Gym, she acted just like you."

May scratched the back of her head awkwardly.

"Wait… you know this guy?" Max asked.

"Yeah, we've been traveling together."

Before Ash could say more, the Gym doors opened, and two adults stepped outside.

"Welcome, young trainer!"

They introduced themselves as Norman, the Petalburg Gym Leader, and Caroline, his wife.

May stepped forward and introduced Ash. "Mom, Dad, this is Ash! He's traveling through Hoenn and came to challenge the Gym. He even defeated Team Rocket and Team Magma!"

Norman raised an eyebrow. "Team Rocket and Team Magma, huh? That's quite impressive."

Caroline smiled warmly. "Thank you for taking care of May during your journey! Traveling alone can be dangerous."

Ash waved his hand dismissively. "It was no trouble at all! I just happened to be there."

Caroline then glanced at May. "By the way, May… where's your bicycle?"

May stiffened. "Uhh… well… about that…"

Ash sighed. "Pikachu accidentally fried it when we first met. I'll take responsibility for it."

"Pika~" Pikachu lowered his ears in guilt.

Norman chuckled. "Don't worry about it. Accidents happen during travels. Besides, walking is a much better way to experience the journey."

Caroline nodded. "That's right! It's just a bicycle. No need to fuss over it."

Ash let out a relieved sigh. "Thanks! I appreciate it."

Norman then turned to May. "By the way, May, which Pokémon did you choose from Professor Birch?"

Excitedly, May took out her Poké Ball. "Come out, Torchic!"

A small orange Fire-type Pokémon appeared.

"Tor-chic!"

Max frowned. "Ugh, why Torchic? Treecko would've been a better choice."

Torchic, visibly annoyed, pecked Max on the butt, making him jump.

"Ow! Ow! Stop pecking me!"

Ignoring the chaos, Norman smiled. "Torchic is a great choice. It suits you well."

Caroline nodded. "It's adorable too!"

May beamed with pride. "I knew it!"

Max, still rubbing his sore backside, grumbled. "I wish I had my own Pokémon… preferably a Treecko."

The moment he said that, Torchic lunged at him again.

Ash and the others chuckled as Max ran around the yard, trying to escape.

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[Lunch & Gym Challenge]

A while later, Caroline invited Ash to stay for lunch before his Gym battle.

"It's already noon. You should eat with us before the match!"

Ash smiled. "Sounds great! Thanks for the invite!"

At the table, they chatted while eating.

Caroline asked, "Ash, have you always traveled alone?"

Ash swallowed a bite of his sandwich. "At first, yeah. But I later traveled with friends! And, of course, I always have Pikachu with me."

Norman nodded. "Having companions makes the journey more memorable."

Max leaned forward. "Wow! You've traveled so much! I want to go on a journey too!"

After lunch, Norman stood up. "Alright, Ash. The Petalburg Gym follows a 3 vs. 3 battle format. Are you ready?"

Ash grinned, standing up confidently. "I was born ready!"

[To be continued...]

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