Ash Ketchum: Bug Type Master

TB001: Pokémon, I Choose You!

Indigo Plateau, Kanto Region: Indigo League Stadium.

An exhibition match between Bruno of the Kanto Elite Four and Kanto Champion Red was taking place. Right now, the battle was between Bruno's Nidoking and Red's Espeon.

"And Nidorino begins the Battle with a Horn Attack!" the MV announced, just as Espeon dodged a couple of times. "Oh, but Espeon is too fast, and is immediately ready to fight back!"

Espeon's eyes glowed blue, allowing her to pick up Nidorino with her psychic powers. She then threw Nidorino hard into the ground, knocking him out.

"And there it is, Espeon's Psychic attack knocks Nidorino out!" the MV announced as Bruno recalled his weakest Pokémon. "Bruno recalls Nidorino, but who will the third strongest Kanto Elite Four send out next?"

In response, Bruno then threw out a green colored Pokéball, releasing one of his strongest Pokémon amongst his ranks: Onix.

"And it's Bruno's Onix!" the MV announced. "For those of you who don't know, Bruno's Onix is well known for going toe to toe with the likes of Kahuna Hala's Crabrawler."

*Line Break*

Pallet Town, Kanto Region: Ketchum Residence.

Meanwhile, in Pallet Town, a boy named Ash Ketchum was watching the battle since it was being broadcast live. His father was currently battling his 3rd Ranked Elite Four member, and Pi was absolutely dominating. However, as strong as Espe was, she didn't stand much chance against Onix. Ash turned the TV off, walked over to his bag, and began going over everything he had.

"Okay, let's see here..." Ash mumbled to himself. "2 weeks worth of clothes? Check. Plenty of toiletries? Check? Town Map? Check. List of known locations of Kanto Bug Types? Check? Net that I probably will never use? Check. Alright, I guess that's everything then. Now to just put on my pajamas, brush my teeth, set my alarm clock, and go to bed."

"Ash, do you have everything ready for tomorrow?" Delia asked as she came into his room.

"Yup, I'm just getting ready for bed now," Ash replied. "I just need to brush my teeth, set my alarm, and then I'm good."

"Just one problem, sweetie," Delia said with an amused smile on her face. "Your alarm clock is still being repaired after it was knocked off your bed during that windstorm a couple days ago."

Ash drooped at that, he had forgotten his alarm clock was still in the repair shop. That meant he would be waking up late, which meant that he would be missing out on all the usual Kantonian Starters. Hopefully, Professor Oak had another First Stage Pokémon at the Lab then.

"Great, looks like I'm waking up at Dodrio's call in the morning," Ash grumbled.

"It's alright, baby, these things happen sometimes," Delia reassured him. "And besides, I made sure that Samuel was aware of your plight, so he prepared a different Starter for you instead."

"Thanks, mom," Ash thanked gratefully. "Well, goodnight."

"Goodnight, sweetie," Delia replied.

*Line Break*

The next morning, the local Dodrio woke up from his perch, raised all three of his heads, and sounded the morning wake up call. Inside the Ketchum House, Ash woke up. He climbed down from bed, got dressed, and rushed out of the house to Professor Oak's Lab.

"Hopefully whatever the Professor has for me, it's easy to handle like the other usual Kantonian Starters," Ash said to himself.

When he finally arrived, a crowd had gathered outside to see someone off. Ash guessed that, judging by the cheerleaders that were obviously hired, it was his childhood friend Gary Oak coming out now. However, Ash simply ignored him and let him pass. He then watched Gary leave in a car with his hired cheerleaders, and finally turned around to enter the Lab. Just as he turned around, Professor Oak was standing right there.