How I Met Your Mother. A Pearlshipping Fic

For You

Today was the day.

The Ketchum family were riding on the back of Rayquaza, flying through the skies of Kanto and on their way to the oak ranch just outside of Pallet town. Like Ash said the night before, they had woken up early and gotten a nice breakfast from Dawn before packing up and heading out.

Today, Paul Ketchum would get his starter Pokemon. He hadn't really thought of which starter he wanted. He was more busy worrying about the journey itself. He figured he would just pick one on the spot. Probably one that looked the coolest, if that was even possible.

His thoughts were interrupted by his father's legendary Pokemon landing just outside of the Oak compound.

"last stop, Oak Ranch," his father announced like a train conductor. The foursome disembarked off of the sky Pokemon's back. "thanks, Rayquaza. Return." the Pokemon growled in acknowledgment before being recalled into his ball.

The family walked the path towards the main residence of the ranch, large and sprawling over the acres and acres of land that belonged to the professor.

"I can't wait until we see professor Oak," spoke Nina, skipping ahead of her brother.

"you just want more of his special candy that he always gives us."

"yeah. So?" Nina stuck her tongue out at him as he trailed behind her. The grown-ups watched their kids eagerly ran off to get to the house as fast as possible. Professor Oak was their favorite teacher when they went to school in Pallet. He always gave them special attention, mostly because of who their father was. He would tutor them, write them special poems and, like Paul mention earlier, gave them special handmade candies which were delicious.

By the time Ash and Dawn caught up with them, Nina was knocking on the door to the lab, eager to get in. "Professor! It's us!" she announced. Ash shook his head before touching the button to the intercom. "open up. We're here."

the large metal door loudly slide upwards, revealing the inside of the the fable Oak labs. Just as the door retracted all the way up, out walked a red haired man, about Ash's age, in a white lab coat and knowing smile.

"about time you got here, Ashy boy."

"you still gonna keep calling me by that stupid name, Gary?"

"as long as it applies."

The two childhood friends caught each other in a hug, laughing deeply at the insults they traded between each other.

"good to see ya, Mr. Pokemon master."

"back at ya, professor."

They release each other as he caught sight of Dawn. "so when are you gonna wise up and leave this guy for me?"

she shook her head at his joke. "not in this life time, you jerk." the two friends shared an embrace. "good to see you, Gary"

"looking good, Dawn."

the professor then turned his attention to his favorite students. "and how are you two doing?"

"hello, Professor Oak," they said at the same time with a respectful bow. That's why he loved these two. Always so respectful to him.

"so what can I do for you two today?"

"you know why, professor," said Paul.

"I see. I seem to remember something about giving a certain 10 year old his very first Pokemon. Is it you?" he said, feigning ignorance.

"of course it's me."

"I know. I remember. As impatient as your father."

Nina tugged at his lab-coat, eager anticipation in her eyes.