The road to Saffron City stretched before Andrew, winding through forests and open fields. He'd been walking for most of the day, his team resting in their Pokéballs except for Pikachu, who rode on his shoulder as always.
Three badges gleamed inside his jacket. The next goal was clear: Saffron City and the Psychic-type Gym Leader, Sabrina.
Andrew was lost in thought, mentally reviewing what he knew about Psychic-types and how to counter them, when Pikachu's ears suddenly perked up.
"Pika?"
Andrew stopped. "What is it?"
Then he heard it—a voice calling out from up ahead, gentle but carrying clearly through the trees.
"I know you can do it, Froakie! Just a bit more focus!"
Andrew rounded a bend in the path and stopped in his tracks.
Standing in a clearing off to the side of the road was a young man with messy dark hair, wearing a jacket and a very familiar backwards cap. Next to him stood a Pikachu—older, more battle-worn, with an air of absolute confidence. And in the clearing, a small blue frog-like Pokémon—a Froakie—was practicing Water Pulse attacks against a tree.
Andrew's breath caught.
That was Ash Ketchum. The World Monarch. The legendary trainer.
Ash's Pikachu noticed Andrew first, ears twitching. "Pika pi?"
Ash turned, and when he saw Andrew, his face broke into a friendly smile. "Oh, hey there! Sorry, didn't mean to block the road. Just doing some training."
Andrew managed to find his voice. "No, it's… you're Ash Ketchum."
Ash laughed, scratching the back of his head in that characteristic gesture. "Yeah, that's me. You're a trainer?"
"Yes," Andrew said, stepping closer. "I'm Andrew. I'm on my way to challenge Sabrina in Saffron City."
Ash's eyes lit up with interest. "Andrew… wait, Andrew? Misty called me about you! You're the one who beat her Gyarados with your Pikachu, right?"
Andrew felt his face flush slightly. "She told you about that?"
"Yeah!" Ash said enthusiastically. "She said you used some kind of custom technique—Chidori, was it? That's really creative! I love seeing trainers come up with new strategies."
Andrew's Pikachu and Ash's Pikachu were studying each other curiously. Ash's Pikachu hopped down and approached, and after a moment of sizing each other up, both mouse Pokémon seemed to nod with mutual respect.
"Your Pikachu's strong," Ash observed. "I can tell just by looking at him. You two have a good bond."
"Thank you," Andrew said, still somewhat starstruck. "That means a lot coming from you."
Ash glanced back at Froakie, who had stopped training and was now watching Andrew with intelligent, curious eyes. The water-type tilted its head, studying the new arrival.
"So," Ash said, turning back to Andrew, "what brings you all the way out here? Besides the gym challenge, I mean."
Andrew explained his journey so far—the three badges, his team, his goals to challenge all the gyms in Kanto and eventually travel to other regions.
As he spoke, Froakie slowly approached, moving closer to Andrew while still keeping a cautious distance.
Ash noticed and smiled knowingly. "Froakie's interested in you. That's unusual—he's pretty selective about people."
"Is he yours?" Andrew asked.
"In a way," Ash said, his expression becoming more thoughtful. "Froakie is actually the son of my Greninja. You know about my Greninja, right? The one with the special Bond Phenomenon?"
Andrew's eyes widened. "The Ash-Greninja form? Yeah, I've read about it. That was incredible."
Ash nodded. "Greninja and I had something really special. This Froakie has that same potential—that same power in his bloodline. But here's the thing…" He paused, looking at the small water-type with affection. "I can't be the one to train him."
"Why not?" Andrew asked, confused.
"Because I'm the World Monarch now," Ash explained. "My battles are at a level that would be dangerous for a Froakie just starting out. He needs a trainer who's growing alongside him, not someone who's already at the top. He needs someone who can help him develop his potential from the ground up, someone he can bond with through the challenges of a real journey."
Ash looked directly at Andrew, and there was something serious in his eyes now.
"I've been traveling around Kanto for the past few weeks, looking for the right trainer. Someone with heart, determination, and the ability to bring out Froakie's true strength."
Andrew felt his pulse quicken. "And…?"
Ash grinned. "How about a battle? I want to see what you and your team can do."
The Battle: Andrew vs Ash Ketchum
They moved to a more open area just off the route—a natural battlefield with packed earth and scattered rocks.
Andrew stood on one side, his heart pounding. This was really happening. He was about to battle the World Monarch.
Ash stood across from him, relaxed but focused. His Pikachu took position on the battlefield, electricity crackling around his cheeks.
"Just so you know," Ash said, "I'm only using Pikachu for this. And I won't be holding back—I want to see everything you and your Pokémon can do."
Andrew swallowed hard and nodded. "Understood. I'll use all four of my Pokémon."
"Four-on-one?" Ash smiled. "That's fine with me. Let's make this interesting."
Froakie sat at the edge of the battlefield, watching intently.
Andrew threw his first Pokéball. "Haunter, let's go!"
The ghost-type emerged, swirling ominously.
"A Ghost-type to start," Ash observed. "Smart thinking against an Electric-type. Pikachu, use Iron Tail!"
Pikachu's tail glowed metallic silver and he charged forward with blinding speed.
"Haunter, phase through it and use Shadow Ball!"
Haunter became translucent—but Pikachu's Iron Tail still connected, striking the ghost-type solidly. Haunter was sent flying backward, clearly hurt.
Andrew's eyes widened. "How—?"
"Steel-type moves can hit Ghost-types," Ash said with a knowing smile. "And at this level of mastery, my Pikachu can time his attacks to hit even when opponents try to phase."
"Haunter, Shadow Ball barrage!"
Haunter fired multiple Shadow Balls—the technique Andrew had trained so hard on.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt—sweep!"
Pikachu's Thunderbolt wasn't a single bolt—it was a sweeping wave of electricity that destroyed all the Shadow Balls mid-flight and continued toward Haunter.
Haunter was struck directly and fell, unconscious before hitting the ground.
Andrew recalled Haunter, breathing hard. One hit. Ash's Pikachu had taken down Haunter with essentially one hit.
"Charmeleon, you're up!"
The fire-type emerged, roaring with determination.
"Dragon Claw!" Andrew commanded immediately, trying to press the advantage.
Charmeleon's claws glowed with draconic energy as he charged.
"Pikachu, Quick Attack into Iron Tail!"
Pikachu moved so fast he seemed to teleport, dodging the Dragon Claw and striking Charmeleon with Iron Tail. The fire-type crashed into a rock.
"Charmeleon, Dragon Rage!"
Charmeleon unleashed a blast of dragon fire.
"Thunderbolt."
Pikachu's electricity cut through the Dragon Rage and struck Charmeleon directly. The fire-type collapsed, unable to continue.
Andrew recalled Charmeleon, his mind racing. Two Pokémon down, and Ash's Pikachu looked barely winded.
"Bulbasaur, go!"
The grass-type emerged, looking determined despite being the newest member of Andrew's team.
"Bulbasaur, Vine Whip!"
Vines extended toward Pikachu.
"Iron Tail, cut through them."
Pikachu spun, his tail severing the vines instantly. Then he followed up with a Thunderbolt that struck Bulbasaur before the grass-type could react.
Bulbasaur fell.
Three down.
Andrew looked at his own Pikachu on his shoulder. His partner met his gaze and nodded.
"Last one," Andrew said quietly. "Let's give it everything we have."
Andrew's Pikachu leaped onto the battlefield, electricity crackling around his cheeks. The two Pikachu faced each other—young versus experienced, student versus master.
"Use Chidori!" Andrew called out.
Pikachu channeled electricity into his paws, spinning them together to create that piercing lance of electrical energy. He charged forward.
Ash's eyes widened with genuine interest. "So that's the technique Misty mentioned! That's really impressive, Andrew!"
Pikachu's Chidori struck toward Ash's Pikachu—
Who dodged it effortlessly and countered with Quick Attack, sending Andrew's Pikachu tumbling.
"Thunderbolt!" Andrew called desperately.
"Thunderbolt," Ash countered calmly.
Both Pikachu fired—but Ash's Thunderbolt was like a tidal wave compared to Andrew's stream. The two attacks met, and Ash's electricity overwhelmed Andrew's completely, striking his Pikachu directly.
Andrew's Pikachu fell, exhausted.
The battle was over.
After the Battle
Andrew rushed onto the battlefield and scooped up his Pikachu, cradling him gently. "You were amazing. Rest now."
All around him lay his defeated team—all four Pokémon down, and Ash's Pikachu was still standing strong, barely even breathing hard.
The gap in power was… immense.
Ash walked over, his Pikachu at his side. "That was a great battle, Andrew. You've got solid fundamentals, and that Chidori technique is really creative. Your Pokémon trust you, and you fight with heart."
"But I lost," Andrew said quietly. "Completely."
"Yeah," Ash said simply, not sugarcoating it. "You did. But that's okay. I've been training for over a decade. You've been training for a few months. The fact that you've gotten this far this fast shows you've got real potential."
Andrew looked up at him. "How do I get stronger? How do I reach your level?"
Ash smiled, and there was something warm and encouraging in his expression. "Keep challenging yourself. Keep bonding with your Pokémon. Keep pushing the boundaries of what you think is possible. And most importantly—never give up, no matter how tough things get."
Froakie, who had been watching the entire battle intently, suddenly hopped forward. The water-type approached Andrew and looked up at him with those intelligent eyes.
"Froak," the Pokémon said quietly.
Ash's eyebrows rose. "Well… looks like Froakie's made his decision."
"What?" Andrew asked, confused.
Froakie reached out with one small hand and touched Andrew's leg, then looked back at Ash as if asking for permission.
Ash knelt down beside Froakie. "You sure? You want to go with Andrew?"
"Froakie," the water-type replied firmly.
Ash smiled, though there was a hint of bittersweetness in his expression. "Alright then. If that's what you want." He looked up at Andrew. "Froakie wants to join your team. He saw something in you during that battle—the same determination and heart that I saw. He thinks you're the trainer who can help him reach his full potential."
Andrew stared at Froakie, then at Ash. "Are you… are you sure?"
"I'm sure," Ash said, standing up. "Froakie's got incredible potential. He's the son of my Greninja, and that means he could develop the Bond Phenomenon too, if he finds the right partner. I think that partner is you, Andrew."
Andrew knelt down in front of Froakie. "Do you really want to come with me? To train together and get stronger?"
"Froak!" Froakie nodded enthusiastically.
Andrew felt emotion welling up in his chest. He pulled out a Pokéball and held it out. "Then let's do this together. Let's both become strong enough to stand at the top."
Froakie tapped the Pokéball with his hand.
Click.
The ball didn't even shake. Froakie had accepted immediately.
Andrew held up the Pokéball, his voice thick with emotion. "I caught Froakie!"
Ash's Pikachu cheered, and Ash himself smiled broadly. "That's great! Take good care of him, Andrew. He's special."
"I will," Andrew promised. "I swear it."
Ash reached up and took off his cap—that iconic backwards cap that he'd worn through countless adventures. He looked at it for a moment, then held it out to Andrew.
"Here," Ash said. "I want you to have this."
Andrew's eyes went wide. "Your hat? But—"
"Think of it as a promise," Ash said. "A reminder of the trainer you want to become. When you're strong enough—when you've grown and pushed yourself to your limits—I want you to give this back to me. In battle. At the World Tournament."
Andrew took the hat with trembling hands. It was worn, well-loved, with the marks of countless journeys.
"I don't know if I can—"
"You can," Ash said firmly. "I've seen trainers come and go, Andrew. Some have talent but no heart. Others have heart but give up when things get tough. You've got both. And that Chidori technique? That shows you're not afraid to innovate and think differently. That's exactly the kind of trainer who can reach the top."
Ash placed a hand on Andrew's shoulder. "The road ahead won't be easy. You'll face opponents stronger than you can imagine. You'll lose battles. You'll doubt yourself. But if you keep moving forward, if you keep believing in your Pokémon and they keep believing in you, there's no limit to how far you can go."
Andrew looked down at the hat in his hands, then put it on. It fit perfectly.
"I'll get stronger," Andrew said, his voice full of determination. "I'll train harder than anyone. And one day, I'll return this hat to you—in the finals of the World Tournament."
Ash grinned that infectious grin that had inspired a generation of trainers. "I'll be waiting. And Andrew?"
"Yeah?"
"Misty was right. You do remind me of myself when I was starting out. You've got that fire. Don't let it go out."
Parting Ways
They walked back to the main route together, talking about training strategies, different regions, and the challenges ahead. Ash shared stories from his journey—battles won and lost, friends made, legendary Pokémon encountered.
When they reached the fork where Ash would head north and Andrew would continue toward Saffron, they stopped.
"Good luck with Sabrina," Ash said. "Psychic-types are tough, but I know you'll figure it out."
"Thank you," Andrew said. "For everything. The battle, Froakie, the advice… and the hat."
Ash waved it off. "Just keep growing. That's all the thanks I need."
As Ash turned to leave, Andrew called out one more time.
"Ash!"
The World Monarch looked back.
"I won't let you down. I promise."
Ash smiled. "I know you won't."
And with that, they parted ways—Ash heading north with his Pikachu, Andrew continuing toward Saffron City with a new team member and a renewed sense of purpose.
Andrew released Froakie from his Pokéball. The water-type looked up at him curiously.
"Welcome to the team, Froakie," Andrew said softly. "We're going to do great things together."
"Froak!" Froakie replied, hopping up to perch on Andrew's other shoulder opposite Pikachu.
The two Pokémon—electric and water, old friend and new companion—looked at each other and nodded.
Andrew adjusted Ash's cap on his head and looked toward the horizon where Saffron City waited.
The weight of the hat was more than just fabric and thread. It was responsibility. It was promise. It was the dream of a legendary trainer passed down to the next generation.
And Andrew would honor it.
That Night - Pokémon Center
Andrew sat on his bed in the Pokémon Center, his team resting after Nurse Joy had healed them. The hat sat on the nightstand, and he stared at it for a long time.
Then he pulled out his Pokédex and made a call.
Gary Oak answered, and his eyes immediately went to the hat visible in the frame.
"Is that…?" Gary started.
"Yeah," Andrew said quietly. "I met Ash today. We battled. I lost—badly. All four of my Pokémon couldn't even make his Pikachu break a sweat."
Gary was silent for a moment. "And the hat?"
"He gave it to me," Andrew said. "Told me to return it to him when I'm strong enough. At the World Tournament."
Gary leaned back in his chair, a complex expression on his face. "Ashy-boy… he always did have a way of inspiring people. That hat means a lot to him. If he gave it to you, it means he sees something special."
"I also got Froakie," Andrew added. "The son of his Greninja. Froakie chose me."
Gary's eyebrows rose. "The offspring of Ash-Greninja? Andrew, do you understand what that means? That Pokémon has the potential to develop the Bond Phenomenon—one of the rarest and most powerful abilities we've ever documented."
"I know," Andrew said. "And I'm going to help him reach that potential. I'm going to get stronger. Strong enough to stand on the same stage as Ash."
Gary smiled slightly. "Then you'd better get back to training. Sabrina's gym is next, and after today's loss, you'll need to analyze what went wrong and improve."
After the call ended, Andrew lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
Today he'd been completely outclassed. The gap between himself and the World Monarch was astronomical.
But he'd also been given a gift—a partner with incredible potential, a symbol of a legendary trainer's faith in him, and a goal to strive toward.
Tomorrow, he'd train harder.
He'd push further.
He'd become stronger.
And one day—maybe years from now—he'd stand across from Ash Ketchum in the World Tournament finals and return that hat as an equal.
That was the promise.
And Andrew never broke his promises
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