Carpe Diem, Seize the day Ash. Because, believe it or not, every one of us will one day stop breathing, turn cold and die. And guess what. Everybody dies, but not everybody lives.

Beep Beep Beep. (Ash POV)

A loud smack echoed around my room as I violently slapped on the annoying alarm on my phone.

As the light rays begin to penetrate my adjusting pupils, I let out a loud groan. Stupid alarm, I think to my self. Lifting myself off the pillow, I look out my window and all I see blue skies staring right back me with no clouds... Never mind, I see one right now. There was also a powerful breeze blowing the long green grass outside my house as I hear crows croaking in the distance. Hopefully, my day is going to be as beautiful as this scenery.

Never mind it's a Monday, I have school. It's going to be a horrible day. Reluctantly, I limbered onto my feet and into the bathroom to clean my teeth. As I walk, I notice my hideous face. Bandages wrapped around my nose and fading bruises around my face. However, this look was still a whole lot better then what it was yesterday.

Swiftly I clean my teeth and remove the bandages covering my face, revealing the scabs forming below the dressing. When walking back into my room, I put on a black t-shirt with a blue short-sleeved jacket over the top. And to go with the head, light blue jeans. Just as I finished getting dressed, I hear a yell, "Ash! Come down. Breakfast is ready."

With glee, I scramble out of the bathroom and dash down the steps, almost tripping down them. In a flash, I am in the kitchen and bellow, "Good morning, mum!" I see her jump in shock and drop the spatula in her hand.

"Ash! You scared me. I thought you were still in bed. You are never that quick in the morning," Emitted a startled Delia.

I chuckled and state, "You should know me, mum. As longs as I smell and hear food cooking, I will be there in a flash."

In reply, Delia shook her head at my childish behaviour. "Anyways, your bacon and egg are on the dining table. Quickly eat it while it's piping hot like a Pikachu's flamethrower," She announced.

I facepalm at her statement and groan, "Mum. Pikachu can't use flamethrower."

Delia then let out a loud laugh and exclaims " What do you mean? That orange dragon isn't Pikachu?" Making me let out an angry groan as she laughed at my actions. Now she is just messing with me! "I'll be in the living room watching the news. You can bring your food there if you want," While walking towards the living room.

After recovering from my mum idiocy, I grab the bacon and eggs and went straight into the living room. Sitting down next to my mum, who was on the catch watching TV. While I indulged the delicious bacon and eggs, my mum then exclaimed: "Ash, look at the news." I then look up and see a knight in a blue cloak with the news bulletin saying, "Today marks 500 years since Sir Aaron saved the kingdom of Rota from an unknown threat. To this day, no one knows what these threats were. His slogan 'never give up', and by setting the example, he inspired the kingdom to rally and pushback these supposed mythical creatures. It is because of this the kingdom of Rota is still alive and powerful."

"Sir Aaron? He has the same slogan as Dad. And he also has an obsession with black hair and the colour blue," I pointed out. "Perhaps one of my ancestors, eh."

My mum chuckled and stated "You never know Ash. Anything could happen-." Suddenly the rush of a bang came rolling into the living room. When we both looked towards the sound generator, we saw Giovanni at the front door, violently holding the poor door open. I see a vast bandaged wrapped around his nose. I got good. And it looks like he didn't get his much-needed sleep. He then erratically walked out and slammed the door behind him. It was like thunder striking right outside our house. We then hear his footsteps on the gravel pathway and soon after, the revving of an engine echoed around the neighbourhood but soon, the noise faded into silence. "I think it's time for you to go as well. Don't want to be late for the bus," Mum blurts.

I nod my head in response and quickly gobbled the rest of the food and placed my dish back into the sink. Hurriedly, I ran up towards my room to grab my bag and sprint back down in a flash. Before I could reach the front door, my mum slithered her arms around me and enveloped me into a loving hug. She then announces "Have a good day Ash, remember never give up. I Love you..."

I then reply, "Thanks, mum, don't worry, I will. Love you too." I quickly release from the embrace and grab my red and white baseball cup and bolt out of the house.

I quickly arrive at the lonely bus stop, no other person in sight. A whole lot more people use to catch the bus from here. Since my incident, everyone decided not to be associated with me, so they changed stops. A few minutes later, I see the bus pull up to my stop. I then stood up and started walking to stop point. However, when I was hopping onto the bus, I swear I saw a yellow creature jumping onto the bus's roof. It almost looked like a Pikachu. What? They don't exist. I think.

When I looked closer, there was nothing there. Eh, I've probably been imaging it. I have been watching an unhealthy amount of Pokémon and manga lately. Perhaps it was just a bird. I then step onto the bus. Since the stop is the very first one, no one is on the bus. So I quickly take my seat near the back of the bus.

As the bus stops roll pass, more and more people started to pile on the bus. Every one of them took a glance at me and before blanking me for the rest of the ride. All the seats on the bus were taken as we approached Pallet High. Well, besides the one next to and in front of me. Some people even rather stand then choose a place next to me. How great. More room, right?

The shadow of Pallet high starts to loom over the bus, like a closing curtain, the feeling of anxiously and dread began to appear over me. Suddenly the bus was brought to a halt in front of the large establishment. Every one quickly rose from their seats and rushed off the bus to head to their friends. Except for me. I took a massive sigh and slowly limbered off the base. I then reached the front gate of the school and murmured, "Welcome to hell."

I pull down my hat to cover my face and walk through that gates. As I was walking through the crowded path, I hear murmurs and complaints about my presence. But the one that hurt me the most is "Your dad left you because he knew that you were a screw-up." I know my dad would never leave me. He loves me. But I couldn't shake the feeling of pain in my wounded heart. What if he did disappear cause of me?

After attempting to avoid the furious crowd, I finally made it to my temporary safe heaven, my locker. As I look around, I see no one near me. Everyone was outside mingling with their friends, not wanting to go to class. Suddenly I hear the 5-minute music play. I see all the students outside start to trudge into the building. In haste, I check my timetable for the upcoming lesson, math, and collect the books and equipment needed for it. Before I could collect all my gear, I feel a slap on my shoulder. As I turn, I see a boy standing in front of me. He had very similar clothes to me, except for a darker blue jacket. It was a wild Camel- Calem.

Over the camel's shoulder was his other friends, Drew, Trip and Paul. There was also Gary, but he was in the back, watching from a distance. All of them, except for Calem, use to be my friends. But ever since my father disappeared, they decide to be like sheep and follow the crowd. All they do now is tease me. Well, except for Gary, my childhood friend. I believe that he still wants to be friends. But, is he a real friend if he stays with people who tease me?

You may be wondering how did this happen.

Flashback/ narration from Ash

Days after my father disappeared (now presumed dead), I was extremely distracted. I was in another world for most of the day. Not one of my 'friends' thought to come up to me and ask if anything was wrong with me. Thus, no one knew what happened. Which is why some idiots decided to create the rumour that my dad just left me cause I was so-called useless. The day after I accidentally wore my Pikachu onesie to school with no spare clothes.

I become the laughing stock of the school, even to my friends. They wouldn't stop laughing when they saw me at lunch. It was humiliating. People were laughing at me and pulling on my tail for the whole day. That wasn't even the worst bit. The day after, it came to the point where some students decided to pull a prank on me. At lunch, my friends were calling me over to their table, so I walked over. Suddenly, I felt yellow coloured flour in yellow-coloured flour blanket my body. As was stunned, they slammed tomatoes into my cheeks, turning them Red like Pikachu's electric sacks. Everyone saw and started laughing, even my 'friends' and worst of all, Serena. They were probably in on the prank. The day after that was probably the worst day of my life.

Why? Well, I thought it was a typical day at Pallet high and that everything would go back to normal. Until I saw Calem sitting in my spot, why is this bad? Well, let's just say we don't have the most beautiful relationship. He hates me for hanging out with Serena too much. Some childish thing like that. Anyway, we fought for a bit then Drew and Trip told me that they replaced me with Calem. At first, I couldn't believe those words were real until I asked Serena if it was true. I could see in her eyes that she was conflicted.

But in the end, she shattered my heart, "Leave Ash."

After all these years of creating unforgettable memories, they throw me out just like that. After, helping May and Drew, Dawn and Paul get together. After I realised that Serena had a crush on me and I had one on her, they threw me out like a pile of trash. From then on, they wouldn't talk to me. All they did was laugh with the rest with the school.

Moreover, a couple of days later, Serena and Calem somehow get together. So that's a rotten cherry on top of my disgusting cake. However, there have been some rumours circulating about Serena not wanting to be in a relationship in the first place. So there was a tiny bit of light at the end of this dark and depressing tunnel.

End of narration

Calem teased, "Hey loser, how has your lousy day been? Must suck being that useless that your dad left you." When I heard this, I felt my hand instinctively turn into a fist.

Suddenly Gary moved from his place and walked up to Calem exclaiming, "Calem, let's go. We don't have time for this."

"What do you mean?" Calem replied. " We still have plenty of time with him." Suddenly, I felt my body crashing into a locker.

The sound of me slamming into the locker made everyone look at the commotion. Some people even began to pull out their phone and record the incident. As I look around the crowd, one fact sticks out to me, like a fish out of water. A girl with honey blonde hair and a bright pink hat. Serena with her friends behind her. Her face filled with sorrow and regret. Why? She left me. Every one of these people did. One day they are my best friends, and next, they are my worst enemy. These people say that they hate bullying. But when it's me, they turn a blind eye. The bullies are the evil ones. But the bystanders, are the lesser of two evils. Not as bad, but are still the reason why it happens.

Suddenly, voices boomed, "All right you kids. Move along get to class." Appearing in front of the group were three teachers Brock, Cilian and Tracy. The only teaches who are happy with my presence. I have no idea why, but I'm glad they are. Brock then demanded, "You 5, go to class or else you will all have detention." All the students who gathered started to disperse into their classes, except for Calem.

He chuckled and then whispered into the teacher's ear", listen...Giovanni..." and then walked off. He left me alone with the three teaches. The three teachers looked at each other and nodded their heads. Listen to Giovanni? What did he do? Brock then walked up to me and placed a hand on my shoulder. Exclaiming, "Are you ok?"

"Nah, I'm fine," I reply quietly.

Hearing my response, Brock suggested, "You should go to class, Ash. I'll see you in Biology later Today." I nod my head and turn towards my math class.

3rd Person with Tracy/ Cilian and Brock

Seeing the raven head boy leave their sight, they turn to each other. "You know we can't help Ash anymore with the practices Giovanni implemented," Cilian explained sophisticatedly.

"Yeah, but the rules are silly," Brock complained. "As teachers, one of our duties is to ensure the safety of students in our classes in the school environment. It is like a police officer being forced not to help people."

"Well, we can still help Ash... But not from Calem. Maybe we should talk to him," Tracy inputted.

Brock's face lit up like a lightbulb when he heard the suggestion. "Yeah. Good idea." Brock enthusiastically exclaimed. "Is everyone free tomorrow after my class with him?"

With Serena and Dawn

"Serena, are you ok? You seem a bit out of it?" Dawn asked with a concerned tone.

Serena's eyes snap from the ground to her friend beside her. "I'm fine Dawn," Serena mumbled.

"I know you're thinking about Ash." Dawn boldly states. Shocked Serena snap her eyes to Dawn. "I'm not blind, unlike the other girls. I know a crush when I see one." Serena looked back down towards her black tennis shoes. "So that you know, I'm fine with you getting in a relationship with him. But the others. I'm not so sure."

"What do you mean by 'others,'" Serena questioned.

"1. Calem will not be happy. Which I don't mind, I hate him. 2. Ash probably hates you, and 3. Other students may not be happy with a miss perfect student body dating a 'loser' like Ash. So, be careful."

Serena let out an annoyed sigh. Dawn was right. Ash wouldn't even attempt to talk to her. What chance did she have? Abruptly she stopped walking, making the Sinnoh born girl turn back in confusion. "Why did we leave Ash Dawn?" Serena quietly questioned.

Hearing this, Dawn looked up to the ceiling, as if they were going to give her an answer. "We were cowards," Dawn admitted hesitatingly. "We acted like sheep and followed the crowd. It was Calem or him, and we stupidly selected Calem. At first, I thought he was a good guy and perfect for you. Now... I regret thinking that way."

When Dawn looked back at Serena, she saw the honey head staring dejectedly at the ground. Dawn then saw her bite the bottom of her lip, prompting her to ask, "Serena, are you happy with Calem?"

Silence enveloped the two. Not a single word uttered from Serena. Suddenly, a lone tear ran out of Serena's eyes. "...No... I want to be with Ash" Serena finally answered.

Time Skip after school

Ash POV

Surprisingly, besides the hectic morning, nothing exciting happened, my classes with Brock (Biology), Tracy (Art), and Cillian (Home economic) were regular. At lunch, nobody annoyed or made fun of me. Why? I usually sat on the complete opposite side of the school oval. No one bothered to come over here. That's why I liked it. It was peaceful, just me and my mind, no one else.

As I approach an intersection in the school's halls, a Calem and his friends appear from around the corners. Calem announces "Hey, Ashy. You think you can get away from us this time."

Seeing my eyes widen, he let out a devious smirk. "My gang and I saw a Squirtle inside the toilet." He explained. "And I know how much you love pokemon. We can take you there," As he steps forward."

I reply, "no thank Calem, I'm fine. You can grab it if you want. It seems like you are into that stuff." Suddenly, I find Drew and Trip securing their arms around mine, making me incapable of escaping the scene.

"O no, we insist," Calem taunted. "We will even carry you there." Suddenly, I felt my body leave the ground. I try to yell out for help, but that was quickly subdued by a hand covering my mouth.

Abruptly, the sound of electricity coursed by the group making then stop. A shock of electricity smashed into the ground, creating a heavy waft of smoke. In the chaos, I suddenly hear a voice saying "Run. Run to the forest." What choice do I have? Be flushed or run. Hastily, I squirmed out of the hold the had me in and ran out of the school gates, heading towards Viridian Forest with Calem and his gang in hot pursuit.

Swiftly, I find myself in Viridian forest looking for a place to hide from the hunters. "Ashhhhhh, where are you? We only want to help," I hear ring out from behind me. Horrified, by the noise, I immediately find a place to hide. I see a yellowtail pop out from a bush during my frantic search before disappearing in a flash. It almost looked like a Pikachu's tail. What the!? Tentatively, I slowly inch my way towards the bush.

When I reach the bush, I see Pikachu in a clearing. Wait, an actual Pikachu! Am I dreaming? Or my eyes deceiving me? Could that mean I saw it before I hopped on the bus! Before I could fangirl more about seeing a real Pikachu, a purple portal appears in front of it. The Pikachu then turned to me and moved its paw towards the entrance of this mysterious portal. It was like it wanted me to go through it. It then jumps into the portal disappearing behind the purple curtain. Cautiously I step forward to the entrance and put my hand through it. I then slowly take it back out and examine my arm to see if anything occurred. Nothing did. I then hear the howls and footsteps of Calem's gang come closer and closer. I then take a deep breath.

I hear my dad echo, "Carpe Diem, Seize the day Ash. Because, believe it or not, every one of us will one day stop breathing, turn cold and die. Do you have the courage to go out and grab your dream? Or are you going to let it slip through? Go make your choice Son."

Hearing his wise words echo in my brain, I feel my hands turn into a first. With my fiery determination being fanned by my father's words, I move back and before leaping through the mysterious portal, leading me to another dimension.

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A/N

Thanks for reading this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. Don't forget to vote if you did and leave constructive feedback if you want.

Hopefully, the next chapter will be out by next Thursday (at the latest).