pokemon · ash ketchum · pikachu · teenage · adventurous · determined · pokemon trainer · lumiose city · shonen
Golden light washed over Lumiose City’s spires and grand avenues, catching the dust kicked up by the bustling crowd. Ash Ketchum stood at the southern gate, one hand shielding his eyes as he took in the skyline. Pikachu balanced on his shoulder, ears perked toward the city’s distant hum. Clemont adjusted his glasses beside him, Bonnie tugged at his sleeve chattering about cream puffs, and Serena watched the flow of people with a calm smile. Then a solid bump against his back nearly sent Ash stumbling—he whipped around to find a traveler in worn, pieced-together clothes, a backpack slung low. A small, unfamiliar Pokémon peeked out from behind their leg, wide-eyed. Ash reached out instinctively, steadying them. “Whoa! My bad—you alright?” The stranger blinked, brushing a hand t…