Chapter 1: A Letter from the Blue

Pokémon Beyond the Blue Theme Song

I want to brave the distant skies

And chase what lies unknown

Beyond horizons, legends rise

Adventure calls me on

I will journey past the waves

To lands beyond the blue

With friends beside me day by day

We'll find what's strong and true

(Pokémon, Beyond the blue) It's you and me

Facing destiny (Pokémon)

With hope and dreams anew* 

In a world so wide, we'll see it through* 

(Pokémon, Beyond the blue) My heart, so true

Our courage lights the way

You guide me and I guide you (Ooh, ooh)* 

Pokémon! (Beyond the blue)

Together, dreams come true (Pokémon)

Outside, a summer morning bloomed in Pallet Town. Warm gold spilled across the grass, dew twinkling like a thousand tiny stars. Pidgey chirped from rooflines, a gentle breeze sending petals drifting along the worn dirt road. There was freshness—and something quietly electric—about the new day.

Ash Ketchum awoke with the sun, his silhouette a little longer than it once was. At fifteen, Ash's features were sharper, his cheekbones more defined, his gaze edged with experience. His wild black hair was now long enough to brush his brow, and beneath sleep-heavy eyelids glinted a spark of familiar excitement. As he rose, Pikachu leapt beside him—a little tuft of hair sprouting playfully on top of its head. The mischievous glint in Pikachu's eyes matched Ash's as he stretched and yawned.

Ash pulled on a fitted black t-shirt—a modern, athletic update of the style he'd worn as a kid. He grabbed a clean, charcoal-black and blue short sleeve jacket and slipped it on and and slid into sharp, slim black jeans that tapered neatly above black-and-blue sneakers with white soles.

After a quick nod in the mirror, Ash grinned at Pikachu. "Ready to see what's out there, buddy?"

"Pika!" Pikachu squeaked, shaking out its hair tuft.

Downstairs, the scent of frying eggs and sweet berry pancakes floated through the air. In the small kitchen, Delia Ketchum stood at the stove. Her frame was soft and gentle, her once-chestnut hair now streaked with graceful threads of silver pulled back into a loose bun. She wore a cornflower blue dress and a white apron dotted with floral embroidery. Lines of laughter and love traced her face, making her eyes brighter rather than old.

She turned as Ash entered. "Morning, sweetheart!" Her voice was warm as ever—if anything, deeper, rich with nostalgia.

"Morning, Mom." Ash beamed, sitting at the table while Pikachu scampered near his feet.

Delia hummed as she scooped fluffy pancakes onto a plate, crisp bacon curling at the edge. Eggs sizzled, a side of roasted cherry tomatoes and some homegrown berries finished the meal. She set the plate in front of Ash, resting her hand reassuringly on his shoulder for just a moment. "You always loved my pancakes before a big day," she said quietly. Then, "Oh! And this came for you." She handed over a crisp blue envelope, wax-sealed with a stylized wave and star.

Ash paused, eyes wide, and tore open the envelope. He read the letter aloud—voice echoing through the kitchen:

"To Ash Ketchum,

By merit of your accomplishments and the courage shown throughout your journey, you are invited to the Aetheris Region for the Champions' Discovery. Only trainers of the highest spirit and proven heart have received this invitation. 

The Aetheris lands await you—new friends, untold Pokémon, and mysteries beyond the blue. 

Your voyage begins as soon as you're ready.

Signed, The Council of Aetheris"

He looked up, both stunned and elated.

Delia's eyes sparkled with pride and a hint of bittersweetness. "Looks like you're off on another adventure, Ash."

He rose and wrapped his arms around her. She pressed him close, her hand soft against his head.

"No matter where I go, you're always with me, Mom," Ash whispered.

She hugged him tighter. "I know, honey. I always will be."

With a final squeeze, they parted. Ash sat again and finished every last bite, Delia smiling fondly as she putter in the kitchen.

When he'd scraped the plate clean, Delia turned, "Oh! Professor Oak called this morning—says he has a new Pokédex for you. Make sure you stop by before you go getting yourself lost!"

Ash grinned, cheeks bulging comically as he finished the last pancake. "You got it, Mom!" he mumbled around the food.

Pikachu laughed, and Delia shook her head with a smile.

Ash hopped up, reaching for the door, but Delia stopped him. "Wait! There's something for you."

She popped into the living room and returned with a sleek new backpack—a rich, navy blue with jet black accents, rugged seams, a silver Poké Ball zipper, and a padded shoulder strap. It was compact but tough, perfect for travel.

Ash's eyes went soft as he accepted it. "Thanks, Mom." He grabbed it, slung it over his shoulder, and leaned in to kiss her cheek. "Love you!"

"Love you too, Ash!"

He patted Pikachu, took a deep breath, and tore out the door. He jogged down the stone path, heart pounding, the morning alive with anticipation. Outside, his sneakers pounded the dusty road. He dodged a passing Tauros cart, Pikachu giggling while keeping pace, and leapt a low fence with effortless excitement.

The white-lab walls of Professor Oak's sat at the edge of town, flanked by vegetable patches, winding gravel paths, and green pastures dotted with rare Pokémon. The massive oak tree towering above the building, the wind ruffling its leaves, crowned the place with a sense of boundless possibility.

Ash bounded up the familiar porch steps. The door opened before he could knock; Professor Oak stood in the entryway, tall and dignified, though he now leaned gently on a walnut cane. His once-bushy hair was nearly white, combed back over a tanned, smiling face. He wore tailored brown slacks, a fresh white dress shirt, and a deep burgundy cardigan, a twinkle of humor forever present in his sharp eyes.

"Ash! My boy! Still running, I see," Oak called out, his tone lively and amused.

Ash laughed, a little breathless. "Wouldn't be me if I wasn't, huh, Professor?"

"Come in, come in. You and your energetic Pikachu!" Oak ushered them inside.

The lab was as vibrant as ever, cluttered with microscopes, fossil trays, and pokéballs—but on the back table sat a display case with three unfamiliar Poké Balls.

Oak motioned grandly. "Before you set out, I want to present you with something special. Three new Pokémon, discovered only recently—the first, a Water-type: Aquaphin, sleek and blue with crest fins shaped like a wave, bright turquoise eyes, and a playful squeal. Second, a Fire-type: Cindrake, like a tiny, orange-scaled dragon with flickering embers in its whiskers and golden markings on its tail. And finally…" He lifted the last ball, its shell swirling in black and pink. "A Spirit-type no one expected: Vesperyn, a vixen-like Pokémon with fluffy black fur streaked in neon pink, silvery eyes, and a faint, floating mist trailing behind her."

Ash felt his breath catch as he met Vesperyn's gaze. "She's…amazing."

Oak smiled, "I thought you'd choose her. Here—she's yours, Ash!" He handed over the black-and-pink Poké Ball. Ash knelt as Vesperyn appeared, the Pokémon watching him shyly, then gently nuzzling Pikachu's side.

Ash tapped the ball to her head; with a shimmer, Vesperyn was caught—the ball blinking once, twice, then glowing steady in acceptance.

Oak beamed, "Now, for this." From the glass case, he brought out a new Pokédex: matte cobalt with silver trim, shaped for easy grip and lined with a holographic display port. He pressed a button, and a 3-D image of Vesperyn spun above the screen, stats and temperament appearing in sleek typography.

Ash registered Vesperyn, grinning wide. "Thank you, Professor. This…is incredible."

Oak winked, leaning on his cane. "Thank me by showing the world what you can accomplish, Ash."

Ash saluted, Pikachu perched on his shoulder, and called out, "Let's stop by the Pokémon Center and get some supplies, huh, Pikachu?"

The automatic doors chimed as Ash strode into the bustling center. Pikachu still clung cheerfully to his shoulder, and Vesperyn's Poké Ball hung secure at his waist. He browsed the aisles for a moment before a familiar voice floated over the buzz.

Turning, Ash spotted Brock—taller now, his hair styled in a neater crop. He wore brown khaki cargo pants, black sneakers, a crisp white shirt layered with a fitted black jacket, and a wine-red backpack over his broad shoulders. He knelt on one knee, gently bandaging the paw of a young Furfrou.

"Brock!" Ash shouted, grinning.

Brock spun, a slow smile breaking across his face as nostalgia crashed between them. "Ash Ketchum? Is it really you?" he laughed, bolting upright.

Ash dashed over, the two slamming into a tight, brotherly hug, thumping each other's backs and grinning ear to ear.

"Man, it's been forever!" Ash said, breathless. Pikachu chirped in excited agreement.

Brock pointed a thumb at Ash. "New journey, new look, huh? What's next, a beard?"

Ash rolled his eyes, handed Brock the letter. Brock read it, whistling in surprise. "The Aetheris region, huh? You know I'm not letting you go without me."

Ash smirked. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

They stocked up on supplies. As they headed outside, a distracted voice could be heard mumbling about "strange prints" in the grass. Mirroring the old days, a girl with deep olive skin, a mop of soft black curls clipped back with a blue barrette, and sharp green eyes scanned the ground. She wore a sky-blue windbreaker over a soft white blouse, sturdy navy shorts, and ankle-high hiking boots.

Without looking, she tripped right into Ash, sending them both sprawling—Ash flat on his back, Mira tangled on top, her cheeks flaming crimson. Pikachu yelped, Brock's jaw dropped, and for a moment time froze.

Mira scrambled up, brushing dirt from her knees, glaring. "Maybe watch where you're standing! Some of us are working here!"

Ash coughed, "Maybe you should look where you're going!" He pulled himself up, dusting off, a goofy smile on his lips. They glared a second longer—then both burst into embarrassed laughter.

Brock, already starry-eyed, tried to interject, and Mira gave him a gentle but warning look—he retreated, flustered, scratching his head.

Once the dust settled, they exchanged names.

"I'm Mira," she said, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Ash. This is Brock—and Pikachu," Ash replied.

"What are you guys doing around here?" she asked.

Ash showed her the letter. Mira's brows shot up with wonder.

"I've been searching the edge of Pallet for traces of rare Pokémon. But… maybe I could find more if I… tagged along?" She looked at Brock, then Ash. "You two look like you know what you're doing."

Ash crossed his arms, offered a half-smile, and nodded toward the road. "Looks like this journey just got a little more interesting."

Mira grinned. "Don't slow me down."

Brock laughed. "Well, looks like it's the start of something big."

With an easy rhythm, the three stepped together onto the path, the world wide and blue ahead of them—something new, yet achingly familiar, unfolding with each stride.