The Pokémon story begins with our hero, Ash, in his hometown of Pallet where 10-year-old boys and girls are not only eligible but encouraged to begin their own Pokémon journeys. Pokémon are creatures of various size and special powers that inhabit this world, coexisting with humans. Young Ash is a young boy with an insatiable curiosity about Pokémon. His knowledge of these mysterious creatures surpasses that of most of his peers. The day he has been waiting for has finally arrived; he can now begin his journey, leading him toward his destiny, to become the Greatest Pokémon Master of All Time! Before fulfilling such an ambitious goal, however, Ash must receive his first Pokémon from Professor Oak, a researcher living in Pallet. Ash has decided beforehand which Pokémon will accompany him as he begins his travels, but oversleeps on the critical day of his departure and arrives after the appointed time. Three children, who began their journeys before Ash, have taken the Pokémon that he wanted. Inside the fourth remaining Poké Ball, Ash finds Pikachu—a rare Pokémon with the ability to literally shock you with his sometimes difficult but nevertheless electric personality and power.

Ash and Pikachu set off on their journey, but as anticipated, Pikachu won’t obey Ash. Soon after setting out, the duo are attacked by a huge flock of wild Spearows. During the attack, Pikachu is critically injured and Ash fights desperately to protect it from any further harm. Pikachu responds to Ash’s selfless act by exerting all its remaining power, repelling the flock of Spearow with a 100,000-volt electric shock. Thus Ash and Pikachu’s journey and friendship begins.

As time grows from that very first episode, Ash becomes more determined and Pikachu becomes more of a friend to Ash. Brock leaves and comes back, and Tracey comes and leaves. More friends are made. And that is a little bit o' Pokémon history...