Pokémon is the story of a young boy named Ash Ketchum. Finally having reached the age of 10, he receives his first Pokémon from Professor Oak and sets out on his Pokémon Journey. Along for the ride are his best friends: Misty, Brock, Tracey, May, Max, and Dawn. Together, they journey through the… More Kanto, Orange, Johto, Hoenn, Battle Frontier and Sinnoh Leagues. Ash takes every opportunity to capture a Pokémon, Misty trains Pokémon of the Water type while Brock prefers Rock types.
On the way to the next city, Ash and friend encounter a photographer who is determined to take the ultimate photo - a picture of all four forms of Sawsbuck at the same time. Ash and friends believe that to be impossible, but after seeing a photo of it they decide to help him try to find the Sawsbuck.
Ash eagerly runs into a town hoping it to be Driftveil City, but unfortunately Cilan and Iris tell him it's not. Nearby Ash sees a trainer with three Maractus performing a performance routine. The trainer decides it time to execute their routine called "Over the Rainbow." All three start off by using Round which mesh together to form a rainbow circle. Two of the Maractus named Maa-kun and Raa-kun leaps into the air and uses Petal Dance. Maa-kun and Raa-kun high-five then join hands in the air and proceed to use Pin Missile while spinning. Finally the trainer commands the final Maractus, Cacchin, who is noticeably smaller than Maa-kun and Raa-Kun, to leap and "Cross the Rainbow."
After obtaining his fourth gym badge, Ash, along with Iris and Cilan head to Route 5. When seeing the sandboxes, swings, etc., the gang is ready to play until they notice Officer Jenny ride up in her motorcycle with Alder flirting to her. She pushes Alder off and drives away. Ash, who notices Trip asks Alder to battle him and Trip also asks. Alder decides to battle Ash first so they head to a little field. Ash uses Pikachu and Alder decides to use Bouffalant. As Pikachu begins to attack, Alder falls asleep, so Bouffalant isn't getting any commands. Bouffalant just stands there and tries to absorb all of Pikachu's attacks in his afro. Eventually, Alder wakes up after Pikachu Thunderbolts him and tells Bouffalant to use Head Charge.
In Nimbasa City, Ash and Iris spend time at the Nimbasa amusement park, while Cilan participates in the Stamp Rally, a contest in which trainers collect stamps throughout the subway, enabling them to battle the Subway Bosses, Ingo and Emmet. After going on many rides, Iris decides to buy ice cream for Ash and Pikachu. They think she's missing, and approach an Axew in the crowd. The Axew they found is not Iris's, as it is wearing a pink bow, and she returns with her own. Soon they realize that it's lost, and decide to find its trainer.
Ash is sitting on a bed with Pikachu busy deciding which Pokémon he'll pick for his battle against Elesa. Cilan and Iris watch Ash as he formulates his strategy. Pikachu eagerly wants to participate but Ash isn't sure yet. He decides to battle Elesa from a strategic view. He tells Pikachu that he's not going to use him, much to Pikachu's disappointment. Professor Juniper transfers over Ash's choice for the battle and Ash, Iris, and Cilan head to the Nimbasa Gym.