DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own Pokémon, all rights go to Game Freak and Nintendo.
Author's Note: Now, this will probably not occur often but since this is the first chapter I guess I will have to explain some things to you guys. FIrst of all, this story contains AbilityShipping, so if you don't necessarily like that kind of thing, or are not comfortable about it, I encourage you to click out now. Next, this story will never go on to the M rating… I'm truly sorry but I don't feel very comfortable about writing such things. Finally, this is indeed a cliché or whatever you guys call it, I'll have my own twists on some things but for now I think it fits the category of clichés. Also, I don't see the need in forcing you guys to review, but if you guys do like this story, please tell! I am open to all suggestions and who knows? I may even include you're idea or thank you within the story for your kind words or constructive criticism. Also, I'm planning on adding some of my very own OC's into this fan fiction. They probably won't be as important though…
Normal Speaking: "Battle Frontier"
Aura Voice / Telepathy: "Battle Frontier"
Poké Speech: "Battle Frontier"
Now then, for all those who have read this (probably not a lot), on to the story!
Chapter One: A New Beginning To An End!
Ash Ketchum. That name means many things, some call him the Chosen One, Ashy-Boy, Future Pokemon Master in the Making, and a Rival. Even though some of those may not seem like great titles to have, it didn't matter to Ash nor to his Pokémon. However, today he was going to change from a young, wanna-be Pokémon Master, to something no one was prepared for-heck, even Ash himself was surprised as to what he wanted to do next.
"I want to become a Frontier Brain."
Silence. That was all to be heard at the moment because neither his mother, Delia, or the world renowned Pokémon Professor, Samuel Oak, had no idea how to respond to this.
"Of course… I would need some help learning a few skills I should've learned many years ago that will help me in achieving this."
That's when the silence that was slowly becoming overwhelming broke.
"WHAT/PIKAAA?"
Oh but of course! I forgot to mention that the boy's best friend, Pikachu was there as well. As you could see, he wasn't expecting that information to come out of his mouth.
Pikachu thought that when Ash had an important announcement to make that must be made in front of himself, the professor, and of course his loving mother, that it wouldn't have been that important. They all had sat down in the Ketchum's dining room to trying to eat some supper before Ash came out, and said very bluntly must I add, what was on his mind. Let's just say all thoughts of eating was forgotten at that moment.
Ash had never been the same since the Sinnoh League, even his Pokémon noticed his sudden change in behavior. Although they had tried to ask him what was on his mind, he would just shrug it off and walk away. Now it all made sense. Ever since Ash's somewhat anticlimactic defeat in the Pokémon League, he had always seemed more down to earth, starting to even jump in and actually train himself with his Pokémon.
Sometimes he would fight Infernape, other times he would fight Primeape (he had gotten him back soon after the Sinnoh League was over), and other times he would just be lifting weights on his own. Heck, even the restless Ash Ketchum has started to meditate! What has the world come to?
Pikachu wasn't stupid and he knew what his trainer was doing. He wanted to appear as the strong type to his Pokémon, and so he started to train with them. Oh and the fact that the boy had finally taken some interest into some of this many skills. This one in particular was something he never had time to train and hone before, as such it was very difficult to get a grip on learning it; especially with no teacher or mentor around. What was this skill you may ask?
This particular skill was called Aura.
Pikachu was finally broken out of his thoughts when someone finally broke the somewhat intense silence.
"Uhh.. Are you all okay?"
That comment was enough to break Delia down into tears.
"Mom! Are you okay?" Ash said, concerned about the welfare of his mother.
"Yes Sweetie.. I just never thought you would be finally be willing to settle down for a while.." (The Battle Frontier has seasons so the times where the Battle Frontier was not on he would most likely be out traveling the regions once more.) "And.. it's also hard to see my baby boy growing up so young! For heavens sake Ash! I don't care what people say about you being immature Ash, your only 14!"
"14 and a half, Mom." Ash chided, but you could clearly see that he was worried.
"Though this is rather surprising to me Ash, I would like to know your reasons and as to why you suddenly have wanted to join the Kanto Battle Frontier? And also, they just don't accept anyone, how would you feel if they denied you?"
"Pi.." Pikachu agreed not knowing that Ash had been offered a job at the Battle Frontier after his victory over Brandon.
"Well.. it's sort of embarrassing really.. the reason why I want to join the Battle Frontier really.." Ash replied somewhat hesitantly.
"Oh come on Ashy! You can tell us anything!" His mother said encouragingly.
"Well if you insist.." Ash said while rubbing the back of his head, something he did when he was nervous.
"Well I guess the reason is because, I feel like I would like to take a break and hone some of my more ah I guess you could say, weaker skills. I don't want to get psyched for the next league just to lose it again.."
"Well my boy, I believe that that is a fine reason! I'm proud to see that you are maturing and are thinking about your future a little bit more seriously!" Professor said kindly.
"Yes but of course Ash! I am so proud of you, but I want to know what kinds of skills you would need help with. I've heard the Battle Frontier initiations are extremely hard to achieve though. I also want to know the answer to the Professor's other question as well." Delia said, her voice full of pride.
"Well to be honest, I want to learn how to sew, cook some meals, to survive, and all the rest, and Professor? Do you think you can teach me a bit more about Pokémon habitats, abilities, and training in general. After all, who better to learn from than from the former Kanto Champion himself?"
"Heh, you've got that right. Though, I don't want to sound like I'm bragging.."
"Great!I was wondering if you would start teaching me around 6:30am tomorrow morning? As they always say, the early sparrow catches the weedle."
"Of course my boy!"
"And to answer the second part of your question, mom.. I was actually offered a spot in the Kanto Battle Frontier, by Scott of course, once I beat Brandon in battle. Cool, right?"
"WHAT?" Delia and the Professor shouted, once again surprised at the young boy.
"PIKAA?!" Of course, you know who said that line...
"Pikaaaa!"
"We didn't forget about you buddy! But it's starting to get late, I'm gonna go catch some Zz's to be up tomorrow bright and early!"
"It's about time I head home. See you tomorrow Ash!" The professor said as he gathered his belongings and started to walk through the door.
"Bye professor!/Pikaa!" Ash, Delia, and of course Pikachu called after him.
"Now young men! March off to bed!" Delia shooed off Ash and Pikachu.
"Okay mom! Thanks for everything you've done for me!" Ash said as he walked up the stairs to his room, Pikachu scampering close behind.
However he missed the smile his mother had on her face and what she said right after.
"Of course.. I'm so proud that you're finally growing up and maturing Ash… at such a young age as well. You remind me so much of your father. And.. the fact you look like the spitting image of him when he was growing up. Just please don't get obsessed with Aura like he did.." Delia whispered before washing the dirty dishes and heading off to her bedroom to sleep as well.
The Morning After
Ash yawned as he woke up at 5:30, the earliest he has ever woken up. Even when he first got his starter Pokémon. He woke up late on that day but he doesn't regret it. Not one bit. If he woke up early, like all the normal trainers, he would've never gotten Pikachu, his now best friend.
"Cmon Pi, it's time to wake up buddy!" Ash said as he nudged the yellow rodent.
"Piii…." Pikachu yawned, but sat up alerted when he realized what they were going to start today.
"That's right buddy! It's time to start our training before we join the Battle Frontier! Even though its bright and early, we have to learn some well needed information about Pokémon from Professor Oak!"
"Pi Kachu!"
"Thats the spirit!"
"ASH! ARE YOU AWAKE?" Ash's sweet mother called from down the stairs.
"YEAH! I'M GONNA GET READY AND HEAD DOWNSTAIRS OKAY?"
"ALRIGHT HONEY!"
And so Ash got dressed. In his Sinnoh journey clothes, but that would change soon… But I'm not going to make you guys wait to see Ash's boring morning routine.
"Alright! I'm ready to get started! What about you Pi?" Ash asked while he pulled on his last fingerless glove.
"Pi Pi Pikachu!" Pikachu said excitedly as he jumped onto Ash's shoulder.
"Let's go then!"
Oak's Laboratory
"Alright Professor! Im ready to learn more about Pokémon!"
"That's the spirit. But I must say, you shocked Tracey when he saw you walking into the Lab a few minutes ago."
"Heh. Yeah his expression was kind of funny, it may sound cruel-but it's the truth!"
"Well…" The Professor started to drone on and on about Pokémon habitats and berries, however surprisingly, Ash actually listen intently!
With Pikachu…
"Hey guys!" Pikachu called to Bulbasaur and Torterra who were currently chatting and basking in the sunlight with a few other wild grass type Pokémon.
"Hello Pikachu." Torterra replied politely and somewhat formally.
"Pikachu! What's up?" Bulbasaur called back as chipper as ever.
"It's Ash! He finally told us what was eating at him for so long! It wasn't what we expected at first-well it sort of is but isn't to that degree!"
"Oh really? That's lovely, I felt as though Ash was disappointed in my skills in the Sinnoh League."
"Well then? Why was he so upset then Pikachu?" Bulbasaur said, ever the calm one.
"I'll tell you afterwords, can you gather all the Pokémon? I want to tell this to all of them before Ash starts training."
"Alright. Let's go gather them Bulbasaur."
Approximately 2 minutes later, there Pikachu stood in front of all of Ash's Pokémon (Well only one Tauros was present because that was the only one who battled with Ash. The others were just grazing in Oak's pasture) having just finished recounting what Ash said to him, Professor, and Delia last night.
"What? The Battle Frontier? He wants to finally settle down and become a brain? I don't mind as I would stick with Ash till the very end but it's just extremely difficult for me to believe." The ever cool headed Sceptile asked.
"I know. I was shocked as well, it's hard to believe after all these years." Pikachu agreed.
"Well… Here comes Ash! We may as well stop contemplating this as training is about to begin! I call Primeape and Sceptile as my battle partners though!" Infernape said eagerly.
With Infernape's childish attitude lightening up the mood of the Pokémon, the laughed and started calling out who they wanted as battle partners.
Finish
Alright guys! I was wondering, I really want to get into the Battle Frontier as soon as possible but I think I hold off for one more chapter. We'll have next chapter as an insight onto Ash's new training and how he progresses, as well as a new outfit for him! 'Cmon let's be real, Delia would want her beloved son having a new attire for his new, and first, every career!
Oh and all those who don't know already, AbilityShipping is the pairing of Ash and Anabel.
Anywhos, I have got a somewhat different idea of what I want to the, ah, trials, for Ash to join the Battle Frontier a tad bit different. I'm not gonna spoil anything and you'll have to wait until Chapter Three to find out! mwahahaha!
And please be kind, this is my first ever fan fiction or story on this website!
~Generational Writer