Chapter One: The Beginning

Many years ago, people and Pokémon lived in harmony. Each would give a little, and take a little, to help provide the other with happiness and security. Until, one day, a man fell in love with a female Zoroark. The couple were afraid of their peers, for they held no tolerance. They agreed that Zoroark will disguise herself as a human, to hopefully live happily with her true love. And they did for several years, until they decided to have a baby. The process confused them, for they were unsure if the baby would be born a Pokémon, or a human. But they tried any way. A few days later, came the little egg, holding their unborn baby. They were happy, until the people of the village saw Zoroark. The couple was chased out of the village, and into the woods, and encountered the legendary Pokémon, Celebi. They made an agreement to take the egg into a more tolerant and peaceful time.

"And that was when you found me, right?" a little boy interrupted, holding onto his Charmander plushie. The woman, who was telling the story, giggled, "Yes, my darling, I found you as an egg, just about to hatch." The little boy's cat-like ears perked up, listening to the rest of the story.

"I was helping Professor Oak round up the Pokémon within the corral, and a stray Mareep jumped the fence. I ran after it, I searched for a half an hour until I found it, staring at an egg. I carried it back to the lab, to ask if the egg belonged to any one— "

"But he said "Nope!" a-and you took me to this house." Said the boy, jumping small hops on his twin sized bed, "Yes, dear. Then, a few days later, you hatched."

"Next to the fire place…" the little boy continued, urging the woman to continue. She nodded, "Your hair and fur was as black as soot, and that is why I named you…"

"Ash!"

.::.

Ash Ketchum, an adoptive son of Delia Ketchum, has finally grown of age. At six years old, he will finally be able to enroll into Professor Oak's school of Future Trainers. He awoke with a start, "It's the day! It's the day!" He hopped off his bed, running into his mother's room, he slowly climbed up, grunting as he had to pull himself up, "Mommy! Mommy! C'mon, it's the day!"

"Okay, okay! Calm down, little jumping bean." Delia said, as she grabbed Ash into a tight hug. As Ash got himself ready, she prepared breakfast. And a half an hour later, a white and blue school bus came up to the curb. Ash being excited was an understatement, for he is the first Ketchum to enroll, as well as the first hybrid to even think of becoming a trainer.

"Mommy, look! It's the bus!"

"Yes, dear. Do you have your lunch?"

"Yes, Mommy."

"How about pencils? And paper? And— "

"I have everything, Mommy! No need to worry!" he gave his mother a hug, before hopping into the bus. Delia stood at her drive way, as she watched the bus holding her growing little boy drive away.

…

Ash found a seat that was left empty, and slid all the way to the window. He couldn't wait to get there, his smile never drooping or changing in the slightest. That was, until another boy around his age in the seat behind him, reached over and started to pull on Ash's black feline ears, "Hey, that hurts you know!" He stated, forming his lips into a pout. The boy behind him stared, "Those are real? Wow, what kind of thing are you?"

"It doesn't matter. My mommy always told me that it isn't about what they look like, what's inside is all that matters." Ash crossed his arms, trying to then ignore the child. But the boy kept pulling at his ears, "Hey, stop it!"

"Why should he, little freak?" A blonde girl, a few ages older than Ash, cackled. Ash glared at her, "Because, it hurts."

"So? My Dad says that anyone who isn't a human deserves to feel pain. Besides, Pokémon are tools any way. Say, that must mean that you are a tool too." The children laughed. Ash was just about to curl up into a little ball when another voice came up, "Hey, leave him alone!" Ash looked up to see a young boy, a brunette, with emerald eyes that flared with determination, "He is just as human as any of us. So what if he looks a little different, he deserves respect too."

The spikey haired brunette then sat next to Ash, and the rest of the children then left them alone. Ash stared at the boy, unsure if they have met before. The brunette tilted his head, "Something the matter?"

"N-no, I… um… thanks… for making them stop."

"Not a problem. Say, you must be Ash Ketchum. I've heard a lot about you from my grandad, I'm sure you know him as Professor Oak."

"Really?" Ash was amazed, not only was he saved by a kind hearted boy, but the kind hearted boy was none other than the grandson of the world renown and rich Professor Oak. No wonder why the other children respected him.

"I'm Gary. Nice to meet you." Gary held out a hand, and Ash stared at it. He was unsure what this meant. Ash had little human contact, with the exception of his mother. Thus, many of the normal human customs such as this confused him. Gary chuckled, "Grab my hand," Ash did as he was told, "Then we shake." Gary grinned as he shook their hands gently. Ash smiled, "N-Nice to meet you too."

"Tell you what, how about I ask my grandad if we could play sometime? I've never played with a hybrid before." Gary leaned back, crossing his arms behind his head, relaxing as the bus went over a bump. Ash thought for a moment, then realized that this is what he always wanted. He has always wanted a friend.

"Okay!"

…

"Now, who can tell me the typing of Charizard?"

The class was silent, except for one, "It is a fire and flying type. Although it is always seen as part dragon type, because of its looks one and that it can learn dragon type moves like dragon claw and dragon tail." All the other students groaned, Ash however stared at him in awe.

"That is correct, Gary. Nicely done! Now, how about I call on someone to tell me the rules of a battle…" Professor Oak, the teacher of the newest generation of students looked around the classroom, until he eyed the young hybrid.

"Ah, Ash! Can you tell me the rules of a battle?" Everyone stared at him, expecting an answer. Ash looked around nervously, and then he opened his mouth…

"Why should he answer?" asked the blonde girl from the bus this morning. Her name is Anna, she is a second year student, and her parents are filthy rich. Gary shook his head; Anna was getting on his last nerves. Ash then squeaked shyly, "I… I can try…"

"Yeah, right! Like a hybrid could even understand a battle, when he will never be on the commanding side!"

"Now, now, Harley and Anna, you two both know that everyone can be anything they want to be. They just have to work hard." Professor Oak said, then turning back to Ash, "Now, Ash. What are the rules of a Pokémon battle?"

Ash shyly looked at Gary, whom nodded. That gave him the confidence to at least try. Ash took a deep breath, "I think… there are four different types of battles: single, double, triple, and rotation. As far as the League goes, a single battle mostly has six Pokémon on each side… A-and whoever has no Pokémon left first, loses."

"Very well done! You are absolutely correct, Ash. Sometimes, single battles can even have one Pokémon each, calling that a 'one on one' battle. The highest amount of Pokémon per team is six."

Ash sighed in relief, 'See? I can be smart too!'

"Anna, please tell me, what is the pokedex number of this Pokémon?" Professor Oak then pulled down the projector screen, and the projector showed a picture of a yellow, mouse-like Pokémon with black tipped ears and a lightning bolt shaped tail. She thought for a moment, "Um… fifty-two?"

'So much for the "hybrids are dumb" saying' Ash thought, as Professor Oak clicked his remote to reveal its pokedex number, "This is a Pikachu, an electric type Pokémon. It is usually found in Viridian Forest. It is very well known for its red electric sacks on its cheeks. And its pokedex number is twenty-five."

Anna slumped in embarrassment, "Now, who can tell me the Pokémon whose pokedex number is fifty-two?"

Ash instantly raised his hand. He had to prove that he is smarter than a human. Maybe then he will be respected, "Yes, Ash?"

"Number fifty-two is Meowth, a normal type Pokémon."

"That is correct." Ash sat up straight in his chair, obviously proud of himself. He has studied little before entering this program, but Meowth and Pikachu he can remember clearly. He heard Anna growl, and he knew he had won, for now at least.

…

The school bell rang and the exit doors opened to reveal a stampede of children racing home. Gary and Ash walked side by side, "So, still want to play today?" Gary asked, while trying to avoid other children in the court yard. Ash smiled and nodded, until a voice called, "Hey, hybrid!"

Ash turned around to find Anna and Harley –the two who bothered him on the bus—walking over to him. Ash took deep breaths, calming himself. The two came up to him and pushed him to the ground, "Hey! What was that for?"

"A Pokémon should always be on his paws! Now crawl around and bark like a dog!"

"Yeah! Listen to Anna, hybrid!"

"Hey, cut it out you two!" Gary interrupted, his face contorted in annoyance. The two children laughed, "But, we are just playing! I am the trainer, and he is the Pokémon. And I order him to bark like a dog!"

"Oh, oh! Anna, how about you make him squeak like a Pikachu!" Harley said, chuckling as Anna put down her school bag, "Gladly." She pushed Gary away, having him land on the grass, as she came up to Ash, reeling her fist back. Ash whimpered, shutting his eyes tightly, waiting for the fist to make contact. But nothing happened. When he reopened his eyes, he saw Anna's now pale face looking at Professor Oak, who now held her relaxed hand, "Anna, you know better to make fun of people who cannot help what they are."

The word 'what' hit Ash harder than it was really intended to. Anna struggled, "But, he's different, Professor! Why should he even be here?"

"Because his mother and Ash has worked hard to earn the money to have him enrolled here."

"His mother should just release him into the wild! That's where he belongs!" Anna complained, tears welling up in her eyes, "It's so unfair!"

"How is it unfair, Anna?"

"He isn't human!" Anna yelled, causing the remaining children in the court yard to stare at the scene. Ash, who was still trying to recover from the fall, felt his eyes burn with tears. She was right, he wasn't human. Maybe he really doesn't belong here.

"If you want to get technical about this," Professor Oak started, using his free hand to scratch at his chin, "He is half human. So he is human, just not as human as you or me."

Ash stared at Professor Oak, sure he is trying to be all scientific and all, but Ash looked at Gary, who looked at him back, "Ash, let's go to my place, you can use my house phone to call your mom."

"O-Okay…" Ash muttered, as he followed Gary out of the court yard. As they exited the gates of the school, he looked at Gary, "Hey, Gary?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you think I'm a freak?" The question didn't surprise Gary, for Ash was still learning how humans work, not only that, people judged him due to his Pokémon heritage. Gary shook his head, "Not at all! I think it's awesome that you are half Pokémon! I wish I was."

Ash stopped walking to stare at Gary, "Really? You… would choose this?"

"Yup! By the way, can I ask you a question?" Ash nodded, as he walked faster to catch up with Gary.

"Do you have any attacks? Like, Pokémon attacks?" Gary asked, as they turned to walk onto a dirt path that lead up to the coral of the Research Lab. Ash thought for a moment, to be honest, he hasn't even tried to use an attack. His mother forbade it, saying that it is bad behavior.

"I don't really know. My Mommy doesn't allow me to use or even learn an attack. I'm not sure why. Sorry, that I don't know, Gary."

Gary shrugged, "It's okay, Ash. I mean, your Mom is doing her best to raise you as human as possible. Maybe that's why."

Ash never thought of that before, was his mother really trying to make him human? The thought hurt a little. I guess even she thinks I'm not human enough for the real world… Am I really just a Pokémon?

…

After playing with Gary for a few hours, Ash's mother came to pick him up. Sure, Ash had fun with Gary, but he still had thoughts of earlier today. He felt ashamed for being what he is, even though he knew he couldn't change what he is.

Ash hopped into the back seat, setting his backpack next to him as his mother buckled herself into the drivers' seat. Delia looked through her review mirror, "So, how was your day, sweetie?"

"It was okay… I guess." Delia turned herself to stare at Ash, "Honey, what's wrong? Did something happen today?"

Ash looked away, "It doesn't matter, Mommy."

"Yes, it does. Did someone make fun of you today?" Delia inquired, her face contorted with worry. She wanted Ash to have a regular human life, like she was blessed to have. The last thing she wants is for Ash to be ridiculed and bullied by the townsfolk. Her thoughts were interrupted by a hiccup coming from Ash's direction.

"Who was it?" Ash shook his head. He knew he should tell her, but he didn't want to be a tattle tale. Delia sighed, "If you won't tell me, I will ask Professor Oak." She unbuckled and opened the car door…

"Anna… a-and Harley… they are the ones…"

"Ok, tell me everything that happened."

"O-on the bus… Harley was pulling on my ears, and Anna called me a… a freak. Th-then, after school, Anna pushed me and she was about t-to hit me… telling me to… to bark like a dog a-and walk on my hands and legs… I was scared, Mommy…"

Delia's eyes widened, as tears started to form. Her little baby boy was not only being bullied by one child, but by two children. She reached her hand over to pet Ash's hair comfortingly, "Don't worry, honey. I will talk to Professor Oak so that he and I could talk to their parents, ok? We'll make sure that they'll never hurt you again, I promise."

Ash looked at his mother, giving her a small smile, wiping away his tears. Now he understood why she raised him as a human, it was because she loved him, and that he deserves a human life that he unfortunately wasn't one hundred percent born with.

That gave him hope that soon, the people of Pallet would respect him.

.::.

The school bell rang, and out came the herd of the next generation of trainers. Three more days until they got their license, he is counting.

Ash Ketchum, now 10 years old since last week, grew up quite a bit. His hair grew longer, his eyes changing from a humanly brown to a golden amber. His fur on his ears and tail grew sleek and soft, due to constant grooming.

Ash has been the talk of the town; everyone knows of him being a hybrid, some saying that Delia should be arrested for bestiality. Others say that Ash was found in the wild as an egg. Others believed that Ash was the first genetically modified human that could potentially change the human race forever. As these rumors arose, so did more bullying. It was no longer ear pulling and being called "hybrid" or "freak." Now it was full on physical, and Delia sees Ash coming home with black eyes, bruises, cuts and scrapes. But that was nothing compared to his tenth birthday.

FLASHBACK

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!" The small group sang, as Delia came into the dining room with a blue, green and white frosted cake. Ash wagged his tail a bit, showing that he was happy. Gary sat next to him, singing along to the chorus, "Happy birthday dear Ash! Happy Birthday to you!"

The cake was set in front of Ash, "Now, Ashy. Make a wish!" His mother said, setting plates across the table. Ash closed his eyes, holding his hands together as if in a prayer, then took a deep breath in, and blowing out the ten candles that sat atop the cake. Everyone clapped as Professor Oak then got to cutting the cake for everyone, "Here's your slice, Ash… And you too Gary."

The plates full of cake was then devoured by the hungry ten year olds, and the adults of the room laughed. Everything was going smoothly until a knocking sound sounded from the door. Delia went to open it to reveal a woman in a white lab coat, "Hello, you must be Delia Ketchum. Nice to finally meet you!" She reached her hand out, letting Delia shake it, "My name is Professor Linda Rose. I am a professor from a faraway region that studies hybrids like your son."

Delia looked at her with a dumbfounded look, "There… are more of him?"

"Yes! There are many, many more! It isn't as uncommon as you think. Now, may I please speak with your son? I have never seen a human-raised hybrid before."

"But, aren't the hybrids with you human-raised?"

"Nope! I have no contact with them, other than the occasional checkups."

"Well, alright… but please wait in my husband's study. Today is his tenth birthday party."

"Oh, I already know that, hon. In fact, I have a present for him. But if you insist me waiting there, then so be it. Just send him up there when he is ready." And with that, along with Delia's directions, walked into the study. Delia then walked back to the festivities. Ash sat on the floor in the living room, next to Gary. The first gift was from Professor Oak and Gary, neatly wrapped in Pikachu wrapping paper. Gary knew that Pikachu was Ash's favorite Pokémon, so he insisted his grandfather to get the roll. The wrapping paper was torn off with his newfound speed, opened the cardboard box to reveal two things: A Charmander plushie and a Voltorb alarm clock. Ash instantly picked up the plushie and hugged it with all his might, "It's so cute! Thank you, Professor Oak and Gary!"

"No problem, Ashy!" Gary said, nudging Ash's arm lightly. Next was their neighbor, Alissa and Drew, "I'm sure you'll like this." Drew said, giving the package to the hybrid. Ash smiled and instantly grabbed it, tearing the wrapping paper off, and inside the box was a belt, meant to hold six pokéballs. Ash then hugged Drew and Alissa, "Thank you! I needed one of these!"

Ash then sat back on the floor, and was about to receive his mother's present when he heard footsteps coming from the stairs. He stared at the intruder, who was wearing a white lab coat, like Professor Oak does. Ash tilted his head, "Who are you?"

Delia looked as well, and instantly sighed, "Ash, this is Professor Rose. She came to see you."

Professor Rose instantly ran in front of Ash, taking his hand, "Oh my goodness! I can't believe I finally get to meet a human-raised hybrid! I have only found wild ones."

"There are… more hybrids?" Gary asked, looking back and forth between Professor Rose and Ash. The woman nodded, "Yes! Many, many more than you could ever dream of!" Ash took in the information, looking down at the floor, who brought her here? Why does she want to see him? What does she want?

"So, you're Ash, I presume?" The Professor asked, grabbing his other hand, feeling the skin. Ash nodded shyly, "Y-Yes."

"Your mother must have been taking great care of you, judging from how your skin is so soft…"

"Y-Yeah, she took me in as an egg."

"An egg? Wow, I thought all hybrids are born like humans. I need to make a note of this!" She grabbed her pocket notebook, and jotted it down, "Tell me everything, everything that you can remember!" Her eyes gleamed with a passionate glow. Ash gulped nervously, and Gary caught that.

"Ash, you can say no… I mean, you don't know what her motives are." Ash nodded, then turned to Rose, "Why do you want to know? I need to know all about you first."

Delia nodded, she had taught him well. Professor Rose nodded, "That seems fair enough." She set the pocket notebook and pen down, "Alright, my name as you already know, is Professor Linda Rose. I come from a faraway region— "

"What region?" Ash inquired, staring down the Professor. There was a moment of silence, "I come from the Lithora region. It is on the other side of the world."

Ash nodded, and noted to search all maps that he has to find it. Linda continued, "I study the behavior of hybrids; although, I have only met hybrids that had little to no contact with the human race."

"So, why do you want information from me?"

"Because, like I said, I have never met a human-raised hybrid. Let alone a hybrid that was birthed as an egg. I am writing a report on hybrids to allow them to be free in my region, and hopefully all regions."

Ash didn't like the idea of the entire world knowing that he is a hybrid. He wanted to live a human life, not a life of being pointed at or treated like a circus freak. He looked down, his hair covering his eyes, "Then I am sorry, but I cannot give you any information."

"Why not?"

"I am already being treated like a freak. So you want me to give you information that will be spread worldwide, and you think that everyone will listen? No, they won't! They'll see people like me as… as weapons or they'll stuff us in cages and…" Ash trailed off, "I… I just want to be seen as human. I want people to see who I am, not what I am. But I know that most people are blind to what is around them. I am glad to know that you have good intentions, but in a world like this, good intentions or not, I cannot take the risk."

Professor Rose sighed, then snapped her fingers. Her aide jolted over, giving her a box, "I'd like you to open this. I was hoping to have you open it, in hopes that you would agree to come with me… but, I know now that you want nothing more to do with hybrids." She then turned to Delia, "I'm sure this present will come in handy, later in his life."

She then grabbed her belongings, and walked out the door. The house was silent, taking in the scene, until Gary stood up, "Ash, maybe you should go."

"W-What? And be a test subject for the rest of my life? No way!"

"Ash, you… you need to see what it's like… how to be a hybrid."

"Why should I, I have come this far, trying to be a human. I can't just quit now."

"Ash, don't you get it!?" Gary yelled, "There are people like you! You'll fit in there, and no one will bully you anymore!"

"Boys— " Delia tried to say, but was quickly interrupted by Ash, "So? I can take it! I have taken it for three years now! I am not the little weak boy anymore! I am stronger now, and I can learn to take it for a few more days!"

"It will never stop, Ash! You are an easy target, and you try too hard to be something that you are not! So stop being so stubborn and do what is right!"

The house was silent, no one ever heard them fight before, they never did. They always solved their problems without quarrels, but it seems as if everything is falling apart. Ash looked away from Gary, "I knew it… You're afraid of me… aren't you?"

"Ash, I am not afraid of— "

"You are afraid of me, you're afraid that one day, I will snap. You're afraid that I will attack you without warning. I am nothing but a freak to you too. A monster that deserves to be chained away."

"Ash, don't you dare make me the bad guy."

"But I can sense it. You're even afraid that I will attack you right now, and eat you whole!" Ash stood up with his newfound speed, as Gary instinctively reached for his pocket. Ash knew what he was reaching for: his pocket sized repel that his Grandfather gave him to protect him from other Pokémon, if they were to come and attack while he and Ash played on route one. Ash sighed, "I think I proved my point." He then walked away, up the stairs and into his room. The door slammed shut, the sound echoing through the house.

FLASHBACK END

The present from Professor Rose still has yet to be opened, Delia has been slightly afraid of what its contents could be. For all she knew, it could be dangerous. Thus, she stored it in her closet, awaiting when Ash is ready to tear it open.

Ever since Ash and Gary's fall out, Ash has been vulnerable to all sorts of bullying. With no one to protect him, he was like a Rattata in front of an Arbok. She has been trying to decide whether or not she should allow Ash to learn more of his Pokémon half, such as if he could even learn any attacks. Although, she is afraid that if he were to learn it, he may use it wrongly; but of course, out of self-defense.

Delia heard the front door slide open, bringing in her soon-to-be trainer and eventual Pokémon Master. 'No bruises or scratches today.' Delia thought, as she walked up to him, reaching a hand over, "How was your day, sweety?"

Ash took off his backpack, handing it to his mother before taking a seat in the living room, "Ok, I guess. Normal things."

Delia sighed worriedly. Ash has started to talk in short sentences, he was no longer the talkative little boy that she hatched. Even though they have seen counselors, them saying that it was "nothing more than an aching heart that is hungry for love," she insisted on him taking medication… to at least bring him back to her. But they refused, stating that it was too risky, due to his Pokémon half.

She remembered many nights, when she had to sooth him, when she had to hear him cry his poor heart out, he said, "I wish I was normal." The word 'normal' has always been a word that Delia has tried to not use in her household. But she knew how much he wanted to be human, so then he can be loved.

She hung Ash's backpack on the coat rack, before sitting beside Ash, reaching for the television remote, turning it on and switching through the channels, searching for Ash's favorite childhood show. Silence swam through the room, almost as thick as butter. Until, Delia heard a small voice beside her, "Mom, is it possible that you could… I don't know… maybe… make clothes that hide certain… parts of me?"

She stared at her son, dumbfounded at his proposal. Firstly, this was his first full sentence since his ninth birthday. And secondly, why would he want to hide his ears and tail?

"How come, honey?"

"Because the people outside of Pallet don't know. And I would like to keep it that way. Maybe then, I will be accepted for what I am. Since no one really cares about who I am."

"Ashton Red Ketchum! I do not want to hear you talk about yourself in that manner! You are perfect in every way. Everyone else just hasn't seen it yet."

"Please, Mom? No one will accept me for what I am… please, Mom, I am begging you." Delia stared into her son's eyes, seeing them shimmer with tears that have yet to fall. She hated seeing him like this, but she also hates that her son is ashamed for what he is. She knew that holding him home instead of going on his journey would break his already fragile heart. So, she did what her mothering instincts told her to do, "Alright, I will get to work."