CHAMPION
Summary: Ash Ketchum has always dreamed of becoming the best. Ever since he was little, he's been determined to live out his dreams till the end, no matter the cost. Starting his preparation young, an older, smarter, and much more mature Ash Ketchum will take the world by storm as he rises up to become a true pokémon master.
Author's Note: Hello! A very warm welcome to you and thank you for clicking into my story! I can only hope that you'll enjoy it as much as I've loved writing it. It's been my pleasure to do so, so please, grab a cup of warm coffee, find a cozy place to sit, an enjoy the story! It's certainly been quite a long time in the making.
I have always loved the idea of entering one's own characters and thoughts into a favorite book, movie, or video game. Many of the writers on this wonderful website are simply so talented! As I've read and re-read many of the amazing stories and novels on this site, I've become inspired to take a chance and write one of my own. For my first story, I've decided to base it around my all time favorite anime / video game; Pokémon. This will be an AU story that follows a smart, mature Ash Ketchum as he journeys through Kanto.
Please keep in mind that I will follow the timeline of the anime up to a point, but Ash will catch different pokémon, meet new people, and go on new adventures. As a character, he will hit the same major plot points from the tv show, but will go more in depth in some areas while cutting back on others. Ash will face much more serious threats than usual, and thus, the bumbling kid you're used to seeing will not be making an appearance. Now, just a few, simple, housekeeping things before we get started.
~ Ash WILL have a different starter. And I AM going to splurge on it a bit. It may seem a bit overpowered or cliché at first, but I assure you that it is for the best. Ash needs to be stronger than and stand out from the average trainer if he's going to do well at the Indigo Conference. It's that simple. He may be a rookie, but he's talented and smart. He will stand out. Don't be surprised.
~ I've decided to raise the starting age from ten to fourteen. I feel that this gives the children more time to grow both physically and mentally, as well as prepare for their journey. I will delve into more detail as the story progresses. Additionally, I refuse to insert any romance, no matter how small, in a story revolving around ten year old children. That's just weird.
~ As a reader, you are entitled to comment however you want. It's your ability and choice to do so. With that in mind, I will simply ignore and "flames" or rants. If you want to crontribute constructive criticism or compliments, know that I cherish every single one of those, and it's you that inspires me to continue on.
~ And lastly, simply so I don't get sued, the disclaimer! To those worried about copyright issues, everything inside the Pokèmon world is owned by GameFreak and Nintendo. The idea of Pokémon, along with many places and people mentioned, are of course, not mine own. Now, enough rambling. Please, enjoy the story, and don't forget to leave a review!
- Champion -
Chapter 1: "An Unexpected Start"
Ash Ketchum woke up to his alarm clock on Monday, June 1st with an odd mix of bubbling excitement and churning anticipation.
For a long moment, he simply lay in his warm, comfortable bed, surrounded by soft blankets and fluffy pillows, staring at his alarm clock in the dark. The device's numbers gave a soft glow that illuminated the room in a faint, green light, which in turn gave off an almost eerie vibe to the gloom. The heavy curtains that hung in front of a large bay window were tightly shut, cutting out any foreign light, magnifying the brightness of the clock in the murkiness. Others might have found the darkness frightening or enclosing, but to Ash it was almost comforting due to the familiarity it gave.
The device beeped once more, and sighing, he reached over and shut off the alarm. Sitting up, he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and thought about the day ahead of him.
Today was the day.
He nearly trembled with excitement as he thought about it. After months of waiting, years of preparation, and countless hours of constant work, it was finally here.
Today, at fourteen years old, he would begin his journey as a pokèmon trainer by receiving a starter pokémon from Professor Samuel Oak, the premier pokémon researcher in all of Kanto. The very thought sent vibrations of strong emotions and exhilaration down his spine.
Slipping out of the comfortable bed, he shivered, and quickly made his way over to his small desk. Set neatly on top was a pile of workout clothes, folded and ready to be used. Quietly dressing, he shoved on his running shoes and crept into hallway. Moving down the stairs, Ash exited the house, taking a death breath in the process. The air was chilly and smelled of dirt and grass, Pallet Town's signature scent. It was still fairly early in the morning, the sun wasn't even up yet, but it was light enough to see where he was going. Setting off at a brisk jog, he started out on his morning run, the quiet sounds of nature playing an organic melody in his ears.
xxx
After two miles, a strenuous core workout, and some basic stretches, Ash was feeling fantastic. Exercise always pumped him up, but today it served as a way to burn off the excess emotions coursing through his veins. It felt nice to finally relieve the pit of pent up tension that had been forming in his stomach over the past few weeks.
Finishing his workout up, Ash gingerly opened the door to his home and entered softly, silently taking off his shoes. It appeared that his mother had yet to wake, so he was determined to make as minimal noise as possible. Ash knew his mother certainly did enough to sleep in every once in awhile, and he wanted her to receive some of the well earned rest she deserved.
Moving upstairs and back into the hall, Ash tiptoed towards the bathroom. The thick carpet felt soft against his feet as he padded down the hallway, and he picked up the pace as the cool air raised goosebumps on his slick forearms. Reaching his destination, he quietly shut the door. Flicking on the lights and squinting from the sudden brightness, he reached out and turned on the taps to run a shower. Steam filled the air as water gushed out, and stripping, he stepped in. He sighed in content as hot water rushed over him, and he quickly immersed himself in the stream, eager to warm his chilled limbs.
As he stood there, Ash inhaled the thick, steamy air and let his thoughts wander. His feelings about the path forward were currently in quite the tumultuous state. Ash knew he was excited to begin his adventure, there was no confusion there. He had been dreaming about the day ever since he had learned how to walk. Today, however… today was the day he left everything he knew behind. It would be the last time he slept in his own bed, the bed he had owned since he was six. It would be the last time he ran the streets of Pallet Town, cheerfully greeting the many friends and neighbors he had made over the years as he jogged past. It would even be the last time he hugged his own mother, the woman who cared for him and loved him his entire life. Ash knew it wasn't forever. He'd be back home in under a year's time, hopefully with the Indigo Conference trophy clutched tightly in his hand. Still, it was hard leaving everything he knew behind. His entire existence was based right here, centered in the rural little town called Pallet. He was sure going to miss it.
On the other hand, an exciting new life awaited him, one much more lively than his previous one. It was a life full of adventures and learning, a life where Ash could live out his dreams to the fullest extent. It was a life brimming with new opportunities and open doors, all waiting on him to take part of their ample supply of rewards. All he had to do was seize the chance. Deep down, Ash knew he would always love Pallet. The quaint town would forever be his home. Currently, however, it was far too restricting for his goals and aspirations to ever come to fruition. He needed to get out and see the world firsthand, to travel and explore the region with his best friends by his side. It would forever be his dream and he was determined to make the best out of it. He could do this.
With a new mindset, he exited the shower, dried off, and started his daily routine. Finishing quickly, he wrapped a towel around his waist, and exited the bathroom.
As he walked down the hallway he heard a noise from the kitchen. His mother must have gotten up early to cook him breakfast. This was only further confirmed when he inhaled the delicious smell of pancakes, one of his favorite foods. Grinning, he shook his head, pleased at the thought his mother cared so much. She always went out of her way to perform simple actions such as this, and Ash was incredibly grateful to have such an excellent mom.
Walking the rest of the way to his room, he shut the door and padded over to the closet. He had cleaned his bedroom thoroughly the night before, packing only what he needed. Clothes, essential supplies, and a few personal momentums were the only things he would take with him.
The backpack he owned was used by pokémon trainers everywhere, all designed, manufactured, and sold by Silph Co. It worked similar to a pokéball in the fact that it could hold far more than it appeared, making carrying heavy things such as camping equipment, food, and other vital supplies achievable. Without such a bag, trainers simply wouldn't be able to trek across the entire region, as it just wouldn't be realistic to carry the amount of supplies needed manually. Ash's backpack allowed a trainer to carry all of their equipment in a pocket dimension, tucking it away from the natural world. It even cut most of the weight down to about ten pounds. Ash wasn't completely sure how the mechanics behind it worked, but it was convenient and perfect tool to have in a traveler's arsenal.
However, while the pack allowed for an excess of equipment to be carried, it would be pointless to lug useless items all around Kanto, simply for the sake of his own comfort. No, Ash decided packed light, and the rest would stay here, awaiting for his return, both organized and neat. While he would miss some of the luxuries he currently enjoyed, he knew that they would just get in the way later on down the road. If sacrificing something so trivial was the way he could live out his dream, well, that's what needed to happen. Ash certainly wasn't going to be the one to complain.
Returning back to the task at hand, he opened the closet, and grabbed the only clothes not packed. Ash firmly believed that the outward image one portrayed was very important, and he always tried to look decent. First impressions were everything, and looking well put together went a long way towards presenting a solid front. While he wasn't incredibly fancy, he certainly far from the scruffy stereotype given to most teenagers. Many kids his age had no idea how to even pair colors, let alone clothes. Most often wore ridiculous trends such as fingerless gloves, something both useless and childish.
Slipping on black socks and boxer briefs, he pulled on some black skinny jeans. While not too tight, they hugged in all the right places, and Ash was fairly fond of the style. A basic white t-shirt followed, over which went his signature Silph Co. jacket, a gift from his mom the Christmas prior. Ash loved the jacket, which was a dark, smoky grey in color, and wore it everywhere he went. The material was light, yet waterproof, making it ideal for outdoor camping. Ash would be sad when he outgrew it. Comfortable, yet plain, white shoes, a sports watch, and a black baseball cap that showed obvious sign of wear completed the look, leaving Ash fully dressed and ready for the day.
Standing in front of the full length mirror that hung from the wall, he cast a critical eye up and down, looking for any glaring imperfections. Spotting none, he turned and studied his room one last time. The aesthetically pleasing features flowed, with his taste for neutral colors prevalent throughout the room. Giving the tidy room one last sweeping gaze, he turned and left, taking only his packed backpack in the process.
Turning down the hallway for the final time, he proceeded down the spacious stairway, his spotless shoes making solid and satisfying taps on each step. Careful to keep his pace slow and steady, he reached the ground floor and turned towards the kitchen area, following the sounds of his cooking mother. It was not unusual for her to be up fairly early in the day. Being a single parent required sacrifice. However, she normally was much quieter. The cooking must have been a distraction from the fact that he would be leaving soon. They had both known the day was coming, but it didn't make it any easier for either of them. A flash of guilt ran through him as he thought of this, but brushing it aside, he moved forward.
Upon entering the kitchen, his mother looked up. Delia Ketchum was beloved and admired by many. Beautiful and intelligent, she worked hard to care for both her and her child. Her dedication and sweet demeanor was well know throughout Pallet town, and many would come from far around to try some of her delightful cooking.
Setting down her coffee, his mother stood and enveloped him in a warm embrace. Breathing deeply, Ash inhaled his mother's scent, a mix of honey, lavender, and coffee beans. Strong emotions ran through him as he realised this might be one of the last hugs he received from his mother for quite a long time.
"Big day today," she greeted, smiling brightly. While his mother may have been gifted individual, acting was not one of her strong suits, and Ash could pick up the tenseness and forlorn in his mother's eyes, no matter the intensity of her smile. The feeling of guilt grew stronger, and pushing it down, he smiled back.
"Yeah," was all he responded, not trusting himself to speak more. His throat restricted a tad bit and he coughed to clear it. He wouldn't cry in front of his mother, for both his and her sake. Ash couldn't fault her for her emotions. He was growing up, and after he left, she would have no one left at home. It was a dilemma for any parent to go through, and unfortunately, Ash couldn't help but blame himself. His father had left the family years ago, leaving his wife and unborn child in pursuing his dreams like his father before him. [1] He had left Delia all alone to raise a child and pay the bills. The situation had been hard on his mother, and now that Ash was leaving too, it would be only worse. While she would not have to spend as much providing for him, it was a poor substitute for the lonely gap left by his absence. He was determined to make the transition as easy and smooth as possible.
"Would you like some breakfast? I cooked just for you," his mother asked, gesturing to a plate of hot, steaming food. Ash smiled. Having been an aspiring chef in her youth, Delia Ketchum was a true treasure when it came to cooking. Her meals were simply delightful, a healthy mix of flavor and intensity in each bite. At age 20, she was set to graduate from culinary school, and open her own restaurant. It was only the fact that she married and settled down that she stopped cooking. She never lost the passion or skill she had, however, and when her husband left, she opened a restaurant titled "Pallet House" to support both Ash and herself. Many now enjoyed her culinary expertise, and Ash prided himself on receiving his cooking lessons from the best.
Sitting down, Ash picked up his fork and started to eat. Flavor bloomed in his mouth, and he relaxed in his chair as he ate. His mother's food always was a comfort, and it was comfort he was needing right now with so much change on the horizon.
As he ate, his mother slowly relaxed as well, and the previous tension died from the air. Still nervous and sorrowful at the thought of him leaving the nest, Delia was determined to enjoy every last minute spent together with her baby boy. Laughter, conversation, and relief washed over them as the pair enjoyed one another's company for what would be the last time in a while. Change was coming, but it would be beneficial for everyone. As for now, they would simply be happy enjoying conversing like the family they were. And when goodbye came, maybe it wouldn't be so sad.
Still chuckling from a joke Ash had made beforehand, Delia stood and retrieved a wrapped parcel from the counter. "Oh honey, I almost forgot," she said, a genuine smile adorning her face. "I bought you a gift to commemorate the start of your big day"
Grinning, Griffin reached out and accepted the blue package from his mother's outstretched hand. Tearing off the paper, he stopped and looked up with wide eyes, not believing what was actually in his hand.
She had bought him a pokedéx. Not only just a pokédex, but the newest model, released only three months ago.
Sleek and modern, the device boasted a superior camera, phone function, access to the internet, and of course, an encyclopedia of every single pokémon discovered. Many people only dreamed
of having such a gadget, and it was certainly very expensive. She must have been saving for months to buy such a thing, and Ash was floored that he was now the owner of one of the best pieces of technology around. [2]
"Mom, I…I don't know what to say" he stammered, clearly at a loss. He still couldn't believe what had just happened.
"A simple thank you will suffice" Delia teased, pulling Ash into another hug. "Now, I know this isn't goodbye yet. However, I wanted to say a few words of advice before you set out, as there won't be much time when you get back."
At this point, her voice became heavy with emotion, and she had to take a deep breath before continuing. "First off, remember what you have been taught. The world is a large and beautiful place. Hidden wonders and adventures can wait around every corner. However, while an enchanting place it can be, danger lurks just beyond the shadows. Be safe, be smart, and make rational decisions"
Blinking her eyelids rapidly, she continued. "Second. Remember that everyone and everything is worth something and is incredibly valuable in their own unique way. While they might seem different or strange, they can posses the most amazing potential. The smallest act of kindness can make the greatest difference in someone's day."
Pausing one last time to regain composure, she plowed on. "Third. When the world seems dark and ugly, remember that there is always a path forward, no matter the gloom. The stars can't shine without darkness."
"And lastly, if you're doing your best, you won't have any time to worry about the future. Go for broke, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. I'll be here to love and support you, no matter what. I love you so, so much. I know that you will do amazing on your journey" she finished, a watery smile set on her face.
His mother reached out and hugged him, the third time in the past ten minutes. Ash returned the gesture, pondering this wise and sound advice his mother had just given him. "I'll make you proud," he promised, his eyes tightly shut to prevent tears from escaping.
Delia rolled her eyes, laughing at his declaration. 'Honey, you have already made me proud. No one is as smart and thoughtful as you. Ever since you beat up that bully who was kicking the baby pidgey around, I've been incredibly proud. However, I better not hear about any more broken noses." she threatened, although the smile on her face took any real malice from her voice.
Chuckling, Ash pulled away and nodded. "I better leave soon or I'll be late. I'll be back in a bit" he said, his voice steady in spite of the emotional turmoil he was currently feeling. Giving one last shifty grin, he walked from the room, excitement threatening to spill over.
xxx
The walk from the Ketchum residence to Professor Oak's lab was not very far. In fact, Ash often passed the lab on his way to school, which was located in Viridian City. Traveling both to and from Viridian Prep had familiarized him with the scenery, allowing his thoughts to wander as he briskly walked towards his destination.
At a young age, it was determined Ash was fairly gifted when it came to academics and pokémon. He soaked up knowledge like a sponge and funnily enough, never seemed to forget it. This, of course, intrigued his otherwise delighted teachers. A few simple tests later and it was unveiled that Ash had been gifted with an eidetic memory, or basically put, his memory was perfect. Delia was, as you could imagine, quite pleased to hear the news, and squealed in delight when she was informed. The bright, young boy was then offered a place at the prestigious preparatory academy that prepared youngsters for their pokémon journeys, conveniently located only a route over. Delia enrolled him immediately.
About twenty years ago, the Pokémon League decided to raise the age of a child that could apply for a license from ten to fourteen. Additionally, children also had to complete their standard education, which must have included courses aimed to prepare a child for the responsibility of caring for a pokémon and living in the wilderness. It was an effort to help the younger generation become more responsible when it came to their beloved pokémon, as inexperience was a major danger when in came to handling the creatures. The decision was strongly backed by parents everywhere.
Ash, after his speedy enrollment into the advanced program, took to the school curriculum like a fish to water, quickly rising to the top of his grade level. Learning everything from grooming to medicine, Ash worked hard to best prepare himself for the day when he could receive a pokémon of his own. Studying constantly, he not only completed the regular schooling, but studied topics such as battle strategy, pokémon fitness, and cooking. He was determined that nothing would stand in his way to the top.
Arriving at the lab, Ash checked his watch. He was earlier than he imagined he'd be. Everyone else was set to arrive in about twenty minutes. His nerves must have caused him to walk faster than normal, as he was only planning on arriving about ten minutes from now. Shrugging, he composed himself, reached out, and rang the bell. His heart pounded in his chest as he waited for it to open, and he tried his best to appear confident and collected.
The door was answered almost immediately by one of Professor Oak's assistants, and any previous attempt at appearing confident flew out the window as a medium sized man with a large grin opened the door.
"Ahhh, yes. Ash. Welcome! Come in, come in. You're early, but I should have expected that by now. Professor Oak is in his study. I trust you know the way?" he greeted, continuing to enthusiastically grin at the antsy teenager.
"Yes, I do, thank you Thomas" Ash responded politely, greeting the assistant scientist by name. The aides in the lab were all very fond of Ash by now. Years of volunteer work and study under Samuel Oak had left him on friendly terms with the many workers and helpers Oak kept around. His friendship with his grandson, Gary, also helped, and Ash spent most of his time either at school or in the research lab. Without the assistants, however, Ash knew the place would be cluttered from floor to ceiling. While quiet brilliant and philosophical in his own right, Professor Oak was a bit…scatter brained. He had the tendency to get caught up in his work, blocking out all other things like cleanliness and organization. Thankfully, however, the place was immaculate, something Ash himself could appreciate.
"So tell me Ash," Thomas asked casually, guiding him down a hallway that led towards to the study. "Do you know what starter you want?"
"I have an idea, but I'll have to see them all first." Ash replied, not really paying attention to what the assistant was asking. He was too busy calming the nerves that decided wage war in his stomach, quite possibly at the worst time possible.
"Well I'm sure you'll be surprised at what you end up with." the assistant said, a twinkle in his eyes that he coupled with a sly grin.
Before Ash could respond, he continued. "Ahhh, look, we're here. Good luck Ash." Giving him a quick wink, the assistant gently pushed Ash towards the door. Shooting Thomas a funny look in regards to his previous, somewhat ominous statement, Ash pushed open the heavy wooden doors and entered the study.
The room he entered into was spacious and bright, yet crammed full of books and machinery. Contrasted to the rest of the organized lab, the workspace was untidy, every spare surface covered in some sort of junk. Almost every inch of the wall was hidden behind the many bookshelves or some sort of technological piece. A large wooden desk was situated in front of a huge window, stacks of books and unstable piles paper precariously balanced next to a computer. In the middle of the room was a round machine that held three red and white spheres, all symmetrical in shape. A different sticker was stuck on each one of them, right above their circular release buttons. Ash knew immediately what they contained. Bookshelves covered the rest of the room, each laden down with thousands of books, shelves sagging from the weight. And shoved tightly in the corner was a workbench, piled high with small metal trinkets, in front of which sat the professor himself.
"Ahem, Professor?" Ash questioned, hoping to catch the Professor's attention, who apparently hadn't heard him come in.
Not noticing what was going on, the professor continued to tinker away at what appeared to be a disassembled pokéball. "Errr, no that's not right, now is it. I wonder...maybe if I tapped right…there! Ahh that's about it. Maybe? No? I thought for sure I had it that time.." Professor Oak mused, completely oblivious to everything around him.
"Uhh Professor Oak!" Ash tried again, this time walking forward and tapping the researcher's coat.
Startled, the professor jumped, knocking his tools to the ground. "Goodness gracious!" he cried, turning around to see who had touched him. "Oh. Ash, it's just you. You're early! I wasn't expecting anyone for another twenty minutes." he said, cheerfully smiling up at him. Standing, he hastily pushed aside his work to greet Ash with a firm handshake.
"Oh come on, professor, you know me. I couldn't wait! Besides, have I ever been late to anything?" Ash questioned, clearly amused by the professor's antics.
The professor merely shook his head. He expected nothing less. Nevertheless, Ash's sense of responsibility always impressed him.
"I suppose you're right. I must say, however, it might be for the best. There's something special I wanted to ask of you, and it's best done before the others get here. I was planning on pulling you aside afterwards, but now works just as well." he stated, clasping his hands together.
Intrigued, Ash perked up. A special request from Samuel Oak himself, a legend among researchers and scientists everywhere? This was interesting. "Really, Professor, a special request for me? What is it?" He quickly questioned, vainly trying to squash his building excitement. He wouldn't jump to any conclusions, but couldn't quiet contain his enthusiasm. If he knew the professor, and he did, this request could turn out to be really profitable.
"As you know, starting trainers are typically offered one of three starter pokémon unique to Kanto, bulbasaur, charmander, or squirtle." listed off the professor, a passionate look on his face. "Everyone is offered one of the three at the beginning of their journey, if, and only if, they are sponsored by me. That is what you came here to collect, correct?"
"Yes professor, of course it is" Ash said, his curiosity now all the more evident in his voice. He knew all this already, having studied all three species since he was taught how read. Why did the professor feel the need to clarify it?
Grinning, the professor held up his hand in a calming gesture. "Now Ash, what I'm about to ask you may come as a bit of a shock. Please note that the only reason I ask it if you is because I trust you immensely." the professor stated, beaming down at him.
Ash stopped, and he could hear his heartbeat pounding in his ears. What could the professor possibly want of him, plain old Ash Ketchum? Was it a positive thing Ash found himself in such an unexpected situation? Maybe he needed Ash to wait behind before starting his journey because he hadn't ordered enough starter pokémon! Suddenly, his curiosity turned to dread, and he found himself wishing the professor hadn't decided to make a private request.
Again smiling broadly down at Ash, he continued. "As you also know, my Jolteon recently hatched a pair of kits, although you have yet to actually see them in person. I've hinted at how excited I was when they were born, and I was ever so pleased when I first saw them. Originally, I was planning on giving one of them to Gary as a late birthday present, granted only if he showed he was capable of raising one. However, that's not my point. I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do with the other one, and I wasn't even sure I was going to give it up, as it was such a special specimen. Nevertheless, I believe I've come to a solution that I think we'll both enjoy."
Now Ash was really confused. How did this connect back to him? Listening attentively, he decided not to interrupt, as the professor would most likely explain in due time.
"Ash...how would you like to start out with an eevee as your starter pokémon instead of one of the three I typically offer?" the professor asked, his cheerful grin taking on a nervous hint.
Ash froze, his heart pounding rapidly in his eardrums. Had he heard right?
"Now, before you answer, let me tell you a little bit about her," the professor said, not allowing Ash to comprehend what was happening. "She's a lively little thing, always running about and jumping on her brother. In fact, if it wasn't for her mother's interference, I don't think the poor boy would get a wink of sleep!" he chuckled, smiling faintly at the thought of the lively kit.
"She's obviously going to be quite the battler when she's older. Truth be told, that's the only reason I offer her to you. As much as I want to, I just cannot justify keeping her in a lab her entire life. She needs to get out and see the world, to experience the thrill of battle with a firm, loving trainer by her side. I'm much too old and far too busy to do it myself, and I cannot hand her over to any average trainer. I need someone who will be kind and caring, yet resolute and capable of handling her seemingly endless energy. That's why I've decided to ask you, Ash. You are the one capable of handling Eevee, and you're certainly someone I can trust. You have a wonderful gift with pokémon, a natural way with them I have yet to see in anyone else. So what do you say? Will you take Eevee with you?" Professor Oak finished, his cheerful eyes still boring down at the still teen.
Blinking, Ash weighed his options. One one hand, he had been preparing to receive either Bulbasaur, Squirtle, or Charmander from Professor Oak for years. He had researched and studied each one of them extensively, weighing the pros and cons of each species, all incredibly rare and powerful in their own right. To start with a different pokémon would completely throw off his plans.
On the other hand, Professor Oak had specially stated that Ash was one of the few people whom he trusted to care for Eevee. How could Ash let him down, the man who was almost his honorary grandfather? He had taken Ash under his wing since he was little, acting as a father figure in his life after his biological one left. To deny his request now would be not only rude, but downright hurtful.
Taking one last look at the display case holding the marked pokéballs, he made his decision. Taking a deep breath, he looked up. "I'd love to start out with Eevee, Professor. It would be my pleasure if she accompanied me on my journey. That is, if she wants to accompany me as well. May I see her first?" he answered, at peace with his decision when he saw the professor's pleased face.
"Of course you can Ash, I'd expect nothing less from the boy who scored near perfectly on his qualification exam." Pulling a key from his pristine lab coat, he walked over to the door and opened it. "Sit tight, I'll be back in a minute."
While Professor Oak was gone, Ash quietly calmed his nerves, counting backwards from ten. He was about to meet his very first pokémon, and he knew that it would be a memory he would never forget. Wiping the accumulated sweat from his brow, he took a couple of deep breaths and closed his eyes. Opening them, he found his anticipation fading away, replaced by a calm, albeit positive emotion. He was ready.
Ash was interrupted from his quiet musings by the return of Professor Oak. Clutched in his hand was a polished red and white sphere, around the size of a baseball, perfectly symmetrical and smooth. A thin black line separated the two halves, unbroken except for a single round button which acted as both the release and return buttons.
"Ash, it may be a bit shocking when you first see her, however I want you to understand that yes, I do want to to take Eevee with you. I meant it when I said that I trust you enough to care for her. Now, if you'll step back a bit, I'll go ahead and release her from her pokéball." Professor Oak stated, a serious look on his face.
A tab bit confused, Ash took a moment to respond, having been caught up in the moment. Nodding, he stepped back.
Professor Oak smiled as he pressed the release button, unleashing a flash of white light.
Ash's jaw dropped when he saw the Eevee.
No wonder Thomas was acting so strange when questioning Ash one what Pokémon he wanted.
No wonder Professor Oak pushed the fact that there was more to Eevee than he originally thought.
No wonder Professor Oak couldn't just give Eevee to any old trainer.
Her pale, silver coat was absolutely stunning.
[1] - I've done some research on Ash's biological father, and unfortunately I've come up with very little. All I managed to get, from bulbapedia mind you, was that Ash's father left either before Ash was born, or right afterwards, following in the footsteps of his own father, Ash's biological grandfather. For simplicity's sake, I've decided to follow this route. I don't want any flame reviews lecturing me if I happen to be incorrect. He probably won't be brought up much anyways.
[2] - I struggled to find a decent design for a pokédex that was both modern and conventional. In the end, I simply based the look off the new iPhone X. It should be big enough and act how I need it too. Sorry to all you Android users, but the iPhone's design with the home button was what I was looking for
Author's Note: And there you have it, that's the first chapter of "Champion". Cheers! The next chapter should be uploaded Sunday August 20th. If you have any questions, spelling or grammar mistakes, or simply just want to talk, my PMs are always open. If you happen to have any constructive criticism, comments, or anything you have enjoyed about the story, please, don't hesitate to leave a review!