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Hey there everyone … I'm back. I've finally returned from my interstate trip and I hope to be updating again soon. Until then I have an idea that wouldn't leave me alone, so I had to type it out. Please note that this may not be updated as a main story as it's more of a side project story.
I hope you enjoy the story.
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I DO NOT OWN POKÉMON.
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"Hello" – Speech
'Hello' – Thoughts
"Hello" – Pokémon speech/Aura/Psychic communication
'Hello' – Pokémon thoughts
[Hello] – Pokédex Entries
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-9 Years Ago-
Delia Ketchum smiled as she, her husband and her precious child Ashley drove the final stretch from Viridian City to their peaceful home in Pallet Town. They'd just taken her to have a check-up at the hospital and she was pleased to learn that she'd fallen pregnant once more. The doctor's confirmed her pregnancy and she had a feeling that the tiny lifeform growing within her was to be a girl. She knew that everything would be fine – her brilliant husband was humming a tune that made everyone feel calm and though Ashley didn't understand what was happening, Ashley was excited due to the atmosphere surrounding the two glowing parents … everything was perfect.
"Shit, Delia!" she heard her husband shout loudly as the car suddenly screeched to the side to just miss a Hyper Beam.
Delia could hear Ashley screaming and crying in terror, though it was drowned out by the noises of screeching tyres and Hyper Beams. She franticly tried to calm Ashley down but then the next thing she heard caused her heart to clench in utter fear – the car had been hit by one of the Hyper Beams and she could now feel the car start flying through the air. A look told her that her husband had been knocked unconscious by the hit and she panicked.
Adrenaline surged within her and she fumbled with the clasp of her seatbelt before she managed to release said clasp. She all but leapt from her seat and smiled at her precious child. She instinctively knew that this would be her last chance to say or do anything for her child, so she hugged Ashley tightly to protect and shield her child and sung a lullaby to calm Ashley.
"I love you my sweet, precious child," Delia whispered as a tear fell and hit Ashley's tiny face.
The car hit the ground loudly and creaked ominously before the engine exploded violently. The great swooping of wings blew through the smoke and a figure leapt from the unknown pokémon. Said figure gasped as he heard the muffled cries of a child and he rushed to the car and opened the closest door. There inside was an image that would forever haunt the young man that was revealed by the flames, his red hair barely visible due to the thick, black smoke billowing dangerously from the front of the car.
The sight of a dead mother cradling her child – the act that had saved said child's life from the violent act that he'd caused. The young man gritted his teeth – puncturing his lower lip in the process as he reached in and pried the child from the dead mother's arms.
"T-There wasn't supposed to be any passengers," the man muttered in sheer grief. "I-It was only supposed to be him in the car!"
The child whimpered and coughed from the smoke, and he realised he had to get away from the car before it exploded again. He could hear the distant cries and sirens from the nearby town … Pallet Town if he remembered correctly … and he knew his time was even shorter than he originally expected. He carefully placed the now crying child protectively under a nearby bush – away from the smoke and fire.
"I'm so sorry little one," the man whispered. "It wasn't supposed to be this way."
He was momentarily startled as two toned eyes met his own, but the desperate cries of who he recognised as Professor Samuel Oak could be heard approaching with his pokémon at the ready … and he knew he had to go.
"Goodbye little one," the man whispered, before he pulled out an item from his pocket. It was something he'd found in Mount Moon before his mission to eliminate him. It was a piece of amber with a dragon-like claw in the centre.
"I know it's not much in the way of recompense," the man shuddered out a breath in grief. "But I know it comes from an ancient pokémon … if you follow your parents in becoming a trainer … it'll be useful to you."
He gently placed the piece of amber in the child's hands, watching in pain as the innocent child played with the new 'toy' before he leapt onto his pokémon and flew away. Mere moments later, Professor Oak appeared on the scene with a group of Water Pokémon on his heels.
"Water Gun," he commanded the pokémon.
He watched as the flames were wrestled with before the flames eventually lost the fight to the water attacks. The scene caused tears to form in the Pokémon Professor's eyes … he recognised that car!
Delia had moved to Pallet Town two years prior and had easily become one of the Town's most loved. With her always pleasant demeanour and warm nature, she was welcome anywhere in the town. He frowned momentarily as he thought about her husband. The man was very secretive and was always away on business – what that business was he didn't know, but the man's records showed him to be a trainer of exceptional skill.
Then sweet little Ashley had been born … ASHLEY! Professor Oak ignored the inquisitive cries as he leaned down to inspect the car's contents. He instantly threw up as he saw what could only be Delia's corpse, mostly burned to a crisp but there was no sign of Ashley … or Delia's husband. A coo from his Dragonite had the Professor rush towards a nearby bush where he spotted Ashley. He instantly noticed the piece of amber in Ashley's tiny little hands, but the thing that was burned into his memory was the fact that Ashley was just staring at the crash. Ashley then further surprised the Professor by uttering the first word ever spoken by the child. "… Mama?"
The Professor gasped as Ashley repeated the word over and over again, just staring at the wreckage and the Professor hugged the child tightly as he knew the child wouldn't understand the loss. He felt a hand on his shoulder and he turned to see Daisy there with unshed tears in her eyes. He handed Ashley to her and approached the Officer Jenny that had just arrived from Viridian City.
They spoke in hushed tones and it was decided that the prominent Oak family would be granted temporary custody over Ashley Ketchum.
But now the hunt was on for whoever had a hand in this attack … and for the missing husband of Delia Ketchum.
No one noticed the glimmer of power that flickered through Ashley's two toned eyes.
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Ashley Ketchum was the epitome of grace and beauty.
Ashley appeared delicate and even slightly dainty as Ashley possessed a slim, soft and feminine build that left no questions that Ashley would develop into a true natural beauty with time. With long, ebony black hair that fell in graceful curls and reached down to the lower shoulders, and a creamy pale complexion that was defined by high, feminine cheeks and naturally regal features, it was clear that Ashely was a rare breed of child.
The most defining feature of Ashley's young face were a two toned pair of eyes that only enhanced the ethereal-like beauty of Ashley's face. Ashley's left eye was an intimidating but otherwise beautiful shade of red – a colour apparently inherited by Ashley's father's side of the family, whilst Ashley's right eye was a deep and mesmerizing shade of blue that entranced any that deemed to glance Ashley's way.
Ashley seemed to also possess a natural grace and elegance that even nobility would've killed to possess … so yes: Ashley Ketchum was the epitome of grace and beauty … there was only one problem.
Ashley Ketchum … was a boy.
At the age of 10 years old, Ashley Ketchum had already resigned himself to his overly feminine appearance. No matter what he tried when he was younger, he'd always looked like a pretty little girl and it didn't matter what he did … that wouldn't change. He remembered hacking his hair off one day at 6 years old after his 'rival' and honorary brother Gary Oak had called his hair pretty, but instead of the action causing a change of opinion regarding his sex; it seemed that the other girls thought it was a fashion trend and followed his example. He wore boy's clothes but with other girls his age doing the same thing, it was like he was just following the crowd. So Ashley left his hair to grow – as he actually enjoyed having longer hair – and continued wearing boy's clothes for the obvious fact that he was a boy. That didn't mean he wasn't put off by those that still thought he was a girl, it just didn't bother him as much as it would've bothered others.
With time, Ashley eventually found that he no longer cared for being mistaken for a girl. The many benefits of being seen as a girl were too great to ignore. Most children and even the adults underestimated Ashley due to his looks, and it presented Ashley with an opportunity to go about being ignored for anything other than his looks. Thoughts on his girly appearance soon faded to make way for more important subjects though … subjects like pokémon.
The world of pokémon opened up a whole new world to Ashley Ketchum.
Anything related to pokémon were absorbed by the boy like a sponge, and for some strange reason, he found himself able to recall anything he'd ever learned with perfect clarity. This led Ashley to see if it applied to every other subject worth learning … it worked … anything Ashley learned could be remembered.
Professor Oak noticed after three years of Ashley's façade of being an ordinary, if not very pretty child. It was while his grandson and Ashley were helping care for the pokémon that he noticed. Ashley had looked to make sure no one was watching (though he didn't see the Professor), before he used a University level pokémon health technique to help a particularly stubborn Pikachu to relax. He watched from afar as the Pikachu opened up to the child and it wasn't long after that that Pikachu was fine … even eager with going with a trainer on a Pokémon Journey.
It was a pity that said trainer forced Pikachu to evolve into a Raichu.
Raichu was a bipedal, rodent-like Pokémon that was covered in dark orange fur with a white belly. His ears were brown on the outside, yellow on the insides, and ended in a distinctive curl. There were circular yellow markings on his cheeks where his electric sacs were, and he had a triangular, dark brown nose. His arms and feet had patches of brown fur at the end, and the soles of his big feet were tan with a circular orange pad. On his back were two horizontal brown stripes. His long, thin tail had a lightning bolt-shaped end.
Ashley had impressed the Professor by recalling that the lightning bolt was smaller on females, thus redefining that he was indeed the male Pikachu that he remembered, and that the tail was used to gather electricity from the atmosphere, or could be planted in the ground to search for electricity. A Raichu's tail also served to protect itself from its own power.
The trainer was found to have committed several other accounts of pokémon cruelty and was stripped of his trainer's licence for good. Raichu was returned to the laboratory where he ignored everyone but Ashley. Raichu had developed a hatred for trainers and was still tense around the Professor unless Ashley was with him.
Nevertheless, everywhere Ashley went – Raichu followed like a protective guardian. The Professor was then shocked one day when he found Ashley training Raichu at an insane level, whilst Raichu followed Ashley's commands perfectly and without complaint. After watching one training session, he confirmed that Raichu was an incredibly powerful pokémon … and under the command of Ashley Ketchum … Raichu was a demon on the battlefield.
Since Raichu opened up to no one unless Ashley was there, it was clear that only Ashley could train Raichu, so after spying on a few training sessions, Professor Samuel Oak gifted Ashley with a very happy Electric Type pokémon, though he made sure to emphasise that Raichu had to remain at the Laboratory until Ashley started his journey. He also informed the duo that he'd still have to receive another pokémon as a starter, since Raichu registered as too powerful to be given as a starter.
Raichu huffed but otherwise understood the Professor – he didn't like it, but he understood … as did Ashley, though that wasn't surprising.
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Ashley groaned tiredly as he woke to the chirping sound of Pidgey. It was the glorious day that he had been waiting 10 years for … it was the day he'd become a Pokémon Trainer and finally branch out into the world of Pokémon. The sudden cry of his alarm clock echoed throughout his room and he blinked away the remaining sleep as he peeled himself away from his comfortable bed and silently made his way to the shower. After enjoying a nice hot shower, Ashley dried his hair and spent the next 10 minutes properly brushing his hair. He spared himself a glance and sighed … he may no longer care about his feminine appearance, but that didn't mean he wasn't going to make an effort to make himself presentable.
He smiled in satisfaction of a job well done and dressed for the first day of his journey. The outfit selected was functional: a pair of sturdy brown hiking shorts that reached just above his knees, followed by a white singlet and then over that a slightly baggy long-sleeve turtle neck jumper in a dark green colour to assist in camouflage, and provide protection from the wintery season that was about to hit the Kanto region. Slipping on a pair of comfortable socks, he then put on his new hiking boots to complete his outfit. He pulled his hair from the overly baggy turtle neck jumper and watched as it fell gracefully around his shoulders, framing his face with delicate curls … he had to admit that he was particularly fond of his hair (not that he'd admit to being slightly vain about it).
Ashley then spun to assess the complete ensemble and frowned momentarily as he felt something was missing. It came to him seconds later and he moved to an old trunk that sat at the foot of his bed. The old but strong leather creaked as he opened it to reveal the random personal effects of his late parents. Ashley didn't know much about them, only that they had both apparently been exceptionally gifted trainers according to Professor Oak, and that they'd died when he was only 1 year old. He didn't care what his parents may or may not have been … Ashley wanted to be his own trainer and forge his own path. Ashley rummaged through the trunk until he found the objects he was looking for: a trainer's belt and a simple silver necklace with a pendant.
"If nothing else," Ashley muttered to himself. "My parents had good taste in equipment."
The assessment was on the trainer's belt more than the necklace. Being older technology – Wartime technology to be precise – the belt was designed to hold twelve pokéballs. Six for the trainer's full team and six free slots for empty pokéballs. Ashley smiled as he looped the trainer's belt through his hiking shorts and clasped the necklace around his neck. The necklace had been his late mother's – whilst the pendant was a piece of amber with a tiny claw in the centre that had been found on him as a baby after the crash that had claimed the life of his parents.
"That's more like it," Ashley nodded to himself.
"Ashley, are you awake yet?" came a voice from downstairs.
"Yes Daisy," Ashley replied loudly. "I'm awake!"
Ashley picked up his backpack on the way out of his room and headed downstairs. The moment he reached the bottom, the amazing aroma of food hit his nostrils and he smiled softly. He knew that Daisy had been nervous letting him go on the journey due to his looks as they really couldn't go anywhere without someone commenting on 'her' beauty.
"Daisy," Ashley began. "You've overdone yourself again … how am I supposed to eat all this?"
Daisy Oak blushed. "I'm sorry sweetie; I overcook when I'm nervous, you know that and besides, Gary should've been here to eat with us as well."
Ashley nodded and sat down at the table – accepting the cup of tea handed to him by his mother/older sister figure. They ate in silence and once done, he sat his empty cup down and sighed. "Daisy, you knew this day would come and I know you're nervous, but it's my dream to be a Pokémon Master."
"I know Ashy," Daisy responded, giggling at the slight blush that suddenly grew on Ashley's face at the mention of his nickname. "But I'm your guardian … I'll always worry about you."
Ashley reached forward and hugged his mother/older sister figure. They remained in a comfortable silence before Daisy smiled and ushered Ashley to the door. "You'd better go … you're late."
Ashley blinked and looked at the clock before he started. "Ah! Why didn't you tell me? There won't be any pokémon left!"
With that, Ashley Ketchum sped out the door – running to Professor Oak's Laboratory leaving a giggling Daisy seated at the table.
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Ashley arrived to see several of the townsfolk there to cheer on Gary as he emerged victoriously from the Lab's entrance. He held up his new pokéball and cheered to get the crowd going – though that changed once he spotted Ashley approaching.
"Ashley," he called. "Did you come to wish me good luck on my journey?"
"Lest you forget Gary," Ashley responded plainly. "I'm also starting my journey today."
"You'd better hurry then princess," Gary quickly interrupted. "I don't think there are any pokémon left."
Ashley rolled his eyes. Ever since Gary finally realised that Ashley had been telling the truth about his sex, he'd always tried to rile him up by calling him 'princess' or 'my lady' or by merely addressing Ashley by his nickname. It didn't work of course, but it had become routine between the two rivals/siblings and they actually took comfort in said routine. Ashley hugged Gary gently and wished him a sincere good luck.
Gary smirked and gently took Ashley's dainty hand before kissing his knuckles. "My lady, as long as you favour me with a smile, I shall not need luck."
Ashley blushed at the action but smiled fondly at Gary. "Go on Gary … I'll see you whenever."
Gary flicked his hair dramatically and smiled charmingly before hopping in his convertible and driving off – leaving a slightly flushed Ashley. Ashley wasn't stupid – far from it in fact as he was a genius. The Professor knew it, but they kept it secret as Ashley didn't need further attention put on his shoulders – but back to the matter at hand: Ashley knew he was attracted to Gary. Whether it was a childish crush or whether it was a serious attraction, he didn't know – but Ashley knew he was definitely bisexual … his high intelligence did come with the unfortunate side-effect of early mental development and sexually speaking … his mind was old enough to realise that fact.
Ashley sighed to calm his raging mind and entered the Laboratory. He easily navigated the corridors and hallways until he arrived at the room assigned to the starting trainers. There standing by three pokéballs marked with three different stickers was Professor Oak, reading some sort of manuscript.
"Ah Ashley," the Professor spoke up after spotting the effeminate child. "You're late my boy and I'm afraid the standard starter pokémon are all gone."
Ashley nodded in understanding and let out a tired sigh. "I understand Professor, are you able to provide another pokémon or must I wait?"
Professor Oak nodded appreciatively at Ashley's maturity and hummed in thought. "I do have another pokémon that you can start with. She's rather mischievous and doesn't really obey any orders, but you have a certain power over difficult pokémon don't you? Nevertheless, this pokémon was found by the outside fence teasing the Tauros – I caught her before she caused a stampede."
Ashley laughed softly and agreed. "Very well Professor, I will try to befriend this pokémon, if she's happy to come with me, that is."
Oak smiled proudly and excused himself to retrieve the pokéball. He returned moments later with the mystery pokémon's pokéball. Ashley reverently took the pokéball from the Professor and pressed the release button.
The pokémon that materialized was not what Ashley was expecting: it was an Aipom!
Aipom was a monkey-like Pokémon with a three-fingered hand at the end of her tail. Her fur was purple, while the skin of her face, inner ears, belly, feet, and the tip of her tail was beige. On her face was a usually cheeky smile and round, blue eyes. Supplemented by her round ears, Aipom's head was disproportionately large compared to her body. Atop her head was a cowlick that was long, thus identifying her as a female, as the cowlick was longer on females than males. Unlike her feet, Aipom's arms were simple, purple stubs.
The Aipom growled her name unhappily and glared at the Professor. Professor Oak chuckled nervously and held up his hands in a placating manner. "Easy there Aipom, I know you may dislike me for catching you, but please calm down."
Aipom sniffed but otherwise quieted her growling – it may have been the Professor's fault for catching her, but she was the one that got spotted teasing the Tauros. She shifted her gaze to the other human and blinked once before crying her name joyously as she spotted the pretty child that had often fed and played with her. She closed the distance between she and Ashley and affectionately rubbed up against the nice human.
"Aipa," she softly cried, enjoying it as Ashley started petting her.
"I missed you Aipom," Ashley softly responded while gently petting the Long Tail Pokémon.
Aipom shook her head with tears in her eyes and proceeded to communicate with Ashley. Ashley could actually completely understand the pokémon language, so he was able to translate Aipom's speech.
"You missed me too little one?" Ashley whispered soothingly. "I'm glad; I have a proposition for you Aipom."
Aipom tilted her head in thought before eventually nodding and paid complete attention to Ashley.
"I-I'm starting my own Pokémon journey today," Ashley started, still petting the cooing monkey-like pokémon. "A-And I was wondering if you would like to be my first pokémon."
Aipom paused but didn't even hesitate and instantly agreed – rubbing against Ashley affectionately once again. She may of hated being captured – but the pretty human was different and she loved said child.
"Thank you Aipom," Ashley replied in relief.
Professor Oak watched the scene with a pleased smile – trust Ashley to soothe the mischievous monkey pokémon. "Excellent, here's Aipom's pokéball along with the standard kit consisting of your pokédex and five empty pokéballs. I'll register Aipom as your Starter Pokémon now."
"Thank you Professor," Ashley smiled as he took the offered items – clipping the five empty pokéballs on his trainer's belt and slipping the grey pokédex in his hiking short's pocket. "Aipom, do you want to return to your pokéball?"
Aipom shrugged and told Ashley that she didn't care about pokéballs, and that it would be logical to simply return her. Ashley hummed but decided to let Aipom stay out to enjoy the lovely day outside – Aipom was definitely pleased by the decision and jumped up to perch herself on Ashley's shoulder.
"Now Aipom," Ashley started, getting the Normal Type pokémon's attention. "I also have a Raichu accompanying us on our journey. You remember Raichu right?"
Aipom squeaked her name cheerfully; she didn't mind Raichu's presence as he often made sure she was protected from the Tauros that still held a grudge. As if summoned by mere thought – Raichu sprinted towards the duo and cheerfully greeted his trainer and teammate.
"And a good morning to you too, Raichu," Ashley smiled at the Electric Type's energy. "Oh, I guess I should scan you both."
Both pokémon nodded eagerly and Ashley laughed at their energy. "Okay, Raichu first, then Aipom, okay?"
He took the grey pokédex from his pocket and held it over Raichu's form.
[Raichu: The Mouse Pokémon: Its tail discharges electricity into the ground, protecting it from getting shocked.]
[This Pokémon is Male. It has the ability Static. It knows the moves: Quick Attack, Thunderbolt, Iron Tail, Discharge and Volt Tackle. Please note that the Egg Move: Volt Tackle is not able to be used properly.]
Ashley and the Professor stood in shock as Raichu preened under their shock. He knew he was awesome. Ashley snapped out of his shock the quickest and petted the Electric pokémon.
"You're amazing Raichu," Ashley praised. "We'll need to work on your control to properly control your energy, so you can master Volt Tackle."
Raichu deflated at his trainer's truthful words but revelled in his trainer's praise and the ministrations of Ashley's hand. Ashley moved to scan Aipom, but his pokédex beeped without any information.
"Oops, I forgot about that," Professor Oak chuckled sheepishly. He took the grey pokédex and inserted it into his computer. He authorised the download of the new program and handed the updated pokédex to Ashley. "Try again Ashley, I just approved the National Pokédex function."
Ashley nodded in thanks and re-scanned Aipom.
[Aipom: The Long Tail Pokémon: It lives high among the treetops. It can use its tail as freely and cleverly as its hands.]
[This Pokémon is Female. It has the ability Pick Up. It knows the moves: Scratch, Astonish, Sand Attack and Fake Out.]
Ashley petted the purple monkey like pokémon, who screeched in appreciation. "A great move set to start with Aipom, and to have an Egg Move like Fake Out is a great boon."
Aipom blushed under Ashley's praise and hid her face in Ashley's hair, leaving both Ashley and the Professor to chuckle at the Long Tail Pokémon's behaviour. Ashley turned to the Professor and smiled nervously.
"I-I guess I should be going too," Ashley took a deep breath and gripped the piece of amber tightly. The Professor seemed to intuitively understand what was bothering Ashley and placed a gentle hand on his delicate shoulder.
"They'd be proud of you Ashley," the Professor soothed, conveniently leaving out the fact that Ashley's father had disappeared from the crash, or that he might still be alive.
"I'll call you and Daisy as soon as I reach Viridian City," Ashley spoke with a teary smile of thanks for the Professor's words. "I can't leave my family out of the loop, can I … grandfather?"
Ashley whispered the last term of endearment, as if testing the waters with the term. He'd never called the Professor anything other than his title before, and he was nervous about changing the nature of their relationship. It had taken Ashley a great deal of soul-searching and confidence to call Professor Oak grandfather, and he was nervous about the Pokémon Professor's response.
Any nerves disappeared as the Professor gently pulled the effeminate child into a tight embrace. Ashley melted into the hug and offered his grandfather figure a watery smile.
"I've always seen you as my grandson Ashley," Oak spoke soothingly. "To hear you return that thought makes me happier than you know. Now go on, I wouldn't want you to start your journey with tears."
Professor Oak offered his grandson in all but blood his handkerchief and waited for Ashley to wipe his tears before smiling dazzlingly at him.
"See you soon grandfather," Ashley hugged the Professor once more before returning an impatient Raichu to his pokéball. He turned his gaze to Aipom and smiled. "Shall we, Aipom?"
"Aipa," Aipom responded happily, whilst hugging Ashley's neck.
Ashley giggled at the action and offered one last wave to the Professor before turning on his feet and leaving the building.
"That child will change the world," Oak muttered to himself with a fond smile on his face. "Just you wait and see Delia."
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Ashley was surprised to see a small group of townsfolk waiting for him as he left the Laboratory. He smiled and thanked the group for their small farewell and vowed to do his best in the upcoming Pokémon League year. He wasn't surprised however, when Daisy didn't show up, as he knew she hated goodbyes … it was the very reason she wasn't there to bid Gary good luck, but Ashley knew – as did Gary – that wherever they went, Daisy would always support them.
Ashley waved goodbye to the older townsfolk and accepted their small gifts with a soft smile of thanks. The gifts were small, but he treasured each one dearly. Simple gifts like food or the occasional potion or antidote were amongst the gifts and he sincerely thanked each person with a warm hug.
"Goodbye everyone," Ashley called with a clear voice and a wave.
He turned and walked to the edge of Pallet Town and paused at the very last step before the edge of the town. He called out Raichu and smiled at his two pokémon.
"This is it Raichu, Aipom," Ashley spoke with determination. "This will be the very first step on our Pokémon Journey."
Raichu pumped an arm in a confident manner and Aipom merely screeched cheerfully. They were ready … so Ashley took that first step and took a deep breath in preparation of the journey to come.
If only he knew then where his journey would take him.
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That's it for this chapter. I don't really even know if the story will even take off, but you never know right? Anyhoo, if you haven't read my Profile Page, please do so for current progress on my stories and ANs.
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AS ALWAYS: PLEASE READ AND REVIEW
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