Chapter 1
Two teenaged boys meandered through the woods together, heading home. The late afternoon sun warmed the tops of the leafy trees, the rough dirt path winding through the tree trunks. A Pikachu sat on the shoulder of one of the boys. An Eevee darted ahead, exploring, while still keeping an eye on the group. Next to the other boy, an Umbreon strolled.
The boy with the Pikachu kept his black hair under a Pokémon League hat. He had a large backpack, with a bed roll tied to the bottom and a pan hanging from the side. His blue pullover vest jacket was tucked into the top of his backpack, leaving him in a tight black tee-shirt, fingerless gloves, and jeans.
Next to him, the other teenager wore a white doctors coat, recently earned and blinding in its cleanliness. Underneath, he wore a black polo shirt and blue jeans. A purple pendent hung from a neckless. The teen did nothing to tame his spiky brown hair.
The teen wearing the hat glanced over to his companion. "Gary, when did you get fully accredited as a Pokémon Professor?"
Gary Oak, the brown haired teen, blinked. "I thought I told you when I defended my thesis. Did I forget?"
Ash Ketchum nodded as Pikachu looked over as well. "Yeah, I had no clue. Congratulations. What was your thesis on?"
The young scientist straightened up as he smiled. "I have been studying fossil Pokémon over on Sayda Island. It seems like these Pokémon went extinct ages ago, but there was no clear reason why. I spent time investigating what happened to cause these Pokémon, and potentially other yet undiscovered Pokémon, to be replaced by modern Pokémon."
The crack of a twig under Ash's foot echoed as Gary fell silent. After a moment, Eevee bounded back to trot next to Ash, Gary finally continued. "My thesis was that the climate changed just enough, for long enough, that these Pokémon were not able to survive and were replaced."
"Are you going to continue looking into Fossil Pokémon?"
The budding scientist shrugged. "I am not sure. Sinnoh has a lot of rare Pokémon and it may be more interesting to work in conjunction with Professor Rowen on Pokémon Evolution. Though, I do want to leave my mark on the study of Pokémon, so I am not sure."
Ash's grin broadened as he chuckled. "I know exactly how you feel. I could become the best competitive battler around, but I don't know if that is the legacy I want to live."
"By the way, congratulations on beating the Battle Frontier Ashy-boy."
"Thanks. Hey, have you been keeping up on training your Pokémon?"
"Some. My focus is on my research. Though I have taken some time to train, it has been a secondary concern. What about you, how has your studying been going?"
"Well, I read a number of books while in Hoenn. I really enjoyed the one from your grandfather and one by the professor who teaches battle judges," Ash paused before continuing. "Actually, I think I have a fairly good intellectual background around Pokémon battling."
"Do you disagree with any of it?"
After Gary's question, silence reigned between the two of them. Occasionally, one of the teens would step on a twig or leaf, but neither said anything.
Finally, Ash spoke again. "Honestly? Yes. There are things in the books I don't agree with. Mostly I have issues with Professor Rowen. He argues that Pokémon get stronger mainly by evolving and a fully evolved Pokémon will be stronger than one that has not evolved. Pikachu here and several of my other Pokémon prove otherwise."
"What about the others?"
"Professor Serena's 'The Rules of Battle' was interesting, it helped me understand how battles are judged." Ash said with a shrug. "The others, on breeding by Professor Elm, Pokémon habitats by Professor Birch, and Professor Sequoia's on Pokémon abilities were informative but not really practical in a battle."
Gary nodded slowly. "I can see that. For you, it doesn't matter how a Pokémon knows a move, only if the Pokémon knows the move or not. It doesn't matter if a Pokémon is rare in a location or not, instead the focus is on deciding to catch them and treating the Pokémon well. It doesn't matter what ability your Pokémon has, only how they work with you."
"Exactly. Professor Oak's book on communication was amazing. There was enough practical explanation I could use to make something for myself."
"I understand there are books written by Elite Four Members and Champions. Have you read any of those?"
"No, I just finished up the last book I have after beating Brandon. I haven't really looked either, all the books I have were recommended to me."
"Old Man Tuckson has a bookstore. I could help you pick a couple of books before heading to Sinnoh."
"I would appreciate it Gary. Hey, want t have a match tomorrow? I would like to see how your battle skills have held up."
"Sure thing Ashy-boy." There was a pause. "Have you considered writing a book yourself?"
"Nope, I don't know what I would say. Maybe I should try though."
As the two lapsed back into a comfortable silence, they crested a ridge and looked down on a sleepy little town. Fields dotted the outskirts of the village, small houses visible here and there. Pallet Town, home.
Gary sighed and slapped Ash's shoulder. "I have to head over to Gramps place. Smell you later Ashy-boy."
He started to walk away from his old friend, Ash's parting comment following him. "Thanks Gary. See you tomorrow."
Ash mirrored his childhood friend and headed home, Eevee following dutifully.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
The flowers of Delia's garden seemed to hang a little towards the setting sun, droplets of water dripping from the leaves. A Mr. Mime, his yellow apron tied securely on, held his watering can as he inspected the various plants. He had joined the family a couple years ago after leaving a circus. The freedom of helping around the house for a caring woman like Delia was amazing.
Occasionally, the psychic type Pokémon would add a bit more water to a flower. With the setting sun, the flowers were fading a little for the night. Tomorrow the tender care would see the plants perk right up again.
Mimey looked up and waived. "Mime Mime!"
Walking up the red brick path, Ash waived back. "Hey there Mimey, how are you doing?"
"Mime Mister Mime!" The pale white Pokémon responded, red circles on his cheeks and pointy purple hair sticking out to the sides.
"I am glad to hear it." Ash replied. "The garden looks great by the way."
Eevee looked between her trainer and the new Pokémon while Pikachu nodded his agreement. "Pika!"
Ash chuckled. "That's right. Do you need any help Mimey?"
Before Mr. Mime could respond, the front door of the small two story house swung open. Standing there was a woman, her brown hair pulled back into a flowing pony tail. A moment later, she was grabbing the teenager, her arms around his neck. The tight hug was quickly returned.
"Hi Mom, I am home."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
That evening, after the meal was eaten and cleaned up, Ash and his Mom sat in the living room. The teen put his cap on the coffee table and pulled his jacket back on. Delia was listening intently as Ash told her about traveling through Kanto for the second time. He was getting near the end of the story, recounting his experiences after beating the Salon Maiden.
Finally, Delia interrupted. "That Anabel girl, she sounds nice. Did she decide to stay at the Battle Tower?"
"For now," Ash said. "I get the sense she will stick around the Battle Frontier for a while. It seems she is happy there and enjoys helping the trainers who end up making it that far."
"That is too bad. It sounds like you enjoyed traveling with her."
"I did, she is a wonderful trainer. It was a bit like traveling with Misty. We were kinda in similar situations and there was a lot to talk about."
"What about your other friends?"
"Well, Max is headed home to Hoenn, he wants to go back to school for a year or so before going on his journey. Brock returned to Pewter City to check in on his family. He hasn't decided what he wants to do next, but he still wants to be a Pokémon Breeder," Ash said. "May is heading to Johto. Apparently there are contests there now. She wanted to travel with a group of Coordinators and see what she can do by herself."
"That sounds nice," Delia said as she stirred her tea. "I am glad your friends all seem to have goals to work towards."
"Me too, I mean, I feel a bit lost without traveling companions, but I like that they are happy."
"Tell me a bit more about May."
"I taught her a lot about the battling side of being a trainer or coordinator in her case. And a lot about training Pokémon. Her biggest issue is every so often she focuses on one Pokémon over all the others. Still, I think she is on a good path and I believe she will become a top coordinator soon."
"Do you miss traveling with Misty?"
Ash narrowed his eyes at his Mom. Clearly, she was looking for something, but Ash was not sure exactly what she was interested in. "Yes and no. Misty is a great friend. I write to her at every major city and call her every once in a while. She pushed me at the start of my journey's to grow up. It would be fun to travel with her again, but I got to travel with some other great people too."
Ash paused. "Brock is the same. I enjoy learning from him, he has a practical head on his shoulders. He helps me remember the necessities of traveling. But when I traveled with Tracy instead, I got to see a different perspective. I would love to travel with them again and I would love to travel with other people."
"It would be nice to have you home for a longer period of time."
I thought about joining the Battle Frontier as a Frontier Brain. I could have headed up a facility and made myself comfortable. I turned it down because I still want to see what is over the next hill."
Delia sipped from her slightly steaming tea. "You got your wanderlust from your father. Have you talked with Professor Oak about your next destination?"
"No," Ash shook his head. "I just decided to continue traveling today. I mean I thought I wanted to travel more, but I took the time to day to think through it."
His mom stood up, with a free hand she ruffled his hair. "I am proud of you. Get some rest, from what you told me, tomorrow will be a long day."
"Thanks Mom. It is good to be home again."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
The light of the red dawn climbed the wall of the Ketchum residence. Slowly, the soft light illuminated a larger than normal Pokéball. In his sleep, Ash's hand reached out and grasped the Pokéball and threw it against the far wall. The device hit a corner and smashed open.
A Pidgey on a spring listed out as the clock face was exposed. Other springs and screws popped out as well.
Pikachu leapt into full awareness at the noise of the clock breaking. Sparks flashed for the red cheeks of the electric type, tail and ears quivering in the air.
"Chuu." Pikachu growled, looking for the source of the disturbance.
Eevee poked her head over the edge of the bed, blinking blearily. "Vee?"
The older Pokémon glanced at the not-quite-awake young Pokémon and shifted, his tail slapping Ash in the face. The teen blinked and sat up. "What is it Pikachu?" He mumbled.
The electric type continued to look around the room, ears twitching seeking the follow up sound to the earlier crash. "Chuu pika Pika pi."
Ash stretched and yawned. "Alright, I am up. There was a noise?"
"Piii."
He ran a hand through his hair and glanced around. "Well, I guess it might be a ghost type. Though I don't think whatever caused the noise means us harm or something else would have happened by now."
Pikachu sat back, willing to go along with his trainer though his eyes were still darting around.
Ash slide his legs out to the side and grabbed a pair of pants to start pulling them on. Still blinking awake, he stumbled towards the door. "Well, it seems like we are up early. Let's make breakfast for Mom."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Ash may not be the best cook, but after traveling with Brock for so long, he had picked up a few recipes. A simple meal of fruit, yogurt, and granola was easy to whip up and prepare.
Delia was surprised her son was both awake and able to create a meal, even if there was limited cooking and the meal was fairly simple.
As soon as it was a polite time to visit, Ash and his Mom headed to Professor Oak's laboratory. Ash would have left right after breakfast, but Delia insisted they wait as the Professor had Pokémon to take care of first thing in the morning.
The laboratory was in a converted barn; behind the building, there were large enclosures for various Pokémon to run and play. Three flying Pokémon soared closer to the two humans and circled them.
"Pidgeot, Noctowl, Swellow!" Ash waived to his Pokémon.
Darting along the fencing, an Aipom leapt over and landed on Ash's unoccupied shoulder. A Ghastly faded into view between Ash and his Mom while chortling. Bayleef and Bulbasaur waived their vines in greeting from a nearby hill.
Snorelax shifted in his sleep as he lay against the Laboratory wall, ears twitching. Donphan rolled over to the fence before uncurling and trumpeting a greeting as Torkoal snorted a light grey smoke.
Behind the other Pokémon, six Tauros stampeded around. Miltank trotted passively behind the energetic group. Primeape paused his morning exercise routine of punching a tree to watch his trainer approach. Lapras, Totodile, Squirtle, and Corphsih all cheered from a nearby pond. Kingler, his massive pincher grasping a hollow tree that he was dragging out of the pond waived his free pincher.
Muk surged through the fence to hug his trainer while Quilava loped up to the fence. Absol perched carefully on a nearby boulder watching as her trainer made his way past the gleeful Muk.
A human ran in from a further field, skidding to a stop in front of Ash and Delia.
"I was wondering why all your Pokémon were acting up." The teen boy panted, a bandana covering his hair.
"Hey Tracey," Ash replied. "How have things been going?"
"Pretty good." He put his hands on his hips as he took a couple of deep breaths. "After Gary got back last night, everyone of your Pokémon expected you to stop by. I think they were surprised when you didn't."
"I wanted to see Mom." Ash explained gesturing to Delia.
Tracey turned his head slightly and pink rose in his cheeks. "Sorry about that Mrs. Ketchum. I didn't notice you, it is good to see you again."
"It is not a problem. Have you been able to sketch any Pokémon recently?"
"The Professor has ben real busy lately, so I have picked up some of the chores. It means I haven't had much time, but I started sketching Glaile. It should be done soon." Tracey said.
Delia smiled warmly at him, slightly tilting her head. "Well, let me know when you finish and I will frame this one too."
"I promise."
Ash looked between them. "Too?" He asked, confused.
Delia laughed lightly, hand raising to her face. "I forgot to mention it didn't I?"
"Mention what?" Ash asked.
"Tracey has been sketching your Pokémon for me. I have framed most of them and put them in my room. It reminds me you are in good company and makes me feel better when you are gone." Delia said.
"Pika pi, pikachu chu pika."
"Good idea buddy, Tracey, could you sketch Pikachu while we are here?" Ash trailed off.
The other teen nodded, his bandana slipping a little. "Sure, if we can make some time before you have to leave. It will be a lot of fun to get Pikachu drawn."
Tracey glanced up towards the laboratory. "Come on in, the Professor is waiting to hear from you and Gary is ready for your match at any time."
Ash nodded before leaning down to pick up Eevee. He passed her over the fence to Tracey. "Alright all of you, back into the ranch. I will be out to play with you all in a bit."
Grumpily the various Pokémon, including Pikachu and Aipom, returned to the field and headed towards Lapras' lake. After all, it would be good to hear the gossip straight from each other rather than through Ash.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Professor Oak carried a tray of tea into his sitting room as Delia and Ash entered.
"Hello there. I am glad you two could make it this morning. Gary is looking forward to your battle and I can't wait to see how you have grown." The Professor said.
"It is good to be home Professor. I am sure you are proud of Gary for reaching his professorship already." Ash replied as his Mom moved to sit down on one of the plump couches.
"I am. I am indeed. He should be down in a moment and Tracey should be in soon as well."
"Is something going on?" Ash asked.
"Well now, that depends, doesn't it?" A voice asked.
Ash turned. Off near the side door stood a rather rotund man. His blue flower shirt and dark sunglasses made his light brown hair stand out. "Hey there, Ash. Good to see you again."
"Mom, this is Scott. He is the agent who recruits Frontier Brains and their Challengers. Scott, this is my Mom." Ash said.
"Good to meet you, Mrs. Ketchum. Your son is quite a competitive battler. And Ash, while I am focusing on the Battle Frontier, I have other endeavors and connections. In fact, that is why I am here. I have a different offer for you, one the Professor thought you should hear with the support of family and friends."
Ash nodded at Scott's declaration. "I should get Pikachu then."
"Oh?" Scott asked.
"Pikachu is my starter. I consider all of my Pokémon family, but Pikachu is more than that." Ash said as he walked through the living room to an open window facing the ranch. "Hey Pikachu, could you come here?" Ash called out.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
A few moments later and the three teen boys, Pikachu, the Professor, Mrs. Ketchum, and Scott were all seated around the table. Each held a steaming cup of tea, the floral scent wafted around the room. Even Pikachu had a small cup of tea, his small nose twitching as he enjoyed the smell.
Scott set his tea on the table. "You all know me in my role as Agent for the Battle Frontier. Ash knows more, I am the owner of the challenge. Because of this, I am in contact with a lot of people, including Charles Goodshow of the Pokémon League."
He paused, trying to think of what to say next. "Ash, you have impressed a lot of people. Charles thinks you could take over as Champion for Kanto or Johto already. Lance thinks you are good, but perhaps not quite that good yet. Steven was disappointed you did not exercise your championship challenge rights to take on the Hoenn Elite Four. He thought you could take one of those positions easily."
Scott looked at the stunned young trainer. "I offered you the position of Frontier Brain for the same reason. We hear a lot of things, some true, others not. You apparently have helped save the world a number of times. You have a lot of people on your side. While your skills may not quite be at the highest level, soon enough you will be too good to be merely a wandering trainer."
"The offer is this," Scott said, finally getting to the point. "A license to carry twelve Pokémon and your choice of a probationary period as a traveling Frontier Brain or as a Pokémon Ranger."
"I don't understand." Ash admitted freely to the older man, the cup of tea cooling in the teen's hand.
Scott sighed. "Ash, you are strong and, more importantly, you have a good heart. We want you to travel to whatever region you want and to continue your journey. We want to see your Pokémon grow stronger with you. At the end of the next league, you are going to get a number of job offers. Our goal with this offer is to increase the amount of responsibility you have on your journey. We will see what happens afterwards."
Ash looked down at Pikachu, seeing his starter's ears perk up. Ash's hands clenched around the tea cup. The teen's mouth opened and closed without a sound.
Gary leaned forward, but did not speak. It was not his pace. His Grandfather had no such reservations. "Ash is talented, yes, but the Pokémon Ranger's can be asked to deal with some extremely dangerous situations. Why are you trying to put a teenager into life threatening circumstances?"
"He would only get the Ranger's responsibilities if he chooses that path. As for why, he has saved the world more than once. He already gets into dangerous situations, we just want to give him more support and authority." Scott argued.
Delia put her hand on her son's shoulder. "No matter what you chose, I am proud of you. I just want you to be happy."
Ash stood up, his mother's hand brushed away. Head down, the brim of his hat covering his eyes. Ash started to stride away. His voice quivered as he spoke. "I need a couple of minutes."