Hello and welcome to my first ever fanfic, a story which I have been working on for the past 6 months or so now.
I was reading through the selection of Pokemon stories and thinking about the anime, wishing I could find a story where Ash had a mentor of some kind that helped him out on his journey, as we all know, Ash was always a bit... slow... in the anime.
So I thought, why not write my own story?
In this story, which is kind of a prequel to the main story idea I have in my head, is the back story into my OC, Jack Starburn, Ash's best friend.
In my world, Jack is two years older than Ash and by the time the main story starts, he will be 2 years into his own journey, with powerful Pokemon at his side to help him and Ash.
I've always loved Dragon-type Pokemon, so that is what my OC's dream is going to be, to become a Dragon Master. Hence, the title of this story; Dragon Master Jack - The Journey Begins.
Like I said, this is my first story and after reading fan fiction for nearly a year, I think of got the hang of it. My un-official Beta is my younger brother. Constructive criticism is appreciated, flames are not.
Now then! On with the Disclaimer and the story!
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or Game Freak.
I only own my OC's.
If I did own Pokemon, Ash would have been far more intelligent.
Chapter 1: Ash & Jack!
Not a lot is known about what happened to Ash Ketchum before he started on his journey to become a Pokemon Master. His father left both him and his mother, Delia, when he was a toddler and he was teased by Gary Oak and some of the other children around the town of Pallet when he was younger. However, he always had someone to turn to in his time of distress, his best friend; Jack.
Jack Starburn was a boy only 2 and a half years older than Ash but he was 5ft (60 inches) tall at the age of 10, one of the tallest kids his age, Jack had thick, dark-brown hair and ocean-blue eyes.
Jack was always around for Ash when they were younger, always telling off Gary Oak and comforting Ash when the teasing got bad. Occasionally he would have to protect Ash from wild Pokemon coming out of the tree line, which serves as a boundary on two sides of Pallet Town, if Ash strayed to close to the border. Jack was Ash's best friend and older brother in all but blood, because he didn't look down on Ash in annoyance or tease him like the other kids, he protected him. Ash told Jack he wanted to be a Pokemon Master and confided all of his hopes, dreams and ambitions in Jack, who would always nod with a smile on his face, while encouraging Ash. In turn, Jack told Ash stories his parents told him about legendary Pokemon and Dragon-type Pokemon, while Ash would listen with stars in his eyes. It was Jack's dream to become a Dragon-type Pokemon Master. Jack would always go on about the starter Pokemon he wanted to begin his Pokemon journey with, Charmander. As Charmander's final evolution is Charizard, a Pokemon which Jack calls 'Dragon Potential', meaning it isn't necessarily a Dragon-type Pokemon, however it can learn Dragon-type moves, such as Dragon Rush and Dragon Rage.
Jack's dreams and goals were to go around the world and capture Dragon Pokemon to train and become friends with and to beat Lance, the Dragon Master and Champion of the Johto League. While Jack wanted to begin with Charmander, a Kanto starter, he wanted to head to the Johto region and Blackthorn City first and then head onto completing the Johto Gym circuit. Another reason for starting in the Johto region would be the fact that there are more Dragon-type Pokemon accessible there than in the Kanto region, such as Dratini.
Today, on a surprisingly warm, autumn day, we find Ash sitting under a tree on the southern border of Pallet Town, watching a flock of Spearow flying over the water. Ash sighed, tomorrow was the day Jack was due to get his first Pokemon and begin his Pokemon journey. Unfortunately for Ash, he would have to wait 2 years until he could join his best friend. Jack apparently heard Ash sigh and jumped down from the tree branch above Ash.
"What's up Ash?" he asked, although he already knew the answer.
"Do you really have to leave tomorrow? Can't you wait two years for me?" Ash asked sadly. Jack sighed. He knew what Ash was going through. Ash didn't have a lot of other friends beside himself. However, it wasn't fair to ask him to wait another two years and Ash knew it.
"Sorry Ash, but its time for me to begin my dream, to become a Dragon Master, like Lance!" he replied. Ash sighed sadly.
"I know, I just wish I was older so I could join you" he pouted. Jack laughed and ruffled Ash's hair. Ash yelped and fell backwards, glaring playfully at Jack.
Suddenly, a Pidgey hooted from above Ash and he jumped. Jack laughed again.
"You're never… *gasp* going to be a… haha… Pokemon Master if you… *snicker*… get startled by every Pokemon" he gasped out, while laughing. Ash glared at Jack. After Jack calmed down from his laughing fit, he sat down next to Ash.
"It's okay Ash, I'll come back for the beginning of your journey, after I tour the Johto Region".
"Well, that's okay I suppose" Ash replied with a smile. "When are you leaving Pallet?" he asked.
"I'll be up at Oak's Lab by 10am to get my starter" he grinned. He hoped to get a Charmander.
"Then were will you go?" Ash asked, confused on how Jack was going to get to the Johto Region.
"Professor Oak arranged for a boat to pass by Pallet on the way from Cinnabar to New Bark Town. Apparently Oak needed to pass some research papers onto Professor Elm anyway, so it was easier this way" Jack replied happily.
"Oh" Ash replied, stunned. Jack agreed silently. Professor Oak was a major part of Pallet Town, for him to give something as important as research papers to Jack, well. It implied a lot of trust.
It was starting to get late, Jack stood up.
"Come on Ash, your mum is probably wondering where you are". Ash nodded, jumping up.
"Race you to your place" Jack yelled over his shoulder, running.
"No fair, you got a head start!" Ash yelled back.
As they reached Ash's house, his mother, Delia, opened the door.
"Hi there Jack, where's my Ashy?" She questioned him.
"Running behind me" he replied with a smirk, pointing a thumb over his shoulder. Delia looked up and saw Ash sprinting towards them. She giggled.
"Hurry up Ashy! Dinners on the table" she shouted. She retreated into the house, allowing Jack to enter.
"Smells good Mrs. Ketchum" Jack said to Delia as they sat down to eat dinner. Jack had eaten at the Ketchum's many times before now. As neither Ash nor Jack had any siblings, they became like brothers to each other.
"Thank you Jack" Delia replied, brightly. She then looked to Ash expectantly.
Rolling his eyes, Ash spoke up, "Yeah, dinner looks good mum".
"Thank you Ashy" she replied with a mischievous smile. Ash blushed slightly, while Jack chuckled. Delia often said things like this to embarrass Ash, fortunately for him, Jack was used to it.
As they finished their meal, Jack stood up and moved to help Delia with the washing up. She smiled at him and moved over slightly. Ash never did the washing up and the first several times Jack attempted to help, Delia protested, but eventually she stopped, knowing he just wanted to help.
"So you're leaving tomorrow then?" she half asked, half stated, conversationally. Ash quickly got up from the table and moved to the living room to turn the TV on, his eyes suspiciously wet.
Jack looked up as Ash left the room, and smiled sadly.
"Yes, its time for me to begin my journey" he replied. Delia sniffed and turned away.
"You know we'll miss you" she spoke, her voice wavering slightly. "You're always welcome at the Ketchum's".
"I know, thank you" Jack said, with a small, sad smile. Suddenly, Delia dropped the plate, into the sink, turning round and grabbing Jack in a hug.
Luckily, Jack was ready, as he had an idea that she would do this. Ash's mother always was emotional.
"Hey, it's okay, I won't be gone forever" he said, his voice breaking slightly. He never knew saying good bye could be this hard.
Delia let go of him and looked at him with a smile, tears in her eyes. "I know" she said. "But it's difficult saying goodbye, your like another son to me".
Ash re-entered the room to hear his mother's last sentence. His head down, he walked up to them both. He was quickly enveloped in a hug.
"We'll be fine, right Ash?" Delia said, after letting go of the boys.
Ash looked up and smiled slightly. "Yeah, you go on and have your adventure Jack, we'll be rooting for you. I wanna see some cool Dragon-type Pokemon that you bring back!" he said with a smile, which got bigger towards the end of his sentence.
Jack smiled down at him and ruffled his hair, drawing an indignant squawk from Ash.
They moved to the living room and sat down. A battle was being shown on the TV. It was a Rhydon verses a Gyarados.
"I bet the Gyarados wins!" said Jack, his love of Dragon-type or Dragon-Potential Pokemon shining through.
"Your on! Rhydon will win, it has the type advantage" replied Ash, with a wide grin, knowing how to annoy Jack.
Jack hummed with a frown. Ash was partly correct, Rhydon, the Drill Pokemon, is a Ground/Rock dual-type and Gyarados, the Atrocious Pokemon, is a Water/Flying dual-type. Both Pokemon had their advantages, Rock-type moves being super-effective against Flying-types and Water-type moves being super-effective against Ground and Rock-types.
While Rhydon has Rock type moves 2x effective against Gyarados, Ground-type moves shouldn't effect Gyarados at all, due to it's Flying-type nature. However, its well known that Gyarados cannot fly. So would Ground type moves effect it?
Unfortunately for Rhydon, Gyarados's Water-type moves are 4x effective against it, due to its Ground/Rock dual type.
"This should be an interesting match" Jack thought, with a slight smile.
- On the TV -
Announcer: So, Reggie brings out his final Pokemon, Rhydon. While Corey brings out his final Pokemon Gyarados. This should be an interesting match up!
Reggie: Here we go Rhydon, start things off with a Take-Down attack!
With a roar, Rhydon charges at the Gyarados, who is awaiting it's trainer's decision. It didn't have to wait too long.
Corey: Gyarados, dodge! Then use Water Gun!
- Back to the Ketchum residence -
Jack hummed. "Good choice with the Water attack, as Rhydon has a massive weakness to Water".
Ash frowned slightly, he forgot about that.
- Back to the battle -
Rhydon roared as it was hit with the Water Gun attack and was blasted back a few feet.
Announcer: Ooooh! Rhydon just took a direct hit from Gyarados's Water Gun attack, he doesn't look too roughed up though! What will Reggie's response be?
Reggie: Rhydon! Are you okay buddy?
Rhydon roared again in reply, eager to begin battling again.
Reggie: Okay Rhydon, stand up and use Rock Throw!
Rhydon stood on it's hind legs and a large rock formed in its grasp. Suddenly, it shot at Gyarados with alarming speed. Gyarados roared loudly as it took the hit and fell to the floor.
Corey: Gyarados! No! Can you get up?
As quickly as it went down, Gyarados got right back up again.
Announcer: I don't believe it! Gyarados took an obviously strong Rock Throw and shook it off as if it was a pebble! These Pokemon are clearly very strong!
Corey: It will take a lot more than that to take down my Gyarados! Now then, Gyarados, use Surf!
Gyarados launched a massive Surf attack at Rhydon. As the tidal wave approached Reggie's Rhydon, he knew he had to act fast to save his Rhydon from the devastating attack.
Reggie: Rhydon! Use Dig to escape the Surf!
Rhydon quickly dug underground. Corey realised Reggie's mistake and smirked. Reggie saw his opponent's smirk and looked worried.
- At the Ketchum residence -
Jack winced, then spoke up, "Ash, can you tell me what Reggie's mistake was?".
Ash looked confused, then saw the water from the Surf attack enter the hole from Rhydon's Dig attack.
"Rhydon is trapped now and has no-where to hide from the water, to make it worse the field is flooded". Jack nodded.
"This looks bad for Rhydon". Ash agreed.
- On the TV -
Announcer: Oh dear! What an upset! Reggie's Rhydon is now trapped and that water is homing in on Rhydon!
Reggie shouted, worriedly, "Rhydon! Dig up quickly!"
Rhydon heard and dug up.
Straight into the Surf attack.
As the wave passed overhead, Rhydon jumped out of the hole, soaking wet and wincing. Gyarados let out a loud roar.
Announcer: It looks like this is it, Gyarados as sustained only minor damage, while Rhydon is in big trouble, can Reggie turn this around or will Corey end this battle now?
Corey: Okay Gyarados, launch a Twister at Rhydon, then charge up a Hyper Beam!
Announcer: Looks like Corey is going for the big finish! How will Reggie get out of this one?
Reggie: Rhydon stand your ground and use Harden before the Twister hits!
As Rhydon used Harden, he was buffeted by Gyarados's Twister.
Reggie: Rhydon! Are you okay?
Rhydon roared, but it was noticeably quieter than before.
Reggie: Rhydon, charge at Gyarados with Take-Down!
Unfortunately, Rhydon had taken a lot of damage from the Surf attack and was running a lot slower than before.
Corey: Wait for it Gyarados! Let him get closer! You have one shot! Ready… NOW! FIRE HYPER BEAM!
Reggie: Rhydon! Dodge it!
Gyarados launched a massive Hyper Beam attack at Rhydon, who was too close to dodge.
BOOM! The shock-wave rocked the stadium, throwing dust and smoke everywhere.
As the smoke cleared, Rhydon was lying on the floor, knocked out. While Gyarados was roaring in victory.
Announcer: Wow! Did you see the power of Gyarados's Hyper Beam attack? That was incredible! It looks like Rhydon is out for the count!
The referee lifted a red flag, signalling Corey's victory.
Announcer: And there you have it! Corey and his Gyarados have won the match!
- Back at the Ketchum residence -
Jack smirked at Gyarados's victory. He knew who was going to come out on top. It's not all about type advantages, but it certainly helps if you have one.
"Awww, Rhydon lost" said Ash, with a frown.
"You can't say you didn't see it coming, after that Surf attack though" Jack replied.
"True".
"Well, I think its time for me to be heading home, it's 9pm and I have a Pokemon journey to begin tomorrow" Jack stated.
Ash frowned with a sad look, but immediately looked up and smiled when he saw Jack looking at him.
"Bye Jack" said Delia, at the front door. "Make sure you drop by tomorrow after you get your Pokemon!"
"I will Mrs. Ketchum, goodbye, bye Ash!" Jack replied, walking down the road.
"See you tomorrow Jack!" Ash shouted.
As they closed the door, Delia hugged Ash.
"Cheer up Ash and be happy for Jack, he's starting his dream tomorrow, in a few years, you will too" she said.
"I know mum, I'll be sad to see him go" Ash replied, sadly.
"Me too, honey, me too".
A/N: I will probably reserve this section for replies to reviews.
Please be sure to leave a review, preferably with constructive criticism and not flames.
Thanks for reading,
Dragon Master Jack.