Chapter One: Journey Begins Part One
Disclaimer; I don't own Pokémon!
"This is it folks. The time you all have been waiting for. It is time to start the Elite Four line up for this year's Indigo League Tournament." The crowds cheer as the league announcer waits to continue.
Flashback
"Huwy Daddy! It start soon!" a young girl's voice said excitedly.
"Don't worry, I'm coming," a young man says as he enters the room where his family is watching TV. Darkness covers the scene but there seems to be five figures not including the one child. Two young adults with three kids are sitting on the couch. A fourth child climbs on the man's lap as soon as he sat down. Laughter soon fills the room and then everyone turns their attention towards the TV.
End
"This year we have the Dragon specialist, Lance," again, the crowd cheers. "The Ice Queen, Lorelei," more cheers and a few wolf whistles. "The Fighting Master, Bruno," more cheers though it seems the ladies where the loudest. "And the oldest member in the history of the League, and full of spirit, Miss Agatha!" the crowd, as expected, went wild. Don't they ever stop?
Flashback
"Why are you doing this?!" a young woman ask while trying, but failing to, keep her breaking voice down.
"I can't stay here and pretend everything will be alright! And I refuse to let the children live in such an environment!" a young man shot back. Both were pacing back and forth; the man, to some suitcases and dressers, the woman following him.
"You can't just take them and leave him! What am I supposed to tell him?" the woman tries to block the man's path but he was too fast.
"You tell him whatever you want. I am leaving and that is final," he tells her while avoiding eye contact. The woman once again tries to block his path but he went into the children's room, which were sleeping, instead of theirs. She waited until he left the room.
"So you are just going to abandon your son who needs you now more than anything?" The man ignores her and starts to put some of the children clothes in a suitcase. "What about your promise to help him become a Pokémon Trainer? Are you going to break that too?" the woman asks as anger and desperation seep into her voice. The man stops packing a child suitcase and looks at the woman.
"That boy hasn't spoken a word for three months now. And while that isn't a problem since I did my journey mute, he hasn't even ACKNOWLEDGE a Pokémon's presence since the accident!" The woman was about to say something but the man wasn't finished. "And you heard what the doctor said; his condition will only worsen if he gets stressed out. Now I don't know if you remember this but a Pokémon Journey is very stressful," he says calming his voice though he was also trying hard not to break down.
"But why leave?" her voice breaks as she tries to hold the tears back. No one said anything as the man pulls the woman into a hug where she begins to sob. The man made comforting noises as he held her and rubs her back. The suitcase is left forgotten.
"You know how much the kids love each other. If I try to teach them Pokémon skills, he would freak out and they would want to keep him happy so…"
"So they would stop the lessons and not go on a Pokémon Journey," she finishes for him while realizing the situation. "But A Family Should Always Stick Together!" Now she couldn't hold her tears back and she cried loudly in his shirt.
End
"And now, for the Champion Status, we have two people who want to claim that title this year." The crowd cheers so loudly, the announcer had to repeat what he said. "I said, this year we have two of the Kanto Trio. They have gotten the Champion Title on the same day and all three are about the same age! The three have gotten their Pokémon on the same day from the same person! All three came from the same hometown, and I think it is time to introduce them. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you two of the Kanto trio, let's hear it for…" the TV turned off and a Pichu screams loudly for it to turn back on.
"What have I told you about keeping Ash up so late?" an older woman, by the name of Delia, says to the Pichu. Pichu started throwing a temper tantrum on the bed.
"I want to see this year's line-up!" it said in Poké tongue. While Delia herself can't properly understand Poké tongue, she has been around Pichu long enough to know what he is saying.
"Pichu! It's already ten in the evening and Ash needs his sleep! You can watch the reruns in the morning!" she scolds as she turns off the lights and mumbles something about taking a break from aura training. She walks up to her son's bed and turn on a nightlight. Pichu continues to throw a mini fit.
"I Have To Agree With Mistress Delia. Statistics Show That Keeping Ash Up So Late Would Hinder His Healing And Cause Unnecessary Stress That Would Most Likely Send Him To A Hospital," a male computer voice said. The computer is a prototype Pokédex design to think for itself as well as take care of the trainer it is assign to. And while it has helped Ash with his twitches and sends an alarm in an emergency, it doesn't do much else.
Ash, who was sitting on his bed numbly the entire time, shook his head at Pichu's antics and tries to get his trembling body under the covers. Pichu notice his trouble and helps pulls the covers back. He then jumps off the bed and went to another room. As Delia tucks her son in bed, Pichu came back, jumps on the bed and places a Teddiursa Pokédoll in Ash's arms.
As Ash studies the fabric, Pichu takes his sunglasses off and puts it on the nightstand next to the bed. He also takes the Prototype Pokédex, or Protodex, since its body can't withstand added weight. When he looks at the boy who is trembling under the covers, Pichu remembers the reasons why they can't go on a journey and travel the world.
Flashback
Pichu, wanting to get out of the storm, ran into the house when no one was looking. It took him a while to climb the stairs but once he did he made his way into one of the rooms. At first he didn't realize anyone was in there until he checks the bottom bed. He saw a young boy sleeping. And by watching his breathing, Pichu could tell this boy was in a nightmare. Before it could decide to let the boy sleep or wake him, the boy had stopped breathing.
Being young and not understanding the situation, Pichu tries to wake the boy up. After a while Pichu started to shock him. The boy's mother came in right before the boy started breathing. Pichu was too scared to move. While the mother calls the doctor, Pichu stays with the boy who he learns was called Ash. Though Ash's body was still shaking, Pichu knew it was because of something happened a while ago and not because Ash was cold, scared or because he shocked him. And when he notice Ash's eyes where fogged up, he knew he had to stay with him; though it wasn't because of the cloud-up eyes.
End
Pichu was brought out of memory lane when Ash kicked. Now the kick could mean one of two things. Ash wants Pichu closer or his condition is acting up again. When he didn't kicked again, Pichu knew what Ash was trying to say and snuggled on his pillow. Pichu fell into dreamland while Ash stayed awake a little longer, remembering.
Flashback pt1
"Daddy, I want to be stwong wike you when I gwow up," my brother announced after the League line-up was over.
"Me too," my two sisters say as one. Both Dad and Mom laughs.
"What about you, Ash? Do you want to be as strong as me?" Dad asks.
"No! Pokémon!" I said while misunderstanding the point of the conversation. Both parents laugh again before Dad re ask his question.
"Okay, let me ask the four of you this. Do you want to be a strong Pokémon trainer, like me?"
"YES!" the four of us said at the same time. The parents again laugh before Dad picks me up since I was still on his lap. Now I am on his shoulders.
"Then its settles. We Ketchum's will be the first Kanto Family Elite Four and Champion." Dad announces. Then we cheer as loud as we can.
Flashback pt2
Pain. That's all I felt. Pain, it was almost too much to bear. Darkness, that's all I see. Pain. Why won't it go away? Am I screaming? I can't hear. It hurts. I can't think. I can't see. I can't breathe. I hurt too much. When will it end? Finally… darkness with no pain. I see a light. I don't want to leave the darkness yet. Too soon. Am I dead? NO! I can't be dead! I have to wake up! Voices. A woman is yelling. Mommy! That's my mom! I have to go to her! I have to wake up!
"I'm sorry Mrs. Ketchum but his injuries are too severe. Even if he were to live he would be in too much pain. It's best if we end it now," a man, maybe a doctor said. His voice is echoing though my head. Is it the doctor? I can't tell, it's too dark. Wait… I feel light. I just can't see it. Are my eyes still close? No, they're open. Why can't I see?
"You're wrong! Ash is a fighter! He will pull through!" a woman's voice echo through my head. Oh, it's throbbing now. At least I know I'm alive if I hurt this bad. Wait! That's my mom! That's her voice! Why is she crying? Who are they talking about? Me? Where's Daddy? Is he here? What happened? What's going on? Mommy? Can't you hear me?
"Delia and I will talk about it and we will tell you what we choose together. Please leave us." That's Daddy! Mommy, Daddy I'm here! Don't leave me! Please!
"That attack would kill an adult no problem. I highly doubt a five year old would be different," a different man said before I heard footsteps leaving. Please let that be him. Mommy, Daddy, please don't listen to him. Don't go! HELP ME, PLEASE!
Flashback pt3
"But why leave?" her voice breaks as she tries to hold the tears back. I can hear Dad pulling Mom into a hug where she begins to sob. Dad made comforting noises as he held her and rubs her back. The suitcases are left forgotten.
"You know how much the kids love each other. If I try to teach them Pokémon skills, he would freak out and they would want to keep him happy so…"
"So they would stop the lessons and not go on a Pokémon Journey," she finishes for him while realizing the situation. "But A Family Should Always Stick Together!" Now she couldn't hold her tears back and she cried loudly in his shirt.
"Listen, I'm only taking the three. You can have him and the twins. They haven't decided what they want to do yet." Mom cries are still loud. I'm surprise the others haven't woken up yet. At least this conversation went better than at the doctors. I can hear Dad moving his arms to hold Mom tighter.
"You know I will always love you," he says to her then kisses her forehead.
"You have to finish packing, then. The delivery men should be here in the morning." I hear mom walking away, leaving Dad alone. I, too, leave, knowing that he doesn't love me anymore.
Memory merges pt1
"Then its settles. We Ketchum's will be the first Kanto Family Elite Four and Champion."
"I'm sorry Mrs. Ketchum but his injuries are too severe. Even if he were to live he would be in too much pain. It's best if we end it now."
"I can't stay here and pretend everything will be alright!"
"I'm leaving and that's final!"
"A Pokémon Journey is very stressful."
"But A Family Should Always Stick Together!"
"Knowing he doesn't love me anymore."
Memory merges pt2
"We Ketchum's will be the first Kanto Family Elite Four and Champion." "He would be in too much pain. It's best if we end it now" "I can't stay here and pretend everything will be alright!" "I'm leaving and that's final!" "A Pokémon Journey is very stressful." "Family Should Always Stick Together!" "He doesn't love me anymore."
Memory Merges pt3
"First Kanto Family Elite Four and Champion." "Too much pain. Best to end it now." "Can't pretend everything will be alright!" "I'm leaving!" "Pokémon Journey is stressful." "He doesn't love me." "Family Should Stick Together!"
Memory merges pt4
"First Kanto Elite Four and Champion." "Too much pain." "Can't pretend." "Family!" "I'm leaving!" "Stick Together!" "Very stressful." "Family." "Doesn't love me" "End it now."
End
"PICHU!" Pichu yelled as he sent an electric shock to the sleeping boy, causing the Poké Doll to fall on the floor. Ash didn't realize he had fallen asleep until he felt the shock. Good news, Pichu knew how to make his electricity tickle as well as the regular kind. This one was a tickle and Ash is pretty ticklish. Pichu jumps on his stomach while Ash tries to catch his breath.
"Are you up yet, Satoshi?" Pichu asks. Oh yeah, only Pichu call Ash 'Satoshi' and no one but Pichu knows why. Ash just nods and reaches for his alarm clock only to realize he hadn't gotten it repaired yet. His twin sisters had thought it would be fun to throw it like a real Pokéball. Ash still hasn't forgiven them yet. Too bad the Protodex doesn't have an alarm. Then again, the girls might try to destroy that to. He gets up and heads towards the bathroom with Pichu right behind him.
"Are you going to use the walk-in bath tub this time and not the shower?" Pichu was disappointed when Ash shook his head. "Fine, but just so you know your sisters are at school and your mother is at the restaurant. Neither of them are going to be here until late this afternoon or early this evening." Ash paled when he realizes that if he has an episode then Pichu would have to call someone for help considering the alarm on the Protodex only works for those nearby and cannot call for help. Not many people would understand the small mouse which would leave him vulnerable.
"I Have To Agree With Pichu Here. Statistics Show With The Ladies Gone For The Day And The Pokémon Staying Outside In The Garden, It Would Be Safer To Use The Walk-In Tub. As A Reminder, I Am Not Waterproof," and with that the Protodex shuts off. With a silent groan, Ash made his way to the tub.
Pichu did a silent cheer when Ash chose the walk-in tub. There are pros and cons to the walk-in tub. The last one they had didn't have a seat that would keep him up if he passes out. He would have drowned that day had Pichu not been there. He still hasn't gotten over that fear. This version has a better seating then the last one and Pichu could drain the tub if he were to go under. And this version has something similar to a jet spa but uses bubble instead. It helps with his muscles spasms/jerks.
After Ash was settled in, Pichu left to grab Ash some clean clothes and to do other things. Pichu was nervous leaving Ash alone in the tub but he trusts him, even with the Protodex. It doesn't help much with the fear. The day Ash nearly drowned still haunts him. He was brought out of his thoughts when the telephone rang. Realizing he is the only one available at the moment he answers it.
"Hello? Phoenix Residence. How may I help you?" Pichu asks even though that unless the one calling could understand Poké Speech or is a Pokémon, then it isn't truly worth saying. He kept the video off just in case this is a wrong number.
"Ah, Pichu. Glad I caught you this morning before your Aura Training. Is Delia or Ash available? I need to talk to them," the old voice of Professor Oak said. Pichu turns on the screen so they could talk better. For some reason Oak seems to understand him better when looking at him. The moment the screen turned on, Pichu fell to the floor laughing.
"Pichu? What's so funny?" the professor asks. Confusion written all over his face as Pichu continues rolling on the floor laughing.
"You know Professor?" the small electric mouse said while trying to contain his giggles… and failing. He left for a moment to grab a mirror. "I know it's rude to talk about people behind their backs but I think talking to their backs is just as bad." He put the mirror to the screen, showing the professor why he is laughing. The image on the mirror causes the old man to look behind him.
"Opps, wrong camera," the professor said when he notice his error. It took less than a minute to fix the problem. Pichu calmed down enough by now with only a few stray giggle every now and then. However, he stopped completely when he saw the professor's face.
"Professor? What's wrong?" he asks. The Professor put on a fake smile that made Pichu want to shock him. But since he couldn't he'll have to wait and listen.
"It's nothing you need to be concerned about right now. Is Ash or Delia available? I need to talk to them." When Pichu shook his head the professor looked a bit worried. Before he could ask, the professor spoke again. "Of course, looking at the time I suppose Delia is working at her restaurant and Ash is doing some Aura Training or taking a shower. I would have sent a message but the Protodex doesn't have that function."
"It doesn't have any functions," Pichu mutters under his breath. The truth is the Protodex could only think for itself; calculate situations to suggest options, read aura of its operator and send an alarm should something happen to Ash but nothing else. It can't even scan a Pokémon! This is why it's called a "Protodex" not a "Pokédex".
The professor just sighs and nods. There is only so much one can do with new technology. He looks back to the camera with a serious expression to finish their conversation.
"Can you tell them to come to my lab later? I really need to talk to them," he said. Pichu could tell that he is tired and worried. He figures he'll find out why later.
"Of course I will. You said you need to talk to them three times already," Pichu said as he nods his head. Before he or the professor could say anything farther, an aide called for the professor. After talking to the aide, the professor turns his attention back to Pichu.
"I'm sorry Pichu but I have to go. Remember to tell Ash or Delia to come to my lab. It would be better if both could come but if only one is available I could understand. I have to go now but I'll see you later." And with that Professor Oak hangs up. Pichu sat for a minute trying to figure out what happened.
'Why is the professor distracted? He never repeats things like this unless he's worried. Maybe something happened but what?' he thought. Remembering what the day is, a thought came to him almost like lightning. Of course he has no proof and would have to settle with the professor telling them. With the thought, however, Pichu looks at the clothes he picked for Ash and groan. 'Looks like I have to get his special clothes.'
Ash was relaxing in the tub when the phone rang. He knew Pichu would answer it so he just continues to relax and get clean. The next thing he notices was Pichu poking his nose. Yeah, he dosed off and Pichu had to interrupt it.
"You can't be tired, Satoshi. You haven't even had breakfast yet." After making sure Ash was clean, Pichu drains the tub and hands Ash a towel. "I made you breakfast but I put it in the fridge so it won't spoil. Why are you looking at me like that? It's just cereal!" Ash shook his head while drying off.
Once he was done he went to put on his clothes. Sunglasses, sneakers, socks, underwear, t-shirt, jeans, short sleeve jacket and his League hat. These are the clothes his uncle gave him so he could control his aura better without standing out like a sore thumb. He gave a questioning look at Pichu.
"'Why these clothes?' Professor Oak needs you to come to his lab as soon as possible." Oh, this can't be good.
"So the lineup this year is Lorelei, Bruno, Agatha then Lance. You should of seen the battle between Agatha and Lance! It was intense! More so than the Champion Battle. I think Lance should have been the Champion, he has more heart in it than the Kanto Trio," Pichu said while walking ahead. Ash didn't really care about Pokémon Battles, including the Leagues, but Pichu likes them so he'll tolerate it if it makes his Pokémon brother happy.
"Statistics Show The Kanto Trio Are Getting Too Cocky And As A Result Are Not Into Pokémon Battles As They Were In The Past. With Some Training I Believe Ash Could Beat Them At Their Own Game If The Circumstances Were Different," the Protodex said. And this is another problem the Protodex has trouble with; Ash does not and cannot become a Pokémon Trainer. For some reason it thinks Ash is a good candidate for the Pokémon Journey, despite the limitations.
Ash just stayed quiet as he does not care about the conversation. Long ago he learned to not care what others are saying, considering all he heard was how he should die, no one cares for him and is the useless son of one of the greatest Pokémon Trainer to have ever lived. However, just because he doesn't care what's being said doesn't mean he isn't listening. A fact Pichu learned when they first met.
"We're almost at the lab. Any Ideas on how to get in?" Pichu asks. While Pallet Town is known for its kind citizens, for Ash it's just the opposite. Because of his condition most people believe he shouldn't be out and about and he should be in a hospital. The aides at the lab are no different. Most of the time when Ash visits the lab, he has to sneak in or have his mother with him.
"Statistics Show It Would Be Best If We Knock On The Front Door. In The Worst Case Scenario, If We Try To Sneak In They Would Call The Cops, Have Us Arrested And Ash Would Have An Episode That Would Take Him To The Hospital Or Kill Him. Because Delia Isn't Here Our Only Chance Is If Professor Oak Or Gary Answers The Door," the Protodex said.
"Great, this is turning out to be a wonderful day," Pichu said sarcastically before going serious, "The only reason we have a chance is because Professor Oak is expecting us. Too bad you can't send a message telling him we're here." Pichu then climbs on Ash's shoulder to have a better look at the small mostly useless computer. "So what's the plan?"
The plan turns out to be this; Ash and Pichu goes to the door and knock. If an aide answers the door, the Protodex would try to explain why they are there. If the aide closes the door Ash and Pichu would wait one minute before Pichu tackles the door. If this doesn't work after a minute, Ash knocks. They repeat this process until either they are let in, the cops are called or Professor Oak comes.
I didn't say it was a good plan, in fact it's far from it, but as I stated earlier it was the best option without the police being called. Unfortunately they have been going at this for roughly ten minutes and every aide that answers the door tells Ash he cannot be a Pokémon Trainer and shut the door before the Protodex could explain. And this is causing Pichu to lose his temper.
"How, in all things powerful, do they think we are here for a Pokémon?" he asks as another aide closes the door. "I mean, I know today is the day newbie Trainers gets their license and first Pokémon but they know Ash isn't qualify for one, so what in their right minds do they think Ash is here for a POKÉMON!"
"I Have To Agree With You, Pichu. Statistics Show They Wouldn't Be On This Line Of Thought Unless They Are Too Focus On Preparing For The New Trainers. Even Then They Should Know," the Protodex said. Pichu jumps on Ash's shoulder to have a better look at the prototype. Just when Pichu was about to speak an old but energetic voices calls out.
"Why, hello there!" Ash stood numbly in his spot and didn't acknowledge the voice but Pichu turns to see who spoke. It was a short old man with a beard. Pichu is sure he saw him from somewhere before but just couldn't figure out where. The old man came jogging up to them.
"Are you here to get a Pokémon?" the old man asks. Pichu screams in frustration. The sudden screaming startled the old man.
"Why Does Everyone… AGH!" His rant was cut off by Ash's twitching. The sudden twitch causes the shoulder Pichu was standing on to jerk and Pichu lost his footing. Luckily Pichu grabbed hold of Ash's clothes before he hit the ground. He climbs down once he notices it would be safer on the ground. "Why does everyone think that?!" he asks once he was on the ground.
"I'm sorry. I assumed you were here for a Pokémon but I guess that's not the case, is it?" the old man apologizes gently. This action stuns Pichu since everyone he met hadn't been this nice.
"I like this guy," Pichu said as he looks up at Ash. Ash didn't respond. Pichu walks up to the old man to get his scent. He does this to everyone new so if they harm Ash in any way he could track them down.
"Why, hello there little one," he says as he bends down so Pichu could sniff his hand. Once Pichu memorized the old man's scent, the old man went to pet Pichu. He didn't pet him until he was sure the Pichu didn't mind it.
"I REALLY like this guy," Pichu said as he melts into the pet. While Pichu is enjoying the pet, the Protodex struggled with what to do next. Should it tell Ash to knock on the door or explain to the old man why they are there? The old man answered the question for him, "So why are you here? I you don't mind me asking."
"We Have Been Called Over By Professor Oak For An Important Emergency Meeting And The Aides Don't Stay Long Enough For Me To Explain," The Protodex explains. Pichu came back to Ash's side since he was done with the petting. Looking back, he sees the old man who seems to be in thought.
"You must be Ash! One of Professor Oak's delivery boys," he said. Out of all of the things they were expecting him to say, this wasn't one of them. How does he even know his name? They had never seen this guy before! Pichu remembers everyone they have encountered and even though this guy seems familiar, Pichu is sure they haven't met him before. Ash, using his aura, confirms they have never met this man before.
"Who are you and how do you know Ash's name!" Pichu demanded/growled. He didn't care if this guy doesn't understand him. The old man seemed to understand since he smiled apologetically, at least that's what it looks like to Pichu.
"I'm sorry. I forgot to mention this; Professor Oak and I are good friends and he speaks highly of his two delivery boys. One of them being disabled and having a Pichu for moral support," the old man said. Then he walks by Ash and knocks on the door.
Ash moved back since he didn't like being near people without Pichu nearby, or if he is just having a bad day. Pichu just stood in shock for a moment. He wasn't sure what to do until he notices Ash nearby. Climbing on the jerking arm, Pichu looks at the Protodex before heading to Ash's head. Before he could ask anything, the front door opened.
"I told you, Ash, you are not allowed to have a Pokémon," a tall aide said as he opens the door. He was about to shut it when someone cleared his throat. The aide looks down to see a short old man standing in front of him and Ash was farther away… much farther away.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else," the aide said. The old man just chuckled silently. Then he looks up at the aide.
"It's quite alright, young man. I understand this is a busy day for you," the old man said calmly. The aide relaxes a bit before sending death glares at Ash. The old man cleared his throat again to get the aide's attention.
"If you aren't too busy; would you mind telling Professor Oak that his good friend, Charlie and company, is here to see him?" the old man, presumably Charlie, asks. The aide looks at the old man before moving aside.
"Yes, of course. Why don't you and your guest, come inside and wait in the waiting room," he said. Then the aide went to find the professor.
Pichu was mad when this happened. Of course the aides would stop to help anyone else but not them. He was going to start hating the old man when the said man turns around and said something that made Pichu and Ash's day; "Alright, we can enter!"
AN; And that's it for part one of chapter one. Sorry for not updating. Life and health got in the way.
I have a problem; I was going to write this series in part and have the parts as different chapters. But as I think about it, it would make the story very long. I would like to have a chapter minimal of 40 for this story. Should I merge the parts together in one chapter or just keep important events and use flashbacks?
I hope you enjoyed the story! Don't forget to comment.