Hello readers! This is the first story I've ever published on this site, so I hope you enjoy it. Feel free to leave your thoughts/comments in the reviews, and be sure to follow/favorite because this is going to be one heck of a ride!

This chapter is based off of what happens in the anime, but there are a few adjustments and changes I've made to the canon show.

Fair warning: Ash will be OOC later on, but I'll keep some of his character aspects relatively the same.

Some additional comments will be in the end of the chapter.

Also, special thanks to The Great Gonzales for taking the time to Beta-read for me.

"Italicized words in quotes" = Pokespeech or Telepathy

'Single quotations' = Thoughts

A Hero's Redemption

Chapter 1

On the midst of the battlefield were two Pokemon, clearly exhausted by their intent to please their respective trainers. They couldn't let them down; after all this was it. The Sinnoh League. This was where things really began to matter. Now, currently in the semi-finals, only four trainers remained, only one was to come out with the Lily of the Valley Championship Trophy. Very quickly, a command was yelled across the field.

"Pikachu! Use Volt Tackle!"

Almost immediately after, another command was yelled from the other side, not backing down from his opponent in the slightest. "Latios, Luster Purge!"

A light purple beam was soon emitted from the Legendary Pokemon and was launched straight at Pikachu, who was coming in at a rapid speed, crashing right through the powerful attack. At this point, Ash Ketchum was becoming extremely anxious. He knew he was at a huge disadvantage battling against a Legendary Pokemon, let alone only having Pikachu left while his opponent still had four of his Pokemon, which still remained unused throughout the entire conference. He still had a small feeling of hope that there was a way for him to pull through, even if all odds were against him.

As Pikachu was nearing the Latios in his Volt Tackle, Ash yelled, taking his final chance. "Pikachu, Iron Tail!"

Pikachu's obediently complied, his tail glowing a bright white and colliding with the last bit of Latios' attack, resulting in an explosion.

The explosion swept through the entire stadium, covering the activity of the battlefield, and blinding the audience from the final outcome of the match.

With a few long moments passing by, followed by complete silence, the referee raised his flag. "Pikachu and Latios are both unable to battle! All six of Ash's Pokemon have been eliminated, so moving on to the finals is Tobias the Victor!"

Ash was beyond shocked upon hearing the end result. He had lost. This had been the closest he had ever been in a League, yet he blew it. He wasted no time in running onto the battlefield to check the condition of his Pikachu. Tobias, on the other hand, simply returned Latios to its ball, and walked over to meet up with Ash.

"So he really lost," Dawn remarked sadly. Barry nodded remorsefully. "He battled so hard too," he added, also saddened by the loss of his rival.

"True, but Ash did amazing!" Brock optimistically stated. "This is the first time he's ever made it to the top four."

Both Barry and Dawn smiled upon hearing that, glad to hear Brock's positive outlook.

"That was a good match, Ash," Tobias said as he walked over to the raven haired boy. "Thank you."

Ash, in return, gave a short sad smile, still beat up over his loss. He nodded, "I learned a lot from that, Tobias. Thank you, and good luck in the finals." Pikachu gave a happy, yet slightly weakened "Pika!" in agreement to his trainer.

The two briefly exchanged a handshake and went their separate ways, exiting from the stadium.

As Ash entered a lobby-styled room, he was greeted with several people who each individually congratulated him in his hard battling and at having come so far in the competition. Ash was happy to hear all of the praise, but he still couldn't get over the fact at how close he was to reaching the finals. Pikachu, now currently in his arms, was able to sense the emotions of its trainer, having known him for such a while.

"Pika Pi," Pikachu said, looking up at the boy.

"I'm fine, Pikachu," Ash tried to assure his companion, followed with a rather fake smile Pikachu could easily see through. Even with Pikachu making a few goofy faces, it didn't seem to cause much effect on the boy's expression, but Ash was still grateful for Pikachu trying to cheer him up.

Ash took an open seat in the middle of the lobby, waiting patiently for his friends to meet up with him. And eventually he saw Brock, followed by Dawn coming through the double doors in the front, which led to the stadium.

"Hey guys," Ash smiled up at them as they approached.

"Hey Ash," Brock replied. "That was a great battle out there. You should be proud of yourself."

Dawn nodded in agreement. "You were able to eliminate two of Tobias' Pokemon, while nobody else was even able to get through one."

"Thanks guys, that means a lot," Ash simply stated, not being able to maintain eye contact with the two. He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "It doesn't really feel like a whole lot to only knock out two of someone's Pokemon."

"Ash, we're talking in terms of Legendaries here. Knocking out not one, but two when nobody in the entire competition was able to is a major accomplishment if I say so myself," Brock reassured, attempting to boast the boy a little. Pikachu as well as Dawn both agreed, but were still unsatisfied with Ash's depressed sigh, as he rested his hands on his fists.

"But this always seems to happen to me. In every competition, I get reasonably far only to wind up losing in the end. I do all of this training but none of it seems to be helping me out much."

Brock cut in soon after. He couldn't believe his friend was talking like this, let alone thinking all of his hard work wasn't heading anywhere. "Ash, believe me. We've been friends for a long time, and I can honestly say, you've grown a lot during your journeys. Your battles and strategies have gotten increasingly better and each time in these competitions you get closer and closer. Just imagine what you could be in a few years time. After all, you can't expect to be a Pokemon Master overnight."

Ash chuckled a bit. He knew all that Brock was saying was the truth, and he was glad he had such great friends to support him whenever he was feeling down. "I guess you're right, Brock."

"When am I ever wrong?" Brock smirked as he crossed his arms, causing Dawn to roll her eyes. "Oh please."

Ash and Pikachu giggled a bit, earning a frown from Brock. "Hey!"

"It does have some truth to it," The boy said.

Brock sighed in return, but his mini frustration didn't last so long when he finally saw Ash smiling. He was glad his friend's mind was taken off of the match, even if it was only momentarily.

"I guess we better get going, then, right Pikachu?" Ash asked, looking down at the Pokemon in his lap.

With confidence, Pikachu gave his trainer a loud, "Pika!"

"...Wait a minute," Ash began, looking around at the rather crowded room. "Where did Barry go? Wasn't he with you guys?"

The blue haired coordinator shrugged. "He left in a hurry as soon as the match was over. Didn't really say where he was going."

Ash chuckled in response. "I guess some things just never change with him."

A little while later, the trio headed out of the Conference, and began to make their way on board to the ship to Canalave City, which was the just near Twinleaf. That was where they would each go their separate ways. It was a sad thought to think, and the three would surely miss one another, but they each had their own families and dreams to go to. It was becoming late at night, and the three of them were now at the pier where they were just about to head onto the boat. As soon as they had checked in at the front desk, they made their way to their single room, large enough for the three of them with two bunk beds and another single bed on the other side of the room.

They had each gotten changed into their sleepwear and retired for the night. Ash and Brock each took a bunk of the bunk bed, while Dawn took the other single bed, along with Piplup.

"What a long day, huh, Pikachu?" Ash said quietly as he had gotten himself underneath the covers. "I really did think we would've won today."

"Pika...Cha..." Pikachu yawned, curling up into a ball close to Ash.

Ash smiled, remembering all of Pikachu's hard efforts in their battle today. His mind began to drift back to the Conference, and every move that he as well as Tobias had made. He began to think a little bit deeper into their battle, mentally pointing out where they had shown weaknesses and where they were able to pinpoint good hits on their opponent. Eventually though, Ash's eyes began to grow heavy with weariness, and he eventually drifted off into sleep.

The next day came around quick, the sun was shining bright through their windows. Brock, usually the first to wake up in the group, went over to peek through the window to witness the sight of buildings and structures. They were finally there. Just as he was about wake everyone up, the captain of the ship had called over the intercom and notified all of the passengers that they had arrived at Canalave City, and to wish everyone a safe time traveling.

Dawn steadily rose from her bed, along with Piplup and Pikachu. Everyone then eyed Ash who was still in bed, snoring lightly and completely oblivious to their arrival.

Brock sighed. "Pikachu will you do the honors?"

Pikachu grinned, knowing his method to wake his trainer was the most effective. He turned over to Ash, charged up electricity, and electrocuted him with a light Thundershock. It wasn't a powerful one, but it was just the right amount to get him up in a heartbeat.

"Wah!" Ash exclaimed as he went wide eyed, his hair shooting in all directions like a mad scientist. Some steam soon emerged from the tips.

"Do you really have to keep doing that?" Ash grumbled, not at all happy at waking up from his peaceful slumber.

Brock nodded. "It's the only foolproof way to get you up," He said, throwing his backpack over his shoulder. "We're at Canalave City."

Ash rolled out of bed and began to get ready followed by Dawn who was doing the same. They each packed their stuff and were now leaving their room.

Soon after departing the boat, they had begun to journey their way in the direction of Twinleaf Town.

After a few hours of traveling by foot, the trio had finally came close to Twinleaf Town. They began to see the hill which gave an entire view of the small town, and just before, came across a sign with a bunch of arrows pointing in different directions which showed the ways to various locations.

"Well...this is it," Brock simply stated, earning "Yeah's" from the rest of the group.

"I'm going to miss you guys," Dawn began to tear up a little. She had been dreading this moment for a while now. Ash and Brock were such good friends to her, and now here she was, leaving the both of them.

The guys, noticing her tears, felt sorry for her, and each individually brought her in for a confronting hug.

"We'll all see each other again, Dawn. No need to worry!" Ash smiled, giving a reassuring thumbs up.

Dawn smiled, and the two exchanged their final high five together, Brock and Ash then wishing her good lucks in the future.

Piplup and Pikachu even did a little high five before the group went their separate ways. Dawn turned to her hometown, while Brock and Ash began turning in the opposite direction and on their way to Kanto.

After days of both Ash and Brock traveling, they were finally back in their hometown, Kanto. "Whew, it feels good to finally be back in Kanto," Ash remarked, stretching his arms, and walking along the dirt path.

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to finally being able to see my family again," Brock responded, but then asked. "So Ash, what are you planning to do after you've settled down and everything? Going to another region?"

Ash contemplated his question for a few moments before giving his response. "I've been thinking...and I've decided I want to take some time off from traveling and spend more time dedicated to training and making myself and my Pokemon stronger. My battle with Tobias really showed me what I needed to work on as a trainer."

Brock was a little taken aback by the ten year old's answer. Was he really deciding to take a break from his journeys? "Wow Ash, Brock replied. "I wouldn't ever suspect you would decide to do something like that. Are you sure you don't mind missing out on your journeys?"

"Yeah," Ash spoke, this time more confidently. "I've been thinking about it and that's what I'm deciding to do. I'm not quitting my journeys, but I think it would really help if I took some time to train myself."

Brock nodded. "If that's what you think is best."

By this time, the two reached the next intersection of the roads. One of the arrows on the sign pointed towards Pallet and another in the direction of Pewter City.

Ash and Brock both grinned, shook hands and shared their goodbyes, knowing they'll meet again someday.

"See ya later Pokemon Doctor," Ash said with Pikachu giving a "Pika!" countered with "See ya later Pokemon Master," from Brock.

The two departed and left one another in the directions of their own hometowns.

Ash began to make his way back to Pallet Town, still in the forest, but coming closer and closer to his Town. "Finally! Almost back home at Pallet! I can almost smell mom's cooking!"

Pikachu laughed nervously. His trainer sure did have quite the appetite, especially upon their returns from their journeys.

..."You poor and useless excuse for a Pokemon!" A random voice shouted. It was so sudden that the duo stopped dead in their footsteps. "Huh?"

This immediately caught the boy's attention, as he looked in every direction to locate where it had been coming from.

"Pikachu, do you think you can track it?" Ash glanced over at his companion.

Pikachu eagerly nodded, leaping from his trainer's shoulder and running in a direction to which Ash followed closely behind.

The voice continued to shout, the insults coming clearer and clearer, and it seemed to be directed towards a Pokemon, given the context from all of the yelling.

Pikachu eventually halted, to which Ash stopped dead in his tracks as well to see a rather large, muscular man berating a small Pokemon currently in tears, sitting on the ground helplessly.

Ash couldn't believe what he was hearing! What was this guy even thinking? He thought Paul's treatment of Pokemon were bad, but seeing this was taking it to a whole new level.

"Hey! What do you think you're doing! Ash shouted, causing the man to freeze and turn back to face the boy.

This man was quite built, standing almost a foot above Ash, and had dark blonde hair and a black muscle shirt with a pair of camo pants. He was overall pretty intimidating and definitely capable of making any kid Ash's age run in fear. Ash, however wasn't going to back down.

"Mind your own business kid," The man snarled, before turning his back to the boy. He didn't think the kid would pursue him, but he was most definitely wrong. He looked over at his Pokemon on the ground, a Riolu, which had its eyes shut, afraid for what its trainer was going to do next.

"No!" Ash retaliated, not dropping the subject. "Leave your Riolu alone now!"

The man was growing irritated by the growing second. "Alright kid, you asked for it!" And he hurled a Pokeball right in front of Ash.

The red and white ball flew through the air and opened to reveal a bright white light, taking the shape of a figure.

"Machoke!" The fighting type yelled out.

"Pikachu, I'm counting on you!" Ash shouted. Pikachu, already in battle stance awaited its command, but the blonde haired man beat Ash to the first move.

"Machoke, Karate Chop!"

"Pikachu! Thunderbolt!"Ash countered. He was not going to lose this.

Pikachu, shortly after, jumped to avoid the Karate Chop to the ground and swiftly charged a powerful Thunderbolt attack and launched it straight at Machoke, who began to noticeably wince from the pain of the electric move.

"Machoke, hurry! Dynamic Punch!"

"Volt Tackle, now Pikachu!" Ash fiercely ordered.

The two Pokemon eventually collided. Machoke's fist came into contact with Pikachu, who was covered in a yellow sheet of electricity.

Both trainers waited, hearts beating, and Riolu watching, only a few feet away from the large man.

From the heavy collision, Pikachu was sent flying back, but landed safely on its four feet. This led the man to growl, and sooner or later, the cloud of smoke disappeared to reveal Machoke lying facedown in the dirt.

Ash let out a sigh of relief at this. In response, the man quickly returned his fainted Pokemon and ran off, not even looking back at the scene behind him.

"Hey! I'm not done with you!" Ash called after. It was no use however. The man didn't spare a second glance, and continued his way away from his Riolu and Ash.

Noticing the Riolu once again, sitting down, and fearing him and Pikachu, Ash got down on one knee to meet his eyes with the Pokemon.

"It's alright, buddy. You're safe with us now," Ash said caringly.

Riolu looked up at Ash, not sure whether he was trustworthy or not, but he did save his life after all. His former trainer was crazy. He had no way of knowing what kind of things could've happened to him. He was done with the abuse.

Riolu began to wince a bit from the pain he was feeling. Scratches and a few bruises were evident across his body, and he found it hard to stand up.

Ash knew he had to get help immediately. "Come on Pikachu, we're gonna get Riolu help."

"Pika Pi!" Pikachu nodded, jumping up on his usual spot, while Ash scooped up the injured Riolu in his arms and rushed his way to the nearest Pokemon center.

And that's all for Chapter 1!

I know this chapter seems slow and nothing too exciting happens here, but everything will really start rolling soon.

Feel free to leave a review and ask any questions if you have any.

Until next time!