I would like to begin by apologizing to the readers of mine who had started reading this story long back and were left behind by me unintentionally. I am really sorry for the wait. I had to take time because I got my first job and it is keeping me too busy these days. I work in the banking sector and it is seeing a massive change in my country right now. I have to work overtime most of the days and even some weekends. So I may not be able to take out too much time. I shall try to update as much as possible from now on. I have also upgraded the first chapter into a much longer one with many changes and now I hope I can keep updating it periodically.
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For the new readers, this story is a mix of animé and hack games like Pokémon Fire Red Omega, Glazed, Resolute and Gaia. Those games have some unusual starters and I am adapting it into this story with a small twist. This is a retelling of Ash's Pokémon journey if he was to receive a special starter. Not one of those 'popular' ones like Riolu, Ralts or Absol. It is something not seen in Fanfiction yet and something very unusal.
I also strongly hate how most stories show trainers getting their Pokémon and immediately going forward with their journey. I am trying to change that notion. It is all about befriending them, understanding the Pokémon and making a bond with them.
Also, I am challenging the limits on Pokémon learning various moves and having different abilities. The way we have base stats of Pokémon or how they learn moves is sometimes infuriating.
For eg., Lugia is a Flying Type. Its Pokedex entry states that it can create storms by moving its wings. But strangely, Lugia cannot learn Hurricane but apparently Mewtwo somehow can. Escavalier's Pokedex entry from Pokemon Black says that it flies around at high speeds but its base speed is absolute crap.
How would the things play out if Ash was actually a smarter trainer with a higher purpose? Will Ash reach his goal? Well, find out for yourself.
Kindly note that Ash won't be having any psychic abilities. He will have the potential to use Aura but won't be very active at it. Legendary Pokémon won't be shown to be captured in the story. They are legendaries for a reason.
I am sitting in my cabin watching the young trainers battle it out. Eric and Stuart. I have been watching them since the beginning of this year's tournament. They had displayed passion for battling that almost matched my own. Eric has a smile like I used to have while Stuart reminds me of the greatest rival I ever had. The current Sinnoh Champion, one of my closest friends, is just as stoic, unnervingly emotionless and seemingly cold towards everyone, although that is just a façade to hide his secrets from strangers. Not many people know him that well anyway.
A low rumble like metal grinding, from the corner of the cabin is enough for me to know that my partners have picked up my thoughts. My smile towards the hulking creature is one of the few things we need to communicate. Words are unnecessary after what all we have been through together. While others of my team could understand me pretty well, this one was a different case. He can pick up on any thoughts, emotions and expressions of mine and I can see through his body language like an open book. His ability to communicate mentally also helps quite a lot.
I can read every move the young trainers were making mostly due to my experience and I can see through the result of their strategies beforehand owing to my friend's supernaturally powerful mind calculating the probabilities for me. Little do the youngsters know that someone who had conquered their ultimate goal was watching them with so much interest. The fierce battle and the involvement of the two youngsters reminds me of my own journey that took me to where I am and what I have become now- The leader of Elite Four and Champion of Kanto. Some people even call me a Pokémon Master!
Whether I am worthy of such a title is something that I cannot comment on. But it is certain that I am easily the strongest trainer alive today. I am idolized and looked upon not just by the people of Kanto, but also other known regions, for I am one of the reasons why the world still exists.
How interesting it is to go long back in the past and remember the fond memories- memories of when I, Ash Ketchum, started off my journey at Pallet Town.
DECADES AGO
Ash stared through the glass that separated them from the multitude of Pokémon in the massive ranch. His eyes betrayed the excitement that coursed through his body. They had been waiting for this day since many months. Today, the kids were supposed to start journey with their chosen Pokémon at Professor Samuel Oak's Laboratory.
"Don't get your hopes too high Ashy boy," Gary Oak hissed from behind Ash, "I'm gonna get the best of that bunch. You shall stay as the loser you are."
Ash groaned at the odd nickname but chose to keep quiet while their companion, Serena, glared at Gary openly. They both hated Gary's attitude. He and Ash used to be friends till two years ago, when he suddenly started to become very annoying. The boy was especially bad towards Ash whom he always found ways to tease.
Ash looked at the three Pokeballs that held Pokémon to be given out by Professor Oak. He had been selected as one of the three special kids who would receive a special starter instead of choosing from the standard Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle. Passing that test was not easy but he, along with Serena and his rival Gary, had been selected.
Along with the mandatory test conducted to ensure that a person is ready to be a trainer, Prof. Oak held a competitive exam to sort three skilled trainers whom he would bestow rare Pokémon bred specifically for competitive battling. But it was rare that any candidate passed the exam. Oak remembered how Bruno was the last student to have cleared the extremely tough test before the three youngsters that stood before him.
The three trainers had started to interact with the Pokémon at the ranch quite some time ago and each one of them had decided on whom to pick as their starters. The information was shared only with Prof. Oak. Even the three trainers didn't know which Pokémon the others would pick.
Oak smiled as he inserted his hands into the pockets of his lab coat and started speaking, "As you three already know, you will receive the special Pokémon I have bred for this moment. You can be proud that you have cleared an exam which was cleared many years ago by candidates who now are Master trainers."
Gary smirked and glanced at Ash with a look of disdain.
Prof. Oak cleared his throat and looked at his grandson pointedly before resuming his speech, "I am giving each of you a Pokédex. It is a project of mine that took a lot of hard work and help from many people around the world. It is an encyclopaedia about all known Pokémon. It will help you identify Pokémon that you see, learn about their abilities and moves. It also acts as identification of the owner and also keeps track of your record along with any Pokémon you see or capture."
The man had procured small rectangular devices during his speech and handed over one to each of the teenagers. Ash noticed that all three were identical in shape, size and colour, probably to avoid a feeling of bias.
Oak's eyes turned stern, "Respect this gift because it is the result of efforts from great people across the world. Keep it safe and make good use of it. Am I clear?"
The new trainers nodded frantically. The normally carefree and friendly Professor could be outright scary if he wanted to be. Ash was reminded during such times that the man was not just an ordinary researcher but also a veteran trainer in the past. Ash had met only a few of Oak's Pokémon but he knew that they were still stupidly powerful, powerful enough to rival even League Champions. How Oak became so strong or what the man's past was, was a mystery though- even to his grandson.
"You can proceed to meet the Pokémon now." The old man smiled at his grandson who smirked back.
The brown haired teen who stood beside Ash sneered at him and walked up to the table that held the Pokeballs. He gazed at the stickers on the red and white spheres with a smirk. Ash and Serena could see the Fire, Ice and Electric symbols over the balls. They sighed in relif when Gary picked the ball with electric symbol. He didn't hesitate a moment and called out his starter- a Elekid.
The Pokémon stared at Gary and puffed its chest arrogantly as sparks flew from its body. At this, Gary gave a nod of approval and recalled the Electric type. Ash noted that Gary seemed to have gotten a Pokémon that had his same attitude. Prof. Oak signalled for Gary to move out immediately.
Ash rolled his eyes when Gary reached in front of him and glared at his face. The brown haired teen snorted, "As I had decided, I have my Elekid now. I shall wait outside to have our first battle. Get ready to have your ass kicked Ashy-boy."
With that, Gary left the room. Ash smiled lightly knowing that his old friend was prepared and it warned Ash that he should watch out for Gary. Prof. Oak's grandson and Ash had been fast friends in their childhood but as years went, Gary seemed to have grown a head and tried to put down Ash in every possible way. Ash had never paid it much attention as he knew it was a matter of time before their rivalry would end.
Ash turned to look at Serena picking up the Pokeball with the Ice symbol. He had known it for some time that the blonde wanted a part Psychic type Pokémon. She had a fascination for Psychic type Pokémon. Serena had received a Fennekin, an extremely rare Pokémon from the faraway Kalos region as a gift from a relative. Since that day, she had grown a liking for psychics. Fennekin eventually would evolve into a part Psychic type Pokémon.
Oak and Ash stared as Serena and her new Smoochum hugged each other happily while Smoochum also seemed to breath out haze and ice. Serena recalled her Pokémon before looking at Ash, "Ash, I know that you will win easily in a battle against me. But I shall wait to see what you do against Gary." She smiled kindly at her friend and moved out. She had always known that Ash was special. She saw him not just as a friend, but as someone who would go down in history as a legend. She was that confident of Ash's skills.
Ash ran his fingers through his uneven, jet black hairs and smiled as he walked up to the last Pokeball that was on the table. He gazed at the Fire symbol and could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins. With a deep breath, Ash picked the sphere and released its contents.
As the bright light from the release faded, Ash saw his starter. Flames ran over the small Pokémon's body. Its claws were sharpened wickedly and its bill like face had a grotesque sneer as he regarded Ash. On seeing Ash, the Pokémon dipped his head slightly. Ash smiled at the gesture. It was something Magby did every time. He knew that Magmar and Magmortar were difficult to control. Both of those Pokémon were known for having terrible temper. Magby respecting Ash already would mean that it would be easier to control him after evolution as well.
Ash opened the Pokédex he had received from Prof. Oak earlier. It was a handheld device that served as an encyclopedia, trainer card and identification for trainers. He pointed the red device towards Magby and pressed a button which started scanning the Pokémon. After a few seconds, it started speaking in a fluid male voice.
Magby. The Live Coal Pokémon and the pre-evolution of Magmar. Breathing fire, this Pokémon loves to live in volcanoes. Magby's flames and its lava-like blood can be observed to determine its health.
Gender:- Male
Ability:- Flame Body
Moves:- Smog, Smokescreen, Ember, Feint Attack, Flare Blitz, Mach Punch.
Note:- Flare Blitz and Mach Punch are inherited from a parent. Magby is young and it is advised to avoid using Flare Blitz before evolution.
Ash whistled lightly on hearing the moves, "Mach Punch and Flare Blitz?! I didn't know that you were so strong. Well I guess it was my mistake never asking you to show me your moves. Even then you probably would not have been able to do Flare Blitz. Well are you ready to show the world what we planned for?"
Magby gave a vigorous nod at the question and his eyes showed glee as he heard about battling. The Fire type scraped his claws which caused sparks to fly lightly making Ash chuckle. He could only imagine what Gary was about to go through.
Ash and Gary stood at the trainer boxes drawn near the battlefield. They were at a battlefield used by Prof. Oak for battles. Gary and Ash stared at each other as Oak explained the rules of the battle. Just as the cue to begin was given, Gary smirked, "Alright. Everyone can see how the great Gary Oak beats Ashy-boy into oblivion."
Ash looked at the small crowd that had assembled to watch Pallet Town's most talented kids leave for a journey. He grinned as Gary ordered a Quick Attack. Magby could never hope to match Elekid's speed but he could always improvise, "Mach Punch. Meet it head on"
Elekid raced towards Magby intending to dislodge the opponent only for the Fire type to swing a glowing fist that matched Elekid's attack. The trainers waited to see the result which was a stalemate. Seeing that it was no use, Ash yelled, "Smog."
Gary was alarmed by the use of Mach Punch. He could now see that Magby was not a pushover. Ash had now ordered for Smog which would most certainly poison and cause breathing problems to Elekid. He had a counter ready though, "Thunder Shock. Then use Ice Punch."
Magby spat a smoky wave of venom that gave off a horrendous smell making everyone grimace. The purple smoke moved towards Elekid and met with a bolt of electricity. The sparks, reacting with the poison, exploded violently hurting both the combatants.
"Elekid, get away. Try to gain distance and use Ice Punch again." Gary yelled desperately making Ash smirk. The current situation was something his Pokémon would work best in. The flames would give him a camouflage and he would be able to react better due to the heat improving his reflexes.
"Feint Attack. Then use Ember. If he gets close, use Mach Punch" Ash whispered, loud enough for only Magby to hear. The Fire type gave a savage look and disappeared into the flames and smoke resulting from the explosion. Elekid looked straight to spot its opponent but suddenly cried as a sharp pain erupted on his back. Just as the Electric type turned, a barrage of flames hit its face making it stumble back.
Gritting its teeth, Elekid tried to clip Magby with a fist covered in Ice. Magby flared up making the attack useless against his body and then swung his fist to the opponent's face. Elekid flew back and fell face first on the ground. Its body was burned from the explosion and the Ember used by Magby. The vicious Mach Punch had caused Elekid even more pain.
Before Ash or Magby could act, Gary yelled, "I forfeit"
Ash's eyes widened at this but then he winced on seeing Elekid's condition. While it was still conscious, it could certainly not battle. It could not match Magby's power. In this weakened state, it won't be as fast as it was at first, so taking advanctage of speed was out of the question. The burns would simply irritate and finally cause Elekid to lose.
Ash respected Gary's decision to forfeit and gave a nod to his rival who sighed. The young Oak glared at Ash, "You just got lucky Ashy-boy. This is just the first battle. Next time it will be different. Now I need to move. Gramps, Ash, smell ya later."
With those final words, Gary pushed through the crowd and walked towards his house which was just a few blocks away. Ash smiled and congratulated Magby on his first victory making the Fire type puff his chest in pride and spit a small flame into the air.
Serena walked towards Ash and Magby before smiling at her friend, "That was quite the use of Magby's ability to cloak himself in fire. And Magby is quite strong too. Elekid was no match. You showed Gary that he should seriously stop underestimating you."
Ash and Magby both rubbed behind their head, embarrassed by the praise. Ash chuckled, "Well that's settled after all. Now what is your plan?"
"Well I plan to go through the Gyms like you do. But first I would like to visit Saffron City Gym. I want to learn more about Psychic type Pokémon. Maybe I can get help from the Gym." Serena explained as her eyes gained a dreamy look.
Ash chuckled, "Well I am going home now. Need to move out early on. Let us hope to see each other soon"
"Your fascination for Fire types didn't go away huh Ashy?" Delia Ketchum smiled at her son as she gazed at the small Fire type who seemed to be judging her. Delia giggled at Magby's curious looks and before Ash could issue a warning, gave a light pat on the baby Pokémon's head.
Ash looked alarmed at this but then realized that his mother had not hurt herself. How, he was not sure. Magby was living Fire after all. Seeing his curious looks, Delia smiled, "Don't you underestimate me Ash. I used to study under Prof. Oak for some time. Magby don't have their bodies developed fully at young age and their head does not have the heat of their bodies. But we need to be gentle as Magby's head is sensitive just like a human baby's."
Ash smiled at his mother, amazed at how well she knew about Pokémon and started rubbing Magby's head. This earned a grunt of contentment from the small Pokémon.
What Delia said was true. She used to serve as an apprentice at Prof. Oak's lab before having Ash. She later stopped her studies and started running the family restaurant at Pallet Town. Her cookies were majorly bought by Viridian City center. Their canteen needed large amounts of cookies. Delia's other major customer was Prof. Oak himself. Being not so good at cooking, the researcher and all his employees relied on Delia's restaurant.
"So all set to leave?" Delia smiled as a few tears formed in her eyes. Ash wiped away her tears and smiled back at her.
"Yeah. And don't worry about me. I shall call you whenever I reach a town or a city. I shall return soon." Ash assured his mother.
Delia looked at Magby, "Take care of my little Ashy ok Magby?" The Fire type snickered at his trainer and gave a resolute nod to Delia.
As Ash picked up his backpack and moved out, Delia giggled and called out, "Don't forget to change your..." Before she could finish, Ash had walked out with Magby.
Ash walked through the woods looking around the trees that inhabited the area. He had been battling wild Pokémon for some time and Magby had proved himself to be very adept at battling. His battle style was controlled and he didn't snap like Ash had heard about the species to do. Ash wondered whether it was a hereditary trait. He had learnt from the Pokédex that one of Magby's parent may have been an Infernape.
Fighting type Pokémon like Infernape had strict control over their powers and generally tended to be calm. They also displayed respect and highly chivalrous behaviour towards their trainers. Probably those traits had been passed onto Magby. Ash now understood why Magby tended to be so respectful towards him. Magby might have also learned about such behaviour from his parent while they were together.
This particular area between Pallet Town and Viridian City was abode to many small Pokémon ideal for starting trainers. Rattata, Pidgey, Caterpie and Weedle were some of the common Pokémon but Ash was looking for something else. He knew of a few other species that lived in the area and he was looking for a particularly dangerous foe. He would be content on getting at least a Hoothoot or Natu if not the rare Pichu or Ralts that were seen occasionally in the area. He had a liking for Pokémon who could abuse their natural abilities that came with their types.
Soon, he came face to face with one of the kind of Pokémon he was looking for. It was a bird whose body was pitch black. Its beak and sharp talons were yellow in color. While the average species stood at a little above a feet, this particular specimen was more than double the size. It would probably be the rarest of its species aside from the odd alternately colored ones.
Ash noted that it was already at the size its evolution, a Honchkrow, would be. It must have been the result of a cross breed of a Murkrow or a Honchkrow with a very strong Pidgeot. There was no other way such a huge Murkrow would be present at such a place.
Murkrow were dangerous enemies for the people who didn't understand how to handle them. Being Dark types and generally being nocturnal made them have a vicious temperament. Murkrow had the abilities to create different types of camouflage and hide in shadows and darkness. It was also rumoured that well trained Murkrow could travel using shadows. They needed to be shown strength and cunning which they respected. In the wild, Murkrow would only follow the strongest and most wily Honchkrow. The same would be in the case of a trainer.
As Ash stared at the large bird, it screeched its challenge and flew down to face Ash and Magby. The Fire type, with the same enthusiasm that he had shown to battle Elekid, gave a light roar of his own and flared up, ready to win.
Ash was tending to the injuries sustained by Magby as he sat at the entrance of a cave he had discovered. Magby and its evolutionary line could heal themselves by immersing in lava. It could have been done easily had this been the case of a Magmar or Magmortar. Magby didn't have the power to create a lava pit just yet.
The Murkrow, true to its size and its species' ferocity, had been ruthless in the battle. While it was defeated at the end, Magby was not unscathed either. He had many scars running across his body and Ash was spraying Potions on the wounds. The battle had shown more about Magby to Ash. The Fire type had been extremely patient and calm in dealing with Murkrow who battled savagely. Magby made sure to not hurt Murkrow too much.
Murkrow had accepted that it had been captured and that it would work with Ash only when the youngster mentioned getting strong. Ash instantly knew what Murkrow wanted out of their relation. He finished administering the medicines and scanned Murkrow with his Pokédex.
Murkrow. The Darkness Pokémon. It flies silently at night and uses the darkness as a camouflage. It is a great prankster and also a vicious battler. It will stand up against even the most ferocious foes.
Gender:- Male
Ability:- Insomnia
Moves:- Peck, Astonish, Haze, Wing Attack, Brave Bird, Roost.
Note:- Brave Bird and Roost are inherited from parents.
Ash smirked at the information. Murkrow had shown every trait that the Pokédex described it would. It seemed he had captured another great Pokémon, albeit a bit ruthless.
Just as Ash started talking again, a deafening roar was heard and the earth exploded revealing a massive serpentine Pokémon made of rocks. It roared and lunged at Ash.
IN AN ANCIENT LAND FAR FROM KANTO
"It is your duty as the keeper of Order to find the cause for the upcoming disaster and prevent it. I can merely provide you the direction," a small pink feline squeaked at her tiny companion. The space around her rippled with energy at her telepathy. The said companion was no more than a few inches long yet didn't seem intimidated by the casual and unintentional display of power. It held a strange presence that outmatched the feline manifold.
The small worm-like green creature gurgled before its deep voice echoed out, "I shall find the Guardian and send him towards his destiny." The Earth rumbled as its master spoke. He had no reason to hide his power right now.
"How do you plan to help him? You cannot be seen for it would become a matter of danger for the Guardian," the little feline squeaked again.
"I cannot. I intend to have someone else help me. They'll know exactly what to do. The world needs all the advantage the Guardian can get if what you saw in your vision is about to happen." There was a harsh glow from the green body causing many similar creatures to appear from various sides. With a ringing sound, the creatures started converging. The bodies combined to form a massive serpentine beast. The now huge creature growled causing a ripple in the earth around it. With a nod towards its feline companion the Dragon looked at the sky before dashing off at blinding speed.
The Onix roared and flailed around making Ash and his team rush away from it. The trainer could feel something off about the Onix. It was either angry or in pain due to some reason. Before he could do anything else, the Onix smashed its tail into the ground and caused a couple of rocks to fly at Ash. Ash tried to evade but knew that he would be hit by at least one of the rocks. Instinctively, Ash raised his hands in front of himself and closed his eyes bracing for the pain which he knew would come.
Instead of his own cry, Ash was met with a roar from Onix which was clearly due to pain this time. Ash opened his eyes slowly and stumbled back in surprise. A shimmering blue barrier of energy was raised in front of his body and it seemed to be coming from his hands. Rocks hurled by the Onix lay before him harmlessly. The surprise made Ash lose focus and the shield vanished. As Ash looked at his hands in awe, he heard another cry from the Onix. His attention snapped towards the Rock type.
Ash could see Magby and Murkrow attacking the Onix together. Magby must have hurt Onix with a Mach Punch. That must be why it cried in pain. Ash mused. Now that he could see the massive Pokémon properly, Ash started analysing it. The dual type Pokémon looked around thirty feet long and its body was a pale gray colour. Clearly a young one as thirty feet was standard for most wild Onix that were not too old. The colour of their stones indicated their age. It ranged from pale gray to black depending upon the age and strength of the Onix.
As the serpentine beast lunged at Magby for executing a Tackle attack, the Fire type reared back and spat a ball of flames into its face. Onix roared in pain and the next instant, Murkrow with a purple glow, slammed into the Pokémon. The Rock type groaned and fell over in exhaustion. Ash had primed a Pokeball by this time and threw it at the beast. The device struck its target and opened pulling in the Onix immediately. While the Pokeball clicked confirming the capture, Ash noticed another small creature near it.
As it saw Ash, the Sandslash yelped in fear and dug into the ground, disappearing quickly. The Onix being in pain and anger made sense now. The Sandslash must have been stuck between the rocks on Onix's body causing the Rock type pain. Confusion and pain must have been why it was rampaging and in the process it attacked Ash. Magby and Murkrow huddled around Ash checking whether he was all right which made the trainer smile. Whilehe understood Magby being concerned, he was happy to see that Murkrow cared too. It would seem that the dark type had accepted Ash as his trainer.
Sounds of someone clapping rang from behind Ash causing him and his Pokémon to turn around. Ash had not expected to see someone in the cave, much less someone so important.
The man inside the cave stood six feet tall and had a muscular body. The highlights of the man's appearance were his red hairs and a strange cape he wore. Leader of the Elite Four and Champion of Indigo, Dragon Master Lance smiled at the young boy with a strange reverence in his eyes, "Good job. I've been looking for you, Guardian!"
What do you think about this chapter? Please read and review. Your comments make me do better.