Ashton Hale: Pokemon Master
When a family vacation to Greenfield leads to a reconnection between Delia Ketchum and Spencer Hale, seven-year-old Ash Ketchum isn't sure how to react. He's surprised to find himself happy when he gets a new stepfather and younger stepsister out of the deal. Growing up under the tutelage of one of the greatest scientists in Johto, Ash is finally prepared to undertake his Pokémon Journey. Now Ashton Hale, and his starter, Cyndaquil, are out to conquer the Indigo League! Majorly Divergent from Canon. Slash.
xxxxx
Note: This story operates under the pre-dubbed version of Movie: Spell of the Unknown: Entei, where Molly's mom left the family, and did not just get lost while researching ancient Pokémon. So, in this story, Spencer Hale is officially divorced from his first wife.
"Molly," Ash whispered, gently shaking the younger girl's shoulder, "Molly, wake up."
"Ah- Ash," a tired, childish voice asked, as blue eyes fluttered open, "Big brother, what are you doing here? It's still the middle of the-"- yawn- "-night."
Her older brother was sitting at the foot of her bed, hovering over her face. He didn't look very similar to her, with his messy black hair, tan skin, and amber eyes compared to her own ash blonde hair, pale skin, and blue eyes, but that could be explained by the fact that they weren't related by blood. Ash and his mother, Delia, used to live in Pallet Town, in the region of Kanto. Delia was a restaurant owner and a single mom, who had brought her son to Greenfield for a family vacation.
When they were in Greenfield, they had stumbled across Molly's father, Spencer Hale. Spencer was one of the most famous scientists in Johto, and famous internationally for his studies of ancient and rare Pokémon. He was also an old friend of Delia's, from when they had both studied under Professor Oak, and immediately invited his old friend to stay in the Hale Mansion for the duration of their visit. Like Delia, Spencer was a single parent, ever since his wife left him for being too focused on his research.
Ash and Delia were only supposed to stay in Johto for one week, but somehow that one week turned to two, and then three, and then a month. Spencer enjoyed spending time with Delia, and slowly the romantic feelings he had used to have for her, resurfaced. Having lost her once before to Jonathan Ketchum, Spencer didn't let his hesitation prevent him from confessing to her. He was shocked, and thrilled, to find that she reciprocated those feelings, and they slowly started to date.
While their parents awkwardly danced around their feelings, Ash and Molly quickly built up a strong friendship. Neither had any other good friends, as Molly was homeschooled by private tutors, while Ash found it difficult to relate to kids his own age ever since his friendship with Gary ended. They found a common ground in their shared love of Pokémon, and despite the two-year age gap, were able to play together easily. Molly was mature for her age, and Ash a little silly for his, so they had no trouble bonding.
When the Ketchums had been at Greenfield for almost eight months, Spencer asked Ash to go for a walk with him. Sitting by the forest next to Hale Mansion, Spencer began a man-to-man talk with the young boy. He told Ash about his love for Delia, his intentions to ask her to marry him, and how, if she said yes, they would become a family and live together in Greenfield. Then he asked Ash if the boy would be willing to accept Spencer and Molly into his family.
Ash was, understandably, a little blindsided by the request, but he was also rather enthusiastic. He had seen his mother laugh more in this trip, than ever before, and wanted her to be happy. Ash had also never had a father-figure before, and couldn't even remember his own father, since Jonathon had died when he was only a baby, but he did respect Spencer. And he liked the idea of having Molly as a younger sister, so he was quick to accept.
Molly was even happier with the idea, since she already looked up to Delia as a mother-figure, and adored having a playmate relatively close to her own age. The most important response was, of course, from Delia, who had tearfully accepted the proposal. They held the wedding two months later, with enough time for friends, which was mostly composed of Spencer's scientific colleagues, to arrive to Greenfield. Ash and Molly stayed with Professor Oak during the week-long honeymoon, since playing with the Pokémon in the Oak Corral was much more fun than some boring luxury cruise.
When the new couple came back, the small family fell into a routine at the Hale Mansion. Delia was a bit unaccustomed to the free time she had now, since the servants mostly took care of housekeeping and cooking chores, but found that she enjoyed working part-time in the Hale Laboratory to help fill the day. Spencer was still incredibly busy with research, which disappointed Molly somewhat, until Delia recommended that they spend time there as lab assistants.
Ash and Molly weren't exactly thrilled with the idea of spending their free time studying Pokemon (especially since Ash discovered that his new tutors were far more demanding than his teachers at Pallet), but they did want to spend time with their father. It was a surprise to both, but mostly Ash, to find that they actually did enjoy the work. They got to interact with interesting Pokemon, all while receiving lessons that would be beneficial for a trainer's journey. And every time they learned something new, they discovered a dozen more questions that they wanted to answer.
Ash learned about the Pokemon types, Kanto and Johto species, healing berries, Pokemon care and breeding, and training styles. He paid special care to battle techniques, since his goal was to win the Indigo Plateau Conference and become the champion of the Kanto/Johto regions. Molly took more of an interest in Pokemon contests, but she still didn't have a specific goal that she wanted to reach. Spencer, meanwhile, was happy to spend time with his family.
In the three years since Ash gained his new family, he's undergone a few changes. For one, he's a lot more mature now than he was before, since, as an older brother, he's the one who has to look out for Molly. He also has greater knowledge of and experience with Pokemon, from all of the work he did in his Dad's laboratory, and better dining manners overall (Spencer Hale had to entertain guests in relation to his work). Pouring his excessive energy into studying Pokemon made him a more tranquil person, though he's still an excitable twelve-year-old boy, and having such a famous father introduced him to some important people in the last few years. He's more prepared than ever to begin his Pokémon journey.
Now, though, the dark-haired boy is rolling his eyes. "Molly, it's already seven o'clock in the morning."
"Ash," his sister deadpanned, giving him a blank glare, "It's seven in the morning."
"And Dad's lab opens in an hour," Ash whispered back, moving back to sit cross-legged on the bed, "I can finally get my Starter Pokémon!"
"Can't you wait until a more decent time to get your Pokémon?" Molly pleaded.
"But what if all of the starters are taken," Ash protested, "Then I won't get one at all!"
Now, it was Molly's turn to roll her eyes. "Don't be ridiculous, Ash. Dad makes trainers pre-register for their Pokémon, so there's never a shortage of starters. A scenario like that never happens. Besides, Dad knows how excited you are to get your first Pokémon. He'll save one for you."
Ash huffed. "But I might not get the starter I want! What if someone takes Aiden before I get to him?"
"I think Dad decided to reserve Aiden for you," Molly replied, but still reluctantly dragged herself out of bed. "Have you finished packing for your journey?"
"I finished it last night," Ash grinned, "Now I just need my first Starter, and I'll officially be a Pokémon trainer!"
"I wish I could go on my journey too," Molly sighed, "It's so unfair that you get to travel the world, meet interesting people, and catch amazing Pokémon, while I'm stuck at home doing my homework."
"Hey, you only have two years left until you get your own starter," Ash encouraged, "And you know I'll catch a bunch of Pokémon, and send them back to the lab for you to play with."
Molly brightened up. "I hope you catch some cute ones then," she enthused, "Like an Ursurig, or a Beedrill, or a Gyarados!"
Ash sweatdropped. "I was thinking more along the lines of a Jigglypuff," he admitted, "But I'll see what I can do."
"Well I'm not going to get any Pokémon if you keep wasting time here," Molly declared. She didn't bother to change out of her pajamas, and just tossed on a green cable-knit sweater and wool scarf to keep warm. Then she hurriedly ran a brush through her ash blonde hair, tied it up into two springy ponytails, and plopped a fluffy hat on top.
"Hurry up, big brother!" Molly shouted, rushing out the door. The two Hale children ran through the wood-paneled hallways, laughing as each tried to win their impromptu race. Molly reached the staircase first, but in an act of recklessness that would have surely earned a grounding had either parent been present, Ash slid down the bannister and bypassed her. The black-haired boy stumbled on the landing, but was still able to lead the charge. They were right in front of the kitchen, when Delia Hale stepped out.
"Ash, Molly, what are you two doing?" The exasperated smile on Delia's face showed that she wasn't truly angry with their regular antics, but the two children in question still shuffled their feet nervously.
"We were excited about getting my first Pokémon," Ash offered meekly, "Sorry Mom."
Molly nodded from beside him. "We won't do it again."
"And when have I heard that before?" Delia asked, wryly, shaking her head, "It doesn't matter. Come inside, and get something to eat first. You can't go on your journey on an empty stomach."
"Hey, waffles!" Ash was quick to load up a plate, while Molly followed behind at a more sedate pace.
"Where's Dad?" the young girl asked, sitting down on the table. Delia passed her a cup of Moo-Moo milk, and then made a cup of tea for herself.
"The silly man decided to skip his breakfast, to spend as much time staring at those dusty rocks in his lab as possible," Delia said, a fond smile flitting across her face. "Would you mind taking him some toast and coffee when you go?"
"No problem," Ash answered, "Mom, did you put my backpack in the foyer?"
"It should be there," Delia confirmed. "I can't believe that my little boy is going to start his Pokémon journey today. It seems like it was just yesterday when you ran out of the house during bath time without a stitch of clothing on…"
"Mom!" Ash looked mortified. Across from him, Molly took no measures to hide her laughter.
"Sorry, sweetie," Delia replied, not sounding the least bit repentant, "Now, have you packed enough clean underwear? You'll remember to change every day, won't you?"
"Yes, Mom," the dark-haired boy's face was bright red. He was merely grateful that his mother hadn't chosen to do this in public.
"You'll call home every time you reach a Poke Center?" Delia pressed, "And if you're ever in need of help, you know that you can go to Officers Jenny or the nearest Gym leaders for help?"
"Don't worry, Mom. I'll be able to handle anything," Ash reassured, "I've been preparing for this journey for years after all."
"I know, but it's a mother's job to worry," Delia said, getting up, and drawing her son into a hug, "I have every confidence that you're going to become a great trainer, Ash. One of the very best."
"And when you reach the Indigo Conference, I'll be able to take a week off from classes to see you battle," Molly added.
"Glad to see that you have your eye on the prize, Molly," Ash said, dryly.
The ten-year-old waved it off. "It's because I have so much faith in you," she insisted.
"Yeah, sure it is," her brother rejoined. The two Hales kept up their lighthearted bickering, as Ash grabbed his backpack and walked down the winding stone-lined path to his father's lab. It was still early enough in the morning for the sky to be painted a pale lavender color, with the sun peeking through the branches of the tall trees in the Greenfield forest. An occasional wild Pidgey or Hoothoot could be spotted at the edge of his vision, filling Ash with a sense of budding excitement. He was just moments away from starting the greatest adventure in his young life.
When the Hale Lab, a large structure of white walls and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, appeared, it was all Ash could do not to break into a run. Instead his stride increased considerably, as he walked up to the blue-painted door. It opened up before he even began knocking.
"Schuyler owes me fifty bucks," were the first words to greet him, by one of his Dad's lab assistants. Anna, a fifteen-year-old researcher with mid-length reddish brown hair and sharp grey eyes, smirked, as she stood in front of the entrance. "Here to pick up Aiden then, kid?"
"Yes!" Ash all-but-shouted, "Wait… why does Schuyler owe you money?"
"We had a bet on which brat would get here first," Anna replied, stepping aside and letting them in. She jerked her thumb behind her. "Your Dad's in the Chibi Room. 'Lo Molly. While this knucklehead goes and picks up his Pokémon, would you like to visit the Nest with me? We have some Nidoran eggs that are about to hatch any day now."
"Cool!" Molly's eyes lit up, "Come see me before you leave, Ash."
Her brother made a brief assenting noise before heading into the room lab room dedicated for juvenile Pokémon that were going to be given to trainers. Inside, his father was standing in front of three Pokeballs, looking over some papers in his hands. Spencer Hale was a tall man, with a strong visage, lightly tanned skin, and long, chestnut brown hair. His default facial expression was stern, although he was a lot less strict than Delia. When he caught sight of Ash, his face lightened, and he smiled.
"I brought breakfast," Ash announced, putting a plate and mug down on the table.
"Thanks," Spencer said gratefully, picking up the mug and taking a long drink, "I made a breakthrough with the Unown last week, and haven't been able to think about anything else since. Luckily, Anna had the foresight to fill out the registration papers. As the first to arrive- half an hour early, I might add- you get to pick. Which one will it be?"
Ash didn't even have to consider his choice, as he bypassed the Pokeballs with the leaf and water droplet insignias, and picked up the one on the far right. He pressed the button on the red and white Pokeball with the fire insignia, and with a flash of light, his Starter appeared.
It was a navy blue weasel-like Pokémon, with a creamy underbelly, long snout, and squinted eyes. Ash waited patiently as a red and yellow flame abruptly burst on its back. "Cynda-quil!" the baby Pokémon shouted cutely.
"Aiden!" Ash got down on his knees, and offered his hand to the small creature. The Cyndaquil didn't hesitate to nuzzle the proffered hand, as his fires died down. "I'm going to go on my Pokémon journey today. Would you like to come with me, as my very first Pokémon?"
"Cynda!" Aiden said affirmatively, squealing in glee as Ash suddenly grabbed him and spun him around.
"I have my first Pokémon!" Ash cheered, dancing around, "Now I'm an official Pokémon trainer."
"You made a fine choice, son," Spencer approved, "Though I suggest you stop spinning before Aiden reconsiders his decision."
As Ash sheepishly apologized to his Cyndaquil, Spencer reached into a desk and drew out several things. "This is for you, Ash, as you go out on your Pokémon journey. Here are five Pokeballs, for the maximum training team of six, and a badge case. Remember, due to the Kanto and Johto League merger, the badges that you win from either region are acceptable in the Indigo or Silver Conference. Since the Silver Conference won't be held until the following year, I suggest that you try for the Indigo championships."
"Thanks, Dad," Ash accepted the Pokeballs and clipped them to his belt, "What's this?"
"That's Professor Oak's most recently designed Pokedex," Spencer answered, "I've upgraded the software to include an international index, and integrated a Pokémon transfer system. Consider it to be your early birthday gift."
Ash's eyes widened. "This will be incredibly useful," Ash marveled, "Thank you so much, Dad!"
"Your mother and I wanted to give you something with a lot of utility for your journey," Spencer replied, "Why don't you try the Pokedex out?"
"Okay," Ash said. He pointed the Pokedex towards Aiden, and it made a short, beeping noise. A robotic voice then came out.
"Cyndaquil, the Fire Mouse Pokémon. It is timid, and always curls itself up in a ball. If attacked, it flares up its back for protection. This Cyndaquil is Level 5, and Male. This Cyndaquil can use Tackle, Scratch, Ember, Leer, and Quick Attack. Its egg move is Flash Fire, but it's currently unlocked."
"Well, that's efficient," Ash commented, picking his new starter up again, "You have a great move set for a beginner, Aiden. With some training, I'm sure we'll make it even stronger."
"And Flash Fire is an excellent egg move," Spencer added, "Where will you two be heading first, Ash?"
"I've thought about it, and I think Violet City will be best, even if other gyms are closer," Ash answered, seriously, "I want to follow the traditional trainer route, and the Zephyr Badge is the first elite badge on the route. Besides, travelling to Violet City, will give me some time to develop strategies against flying types."
"I thought you might say that," the older Hale headed across the room, and picked up a wrapped package, "Since you intend to go there anyway, would you mind running a little errand for me? A gym leader from Sinnoh will be in Violet City in two weeks for League business, and I need to get these records to him."
"No problem," Ash accepted the package, and placed it inside of his backpack, "Who should I look out for?"
Since Ash was fiddling with the package, he didn't see his father try to suppress a smile.
"Oh, you've met him before," Spencer said, casually, "It's Volkner."
Ash's face jerked up so quickly, that he could feel the whiplash motion. He could almost see the heat suffusing his face. Ash had met Volkner less than a year ago, while attending one of his father's conferences, and the Sunyshore gym leader had been present. At that moment, he was just entering puberty, and in a constant state of confusion over whether or not he liked boys.
Then he met Volkner, and suddenly, he wasn't wondering anymore. His face had been in a perpetual shade of tomato around the gym leader ever since.
"R-right," Ash spluttered, looking anywhere other than his father's amused face, "I'll do th-that, then. Anything else, Dad?"
"No, that should be it," Spencer replied cheerfully, "Don't forget to say goodbye to your sister before you leave. Make me proud, Ash."
"Will do," the boy said confidently, "I'm off to become a Pokémon Master!"
xxxxx
xxxxx
And the first chapter of my most recent story is finished! Ash's journey here will be very different from that of canon, but I still intend for him to catch the full Johto Starter set at some point in his journey. And every Pokemon that he does catch will reach their full evolution, though some faster than others. Now, I would like to pose a question to my readers: Should Ash have an Unown? It won't be a battling Pokemon, but the Unown may help him stumble across unusual discoveries. I'll leave the decisions to the reviewer, and also the choice of what his first captured Pokemon will be. Please pick a Pokemon from the Johto region and make it a reasonable one. Ash may be a talented trainer, especially since he's more knowledgeable than canon, but I can't write a realistic capture of a Nidoking, Steelix, Gyarados, etc.