Chapter 1: Inner Doubt
This is my first fanfic regarding Pearlshipping as well as for those who enjoy it.
Note: Game characters/counter parts will Not be included as they do not exist in the Pokémon Anime character realm. I will introduce the main protagonists character ages including the ones who are mentioned even though they may not make an appearance for some chapters. Other character ages will be introduced as the story moves forward. Also the beginning of the story explains what everyone is doing. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon. Pokémon is the property of Satoshi Tajiri, Nintendo, Game Freak and etc.
Ages:
Ash: 15
Dawn: 14
Brock: 20
May: 14
Max: 11
Gary: 15
Tracey: 19
Trials of Light and Darkness
Chapter 1: Inner Doubt
It has been a long time since Ash Ketchum travelled to a region or qualified in a regional league. The Pallet Town native lives with his mother and his mother was happy to have her son at home since he never stays in one place for too long after completing a journey. Since Ash is staying in Pallet Town, he passes time by visiting Professor's Oak's ranch mostly. He goes to the lab so he can train and play with his Pokémon which he spends most of time because he cares about them all or he goes to the lab and hang out with his ex-rival and now best friend Gary as well as Tracey at the lab. Sometimes the trio head to town when Gary and Tracey are on their day off to relax, they usually discuss their past journeys, achievements as they laugh off some of the funny or embarrassing memories. Local Pallet Town kids would pass bye and ask Ash for autograph due to his past reputation. Usually if the Professor is busy along with Tracey and Gary due to research and other Pokémon related work, Ash and his loyal companion and Pokémon, Pikachu would hike up the hills of Pallet to enjoy the peaceful scenery to either think about things or forget about troubles.
Since he hasn't travelled for a very long time, Ash exercises in his backyard which his regime consists of climbing trees, pull ups by using tree trunks and running or jogging around the town with Pikachu so he can stay shape, he exercises for 3 hours a day when not busy at the lab. His friends were busy with their careers meaning he doesn't get calls from them except for Brock when his not busy with his Pokémon Doctor Career and Max when he's bored or in need of advice since he began his journey a year ago.
Brock was going in his third year of Pokémon medical school, Misty still remained the Cerulean gym leader while her sisters were still the same bunch that would leave the gym to her hands and go on cruises and resorts. In Hoenn , May decided to take another chance at Pokémon Contests in her region and Max her little brother challenging the Hoenn League (Ever Grande Conference) for the second time since he finished in the top eight last time. In Sinnoh, Dawn was working with her mother's old time rival Lila at her boutique shop. For Ash he knew the last time he saw her when his journey in Sinnoh ended and that she would go on to work with Paris to do fashion and a little Pokémon modelling. For Ash, Dawn was on his mind most of the time when he is not training or at lab. She had that cheerful happy aura that surrounds her, something Misty or May never had. Her love of Pokémon and confidence in her self-reminds Ash of himself when he started his journey. During his journey with her he became more attracted to her day by day due to her physical and mental beauty. When his journey ended he felt sad and so did she because he felt a type of emotion towards that he could not explain or describe which he feels somewhat miserable about and haven't heard from her for quite some time. He wonders if she still thnks about him as much as he thinks about her.
Ash was sitting in the living room watching TV and his Pikachu was already in the kitchen eating dinner. His outfit consists of a white long sleeved t-shirt, blue pants, red and black shoes and his Sinnoh hat.
"Ash, dear it's time for dinner!" His mother called from the kitchen.
"Coming mom!" he replied as he made his way to the kitchen.
As he entered the kitchen, the table varied with a big plate of an oven cooked chicken, a big bowl of mashed potatoes, a bowl of carrots and corn mixed, two empty plates, knives and forks with two glasses of orange juice. Pikachu was eating his Pokémon food happily. Ash helped himself to a proper proportion of food and began to eat without his cheerful attitude or his fast paced eating habit. Across, his sat his mother eating while feeling concerned and worried for her son. He usually is happy and cheerful but ever since he stopped going on a new journey he became somewhat depressed and lost some of his cheerfulness. Not wanting it to be awkward, his mom decided to open up a conversation with her son.
"So honey, how was your day?" his mother asked.
He replied somewhat in a depressed slight tone "It was fine. Pikachu and I went to visit Professor Oak and see all my Pokémon, the usual stuff." As he spoke between bites.
Pikachu was also worried about his trainer as he was not his motivated and happy self that he used to be these days. Delia his mother was worried about him the most, due to her mother's intuition, she felt the problems were her that her son is afraid of not making it to his dream and a certain girl he travelled with in the Sinnoh region.
"Ash dear, you can tell me. Is something bothering you sweetheart?" she asked again.
He knew he was feeling a little bit depressed but chuckled slightly as he replied "No everything is ok." While rubbing the back of his head
"It's just that I'm worried about you. You seem to be sad and in thought of something." Replied his mother.
For him the first one is obvious that he's feeling somewhat depressed about not winning a regional league has somewhat affected his confidence. But about Dawn? Could his mother be right?
"No everything is ok." As he tried to mask his obviousness with a weak smile. He felt his depression was eating his confidence away about not winning a regional league and why he comes up short. The other is about Dawn. He wonders if she forgot about him or will he never see her again.
Some Pallet Town residents would ask him if he's going on another journey since he is used to not staying in one place for long. He would tell them that he's coming up with new strategies and resting. Mostly his mind is about Dawn and how will he confess his feelings that suddenly to reveal for the young blunette. He decided to further his conversation with his mother.
"Don't worry mom, everything is ok. Oh, I'm going with Tracey and Gary to town tomorrow. There's a ping pong place that's new and opened up and we're going there to have a match." He continued while smiling showing some of his childhood cheerful attitude.
The trio were like brothers, whether they go to the movies, restaurant or hanging out at Professor Oak's lab or ranch.
"Well after you do the grocery shopping." His mother corrected him. Since he is living back home with his mother, he also has to help her around the house now.
"Ahhh Man!" he dreaded. Pikachu laughing at his trainer along with his mother and Mr. Mime who giggled.
"Alright mom, I'll go buy the groceries." He replied in a happy manner and giving his mom a slight smile.
When they finished dinner, Mr. Mime began to clear the table and wash the dishes. Ash and Pikachu finished as they were about to go their room and retire for the night.
"Good Night!" He told his mother as he left the kitchen.
"You too dear, sweet dreams." His mother replied back, smiling as he and Pikachu exited the kitchen.
She took a moment to think about his accomplishments, friends he made and turning to a fine young man before her eyes. It almost brought tears of joy for her. She hoped that one day he finds a beautiful girl to settle down with. Ash's birthday was coming up, so she decided to call his friends to invite them and surprise her son at his birthday party.
Well this concludes Chapter 1. This is my first time writing a fanfiction story. Criticism is acceptable.
Perosnally, I felt this chapter was short but it was satisfying to me.
Next Chapter: Taking it Easy
I'll look forward for the reviews. Chapter 2 will come out soon.
See Ya!