Ok, so this is my first fanfic. Thanks for reading. I'll try to upload as often as possible and I do finish my stories.

So yes, there is a lot of canon and non-canon in this and sorry if you don't like the way a character is portrayed. Don't be afraid to leave a review and some constructive criticism and I'll try to work on it. If you have any ideas from shipping, characterization, pokemon... don't be afraid to say so and I'll see what I can add in.

So if it wasn't already obvious

I (sadly) DO NOT OWN POKEMON

Sorry for taking a while on this one. Had a few more tests and assignments. Ugh. I know.

Thank you everyone for your awesome suggestions. Even if I have not replied to messages I have read them and hopefully things will come up in later chapters. If not then it probably conflicted with other ideas and I'll maybe use it for future stories but so far I am loving it. LOTS of pokemon suggestions have been put in so that will happen soon. Pretty much going to add all of those.

Sabrina or small harem? This has come up and I still have no idea, could go either way so if you feel strongly one way or the other let me know.

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

"Pokemon speech/Aura/Psychic"

'Pokemon thoughts'

Flashback

[Pokedex]

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

CHAPTER 6

Once they arrived at Cerulean City they headed straight to the pokemon centre, only seconds after they entered the doors it appeared that Brock had teleported to Nurse Joy, taking her hand in his. "Oh Nurse Joy, it must be destiny that…AAAHHHHH" his comment ended as Misty produced a mallet from thin air and proceeded to hit Brock over the head before dragging him outside by the ear. Ash stood dumbstruck, staring at the scene. Following his friends back outside, Ash had decided to discuss with his companions a plan he had made with his pokemon during their previous night's training session. Ash had insisted that he train in the surrounding forest for a while for his upcoming gym battle. This of course, did not sit well with his travelling companions. Misty in particular.

"What do you mean you want to train in private!?" Misty screeched at him as he stood, bags in hand, at the door to the centre. "Do we mean nothing to you?" this was followed by an awkward silence as Ash pondered how best to respond. 'Man, I didn't think it would be this important to her. It's just training. I train better alone, that way nobody can panic and tell me to stop when I spar with my pokemon.' Turning to the pokemon on his shoulder they shared a look, both tired of being yelled at yet fearful of her hidden mallet should she be angered.

"It's not a big deal. I just like to train alone." Ash spoke in a darkened monotone as he adjusted his hood over his head, covering his face in shadows. Misty's anger began to boil over when Brock put a hand to her shoulder and shook his head, giving Ash the signal to leave and train.

Once Ash had left, Misty turned on Brock, readying her mallet as she spoke. "Why did you let him go!? It's like he doesn't care at all! If I can't have him then why am I here!?" she yelled at Brock who sweatdropped and took a step back, his hands raised in defeat. "Look Misty. I think there may be a reason he acts like this. I don't think he means to hurt you, just he doesn't know any better." Brock explained as Misty continued to look at him in anger and confusion. When she didn't respond, he continued. "Look at how he interacts with his pokemon. He's so open and happy. But every time either of us goes to talk to him, there's a second where he flinches and steps back. He changes. Not to mention what happens when he meets strangers. Either he scares the crap out of them or he tries to disappear and remain unseen."

"So what!" Misty interjected, causing Brock to sigh and lower his hands.

"So, I think that he just needs time. We need to show him that we will always be there for him and hope that when he's ready, he'll tell us what's up."

"And if he never does?" Misty asked, slowly beginning to see where Brock was coming from and finding several clear examples of his strange behaviour. "I mean, we've been travelling with him for a while now and we only know what three of his pokemon are."

Brock thought for a moment, deciding the best action to take. Maybe if he could see Ash's pokemon he'd understand him better. Or at least get a better read on what kind of trainer he is. "When he gets back we should ask him. Maybe arrange a picnic day with all our pokemon after he challenges the gym." Brock commented, already dreaming up the perfect recipes for such an occasion as the two of them booked out a room in the centre to await Ash's return.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Ash had wandered deep into the surrounding forest before releasing all of his pokemon; with the exception of Ho-oh who would be joining them again the following day, having finished her business in Johto. Zorua, Gardevoir, Primeape, Pikachu, Fearow, Gallade, Poliwrath, Espeon, Sylveon, Riolu and Gabite were all released from their pokeballs or jumped from Ash's shoulders and huddled around to listen to Ash. Looking to his pokemon, Ash smiled and reminded himself to thank the Professor for making this possible.

FLASHBACK

Shortly before leaving the Cerulean City pokemon centre, Ash had broken away from the group to call the Professor to check up on his pokemon and make a few exchanges. Thankfully the Professor didn't take too long to pick up.

"Hi Professor" Ash said as he took in what he was seeing. 'I don't think he's slept in a while. Tell me he's not still studying that rainbow wing.'

"Ash, so glad to hear from you my boy. How is she?

'Of course' Ash mused to himself. "She's fine Professor, will be back with me in the next few days for some training." He informed. "No, I won't be sending her over just yet" Ash hurriedly interjected as the Professor opened his mouth to ask the dreaded question.

"Ah, oh well. Where are you calling from my boy? It's been a while since I heard from you. Your pokemon at the lab are all doing well I might add."

"Thanks Professor. I'm in Cerulean, but I'm going to train before challenging the gym, Gabite needs to learn Dig and I want to work with Riolu."

"Very well" he muttered, obviously down about not yet having seen the legendary. "I know that you asked for me not to tell anyone about that pokemon, but I was hoping I could inform Charles Goodshow. He is the President of the Pokemon League and I know that he can be trusted. It would just make things easier if you ever use her in an official match."

Ash pondered the Professors logic for a minute. 'It would make things easier, especially given how the Nurse Joys act when they see her. Arceus forbid how people would react if they ever saw her battle'. "Very well Professor, you can inform Mr. Goodshow of the situation."

"Great, I told him last week" the Professor beamed at him, receiving a less than complimentary look from Ash. "I knew it would be a good idea and that you would come around."

"Well, thanks" Ash mumbled, still conflicted by the Professor's decision.

"Oh, and Charles was nice enough to grant you special privileges" the Professor explained as Ash inserted his pokedex to receive the update. "During official gym battles you are allowed to keep a full team of six AND any legendaries that you have captured, though this is mainly for security purposes. Outside of official battles you are able to carry ALL of your pokemon."

Ash stood frozen for a moment before a rare grin spread over his face. "Thank you Professor. Really. And thank Mr. Goodshow for me as well."

FLASHBACK END

Training consisted mainly of sparring, aura and psychic training as well as raising their endurance and basic stats, Ash training with them every step of the way. With all of the intense training and close bond and friendship within Ash's pokemon 'family' Riolu had been able to evolve into a powerful and graceful lucario.

[Lucario, the aura pokemon. It has the ability to sense the auras of all things. It understands human speech

Gender: Female

Ability: Inner Focus

This Lucario is level 34, and knows the moves: Endure, Quick Attack, Aura Sphere, Close Combat, Detect, Dragon Pulse, Extreme Speed, Foresight, Metal Claw, Swords Dance, Bone Rush, Calm Mind, Heal Pulse, Blaze Kick (Egg move) and Iron Defence (Egg move)]

During their aura training they detected a pained and fading aura and followed it. Arriving at the scene they discovered a young Growlithe being swarmed by Beedrill and rescued it, nursing it back to health. Growlithe had proven to be very loyal and easy to please, as well as curious as proven when he dug through Ash's bag of supplies and discovered a fire stone. Long story short. Ash now has an Arcanine. Following several weeks of intense training, Ash once more scanned his pokemon and took note of their advancements. Content with their results, he scanned Arcanine and headed back to the Pokemon Centre.

[Arcanine, the legendary pokemon. Its proud and regal appearance has captured the hearts of people since long ago

Gender: Male

Ability: Flash Fire

This Arcanine is level 33, and knows the moves: Quick Attack, Double Team, Aura Sphere, Agility, Ember, Flamethrower, Wild Charge, Flame Wheel, Leer, Bite, Psychic, Fire Fang, Thunder Fang, Extreme Speed, Iron Tail (Egg Move) and Close Combat (Egg Move)]

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Stepping foot out of the forest and into the pokemon centre was disheartening to Ash, he had always loved the peace and safety that seclusion away from humans offered him and reminded himself to never again take that for granted. Stood beside him was his Lucario, tall and proud scanning the staring trainers with a cautious eye, the light shining on her white and grey fur. Atop Ash's shoulders as usual, perched 'two Pikachus' chatting quietly among themselves. Ash had learnt that Lucario preferred to remain outside of her pokeball and being the overachieving pokemon that she was had taken up the challenge of learning the human language. Staying outside her pokeball 'helped her to learn.' Of course Ash knew that she simply preferred not to be confined.

Shortly after handing his pokemon over to Nurse Joy, Ash found himself mobbed by Brock and Misty. The latter demanding an explanation as to where he had been and why he had been so long whilst the former crowded around Lucario and examined her, asking Ash about his techniques, her colouring and her health. Ash sweatdropped and exchanged a knowing look with all three of his pokemon. All the while Misty found herself thinking, 'Has Ash gotten taller AND more muscular?'

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Considering all the fuss when Ash returned, he was surprised to find both Brock and Misty to be busy when he went to challenge the gym. Shrugging it off he adjusted his hood to cover his face and stepped inside. Only to find himself in a crowded stadium overlooking a swimming pool in which the three 'sensational sisters' and their pokemon were swimming in an unusual arrangement. Resigned to his fate, Ash sat down on the edge of the bleachers and waited out the rest of the show, caught up in a telepathic debate with his pokemon as to which pokemon food Ash makes 'the bestest'. Yeah, this would be a long wait.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Brock and Misty had decided to use the time Ash was at the gym to stage an 'intervention'. Really they just wanted to see Ash's pokemon and get him to open up. And what better way than with a picnic outside the pokemon centre. "Did you see that Lucario?" Brock exclaimed, a hint of longing in his voice "I mean, you can't even find them in Kanto! And I've never seen one that colour! Ever! I wonder where he got it." "Misty?" Brock queried, noticing Misty's attention waning as she blissfully stared into the distance. "Wha?" she mumbled refocusing on Brock. "Never mind" Brock smiled and shook his head, contemplating whether or not Misty would get what she wanted as he started to cook their lunch.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Finally approaching the gym leaders as they walked from their dressing room, towels around their necks Ash stepped forward "Excuse me" Ash began only to be cut off.

"I'm sorry but if you want an interview, you have to like call our manager" the one with the pink hair said, not yet having seen him.

"Uh" Ash began, looking at them quizzically

"We don't do autographs" she continued, still having not moved. 'With that attitude I don't want one' Ash mused taking note of the flirting smiles on the others faces. 'Oh no, not again' Ash exasperated as his pokemon smirked, knowing his dislike of attention. Eventually her blue haired sister elbowed her in the ribs prompting her to look up, a light blush on her face. 'Uhhhh' Ash thought and shifted uncomfortably on his feet.

"Did you like the show?" one of them asked.

"That's like our hobby and our fans love to watch us perform"

"We pool our talents to make a big splash." After exclaiming this they ended up giggling and looking at him flirtingly.

"I'm here for a gym battle" Ash interrupted, ignoring their advances and studied them from under his hood. Thankfully after his reaction they cooled down a bit, if only looking a little put out. They huddled together a little bit before answering.

"Ok, you can like, have a one on one battle with each of us. Winning two out of three gives you the badge, but if you lose to any of us, you have to like, take us out to lunch."

Ash gave an exasperated sigh before opening his mouth to answer. Only to be cut off by an all too familiar angered shriek. "AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH, you can't do that."

"So little sister it's a surprise to see you back so soon"

"That little girl with a big mouth who said she wouldn't come back till she was a great pokemon trainer. Wasn't that you?"

"I guess I did say something like that when I left. But you can't do that, that's not a gym rule. Besides he already has lunch plans with me." She finished with a smug smirk whilst Ash sweatdropped and stepped around her to once more request a gym battle, again fuelling the bickering.

"Enough" Ash growled in a dark voice, looking between the four of them. "I have no lunch plans, other than eating with my travelling companions and will not be staying in Cerulean City for long." His comment was met with silence and a pout from Misty so he pressed on. "If you really want, we can all eat together at the pokemon centre as friends" he amended to lighten the situation. This, thankfully, was agreed upon with only little hesitation.

Standing on the opposite end of the pool they prepared for the first battle. 'Ho-oh is out, that just leaves my normal team of six. I used Fearow and Pikachu last battle so maybe give someone else a shot.' Ash smirked. 'I know' he mused clutching a pokeball.

"These three one-on-one battles are between the Cerulean City gym leaders and Ash the challenger. Each trainer is allowed the use of one pokemon per battle, new pokemon will be used for each battle. The battle will be over when all three battles are done. The challenger will win the badge by defeating two out of the three leaders."

"This one-on-one battle is between Daisy the gym leader and Ash Ketchum the challenger. Begin."

Daisy released Dewgong onto the platform at the same instant that Ash motioned one of the Pikachus on his shoulder onto the battlefield. Looking nervous, Daisy called the first move. "Dewgong, stay out of the water, try to attack from a distance with Signal Beam."

Ash smirked before calling out "number 3" much to the surprise of everyone around. More surprisingly, however, was when Pikachu dodged with agility before effortlessly switching into a double team and charging forward with a fury swipes attack, pushing Dewgong into the pool and jumping back to the platform. The lack of an electric attack confused everyone but most assumed he was just playing with them and getting cocky.

"DEWGONG!" Daisy called out as he resurfaced, weakened but still able to battle. "Ok then, get in close and use Horn Drill"

"Electric Aura Sphere" Ash stated with finality. Pikachu's appearance shimmered and was replaced with a giggling Zorua, using elemental aura taking up too much energy to maintain his illusion, and an electric yellow sphere appeared from Zorua, sparking dangerously before being hurled at Dewgong and connecting to create a small explosion. When the dust cleared, the announcement was made.

"Dewgong is unable to battle. Zorua is the winner"

Silence followed for a while whilst Ash recalled Zorua back to his shoulder and clutched at a pokeball.

"This one-on-one battle is between Violet the gym leader and Ash Ketchum the challenger. Begin."

Violet and Ash released their pokemon at the same time once more, Violet a Seaking and Ash his Poliwrath. "Oh wow. He has a Poliwrath, Isn't it dreamy" Misty interrupted with hearts in her eyes whilst everyone else sweatdropped.

"You can have the first move" Ash called across the field.

"Ok then, Seaking use Agility into Horn Attack" As Seaking sped forward Ash called out "Ice Punch on the pool"

"Oh No" Violet yelled, "Seaking get out of the water" Seaking jumped out of the pool as the water beneath it froze, causing it to land on the hard ice.

Looking up at Violet for any sign of surrender and seeing none, he called out "Poliwrath, use Body Slam"

As the attack collided, there were no surprises as to the victor.

"Seaking is unable to battle. Poliwrath is the winner. The winner of the battle is the challenger."

"Wow, I did not expect that" Violet stated as Ash finished congratulating Poliwrath, the other Waterflower sisters approaching. Daisy came forward, holding out a badge "Well, you won two battles. As proof of your victory. The cascade badge." Giving a rare smile, Ash took the badge and secured it into his badge case and thanked them for the battle.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Leaving the Pokemon Centre, Ash and the Waterflower sisters headed to the picnic set up by Brock. Though looking forward to a good meal, Ash was nervous about spending so much time around the other trainers. As they drew nearer, Misty broke away from the group and whispered something to Brock before returning. Standing up and rushing over, Brock began to confess his undying love to each of the sensational sisters before being dragged away by Misty to serve lunch.

"Ok everyone, I made heaps of Pokechow so let everyone out" Brock announced, looking over to a paled Ash. "Ah well, one of my pokemon is not very good around strangers so I think I'll just feed her in the Pokemon Centre or the forest" Ash blurted out as he began to head towards the centre.

"Hold on" Misty screeched at him, causing him to cringe and take a step back, unnoticed by all but Brock. "It's ok Ash, we won't hurt it or anything. And we won't say anything if you don't want us to" he spoke out. Ash froze in fear for a moment, contemplating before conversing to his pokemon through their aura link. "What do you guys think? Can we trust him? Ho-oh?" after only a seconds consideration Ho-oh spoke "I sense no ill intentions from the one called Brock but I believe it may be too much for most of them." "Ok." Ash reluctantly agreed before edging forwards, leaving sufficient distance between himself and Misty. "Come on out everyone" Ash called out as Pikachu and Zorua joined Lucario on the ground and Ash released the remaining three members of his team, Arcanine, Gabite and Fearow. Ash spent the next few minutes serving his pokemon his own Pokechow and answering several questions about his own pokemon before heading off to release Ho-oh for a flight to stretch her wings.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

The following morning Ash bid farewell to the gym leaders as he, Brock, and Misty made their way to the next gym at Vermilion City. Ash was safe in the knowledge that his secret was still safe and dreading the day he would reveal his ownership of a legendary pokemon. 'When I'm strong enough' Ash told himself. 'When I'm strong enough no one will be able to take or hurt her. When I can look after her. When I'm no longer afraid.'

Here is a full list of Ash's pokemon to date along with level (they train whilst travelling so the level will go up every now and again).

M Zorua 37

F Gardevoir (shiny) 56

M Primeape 42

M Pikachu 44

M Fearow 41

F Ho-oh 85

M Gallade 57

M Poliwrath 46

F Espeon 39

F Sylveon 39

F Lucario (shiny/white) 34

F Gabite 48

M Arcanine 33