The loss to Gary had a more profound effect on Ash. He realized his mistakes and rectifies them. Now, no more starting over. No more forgetting the trials that he went through with his Pokémon. This time, as he ventures into the continent of Sinnoh, he will show everyone the full might of his Pokémon. Beware Sinnoh, for this time Ash Ketchum is here to win.

AU. Instead of receiving a Pikachu as his starter, Ash Ketchum is only given an empty pokeball and a sheepish grin from Professor Oak. Anger and spite clouding his soul, he sets out only to find a ray of hope in the form of a small, injured Bagon. It's funny how a tiny twist of fate can change one's destiny forever. Dark, smarter Ash – various shippings included.

A Kirlia escapes an abusive trainer only to find herself caught by yet another human. With no knowledge of her life prior to imprisonment and no trust for her new trainer, she sets off, cursed by an uncontrollable power.