Pokemon: The Conflict Within

Here it is the first of my stories finally reposted…Enjoy

Chapter 1

Note: In this story Pokemon Trainers can't get their trainer license until they are the age of fifteen.

Professor Samuel Oak sighed wearily as he finished typing his paper for a lecture he was going to be giving in a few hours. One of the many downsides of being a pokemon genius was that you often went with sleepless nights to achieve your work. Professor Oak glanced at the clock and groaned as it read 3:23 am. He saved his document and turned to get a warm cup of tea before going to bed. As he walked through his silent lab he stopped at the storage room that held all the pokeballs of trainers that had started their journeys from Pallet Town. His eyes drifted to a shelf on the left side of the wall that belonged to his grandson, Gary Oak.

Gary was an aspiring pokemon trainer but had the temper and ego of a Salamence. His grandson was very smart when it came to pokemon but he could stand to lose a few battles in order to take his arrogance down a notch. Samuel looked to the right side of the room and saw another set of shelves with a good collection of pokemon. These belonged to the other two trainers from Pallet that had started their journeys within the last season.

The one with the least amount of pokeballs belonged to a girl named Leaf Green. Leaf was a kind hearted girl and at the age of fifteen she could pass for a young woman. Professor Oak chuckled as he remembered all the times that Gary would try to make passes at her only to be shot down quickly or physically hurt by Leaf's best friend…Ash Ketchum.

Professor Oak cringed lightly at the thought of the name and sadly glanced at the final shelf that belonged to said trainer. The shelves were had a nice collection for a beginning trainer but the contents were what had Oak worried. Ash's childhood wasn't a happy one to say the least. While he had the support of his Mother and friends, the one person that Ash idolized more than anyone was his father…and he wasn't in the picture. When Ash was ten years old his mother Delia Ketchum had gotten a letter in the mail with an envelope. The young man watched as his mother read the note and then quickly opened the envelope only to start crying. Ash had picked up the file that had fallen out and saw words on the top of the paper that still haunted him to this day…Notice of Divorce.

Ash's father Red Ketchum had been on a pokemon journey to become the master of the league but felt that his family was holding him back so he cut all ties with them. That day changed Ash for the worse.

Since that day he has been a cold person and very rarely showed any emotion. His mother and Leaf are the only two that can get him to open up about anything and even that is a battle in its self. Outside of his personal life, Ash was a natural at pokemon battles and this made him a rising star in the eyes of the Kanto Region. His quick and powerful victories had gained him the title of the Prince of Pallet but due to Ash's cold persona it was dropped for a new title…The Assassin of Kanto.

This title came from Ash's nature of disappearing for weeks at a time before he would suddenly reappear out of nowhere and score countless victories over trainers. As soon as he would beat a certain number he would disappear again. Currently Ash was suppose to be on his way home from his one sided victory at the Kanto League. The competition had been nothing more than a walk in the park for the trainer and with his team at his side he quickly destroyed the competition.

Professor Oak sighed as he decided to forgo the tea and try to get a few hours of sleep. Climbing into his bed, Samuel's last thought was on the Pallet Town trainer and what he would bring.

*PTCW*

A stunningly beautiful girl smiled happily as she surveyed the town below. Her brown hair gently swayed in the wind before coming to rest on the small of her back and around her face. Her blue eyes sparkled as she caught sight of her home that sat at the edge of the town. She wore a blue sleeveless tank top that showed her curves and a red skirt that revealed her perfect legs. On her head was a white hat with a red half circle by the brim and on her feet she wore red and white sneakers with blue socks.

The young woman was known as Leaf Green and she was returning home from her travels in the Kanto Region. Her smile widened as she turned and looked behind her, "Let's go Ashy, we are almost home!"

A cool voice spoke and sent shivers down her spine, "You know, your happiness gets very annoying at times."

Leaf smirked, "You love me anyway." A light smile played the lips of the voice's owner as he stepped out of the shade. He was dress in black jeans and black leather boots. He donned a simple white tee shirt and a black dress shirt over it, the top buttons undone. From his neck was a long black cape with a dark blue interior and a hood on the back. His raven black hair was in an untamable mess but held a mature look to it. His amber colored eyes met the blue ones of his closest friend, "Even if I do that doesn't mean that I have to like every aspect about you."

Leaf let out a whinny voice, "Ashy that isn't very nice!"

The male teen chuckled lightly and turned his gaze at the town, "It's been a long time I hope mom is ok."

Leaf walked over and gently took her best friends hand, "She is fine Ash…Delia is a strong woman and she has you to thank for that." Leaf noticed her friend's demeanor change, "I wouldn't have had to help so much if he hadn't left us."

Ash's voice was cold and would have frozen a volcano had they been near one, "When I find that poor excuse of a person I will show him what true power is all about."

Leaf sighed sadly as Ash ranted about his father. It was one subject that she knew better than to bring up around him and for this very reason. Ash growled before selecting a pokeball from his belt and tossing it over his shoulder. From the capsule appeared a massive blue dragon with red wings. Two spikes protruded from each side of its head and a single scar ran down the right eye. Ash jumped onto the back of his starter pokemon Salamence and patted the beast, "The only thing he did right was giving you to me as a Bagon." The dragon let a snort go as he agreed.

Leaf stepped back slightly, "Ashy you know I don't like flying, even if it is on Salamence."

Ash wasn't about to let Leaf start one of her rants so he turned, "Fine walk."

With a roar, Salamence flapped his massive wings and took off towards the country side of Pallet. Leaf watched them go before she processed what had just happened, "ASH SATOSHI KETCHUM YOU HAD BETTER COME BACK AND GET ME!"

The only sound she heard as she ran after them was a roar from a dragon…laughing.

*PTCW*

In a small house white house with brown roofing was a young woman with long brown hair and deep chocolate brown eyes. She wore a simple pink tee shirt and a pair of form fitting blue jeans as she walked around her kitchen preparing for the evening meal. The woman smiled lightly as she glanced at a few photos that sat on a shelf near the kitchen table. The first one was of her son as a nine year old boy playing with his Bagon; the little dragon was running away with her son's favorite blanket. The second picture was with her son and his best friend at the age of 11. The two of them had birthdays on the same week so they always celebrated at the same time. The two kids were feeding each other cake and in the next photo it showed them shoving the cake into each other's faces. The final picture was taken about six months ago when her son had come home to visit. It showed her son and her in front of the house.

Delia Ketchum couldn't help but feel sad at the changes in her Ash since those days of a child. Granted his childhood wasn't the happiest but there were rare occasions that he did smile and she had gotten everyone of them on film. She turned back to the meal she was preparing and got lost in thought until the house shook from something massive landing in the back yard. Delia looked up to see a Salamence looking in through the window with a small grin playing its face. Delia's eyes widened as she saw the scar and knew who was home. Dropping her spoon she ran outside and into the embrace of her now sixteen year old son.

Ash smiled his first true smile in a long time as he held onto his mother. The two of them stayed like this for what seemed like an eternity before slowly pulling apart, "Ash I'm so happy to see you home…how are you feeling?"

Ash smiled as he returned Salamence and led his mom back inside, "I'm perfectly alright mom; it's you I'm worried about."

Delia smiled warmly at her son, "Ash I have told you a thousand times that I am fine. Between you and Professor Oak I have nothing to worry about."

Ash nodded before he set down a large duffle bag he had been carrying, "I thought you would like to see my results." Ash pulled open the zipper and pulled a large golden trophy out from the bad. At the top was an image of the three legendary birds clasping a ring with the eight badges of Kanto inscribed on it.

Delia's eyes widened, "You won?" Ash nodded and his mother engulfed him in another massive hug. "Ash I am so proud of you! I am so glad you have started your own life and are achieving so much."

Ash hugged his mother tighter and whispered into her ear, "I love you too mom." The two shared another tender moment before Delia took the trophy and set it on the mantel.

"Dear I thought you were traveling with Leaf…where is she?" Before Ash could answer, the front door slammed open and a very angry looking brunette was stomping her way over to Ash.

Ash smirked lightly but kept his mouth shut, "Ashton Satoshi Ketchum I told you to turn around and come get me but what do you do? You keep flying and force me to run here. I don't know why we are friends I can't stand your arrogant nature and stuck up…."

Leaf was stopped when Ash pulled her to him and kissed her lightly on the lips. Leaf blushed before she jumped back, "What have I told you about doing that!"

Ash chuckled, "It shuts you up doesn't it?" Leaf blushed and looked at the ground mumbling to herself.

Delia suppressed a giggle as she remembered the teen's childhood. Leaf would always want to play dress up or house and this would lead to her being the mommy and Ash the daddy. The downside is that she and Ash had to be 'married' more than once and Leaf insisted upon kissing. Ash would always throw the biggest fit until he finally gave in. It was funny to see that it was now Ash doing the kissing and Leaf being so embarrassed.

Delia took this as a good sign in hope that the girl she looked at as a daughter would soon become one by marrying Ash.

Ash turned away from his blushing friend, "So what's for dinner mom?"

Delia giggled, "Ash you never change do you?" Her usually cold son smiled, "Never will when it comes to you mom."

Delia smiled, "It's all of your favorites."

This brought Leaf out of her temporary stun, "Oh my gosh, I forgot to stop at home first…I will be back in time for dinner Delia. Bye Ashy!" Ash groaned and face-palmed as his best friend raced out the door but not before winking and saying her pet name for him.

Delia smiled, "The sooner you admit you love her the sooner you can get to making me some grandbabies."

Ash looked at his mom and shook his head, having heard this a thousand times, "Not going to happen mother."

Delia chuckled, "Go take a shower and relax, dinner will be ready soon." Ash nodded and kissed his mother on the cheek before walking up to his room.

*PTCW*

Leaf walked slowly as she neared her house while she was lost in thought about her best friend. This wasn't the first time he had kissed her but each time he did it, it only fanned the flames within her heart. Leaf wouldn't lie about her feelings but she wasn't about to risk losing Ash over them either. Sure, he was cold and ruthless in battles but behind that he was a true gentleman, handsome, powerful, and his attitude about only spending money on the things he needed left him rather wealthy. Leaf often found herself dreaming of what their lives would be like if they were a couple and the one thing she always thought about was seeing Ash happy and no longer looking for revenge.

The beautiful brunette stopped and looked up to see her childhood home and quickly walked in, "Mom, Dad, I'm home!" The sound of rushing feet filled her ears before she found herself in the tight embrace of her mother, "Leaf I'm so proud of you!"

Leaf struggled against her mother's legendary hug and only got away thanks to a deep voice, "Let her go Violet I would like to see my daughter before you suffocate her."

Leaf turned to see a strong looking man with a military style hair cut and a stern looking face. His piercing blue eyes showed how happy he was compared to his emotionless face. Leaf ran over to the man and hugged him, "Hi Daddy."

The man known as Jonathan Green smiled down at his daughter, "I'm so proud of you baby girl, getting into the quarter finals in your first league isn't an easy task."

Leaf snorted, "May have been good but Ash was much better."

Violet Green giggled from behind her hand, "Sweetheart just because Ash won doesn't mean you aren't a strong trainer. I'm sure once the two of you start dating he will help you train more."

Leaf blushed a deep shade of red as she was reminded of the kiss. "It's not going to happen mom."

Violet brushed a strand of light brown hair out of her face, "What happened now?" John nodded in agreement as the family sat down, "tell us baby girl."

Leaf smiled at her father's pet name for her, "Ash was being his usual self and flew off on Salamence."

Her mother smiled, "He made you walk again didn't he?" Leaf nodded, "When I finally got to his house I ripped into him about being arrogant but he kiss me and left me speechless."

John chuckled as he remembered using the same tactic on his wife, "Leaf you know I want what's best for you…in all honesty I don't want you dating till you are at least thirty." Leaf giggled, "But I know that's not the case. I realize that Ash has had a troubled past but I'd rather you date him than someone I don't know."

Leaf remained silent as she processed the information, "So what should I do Dad? I mean, Ash isn't really the touchy feely kind of guy."

Violet spoke up, "He is with you dear."

Leaf rolled her eyes but knew it was true; she was the only one that Ash would willingly come into physical contact with outside of his own mother and pokemon.

John looked at his daughter, "Give him time baby girl. I know that boy likes you but he is a guy so he won't realize it until the last possible moment."

Leaf nodded and decided it was time to change the subject. She reached into her pack and pulled out a small light blue trophy made of crystal, "This was presented to all the trainers who achieved the top sixteen. Since I was in the top five I got a bonus prize of ten thousand dollars."

Her parent's eyes widened at the amount. Since John was a trainer himself the family was not unfamiliar with the profit a trainer could achieve but getting that much at one time was very rare. "What are you going to do with that money dear?" Leaf smiled, "Ash already took care of it for me. He had me set up a bank account when we first left on our journey and anything I earned from battles I put in there."

Her parents nodded their approval, "So what would you like for dinner sweet heart?"

Leaf thought, "I was going to go to the Ketchum's for dinner but I'm still not too pleased with Ash right now. Let's go out to that steak house you guys like so much." Her parents smiled and the family got up to get ready.

*PTCW*

The next couple of days went by rather quickly for the trainers of Pallet. Leaf gave Ash the silent treatment for a whole three hours before she called him to make sure that he wasn't doing anything dangerous. Her friend simple chuckled and told her that he was doing what he usually did during the day…training.

Leaf groaned but told her crush that she would be over in a few hours to join in. Leaf was almost to the Oak research facility when she heard a bunch of people laughing and talking. As she got closer she noticed a large number of cars around the facility and looked up to see a banner that read, 'Congratulations Gary!

Leaf groaned as she realized that the big-headed fool was having a party to celebrate getting into the top sixteen. Gary may be a talented trainer but he was nothing compared to Ash's caliber. Leaf walked through the crowd until she found Professor Oak, "Morning Professor have you seen Ash?" The elderly man turned at the sound of his name and smiled upon seeing Leaf, "Leaf it's great to see you! I must congratulate you on your success at the Kanto League."

Leaf blushed at the praise but nodded in thanks, "As for Ash, he was here about a half hour ago to collect some of his pokemon but he went off onto the ranch since I'm using his normal trainer grounds for Gary's party. I'm surprised the two of you didn't show up sooner."

Leaf tilted her head, "Ash and I weren't invited sir." Professor Oak sighed at the foolish rivalry that Gary thought he had with Ash, "I'm sorry Leaf but don't worry…you and Ash are always welcome here unless I tell you."

Leaf smiled and then waved as she ran off, "I have to find Ash…we are training later." Professor Oak nodded, "Have fun and be safe!"

*PTCW*

Leaf walked towards the pokemon reserve on the Oak ranch and smirked as she looked up and saw a small pillar of smoke suddenly rise up. She giggled lightly as she realized that Ash was in full training mode. She continued walking and was lost in her thoughts until she heard a voice that made her cringe in annoyance, "Hey there beautiful want some company?"

Leaf turned and saw Gary Oak walking up to her in all of his arrogant pride. His outfit was the same as it had been during their journey through Kanto. It consisted of a simple purple long sleeved shirt and a pair of blue jeans. His fingers fiddled with the gold and black yin-yang symbol that hung around his neck as he smiled confidently. "So what do you say? Walking with a big time pokemon trainer could do you some good…might pick up a few things including a boyfriend."

Leaf growled as she clenched her hands into fists, "Look Gary, I got farther than you did and Ash won the whole competition so if anyone learns anything it will be you."

Gary waved his hand at Leaf's comment, "He won on a fluke. That loser never had the chance to face me in a battle to find out which of us is better."

Leaf rolled her blue eyes, "Listen Oak, the sooner you realize that I'm not interested, the better off my life will be."

Garry chuckled as they came to a clearing, "Not a chance sweetheart…Gary Oak always gets what he wants and…" Gary was cut off by a cold voice, "And Gary Oak appears to be needing a lesson in manners…Leaf told you to get lost."

Gary and Leaf turned to see Ash sitting on a massive dragon with a sneer that could freeze a Magmar.

Leaf inwardly sighed as her best friend arrived on the scene but kept her face void of emotion to not let Ash know that he saved her.

Gary was looking at the dragon with a sense of fear and awe but his arrogant pride got the better of him, "Hey there Ashy-boy, I see you have a big pokemon now, maybe you will actually amount to something."

Ash's Salamence growled deep in its throat and let a ring of smoke and embers flare from its nose. Ash glared at Gary, "You have three seconds to apologize to Leaf and Salamence before I sick him on you."

Gary backed away slightly, "You wouldn't have the guts and besides, using a pokemon to intentionally harm a human is illegal."

Ash's eyes flashed in anger, "Hyper Beam." Salamence roared and launched a powerful red and orange beam from its maw right over Gary's head. The attack slammed into the trees and caused a massive explosion that shook the area.

Gary jumped up covered in a layer of dust, "YOU IDIOT YOU COULD HAVE KILLED ME!"

Ash looked at Salamence, "You missed." His dragon growled in amusement before turning its eyes back to Gary.

Leaf stood up from the ground and brushed off some dust, "Gary just get out of here." The younger Oak was about to respond but the sound of yells made him look up. Professor Oak and several of the guests ran into the clearing only to stop in shock at the sight of the dragon before them. At the sight of the crater in the ground Oak looked to Ash, "What in the blue blazes are you doing Ash?"

Ash didn't look at the crowd but continued glaring at Gary, "Teaching your grandson what happens when he messes with the wrong people."

Professor Oak groaned and rubbed his eyes, "Gary have you been harassing Leaf again?"

Gary turned, "No, I was talking to her about the league and then Mr. Paranoid comes out of nowhere with that dragon and attacks me…what kind of pokemon is that anyway?"

A stockier man next to Professor Oak walked up, "That my boy is a Salamence…one of the six pseudo legendary pokemon in our world."

Ash looked to the man, "You are Professor Birch are you not?"

The man nodded and smiled, "Indeed I am Mr. Ketchum." Ash hissed, "Don't call me that. My name is Ash or use my battle name of Silverline."

The Hoenn professor nodded, "Forgive me I didn't mean to offend. Might I inquire how a starting trainer obtained a Salamence their first region?"

Ash shrugged, "Ask Professor Oak I'm done talking." Ash reached down and lifted Leaf onto the back of Salamence before he took off.

Professor Oak looked at his fellow researcher, "Salamence is Ash's starter pokemon." Birch gapped, "How is that possible?"

Gary walked over, not liking that Ash had such a rare and powerful pokemon, "And where can I get one?"

Samuel sighed, "Long story short Ash got Salamence as a Bagon from his father when he was nine and it evolved in his care. He is Ash's closest guarded secret and most powerful pokemon."

Gary sneered, "If it was so powerful then why didn't he use it at the Kanto League?"

Professor Oak looked at his grandson, "Because he didn't need it. Ash will only use Salamence as a last resort."

Gary scrunched up his face, "Then why keep it? If he isn't going to use it in battle why have the thing around at all?"

Samuel sighed, "That is something that only Ash can answer."

*PTCW*

Ash and Leaf flew for fifteen minutes before either one said a word. "Thanks."

Ash simply nodded his head slightly as he banked his dragon to a slightly to the left. "Who were you training?"

Leaf's friend spoke in a much softer tone than he had with Gary, "The whole team…I can't have them getting out of sync while we are stopping back here. I want them in tip top shape for the Johto League."

Leaf felt her heart drop slightly, "So does that mean you are leaving soon?"

Ash nodded sharply, "That's where my senses are telling me to go next."

Leaf struggled with her words before she softly spoke, "What does your heart tell you?"

Ash sighed as he knew where this conversation was heading, "It still doesn't tell me anything Leaf…I really wish you would stop bringing this up."

Leaf nodded sadly as Salamence landed close to her home, "I will see you tomorrow."

Ash kissed her cheek and flew off leaving his best friend behind.

And the first chapter is up.

This is a combined story of all my ideas and then some….the main basis is a very dark Ash story on the lookout for revenge.

And ideas and suggestions would be helpful.

Again, this chapter is dedicated to Mind-Slaver.

Send in ideas and reviews

KingFatMan25