Imagine if the age limit for starting a pokemon journey was raised. What if in that period ash matured a bit, studied and prepared for his journey through kanto? What if a year before his journey he met a young riolu with whom he formed a strong connection. This is my take one ash's journey. Ash will have Aura but not OP. His powers will gradually increase with training.

You never hear stories of people who lose everything in this world. Maybe their missing a dad? Maybe they are an only child. Or they float through everything with no REAL issues. Maybe they had a great childhood. Maybe you hear about the kid who was late to pick his partner, only to have an oddball starter plunged into his hands? (noncannon AU)

A battle in Cerulean Gym

Our hero nathaniel, has been sick his entire life, when he feels like he does not have much time left to live, death comes and sends him to pokemon world after pitying him. There Nathaniel meets his first pokemon companion who is injured and goes on a journey to show that even disabled and injured pokemon can beat the pokemon league and surpass limits!