Hello! I'm not new to writing occasional fanfiction and I'm not new to this site per say (rather, I'm new to uploading content on it so the entire system is really confusing), this is something I've been more or less "developing" since... around the end of XY, I believe? Maybe sometime before that. I've been on and off with this idea, feeling self-conscious as a whole not being entirely confident with my writing. I've been inspired by the many journey stories featuring Ash in numerous AUs; the popular Traveler of course being one of them.
Despite the many inspirations, a common thing I've noticed is that these journey stories either tend to be a 1:1 recreation of the anime with some original bits thrown in (along with the oversaturated tropes), or a somewhat darker take that's more explicitly detailed that I tend to have a hard time comprehending (I have a horrible attention span, you see, so I've never really stuck or kept up with many of these stories, unfortunately).
What I wanted to do with Resonance was hopefully capture the spirit of the anime while putting a more refreshing spin on things. Possibly original, maybe something you've seen before, and definitely tropey (because I like some of them).
I would also like to say that I am completely winging these chapters, because any attempt to outline the whole story has been futile; however, I do have notes to help me stay at least somewhat consistent. Crossing my fingers that I can pull this off, lol.
Anyway, please enjoy the first chapter!
Among the rolling grassy hills of the unassuming little town, enjoying the fresh spring breeze that licked the grass and tickled their skin, lie three young children no older than six years of age blissfully at peace with the landscape around them. Eyes closed, hands behind heads, they relax serenely without disturbance. Pleasant days such as this aren't rare to come by in their small farmland hometown, but one shouldn't miss the opportunity to appreciate it as often as possible. With a clear blue sky and hardly a cloud in sight, it's one of many beautiful days that grace the humble community.
One child sits up, unnoticed by the other two, his already unruly raven hair tousled further by the meager draft. He stares off into the distance, amber irises sparkling with youthful innocence and wanderlust, a smile plastered his features.
"I've decided."
The two other children beside him give him curious looks, not making an effort to move any other part of their bodies besides their eyes. Far be it for them to let their friend's strange statement interrupt their tranquil state.
Opting to humor him, one of the kids, a girl with long chestnut hair, asks, "Decided what?"
"I've decided," he repeats, his tone fiery and excited, "to become a Pokémon Master!"
Both children continue to stare at him strangely, unsure of what to think. While generally used to the raven haired boys odd nature, this in particular felt more bizarre than usual, having come completely out of nowhere.
Another boy, one with spiky auburn hair, pops the necessary question, "The heck is a Pokémon Master?" He quirks an eyebrow as he asks, scrutinizing his friend for a viable answer.
The boy in question pursed his lips, his brow furrowed in concentration. He hadn't exactly given thought to what that title entailed; it had simply struck him in the moment and he went for it. A few moments of thinking later, a response had come to him. He turned to the boy who asked, a playful grin with a gap where a tooth once was stretched along his countenance.
"It's gotta be someone who befriends every Pokémon, right?"
At this point, the other two had sat up completely, giving him incredulous looks. After a long second of silence, the girl giggles while the auburn haired boy just sighs and shakes his head. "You came up with it and don't even know what it is..."
The raven haired boy pouts, the girl speaking up before he can retort, "I guess if anyone can do that, it's you!" She winks at him and he returns a grateful smile.
"Yeah! I will!"
"Then get a head start and help us find some wild Pokémon to play with."
"Okay!"
Down the lush slopes they go, jogging towards the forest's edge in hopes of finding any of the strange yet incredible creatures that inhabit their wondrous world. Soon enough it would be time for them to experience the marvel that the many vast and expansive lands will bring them. Until then, the simplistic purity of their childhood will just have to hold them over for the time being.
[APRIL 1st]
Jolted awake by a slap, the boy with perpetually untamable dark hair, now a few years older, lurched forward with a gasp. With a hand rubbing his stinging, reddening cheek, he glared blearily at the aggressor. The instigator in question, his younger sister, was staring back at him with an impish grin. She let out a cheeky laugh at the expression on his face.
"What'd you do that for, El?"
"I was doing you a favor, Ashy," she emphasized, using the nickname Gary liked to tease him with frequently. It was no surprise that she would end up using it herself to annoy him. "If I hadn't, you'd've been late."
He stared at her blankly, tired eyes blinking slowly before widening when he remembered.
"Oh, man! My Pokémon! I can't believe I almost forgot!"
What occurred the next few minutes came right out of a slapstick cartoon, with currently ten-year-old Ash Ketchum, comedically stumbling and fumbling around his room as he hurriedly changed into his traveling outfit. His sister, Elaine, had been laughing uproariously at her older brother's buffoonery. After having face-planted enough times, Ash had finally changed into his new set of clothes, topped with a red and white hat, a golden Poké Ball enamel pinned to the left side, to complete the ensemble.
Ash raced down the stairs, his sister following at his heels, his mind centered on nothing but the front door and the path leading to Professor Oak's laboratory. Just as he swung on his backpack (double-checked by him, triple-checked by his mother) and reached for the doorknob, a stern voice called out causing him to flinch and freeze in place.
"Hold it right there, mister," the voice of his mother, Delia Ketchum, a young woman in her late twenties who runs a small restaurant in town known as Pallet House, rung out through the living room. She stood in the doorway of the kitchen, staring him down with a cross expression. "Just where do you think you're going?"
"Come on, mom," Ash pleaded, "I gotta go get my Pokémon."
"Not before you eat something."
"But I'll be late!"
Delia glanced at the clock on the wall, before sighing. "Fine, but I expect you to wait for me at the lab before you run off anywhere. I can bring you something to take with you, and I'm currently whipping up some special food for the Pokémon you're choosing," she added with a wink.
Some clanging in the kitchen momentarily distracted him, but he brushed it off as just his mother's Mr. Mime probably cleaning in there.
He nodded, "Okay, sounds good. I'm off!"
Finally he left, ruffling his sister's hair on the way out, ignoring her protests. He said his goodbyes to his mom's Venusaur, Bulby, as he rushed down the dirt trail to the lab. The large Pokémon yawned and waved back lazily with a vine.
Numerous houses passed by as he jogged toward his destination without completely exhausting himself. On the way, he thought about his soon-to-begin journey and what his adventures would bring him, the kind of Pokémon that would join him, battling gyms, winning badges, competing in the league. Just the idea of it all was exhilarating. With so much to see and explore and experience, he could hardly wait to start.
Soon enough the telltale yellow building and wind turbine sitting at the top of a hill made their presence known, Ash picked up some speed to get there just a bit faster. As he made his way up to the front gate, standing there were two others his age, a young boy and girl, both of whom were starting their journey today as well.
"'Bout time, Ashy-boy," sneered the young boy with spiky auburn hair. Gary Oak, grandson of the esteemed professor of Pallet Town, once one of Ash's best friends turned heated rival. He gave the raven haired boy a smug look, one hand on his hip while the other fiddled with the pendant hung loosely around his neck over his purple shirt. "Looks like I'm one step ahead of you already, not that that's any surprise."
Ash glowered while the girl rolled her eyes. Flipping her long brown hair over her shoulder, she gave Gary an unimpressed look, "Trying to start fights already? Like that's any surprise," she mocked. She smirked when Gary narrowed his eyes at her.
Ash's other best friend, Amanda Beasley, preferring to go by Leaf, stood there with her arms crossed and hips swayed to the side, tapping her foot impatiently. The yellow shoulder bag, which stood out from her primarily black and electric blue ensemble, jostled with each minute movement.
Leaf gave Ash a smile, which he returned albeit half-hearted. Noticing this, she faltered, looking away. The three fell into an awkward silence until the sound of someone clearing their throat caught their attention. Standing by the front gate of the stairs that led up to the lab, now open, was Professor Oak himself. He glanced at each of the children, then nodded.
"Good to see you all here," he said, "Follow me inside and you can receive your Pokémon."
They followed the older man closely up the staircase; previous uncomfortable meeting quickly forgotten, now replaced with excitement flowing through their veins.
Ash had been in this laboratory possibly hundreds of times. He'd grown used to the sight of large, complicated machinery over the years. Gary would frequently bring he and Leaf over to play with Pokémon in the ranch, many of which being friendlier wild Pokémon, with a few being some of the professor's very own.
He'd partook in Oak's Summer Camp with his two friends a couple of years prior; an exciting day wandering the nearby forest with the professor and several other kids, getting to see and learn about different kinds of Pokémon. None of the information had really been retained in his case, but just getting to see any of the fantastical creatures was enough to brighten his day.
That particular day had stuck out to him since then, having been simultaneously the worst and best day of his life. Either way, it had cemented his earlier decision of his goal: To meet and befriend all sorts of Pokémon. Realistically, he knew he couldn't befriend all of them, but he'd do his best to meet many kinds regardless.
If there was one thing that definitely stood out to him, however, among the usual high-tech gizmos, were the colorful trays and beds placed out on the floor before them. Not just the trays and beds, either—the starter Pokémon themselves staring expectantly back at them, large bright eyes brimming with curiosity.
Professor Oak stood just behind the Pokémon, hands behind his back with a soft smile on his face.
"I won't make you three wait any longer. Once you've chosen your starter, I have something else to give to you."
The three new trainers didn't hesitate, immediately walking up to their respective starter; Gary to the blue one on his right, Leaf the green one to his left, and Ash to the small orange lizard with the flaming tail straight ahead. He knelt down to make himself seem less imposing, making eye contact with the bright sapphire orbs boring into him.
He smiled gently at the smaller creature. "Hello, Charmander. Would you like to be my Pokémon and go on an adventure with me?" he asked quietly, tuning out the conversations beside him to center his focus solely on the fire-type before him. He held out a hand palm upward in front of it but didn't make any other movements afterward—simply staying still and patient.
The Charmander eyed the hand with an air of tense caution, giving it a quick sniff. It tapped its tiny claws together before, very slowly, reaching out to place them in the palm of the young trainer's hand. Ash grinned, closing his hand to give the smaller scaly hand a gently squeeze. The fire-type smiled back, squealing its own name happily.
"As always, Ash, I'm astounded by your natural ability to connect with Pokémon as easily as you do," the professor praised. "Your Charmander happens to be unusually timid than most others of its species, which typically tend to be more sociable and—pardon my pun—fiery."
"So you're saying Ashy-boy here got a runty little wimp as his first Pokémon? Fitting!" Gary guffawed, his Squirtle standing at his feet looking back and forth between the two trainers.
Ash stood back up furiously, his newly received Charmander having hung its head at the insult. He glared at Gary with unrestrained contempt, which was reciprocated from the snarky brunette unflinchingly. Leaf and her Bulbasaur held back, the girl observing the scene wanting to speak up but not knowing what to say.
"Shut up, Gary," Ash growled, "Don't you dare insult Charmander, or any other Pokémon of mine!"
"Yeah? What're you gonna do about it?"
"I'll—" As Ash made an attempt to lunge at Gary, the professor pulled him back with surprising strength despite his old age.
"Now, now, let's all calm down. Gary, please don't start unnecessary fights," Oak admonished his grandson.
"Whatever," Gary scoffed, "If that's all, then I'm outta here—"
"Hold it, Gary. As I mentioned earlier, there's something else I want to give to the three of you." Reaching into one of his coat pockets, he pulled out fifteen shrunken Poké Balls and held them out to the new trainers. "First, five extra Poké Balls each. As you're already aware, you can carry up to six Pokémon at a time; anymore than that will be automatically transferred here, which you may switch out with any one of your current party members."
As he explained this, the three took their respective bunch of empty Poké Balls while the older man pulled out and held up three rectangular devices, all different colors. Before they could reach out to take one, the three strange devices shot out of the professor's hand to float in front of them, startling them. The small gadgets all seemed to have a grinning face staring back them, which unnerved the three.
"These are your Rotom Phones," Professor Oak explained, "They're state-of-the-art devices that are popular among many trainers. The Rotom Phones are exactly as they're titled; cellular smartphones each possessed with a Rotom. Along with the given features of general smartphones, these specific devices will also act as your trainer identification and Pokédex. Included are various apps such as a map of the region you're currently located in, as well as helpful trainer guides filled to the brim encyclopedic knowledge—something that'll certainly come in handy when you need a refresher on specific information, including the basics," he gave a pointed look toward Ash, who sheepishly rubbed the back of his head.
Leaf had been the first of the three brave enough to finally reach out to one, snatching the green one that had been in front of her. She started with a gasp when it suddenly spoke, "Hello. I am the designated Rotom Phone for the trainer Amanda Green Beasley."
"Wow!" Leaf exclaimed, a smile forming on her face after getting over the initial shock, "This is really cool! Thanks, professor! Oh, and just call me Leaf, by the way," she said to the device.
"Understood," it replied.
After that display, Ash and Gary eagerly clutched their own Rotom Phones, red and blue respectively, in their hands. Going through the same spiel as Leaf, telling their Rotom to call them by their preferred nickname rather then their full names entirely.
Oak had gone on to explain that their new Rotom Phones would be incredibly important and useful tools on their journey. That much was obvious, and Ash was even more excited to start his journey. The professor told them to give their Pokémon a quick scan to test the new devices out. They each pointed the phones at their starters, the blank screen lighting up as an image of Charmander appeared before his eyes with information on the fire-type droning out.
[Charmander, the Lizard Pokémon. The flame on its tail indicates its emotions. If enraged, the flame will burn fiercely.]
Off to the side, Ash noticed additional information labeling the Pokémon's apparent index number, height, and type.
"Your Rotom Phone will also register any Pokémon you have caught, and you can look up extra info on your Pokémon specifically. You can do this by selecting the 'Party' app. Within that, there is a sub-app labeled 'Box' which allows you to view the info on any you've caught that aren't currently in your team," Oak supplied.
Doing just that, Ash selected the icon of Charmander under the party menu. The data now shown included Charmander's gender (male), his current move pool—a modest starting set of Tackle, Growl, and Ember—and his ability, Blaze. Extra tidbits were info he had seen earlier, being height, type, and index number. Content with what he'd seen, he pocketed the device for the time being.
"Oh, right, I've also taken the liberty of registering one another's numbers into your contacts, as well as your families and my own, so be sure to check in from time to time," the professor added. "Anyway, I believe that's all. Have fun and good luck on your journeys! I look forward to seeing how far the three of you go."
"You can definitely look forward to me being the next league champ in no time, gramps," Gary said snidely. With that, he turned to leave, but not before Ash called out to him.
"Hey, Gary! Don't think you can just leave after what you said about Charmander. I challenge you to a battle!"
"No thanks, you're not worth my time."
"What, scared you'll lose?"
"Nah, just that I'd end up beating you and your pathetic Pokémon so bad you'll cry."
"You...!"
"Can you ever just cool it with being a jerk?" Leaf spoke up, arms at her hip. Her Bulbasaur stood at her feet mirrored her cross expression.
Gary rolled his eyes. "Fine, since I'm such a nice person, how's this," he turned back around to fully face Ash, and pointed directly at him, "the next time we meet, once we both have at least one badge, that's when we'll battle."
"Deal," Ash nodded, resolute with Gary's terms.
"Good." The brunette's expression formed his signature smirk, adding, "Honestly, though, by the time I have three badges, you probably still won't even have your first. Anyway, later loser!"
He left, disappearing down the staircase leading to the lobby. Ash's fists shook as he stood in place, angrily glaring holes at the ground. A tug on his pants leg had him look at Charmander, gripping the fabric anxiously while looking up at him with worry. Ash's expression softened as he bent down to lightly pat the nervous fire-type on the head.
"Sorry about that, Charmander. Gary and I have...history," he explained. He glanced up at Leaf, "Thanks."
She smiled, then looked away, biting her lip with a somewhat strained expression. "It's no problem." Looking back at him, her expression turned more solemn as she said, "I've always been on your side when it comes to him, even if it...didn't seem like it. I just want us to go back to how it used to be."
It was Ash's turn to look away. "Me too."
Professor Oak decided to make his presence known again, clearing his throat, "The thing about these journeys is that they change people. Whether it's for the better or worst, that depends on the individual. I believe, given Gary's attitude, he'll be quite humbled along the way. He just needs time." He clapped a hand to Ash's shoulder, the raven haired boy looking up at him, "Don't let what my grandson says get to you. I'm sure deep down he still considers you a friend. All three of you will be great trainers in your own way."
Staring at the older man, Ash smiles, "Thanks, professor. I'll do my best."
So will I," Leaf adds with an enthusiastic cheer. Both of their Pokémon cry out as well.
The professor nods, "If that's the case, then you'll both be just fine."
True to her word, his mother, along with is sister, stopped by the lab to bring him food to eat as he left, as well as the special Pokémon food she prepared for Charmander. Ash introduced Charmander to the two of them, El enthusiastically greeted the fire-type by crouching down and trying to pet him; Charmander had nervously hid behind Ash's leg instead. She was a bit confused by the Pokémon's behavior, while Delia had simply pointed out that Charmander already seemed to trust Ash a great deal. Eventually the three exchanged one final goodbye, with his mother reminding him to call every so often.
Ash walked a fair distance away from his hometown, before stopping at a lone tree next to a patch of tall grass. He took a moment gaze out into the open expanse around him, a dirt trail leading from his town to the next destination, that being Viridian City. The route was pretty straightforward and bland, with only a few bundles of grass patches and a copse of trees off to the side. Moderate temperatures with an easy breeze made the stretch of land look incredibly tame and peaceful.
A perfect day to start off his journey.
His heart skipped a beat as he finally registered that in his head. Ash was officially a full-fledged trainer, leaving home to travel across the region for the next several months. A quick glance down at Charmander, who had been trotting alongside him before sitting down to rest against the tree, solidified this revelation entirely. He was a trainer that would be catching, training, and battling Pokémon for the foreseeable future, and he was excited beyond words.
Deciding this a good a time for a short break, Ash plopped down next to his starter and pulled out the food his mom prepared. He handed Charmander the container of Pokémon food while he himself gobbled down a sandwich. It was delicious, as his mother's food usually is.
Just as he swallowed his last bit of food, a rustling in the grass caught both of their attention. Ash could make out a distinct brown shape between the blades, but not enough to determine what it was. Pulling out his Rotom Phone, he pointed it at the figure to find out.
[Pidgey, the Tiny Bird Pokémon. They are usually quite docile, and easy to catch for beginning trainers. However, if provoked, they will chase off attackers by flapping up sand.]
"This is perfect!" he exclaimed, loud enough for Charmander to hear without scaring off the unsuspecting flying-type. Pocketing his phone, he turned to his starter, "If we can catch it, we'll be one step closer to getting stronger!"
Charmander looked up at him then at the Pidgey apprehensively. He tapped his claws together—something Ash noticed the smaller Pokémon does occasionally—before forming tiny fists and steeling his expression. Charmander marched forward, large awkward steps taken toward the Pidgey. The small bird lifted its head up and titled it upon seeing the fire-type. Charmander gave its best rendition of a fierce glare at it but Pidgey didn't seemed phased in the least.
Ash took this as the cue to begin the battle. "Okay, Charmander, start of with Scratch!"
Immediately, Charmander lunged forward swiping at the bird with it's claws. Pidgey jumped away from the attack, dodging it easily. It raised its wings and cried out, then began flapping them furiously. A strong gust of wind was brought forth, kicking up dirt all over. Charmander was blown back, Ash covering his face to shield his eyes.
He gritted his teeth as he called out, "Don't give up, Charmander! Try Ember this time!"
Charmander, who had also been protecting his face after getting back up, struggled for a moment. Digging the claws on his feet into the ground, he managed stay rooted in place and shoot tiny orange sparks at the Pidgey. Unfortunately, the bits of earth being flung around had snuffed out the weak cinders.
When the wind had finally died down, Ash looked on in dismay as the Pidgey flew away, much too far for him to even attempt to throw a Poké Ball.
Ash slumped, sighing, "Man, we flubbed it. If Gary saw that he'd be laughing at us."
"Char..."
Peaking up at Charmander, he saw the fire-type sitting on the ground woefully, his eyes worryingly glossy. He squatted down next to the Pokémon, giving him a gentle pat on the back.
"Hey, you did your best. It stinks, but we're both kinda weak," he said, lightly rubbing Charmander's back in an attempt to soothe him somewhat. The lizard looked up at Ash, his watery blue eyes still shining with unshed tears. "I mean, y'know, we're starting off at level one, right?" he asked rhetorically. Charmander titled his head, still puzzled. "Right. So, we just have to work our way up to level one hundred!"
Charmander's expression morphed in a way Ash assumed he was pondering the boy's words. After a moment, the fire-type nodded. He glanced back up at Ash looking much less distraught than before, chirping his understanding happily.
Ash grinned, "Great! Then lets give it another shot."
Though they tried again, the attempts were also met unsuccessfully. One cheeky Rattata decided to treat the bout like a game, ducking and weaving and dodging around Charmander's attacks with surprising grace. Eventually it had gotten bored and tried to run off, but not before Ash chucked a Poké Ball at the fleeing rodent. It was promptly knocked back right into his face. The Spearow they tried their hand at was worse, the two enduring being wildly pecked until the angry bird flew off in a huff.
Licking their wounds, Ash cradled an exhausted, injured Charmander the rest of the way through the route to Viridian. He figured they'll have better luck later, so he decided to just trudge on to the city for a temporary respite at the Pokémon Center.
And there's the first chapter! Let me know what you think! I'm always open to constructive criticism.
Also, I've seen my fair share of reviews on other stories—some such as telling authors who to block and "reviewing" another person's critique. None of that please. I'm pretty sure I can delete reviews and if so, those get the axe.
Also also, I've already compiled a list of the Pokémon Ash will catch, so no need for any suggestions. But feel free to make your guess on which Pokémon he might catch! (Some might be obvious.) The previous concept had Ash and Gary in a catching contest, and Ash would've caught a total of thirty nine Pokémon; his canon catches with the other twenty nine Tauros being completely different. I decided against this due to balancing issues. His total now is under fifteen.
Not sure when the next chapter will be up. I have the first portion of it written but it'll take some time due to a combination of exhaustion, procrastination, and not knowing how the heck to write it! Anyway, later!