Journey of Dreams

by CyberGuardian7

We all know the dream of Ash Ketchum: To be a Pokemon Master. What if he realized how much was required to achieve that dream? What if he actually prepared for his journey at an early age? His journey will be full of challenges, but since when was the journey to becoming a Master ever easy? Alternate starter; Smart Ash. Rated T to be safe.

2. The Journey Through Kanto

Journey of Dreams: Chapter 1 Start

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. Pokemon is owned by the Pokemon Company. The only thing I own is this story.

UPDATE: Small edits made on 3/16/20

A/N: Hey Guys, CyberGuardian7 here and I'm back with Chapter 1 of the Journey of Dreams.

I honestly did not expect to see this story get so much attention in such a short time, especially given that this is my first story! Your support means a lot and I thank you for it. I will continue doing my best with this story and I hope I won't disappoint. Reviews would be greatly appreciated as well (See profile for details.) Without further ado, Chapter 1!

Salamence: Finally, now we can get back to how Ash and I met HIM.

?: Hey guys are you talking about me?

Salamence: Yeah, we are talking about how Ash and I met yo—

CG: Can we please get back to the story already? We can't keep the readers waiting!

Salamence: *smirk* You're just mad because you had to buy a new chair.

CG: Hey, in case you didn't notice, that chair was $150! That isn't exactly cheap…

Salamence & ?: But it is comfortable right?

CG: Well yeah, but—

Salamence: Then you have nothing to complain about.

?: On with the story!

CG: But….Argh! Fine!

"Normal Human Speech"

"Human/Pokemon Thoughts"

"Pokemon Speech"

"Echoed/Magnified Voice"

"Ve? Eev?" The Pokemon cried out looking very confused.

Ash beamed, the Pokemon turned out to be none other than Eevee.

"Awesome! I've always wanted an Eevee!" Ash then crouched down and greeted Eevee, "Hey Eevee, my name is Ash. I'm a new Pokemon Trainer and my goal is to become a Pokemon Master."

Eevee started losing a bit of interest at this and started looking around. He had heard the same thing from various other kids he had been observing. It wasn't that he was opposed to the goal, just that it seemed a little bit uninteresting. What was the point of being strong if all you did with your life was battle when one came up? He didn't want to be cramped in a Pokeball, and only battle for most of his life.

Ash seemed to notice Eevee's reaction and thought, "Why would Eevee seem uninterested with that?" He reflected on this for a moment, trying to imagine things from Eevee's perspective. "The Professor said that Eevee was playful and full of energy, but he appears uninterested in my goal. Why would that be the case unless…" and suddenly he understood what Eevee must have felt.

He replied, "Eevee, does it seem uninteresting because you think you would only battle and stay in your Pokeball most of the time?"

This caught Eevee's attention. He was surprised, but nodded in response. He actually didn't expect this kid to figure it out, but wondered where he was going with that question.

Ash smiled warmly at Eevee. "Eevee, if that is your only concern, you do not need to worry. You do not need to stay in your Pokeball if you do not want to. "

He continued, "I was actually going to say that there is more to my dream than being a Pokemon Master. I also want to make friends with you and all of my future Pokemon partners. We will be traveling a lot, seeing new sights, and in addition to training we will also be having some time for fun as well. It will basically be a great adventure and I was wondering if you wanted to come with me?"

Ash waited for a moment hoping that Eevee would agree. He would never force a Pokemon to come with him, even if it was one he really wanted. He could already tell Eevee had a playful side, and that it was just concerned. He hoped that what he said would be enough to convince him.

Eevee was surprised to say the least. He had no idea that a human would be willing to consider what he wanted. He always thought that if he were captured, he would constantly have to battle and train and basically forfeit not only his freedom, but his happiness as well. And here this 10-year old boy was, proving him wrong.

Eevee tilted his head a bit and looked at Ash for a moment, trying to determine if Ash was lying, but he couldn't find any trace of deception. All he saw was a 10-year old boy that genuinely just wanted to make a new friend. He looked at Ash's eyes and all that he could see was love and care…for him.

Eevee smirked and wagged his tail showing his determination for the plans Ash presented to him. This was gonna be a unique, possibly once in a lifetime adventure!

Little did Eevee know just how true that statement would be…

Ash saw Eevee's expression change and chuckled as Eevee started cheering, "Eev! Ve Eevee!" and then proceeded to run over and jump into his arms in absolute joy.

Professor Oak watched this exchange and he grinned as he lightly shook his head in disbelief, but acceptance. He supposed he should have seen this coming. He spent all day yesterday and today trying to get Eevee to calm down, but Ash did it in seconds!

Ash did come over at least once a week for the past 5 years wanting to play with the Pokemon and he seemed to be a natural at getting to know all of the Pokemon in his ranch, so it made sense.

"Why didn't I ask Ash if he wanted to come over yesterday to help with Eevee?" He returned his attention to Ash and Eevee and his smile widened, his previous thought forgotten.

"Ash, while it is true that a Pokemon Master needs to be very strong, it is not the only thing required. A Master also needs to understand not only his Pokemon, but the Pokemon around him as well. Despite being so young, you are beginning to understand just how important this really is. I know you will be a Master someday" The Professor concluded to himself.

Ash saw Eevee's expression change. Eevee started cheering, "Eev! Ve Eevee!" Eevee then proceeded to jump towards Ash, who promptly caught him despite being surprised.

"What a sudden mood swing" Ash thought while Eevee was looking at him with a smile.

"Ve" he said while looking at Ash and wagging his tail.

Ash laughed, "I guess that means you want to come with me then. Welcome to the team Eevee!"

The Professor chuckled, "Well Ash, it seems that you and Eevee are already getting along despite having just met, and Eevee is actually pretty calm now. Perhaps I should've called you yesterday. I'm getting too old to be chasing Pokemon around all day long."

Ash laughed, "I suppose you should have. I consider all Pokemon my friends."

Oak just nodded and grabbed a few items from the nearby table and gave them to Ash.

"Here take these: your Pokedex and Pokeballs. They will help you on your journey."

Ash accepted them and said, "Thanks Professor. By the way, can you not tell Gary about Bagon, Eevee, or my plans?"

Professor raised a brow in confusion but replied, "Sure Ash, but what plans do you have?"

Ash was a bit nervous about what he would say next as the Professor would have to pull a few strings, but decided to ask anyway and he took a deep breath.

"I've decided that I would like to officially start my journey in Johto. However, I want to see more of the region I was born in first. I would like to catch a few Pokemon here in Kanto and bring some of them with me to Johto."

Ash pressed on, "I did some research and learned that the Johto League starts about 2 months from now, so I figured the timing would be perfect and I could bring a piece of home with me through my friends. I just need a ticket for the ferry and I was wondering if you would know the best way to get one?"

The Professor crossed his arms and debated this. It was kind of risky sending a 10-year old to another region unsupervised, even with Pokemon. Normally, trainers are to start their journey in the region of birth for safety concerns and so the Professor could get updates on their progress.

It was usually after a trainer has earned 8 badges in any given region that they would be deemed skilled enough to travel further.

However, Ash was no ordinary 10-year old and has proven that over the years. He knew Ash was studying quite a bit about Pokemon and that he was skilled enough to bond with and understand them. Also, he appeared to have thought about this carefully and did some research into the matter as well.

The Professor finally answered with, "Yes Ash, I know how to get those ferry tickets, and I will get them for you, but under two conditions." He said firmly. Ash paid close attention to what he would say next.

"The Professor in Johto is named Elm, and you must give him updates at least weekly so we know you are safe and can handle the journey. In addition, you should give me and your mother a call at least once a month. We will miss having you around" he finished with a smile.

Ash grinned at this, "Thanks Professor, I will do that. I'd better get going since I only have two months to make some new friends. I'll call you soon."

Oak wished him a temporary farewell, "Take care my boy, and I'll see you when you return in two months."

Ash called out, "Let's go Eevee."

Eevee yipped saying, "Eevee! Ve Ve!"

Later that day, Ash and Eevee could be found walking on Route 1. The route had quite a few trees on both sides, but they were spaced out for the most part, so it wasn't as dense as a full-blown forest.

They were both on the lookout for any new Pokemon that could join them, but they weren't having any luck. They had been searching for about 30 minutes and all they found were a few Oran berries on some nearby tress that ash picked for future use.

Ash sighed, Route 1 was extremely short after all and the distance to Viridian City was about a 45-minute walk from Pallet town, so there weren't many wild Pokemon here. He was about to give up when Eevee picked up a scent.

Eevee cried out, "Eev!" and started to follow the scent. Ash raised his eyebrow, but decided to see what Eevee had detected and they were surprised with what they found. Resting on a nearby tree stump was a Pikachu.

Ash nearly jumped in excitement and exclaimed, "Awesome, a Pikachu! Great job Eevee!"

The noise startled Pikachu awake and he turned to glare at whoever dared to wake him up from his nap! He started sparking his cheeks and zapped the human who had the audacity to wake him up!

"AAHHHHHH!"

Pikachu then ceased his attack and Ash fell to the ground anime style, burnt to a crisp. Pikachu started laughing pretty hard.

Ash got back up, annoyed at being zapped so harshly, saying, "So that's how you want to do things huh? Two can play at that game. Bagon, I choose you!"

Ash threw the Pokeball high in the air and Bagon materialized looking around for a moment when he saw Pikachu. He smirked when he realized he was finally going to have his first battle.

"Get ready Bagon, this is our first battle and I know you can do this!"

Bagon nodded while facing Pikachu with a serious expression. He had wanted to battle for a while after the bit of training he and Ash have gone through over the past 3 years and now he finally can, and against a type that he had some resistance against no less.

Pikachu on the other hand, was a bit nervous. He had never seen this Pokemon before and could tell that it had been training at least a little bit. Still, he would try and beat it. He had never backed down from a challenge before, and he won't start now. He decided to play it safe and attack from a distance first.

Pikachu launched a small burst of electricity at Bagon, but Ash was quick to react, "That's Thundershock! Dodge left and use Rage!" Bagon dodged the attack by jumping to his left and charged at Pikachu with a small red aura around him and scored a direct hit.

Pikachu cried out in pain, but quickly recovered and retaliated with a Quick Attack! Bagon briefly grunted in pain as he skidded back, but shook if off.

Ash was a bit surprised, "Wow, that Pikachu is slightly stronger than I expected if it already knows Quick Attack. Focus your Energy." Bagon nodded and closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again with more determination than ever.

Pikachu got nervous at this and quickly launched another Thundershock, but Ash responded quickly, "Dodge again and use Headbutt!" Bagon dodged again and charged at Pikachu, scoring a direct hit and launching Pikachu toward the ground a small distance away causing a small dust cloud to appear.

When the dust settled, Pikachu was found to be out cold. Ash took this chance and tossed an empty Pokeball, enveloping the Pokemon in a red light before absorbing it. It started shaking on the ground for a couple of moments but finally stopped.

Ash grabbed the ball and shouted, "All right! We got a Pikachu!" Bagon and Eevee also participated in the 3-second celebration with their respective cries.

Ash decided that Pikachu should come out for a moment to regain a bit of strength, "Come on out Pikachu." The Pokeball reached midair before opening up and Pikachu appeared, flinching.

Ash was a bit puzzled at first before saying, "Hey Pikachu, if you don't like the Pokeball, you don't have to stay in it. Before we discuss too much, eat this Oran Berry. It should help you recover a bit."

Pikachu nodded and ate the berry. Slowly he felt some of his energy returning to him. He still felt very tired, but he was at least able to walk now and do basic things now. He then looked at Ash confused and pointed at him.

Ash was also confused for a moment before realizing what the problem was: Pikachu wanted to know who he was.

"My name is Ash, and I am a Pokemon Trainer. My goal is to be a Pokemon Master, but also to make friends to share that dream with while going on a fun adventure. What do you say Pikachu, want to join us? I will release you if you would be happier out here" he explained.

Pikachu was amazed that he was given a choice. He always thought that if he were captured, it would be for life no questions asked, but Ash was giving him a choice.

He thought that the goal Ash explained sounded fun and he would like to make some new friends. He was also constantly bored out here. He remembered seeing an old man around here a couple of times from the nearby town and thought about pranking the old guy via an electrical attack just for laughs, but this sounded better.

Pikachu wasn't sure what it was, but he felt that his life would change for the better if he went with Ash. Not only would he make a friend, but he also suspected he would see some once in a lifetime things with Ash.

Pikachu then smiled and said, "Pikapi Pika!" while pointing to Ash. Ash was ecstatic and responded "Welcome to the team Pikachu!" Pikachu was about to cheer when…

"OOOOOOOOOHHHH"

The four of them looked up into the sky and their mouths dropped to the ground at what they saw. Over the clearing, a large, majestic bird was seen flying west, its beauty a sight to behold. The books Ash read that depicted legendary Pokemon really didn't do this legend any justice. This was the legendary Ho-oh.

As the legend flew on its way, the four of them were frozen in place, unable to believe their luck as they were all thinking, "The first day of our journey and we see the legendary Ho-oh! How lucky are we?"

Ash was the first to snap out of it and said, "It's as if Ho-oh was blessing our journey together. One thing is for sure, this will probably be no ordinary journey." His friends all nodded in agreement, while staring at the spot in the sky where Ho-oh once was.

Ash continued, "Bagon, why don't you rest a while? We need to get you and Pikachu to the Pokemon Center to recover a bit." Bagon nodded before he was absorbed by a red light into his Pokeball.

Ash turned his attention to Eevee as he picked up Pikachu, "Eevee, let's get going."

"Eev!"

(Meanwhile…)

Ho-oh chuckled to herself; she had seen Ash and his reaction to her appearance, as well as the reactions of his Pokemon. "That was the first time I have revealed myself to a human in centuries, but it was definitely worth it" she thought to herself while grinning.

Her thoughts then turned to Ash and the reason that she revealed herself to him in the first place. "Chosen One, no…Ash, I have granted you a blessing for your journey, for you have a truly pure heart and will surely go on to do great things" she mused.

She smiled sadly at this, as she knew that Ash would likely get involved in various world-wide problems involving legendary Pokemon. "Hopefully my blessing will help keep you safe, for just as the other legends may need your help, I too will need your help. You are the key" She finished cryptically as she continued towards the Johto region.

(Back with Ash…)

Ash, Eevee and Pikachu just arrived in Viridian City. They entered the city without an issue, but were quickly being stopped by the local Officer Jenny.

Ash had to explain why Eevee and Pikachu were out of their Pokeballs, and after providing some ID via the Pokedex, she pointed the way to the Pokemon Center. She had also explained where the Poke Mart was as well.

He decided to quickly stop by the Poke Mart to obtain some supplies and then went over to the Pokemon Center so his Pokemon could be healed.

He walked through the doors to the Pokemon Center and absently noted that it was empty, but went up to the desk to talk to the Nurse who was typing some information into her computer when she noticed him. "Hello, how may I help you?"

Ash placed Pikachu, Eevee and his Pokeballs on the counter, "Nurse Joy, will you heal my Pokemon and give them a checkup?"

Nurse Joy nodded and replied, "Of course, that is what we are here for" as she accepted the Pokeballs.

Ash sent her a grateful look and said, "Thanks" and went to sit down for a moment to rest, but he didn't get to rest long. A few minutes later, Ash was called up to get his healed Pokemon.

"Pika, Pikachu!" Pikachu said upon seeing his new trainer and friend and jumped onto his left shoulder. Eevee just yipped excitedly while wagging his tail. Nurse Joy giggled at their enthusiasm.

"Here you go, your Pokemon are fully healed. The last one is still in his Pokeball." Nurse Joy informed.

He nodded, but was silently impressed. Technology was something that he wasn't overly interested in, but technology that could completely heal Pokemon of mild to moderate battle injuries in minutes was not something to be ignored.

He reached for and accepted his Pokeballs…

CRASH!

Two other Pokeballs dropped from the ceiling and opened up, revealing an Ekans and a Koffing.

(A/N: I'm not going to bother with the TR motto as we have all heard it a million times and don't need to hear it again)

Ash was getting irritated at these two idiots for breaking the glass in the roof, because they looked ready to attack, and because of that horrendous motto. He decided to stay calm for now though, and instead ask, "What do you guys want with the Pokemon Center?"

James's eye twitched, "Did you not hear our motto? We're here to take all the valuable Pokemon in the Pokemon Center. They are coming with us!"

Nurse Joy became scared for the fate of the Pokemon in her care and nervously replied, "Y-you can't, we only have sick and injured Pokemon here."

"That may be true, but there are bound to be at least a few gems amongst all the trash" Jessie replied. "So, hand over the Pokemon or else" Meowth said while unsheathing his claws, ready for a fight.

At this point, Ash was angry. He now knew that these two and their talking Meowth were definitely here to cause trouble by stealing all the Pokemon here. These Pokemon are injured or sick, and have developed friendships with their respective trainers, and Team Rocket would have the nerve to wreck that!

Pikachu was no better, as he started glaring at Team Rocket as well and his cheeks started crackling with energy, while Eevee just growled. These three were going to pay for even considering such a thing!

Ash looked down to the floor, fists clenched and stepped forward. Everyone's eyes were on the kid in front of them. After a moment, Ash spoke in a soft, but ominous voice, "You come here with the intent to steal Pokemon; Pokemon that other trainers have built close bonds with and are currently sick or injured."

Ash then looked up glaring at Team Rocket and boomed, "I won't allow it!"

Team Rocket promptly flinched and backed away a bit, their Pokemon included. Ash's eyes were glowing a light blue color with traces of a darker blue in them. None of them had ever seen anything like this before.

Every member of Team Rocket was thinking, "What is with that boy's eyes and voice?" This thought didn't last long however, as Team Rocket decided to attack as they didn't exactly want to find out.

Jessie wasted no time issuing orders, "Ekans use Bite on that Pikachu now!"

James, not wanting to be outdone but rather be helpful to his team, followed suit, "Koffing, use Smokescreen!"

Ekans sprang into action while Koffing followed orders to do what he does best: making a shroud to confuse their opponents.

Ash reacted quickly, as he and Pikachu dodged the Bite attack while he tried to think of a way to end this dispute quickly. He didn't want to worry Nurse Joy any more than she already was and he wanted to make sure the sick Pokemon were safe.

There was no time to waste; These three had to go now! Ash then came up with an idea that would hopefully end fight immediately.

Ash glanced to his companion on his shoulder with a narrowed look, "Use Thundershock Pikachu, and target the Smokescreen." Pikachu smirked in response and sent the electric attack their way.

Ekans saw the attack coming and decided to dive in the smokescreen to dodge it not knowing what was to happen next:

The Thundershock made contact with the smokescreen with all the rockets hidden inside. The result was a massive explosion that caught all members in the blast, and sent them right back through the same hole they used to breach the Center.

Team Rocket could be heard in high in the sky, "Looks like Team Rocket is blasting off!"

Ash calmed down and examined the damage. He immediately turned around to face Nurse Joy and apologize. Nurse Joy just waved it off saying, "That's not important. What is important is that you saved the Pokemon here and I am very grateful for that. The city can fix the damages, but I am curious, what happened with your eyes earlier?"

Ash was confused, "What do you mean Nurse Joy?"

Nurse Joy answered, "Your eyes were glowing a light blue color with a hint of a darker blue in them. I've never seen anything like that before and I thought you might know."

Ash shook his head and replied, "Sorry Nurse Joy, I'm not entirely sure. That hasn't happened to me before to my knowledge, but I will keep an eye out for it now. To be honest, I didn't even notice anything so I'm sure it is nothing to be concerned about, especially now that they are back to normal based on what you said."

Nurse Joy wasn't entirely convinced, but she relented, "Alright, but if that happens again you may want to get it checked out."

Ash agreed and said, "Anyway, if everything is under control I need to get going, I'll see you again sometime."

Nurse Joy smiled and called out as he walked away, "Ok, take care. Enjoy your journey!"

Ash returned the smile and waved as he walked on to Viridian Forest, his Pokemon by his side.

Chapter 1 End

A/N: That's it for this Chapter. Ash's journey appears to already be off to an interesting start. A few more important things for this story:

1) A bit of a slow start for a long chapter, but I felt a lot of key events happened with Ash toward the beginning of his journey. The next chapter (possibly the next two) will cover the rest of Kanto as it is just the first pass through and the Journey will officially begin in Johto.

2) Ash will be getting some of his old Pokemon, but not all of them. The ones he will not be getting will be replaced with other Pokemon (some that Ash should have caught in the anime, but for whatever reason did not, and some that are not related to the anime at all).

Salamence: Heh, I beat Pikachu up pretty good back then with that critical hit headbutt. That was my favorite battle as a Bagon.

Pikachu: Hey, I didn't know you were a dragon type and were resistant to my electricity back then. Your kind isn't common in Kanto. *As he subconsciously rubs his head*

Salamence: *snorts* Sure you didn't. Anyway CG, this Chapter wasn't so bad, but you better keep trying your best or else.

*Flames started building around Salamence's mouth*

CG: *Gulp* Got it, but are you are only saying that because you got mentioned in a good light in the very first chapter?

Salamence: Well yeah, any chapter that doesn't feature me without a good reason is terrible.

CG: Sigh, I just can't win with you. *Ash, why didn't you tell Salamence to listen to me and behave when you left? Why!?*

*Salamence starts charging a Dragon Pulse*

CG: Alright, Alright! Note to self, don't EVER think or say anything negative about Salamence; just don't launch that! I can't go replacing something every chapter!

*Salamence dissipated the Dragon Pulse and walked off somewhere*

CG:Whew! Sorry guys. You see, Ash left just yesterday, so I haven't had much time with Salamence just yet. Hopefully I'll be able to make friends with him shortly. I guess I'll just have to start by doing well on this story. Maybe Salamence….

CRASH!

CG: *facepalm* Oh come on, what happened this time?

Pikachu: I'm guessing Salamence broke something, but let's check it out.

CG: ….Great. Oh well, until next time everyone!

-CyberGuardian7