CHAPTER 1
The World is a somewhat fantastical and beautiful place filled to the brim with unique creatures called Pocket Monsters or Pokémon. The number of Pokémon out there are endless. Every day we learn something new about the world and these wonderful creatures that live in it called Pokémon. There isn't a corner in the world where you can't find a Pokémon either flying in the air, swimming the deep seas, riding the waves, digging through the ground and swinging from tree to tree.
Humans and Pokémon share a bond working towards the same goal enjoying each victory and learning from each defeat. Such people were called Pokémon trainers. A Pokémon trainer could try to become a battler, a co-ordinator, a researcher, or any of the other multiple options.
One such trainer was Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town. Ash had been preparing for this day for almost four years as soon as he learned that the age for becoming a Trainer had gone up to fourteen. He had either spent all his time in the ranch of the Pallet Town residential Professor Samuel Oak or reading in the public library learning about everything there is to being a Pokémon trainer.
While the reading had allowed the young Ketchum to pass the exam for his Trainers licence, his time in the ranch alongside Samuel Oak's grandson and granddaughter Gary and Daisy Oak, who were twins, was more productive.
Ash Ketchum wasn't the studious type but he was smart, smarter than people would give him credit for and he observed all the Pokémon in the ranch which belonged either to Professor Oak or to the large population of trainers that had started out in Pallet Town including Blue Oak, former gym leader, Champion and the son of Samuel Oak.
It was a horrible day in Pallet when Gary and Daisy had moved back into Town after Blue Oak and Leaf Oak had passed on in a car accident.
Ash took note of the multiple moves Pokémon could do. How different types of attacks effected different types of Pokémon. How Pokémon trained on their own so that Ash could have some ideas for his own Pokémon.
He took note of how Professor Oak and his assistants took care of the Pokémon. He had also spent a lot of time studying the different Battle gimmicks all over the world.
While Gigantamax and Dynamax Pokemon are only found in the Galar region and Unova region, regional variants of Pokémon were more common. Z-moves while known are not commonly used and mega evolution was becoming a norm for many gym leaders.
Almost all the Gym leaders in the Kalos region could use a Mega much like every gym leader in Galar could use a Gigantamax.
Even other gym leaders, Elite Four Members or even the champions were getting one of their Pokémon to mega evolve.
Many trainers were spending their time hoping to find a key stone and mega stone to evolve their Pokémon.
Ash didn't think he would need a Mega Evolution (not that he would say not to it when the chance comes) but he had seen unevolved Pokémon like a certain Pikachu that seemed capable of things it should not be like defeating Professor Oak's Dragonite, the large Drapion which was the leader of the dark types (it was a territory dispute between dark types and the mouse and rat colony).
He even managed to defeat a horde of Gligar and Gliscor that Professor Oak made them capture for his research.
His time on the ranch had thought Ash a lot of things. The first one being that typing wasn't everything (as evidenced by the Pikachu and Professor Oak's Dragonite). It would definitely help but a good strategy and well-trained Pokémon would win you fight even in a disadvantage.
The second one was about battle styles. There was a trainer from Sinnoh who had come through Professor Oak's ranch when Ash was around ten while he was going through the Kanto region.
Ash had caught him while he was training his Pokemon a Scizor and a Gengar. The Scizor despite it's speed and attacks had been battling at a distance while Gengar it seemed like was putting on some sort of show floating, sweeping and on one occasion dancing during the battle.
His name was Reggie and when he found Ash, Ash had asked him about the battle. Reggie had said that his Gengar had belonged to a Co-ordinator before she traded him for his Lopunny who was intrested in doing contests.
The Gengar wanted to battle and hence Reggie had agreed with it. But Gengar had been with the trainer for some time so his battle style was very reminiscent of a contest battle style and so Reggie had adapted to it.
This Scizor apparently preferred to battle at a distance and so Reggie had worked with the bug to be able to do just that.
He had told Ash that working with his Pokemon on their strengths and their battle styles rather then making them doing thing his way was always the better choice.
Another thing Ash had learned was about Pokemon evolution. The first time Ash had seen a Pokemon evolve was when he was eight years old. It was during summer camp in Pallet Town and Ash was helping take care of the flying types.
The camp had been going on for two weeks and Ash had befriended the single Murkrow in the large group of flying types in the ranch. He had taken care of him and helped the bird befriend a few other flying types.
It was during the third week when a Fearow herd (probably the one in the Pallet Town Forest) had tried to attack the Ranch and take over. Some of the older flying types like Pidgeot, Braviary and Talonflame had tried to fight of the lead Fearow or one of it's subordinates but had been unsuccessful all hopes seemed lost until the lead Fearow had tried to harm one of Murkrow's friends.
What followed was nothing short of a trashing in the hands of Murkrow who evolved while battling the lead Fearow. The new Hunchkrow had been super strong managing to chase out the herd almost single handily.
Ash had thought that evolution made a Pokémon stronger and there was no loss.
This was proved false when he had seen a Magmar evolve. The Magmotor was much slower then Magmar and it had taken the Pokémon by surprise forcing him to have to change his whole battle style. It was a struggle.
He had seen the same happen for a Rhydon and a Vigoroth.
Additional limbs to seemed to be a problem especially for Pokémon who sprouted wings upon evolution. It took them time to train to use the addition limbs properly.
Evolution had only increased the raw power and potential of a Pokémon but they couldn't make a Pokémon invincible. Evolution meant more work for a Pokémon, be it mastering a new typing, an extra pair of limbs, change in fighting style, additional mass etc.
The other thing and probably the most important of them all that Ash had learned was, respecting and accepting your Pokémon's choices. They had the final say on any topic related to themselves and it was important the trainer understood that.
Ash managed to move out of his thoughts as he approached the Professor's ranch and laboratory. He could see Gary and Daisy stood at the door.
Gary Oak was a jerk in Ash's opinion. Ash wasn't sure how he was related to Daisy who in Ash's opinion was one of the kindest people Ash had meet. Daisy unlike Gary and Ash was rather short with long brown hair and hazel eyes. Gary was taller than Ash was with a spiky brown hair and grey eyes.
Gary Ash and Daisy had been friends when they had younger until a fight had broken out between Ash and Gary over a rusted Poke ball which had strained their friendship.
Before Gary and Daisy had come to Pallet Town Ash had no friends in the little place. Derek, Joshua and their band of baboons had made sure of that, befriending Ash was like putting a target on your back for the gang to attack them.
But all of that changed when Gary and Daisy had shown up. Suddenly Ash was friends with the two most famous kids in Pallet Town and all the bullying and teasing disappeared until Gary had joined Derek and Joshua after the poke ball incident.
He had stopped talking to Daisy after that believing it to be the end of his friendship.
Ash had been so lost and low on confidence after that incident he had needed Daisy to quiet literally knock some sense into him.
"Are you an idiot, Ash Ketchum or perhaps you had been knocked in the head by a Machamp," asked Daisy Oak as Ash was walking away from the library having missed their third movie night in a row.
"What are you talking about?" Ash asked tiredly.
"This avoiding and running of when I am around, what else did you think I was talking about," Daisy said.
"I thought that was what you wanted," said Ash looking away from the girl avoiding eye contact.
"Huh," asked Daisy confused.
"I thought that was what you and Gary wanted after what happened…," Ash was stopped midway when Daisy caught his T-shirt and pulled him towards her.
"Listen and listen carefully Kecthum," snarled Daisy right in my face, "you are my friend, my friend and nothing is going to change that not my grandfather being a poet, not Lance managing to unseat Agatha as the Champion and definitely not Gary Stupid Oak, I expect you to be by my side tomorrow when I am going to go fishing for the shiny magikarp in the river," said Daisy leaving my collar making me fall to the floor and on my ass.
"What about Derek and Joshua?" asked Ash timidly.
"Derek and Joshua are fools and cowards, the best way to push them off is by standing up to them," said Daisy as she walked away.
"Tomorrow morning at eight Ketchum and bring that special lure of your," said Daisy without turning back.
Then Ash had given the gang back as much as he had got making it quiet dangerous for him but he had vowed after his talk with Daisy never to take anything lying down, if he could fight he would fight and win never giving up.
It had been a slow and painful process, the indicators being quiet a lot of bruises and a few broken bone and dislocated toes and shoulders.
Ash always stood up for himself and those who couldn't stand up for themselves. He had defended the young ones from them and slowly but surely everyone was fighting back against the bullies and their group. Joshua and Derek barely left their homes in fear of being swarmed and attacked by the rest of us like a swarm of Beedrills.
Gary had stopped hanging out with those fools after a while and now did his own thing. There was no friendship between him and Gary but there was no animosity either.
Gary spent most of his time reading or preparing in any way he could for his Pokemon journey. At first Gary had been a confident yet slightly humble after which he became cocky, arrogant and concieted, before settling on distant and aloof.
Ash wasn't sure what had happened but whatever it was made Gary poor company to be around. He was seen always brooding and depressed.
It was quiet a contrast to Daisy who seemed bubbly, outgoing and not to mention beautiful.
"Good morning, Ash," wished Daisy as they stood waiting at the door of the Laboratory.
"Ketchum," said Gary nodding simply no hint of emotion in it.
"Oak," said Ash in the same tone before turning to Daisy and whishing her a brighter and more cheerful good morning.
There was a beat of awkwardness in between the three childhood friends before Daisy decided to break it.
"What Pokemon do you plan on choosing Ash? I know Gary wants a Squirtle," said Daisy looking up at him and smiling.
Ash knew that too, he had been with Gary long enough to know he wanted a Squirtle mostly because his father had a Charmander as his starter and Gary's aim was to be better than his father was. Daisy though hoped to continue in Professor Oak's footsteps and become a researcher. But before that she wanted to travel and see the world she wanted to study.
"I wouldn't mind either of them, though personally I would like a Charmander," said Ash looking at Daisy who gave him a smile.
"Oh, that is good, because I wanted a Bulbasaur," said Daisy with a smile.
Gary snorted from his place by the window but said nothing.
"Something, to say little brother," said Daisy giving him a challenging look.
"It was by six minutes," said Gary almost petulantly before realizing what he said before turning back to the other side. It was rare Ash heard much of an emotion in one of Gary's statements. It was usually in a monotone. Ash missed the Gary of old. Even the brat would have been fine.
Daisy had a victorious smirk on her face before turning to face Ash, "Ignore grouchy pants over there and tell me which Gym you plan on hitting first it can't be Pewter if you start off with Charmander will it," said Daisy.
It was a logical choice since Steel Types were resistant to half the typing presemt. While having Charmander would help he couldn't pull the whole fight on his own and none of the multiple buy types between Viridian and Pewter in the Viridian Forest would really be helpful.
A butterfree might get crushed by the Lairon in a stomp.
But that was where Daisy was wrong. Ash planned on going to Pewter and winning, even if all he had was Charmander and one of the Pokemon from the forest. He knew what Pokémon Forrester the Gym Leader would use and was planning on training his Pokémon to win in such a case.
A Lairon, a Mawile, a Beldum, a Cufant and a on occassion an Excadrill. One of those three would be part of the team. He wanted to teach Charmander Brick Break or Focus Punch. Both moves were super effective against steel types and would prove useful as their Journey progressed.
Ash hoped to catch a Pidegotto and teach it Steel Wing. It would help him block the attacks of his opponent and with judicial use of his other moves he would be able to finish off the Pokemon. Sand Attack would also help.
A Geodude or a Sandshrew would prove helpful. The rare Cubone found in would be helpful too.
It was a pretty solid plan in Ash's opinion and he planned on staying in Pewter for a week or so training for the battle.
"Oh no, I know what that grin means, you plan on challenging Pewter City first don't you," said Daisy a slight look of horror and worry on her face making Ash almost lose his confidence.
Daisy somehow did that to him a few words from her he could believe he could take on the whole Elite Four and Champion right now at the same time he could feel like even defeating a Caterpie would be to hard a task for him.
"Atleast he isn't stupid enough to go against Giovanni," said Gary.
"As if that sounds more like something Derek in his stupidity would do," said Daisy glaring at Gary.
Unlike the three of them Derek and Joshua had not gotten a good enough grade to obtain one of the regional starters. It was a new rule that had come into play after the population of the starters had decreased due to abandonment, harsh training, ill-caring and other stupid mistakes made by rookie trainers.
This had led to Professor Oak creating an exam called the SETs (Starter Eligibility Tests). Depending on the marks on the test the new trainer who got a licence after passing the P.L.E.A (Pokemon League Entrance and Acceptance) exam, a starter was chosen on the basis of age, experience, move pool and all sorts of other factors.
It was a necessity to get a minimum of ninety % on the SETs to get a regional starter in any region (bar Alola, they did things a little different).
Ash had put in a lot of work to get a ninety-two on the test while Gary got a ninety-six and Daisey a perfect 100.
Joshua and Derek barely got a 60% and the two of them left three days ago each with a Zubat and a Geodude.
Kai Joses one of the only other 14-year-old in town other then the five of them to get through the tests had gotten an 89% and left town yesterday with a Vulpix. Ash didn't know they boy well but his mother had been a constant in his's mothers' restaurant and so he had congratulated Kai the day before on a job well done and an exchange of a promise to battle at some point in their journey.
Kai had accepted it with a small smile and a nod.
"Derek isn't smart enough to figure out how to work his Pokedex, this more in Ketchum's region, going for a battle without a proper plan and coming up with crazy ideas on the fly,"
"It is called thinking on your feet, Gary," said Ash sneering at the boy.
Whatever retort Gary was going to give was stopped when Professor Oak opened the door.
Professor Oak was a man well into his fifties with short grey hair and rather tall build. He was always seen with his signature Professor Coat and with Clefable by his side. Professor Oak looked rather tired and angry as he took them in.
He tried to bring back his smile but it didn't work. Even the ever kind and cheerful Clefable looked rather pissed.
"Professor is everything alright," asked Ash as Gary and Daisy looked on worried.
"It's fine my boy, I am alright, it's just that…," said Professor Oak.
"What's wrong Pops?" asked Gary as he stepped closer to the Professor and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Oh, it's just that one of the three starter Pokemon I had gotten for the three of you has already been chosen," said Professor Oak shocking the three of them.
"What?" screamed Ash in shock.
"How… I mean, there was no one other then the three of us anywhere close by who had gotten more then 90 on the SETs," said Daisy.
"Yes that is true but the father of the trainer, Mr. Brown, thought it prudent to remind me about Budget Cuts this year and the fact that his friend sits as head of the Research Grant Committee, so it was either hand over the Charmander or cut down food bills to keep this place running to get some scientific work done," said Professor Oak.
Ash had gone into a state of shock. This can't be happening. If Ash didn't get a starter this year today and didn't register for the League by the day after he won't be able to participate until next year. The League was very strict that way to ensure all trainers had equal amounts of time to collect eight gym badges.
As if to add insult to injury, the rich asshole thought it prudent to ask for a Charmander. Ash might have been fine with any Pokémon of the three starters but the fact that he didn't even have a chance to pick hurt.
"So, one of us doesn't get a Pokemon," said Gary looking ready to fight for the right to choose his.
"You both should take it, you scored better than I did and not to mention you arrived earlier," said Ash fighting off the tears that threatened to spill.
The two younger Oaks looked at him shocked while Professor Oak managed to mask his surprise very fast and gave Ash a large smile. He had planned on giving Ash that Pichu that was stirring up trouble but that won't do now. Let the boy choose from the options available.
"Not to worry Ash, while I don't have the actual regional starters there are a few other Pokémon that are of the same calibre as the starters you can choose from one of them after Gary and Daisy are done," said Professor Oak giving Ash a smile making the boy perk up
"Thank you, Ash for what you said," said Daisy giving him kiss on his cheek as Professor Oak and Gary climbed up the staircase.
Ash brain just about exploded and that was for the first time Ash had realized just how beautiful Daisy Oak was.
LINE BREAK
"You see, Ash one of the reason I give out starter Pokémon even if it isn't in my job description is because this becomes the starting point to many trainers. Any and all Pokémon they catch make a home in my ranch when they are not with their trainers. It allows me to study a large number of Pokémon in what could be considered their natural habitat," said Professor Oak as Ash followed the man through his laboratory into a smaller part of the ranch.
"One of the side effects of this fact is that I often have multiple Pokémon eggs with me and I hatch and keep the Pokémon here. According to the wish of the Trainer to who the Pokémon belonged the Pokémon either stayed here or joined them or I could use them as a starter for some of the trainers who come here. The Squirtle who belonged to Gary had come about the same way," said Professor Oak.
"So, I could choose one of the Pokémon that recently hatched," said Ash making the Professor smile and nod.
"Yes, and ah here we are," said Professor Oak as they took a left to see what could be considered a Pokémon nursery.
There were at least fifteen young Pokémon running jumping and playing in the area.
"I keep them separate so as to ensure they are not hurt by the other Pokémon on the ranch,"
There was a young Magby running around the room chasing a Pichu who was grinning mischievously as he ran. There was Clauncher who was holding a Shroomish by his head grinning at him menacingly.
A Chespin and a Munchlax were having an eating contest while and Eevee and a Growlithe were roughhousing.
There was a Cubchoo and a Heracross passed out in a corner leaning on each other and looking so cute. The Heracross was so small it could fit comfortably in his hands. There was a male Nidoran passed out by their legs.
There was a Larvitar and a Sandshrew scratching at each other while a Swablu was trying to teach a Bagon to fly.
A shy Ralts was in the corner of the room staying out of people's eyes.
An Absol stood at the corner looking like some sort of sentinel as he looked over the Pokémon with a
Ash made eye contact with a pair of red eyes on a bipedal Jackel like Pokémon also called a Riolu.
Ash knew who he wanted immediately.
While Absol, Cubchoo and Larvitar were good competition something about that Riolu as Ash looked at him made sense. Almost as if everything up until now was meant to happen so that he could end up with that Pokémon.
The both of them had a stare down for a few seconds before Ash nodded his head in acknoledgement and respect and the Riolu returned the move.
Ash walked into the Nursery ignoring the warning of Professor Oak. A Snubull that was sleeping up until then woke up and growled at him while the Magbi looked at Ash curiosuly with Sandshrew and Larvitar who stopped their practice to see what was happening.
Ash made eye contact with Ash as he took a knee in front of him and the young Absol. Ash stared at the Riolu for a long time with Riolu not breaking eye contact for one moment and it didn't flinch. He was damn sure now, he wanted this Riolu.
"Hello Riolu, my name is Ash Ketchum and I start out my journey as a Pokemon trainer today. I missed my chance with a Charmander I wanted to have since I was ten but I am glad I did because it lead me to you. You see my aim is to be the World's First Pokemon Master. I am not even entirely sure what that means but I will need strong reliable friends to get to that goal and something tells me you could be one of those friends, so what do you say, will you join me," asked Ash pointing his hand out at the Riolu.
The Riolu didn't break eye contact as Ash pointed his hand out at the guy. Riolu knew he was different from other Pokemon. He didn't want to some trainer to choose him, he wanted to choose a trainer and this boy who stood beside him had given him an offer. Not an order but an offer. He could reject it if he wanted too.
All Pokemon wanted to get stronger. Riolu was no exception and to do that he needed a human with strong aura to train him. He could only go far without the help of a human.
The boy seemed honest, dedicated and smart enough. He would give him a chance.
Riolu lifter his hand to accept the offer before he felt the boys aura.
Ash watched in fascination as Riolu glowed blue and his ears were lifted into the air. He opened the eyes in surprise then looked at Ash before tackling him to the ground and hugging him and licking his face.
Ash laughed at that and Professor Oak had a smile on his face.
"I guess you made a choice," he said with a laugh while Ash lifted the little fighting type into the air with a grin.
LINE BREAK
Ash Ketchum stood beside Professor Oak as he was programming a Poke dex to suit his needs. The Professor had told him that along with being able to identify and give him information about Pokémon, it would function as his identification, licence, his bank statement and many other things.
Riolu stood by Ash as they waited for Professor Oak to be done with what he was doing. After the selection that slightly confused Ash Riolu had been captured into a Pokeball and released after that. Riolu had preffered to stay out of the puffy Pokeball and Ash was fine with that.
"So, Ash do you remember what I told you about carrying capacities," asked Professor Oak and Ash nodded.
"Yes, Professor, I could only carry six Pokémon at any time, any additional Pokémon I catch will immediately be transported to your ranch and I can only have them transferred using a transfer machine generally found in a Pokémon Centre by sending one of the Pokémon I have on hand," said Ash.
"Yes, very good Ash, and this was one of the reason many trainers didn't capture too many Pokémon, some only stuck to a simple six and training them to be the best of their abilities, but there are multiple flaws with such a plan can you tell me what they are," prompted Professor Oak making the teenager think for some time before answering.
"If you have only six Pokémon and one of them are injured badly, You would not have him/her to rely on for any battle or a dangerous situation and it is stupid to use the same Pokémon through out a league because the opponent will know the team you would use, not to mention the imbalance since there might be a chance some of the Pokémon might get neglected"
"Excellent my boy and in hopes of helping trainers I have developed a program into the Pokedex called the Ideal Pokémon Transfer Program, it helps a trainer recall any Pokémon at any time on his journey. All he has to do is insert the names of the needed Pokémon and the one being transferred and Clefable and Porygon here will do the rest to transfer your Pokémon. I believe this Program along with a Pokedex would help a trainer out a lot and I want you to test it out so I can check for any problems and update them before sending them out,"
Ash stared at the Pokedex in awe as his Riolu stood beside him and did the same thing, to be able to transfer any Pokémon any time would be like a dream come true.
Ash took the Pokedex from the Professor and thanked him rigorously for his help before running out of the laboratory closely followed by Riolu to go meet his mom one final time before heading out on his journey.
LINE BREAK
"You know in all the excitement I had forgotten to ask if you wanted a nickname," said Ash as he and his partner Riolu were setting up camp.
After meeting up with his mom, introducing Riolu to her, having a large lunch packing some food, and being remined rather embarrassingly to change his undergarments, Ash had left Pallet Town behind to move towards Viridian City.
Riolu had walked beside Ash the whole time not liking to stay in a Pokeball. Riolu's Pokeball was tossed in some corner of his room never to be seen again.
Ash had spent most of the time through the small forest talking about his childhood, his hopes, dreams and his plans, his mom, his friends, a dad he didn't know, everything and Riolu was a good listener.
He also wanted the Pokemon to walk with him to build some basic muscle by walking long distances and build up some endurance be fore he thought him some moves.
The Riolu thought it over for some time before nodding his head in a negative.
"So Riolu it is, lets see how this Pokedex works," said Ash pulling out his dex and letting it scan his buddy.
"Riolu, the Emanation Pokémon, it can use waves called auras to gauge how others are feeling. These same waves can also tell this Pokémon about the state of the environment, The aura that emanates from its body intensifies to alert others if it is afraid or sad. Its body is lithe yet powerful. It can crest three mountains and cross two canyons in one night. Though infantile in appearance, it has the mysterious ability to read the minds of humans. The pure of heart are met with Riolu's approval, while those of ill nature earn only its loathing,"
"This Riolu is a male and knows the moves Force Palm, Brick Break, Metal Claw, Extreme Speed, along with the egg moves Shadow Claw, Blaze Kick and Bullet Punch. It has the ability Steadfast,"
"Oh wow, that's a good move pool Riolu and you have three cool egg moves too, we will start working on them. They will prove useful in the gym battle against Brock in Pewter," said Ash making the wolf like Pokémon happy.
Riolu front flips very easily before showing a few good haymakers and a powerful uppercut.
"I like the spirit, so shall we work on Metal Claw or Bullet Punch, since they are steel type moves and they might take you the longest," said Ash making Riolu yowl in acceptance.
Steel, Draggon, Ghost and Psychic type energies were the hardest to tap into and harness without the typing present. Even with a typing it took time to master the moves and make as powerful as possible.
"Actually, you need Riolu to evolve to be able to use Bullet Punch. Without the Steel typing it would be near impossible to master the move," spoke the Pokedex.
"You can speak," Ash asked in surprise.
"I am to assist my trainer Ash Ketchum on his journey in any way possible and if it means I have advise him to stop doing some training that might prove disheartening when you don't have any results, I am to speak," said the Pokedex.
"Huh okay," said Ash before wishing the dex Thank You.
"Which move do you want to check out first," asked Ash and Riolu bounced around in a hyper active way.
"Extreme Speed," asked Ash questioningly and the bipedal wolf grinned in confirmation.
"Alright Riolu use Extreme Speed," said Ash standing up and the Pokémon was off like a bullet and before he could really comprehend it a rock was cracked open like it was an egg.
Ash ran towards the rock dropping his jacket on a tree branch by his camp side. Ash was surveying the damage Riolu had done and it looked he had ran clean through the Rock cracking it open like an egg but where was the Pokémon.
"Oh wow, that was so cool," said Ash looking at the rock one more time before looking for Riolu only to find him on his butt holding his head and mewling softly in pain.
"I guess we need to build up your strength before we have you colliding into large rocks," said Ash picking up the poor guy and bringing him back to his campsite.
Ash applied some potion on the injury making Riolu hiss in pain but the Pokémon bore through it.
"Might I suggest going to sleep and starting this training session in the morning when there is a sun and there is a less chance of some wild Pokémon being attracted to your noise and eating you," said the Pokedex making Ash whip his head to the Pokedex in his jacket that was hanging on a tree branch he placed it.
"There is nothing around here but a bunch of Pidgey and Rattata," said Ash.
"Be that as it may there was an information that there was an influx of some of the rock and ground types found in Mt. Silver and near Taracotta Town towards Viridian City. I would be careful if I were you," said the Pokedex.
"Well, how does that sound Riolu, should we take a break and start tomorrow," asked Ash and the Aura Pokémon yowled in a way that said he was okay with either of the options.
"Okay, we shall have dinner and rise up early and then train how does that sound," asked Ash making the fighting type yowl in approval.
LINE BREAK
"Come buddy keep up the pace," said Ash the two of them were jogging.
After having an early rise, Ash had brushed his teeth and had a slight amount of food and had given Riolu some Pokemon food.
The food was bland and Riolu didn't seem to like it much but Ash had the Pokémon food specifically prepared to suit the tastes of fire types and grass types available with him. He had promised Riolu to buy him some fighting type Pokémon food and Riolu looked like he would keep Ash to that promise.
After the small snack the two of them, packed their camp and had started jogging. Ash had taken to exercising in hopes of preparing his body for the travelling and would have any of his Pokémon be a part of his morning workout.
Ash and Riolu had been running for almost an hour now and Ash were just about ready to call a break when they heard a whimper and a few other sinister sounds.
It sounded like some Pokemon and Ash knew whoever it was in danger.
Rising to the challenge Ash and Riolu rushed towards the sound through a bunch of bushes and a few trees.
The two of them came across a small stream and by the bank of the stream where four Pokémon were huddled in a group of sorts.
"Poliwhirl, the Tadpole Pokémon, the surface of Poliwhirl's body is always wet and slick with a slimy fluid. Because of this slippery covering, it can easily slip and slide out of the clutches of any enemy in battle. Its two legs are well developed. Even though it can live on the ground, it prefers living in water. When out of water, it constantly sweats to keep its body slimy. It marches over the land in search of bug Pokémon to eat. Then it takes them underwater so it can dine on them where it's safe. The spiral pattern on its belly subtly undulates. Staring at it gradually causes drowsiness,"
"Kingler, the Pincer Pokémon, Kingler has an enormous, oversized claw. It waves this huge claw in the air to communicate with others. However, because the claw is so heavy, the Pokémon quickly tires. Its large and hard pincer has 10,000-horsepower strength. Its oversized claw is very powerful, but when it's not in battle, the claw just gets in the way, it is difficult to aim with too due to how heavy it is. The bubbles it spews out are strongly alkaline. Any opponents hit by them will have their bodies quickly melted away,"
"Golduck, the Duck Pokémon, Golduck is the fastest swimmer among all Pokémon. It swims effortlessly, even in a rough, stormy sea. It sometimes rescues people from wrecked ships floundering in high seas. The webbed flippers on its forelegs and hind legs and the streamlined body of Golduck give it it's frightening speed. It can continue swimming for two days straight by waving its long tail skillfully. This Pokémon lives in gently flowing rivers. It paddles through the water with its long limbs, putting its graceful swimming skills on display. Old tales tell of Golduck punishing those that defiled its river. The guilty were dragged into the water and taken away,"
"Magikarp, the Fish Pokemon, Famous for being very unreliable. It can be found swimming in seas, lakes, rivers and shallow puddles. Magikarp is virtually useless in battle as it can only splash around. As a result, it is considered to be weak. However, it is actually a very hardy Pokémon that can survive in any body of water no matter how polluted it is. This Pokémon is incredibly fertile. They exist in such multitudes; you'll soon grow tired of seeing them. Magikarp are considered delicacies in some parts of the world,"
Ash stopped to take a look.
It looked like the other three Pokémon were picking on Magikarp for entering their domain. Ash just couldn't sit by while the other three Pokémon were picking on Magikarp. It reminded Ash of his time in his home town.
The Golduck stood back while Kingler and Poliwhirl taunted the Magikarp. Kingler kept pushing the poor fish Pokemon with his claw while Poliwhirl would use his arms to push the poor guy around.
Golduck just stood back looking at what was happening with a cruel smile.
"Alright Riolu we are going to save that Magikarp, we can't stay by when they are picking on him,"
"Rio," said Riolu determinedly.
"I would like to remind my trainer that he and his Pokémon has no prior battle experience and this might prove to be a stupid and painful decision if he attacked those Pokémon in hopes of saving a Magikarp,"
"Who said anything about battling?" said Ash with a sinister smile making Riolu give a wolfish grin.
LINE BREAK
Golduck was no bully.
Not by a long shot.
He just had young ones in this stream that he had to protect.
The Poliwag, Horsea, Goldeen, Whooper, Krabby, Starmyu depended on him.
Golduck had come to this Stream as a young Psyduck, he had fought and evolved in this stream and when the lead Crawdaunt had passed Golduck had taken the responsibility to keep the stream safe.
Magikarp were no menace. They barely effected the ecosystem but they evolved into what could be considered the ultimate sea predator.
A Gyarados in this stream would quiet literally destroy it. Contrary to what humans believed the Magikarp didn't only evolve on winning, they could evolve by swimming and if he let the fish take a place in his stream, they would not be able to drive it out and once it became a Gyarados they were doomed.
So, in Golducks, perspective this was a necessity. How much ever this thing was beaten up it would be fine but Magikarp were cowards by nature and if they scared that thing enough it wouldn't mess with their river again.
Kingler hit the fish with a water pulse at point black and Polywhirl used double slap. Despite this the stupid fish was flailing around asking them to let him into the river asking for shelter and safety.
Goldcuk stopped the other two of them before moving towards the fish.
"Thank You, Thank You, I will do my level best to keep this river safe," said Magikarp.
"Oh, no you misunderstand me fish, I am not helping you, I am going to hurt you so bad now, you will never look back at this river," said Golduck rather menacingly.
Golduck used psychic and lift Magikarp into the air before crashing him into the ground and he did again and again and again.
He was ready to do it a fifth time when he heard the sound.
"Kookiee," said Kingler
As the buzzing grew louder, so did Golduck's apprehension. As far as he was aware there were no Beedrill nests in the forest yet all those stupid bugs needed was a week to set up the nest.
Golduck had faced down some very dangerous foes including an Ursaring that had come looking for food to his stream but a swarm of Beedrill was something he would avoid in any scenario.
He immediately fell back into the stream along with Kingler and Poliwhirl following. He had waited for full minute before he heard cursing.
He had broken the surface to see a young human along with a blue bipedal Pokemon trying to convince the Magikarp in their arm fighting back that they were here to help.
The nerve of that kid to interfere in their matters. This won't do.
LINE BREAK
Magikarp had just wanted a place to stay.
He had been separated from his school in the Orange Islands and had been looking for a place to stay for almost three weeks now.
He had been chased out of three streams up until now because the inhabitants were scared of what he would do when he evolved.
He had even promised them he wouldn't harm them when he evolved and would help keep them safe.
No one believed him and chased him out of their water body but these three Pokémon were more vicious than the others.
Magikarp had been scared and helpless without a home and these bastards had decided to attack him and bully him.
He had been unable to fight back and was hurt and in pain.
Then it had all stopped. It had taken him some time to realize the noise was. Magikarp had no reason to fear a Beedrill but he knew what they were and he was terrified.
Then his hero and saviour had come not that he knew it then. He had picked Magikarp up and started running. Magikarp had panicked thinking he wanted to cook and eat him and tried to get out of his hands.
"Magikarp, calm down, Riolu and I are trying to help," said Ash.
"That's what all of them say in the start," said Magikarp pushing out of his hands and smacking him with his tail.
Ash kept a stronger hold on the fish and slowed down.
"Rio, Rio, Olu, Riolu," said which basically translated to the poor guy trying to convince the fish that they were helping.
"What he said, Magikarp, we came over to help since those three were bullying you, we even played that Beedrill noise," said Ash.
Magikarp wasn't convinced and tried to push out of his hold. He smacked Ash in the face with his tail before slipping out of his hold and crawling away from him.
'Ouch, that is one strong hit,' thought Ash.
"Magikarp wait, I will prove it to you, Dexter stops the noise," said Ash.
"Are you sure trainer," asked Dexter.
"Yes," said Ash and the noise stopped.
"Rio, Riolu," said Riolu.
"Karp, Karp, Magi," asked Magikarp in a questioning tone.
Riolu nodded his head letting Magikarp be picked up by Ash and taken to the Pokemon centre but before they could do it a water pulse was fired at them making them be blown away.
This was followed by a barrage of Bubble Beam and Confuse Rays. The three of them had scattered to different parts of the clearing. Ash looked on in worry as some of the bubble beam struck the Magikarp and Riolu deflected the Confuse Ray with Metal Claw.
Throwing caution to wind Ash ran for his Pokemon and the fish when one of the confuse rays struck Riolu throwing the little fighting type towards the fish. Ash covered both Riolu and Magikarp with his body.
Magikarp looked on with awe in his eyes as the human put his life on the line to save him while Riolu was trying to form an Aura Sphere in his arms hoping to help Ash. It was a sad realization for the bipedal canine to know he couldn't do that move until evolution.
Ash was trying to do his best to keep his starter and the poor fish Pokémon safe. A few of the bubble beams struck him but before any more attacks could happen the sounds stopped.
Ash looked up from his place over the Pokémon to see the three water types descending back into the river.
He then heard a loud cawing from somewhere making the boy look to the sky. There flying across the air was the most beautiful sight Ash had ever seen. There had been no rain in Pallet Town for almost a week yet there across the sky was a Rainbow and flying across it was a huge bird.
Ash pulled out his Pokedex to identify the bird.
"Identity unknown, sending information to Professor Oak for further study," said the Pokedex.
"Wow a brand new Pokemon no one has ever seen that is so cool," said Ash.
The bird was golden red in colour and seemed to shine as it flew over the sky. As Ash watched the Bird a single feather fell from the Sky into Ash's hands. He caught the feather in his hands and suddenly a new sense of purpose and determination filled him. He was going to do it. He would be the best there ever was.
LINE BREAK
It had been rather simple to get the Magikarp and Riolu to Viridian City's Pokemon centre. While the place was swarming with cops since a robbery had taken place, officer Jenny had allowed Ash through after checking his I.D.
Ash had given Nurse Joy both Riolu and Magikarp to have a look over. The Nurse while tense had done so for both his and another girl's Pokémon.
While Riolu's injuries were minor Magikarp seemed to have suffered starvation and a little dehydration along with a few scraps.
Now Ash sat by the Magikarp waiting for it wake up. He had trained for the whole afternoon with Riolu after he was healed. Ash had managed to help the fighting type master Brick Break, Force Palm and Metal Claw. They had gotten started on Blaze Kick but it seemed like a dead end for the time being. It was nothing but a glorified Karate move.
The Pokedex suggested Ash teach Riolu a long range move but Ash put it off for now. He didn't want to over do it just after Riolu's treatment. The only reason he had trained was because Nurse Joy had sent him off since he was worried for the Magikarp. He was pacing and she wanted him to burn off his excess energy.
After the training he had sat beside the Magikarp waiting for it to wake up. He had an offer to make to the Magikarp. Despite everything Ash knew a fighter when he saw one and while he looked defenceless Magikarp was a fighter and Ash would hone it anyway he could if he would allow him.
He had sat down and read through Riolu's move pool to see what he could teach him. While Aura Sphere was move, he could learn on evolution, Shadow Claw would prove useful against Psychic and Ghost types, both Steel type moves would help deal with Fairy types. Ash had to figure out how to deal with the Flying types.
While evolving would help against the flying type even evolution would not damper the fact that his fighting type moves won't affect the birds. Shadow Claw could only get you so far and the steel type moves could easily be countered by Steel Wing. Ash had to figure out a strategy to deal with them. The lack of Ice Type and Electric type moves was a glaring problem in his starters Arsenal.
While Magikarp on his own couldn't do much, his evolution was a feared and dangerous Pokémon. Not that Ash wouldn't battle with Magikarp. With his Ability, Swift Swim, he would be very useful in a water battlefield.
He had made notes of the moves he wanted to teach Riolu for now which were Shadow Claw, Focus Blast, Power-up Punch/ Drain Punch, Iron Tail and Vaccum Wave.
"Magi…," mumbled the Magikarp and Ash was immediately by his side.
Riolu who had passed out on the couch also woke up and stood beside the fish.
"Hey there Magikarp," said Ash coming into the fishes' eye line.
The poor guy flailed about in panic for a few seconds before recognizing Ash and calming down. Then the fish had taken a look of his surroundings and panicked again.
Ash placed a hand on the fish. While he flinched on initial contact Magikarp allowed Ash to rub him soothingly and calm down. Ash winced whenever the tail hit him. By the gods that tail was hard as Iron.
"You know for someone so small you pack quiet a punch," said Ash making the fish look at him confused.
"I am saying the truth, you hit like a brick and I know how that feels," said Ash making the Magikarp blush.
"I know a fighter when I see one Magikarp and you are fighter if you let me I will make you the greatest fighter you could ever be," said Ash looking at the Fish making him look at Ash as if he had two heads.
"So, what do you say Magikarp will you join my team, will you give me the chance to train you," said Ash smiling at the fish with such sincerity Magikarp was having difficulty understanding what he was saying.
The Riolu who was beside Ash smiled and nodded at the fish as if to say he is real and exists.
Magikarp then looked at Ash's smiling face and then hopped onto his chest tackling him to ground and flailing around him in happiness.
In such a way Ash managed to capture his second Pokémon, Magikarp.
SO THAT IS A WRAP ON THE FIRST CHAPTER.
ASH KETCHUM HAS BEGUN HIS JOURNEY AND HAS SEEN HO-HO. HOW WILL THIS EFFECT THE STORY. WILL IT AT ALL. WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT STAY TUNED.
ASH'S TEAM ON HAND
RIOLU (MALE)
MOVES: EXTREME SPEED, METAL CLAW, BRICK BREAK, FORCE PALM, BLAZE KICK (WORK IN PROGRESS), SHADOW CLAW AND BULLET PUNCH
ABILITY: STEADFAST
MAGIKARP (MALE)
MOVES: SPLASH, TACKLE, FLAIL
ABILITIY: SWIFT SWIM