Journey of Ice

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Intro

Ash woke up to the rise of the sun through his window his alarm clock flashing a red six, as he stretches and begins to get out of bed, he gains a smile remembering that today would be the start of his Journey a Journey that he would begin with his newest friend that he would receive today.

"Ash are you awake?"

"Yeah, mom I'll be down in a minute!"

As ash gets in the shower, he begins to think of the journey he will be beginning today, he was excited to see all of his home region and to meet all sorts of new people and see all the Pokémon he's been studying for years.

Sitting down at the table with his mom he gives her a smile before digging into the last home-cooked meal he will have for a while.

"Are you ready for today sweetie?" Delia asks as she sits down to join her son.

Ash finishes his sip of water "Yeah I think so ill head up to the lab to meet Gary and the Professor and receive my Pokémon before coming home to grab my bag and head out."

Delia nods "Ok ill meet you back here I have this morning off to read up on the new Pokémon professor is having sent in, so I know how to care for them."

Ash raises his brow "What new Pokémon would you need to read up on?"

"Professor Kukui was kind enough to send over 2 Hakamo-o for me and Professor oak to work with."

Ash looks slightly surprised "I can see why you would need to read up on them you, definitely want to be prepared when dealing with a Dragon Pokémon."

Delia nods before looking at the clock. "well, you should head out ash you'll be a bit early but that's better than late."

Nodding ash heads out the door and begins his trek to the lab. As he nears the lab, he sees the corral and sees the plains of the corral full of Pokémon roaming around, a pack of Taurus ran on the edges of the fence and a herd of Nidoran led by a large Nidoking sat on the edges of the forest. A large Ryhorn sits on an outcropping of stone and a trio of rapidash run in circles chasing each other.

Reaching the Main lab ash sees his friend and rival Gary walking up as well.

"Hey Gary" ash says as he waves.

"Morning ash, ready to see what grandpa got for us?" Gary asks with a little yawn.

"Of course, I can't wait to see what Professor has for us!"

As they reach the door it opens to reveal Professor Oak "good morning boys I see you are both are eager to start your journey's today?"

"Of course, we are ready to start grandpa were ready to take Kanto and then the world by storm!"

"Well before you go taking on anyone let's get you your starters, the breeder said she would send them over by 8 so since you two are early would you mind giving me a hand? I'm going to miss having you two around to help me!"

"What they aren't here yet?" Gary wines his impatience showing.

Ash nudges Gary "Of course professor we'd be happy to help!"

Gary rolls his eyes "Ya Ya gramps we can take care of whatever it is."

Professor oak rolls his eyes at Gary's attitude and gives a nod to Ash "thank you both since Mrs. Ketchum is busy doing some reading for some Pokémon we are getting tomorrow I would appreciate it if you two could give me a hand in feeding some of the Pokémon all the ones in the main part of the coral have eaten but I haven't been able to feed the water types yet there food is in the kitchen make sure to check the list for how much you need to bring out!"

Gary and Ash move over to the kitchen Gary walks over to a monitor and signs in and opens a spreadsheet while Ash pulls out some poke-food that water types enjoy the most.

"So, it looks like there are only 46 water types here at the moment a lot got checked out last week so about 5 big bags should do the trick"

Ash places a third bag on the floor, "ok well I've got 3 well have to make 2 trips to get all of them down to the lake."

Gary walks over and grabs a bag "Well at least this will be finished by the time our pokemon should arrive."

Ash grabs a bag nodding his head.

Thank you, Ash and Gary, for feeding the water types it was a big help, the professor presses a few buttons on a keyboard and I'm sure you both will be happy to know your Pokémon just got in and I'm happy to say they will be quite the surprise!

Ash and Gary glance at each other both happy to see the gift that the Professor had been holding over their heads for the last 3 months since they had turned 10 and aced their Kanto trainers test that proved they knew the basics to survive in Kanto. Acing the test was difficult and there were many late nights of studying for both Gary and Ash, but both were happy to have managed it scoring a score that was comparable to that of the Professor back in the day!

The professor holds out four pokeballs "Ash, Gary I have seen both of you grow up in this lab and have heard your aspirations and taught you whenever I had a chance you both did me proud when you took your test so I managed to make some calls and get you each two Pokémon I know you will love, as I'm sure you both know this is not the norm so I want you to appreciate this but know that you have earned both of these through all the hard work you have done around the lab and in your studies!" Ash and Gary gain wide eyes at getting two Pokémon but gain a steely resolve knowing they will do the professor proud.

"Ash these are yours" He hands ash two pokeballs with snowflakes on them, "I have seen the passion you had in your eyes whenever you looked at ice Pokémon and I hope you appreciate both of these Pokémon and show me how strong of a team you can make."

Ash nods his resolve from before only strengthening "Of course professor, I will do you proud."

Professor oak hands the last two pokeballs to Gary "Gary you have a passion for all sorts of different Pokémon so I chose these two for you both of their parents served me well and even took care of you when you were younger so I hope they can help you grow into an amazing trainer."

Gary nods and looks at both pokeballs.

"well, why don't you two let out your new friends and get to know them? I need to wrap up something before you two can leave."

Ash and Gary nod before going out back to meet their new Pokémon.

As Ash moves a bit away from Gary to get some room, he takes a deep breath before pressing the release button on one of the two Pokeballs a red beam comes out of the Pokeball and what comes out is a Pokémon that is light-blue and white larva looking Pokémon kneels down and pets the Pokémon on the head recognizing it as Snom a Pokémon from Galar and one he is only slightly familiar with not expecting to see one any time soon.

Hi Snom, my name is ash and I plan to explore all over the world would you like to join me? Snow stares at ash before attempting to climb in his lap repeating "Snom Snom!" ash laughs and places him in his lap, "would you like a nickname?" Snom shakes his head before closing his eyes. Ash pets him a little longer before he hears him falling asleep and whispers, "I'm going to return you, for now, 'll talk to you in a bit" Ash picks up his Pokeball and Snom returns in a flash of red light"

Ash sits there thinking of all he knows about Snom before looking to the second Pokeball wondering what could be inside pressing the release another beam of red light comes out and this time forms into a pokemon he is more familiar with until he sees it's all white. "Hello there vulpix," ash says as he thinks back to all the information on vulpix and realizes this is likely a regional variant from the alolan region if he remembers correctly.

"Vulpix Pix" Vulpix nudges his hand lightly so ash begins to scratch behind her ears and pet her fur.

"aren't you a beautiful vulpix, would you like a nickname vulpix?"

Vulpix sits still thinking and then nods her head "Pix."

Ash thinks of a couple of names off the top of his head "How about Khione? The name comes from an old religion and was related to a goddess of snow."

Vulpix thinks on it for a moment before purring in approval of her new name.

Ash looks to vulpix "Do you want to go to your Pokeball or would you rather stay out with me for a bit?", vulpix shakes her head before burying her face in ash's lap "petting her head ash stand holding her in his arms and looks around for Gary who is holding a growlith.

"Well, I see you have gotten quite the rare one their ash," Gary says as he evaluates the Alolan Pokémon "Have they chosen a nickname?"

Ash nods his head "Yes she has chosen the name Khione from those old stories we used to read"

"You mean the character you obsessed over?" Gary laughs thinking to when they read the stories.

Ash shrugs slightly embarrassed, before starting to move towards the lab "How about you has Growlith chosen a name yet?"

Gary shakes his head "Nope he's not sure yet probably will wait till he evolves and has a better idea then."

Professor Oak turns around as he hears the door, "Hello did you enjoy meeting your new friends?"

Both nod very happy with their new friends

"Well, I've held you two here long enough today here our your Pokedexs both have you registered as sponsored trainers of mine and as assistants of mine if you end up being in a situation where you need my name behind you, but I hope you both know to not abuse this information unless needed" Oak finishes with a hard stare.

Both nod again knowing the Professor is giving them a lot of leeway with this privilege.

"well that was all I had for you ash, I can't thank you enough for all you have done and I wish you a great journey I'm always only a call away, and feel free to talk to me if you need to I'm going to take Gary home Daisy is on the phone to wish you luck Gary and I would like to talk with you for a bit before you go."

Ash nods before giving the professor a hug "Thank you for everything professor I will talk to you when I reach viridian or pewter, I'm going to say hi to my mom and head on my way, see you Gary stay safe, and next time we meet we can battle?"

Gary nods to Ash "don't worry I'll see you around and be more than ready to battle then you know what hit you"?

Ash laughs before heading out the door holding Khione

"Well, here's my house Khione, inside I can grab my bag and get some food for you and Snom before we head on our way."

Ash opens the door to see his mom at the table reading a book. Delia looks up and see's ash with Khione and coos before standing to come to greet the Vulpix.

"What a beautiful vulpix it looks to be from the alolan region right?" Ash nods "yep and professor oak was kind enough to give me another friend as well lemme show you" Ash sets Khione on the carpet and then releases Snom.

"Hi, Snom this is my Mom and our other partner Khinoe" Snom gives a small cry of greeting as Khione walks up and sniffs him, Delia gives them both a pet before heading to the kitchen, "why don't you go get your bag I'll give these two a little snack and grab you a bag of ice type Pokémon food for the road and see if I have any ice type poffin recipe I can give you if not I'll send you one from professor oaks lab that I have laying around."

"Thanks, mom," Ash says as he runs upstairs grabbing his bag and looking in the mirror and glancing at himself, He has on his trusty Pokémon league hat that he had won in a mail-in contest, He has on a vest-like jacket colored blue with a Black dry-fit shirt underneath a black belt with holders for 6 pokeballs and Blue jeans with white and black sneakers. Ash nods to himself before heading out of his room.

As ash comes downstairs, he sees Khione and Snom eating out of his mom's hand both looking quite pleased with the food she has in hand a bag sitting next to her looking unopened "Well ash both of these two are just adorable and are going to be big eaters" Delia says as she pets both of them.

Ash nods his head before putting the pokefood in his bag.

Ash then reaches back into his bag and pulls out his Pokedex, I just realized I have not checked what moves you guys know, who wants to go first? "Pix!" khione cries, ash laughs okay you can go first Khione

-Vulpix the Fox pokemon, Alolan Vulpix can exhale air colder than -58 degrees Fahrenheit.

This Vulpix is Female has the ability Snow Warning: Can summon a hail storm when in combat

and knowns the Moves: Powder Snow, Tail Whip, Disable, Mist, and Confuse Ray

"Wow that is quite the move set Khione, we will definitely have to make sure you know how to use all these moves correctly before we go teaching you anything else, now your turn snom"

-Snom the Worm pokemon, It spits out thread imbued with a frigid sort of energy and uses it to tie its body to branches, disguising itself as an icicle while it sleeps.

This Snom is Male and has the ability Shield Dust: Does not get affected by the additional effect of moves

And knows the moves: Powder Snow, and Struggle bug

"Well, this gives us a good start Snom once you evolve, we can get you working on a more fleshed-out move set but don't worry we'll get you there soon!"

As ash slides the Pokedex into his bag again he asks, "Ready to head out Snom, Khione?"

"Snom!" "Vulpix!" Cry the two before snom disappears in a red light do you still want to hang out here Khione?" Vulpix jumps up and ash catches her "ha-ha I'll take that as a yes."

Delia gives a tear-filled smile and hugs ash and handing him a small package, ash sets down vulpix once more and pulls off the wrapping, inside is a glass case with a sleek looking watch with a pad on it. Ash grins no way a poketch how did you manage to get one they are only in a testing phase I thought! Delia gives a slight nod "Yep it is only in testing but me and professor oak had a chance to meet Mr. Kenta before and when we reached out, he was happy to give us models for you and Gary though he may contact both of you to get data or send models to you two if there is a change/something that needs testing" Ash gives a nod of understanding.

"This is amazing mom I will make sure to thank Professor Oak next time I get a chance as well!"

Ash moves towards the door holding vulpix again well Khione it is time to be on our way. "Bye mom"

Reaching the edge of Pallet town ash looks over the town knowing it is going to be the last time he sees it for a long while and turns to start his journey into the unknown.

A little while later ash walks past a small pond an older teen looks up from where he is fishing.

"Hey, kid wanna battle?"

Ash looks up and gives a quick thought. "Sure, I'll take you on."

Khione jumps down from his arms and stands in front of him.

The Teen looks over slightly surprised, "can't say I've ever seen a white vulpix before, but this should be a fun battle, come on out Rattata" a red beam reveals a purple looking rat.

"Well first moves to you kid"

"Ok Khione use Powder Snow" Khione opens her mouth and send out a hail of snowy bolts.

"Dodge to the left Rattata" Rattata moved but was clipped letting out a small whine.

"Don't let up khione use Powder Snow again!" Khione let outs another blast of snow.

"Don't be caught off guard Rattata use quick attack to dodge" Rattata dashed around the blast of snow.

"Use disable Khione follow with another Powder Snow" Khione leers at the Rattata slowing it down before sending another blast of snow.

"No, get out of there Rattata!" Rattata began to move before taking another hit and dropping.

"Darn that's one strong vulpix right there" The teen begins to walk up to ash returning the Rattata

"Thanks, we just got started but she is already impressive!" "Vulpix" Khinoe purrs rubbing up against ash's leg.

"Well, here's your winnings I wish you good luck out there I should get back to the farm this was a long enough break," The teen says as he hands ash 3 hundred pokedollars.

"Thanks" Ash nods and then begins traveling again.

As the sun starts setting ash stops in a clearing big enough for his tent and a small fire, "come on out Khione, Snom" Snom comes out and crawls next to ash and gives a look that begs for attention, Khione stretches before glancing at ash. "This is where we will set up for the evening, I'm going to get a fire pit made and then we can get food out for you two.

As the fire begins to cackle ash lays out two bowls for Khione and Snom and puts a small pot with some on the fire and puts in some broth and small chunks of meat and vegetables taken from a special compartment on the pack that stores food without spoiling it.

"well, you two this is the first night of our journey the first night on a path to greatness! Are you two ready to start training in the morning because we are going to be the best trainers this region ever saw and so we have to train like it!"

"SNOM!" "PIX!" both give a cry of agreement.

"Great for now let's eat and then head to bed so we can be well-rested for tomorrow.

Chapter 1 End

Well, I hope you have enjoyed the chapter this is my first ever attempt at writing a story in any form and I honestly was second-guessing everything I did; I don't have a beta reader but did my best to proofread if you notice any issues feel free to DM me and It will be much appreciated! Let me know your comments on the story and if there are any improvements that can be made, I hope to expand my combat scenes, but I also wanted to get some training in before Ash does anything crazy since Khione is a fresh Pokémon who needs to learn and get some experience and same for Snom. I wish you all the best and hope you enjoyed it!

-Pious