Disclaimer: I don't own pokemon or any stuff related to it

Hello everyone, Welcome to the Story The Journey. This story is fully inspired by two of the major fanfictions, Traveller by The Straight Elf And Essence by vincentgrey21. This story has also taken some inspiration from Trainer by WarsofShadows. Now I didn't want to go with the plot of Ash starting in Kanto, so I chose Alola...one of the newer regions. Also this is an introductory chapter providing an introductions to the plot. I have intentionally skipped some incidents replacing them with a short summary. And last thing, I wanted to give Ash a preparation time before heading out to adventure. Ash will participate in the Indigo League.

This is the first time I am ever writing a fanfiction, so there will be mistakes. So I would be obliged if you readers can point them out. So with that being said, enjoy the story.

Chapter 1: Preparation of an Elite

23 January, Melemele Island, 8:00 pm AST

"And here we have folk, the winner of this year's Lumiose Conference is Alain", the commentator shouted as Alain's Metagross took down his opponents last pokemon. Ash was watching the Lumiose Conference on television along with Professor Kukui.

Ash, his real name is Anderson Ketchum, the son of ex Kanto Champion, Richardson Ketchum, aka , Red. Anderson was nicknamed Ash as his parents wanted to maintain the fire tradition running in the Ketchum family. Even though he was the son of a Champion, Ash was not at all happy- he grew up without his parents. All Ash knew was his father was convicted of using drugs on his pokemons, and evidences was against him. Most of the world believed that, but not all. Red had some very good friends in Alola...Professor Kukui, Professor Burnet, the island Kahunas and the Aether family. They had worked and saved Alola during the last Ultra invasion invasion, so they know Red will never do something illegal. Also the fact Red was assisted by the guardian deities of Alola proves the point, the island guardians would never assist any criminal. But that was not enough proof to prevent Red being labelled as a criminal. Red had no other option other than going to hiding. His mother, Delia Ketchum decided to follow her husband but didn't want their son to have an uncertain future. The problem was solved when Professor Kukui volunteered to take care of Ash. Red and Delia kept Ash under Kukui care as Lusamine Aether, the president of the multi billion dollar company Aether Foundation, helped them to escape and cover their tracks. From that day, Ash stayed with Kukui. Occasionally, Lusamine would visit him, she would care him like her own son, but couldn't spend enough time due to her busy schedule. But Ash definitely made friends with her son Gladion and daughter Lillie. Lillie was like his sister while Clarion was his brother...and rival, even though he was a bit edgy. He had a couple of other friends, but none of them knows his true identity...Only Professor Kukui, her wife Professor Burnet, Lusamine and her husband Mohn, Lillie, Gladion and the Island Kahunas knows his relationship with Red.

"The last match was pretty...one-sided I guess?" , Ash said thoughtfully. He had expected a bit of more exciting match for finals. But this Alain guy just swept it with his Tyranitor and Metagross... ,

"Mark the name Ash, one day you may have to face him in battle" , Kukui said. Ash gave Kukui a determined smirk, " You mean, one day I will have to win against him". Kukui gave a hearty laugh, " Hahaha, that's what I like about you the most...your determination shines like a Sunsteel Strike", Kukui composed himself for a bit, "So, any pokemon came to your notice?" .

Ash nodded his head, " Goodra! But seriously! I thought it was a water and poison type! It looks like a slimy water pokemon". Kukui was laughed a bit, " I will never forget the look on your face when you found it was a dragon. As for looks, so our Exeggutors look like dragons to you? ", he asked.

" All that makes me catch one even more! This Goodra line is truly special... ", Ash mused as he began thinking of ways he could catch one. Kukui grinned," Ofcourse, but remember, a pidgey in hand is worth two in the bush. You have other pokemons to capture first", he said. Ash nodded and got lost in deep thought. Tomorrow he was supposed to go to the famed Grand Poni Canyon in Poni Island, searching for Jangmo-o. Hope this search will not fail like last time, Ash thought.

Ash had developed a desire to train Dragon and Ghost type pokemons recently. It's not that he hates other pokemon, he loves each and every pokemon, but, he has to prove a point.

Four years ago, Ash was watching an interview of the Kanto Champion and the Elites. Ash was really inspired by Lorelei and Bruno's speech but not quite by Lance and Agatha's. Lance's constant boasting of himself about training dragon pokemons and Agatha's jeering on how other trainers are unworthy of training ghosts and turning their pokemons to mockery riled Ash up. He mentally vowed to himself that he will be a much better Dragon and Ghost type trainer one day and beat them in their own game. That's why Ash went to Haina Desert in Ula'Ula Island to catch a Gible...but couldn't find a single one there. Instead he was chased away by a bunch of Gabites when he accidentally found one of their nest. But he didn't come home empty handed, he managed to catch a Trapinch whose final evolution is Flygon, the Mystic Desert Dragon. This fully toned down the disappointment of not catching a Gible, Garchomp is known for its monstrous power, but a Flygon is no slouch either. Yeh, it cannot mega evolve like Garchomp, but who cares...many pokemons can't mega evolve either. Ash is totally contend with catching a Trapinch. He believes no pokemon is weak if trained properly, not even a Magikarp.

Trapinch is the first pokemon Ash caught, and overall third pokemon in his team. His rest two pokemons are a shiny Rowlet, his starter, gifted to him by Island Kahuna Hala, and a strange pokemon called Poipole, given to him by Lusamine. Lusamine said that Poipole was an Ultra Beast caught by Red during the Ultra Beast pandemic and wanted to gift it to him when he grew up. But situation didn't favour that dream, so Red left Poipole under the care of Aether Foundation till Ash was ready to handle pokemons.

Ash choose Rowlet as his starter solely because of the Ghost typing it's final evolution gains. Rowlet was a heavy sleeper, but still could battle fairly well, as good as a pokemon can be with a week of training. And he accepted Poipole not just because it evolves into a dragon, not because he thinks all pokemons are equal and he couldn't say no to any pokemon...But mainly because it is the last and only sign from his parents. Poipole was extremely playful and mischievous outside battle, but is extremely determined during training. Trapinch was his first proper catch, he used Rowlet to battle it. Trapinch had a habit of biting everything near it , but one of his moves is bite which will come handy in catching other ghost type pokemons. Soon a new member will be added to his team, the most powerful dragon species found in Alola.

"Hello! Earth to Ash!", Kukui called out as he shook Ash's shoulder. Ash broke out of his thoughts as he looked towards Kukui confusedly," Ahh...you were saying something? ". Professor Kukui had been his mentor all the time. Kukui had been a very successful trainer during his time. He had also won the Indigo Conference, challenged the Elite Four and defeated three of them- he literally swept through Bruno and Blaine, struggled against Agatha but still pulled out victory. It was against Lance that he finally faced defeat even when he took out four of Lance's dragons. Still Kukui is regarded as one of the strongest trainers in the world, definitely someone of Elite Four calibers and an expert when it comes to pokemon moves.

Kukui just sighed and rubbed his forehead, " Let me guess , you were dreaming about beating Lance and Agatha again, right? ". Ash sheepishly rubbed the back of his head," Wellll... Kindoff", he said hesitantly.

"How many times I have told you to come back to reality", Kukui scolded him slightly, though he was used to Ash's dreams," Forget Lance! Even becoming a League winner is not that easy! You have a lot of priorities Ash...you have to catch atleast six pokemons, train them to their highest potential and beat the gym leaders first, Lance can wait".

Ash was a bit disappointed at this, " Oh...mann! I wanted a battle so badly. Just thinking of it makes me so hyped! ", Ash said as he crossed his arms and relaxed on the couch. Kukui had a knowing look on his face," Sometimes I forget how exciting pokemon battles can be. Anyways get to bed, we have to leave early tomorrow ".

Ash didn't argue with it, he was tired and it was already. Kukui got up from the couch as he went to do some last minute chores before retiring to bed. His two other pokemons were already asleep on the couch. Ash murmured a quick goodnight and went to his elevated berth where he used to sleep. There was a glass pane near his bed through which he could see the moon shinning outside. Ash kept staring at the moon, thinking of the Alolan legend Lunala, the beast that calls the moon, till his eyelids dropped down and he slowly drifted to the dream...though he kept dreaming of catching Lunala one.


Next Day, Poni Canyon, 12:38 pm AST


" How much more", Ash groaned. His legs had given up a long time ago. "Just a little more" , Kukui replied, he didn't seem tired at all. Ash deadpanned at this,"You have been saying this for last four hours...".

Ash and Professor Kukui were walking through a series of caves inside the Poni Canyon. Professor Kukui said he knows the best place to catch a Jangmo-o.

"Here we are!" , Kukui shouted as they reached a wide open area within the caves. The area was just like an open arena surrounded by series of entrances of different caves and passages.

"Welcome to the arena..." , Kukui said opening out his hands wide, "... this is the place where trainers can challenge the Totem Kommo-o". Ash raised an eyebrow on hearing it, all his exhaustion leaving him immediately. "I don't think we have come here to have a Totem battle I guess?", Ash asked suspiciously. Kukui just winked at him as he took out a pokeball," Just wait and... ", Kukui said as he pointed to his wristwatch.

Kukui pressed the button on the pokeball and released a scaly, bipedal, dinosaur like reptilian Pokemon covered with scaly armor. "Kommo-o!", Ash said curiously, " What's your plan Professor? ". Sometimes he fail to understand what Professor Kukui is upto.

Kukui grinned and turned towards his pokemons," Call your friends, mate". Kommo-o nodded in agreement took a fighting stance. Suddenly the scales on Kommo-o's began to vibrate as it produced a sound, similar to that of cymbals. Very soon, a loud roar could be heard from the opposite side of the cavern. Ash could feel something powerful was coming in their direction, the earth was shaking with each step. Soon a large shadowy figure revealed itself from the opposite cavern, a giant Kommo-o! Ash was staring with astonishment...this Kommo-o was atleast three to four times the size of Kukui's one. Behind it, several other pokemons started appearing from different caves entrances...There were Jangmo-o, their evolved form Hakamo-o and two three normal size Kommo-o as well. The pokemon crowd were watching them a bit too casually...as if they are used to humans.

Kukui stepped forward and waved to the giant Kommo-o, " Hello friend! I am Kukui, the regional professor of Alola...also an ex -trial goer. We have fought once and you presented me my friend ", Kukui pointed towards his Kommo-o," and a Dragonium-Z crystal ", he said as he took an emerald colour rhomboidal crystal with a dragon wing pattern. Kommo-o observed the Crystal and Kommo-o carefully, and Ash could see some sort of recognition in its eyes. Kommo-o have a soft roar and bowed before Kukui. Kukui and his Kommo-o also bowed along with Ash, though he didn't have the slightest idea why he is bowing.

Kukui turned towards Ash and introduced him to the giant," Ash, this is the Totem Kommo-o, the strongest totem pokemon in entire Alola. In terms of raw strength, Totem Kommo-o can easily make up to Drake and Lance's strongest team. And Kommo-o this Ash Ketchum, my student ".

The Totem pokemon nodded at him in acknowledgement and grumbled something, which Ash guessed was a "Hello" which he returned with waving his hands. But one thing gained his attention, " So you are as strong as Lance", Ash said excitedly, " Can't wait to have our battle! ".

The Totem Kommo-o just smiled at him, or that's what Ash thought. That human kid was surely determined, and have an enormous potential to grow stronger. The Totem was intelligent enough to figure out that this kid didn't come this far to battle him.

Kukui cleared his throat to gain everybody's attention," Ahemm...so you must be wondering why we came to meet you, right?", The Totem pokemon nodded. "Actually, my student had expressed a desire to train one of your kinds.", Kukui said as the Totem Kommo-o raised its eyes a bit on hearing it. Murmurs could be heard from the crowd behind as Kukui continued," So, if you would allow my student to battle a little one, just like you helped me meet my friend , that would be great".

Kommo-o scanned Ash from top to bottom. Kommo-o knows very well his species would never reach his true potential of they stay under his umbrella. So he encourages his herd to travel around the world to learn new things. That kid didn't seem bad to him, though he will see if he is truely worthy to train one of his herd. And if this kid is truely a disciple of this man, that means he can be trusted.

Back during the Ultra Beast pandemic, all the Totem pokemons and their respective herds also fought against the extra dimensional creatures along with the humans in order to protect Alola. Kommo-o had seen how Kukui handled the situation with the help of others, so he had full faith in Kukui.

Without any second thought Totem Kommo-o gave a welcoming roar and nodded at the proposal. It turned around to face his herd gave a series of roars...I mean instructions. Loud roars could be heard as the herd discussed among themselves until a Jangmo-o stepped out of its group and walked towards the arena. It stood at one side of the arena, took a fighting stance and gave Ash a challenging glare, as if daring him send his pokemon.

"Ash, if you can defeat this little guy in battle, then you can catch it, Understand!", Kukui called out. Ash on the other hand matches the glare with his own smile and stepped forward. The Totem Kommo-o, Kukui and all other pokemons stepped outside the arena to watch the battle. Ash unclipped a pokeball from his belt and said, " You ready for battle Jangmo-o...no matter what you will be joining me today". Jangmo-o growled at it and stomped its foot on the ground in response.

Ash released his first pokemon and released his first pokemon, "Rowlet! I choose you!", Ash shouted. A small round owl like pokemon. It had emerald and white feathers and a blue green leaves sprouting from its chest like a bowtie. Rowlet hooted it's arrival flew around glancing at its surroundings. Several pokemons were looking at it and a certain quadruped lizard took a fighting stance on seeing him. Rowlet landed on the ground and gave Jangmo-o an innocent look, tilting its head. Jangmo-o was feeling a bit uncomfortable due to the look, which was noticed by almost every one present.

Sometimes I think how Rowlet manages to pull Baby-Dolls Eyes without actually knowing it, Ash thought. Jangmo-o was hesitating to strike first. Ash shook all the thoughts out of his head and gave his first order, " Rowlet...into the air".

The cute look on Rowlet's face disappeared in an instance and was replaced by a sharp look as he narrowed his eyes. Rowlet flapped his wings and took off, gliding silently into the air, " Now Leafage", Ash shouted.

Rowlet flapped his wings as several glowing leaves shot out from his body in a tornado fashion. Rowlet fired the attack straight towards Jangmo-o, but unfortunately Jangmo-o was faster. It jumped out of the way and successfully avoided the attack.

"Don't stop! Kept attacking!", Ash cheered. Rowlet gave a hoot as it kept fireing barrage of leaf tornados, but Jangmo-o kept jumping all around the place dodging each and every attack.

Ash narrowed his eyes a bit, he was feeling a bit frustrated , but he knew he had to keep his cool. " If ranges attacks don't work, we will try close range ones... Rowlet use Peck", Ash ordered. Rowlet's beak glowed white as it became a bit pointed as Rowlet charged towards Jangmo-o. Jangmo-o this time instead of running away also charged towards Rowlet as well. Both of them clashed together and fought for dominance.

Totem Kommo-o was watching each and every move of the fight. The kid was sure sloppy but it was not bad at all for a beginner. Maybe he is an ideal trainer for that Jangmo-o.

Rowlet and Jangmo-o kept clashing at each other when suddenly Jangmo-o got covered with a thin layer of red aura and headbutted Rowlet hard in the gut. Rowlet was sent crashing to a nearby rock as the rock shattered on impact. Ash eyes grew wide as he recognised the move, "Counter!", Ash exclaimed in astonishment. Ash didn't expect this move at all. Even Kukui was amazed by this, " Interesting, I didn't expect a Jangmo-o so young to learn Counter! Even my Kommo-o couldn't use it. ", Kukui smirked mischievously. The last sentence Kukui said was to tease his Kommo-o a bit. Kommo-o scoffed and turned the other way, it doesn't need to learn Counter to beat its opponents.

Ash thought for a moment The long ranged attacks are not up to the mark while close ranged attacks have the risk of hitting with a counter, he smiled, Definitely a worthy opponent. I don't want to use cheap moves, but my back hit the wall. But he was worried about Rowlet more than the match. Ash heaved a sigh of relief when he saw Rowlet trying to get up.

Rowlet struggled to get back into the air, Ash could see a blackish bruise forming near its abdomen, " Hang a bit longer Rowlet ", Ash tried to encourage it, " Use Confuse Ray!".

Rowlet gave a loud hoot as it locked his eyes with Jangmo-o. Jangmo-o found himself incapacitated, unable to turn away from that avians gaze. Both of kept staring as Rowlet let out a series of low eerie hoots as it's eyes glowed hypnotic blue. Jangmo-o suddenly started thrashing around like a drunken mad man as confuse ray fully messed up its brains.

"Now'z your chance, hit it with peck", Rowlet's beak once again glowed as he crashed into Jangmo-o with full force. Again and again, Rowlet kept hitting Jangmo-o with it's beak and throwing him all around the arena. Jangmo-o tried to fight back but ended up hurting himself. Jangmo-o was panting hard with small cuts all over its body, it was on its last legs.

Ash was grinning as victory was fully within his grasp, " Alright! Rowlet...finish with Leafage! ", Ash ordered. Rowlet send one last leaf twister at Jangmo-o which was enough to it knock out. Ash quickly took out a pokeball and looked at the Totem Kommo-o. The Totem nodded its head and signalled him to go ahead. Ash nodded back walked a bit closure to the fallen Jangmo-o and threw the pokeball at him. The pokeball sucked up Jangmo-o inside it and fell on the ground. For sometime the pokeball continued to wiggle as Ash along with everyone else watched closely to know the result. After a few more wiggles, the pokeball dinged showing a successful capture.

" Alright! ", Ash cheered as he rushed and grabbed the pokeball. He turned his head towards his pokemon as Rowlet flew and sat on his shoulder. He petted Rowlet on its head as it was giving his famed innocent look," That was amazing , you were awesome...though we need to work on your speed I think". Rowlet hooted in reply and tilted its head. Suddenly he could hear clapping sound, he turned around see Professor Kukui coming up towards them with Kommo-o and Totem Kommo-o following him.

"That was awesome, using Confuse Ray was really a Nasty Plot", Kukui said. Totem Kommo-o also came up gave a pleased smile and roared. It made some signs of coming and posed of fighting.

Ash was confused on seeing this. It was clear that the Totem pokemon wanted to tell something, but what? Ash tilted his head like his Rowlet even though Rowlet fully understood what it was trying to tell, " Umm, excuse me...But what are you telling? ", Ash asked in the politest tone he could muster. Professor Kukui was also watching the actions, he suddenly spoke up," I think Kommo-o is trying to tell that he will be waiting for your challenge, an I right? ". Kommo-o nodded his head as he pointed towards the pokeball and made some uppercutting signs. "And he wants to fight this little one one day and see how strong he became" , Kukui said. Kommo-o gave a road as he confirmed his wishes.

"If that's what you want, I will not disappoint you", Ash promised, " And one day we will have the best battle anybody had ever seen". Totem Kommo-o looked at Ash with a challenging grin and roared, accepting the challenge. That roar literally shook the entire cave, Ash also literally felt the vibrations. Also the echoes of the road increased the intensity of the sound by ten folds. It was like he was dropped in the middle of a room with several huge bass speakers running with full volume, bursting his eardrums. Ash closes his years with his hands as Rowlet tried to bury his head on the ground till the sound subsided. But he saw from the corner of his eyes, Kukui didn't seem to have that much trouble. Once the road died and Ash once again got a control over his senses, Ash asked, "You didn't seem to be affected by it, Professor?" . Kukui face seemed to harden on hearing the question, " Trust me", Kukui said, " This roar is nothing compared to the blood curdling roars I have heard", he murmured darkly.

Ash was a bit taken aback by the attitude, he didn't expect Kukui to get this serious. Kukui very quickly returned to his cheerful demour, " Forget it...Jangmo-o needs attention, let's make a U-Turn to the pokemon centre ", he said trying to change the topic, Ash also didn't press the matters.

Kukui turned towards the Totem Kommo-o and bowed, "Thanks for your support, friend. But I am afraid I must take my leave". Ash and Kukui both murmured their respective goodbyes as they turned to head out of the caves.

While walking back home Ash was lost in his thought. In about a week he had already caught four pokemons. Just two more, then he can prepare to challenge the Indigo League. He doesn't want to challenge the league like some novice. He will actually built a team, train hard, challenge it fully prepared and win the entire thing. He kept thinking of all the different pokemons he can add to his team, when suddenly something clicked his mind, Professor said something about a blood curdling roars of something, what is it? , Ash thought. Was it some kind of pokemon? Or something else? This was a mystery he needs to find. Lost in his thoughts, Ash kept trekking towards the Seafolk Village.


Night time, Melemele Island


Ash was looking for information about Jangmo-o over the internet. He had already scanned his Jangmo-o with his pokedex now he is looking for more information and details. His Jangmo-o basically knows only two moves- Tackle and Counter. He definitely needs to work on the movepool. A Jangmo-o quite a bit of moves which gets better on evolution. Currently, Ash wanted to teach it Dragon Tail as it was the easiest dragon type move Jangmo-o can learn, and Iron Head to counter the fairies...but Jangmo-o was a bit too young to learn any move. Professor Kukui devised a training schedule for Jangmo-o, full of physical exercise. His theory is Jangmo-o didn't fully develop any gland or organs to produce and utilise the draconic hormones, it is still in developing stage. This also shows that the genes responsible of developing physiology and learning moves is still in awakening stage. Once Jangmo-o develops one, he would be able to harness various energies and use different types of moves. The process won't take very long as pokemons have a rapid rate of cell division and mutation.

Ash kept scrolling down the list of moves and also took a quick look at the ability Bulletproof. The Kommo-o line with Bulletproof ability had developed an immunity to bomb and ball moves, irrespective of their typings...how, no one knows. Scientists had developed some fairy tales stories of how Pokemons originated, but how different pokemons developed different abilities is still a mystery. Scientists predicts there must be some super powerful pokemon which has access to each and every type of abilities, just like Arceus who is believed to have the ability to change into all the types possible and Mew who contains all the genes present within itself, change to all possible pokemon forms and learn every possible moves. But no proof had been found still now.

Professor Kukui is currently in his basement having a conference call with Lusamine and Mohn Aether regarding the construction of the Manalo Stadium. Professor Kukui just after winning the Indigo Conference had a desire to set up a pokemon league in Alola. The Aether Foundation supported the idea and agreed to sponsor the hole process, starting from construction to holding the league tournaments. The construction would have started long ago if it was not interrupted by the sudden outbreak of Ultra Beast. All in all, the construction again started a year ago and it's expected to be completed within three more years.

Ash had the luck of looking at the full blueprint of the stadium. The Manalo Stadium consists of five artificial floating island stadiums, the world's first of its kind. The main central island was in shape a huge triangular shape. On one corner of the triangle is the battle stadium with a small sitting capacity, barely two hundred, nothing much compared to the capacity of bigger stadiums like Lumiose, Indigo, Wyndon etc. The stadium comprises roughly about one-third of the total area. The rest two-thirds consist of various resorts and cottages designed in the traditional Alolan style for the participants, guests and other peoples to stay.

The central island stadium is surrounded by four other, a bit smaller and rhomboidal islands. Each contains a battle arena and galleries, like the main stadium, at the centre of the island with places for stalls and shops to be setup by businessmen at the four corners. These four stadiums are named after the four island guardians, the Koko stadium after Tapu Koko, the Melemele Island Guardian; the Lele Stadium after Tapu Lele, the Akala Island Guardian; the Bulu stadium after Tapu Bulu, the Ula'Ula Island Guardian; and the Fini Stadium after Tapu Fini, the Poni Island Guardian. The main stadium is dedicated to the Alolan legends Solgaleo and Lunala. All the five stadiums would be connected with each other by underwater passages, providing a perfect view of the underwater world.

Ash focussed once again on his training, this time thinking what new pokemons he would catch next. Rowlet won't be gaining the ghost typing until it fully evolves. So he needs to catch a ghost. He was thinking about what could be a new addition to his team when he is thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.

Ash looked at the door with confusion, " Who had come at this time", he murmured to himself as he got up to open the door. Standing behind the door was his friend com rival, " Ohh! What have I done to owe a visit from Mr. Aether ", Ash mocked. Gladion just brushed of the insult and walked inside the house.

He sat down on one of the couch as Ash took his seat," Heard you caught a Dragon", Gladion asked in a flat voice. Ash raised an eyebrow at this, " Is this a question...or a statement? ", he asked. Gladion got little annoyed," Just answer! ", he grumbled.

" Yeah, sure caught one...But did you come all the way just to ask this question? ", Ash asked. Gladion shook his head," No, actually Professor called me here, don't ask why! " .

"Fair enough, by the way, what pokemons have you caught?", Ash asked. He was curious about what pokemons Gladion had caught, he and Gladion are always engaged in some form of cold war.

Gladion replied," Eevee, Zubat and my dad's Zoroark had an egg which hatched into a Zorua, so that also", Gladion said, he said the last part of the sentence in a manner that it's not that big of a deal at all.

Ash nearly fell of the couch on hearing it. He felt like someone had slapped him right on his face. He was completely flabbergasted, " Did you own one of the most rarest of the species in the entire world! One which is mistaken as a legendary? ".

Gladion gave an arrogant smirk as relaxed on the couch as if he was some kind of king. He was completely enjoying Ash's reaction," Yeah! It seems like it" , he answered, as if it's the most obvious fact in the world.

Gladion soon dropped the arrogant behaviour as he genuinely asked, " What are you planning to catch next? ". "Still haven't decided, it will be a ghost...that's for sure", Ash replied.

" A ghost ehh, maybe you can come with me tomorrow", Gladion offered. "Where?" , Ash asked. "The Melemele Cemetery! I was going their catch a Ghastly" Gladion replied .

Ash thought for a moment, a cemetery will contain lots of ghosts. "What pokemons could be found their?" , he asked.

Gladion snatched Ash's laptop from him and started typing and clicking. Hee opened a particular website and said, " Ghastly line, Litwick , Duskull line...these are the major pokemons to be found ".

Ash perked up on hearing the name of Litwick," Litwick huh. ... I think I have a place for a fire type pokemon in my team ", he mused.

" Talking about Litwick! ", Professor Kukui said as he suddenly appeared from the basement. Gladion and Ash both jumped up due to the sudden voice," Fun facts... Litwick line's had a very interesting method of creating more of their species ".

" Which is...?", Gladion pressed, " Just light a candle with the flame of Litwick or any of it's evolutions and let it burn. Once the candle had fully burned, a Litwick will be formed from the burnt waxy vapours. It's interesting to note that it's flame can turn wax- a matter into antimatter which forms the ghosts body. It is applicable for only wax though".

Ash and Gladion didn't know what to say...this was bizarre I guess. "Ummm, thanks for the knowledge", Ash somehow managed to say. Before he could say anything else, Gladion spoke up," Why did you call me?".

"Straight to the point, ehh...", Kukui laughed as he took a seat," Ok, so the deal is...you both know that we will be hosting the first ever Alolan Pokemon League within next three years", Ash and Gladion nodded, " So we need to decide the Champion and the Elite Four prior to it. What I want is I want to see both of you as potential candidates for it. So start training from now, so you will be ready by the we hold the audition".

Both Ash and Gladion took some time to process the information. This was a huge news... "You want us to be Elite Four?", Gladion wanted to confirm, something was telling him Professor was messing with him.

"Yes, this is not a joke! So both of you will be training under me everyday, so that your power can reach to Blast Burn level by the time the big day arrives. I am going to be your mentor from now regular days, we will train in the afternoon, on weekends, we will be training the whole day...and that starts from tomorrow. I have already talked with your parents, Got it! ", Kukui said with authority in his voice.

" You bet! Count me in! ", Ash shouted excitedly. He will be becoming an Elite Four and also training under the mentorship of one of the strongest trainers in not only Alola, but also the entire world. Gladion just shrugged and nodded casually.

" Fine, but we need to build our teams first. That's why Ash and I was going to the Melemele Cemetery to catch pokemons ".

" Yeah yeah, ghost pokemons. Listen, this is serious ", Kukui said as he truely turned serious," The unevolved ghost pokemon are not a threat, they are playful and mischievous but not dangerous. But fully evolved wild ghost pokemons are dangerous. On evolution, they can harness variety of powers and ability and can potentially kill you without any regret. So you both are not going alone, not atleast when your own pokemon are not strong enough to protect you. Both of you will be carrying one of my pokemon each, ok".

What Kukui said made complete sense, " Well there is no harm in taking precautions I guess", Ash said as Gladion agreed with it.

"Ok, it's final then. Gladion, it's getting late, so I think you should start heading back to the house. Come back tomorrow bright and early" , Kukui said.

Gladion agreed to it and said his goodbyes. Kukui followed him to door as Ash returned back to his research. A new life, a new dream, a new goal starts with a new sunrise. Professor Kukui had placed a lot of faith in him, and he had no intention in disappointment him.


Next Day, 7:00 AST, Melemele Island


Ash and Gladion were jogging back and forth on the beach in front of Kukui's house. Professor Kukui were making sure that they also remain for along with their pokemons. Ash's Rowlet and Gladion's Zubat were training under Kukui's Braviary as they were learning different skills of flying and practicing their attacks. Poipole was with Kukui's Lucario as it was trying to learn Dragon Pulse.

Roughly a week ago, before Ash became a trainer, draconic genes were discovered in Poipole's DNA. Different Dragon Type moves TMs were used in Poipole, but that didn't seem to bring any noticeable changes. Only when the TM of Dragon Pulse was used, it altered...or some call it awakened a set of genes which brought some changes in its internal physiology. So it was hypothesised that the only dragon type move it can learn at this stage was Dragon Pulse. So after Ash received Poipole, he was suggested to teach it Dragon Pulse along with another move Venoshock. The biotechnological team of Aether Foundation is trying to figure out what other moves it can learn by studying its traits.

Trapinch was ordered to practice Bite on the rocks and master it by Ash, as this move would be helpful tonight. Jangmo-o, Eevee and Zorua were training with Kukui's Kommo-o, doing all sorts of exercises that Professor came up with.

Ash did a lot on research on the Litwick and Duskull line yesterday. His initial intention was to catch a Litwick, now his intention is to catch both. Duskull line, especially its final evolution Dusknoir were known for their tremendous bulk and deadly power, they can tank hits as well as dish out powerful hits- a complete powerhouse of any team.

Ash and Gladion after finishing their lap were panting hard as the running took out all their juice. They sat on the ground as they tried to catch their breath.

"Here, have some water", Kukui said as came up with two water bottles. Both of them grabbed the bottles and drunk greedily from it. Kukui sweatdropped on seeing it as Ash and Gladion nearly finished the entire bottle.

"Is all these necessary?" , Gladion asked annoyingly. Kukui laughed at it, " Ofcourse, you will Bulk Up your muscles before you can even know". Gladion huffed and scoffed as he murmured something inhearable, but it looked like some curse. Ash sat on the ground as he looked at others training, and to be honest, none of them were fareing that well, except Trapinch. They need a lot of work of they had to reach this level, Ash thought. This thoughts were interrupted by Kukui's voice,

"Ok! Now both of you have done your training, you may take break and supervise your pokemons trainings. I am going inside to prepare breakfast for you two" , with that Kukui turned and walked towards his house as Ash and Gladion sat on a piece of log and watched their pokemons.

Trapinch was the only one who seemed to have a fun time. He was biting, chewing and grinding the rocks into dust happily, it's teeth were covered with the energy of the void. Trapinch's habit of biting everything will sure come in handy.

Poipole is able to summon small flickers of draconic energy but it blows up as quickly as it appears, which is understandable. Dragon moves are the hardest to learn.

Ash could sense Gladion shifted a bit from his seat as he was thinking something. Ash decided to strike a conversation, " What's a thinking so much? ". Gladion stated at Ash for a moment before decided to give in," Well, what you think always, new pokemons to catch!".

"So, dark types heh...what made you get attached to dark types", Ash pressed. Gladion flushed at the question and was very hesitant to answer. But Ash kept asking and asking that Gladion sighed," Fine! ", he said. Gladion took sometime and fiddled with his fingers a bit as Ash was waiting patiently for answer.

" Well, the deal is that most of the time I grew around Dad's Zoroark. People say dark types are dangerous, they are evil, they cause destruction etc. etc... But I actually saw a softer side of them, they do care for their trainers, they do care for there families. I want to bring out this side of them to the world... People also say trainers who train dark type pokemons are bad mannered and evil like them...Haa...I will answer them on their faces... Now don't think that I have some kind of obsession with them", Gladion said as he finished his story.

"So, like dark pokemons, dark humans do have a softer side as guess", Ash teased as he poked Gladion with his elbow. Gladion smacked Ash right on the head and glared at him," Don't make me regret for telling you everything! ".

" Calm down! Jeeezz...I was just messing you know! ", Ash said rubbing his head. Gladion did hit him hard. " So, what dark type next? ".

" The next dark type I am not going to catch... I am going to trade", Gladion said. Ash raised his eyebrow as Gladion continued, " One day I was going through the deals in the World Trading Centre looking for what deals could be found on dark pokemons. Most trainers were offering Houndours which didn't attract me that much as I will be receiving Litten as much Alolan starter from Kahuna Hala, same reason why you chose Rowlet. It was a bit delayed because the local breeders didn't have any shiny Litten...Anyways, there were a few good deals like Inkay and Sandile, but one deal stood out to me the most Galarian Zigzagoon...a normal and dark type pokemon, a unique combination in my opinion. I did a research on the lines and found something interesting... Regular Zigzagoon evolve once into Linoone, a normal type. But Galarian Zigzagoon not only evolve once into Galarian Linoone, but also evolve further into Obstagoon. It is said that harsh surrounding and stiff competition mixed with its tremendous willpower caused Galarian Linoone to evolve. So the trainer wanted to trade his Zigzagoon for a Mimikyu. Now there are a lot of Mimikyu in our Pokemon Reserve, so how can I saw no to this deal. Once the date and place of the deal is finalized, I will trade for that Zigzagoon".

Ash was listening to the whole story attentively. He is not a big fan of pokemon trading, but he is not completely against it. Several pokemons are not always happy with their existing trainers so, trading thus helps. But one thing striked him, " Holy shit! How can I forget! ", Ash freaked out. Gladion gave him a weird look as Ash calmed himself down a bit," I completely forgot about Mimikyu, a Ghost and Fairy type...Dammm me! ".

Gladion laughed a bit," If Professor had been here, he would have started a lecture on Mimikyu ".

" You missed me! I am flattered! ", a voice suddenly spoke up behind them, the last voice they wanted to hear. Ash freaked a bit and started sweating as Gladion groaned in frustration," Damm! Speak of Devil! ".

"I came to inform you that breakfast is ready, also I think we can have a nice theory lesson along with it", Kukui chimed. There you go, Ash thought as he submitted to his fate.


Kukui gave a long lecture on Mimikyu, the summary being that Mimikyu was completely opposite to normal ghost, it wants to be loved rather than hated. With modern technology and various scans, it was revealed Mimikyu's trueself is a cloud of antimatter. Mimikyu replicate by binary fission, so once it finds a rag cloth and manages to somehow turn it into a creepy pikachu dress, it undergoes fission to replicate. In absence of any cloth, anything that fully covers it like some shopping bag or something is also used to his itself. Mimikyu is assumed to gain energy from moonlight to gain the fairy typing.

Now the fact everything is over, Ash is waiting for nightfall so that he can complete his team today. He has everything planned out.

So, that's the first chapter. How did you like it? Leave your reviews in the review section. The next chapter is planned out, but I want to see the reviews before updating it.

Suggestions and Criticism is highly welcomed.

Fafnir Out ~~~