As the sun started to ever so slowly rise over the horizon, many residents of Pallet Town, pokemon and human alike, were still fast asleep in their warm and cozy beds. It was barely pushing 5am and yet if someone who lived close enough to Professor Oak's ranch was awake and looked out their window, they may catch a glimpse of someone running along the inside of the fence meant to keep all the trainers' pokemon's inside. The cover of darkness hid the person's identity, further hiding the fact this person had been out of their eight-year-long coma for a few weeks by now.
Ash breathed in and out deeply, focusing on his breathing as he continued yet another lap around the fence. For weeks now, ever since officially moving in with the Oak's, running laps had been part of Ash's daily routine. The boy had been very adamant about training his body to its limit, and at times, pushing past it in order to better survive the real world. From running, to push ups and sit ups, to even some weight lifting, Ash has taken his personal training seriously, and spent time researching the best types of workouts to improve his physique and stamina.
That wasn't all that Ash has been training, mind you, as he also spent time training his mind. Every two to three days he would add a book to his growing pile of books he had finished reading, all of which varied from battle strategies, pokemon advantages and disadvantages, to even reading about the new types that had been discovered while he was in his coma, and more. Reading a book can't teach you everything, of course, as sometimes you need a more hands-on approach, and that's where the Oaks came in. Samuel taught him how to cook, starting off with easier meals before moving onto more advanced dishes, all of which could be prepared while he was traveling and camping, granted if he had the right supplies. Gary helped teach Ash about potions and how to make them in case of an emergency… and also, much to Ash's dismay, taught Ash about women: how to talk and flirt with them, the signs that they might be interested, how not to be a creep (like what Brock constantly did in his dreams), and more. Samuel had given Ash the good old 'Pidgeys and Combees' talk, and if Ash could, he would erase those two horrible hours from his memory for the rest of his life. As much as he appreciated their help, he did not appreciate scarring what little sanity he had left.
Ash huffed as he reached the back door to Professor Oak's home, marking that as his 10th lap completed since waking up. He walked through the door and shuffled quietly through the home, being sure to stay as quiet as possible while moving towards his room. When he made it safely, he grabbed a new set of clothes before quietly maneuvering throughout the house again, this time heading towards the bathroom furthest from Samuel's and Gary's rooms, as he didn't want to wake them up with his post-workout shower. He wanted to clean himself, especially as after doing so he would grab Gary's Fearow and fly towards Viridian City, where he would visit his mother and spend time with her like he had been doing every few days by now. As the water cascaded down his body, his thoughts drifted to his mother lying motionless in that same hospital bed, visit after visit, making Ash's hands clench around his rag and soap, nearly making the bottle burst open. With every visit, his hatred for Team Rocket grew more and more.
One way or another, with Arceus as his witness, he would have his revenge. And, even with countless talks from the Oaks trying to talk him out of it, he was dead set on bringing Team Rocket down once and for all.
(Hall of Origin)
"This isn't good. This isn't good at all," Arceus mumbled to himself as he stared down at Ash's orb, the darkness in the middle steadily growing day by day. Despite their best efforts, Samuel and Gary Oak were not driving down Ash's hatred for Team Rocket like Arceus had hoped, meaning the chosen one seemed to be hellbent to move down this path of vengeance he was carving for himself. If this was any other human, Arceus would not have cared in the slightest; but this was the chosen one! And, Arceus' plan and the fate of the world depended on Ash's soul staying pure.
"You seem troubled, Lord Arceus. Whatever may the issue be?" asked a feminine voice from out of nowhere, her tone full of natural curiosity at his current state. The title 'lord' made his eye twitch, she knew he hated the title and used it only to spite him, probably for allowing her existence in the first place. Arceus sighed and turned, staring at a tall white and purple humanoid, the genetic pokemon, Mewtwo.
"Troubled is putting it nicely, Mewtwo. If things don't change soon, the fate of the world may be in danger," Arceus told her grimly, causing the psychic type to tilt her head in confusion. She floated closer, staring down at the orb he was seemingly so fascinated with, her eyes widening in surprise.
"The chosen one is awake at last, I see," she said, angling her head so Arceus couldn't see her smile. "His soul though, I see why you seem so distraught."
"I'm unsure what can be done about this." Arceus sighed again and closed his eyes, allowing himself a moment of relief, as he had been staring at that orb for hours by now. "The chosen one's soul must be pure by Retribution Day, otherwise it could spell doom for the whole world," Arceus sighed gravely, his tone showing no emotion other than worry for what was to come.
"Is there nothing you can do? You are the creator, after all."
"You know I cannot interfere with the humans and their struggles, I only watch and offer the aid of my children. I cannot go into the past and change time and neither can I allow Celebi, as there is no telling what may happen if we change the smallest detail about the day the chosen one was attacked. I'm not willing to risk getting us into an even worse situation," Arceus explained to her, causing Mewtwo to nod as she too started to think what could be done.
"Perhaps I could offer my own solution? It's a longshot, but it's the only idea either of us have at this moment," Mewtwo said, wanting to throw in her own two cents. Arceus waited for a minute, thinking this over before sighing and nodding, not having any better choice but to listen to the copied version of his child.
"Proceed, Mewtwo."
"The chosen one is a trainer, what do most trainers crave as they travel?" she asked. "Pokémon, but not only that, rare, strong, and exotic pokemon. You can't interfere with the humans, no, but you could sprinkle in a pokemon here or there for the chosen one to capture. Pokemon who want friends and companions with him… perhaps even something more." She smiled innocently, finding great joy as Arceus' eyes widened at the proposition.
"Mewtwo, that, I, do you even hear yourself? You do realize that's illegal in several regions—"
"Not Kanto," she cut him off with a smirk, shooting down his excuse for why her idea was bad. "Love, both platonic but also romantical, are the keys to saving the chosen one's soul and stopping him from going down the wrong path. We both know his old companions don't know who he is, and with their countless new responsibilities, they can't just drop them to travel with a total stranger. His pokemon, however, will always be with him, offering him a shoulder to cry on, a body to cuddle with… and so much more," she further argued her case, watching with great glee as Arceus tried, and ultimately failed, to try and come up with a counter argument. For as much as he found her idea… outlandish, to say the least, it truly was the best (and only) idea available.
"I… suppose you're right, however, we should wait before doing anything just yet. We don't want to overwhelm the chosen one, nor make him question what is going on or our motives. We will wait until the time is right, deal?" Arceus asked, causing Mewtwo to nod. She started to float away, preparing to teleport away, when Arceus called out to her, "Mewtwo, what exactly do you gain from all this? You never wanted to help with world matters before; why the sudden change of heart?" He narrowed his eyes at her questioningly.
"I'm unsure what you're talking about, Lord Arceus. I'm merely looking out for the safety of all humanity. I serve naught but thee." She bowed before teleporting away, causing Arceus to huff in annoyance. He knew that tone well, she was full of it, obviously lying. She was planning something, and he feared not knowing what.
(Several hours later, Oak residence)
"Thanks again for the ride, boy, I promise to talk to Gary and try getting you an extra treat later," Ash promised as he petted the wings of Gary's Fearow, who let out a squawk of approval as he nuzzled Ash before flapping away to relax. Ash smiled before turning and approaching the backdoor, finding it thankfully unlocked as he opened and entered. "Professor Oak! I'm back!" he called out, hoping the old professor could hear him. The flight to Viridian City, his stay with his mother, and the flight back always tuckered Ash out. He started making his way back to his room to take a nap when a voice called out to him.
"Ash? Can you come here for a moment, please?" Professor Oak asked, causing Ash to stop dead in his tracks; it sounded like he was in the living room.
"Professor Oak? Is everything okay?" As Ash entered the living room, he noticed Professor Oak sitting in one of the recliners, a plate of cookies and coffee mugs on the table next to him. Ash was surprised to see another, older man sitting in the other recliner on the opposite side of the table—a man he knew all too well. It was a very short man with a long gray beard and hair, hidden under a blue baseball cap. He wore brown loafers with knee-high socks, green cargo shorts, and a red t-shirt with two differently colored blue stripes aroundhis stomach.
"Ash, an old friend of mine wanted to drop by and see you. I hope that's okay with you." Samuel smiled before gesturing to the older gentleman. "You know Charles Goodshow, correct? The president of the Pokémon League," Oak explained, just in case Ash had forgotten after all these years.
"So, this is the young man I've heard so much about," Charles said, his voice old and feeble, a clear indicator of his old age (as if his appearance wasn't an indicator enough). It reminded Ash of an old prospector in a sense. "You know, you were much shorter the last time I saw you," he chuckled, causing Ash to raise an eyebrow in confusion.
"We've met before?"
"A few times, in fact. But of course, you were asleep anytime I visited," Goodshow joked, snorting to himself while slapping his knee. It was awkward, but Ash could appreciate him wanting to lighten the mood. "But in all seriousness… it is astounding to see how much you've grown since the last time I visited you and your mother. It must've been about two, maybe three years since the last time I went to check up on you two."
"Five years," Samuel corrected, causing Charles to flinch in embarrassment.
"Ah, my mistake! My memory ain't what it used to be," he chuckled awkwardly.
"Well, I appreciate you checking on me and my mother. I'm sure she would appreciate it." Ash smiled, which made Charles and Samuel smile as well. "Are you here to see Professor Oak? I can leave so you guys can catch up," Ash offered, but Charles shook his head.
"You think I'm here to see this old coot? Pfft, Arceus no! We call once a week, he can really talk your ear off, ya know?" Charles asked, not paying attention as Samuel gave him a puzzled look.
"Ironic coming from you," Samuel mumbled before Charles slapped his arm with his cane.
"I'm here to see you, Mr. Ketchum," Charles said after giving another good whack on Oak's arm. "I'm sure my dear friend here has told you what happened on that fateful day. I… I wanted to apologize to you, Mr. Ketchum. I'm sorry for opening my mouth to that news reporter. If I hadn't, maybe that attack never would've happened." Charles bowed his head. "I know it may be difficult, but I hope you can accept this old man's long-overdue apology."
"Mr. Goodshow… you have nothing to apologize for," Ash said, giving the old man a reassuring smile. "Like I told Professor Oak, it's neither of your guys' faults for what happened. Team Rocket attacked us, they caused all this, neither of you did," he said, not blaming either of the men but understanding where they were coming from. The reassurance seemed to have done the trick, as Charles let out a small smile and sigh of relief.
"Thank you, Mr. Ketchum, that's wonderful to hear. Of course, to apologize isn't the only reason I'm here." Charles smiled giddily while using his cane to try and stand up from his chair; Samuel ended up having to get up and help him as well. "I've heard from Samuel here that all you ever talk about is going on a journey, and that you've been training nonstop ever since waking up from your coma. It's truly an inspiration, makes me feel like I could go on a journey as well." He laughed while reaching into his pocket. "You're a little late to start your journey, by a whole eight years! So I've brought you a starter and an extra little surprise for you. I know you said I don't have to apologize, but consider this second pokemon as my apology over what happened," he said, revealing two different pokeballs from his pocket.
Ash was shocked and in awe upon seeing the two pokeballs, an instant rush of excitement and adrenaline rushing through his veins from seeing them. He was beyond excited to see what Charles had brought for him, it would be so nice to have some familiar pokemon back. Perhaps a Bulbasaur and Charmander? Or a Bulbasaur and Squirtle? Or… maybe one of them could be a Pikachu?
"You're quite in luck too, as I got these two beauties from some of our gracious gym leaders. I should warn you that these aren't your typical starters, as I was pressed for time and had to make do," Charles sheepishly explained before throwing the pokeballs into the air. "Come on, girls, come say hi to your new trainer!"
Two forms of light were released from the pokeballs before appearing on the ground. They started growing in shape and forming specific characteristics; one of them stood on four little legs with a fluffy tail and fluff on top of its head, and the other had no appendages of any kind instead of having a long and curly tail. The light died down, revealing the fire-type pokemon Growlithe and the poison-type pokemon Ekans.
To say Ash's feelings were mixed would be a great understatement. On one hand, he was a bit disappointed, hoping to get a traditional starter so he could try to return to some sense of normalcy. He missed his old pokemon and the time they spent together, and he cherished the good and bad memories he had with them. But in a way, he was happy with these two pokemon, as this marked the true new beginning for him and his adventure.
Ash smiled and crouched down, getting closer to eye level with the new pokemon, who looked around their new environment questioningly before staring at Ash. He remained calm and extended a hand out to both, palm facing downwards to show he was no threat. Growlithe approached him first, giving his hand an experimental sniff before smiling and wagging her tail approvingly. She got closer and started nuzzling his legs, the sight warming Ash's heart as he let out a small 'aww'. Ekans followed suit, mouth open to properly sniff his hand before slithering closer, climbing onto his arm, and nuzzling into his neck, causing Ash to grin as he started petting his new partners. Sure, they weren't what he was expecting (or wanting), but he was happy with them nonetheless, and had a feeling all three of them would go far.
The sight made Samuel smile warmly as well, while Charles was happy but also a bit stunned. Ekans had been a 'problem child' ever since Janine gave it to him, and now she was putty in Ash's hands!
Perhaps the boy was more special than Charles originally thought.
(Hall of Origin)
Arceus was back to staring hard at Ash's orb, focusing on the tiny ball and hoping something, anything, would change. His eyes started to twitch, having stared at it too long without blinking, before they forced themselves to close. He sighed again, shaking his head before opening them again, only to be met with a surprising sight.
The dark blue… the corruption of Ash's soul… it was decreasing! Not by much, but progress was progress! If Arceus could, he would smile, happy with the sight. Time would tell if it could decrease any further, but until then, he took this as a victory. And, if need be, he still had Mewtwo's… interesting idea to fall back on. Only time would tell…
As the journey continues.
3 chapters down, a lot more to go XD hope you're enjoying the story so far.
Money is getting tight as of late so if anyone wants to donate to me, DM me for my Pay Pal or Venom. My CashApp is $Wolfie9924
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NOW ONTO THE STORY NOTES!
One thing I do wanna stress is that all the pokemon Ash will fuck will have an anthro form, even pokemon that are technically anthros like Lucario, Gardevoir, etc.
BUT SPEAKING OF LEMONS I spoke with my beta, and since I have a lot planned, I've decided that at some point I'm going to make a side fanfiction that is specifically for the lemons that won't be here in the main fic. Some of you aren't here and don't want smut scenes and I understand and respect that, so some lemons won't be in the main fic, as I don't wanna clutter or bombard certain people. I'll make an announcement whenever that happens as it probably won't for a while.
BUT WHILE STILL SPEAKING OF LEMONS, ANOTHER ANNOUNCMENT! I've decided that Ash WILL be Pansexual. So at some point he will be fucking male pokemon. Fucking, NOT getting fucked by. Can't stress that enough. Ash is a giver, not a receiver.
Holy fuck, BUT WHILE STILLLLL SPEAKING OF LEMONS, give me your top...3? Yeah top 3 suggestions for a pokemon you want Ash to get soon, and possibly fuck. Please include gender.
Finally a note not about lemons lol. I wanna add some filler into this fic, so please feel free to add your suggestions :)
Some of you may be asking why 2 starters and why an Ekans and Growlithe. Well I figured having 2 starters would be nice since he was in a coma for 8 years, Ekans because you never really see a fic where Ash has one, and Growlithe I thought would be cute :)
Is there anything else I have to say...I don't think so? But knowing me I'll think of something like an hour after updating soooo...If you have any questions, opinions, ideas, or requests, feel free to leave them in a review.
Join me next time in Ash's new journey. See ya in chapter 4!