Chapter 2

AN: For the record Team Rocket is done. They were defeated by Red a long time ago and I really have no use for them in my story. Also so there is no confusion…trainers DO NOT get their license until they are the age of fifteen.

Ash made good timing and arrived at the edge of the woods near Pallet Town within a half hour. Shinx was walking next to him and seemed very pleased to be out in the open. Deciding to take some time to train, Ash chose his three friends from their balls. Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur appeared and smiled at the sight of Ash. They then looked to see Shinx and all of them tilted their heads in question.

Ash smiled, "Hey guys, this is Shinx and he will be joining us on our journey. He is an electric type and someday will evolve into a powerful Luxray like his father."

The little cat pokemon mewed in happiness and rubbed up against Ash. The teen thought for a moment before pulling his pokedex out and scanning each of his team members.

"Bulbasaur, the Seed Pokemon. For some time after its birth, it grows by gaining nourishment from the seed on its back.

This Bulbasaur is male and has the ability Overgrow and the hidden ability Chlorophyll.

Attacks: Tackle, Growl, Leech Seed, Vine Whip, Magical Leaf…Note: Magical Leaf is an egg move"

"Charmander, the Lizard Pokemon. The fire on the tip of its tail is a measure of its life. If healthy, its tail burns intensely.

This Charmander is male and has the ability Blaze and the hidden ability Solar Power.

Attacks: Scratch, Growl, Ember, Flamethrower, Dragon Rage"

"Squirtle, the Tiny Turtle Pokemon. It shelters itself in its shell, and then strikes back with spouts of water at every opportunity.

This Squirtle is male and has the ability Torrent and the hidden ability Rain Dish.

Attacks: Tackle, Tail Whip, Bubble, Water Gun, Aqua Jet…Note: Aqua Jet is an egg move"

"Shinx, the Flash Pokemon. The extension and contraction of its muscles generates electricity. It glows when in trouble.

This Shinx is male and has the ability Intimidate and the hidden ability Guts.

Attacks: Tackle, Leer, Charge, Spark, Night Slash…Note: Night Slash is an egg move"

Ash stared wide eyed at his four pokemon as they waited for him to say something. Sure pokemon having move sets like this weren't unheard of but it was very rare…unless of course you counted the pokemon who came from the breeding profession. Pokemon breeders would spend thousands upon thousands of dollars in order to achieve the best move sets and abilities for their prize pokemon. There were even 'Champion' bloodlines that guarantied certain abilities or attacks. But in order to even get a chance at one of these lines you would have to have the money to put out. Ash shook his head at the very thought of spending that kind of money.

"All pokemon have their strengths and weaknesses…it's the trainer's job to help define each pokemon." He said this out loud without thinking and his pokemon agreed with him. He smiled at his friends and decided to get an agenda ready for them.

"Alright guys we have a gym battle in a few days time and I want us to be ready. The Pewter City Gym uses rock type pokemon and so we will have to be smart."

Squirtle puffed up his chest and flexed, "Squirtle, Squirt!"

Ash chuckled, "I know you want to battle buddy but we are going to train for several days before we go to the gym."

Ash sat down and thought for a moment, "I guess the best place to train would be Viridian Forest…there are plenty of average strength pokemon for us to battle as well as trainers all around. Plus we might get lucky and find some of the pokemon considered rare in those woods." His mind made up, Ash returned everyone to their pokeballs and continued his walk towards Viridian City.

After a while, Ash arrived at a small field and smiled at the sight of many different pokemon. A flock of Pidgey and Pidgeotto flew around searching for food. Several Mankey played around in their trees while a ton of Rattata scurried around in the long grass. Near the stream, Ash could see a group of Nidoran, both male and female. He momentarily thought about capturing one but decided to wait until he had a little more training in. Taking his time, Ash used his pokedex to mark areas that would be ideal to come back and capture pokemon as well as checking for new areas that might be along his path. Just as he was about to leave the field a trainer walked up and pointed to him, "Hey you, I challenge you to a battle!"

Ash sighed, hoping he could have waited until after Viridian to deal with people but turned and smiled, "You got it, what's your name?"

The teen smiled, "The name is Dan and I'm from Viridian City."

Ash took his spot on the other side of the field, "I'm heading there next, let's say a one vs. one?" When Dan nodded Ash pulled a ball out, "Shinx I need your assistance!" His small electric type appeared from his ball and mewed.

Dan raised his eyebrow, "What pokemon is that?" Holding up his pokedex it responded, "Pokemon no available data. There are many pokemon outside of the Kanto Region."

Dan smirked, "Just because you have a rare pokemon doesn't mean that you are going to win. Pidgey let's go!"

Ash raised his eyebrow but then called his first move, "Shinx use charge and then brace yourself." The small electric type called out as he was surrounded with a yellow aura that crackled before he made his legs stiff in preparation.

"Pidgey get in close with a quick attack and hit him with tackle!" The small bird rushed forward with a burst of speed and prepared to hit Shinx.

"Counter with spark!" Electricity flashed around Shinx as he charged head first into his opponent and roared in effort as the flying type was thrown back knocked out.

Dan looked on in shock at his pokemon, "What? How was he taken out with one attack?"

Ash spoke up, "I had Shinx use the move charge. It powers up the next electric type move and if you add in the weakness advantage the match was over before it began."

Dan scowled as he returned his pokemon and turned towards the roads to Viridian.

Ash looked at Shinx and shrugged before turning towards his own path. He managed to walk only a short distance before something else distracted him…rather painfully. When he was walking he was suddenly hit from behind and thrown to the ground. Shinx growled at something and when Ash got up he looked at a large bird with dark feathers and a menacing glare. He quickly got up and pulled out his pokedex, "Spearow, the tiny bird pokemon. It flaps its small wings busily to fly. Using its beak, it searches in the grass for prey."

Ash smiled at this, Spearow were very difficult pokemon to deal with and the ones surrounding Pallet Town were especially vicious towards trainers and their pokemon. It was not uncommon for the Spearow to attack trainers without reason if they strayed from the main road. With how large this one was, Ash knew it was stronger than most.

"Alright Shinx let's catch us a pokemon." His little friend nodded with determination and Spearow took off and pulled a u-turn before he charged back with streams of energy flying off of him.

Ash's eyes widened, "Aerial ace, Shinx, dodge the attack and then use spark attack." As Shinx tried to dodge, Spearow quickly changed his route and slammed into the electric type. Ash mentally cursed as he remembered that aerial ace was one of the few moves that couldn't be dodged.

"Shinx use charge." Just as he had done in his earlier match, Shinx gathered energy for his next attack. Spearow's glare intensified as he turned around and charged forward with another aerial ace.

"Shinx hit him head on with a full power spark and finish him off with night slash!" His electric type charged forward and met his opponent with a powerful attack before he brought his tail around and slammed the now dark covered limb into Spearow's face. The bird hit the ground and squawked in anger as he pushed himself up.

"This one has spunk, I like that. Shinx hit him with a tackle and bring it home!" Spearow cried out as he was hit and crumpled to the ground but not before glaring at Ash and calling out one last time.

Ash quickly threw a pokeball and smiled as it clicked and signified his capture. Placing the ball on his belt, Ash returned Shinx to his ball and turned to continue his journey. After another half hour of traveling, Ash noticed the pokemon from the area seemed to be running and hiding wherever they could. Shrugging it off, the young trainer continued until he noticed the sky suddenly get dark.

Pallet was close to the coast line so random storms were common but what set this one apart was the fact that when a bolt of lightning flashed, Ash could see a large cloud moving towards him. Ash looked closer and then gulped as he realized that it was a flock of Spearow…and they all were coming at him.

Ash turned and started to walk at a brisk pace but when he looked over his shoulder he had to duck as a Spearow tried to knock him over. "Leave me alone!"

The bird pokemon continued their assault and started to scratch and peck at Ash, tearing his jacket and jeans. Ash brought his arm around and hit a Spearow as it came at him and the pokemon was thrown to the side. He turned and ran full force up the hill but the birds kept up with him. He cried out in pain as one of them bit down on his shoulder.

Suddenly, Ash felt his pokeballs shake and all of them except his new Spearow opened to reveal his four pokemon. Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and Shinx all glared at the flock of flying types and growled in challenge. Thanks to Shinx's intimidate ability, some of the Spearow backed off but the majority of the flock held strong. Bulbasaur acted first by bringing out his vines and started smacking any of the birds that came too close. Charmander launched a powerful flamethrower while Squirtle used water gun. Shinx ran next to Ash and used spark on anything that came too close. Another blast of lightning flashed and rain started to downpour.

Ash glanced at Charmander to see that he was starting to struggle because of the element but kept going. He saw Ash reach for his pokeball but shook his head. He turned and fired a large blue flame that took out two Spearow.

"Dragon rage!"

The group kept running but the flock kept up the attack. All three of Ash's starters were getting tired and they were starting to get hit more and more. They finally arrived at the path that would go directly to Viridian and they could see the city from where they were. Ash turned and growled as he saw the Spearow come at them again. "Alright guys we have to stop them now. His pokemon called out in agreement and got ready.

Bulbasaur reached deep within himself and roared out as he was engulfed in a powerful green aura. Next to him, Charmander and Squirtle did the same, glowing red and blue respectively. Shinx started charging up his power for an attack. As the Spearow came in for another attack, each of Ash's pokemon roared and fired an attack. Bulbasaur launched magical leaf, Charmander used flamethrower, Squirtle used a large water gun, and Shinx forced his extra power out and it took the form of a shock wave that streaked forward and combined with the three other attacks. The four moves combined and exploded just as the flock came in range and sent them all up in a cloud of smoke. Ash covered his eyes as he saw the power of his pokemon become amplified and instantly knew that they had used their special abilities. He looked up after the attack and saw that what remained of the conscious Spearow were flying. Ash looked at his pokemon and saw that they were exhausted. He bent down to them and hugged the four of them to him, "You guys are just amazing."

His four pokemon smiled into their trainer's touch and it wasn't until Charmander made a startled cry that Ash looked up. The storm had broken and Charmander was pointing towards the sky.

Ash looked up and felt himself go weak as he saw one of the most beautiful creatures he had ever seen. It was a large flying type with a rainbow of colors for feathers and a graceful crest upon its head. The pokemon gave a shrill cry as its eyes looked down upon Ash and the slightest smile formed as it gave its blessings to the Chosen One. Ash's pokemon bowed in respect to the being but Ash simply stood still in awe, "Ho-Oh…"

The phoenix like bird flew off into the distance, leaving a colorful rainbow in its wake.

*PSOR*

Ash arrived at the pokemon center and handed his team over to Nurse Joy who asked if he was ok. When he simply said Spearow she scoffed and complained about the Pokemon League needing to do something about them. Ash sat down and took a deep breath as he sank into a comfortable chair. For being in Viridian City, the center was very quiet and there were only two other people in it. He thought about calling his parents but decided to hold off on it until he was sure his pokemon were safe.

Ash closed his eyes and took a momentary breather but opened them when the door opened and a girl about his age walked in. Ash's eyes did a once over and felt his breath hitch. She was beautiful. Her orange hair was in a pony tail and she was wearing a form fitting yellow shirt with tight cut off jeans. Red suspenders ran from the belt loops up over her shoulder and added a unique look to her. Ash felt himself gulp as he noticed that her midriff was showing as well as just how long and toned her legs were. He felt himself blush when she looked over and smiled at the sight of him and started to walk over.

Finding it increasingly hard to breath, he remained quiet as she stopped in front of him. Her blue eyes sparkled in amusement before she finally spoke with a musical voice, "Hello, I'm Misty Waterflower."

Ash took a deep breath and pushed his raging hormones down before giving a roguish grin that his father had used all the time, "Hi, I'm Ash Ketchum."

The girl blushed lightly before shaking her head, "I hope I don't sound weird but I happened to see you just as you finished off that flock of Spearow. I was fishing in a river nearby and the storm forced me to move and well, the rest just fell into place. I wanted to make sure you and your pokemon were alright."

Ash chuckled lightly and offered her a seat next to him all the while wondering if she had seen Ho-Oh as well, "Thank you, and yes we are fine…let's just say I have unbelievable luck when it comes to pokemon…both good and bad."

Misty looked at him as she set her bag down and sat in a chair, "What do you mean if I might ask?"

Ash nodded, "Well the best example is the Spearow from before. I had just captured one and from what I recall they are very social creatures. That makes me think that the one I now own was part of the flock. Before he was captured, he called out and it was only after that when I was attacked."

Misty's eyes widened, "So your own pokemon had you attacked?" Ash rubbed the back of his head and blushed lightly as Misty shifted her legs, "He wasn't my pokemon yet. So if anything it was a final defense."

The redhead before him nodded in understanding. The two sat in a comfortable silence for a few moments before Ash took charge of the conversation, "So Misty, what is your story? You mentioned fishing, are you a trainer?"

The redhead smiled and nodded, "Yes I am. I specialize in water pokemon and hope one day to become the best water pokemon trainer in the world." Ash's eyes widened at the goal, "That is something. I myself plan to become a Pokemon Master but I really don't think I could ever specialize in only one type…I mean, my team already has five different types."

Misty raised an eyebrow, "What do you have?"

The Pallet Town native smirked lightly, "I have a Charmander, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Shinx, and now Spearow."

Misty's eyes sparkled and she squealed in a very girlish way, "Oh my Arceus you have a Squirtle? They are one of the cutest water pokemon ever. You have to let me see it!"

Ash rubbed the back of his head nervously, "Sure I guess, once they are all out of the center."

As if on cue, the intercom rang out over the center, "Trainer Ash Ketchum, your pokemon are ready for pick up."

Ash smiled and got up to pick up his friends. After collecting them, he and Misty started walking around the city to see if there was anything of interest. Ash learned that Misty was currently traveling around to the local rivers and lakes to capture rare water pokemon…as well as to prove a point to her sisters.

"You would think they would realize how important the gym is…I mean, if they don't hold up their end of the deal and just continue to hand out badges they will be closed down."

Misty nodded, "I have been trying to pound that into their head for years. Granted I just started really helping out with the gym duties but I could see it from a very young age that they were not doing things right. It is really frustrating because while I deal with the gym I can't get out and capture new pokemon. They won't let me use their pokemon because they are afraid I will take the fun out of them."

Misty scowled at this and Ash smiled, "Well, how about you hang with me until we get to Cerulean City. I mean, I am in no hurry to get to the gyms seeing as this year's season hasn't even started yet. We could spend some time looking for pokemon that you could use."

Misty looked at the young man with a curious expression, "Are you sure?"

Ash nodded with a smile, "Of course, why wouldn't I want a traveling companion. It is nice to have a friend with me." Ash didn't notice Misty blush at this.

The girl thought it over for a moment before nodded, "Alright it's a plan. So do you have any places that you want to look first?"

Ash thought a moment before pulling out his pokedex, "Well, there are several areas that would be great for pokemon to be not to mention the woods and fields back around Pallet Town and closer to the coast are supposed to have rare pokemon."

His new friend smiled at the concept of getting something rare, "I'm up for it if you are. I mean we would be going the opposite direction."

Ash thought for a moment, "It is fine. We can swing down that way and be in Pewter within two weeks…maybe a little later if we find some pokemon and train."

Misty smiled brightly and giggled in excitement which caused Ash to blush. "Alright let's do it!"

She grabbed Ash by the arm and practically dragged him towards route 1 and back to Pallet Town.

*PSOR*

Ash and Misty made great timing and arrived at the coast line near Pallet Town within a day. Time seemed to fly by as they talked about their lives and interests as they became better acquainted. During their lunch break, the two trainers had released their pokemon for some air and Misty instantly fell in love with Ash's Squirtle and Shinx.

Misty herself had three pokemon on her. The first two were actually from the same family. Staryu and Starmie looked similar outside of color and size. Ash could tell they were well trained and most likely the starters of Misty's team. The third pokemon was a small koi fish with a single horn upon her head. Misty's Goldeen was the newest member to the water team and was one of the gym's pokemon that her sisters didn't want. When they arrived at the coastline, they decided to do some fishing. Misty had her own lures and was confident that her custom 'Minnie Misty' would catch something.

In all honesty, Ash felt that it would intimidate pokemon rather than make them want to bite it…but he kept his comment to himself. They sat there for close to three hours without much success until Misty's line suddenly went tense and started to pull out of her reel. She grunted as the pokemon on the other end started to put up a fight and with a massive yell she pulled her prize from the water. The pokemon was a large blue jellyfish with a red gem in the center. It had two tentacles and a rather lazed expression upon its face.

Misty squealed, "Oh my Arceus I caught a Tentacool! You are just about the cutest pokemon I have ever seen!"

The water type blushed at this and tried to hide its face. Misty pulled out a pokeball, "Misty calls Starmie!" Her purple starfish pokemon landed on the field and waited for a command, "Starmie use swift attack!" The water/psychic type made a cooing sound as its body started to spin before firing yellow stars of energy at its opponent.

After it was hit, Tentacool growled and thrust its tentacles forward with a dark purple aura around them. They struck Starmie and sent it flying.

"Misty that was a poison Jab…watch out for more surprises." The redhead nodded and prepared herself, "Alright Starmie, get in close with rapid spin and hit it with bubblebeam!" Spinning both sections of its body at a furious pace, Starmie launched forward and slammed into the opposing water type and sent it flying. Seconds later, a beam of colorful bubbles fired from the gem in the center of the starfish. The bubbles hit Tentacool and burst with energy at each hit. The pokemon called out in pain before crumpling to the ground.

Misty smiled as she saw her chance, "Pokeball go!" An empty ball sailed from her hand and hit the head of Tentacool. It opened and sucked the pokemon in before closing and shaking for several seconds. When the ding was heard, Misty ran up and started jumping around. "I did it, I did it, I caught a Tentacool!"

Ash chuckled at his friend, "Chill out Misty it is just a Tentacool." The redhead stopped jumping and turned with a glare, "It is just a what?" The last portion was yelled making Ash gulp and back up, "I just said it was a simple Tentacool. There are hundreds out there."

Misty's eyes narrowed in anger, "This is not just a simple Tentacool…it is my Tentacool and it is the most beautiful pokemon on the planet!"

Ash sweat-dropped at this but wisely kept his mouth shut…it appeared that his new friend had the legendary temper that all redheads seemed to have.

Ash's thoughts were broken when his line suddenly started to go wild. He grabbed the fishing rod and gave it a powerful tug and was surprised to see a large red fish with two large whisker-like features on the side of its face. It was a Magikarp and much larger than average. Misty saw it and seemed to tense up, "You can keep it."

Ash looked at her before he tossed a pokeball at the flailing fish. It sucked it in and quickly signaled the capture. Ash put the ball on his belt and looked at Misty who was letting out a breath of relief. "Do you have something against Magikarp?"

Misty stuttered, "N..No I don't, I do have something against their evolved form though."

Ash raised his eyebrow, "What's wrong with Gyarados? I mean, granted they don't have the best reputation but they are very versatile pokemon."

Misty shrugged and tossed her line back into the water. Ash decided to let her be alone for a little while so he told her he was going to go train.

*PSOR*

Once he was a decent distance away he chose his six pokemon. All of them excluding Spearow smiled at their trainer or in Magikarp's case, flailed in happiness. The Pallet Town native looked at his flying pokemon and saw the look of distain it was giving him. Bulbasaur saw this and growled at it to show respect. Spearow simply turned his head and ignored the grass type.

Ash decided to end this before it got out of hand and he had to deal with a rebellious pokemon. He knelt next to Spearow and looked at it, "Look Spearow, I realize that you are not a fan of me but I captured you so you are now part of my team. You can accept it and make things easier or you can try to resist and face the consequences."

Spearow tensed up at this as well as the sudden change in Ash's voice tone. Bulbasaur, Charmander, and a Squirtle had seen the change before and it was never pretty. Gary had been a very ruthless person during the years leading up to Ash's pokemon journey and it led to Ash being slightly different.

He was still the warm caring person that you would expect from someone who was raised in a loving family but the difference was the moment you betrayed his trust he would turn very cold towards you. The fact that he was acting this way with a pokemon was something else.

Spearow glanced at Ash, "Look I'm not going to lie…I don't believe in releasing pokemon but I will not put up with a pokemon that is too stuck up and might endanger my family. I want you to be a part of it but if you continue I will return you and simply send you back to the lab."

Spearow looked at his trainer in shock…he was giving him a choice but it was a very obvious choice. If he didn't accept the offer he would be put into the pokeball and sent somewhere. But if he accepted he would be a member of another flock and given how strong the Shinx that took him out was, he would become more powerful. The flying type looked at Ash with uncertainty in his eyes before glancing at the five other members of the team before he looked back at Ash. With a steady nod, the flying type accepted his role as Ash's pokemon. The trainer smiled and turned to all six of his pokemon with a fierce look of determination in his eyes.

"Alright, we have our first gym battle in two weeks and I want us to be ready. Let's start training."

Chapter two is done. Yeah!

You guys are simply amazing….53 reviews on one chapter is something I have only dreamed of. Lol

Continue to send in your picks for shipping and pokemon. For the record, yes Ash will have legendary pokemon but I do have a theory behind it that will be explained when the time is right. Ash for final pairing…he is only fifteen so I'm not sure yet. If anything I most likely will have him in a few minor relationships before really setting up with someone.

Ash's Current Team

Bulbasaur: Tackle, Growl, Leech Seed, Vine Whip, Magical Leaf

Charmander: Scratch, Growl, Flamethrower, Ember, Dragon Rage

Squirtle: Tackle, Tail Whip, Bubble, Water Gun, Aqua Jet

Shinx: Tackle, Growl, Charge, Spark, Night Slash, Shock Wave
Spearow: Peck, Leer, Aerial Ace, Agility, Fury Attack

Magikarp: Splash, Tackle