Thanks for the reviews guys I really appreciate you taking the time to write one. I'm glad that you all seem to enjoy the re-write.
Here's chapter 2 I hope you enjoy.
In conversations:
'- Translation of Poké Speech – No human unless otherwise stated can understand it.
"- Human speech
" - Telepathy
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.
Inside the lab Ash was putting the finishing touches on the food for his Pokémon and had put most of it on the trolleys. He was just adding some ketchup to Pikachu's meal when he saw a bright light coming from outside. Ash had been a trainer long enough to know that the light was coming from a Pokémon evolving, he just wondered who it was. He was expecting it to be Totodile or Cyndaquil as they had both been showing signs of being on the verge of evolving. Ash walked outside to watch which Pokémon was evolving and what he saw shocked him. Ash quickly stuck his hand in his pocket and to his horror found that the Thunderstone was no longer there. He couldn't believe that this was happening, he looked at the rest of his Pokémon and they had similar looks on their faces. The light eventually died down revealing a Raichu who looked around and saw the still shocked looks on everyone's faces. He wasn't that surprised at their expressions as he knew that his decision is rather unexpected. His eyes eventually fell on Ash who was rooted to the spot. Raichu ran to his best friend and tried to jump on to his shoulder however he had forgotten that he was now 5 times heavier than before. The extra weight caused Ash to fall to the ground. Ash groaned but quickly pulled Raichu into a hug, the mouse rubbed his cheek against Ash's in return. Ash finally found his voice and asked.
"Pika... I mean Raichu why did you choose to evolve?"
'I wanted to be stronger and knew that I couldn't reach my full potential as a Pikachu.'
Ash had gotten the gist of Raichu was saying he just hoped he hadn't done this just because Wartortle beat him.
"Please tell me you didn't do this just because Wartortle beat you?"
Raichu shook his head.
'No, that was the last straw that broke the Camerupt's back. Over the last few weeks I've seen the improvements Ivysaur and Wartortle have made and well I knew that this was something I had to do.'
"Well if you are happy with this then I am too. I always said it was your choice and you'll always be my buddy no matter what you look like."
Raichu sighed in relief, he was glad that Ash approved of his choice. As he thought about it he wasn't really hating his evolved form like he thought he would. He could feel the massive increase in both his electrical and physical power and he was liking it. Raichu got off of Ash and followed him inside the lab. When Raichu saw his meal sat on the counter he jumped on to the counter and after Ash put on a layer of ketchup Raichu began inhaling the food. Ash chuckled at Raichu's antics he was glad that he hadn't changed in that department. Ash put the last bowl of food on the trolleys and said.
"Raichu come outside when you're done. I wanna see how your evolution has affected your power."
Raichu stopped eating long enough to nod and then he quickly began scoffing his food again. Ash pushed the trolleys outside leaving Raichu to keep stuffing his face. When he got outside he placed the bowls of food on the floor, his Pokémon had watched him all the way and as soon as the bowls were on the ground they charged over and began eating their food. Snorlax finished first and almost immediately fell to sleep. Ash would never be able to thank his mother and Professor Oak enough for finding a recipe that would fill Snorlax's stomach with a small amount of food. It would save a lot of money in the long run. Raichu walked outside not long after and went to Ash, he jumped on to his shoulder making Ash nearly fall again.
"Raichu you've gotta warn me before you do that."
Raichu looked down, he had to remember that he was a lot heavier than he used to be. He looked sadly at Ash.
'Ok sorry Ash.'
"Don't worry about it. It's just gonna take a while to get used to you being a bit heavier than before. So Raichu are you ready to show off your power."
A smirk was now plastered across Raichu's face.
'I sure am Ash.'
Ash smiled he was glad he heard that determination in Raichu's voice it was something he had not had in weeks. This made Ash wonder how long this had been bothering his best friend. Ash looked around the coral trying to find something Raichu could test his new abilities on and then he spotted a boulder.
"Hey Raichu use Thunderbolt on that boulder."
All the Pokémon stopped what they were doing so they could see how powerful Raichu now was. Raichu fired a bolt of electricity at the boulder which obliterated it, all that remained were a few tiny pebbles that rained from the sky. Everyone was dumbstruck, they knew he was powerful for a Pikachu but this was ridiculous. Raichu looked at his comrades and saw that they were all amazed and even Charizard looked to be impressed with his display of power. Ash was the first to recover from the shock and said.
"Holy crap Raichu. That was amazing"
Raichu stood looking around while he rubbed the back of his head.
'Thanks Ash.'
Ash then had Raichu run laps and compare the times with the ones he set as a Pikachu and was amazed that his evolution had increased his speed and stamina so much. Ash had to admit he was very impressed by his friends new power, he just hoped Raichu wouldn't someday come to regret his choice.
After spending a little more time at the ranch Ash decided to leave his Pokémon to relax for the rest of the day so he could spend some time with his mother before he left for Hoenn. He got home and they talked for a few hours although it was mostly small talk they just enjoyed spending time together. It was around 6 o'clock when Delia told Ash to get washed up as she prepared the last meal he'd have before leaving. Ash went and did as he was told. He asked his mother how long dinner would be and found that he had about 10 minutes so he went upstairs to his room to choose what outfit he'd wear to Hoenn. He rummaged through his closet but sadly the only things he had were similar to what he had worn in Kanto and Johto and to be honest that wasn't the kind of practical clothing he wanted. He closed the door and he sighed. He'd just have to get something when he gets to Hoenn.
He heard his mother call up to him and he went downstairs. He sat at the table and had the last home cooked meal he'd have for a long while. He didn't inhale food as he used to, the first thing his mother had taught him were proper manners as she had refused to teach him anything else until he acted like a gentleman. Raichu on the other hand hadn't learned a thing and had drenched his food in ketchup and obliterated it in seconds. After spending a bit more time with his mother Ash started to feel tired, he wanted to get a good nights' sleep so he was ready for tomorrow. He said goodnight to his mother and went up to his room quickly falling into a deep sleep. Delia had stayed downstairs as she still had to finish the surprise she had been working on.
Next morning Ash woke up bright and early as had been doing for the past few months. He got himself ready and shot downstairs having just enough time for him, Meowth and Raichu to get a slice of toast. He ran out of the house headed towards Professor Oak's lab to pick the Pokémon he was taking with him. He arrived there in a couple of minutes and knocked on the door which opened moments later and Ash was greeted by Tracey.
"Hey Ash, I'm guessing you're here to pick which Pokémon you're taking to Hoenn."
"Yep."
"Well Professor Oak wants a word with you first."
"Ok lead the way."
Ash followed Tracey to Professor Oak's study. The Professor looked engrossed in a study that Professor Birch had sent him but when he heard Ash enter the room he stopped his reading immediately and turned to the young trainer.
"Ah Ash my boy you're here early as usual."
"Yeah well I want to get going early so I can get to Vermillion City in time to catch the boat that is leaving for Hoenn today."
"Very well I won't keep you long. There are just a couple of things I want to give you before you leave."
The Professor opened a draw on his desk and pulled a couple of things out.
"This Ash is an updated Pokédex. It will tell you the ability, move set, gender and many other facts about the Pokémon being scanned."
Ash was amazed how much of an upgrade this is from his old Pokédex, he took the device and placed it in his pocket.
"And this is a Pokénav. A friend of mine in Devon Corp sent it here but I think you will have more use for it than me. It has a built-in map and phone. Devon are supposed to be making upgrades so when you get to Rustboro you could ask them to take a look at it."
The Professor gave the device to Ash which he placed in his other pocket.
"Wow Professor these are amazing thanks a lot."
"No problem Ash. There is one last thing I have upped your Pokémon limit from six to twelve as you said you intend to take older Pokémon with you 6 wouldn't leave much room for new ones."
Ash was astonished, he'd been given two pieces of high tech equipment and now the Professor was doing this too.
"Thanks Professor. You've done so much for me. I really can't thank you enough."
"It's no problem Ash. Now go and choose your Pokémon and get home to your mother."
Ash nodded and went into the coral, when they saw him his Pokémon flooded around him.
"Listen up everyone Professor Oak has upped my limit so I will take four of you with me. Remember it will be rotation so you will all be called up at some point."
They nodded hoping they'd be the first to go. Ash looked through his Pokémon for a moment and finally settled on his chosen 4.
"Totodile, Cyndaquil, Pidgeot and Phanpy you're coming with me first."
They cheered happily and Ash returned them, he then put their poke balls on his belt. He looked to his other Pokémon, many of them were grumbling at not being chosen.
"Hey cheer up guys. Like I said you will all be called up at some point so I'll see you all soon."
His Pokémon nodded in response. Ash turned and left waving goodbye to his Pokémon who now returned to their earlier activities. Ash said a quick farewell to Tracey and Professor Oak and headed home. When Ash got home he walked inside and hugged his mother. He picked up his new back pack and put it on. Raichu and Meowth took their places on his shoulders and as Ash was about to leave his mother stopped him.
"Ash before you go there is a surprise for you in your room."
Ash shrugged off his back pack and went upstairs. He opened the door to his room and was gobsmacked. Before him stood a mannequin his size which was dressed in a black sleeveless knee-length trench coat, a hooded royal blue long-sleeved shirt, black jeans with multiple pockets on them, brown leather gauntlets and black combat boots that go just above the ankle. Delia walked in and stood next to him, she took a look at his face and smiled at what she saw.
"So by the look on your face I'm guessing you like it. It's taken me a couple of months to make it but I think it was time well spent."
Ash wrapped his arms around his mother and she returned the hug. He pulled back and looked up at her.
"Thanks mum this is incredible."
Delia smiled, she was glad that Ash liked the outfit she made.
"You're welcome. Now try it on."
He quickly stripped the mannequin and she left the room and went downstairs to get the last part of the outfit. Ash walked down a few minutes later wearing the clothes she made.
"These clothes are incredible thanks a lot mum."
Ash looked at Meowth and Raichu who were sat on the couch.
"So what do you guys think?"
Raichu and Meowth gave him a thumbs up. Delia smiled and then remembered the last part of the outfit, she took the belt off the table and handed it to Ash. He took a quick look at it and was shocked to see that it had slots for 12 poke balls as well as his new Pokédex and his Pokénav. Delia had made places for various other items which included a flashlight. He looked at his mother in shock.
"How did you...?"
"Professor Oak told me a couple of weeks after you started training with him that when you were ready he was intending to give you those items. I knew you'd need a way to carry them so I made this for you."
Ash was surprised that Professor Oak had planned this and that his mother had managed to keep it a secret all this time. He put the belt on and slotted his poke balls, Pokédex and Pokénav into the slots, he hugged his mother again and walked to the door.
"I'll call you as soon as I get to Hoenn."
"Okay Ash. Have fun and remember to change your underwear every day."
Ash's face went bright red as Raichu and Meowth laughed hysterically.
"Mum I'm fourteen now you don't need to remind me to do that."
"I know honey but old habits die hard. I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you to mum."
Ash opened the door and started walking towards Route 1. Delia watched him with a tear in her eye, she stood outside the house with Mimey and they waved at the trio who did the same until they were out of sight. Delia stood outside for a moment longer feeling incredibly proud that Ash had matured so much and then followed Mimey back inside.
Ash got to the outskirts of Pallet Town when he heard someone yelling behind him.
"Ash wait."
Ash stopped and turned around to see Tracey with his hands on his knees and he was breathing heavily.
"Hey Tracey why are you here?"
Tracey took a few moments to fill his lungs with air before he started talking.
"Well you see Professor Oak found someone who wanted a Tauros."
Ash had honestly forgotten that he'd asked Professor Oak to do that for him. After a month of Professor Oak telling him that due to how common Tauros were in Kanto and Johto nobody really wanted one Ash gave up hoping that he could trade them. Tracey then said.
"So he told me to give you this."
Tracey took a poke ball out of his pocket and presented it to Ash. He took the offered poke ball and asked.
"So what's inside?"
"Take a look for yourself."
Ash opened the poke ball and revealed a Pokémon that is primarily a bluish black colour with three bright red feathers for its tail and a single one on its left ear. The ear feather seemed shorter indicating that it was a female. On her forehead and chest are yellow, oval markings. She has red eyes with black eyelash-like marking on the edges. Her feet and hands have two large, retractable claws each.
"Wow a Sneasel."
Ash hadn't been expecting to get such a good Pokémon through trading his Tauros. He didn't have any Dark or Ice types so Sneasel will be an excellent addition to the team.
"The Professor also said that he only has access to traders in Kanto and Johto so you may have more luck if you go to the Global Trade Station in Hoenn."
"Ok I'll make sure to stop there at some point."
Tracey shook Ash's hand and said.
"Good luck Ash."
"Thanks Tracey. I'll see you after I win the Hoenn League."
Tracey gave a small nod, he turned around and walked back to the lab. Ash then crouched down to Sneasel's level.
"Hey I'm your new trainer."
Sneasel nodded she understood what that meant basically he told her what to do and she obeyed.
"But before we start working together I'd like to be your friend."
Sneasel was surprised to hear that. Her previous trainer had not treated her badly but they never really had anything other than and master and servant relationship so this human talking about friendship was shocking. She looked to the powerful looking Pokémon stood on the humans shoulders and she could tell by the look in their eyes that what the human no what Ash said was true. Ash then extended his arm and asked.
"So what do ya say?"
The kindness in his voice, the determination in his eyes and the strong appearance of his Pokémon was all the evidence Sneasel needed. She put her clawed hand in Ash's and shook it. Ash smiled he wasn't sure how Sneasel would react and was just glad that she was on side.
"Great. So let's get going."
Sneasel nodded and then let a squeak of surprised as Ash scooped her up. It felt strange to be held like this as her previous trainer had never done this. She found herself liking this and she snuggled in his embrace. Ash smiled and started walking down Route 1 hoping that there would be no more delays.
Ash, Raichu, Sneasel and Meowth were not that far from Vermillion City now. Ash had decided against flying on Pidgeot so he could spend time talking with Sneasel and find out a bit more about her. From the stories she had told them Ash had come to the conclusion that she was quite the prankster. Although almost all of her stories were about times when her trainer wasn't with her. They were about a mile from Vermillion and were talking but then Ash heard Pokémon cries. He knew that something was up because those cries were pain filled. He went in the direction he heard the cries and saw 3 Team Rocket Agents attacking a pair of shiny Eeveelutions an Espeon and an Umbreon. Both of them were clearly unable to battle and were now being brutally beaten, this enraged Ash and his Pokémon. Ash looked to Raichu and Meowth and said.
"Both of you use Thunderbolt."
They jumped off Ash's shoulders and both fired a bolt of electricity that arced off to all of the Team Rocket Pokémon which knocked almost all of the out. The only survivors were an Arbok and a Weezing and they were struggling to stay up. The grunts glared at Ash and yelled.
"Weezing and Arbok use Sludge Bomb."
"Use Quick Attack then follow up with Iron Tail."
Weezing and Arbok shot several globs of purple sludge at Raichu and Meowth who shot off at an amazing speed and easily avoided the toxic sludge. They managed to dodge all the sludge and rammed into Arbok and Weezing knocking both Pokémon back. Raichu and Meowth then leapt into the air and their tails turned metallic silver and they slammed them into Weezing and Arbok which sent them crashing into the other Pokémon. Weezing then accidently released a thick fog of poisonous gas around them. Ash smirked.
"Now get rid of them with one more Thunderbolt and this time don't hold back."
Raichu and Meowth nodded and they released a couple of immensely powerful bolts of electricity at them, the electricity caused the gas to explode and send the defeated grunts and their Pokémon flying into the sky. They watched the Team Rocket members until they were out of sight.
"You know it's gonna sound strange but I'm gonna miss seeing that."
Ash and Raichu laughed, Meowth grumbled at the comment and Sneasel looked at the trio wondering what was so funny. Ash stopped laughing when he saw the unconscious Eeveelutions who were lying motionless on the ground. He knelt down next to them and began using the techniques he'd learned in the last three months doing everything he could to heal their wounds. After a while the Eeveelutions woke up they both felt exhausted both physically and mentally however their wounds didn't hurt anywhere near as much as they had done. The Eeveelutions managed to get to their feet and went over to Ash. The Espeon stared intently at him for a moment and the jewel on her forehead lit up for just a second. She then turned to the Umbreon and they appeared to be having a conversation through telepathy. They both nodded and the Espeon then went into a den behind them. She came out a moment later with an egg, she walked back and was now stood next to the Umbreon. Ash then heard a voice in his head.
"Human could you kneel down please?"
Ash nodded, the telepathy didn't really surprise him as he had met so many Legendary Pokémon that have used the same way of communicating. He knelt down to their level and to his surprise the egg was placed in his arms which confused Ash.
"Why have you given me your egg?"
"You saved us and our children from those men when you could have left us. I looked into your mind and saw that you are kind-hearted, honourable and selfless. We would be honoured if you would train our child."
Ash clutched the egg to his chest.
"The honour would be all mine. Thank you. I promise I'll take good care of your child and someday I'll return so you can meet your child."
"Thank you."
Ash nodded and got to his feet. Raichu and Meowth took their places on Ash's shoulders and seeing that the egg was now in his arms Sneasel was now on Ash's head. Ash gave a quick wave to the Eeveelutions and turned around the Eeveelutions watched Ash walk away both knowing that they had made the right choice. An hour later Ash walked into Vermillion City his destination being the Pokémon Centre. He walked inside and saw Nurse Joy sat behind her desk looking incredibly bored she perked up when she saw Ash.
"Hello Ash. Do you want an incubator for that egg?"
"Yes please. I was also wondering if you could give it some scans to make sure everything is okay."
"Sure I'd be happy to do that. Follow me."
She walked through a door which led to a room that was dedicated solely to eggs Ash followed her in and gave her the egg. She placed it in an incubator and then put the incubator on a scanning machine. The machine began making a series of noises and printed out a sheet of paper which had several lines on it. Ash guess that one of them represented heartbeat but the others he wasn't sure about. Nurse Joy looked at the sheet while mumbling under her breath. She looked at Ash and said.
"Well you have taken excellent care of this egg. You should be proud."
"I'd love to take the praise but I was only given this egg about an hour ago. So when will it hatch?"
"You're in luck. You should only have to wait a few days."
Ash was excited to hear that he wouldn't have to wait long until he met the Eevee.
"Thanks Nurse Joy."
Nurse Joy put on one of her trademark smiles.
"No problem I'm happy to help."
She handed the incubator to Ash and he walked out of the Pokémon Centre. He went down to the docks but to his disappointment he was told that he'd missed today's ship by quite a few hours so he had to wait until the next ship came tomorrow. Ash sighed, he was kind of annoyed that he'd have to wait another day before he could get to Hoenn. He went back to the Pokémon Centre hoping that there was a spare room. Luckily there was and he went straight to the room, he placed the incubator on the desk and got into the bed. Meowth, Sneasel and Raichu then crawled into the bed with him. Ash then remembered to let out all of his Pokémon as he had found out thanks to Meowth that they preferred sleeping out of their poke balls and they all quickly fell to sleep.
Notes
Please give a review telling me what you liked/didn't like.
If you have any questions I am more than happy to answer them.
There is a poll up so please check it out and vote.
I kept the shiny Eeveelutions – But shiny Pokémon will not be encountered frequently like they were in the original.
Ash:
Kanto – Raichu, Meowth, Ivysaur, Wartortle, Charizard, Pidgeot, Kingler, Muk, Tauros(x29) & Snorlax
Johto – Totodile, Bayleaf, Cyndaquil, Heracross, Noctowl (Shiny), Phanpy & Sneasel