Ash woke up from his spiritual encounter, wide awake. He looked around and muttered to himself, "I'm back in my room…"

He sat up and looked at himself.

Everything Arceus had said about him, how he was both the Rainbow Hero and Chosen One, his alternate self, and everything in between.

"Woah, that was sure one interesting dream." Ash said to himself before rolling out of bed but stopped before he placed his feet on the floor. The reason he stopped was because of what is on his bedroom floor.

Eggs.

Pokémon eggs to be exact and 18 in total.

"What?" Ash asked no one in particular. Pikachu woke himself up, rubbing his eyelids before seeing the eggs himself.

'Could this be what Arceus meant by my gifts?' The Rainbow Hero thought to himself.

Both trainer and Pokémon carefully maneuvered around the bundles of eggs before exiting the room.

Walking downstairs, Ash saw his mom already making breakfast. Delia saw her son and greeted him. "Good morning, Ash."

"Good morning, mom." The Rainbow Hero responded in kind before sitting down.

"I made some jelly-filled donuts." Delia said, coming over and placing a plate of six donuts in front of her son.

"Thanks mom!" Ash said before scarfing them all done with a satisfied smile. Delia smiled before making a plate of her own and ate at a slower rate.

"So, Ash, did you think about what I said last night? About becoming a Pokémon Master?" She asked.

Ash paused before looking at himself. "I… think I have." Taking a deep breath, he quoted what he said to Arceus, "I think what it means to be a Pokémon Master is to bond with every Pokémon there ever is or was. Training them to be their best and learn everything about them."

His mom took everything in and gave a smile. "That is a good definition for a Pokémon Master. How did you come up with it?"

Ash bent the truth a little, unsure if his own mother would believe him. "It came to me in a dream. I saw… another version of myself with his Pokémon family and saw how happy they were with him. It made me happy and I wanted to strive for it."

Delia's smile grew more at hearing that. Of course, she always knew Ash had a love for Pokémon, even at a young age. "So how are you going to achieve that?" She asked.

Ash faced her with a determined smile. "I want to go on another journey." He revealed.

Delia had a faint look of surprise before changing it to one of acceptance. Despite the three adventures he's had, she figured Ash wouldn't want to settle down after his journey, even after he became a Pokémon Master. She didn't want to deny him his dream and spoke proudly, "Then you can. Where do you want to go?"

Ash thought about it before deciding, "Well, I want to travel to every region, catch new Pokémon, and challenge each league." He proclaimed.

"Pika!" Pikachu agreed as he ate his own fill.

Delia continued to smile at her son's declaration. "Well then… who am I to stop you?"

"Thanks, mom." Ash said before sheepishly scratching his neck, "Also, I might need some help."

"With what, honey?"

After breakfast, Ash showed her the 18 eggs that had appeared, thanks to Arceus but Ash kept it to himself, and lied saying that a Pokémon must have entered through his window and laid the eggs about in the room as a prank. Delia gave a light scold before helping her son with the eggs.

Towards the afternoon, Ash and Pikachu headed towards Professor Oak's Lab. Entering, the two saw the Kanto regional professor at work.

"Hey, Professor Oak!" Ash greeted him.

Samuel swiveled around in his chair and saw the young Ketchum. "Ah! Ash, my boy! Unexpected to see you, I admit."

"Yeah, sorry about that professor." Ash apologized.

"No need for apologies, Ash." Oak said, "What brings you here?"

"Well, I wanted to check up on Charizard." Ash admitted. "It's been sometime since I've seen him. Hope he's settling in just fine."

Oak nodded. "Yes, my boy. Despite being your only Pokémon outside of Pikachu, Charizard's been relaxed for the time being."

Ash nodded and entered the corral portion of the lab where all the Pokémon of Oak's sponsored trainers' live.

Ash cupped his hands together and yelled. "CHARIZARD!"

"Rar!"

The orange dragon heard the call and took off, happy to see his trainer again. Once spotted, Charizard rushed down and gave a nudge.

"I missed you too, Charizard." Ash said, giving a comforting stomach rub to his Flame Pokémon. Pikachu hopped off and ran to Charizard's back, giving a greeting of his own which the dragon responded in kind.

"Now that you are here. It's time to tell you my plan, old pal." Ash said, getting the dragon's attention. "I was thinking about going on another journey. This time, I want to conquer the Kanto league. Can I trust you to be at my side as we do?"

Charizard let out a proud stream of flames to the sky and gave a thumbs up.

"I knew you would!" Ash responded in kind, giving a thumbs up himself. "Well, time to introduce you to a new member of the team. I just need to officially catch him first."

Both Pokémon were confused at the statement. Then from the trainer's shadow, Marashadow emerged.

Pikachu and Charizard recognized the shadow-dweller and prepared to battle but Ash calmed them down.

"Relax, you two. Marshadow decided to join me on this journey." Ash revealed.

Needless to say, they were shocked by the Gloomdweller Pokémon's decision to join their trainer.

"I know it will take a while before you fully trust him but I know it will be worth it in the end." Ash stated, his tone full of determination.

The mouse and dragon shared an uneasy look before nodding, accepting the shadow dweller as a member of the team.

Marshadow sensed something approaching the corral and faced it. 'They are here.'

Ash looked at the Ghost/Fighting-type with a questioning look. "Who's here?"

'The other Pokémon Arceus said that would like to join you.' Marshadow clarified.

Soon, several Pokémon broke through the forest near the corral.

Among them were an Electabuzz, a Rhydon, a Graveler, a Magmar, a Nidoking, a Nidoqueen, and an Arbok emerged. From the air, a Golbat, Magneton, Weezing, and Venomoth flew/hovered down.

Ash stepped back, while both his starter and Flame Pokémon prepared for the fight. But the wild Pokémon stopped and bowed before the Rainbow Hero, much to his and his Pokémon's confusion. "What the heck?"

'These are the same Pokémon that I controlled when I touched the tainted Rainbow wing.' Marshadow revealed. 'After witnessing your battle with Ho-Oh, they began to think about joining you. You, Ash, impressed them as being both the Rainbow Hero and someone who took on Ho-Oh. Many trainers don't receive that kind of respect from most Pokémon, let alone wild ones."

Ash widened his eyes at the recognition and looked at the Mount Tensei Pokémon. He knew they were feeling ashamed of their actions, even though they were manipulated by the Glooomdweller Pokémon. The Rainbow Hero walked over and addressed them. "I know you all are ashamed of being taken advantage of, but I won't hold you against it. Marshadow wants to forget about the past and I want you to do the same. Can I count on you all to do that?"

The Pokémon gave their respective cries once they stood up. Ash smiled, an action mimicked by his two current Pokémon.

"Well then, welcome to the Ketchum Family!" Ash said.

Oak was walking out, writing notes, "Ash, did you find Charizard ye-" He stopped mid-sentence and saw the Mount Tensei Pokémon. "Ash, whose Pokémon are these?"

"Um, would you believe me if I said they wanted to join me?" Ash sheepishly stated.

Once that didn't convince the professor, Ash bent the lie a bit, saying that they were Pokémon he met on his journey to Mount Tensei and battled them. Oak felt there was more but didn't press on.

"Well, Ash. If they are going to join you, they need Pokéballs." Oak reminded him.

Ash nodded and pulled out some spare Pokéballs from his pockets. Surprisingly, he had enough to catch them.

Once the Pokémon were caught, they were sent immediately back out due to being in the corral and let out happy cries.

Oak congratulated Ash on his newfound captures, "Well done, Ash. I never thought I would see wild Pokémon like a Nidoking or Nidoqueen, but it is quite a surprise."

"Yeah," Ash said, scratching the scales of Arbok and rubbing Graveler's rocky skin. "These guys wanted to come with me. And if I want to be a Pokémon Master, I need to create respect and bonds between each of my Pokémon."

"Oh please," someone dismissed. "You're still hanging onto that stupid dream of yours, Ashy-boy?"

Ash and his Pokémon glared at the culprit before the trainer realized who it was. "Gary…"

The grandson of Professor Oak was sitting on the corral's fence with an arrogant smirk. "Long time, no see, Ashy-boy." Gary said with an arrogant tone, "I thought you had given up on becoming a trainer altogether. Would make my job easier as a rival."

"Not in your life, Gary." Ash responded. Ever since that day with the broken Pokéball, the two had history with the grandson becoming vain and arrogant. Gary would constantly put Ash down whenever the chance presented itself, making Ash annoyed and consider him his rival.

"What are you even doing here?" Ash questioned.

"Was in the neighborhood." Gary responded, "Came back to tell gramps that I was going to be competing in the Indigo League this year."

"You are?" Ash said, "I thought you had already taken part in it?"

"I did," Gary informed him, "But I lost in the Top 16." He bitterly said. The Oak grandson shook off his bitter attitude and continued. "But this time, I plan to win the whole thing. Are you gonna actually show up this time? Or are you going to be a coward?"

Ash growled, "I had other plans for my first journey." He didn't relay the information about how he battled Ho-Oh and against Cross, who was cruel at first but came to understand power was everything. He didn't want to brag about it.

"But this time, you can bet I'll be there and take you down!" Ash promised.

"Pika!"

"Rah!"

Pikachu and Charizard cried simultaneously, eager to shut the rival up. Marshadow was sinking into Ash's shadow to avoid being seen while the Mount Tensei Pokémon growled at what the rival had to say.

Gary smirked, "Good. Now, gramps told me you got a starter Pokémon. Since you weren't here when I picked my choice, here he is! Blastoise!" The grandson threw out a Pokéball and released the Shellfish Pokémon.

"Blast!" The weaponized turtle let out and cocked his cannons for intimidation.

"We never did get a chance to battle beforehand." Gary remarked. "Which is why I'm challenging you to a battle now, Ashy-Boy! Care to accept?"

Ash clenched his fist and replied. "You're on, Gary!" Time to show Gary that he wasn't some weakling.


The two trainers made their way to a battlefield where Oak allowed trainers to fight with their starters.

Ash's Pokémon remained on the side, supporting the Rainbow Hero while the trainers glared at each other.

"Blastoise, take 'em down!" Gary ordered. The Shellfish Pokémon stomped onto the field and cockily smirked.

"Toise."

Something within Charizard snapped at the turtle thinking he's a hotshot.

Ash must have sensed this and thought back to the image he saw of the other Ash battling Gary's Blastoise with his Charizard.

"Pikachu, sit this one out. I want to battle with Charizard." Ash told his starter.

The Mouse Pokémon compelled. He did want to battle but he's had far too many. He decided to let the Flame Pokémon have a go.

"Charizard." Ash said and the dragon came to attention. He marched onto the battlegrounds, shot a flicker of flames from his mouth, then unfurled his wings.

Oak took point as referee, "Battle begin!"

"Let's make this quick, Blastoise! Hydro Pump!" Gary said, wanting an easy victory.

"Charizard, take off!" The dragon took off just before the weaponized turtle's jets of water could make contact.

"We can't do much damage, but we can still wear you down!" Ash declared. "Fire Spin!"

Charizard spewed a vortex of flames from his mouth, catching Blastoise in a fiery spiral.

"A little fire won't stop us! Blastoise, Rapid Spin!" Blastoise spun around and the flames dispersed. "Now, rapid fire Hydro Pump!" The Shellfish Pokémon released jets of water to hit the Flame Pokémon but he avoided them easily.

"Mega Punch!" Charizard dove with a glowing fist and smashed it into Blastoise's face. Charizard backed away and landed on the ground. "This won't do much but it will wear you down, Flamethrower!"

"Skull Bash!" Blastoise tucked his head in just as Charizard released a torrent of flames at the fully evolved Water-type. However, the turtle launched through the flames and collided with the dragon, who was forced back.

"Please, Ashy-Boy." Gary said with an arrogant look, "You're at a type disadvantage and my Blastoise is far stronger than your Charizard. Admit defeat."

"No way!" Ash shot back. "Charizard doesn't give up easily and neither do I! Fire Blast!"

"Hydro Pump!"

Charizard expelled a 大-shaped fire from his mouth while Blastoise fired two gushing torrents of water. Both moves hit and canceled each other out.

"Steel Wing!" From the smoke, Charizard emerged with metallic wings and smashed into Blastoise.

"Use Crunch while close!" The Shellfish Pokémon Crunched his jaw into the Flame Pokémon's shoulder, making the latter growl in mild irritation. "Now Hydro Pump!" The turtle fired a jet of water at the dragon, pushing him back and leaving him mildly wet.

"Charizard!" Ash cried out. The dragon got up and roared. Ash took pride in the determination and was ready to bring this fight to an end.

"Charizard, get in close!" The Flame Pokémon nodded and flew in.

"You don't learn, Ashy-Boy." Gary taunted and waved his hand, "Blastoise, end this with Hydro Pump!"

The weaponized turtle aimed his cannons and fired two jets of water from them. The dragon dodged the torrents before closing the distance.

"Seismic Toss!" Ash yelled. Charizard grabbed Blastoise by the arms and flew into the air. Spinning around several times, Charizard rocketed down and hurled Blastoise to the ground.

The Shellfish Pokémon cratered into the ground, kicking up dust. Once the dust cleared, the weaponized turtle made no budges and Oak made the verdict, "Blastoise is unable to battle, Charizard is the winner!"

Ash ran onto the field just when Charizard landed. He gave his Fire-type a hug, "You were great out there, Charizard!"

"Rah!" The Flame Pokémon agreed. He let out a victorious Flamethrower for his first battle in a long time.

Gary returned Blastoise and gave him some praise. "Don't sweat it, Blastoise. Next time, we'll cream Ashy-Boy." The grandson spoke loudly, "Well, Ashy-Boy, it seems you're lucky when it comes to being a trainer!"

"I'm not lucky, Gary!" Ash shot back, "Charizard is stronger than he looks. Let this be a reminder."

"Whatever," Gary waved off and turned to leave. "I look forward to seeing you in the Indigo League this season. It'll make you losing to me much more enjoyable. Smell ya later!" He saluted and left for his journey.

"That boy's ego will be his downfall," Oak commented, seeing his grandson leave.

Ash clenched his fist. 'Keep dreaming, Gary. I promise you, I'll beat you. And prove to you what it means to be a Pokémon Master.' He thought to himself.


It was a new day in Pallet Town and Ash was eager to start his journey once more to be a Pokémon Master. Being tasked with Arceus to become the best that ever was made him excited.

He put on his jacket and adjusted his hat, looking at himself in the mirror (Secret of the Jungle look.) Ash looked at his starter, "Ready, buddy?"

Pikachu bounced on his trainer's bed, excited to go for another adventure. "Pika!"

Ash grew a grin, "That's what I want to hear!" The Rainbow Hero and his starter headed downstairs and saw Delia looking at her son.

"Oh, my little baby," Delia said. She gave him a parting hug before advising, "Remember: eat well, brush your teeth, and be sure to change your und-"

"Yes, yes, Mom." Ash interrupted, embarrassed about what his mom was about to say. Pikachu just snickered to himself.

Delia grew a smile herself, "I can't wait to see you compete in the Indigo League. Also, Professor Oak came by last night. He mentioned something he wanted to give you."

Ash nodded and headed off to the lab. Opening the door, Ash saw Oak hard at work.

"Professor Oak!"

The regional professor turned around and acknowledged the trainer, "Ah, Ash my boy. Are you about to head off?"

"That's right, Professor." Ash nodded.

Oak stood up with two devices, one in his hand and the other. "Well, I have two things to give you: your new updated Pokédex and this new device called the Pokémon Box Link."

Ash and Pikachu were confused by the item. "Pokémon Box Link?/Pika?"

"It's a device that can connect you to me wherever you are to swap out your Pokémon when you see fit. It's a device used in Galar. The professor was kind enough to lend me a few, so I selected a few trainers who deserve this. You and Gary are one of the fortunate." Oak explained.

Ash was blown away. No he didn't need to visit a Pokémon Center and ring the Professor whenever. He had full access to it wherever and whenever. "Thanks, Professor Oak!"

"And since you are heading out, I bet you would like to take some of your newer Pokémon out, correct?" Oak guessed.

Ash nodded before choosing, "Pikachu for starters, then maybe… I'll give Golbat, Magmar, Arbok, and Graveler a chance. I'll keep a slot open if I come across any new Pokémon. In the meantime, I want to keep Charizard here for the time being so he can train the other Pokémon. Also, Marshadow will stay for the time being, I don't want to use him in battle unless I'm dealing with some crisis, but the chances of that are 50/50, considering my track record. Another thing is the eggs. I'll carry three for the time being. Not sure when they'll hatch but I want to be there with they do."

Oak nodded, having met the Gloomdweller Pokémon. After the rival battle, Oak nearly fainted at the sight of the Mythical but kept himself together. Ash was then bombarded with questions from the professor and answered to the best of his ability, while avoiding the fact that Arceus, herself, spoke to him. The shadow-dweller allowed Oak to research him, since he stated he wasn't fully expecting to be used in battles against trainers unless they were of high-level. Decimating lower or novice trainers was something Ash didn't want to do, it would make him feel like a monster.

After getting the aforementioned Pokémon, Ash and Pikachu were out of Pallet Town.

To become the best Pokémon Master the world had ever seen.

A/N: I randomly update my stories, only a few are monthly. So keep a look out for the next chapter.

Until next time!