Hello all. welcome to my new story. This is going to be a Pokemon story that I've wanted to write for a long time. I'm a massive fan of the Pokemon series and games, I'm just irritated by how clueless Ash is so my story will change that
Hopefully you all like it
I own nothing
Chapter 1- Where the shades of your journey await
"Run" a voice shouted, "the whole place is coming down".
"I won't leave you alone to fight off Team Rocket" another voice responded.
"You must!" the first voice said "you need to get the information we have to the authorities! Hopefully help comes in time to aid me but you must leave! You're the only one with a psychic type that can teleport you!"
"But…"
"Enough! Now get going! You're wasting time. I still have a few Pokémon left that can help me. Now go!" the first voice said as they rushed off further down the hallway entering a cavernous room. At the other side of the room was a single man standing with a Pokémon at his side
"So, it's you, is it?" the man asked "I suspected you would be the cause of all this destruction. I should have ended your miserable life the first chance I had. Never mind, I can do it now. Nidoking, come forth" at his command a massive purple Pokémon appeared from its poke ball and stood in front of the man "Nido!" it shouted causing the air to tremble.
"I always knew it was you. Every time I saw you, I always knew you were hiding something. It seems my instincts were right. You're not leaving here alive Rocket. Let's go Lapras!" the first voice shouted as a blue dinosaur shaped Pokémon appeared in front of him "this is life or death Lapras so show no mercy".
Appearing in front of the nearest police station with his Alakazam the trainer shoved his way through the door and demanded to see the chief. Hearing the commotion Chief Jenny came out of her office to see what was going on.
"Just what do you think you're doing young man?" Jenny asked, "this is not a playcentre".
"Never mind that" he responded shocking her "Pokémon Master Red has just attacked the Viridian Gym! He's taking down Team Rocket as we speak, and we need every bit of help we can get. I've already spoken to the head of the G-Men, and they are on their way, but they may not get here in time. Please, you must help!"
"And how do we know this is not a hoax?" Jenny asked disbelieving him.
"My name is Blue Oak, son of Samuel Oak the Pokémon Professor. My best friend is Red Ketchum and he's in danger! And you ask me how it's not a hoax? How about getting off your arse and doing something! I'm heading back to Viridian Gym where he is fighting for his life while you stand there" with that he turned and sprinted out of the police station leaving a bewildered Jenny and her officers.
"What if it's not a hoax Boss?" one Jenny asked.
"We need to treat it as serious given his demeanour. Round everyone up. I want them at the gym in the next ten minutes" the Chief said leaving the station. Calling out her Arcanine she instructed it to take her to the gym. Getting there she saw utter devastation. There wasn't a gym anymore, just the ruins of it. There wasn't a single standing wall, it had all collapsed in on itself. Getting off her Arcanine she walked towards it and saw a single figure kneeling not far away from where the entrance used to be. It was Blue. She started to walk up to him and was about to ask him a question when a Dragonite landed not far from them along with several other trainers getting off their flying type Pokémon. Only one person she knew of had a Dragonite. Lance, the dragon master had arrived with the G-men.
"Hello Chief Jenny, my name is Lance" he said as he walked forward holding out his hand to shake while they made their way to Blue "it seems we arrived too late then. Where is Red?"
"Gone" came the small reply of a clearly devastated Blue as he turned round holding a red cap. Jenny gasped. That cap was iconic, like Lances cape. Only one person she knew of had the signature Pokémon league official cap.
Putting on his official tone Lance turned to the rest of the trainers and said "right, let's get a clean-up crew here asap, I want a few officers patrolling the surrounding area, take as many statements as you can too. I want to know what happened here. Liaise with Chief Jenny and her officers to assist you. Blue, you need to come with me to the league HQ and tell Goodshow everything you know about what went on here and why you felt it necessary to disobey my orders and attack without back-up. I'll let you ring your dad first and I'll be back in ten minutes when Jenny and I have set up orders. Jenny, please come with me and I'll let you know what I can".
The funeral for Red Ketchum happened three weeks later at the Pokémon League headquarters even though no body had been recovered from the ruins of Viridian gym. People from all over Kanto came to pay their respects to the last Pokémon master. All 8 gym leaders and the elite four were standing at the front just behind Delia and her newborn son Ash, Blue with his wife Laura, his daughter Daisy and his new born son Gary along with Sam Oak. Charles Goodshow said a few words before he unveiled a statue of Red that was to be placed in the Hall of Champions. After that various people came up and gave anecdotes about conversations they had had with him.
Giovanni had been questioned by Lance as to why he wasn't at the gym that day, but he had a rock-solid alibi that placed him in Johto an hour before the incident and no known psychic Pokémon could teleport that distance, nor could any Pokémon fly that fast. Giovanni was apparently clueless as to why his gym was used as base for illegal activities and as no one could prove otherwise he was cleared of any wrongdoing.
"I swear to you Delia" Giovanni said walking up to her after the funeral "that I will get to the bottom of what happened in my gym that day. Red will be avenged sister".
"Thank you, brother," Delia said looking down at Ash "but I don't believe he is dead. Until I see a body, he will always be alive. And he lives on in Ash. People may say I'm delusional, but I don't care. I'm taking Ash home now".
"Very well" Giovanni said, "do you want me to drive you home?"
"No thank you. I'm travelling with Sam" she replied, "thank you though, for everything".
"You're entirely welcome" he said giving her a hug "keep in touch sister. If you need anything don't hesitate to ask"
With that Delia turned away and walked towards where Sam Oak was talking to Blue and Agatha. Seeing her approach Agatha offered her condolences and walked off leaning heavily on her cane. "Are we ready to go Delia?" Sam asked.
"Yes" she replied turning back to where Red's statue was "let's go home"
Time skip- 6 years later
Ash Ketchum had always been a strange child. He didn't really have any friends, he seemed to prefer the company of Pokémon. If he ever went missing, he'd usually be found not long after in the Choral at Professor Oaks laboratory. Ash was very intelligent; he was always seen to be reading a book that was for people many years older than him. He had devoured Oak's library of Pokémon books, had started writing his own books on his thoughts and was always seen hanging around the lab, speaking to the various assistants about Pokémon and getting their views on the latest discoveries. The latest one that had come out last month in Pokémon Pal was about the secret abilities that Pokémon possessed.
As such he wasn't very sociable where people were concerned. Particularly children his own age. He knew he was so much more intelligent than the rest of them, and he didn't care for playing games which led to a very solitary childhood. Delia had tried to set up playdates, but Ash would go sit in a corner and read and unless Pokémon were involved, he didn't want to know. Gary Oak had seemingly taken this personally and was often found to be teasing Ash. The fact he barely received a raised eyebrow at his words just further irritated the young man who was becoming more and more obnoxious by the day. The fact his father was now Champion of the Kanto league, his sister was a successful breeder, and his grandfather was the world-renowned Pokémon professor just further cemented his self-importance.
Pokémon. That's where Ash truly flourished. He seemed to have this connection with every Pokémon that passed through the lab. He was often seen talking to the various Pokémon that trainers left there, walking through the paddock very unconcerned about his safety around potentially dangerous beasts. His favourite Pokémon though was Professor Oaks Charizard. It was a huge specimen, easily above 6 and a half feet tall and had claws that could slash anyone open without even trying. It didn't like people in general, other trainers had learned to be wary of it when it was in the paddock. Usually, it slept in the nearby mountains where its family lived but on the odd occasion it would visit its former master. Ash though had the uncanny ability to know when it was going to visit and had no issues going sitting next to it and falling asleep. Despite being very surprised the first time this happened Charizard, utterly confused as to how this toddler showed no fear of walking up to it and petting it before falling asleep next to it had become very protective of Ash. So much so that only Delia and Sam could come near if Ash fell asleep next to him. Not even Blue or Gary could approach when Ash was there.
Charizard was flying from his home to Oaks Lab one day with Sam on his back when they noticed Ash sat on a hill looking over Pallet Town. Landing next to him he nudged him surprising him.
"Hi Charizard, hi Professor. I'm just watching this trainer train with his Pokémon. I've never seen or heard of that Pokémon before though. Is it new?" Ash asked pointing to the trainer who was sparring with a tall blue Pokémon. They seemed to be doing hand-to-hand combat and the occasional blue ball was being thrown at the trainer who would deflect it with a stick and then throw one back.
"It's not new no Ash" Sam said, "although it might be new to someone who has never left Kanto before. That is a Lucario, the Aura Pokémon and the evolution of Riolu. It can use the very air around us to shape attacks into what are called Aura Spheres. Its trainer can seemingly do the same. It's an incredibly rare gift that very few people can utilise, much like psychic users can bend the world and reality to their will so can aura users. There are so few aura wielders left in the world now though Ash. There is a special place just north of Mt Moon that has ties to the Lucario Kingdom in Sinnoh. It houses the Queen of Cameron Palace who has a household full of Lucario, it is also where the people who can use aura go to train to become what are called Aura Guardians. I have a book at home that I can show you that describes it in detail if you like?"
"Yes please" Ah nodded enthusiastically "it would be so cool to be able to use Aura like that".
"Indeed, it is young man" came the voice of the trainer who had overheard their conversation and came to talk to them. Noticing the look he was getting off the Charizard he continued "it is a very unique skill to have, there are only seventeen aura guardians left in the world"
"So few?" Oak asked shocked "why?"
"We have only one partner for life, and we don't always find them. I have yet to meet my destined partner. And Aura is hereditary" seeing Ash's confused face he chuckled "it is only passed on through our parents and their parents. You either have it or you don't. So, for you to have it either your mother or your father would have had to have it and then they would have had to pass it on to you. My name is Riley by the way, nice to meet you all, this is my best friend Lucario".
"Wow" Ash said, "how would I find out?"
"Oh, the test is quite simple really" Riley said "give me your hand Ash. What I'll do is infuse my hand with Aura and touch yours. If your hand glows blue like mine you have the ability, if you don't it will stay your natural colour".
Holding out his hand Riley made his hand glow blue before Ash tentatively held out his. The moment they connected the world turned black for Ash.
Hall Of Origins
The Hall of Origins was a place that had long descended into myth and legend. Many people believed it existed; others were unsure. But there were many documents on show in the Sinnoh Museum in Celestic Town that were written by scholars thousands of years ago that showed depictions of four huge Pokémon, said to be the very creators of their universe. Dialga the ruler of Time, Palkia the ruler of Space, Giratina the ruler of the Reverse world and the creator of all Arceus. The Hall of Origin was said to be located somewhere near Spear Pillar, but no evidence was ever found to prove that.
The Hall of Origin was very real though. Only the legendary Pokémon of the world could enter it, and even then, only at the behest of their ruler Arceus. Once every ten years there was always a gathering of the worlds legendaries to go over what had happened in that time. Their physical forms were left back on Earth, but their astral projections found their way to the hall where Arceus was waiting for them all.
"Greetings my children" Arceus said her voice being projected into all their minds "I'm aware its earlier than we usually meet but something vital has happened in the world of men that you all need to be aware of. Man has created an abomination. The balance of the world is about to be thrown into turmoil. They have captured a Mew and have forcefully taken her DNA to create their own version of her. Their tests up until now have all failed but in the next few years they will succeed".
"What can we do?" Groudon asked "do we act?"
"No, we cannot interfere like that. You know this" Ho-oH said "for millennia now we have wanted to interfere with plans that would use one of our own and have been banned from doing so. My Lady Arceus has decreed it".
"Then she can un-decree it" Kyogre said staring at Arceus defiantly "I am sick and tired of being used in some stupid plot to rule the world. Time and time again some faction has gotten their hands on mine and Groudons Orb and have taken over our minds. Do you think I like battling my own brother? Do you think we like disturbing Rayquaza from his incredibly important job to stop the asinine plots? It's about time that we legendaries can do our jobs fully and put an end to what has happened for centuries".
"Hear hear" Groudon said "I second that!"
All around the hall every other legend broke into shouts as they gave their own thoughts on the matter. Some were furious it had been allowed to happen, others stating that Arceus' word was law. That was until a small voice shouted "Enough!" everyone was so shocked to hear the voice that they immediately quietened. It was Mew.
"It is my sister that is being used, it is also my brother that is being created" turning to Arceus she asked "why did you bring us here instead of acting yourself? You know we're forbidden to act ourselves because of your word, but there's nothing stopping you from doing so".
"I have already acted daughter" Arceus said shocking them all "I am very much aware of what my word has put you all through. But they are not going to change. We cannot interfere with human life. To do so would be the end of all life on Earth. However, that doesn't mean that we cannot help a human bring balance to the world. Which is exactly what I have done" turning to Lugia and the Kanto Birds she carried on "the Chosen One was born six years ago. His name is Ash. He will bring balance to the world. Warn your children that it will happen very soon".
"A human?" Darkrai roared "you would trust a human to save us when it is humans that are making our lives a misery?"
"Mind who you're talking to Darkrai" Giratina said "I might not be particularly fond of Arceus right now, given what she has done to me, but she is still our mother! Carry on mother" he said quelling any retort with a look.
"Ash is the one. He's been created to do this job; he will need all your aid at some point because he cannot do this alone. Therefore, I am tasking you all with keeping an eye out for him. You cannot aid him directly, but you must also not hinder him."
"Can we see who he is?" Celebi asked "so we know who to look out for? I have already met him many years ago, but the others haven't".
At that very moment a body of a small boy landed in the hall instantly quietening everyone. No human had ever set foot in this hall! Who was this person?
"Well, I'll be" Arceus said "sons and daughters I present to you Ash Ketchum. Now before he awakes you all need to leave. I shall speak with him about his task, I will not tell him directly what to do though. We will be having these meetings more frequently from now on as well so be prepared. Darkrai, Latios warn your sons. A trainer will seek them out very soon. It will be their decision if they go along with the trainer but remind them of their obligations. It is the same with all of you. Now, go"
With that all the legendaries apart from Mew went back to their own bodies. Many decided the safest thing to do was to hibernate in the deepest parts of the planet, some the highest peaks. Man would not get hold of them if they could help it. Arceus contemplated just what to say to Ash when he woke up. How do you explain to a person that their entire life was created to do a job? And that it was either him or no-one? It was very unfair. Seeing him stir Mew got close to him and poked his cheek. Opening his eyes, he found himself staring into a big pair of eyes. Shouting panicked he backpedalled on the floor shocked at what was happening. Taking in his surroundings he finally looked back to the pair of eyes and his own widened comically "ARE YOU MEW?"
"Hello Ash" came a reply in his head "yes, that is my daughter Mew" turning round Ash saw a massive horse like Pokémon. It was pure white with a golden ring around its neck and various plates attached to them. Ash could see some were missing though. "Erm, who are you? And where am I?"
"You are in what's known as the Hall of Origins Ash. I am Arceus, the creator of the universe and all its inhabitants and this is my home. You are the first human being to have ever set foot in this place. Technically you're not here. Your body is back on Earth, but we have need of you here Ash. Now, this will be a lot to take in all at once, but help will always be available to you should you need it. I created you because we legends have need of you. You see the world is about to be thrown into turmoil. A group of people have captured a Mew and is using her for experiments. They're trying to create their own legends to rule Earth. I created you to stop them and others from doing irreparable damage to the planet.
As I said this will be a lot to take in and you have many years yet before you will be needed but, in the meantime, I need you to train both your mind and your body to be able to cope with the demands that will be placed on you before you begin your Pokémon journey. You are already very intelligent, and it seems your Aura powers have just become unlocked too, that is good. I have been remiss in taking care of my children so I will give you several gifts when I send you back. I cannot tell you all of what they are, you must discover them for yourself, but they will help you in your quest. What say you, Ash?"
Shock, blank mind. It took several minutes for Ash's 6-year-old mind to process what was happening. "Just to recap. I was created by you to do a job. That job is to save the world. And you're going to give me several 'gifts' to help me but you're not going to tell me what? And I have less than five years to train? Anything else?"
"That is quite enough to be going on with" Arceus replied chuckling "there is one other thing though. I am going to lock all this in your head, you cannot tell anyone what your task will be. I wish it were different Ash, but events must unfold as naturally as they can. By all means tell people that you want to be the very best trainer in the world if they ask what is going on. Your first task will happen in just over five years' time".
"Can I refuse this?" Ash asked in a small voice "I'm just one person".
"I truly am sorry about this Ash but if you don't do it then no one else will and the world as you know it will be over within the next ten years. Pokémon and humans will be pitted against each other, and thousands will die. The Pokémon being created from Mew will have immense power and will need you to be able to quell his rage before he destroys the world. We legends have been forbidden from direct interference, including myself. As you have noticed I am not whole, I have several plates missing, so I am not at my full power and won't be for some time. I will have Mew check up on you from time to time".
"Please Mr Ash" Mew asked in a small voice "please help save my sister and brother".
"Ok" Ash said quietly "I will do my best and that's the best I can do".
"Thank you, Ash" Arceus said "We're all in your debt. Now, when you go back you will be in a coma for the next week while your body settles and accepts the gifts. The main one will be the use of Aura. You must master this before you leave on your journey Ash. It will help you communicate with Pokémon directly and to observe the world around you in greater detail. Now, I will send you back Ash".
"One thing though before I go" Ash said "you said you created me for this purpose. What makes you any different than the creators of this new Pokémon using Mew?"
"Ah, to you in general there isn't a difference" Arceus said "but to the wider world around us there is a big one. I will answer it fully once your task is done Ash. Goodbye"
"Bye Ash" Mew said as his body disappeared. Turning to Arceus she asked, "what is the difference?"
"I have no single answer that will satisfy any question like that daughter. The main one though is that I created him to save the world" Arceus responded "It has taken millennia to get to where we are now, and I will not see that be smashed to pieces if I can help it. Ash will not be alone in his quest Mew. But ultimately this is his burden to bear".
Aura
Delia was terrified. She knew instantly what had happened when she received the phone call off Samuel Oak that Ash had been taken to Viridian hospital, especially when Oak mentioned aura. Going to her bedside cabinet she pulled out a book that her husband had given her many years ago. Opening it up to a particular chapter she saw a depiction of a family tree. It was Reds. Tracing it upwards she saw the name Sir Aaron. Red and Ash had legends in their family it seemed which explained how the Ketchum's were always destined for greatness. Red had told her about being an Aura guardian, and everything that came along with it including all the sacrifices that would need to be made. She was hoping her husband would be there when Ash's powers awakened but as Red had disappeared many years ago it fell on her to talk him through the process.
All the way to the hospital she was going over what she would say to Ash. How do you explain to a 6-year-old child that they have a duty in the world that goes above anything anyone else will ever have? She was very grateful that Ash was intelligent and that he would be able to understand somewhat. Entering the hospital, she followed the nurse's directions and entered her son's ward. Opening the door, she saw someone she had not seen in a long time talking to Sam at the side of Ash who was linked up to a monitor. Hearing her the two turned towards her.
"Hello Delia" Sam said standing up "Ash is ok. The doctors have said that he just needs to get used to whatever happened and that he'll be right as rain in no time. An Aura user, eh? I would never have guessed it".
"Yes Sam" Delia said looking directly at Riley "can you give us a moment Sam please?"
Looking uncertain between the two he nodded and left the room.
"What are you doing here Riley?" Delia asked, "and don't try and lie, I will know".
"Delia" Riley began "I genuinely was passing through Pallet town on my way to the shipyard to travel to Cinnabar Island. I didn't know Ash had aura powers".
"Cut the crap Riley" Delia interrupted him "My husband was an Aura wielder and was well on his way to becoming a guardian when he disappeared. And I know full well your Queen has been keeping tabs on my son to see if he had powers too. Well, you can go and tell her that she's not having him. Ash will learn about Aura off me and what that means. We don't need you or your Queen interfering in our lives".
"I'm sorry you feel that way Delia" Riley said "my Queen has not given me any indication that she has been keeping an eye out for Ash. But you have no idea how to raise a child of Aura. He needs a trainer. I have already sent Queen Ilene a message about another wielder being found".
"Then send a Lucario here to train him" Delia said furiously "your Queen will get my son over my dead body".
"We are not your enemy here Delia" Riley said "Ash has more Aura than anyone I've ever seen or heard of. Without the correct training it could become dangerous. This is not about you Delia. It's about what's best for Ash".
"And I'm his mother" she shouted back "I know full well what is best for Ash. I have Reds journals about being an Aura user. I can use them. Now I suggest you leave and have a talk with your Queen. Remember what I said Riley. She will not have him the way she tried to claim my Red. Ilene and her ancestors have always had this nasty habit of trying to claim something that was never theirs to have".
"Your attitude is regrettable Delia" Riley said as he made to leave "I had hoped we could have a reasonable discussion about Ash and how to help him. I will contact you in the coming weeks Delia, hopefully we can come up with a suitable resolution. Know this though, he needs to be trained by someone who knows how to use Aura. Journals can only tell you so much. Most of it is instinct that a non-aura user would not know how to describe. I will take my leave".
"Take your leave" She replied "make sure you tell your Queen what I said though. I will happily take her to court should she try anything Riley".
"Which would achieve nothing" Riley replied "except hurt Ash's aura development" with that he left the room. Sam came in and looked questioningly at her. Shaking her head, she focused on Ash. Many people would claim her to be unstable but there was just something about Queen Ilene that set her off.
"They're going to monitor him for a week" Sam said, "hopefully he will be out sooner".
"Let's hope so. I need to make a call, I'll be back shortly" Delia said leaving to find a phone. Finding a booth near the lobby she dialled in a number she had not used in a few years. Hearing it ring she wondered just what she was going to say. Looking up as a face appeared she smiled a genuine smile that had not been seen in over six years "Hello brother, I need your help".
It took Ash exactly a week for his Aura powers to settle down in his body. Quite a few changes had occurred in that week. His hair had become messier and had a blue tinge to it, his bone structure changed slightly and became denser, but the most startling change was his eyes. Where they were once the same shade of brown as Delia's they were now a startlingly bright blue. Aura had evidently been the reason for these changes. He had had an enlightening conversation when he got home with his mum. Hearing more about his dad and how he was an aura user made him feel a lot better about his task. Hearing about her conversation with Riley and how she knew him left him both confused and bitter. His meeting with Riley had evidently been staged and he didn't like that. The fact his mum had been accused of being a bad parent by Riley just cemented his opinion of the man. Aura Guardians were supposed to be honourable. Honour, it seems was only followed when it suited someone's agenda.
Telling his mum about Arceus, Mew and the task they had given him had left her speechless. He assured her that she was the only one he was going to talk to about his role. Hugging him and reassuring him she would always be there for him they came up with a plan and a diet that would help him. Five years was not a long time really to prepare for a world changing event, but it was what they had. Over the next few months Ash became even more of a loner, seeing other children his age playing with each other still didn't interest him. His role in the world was greater than anyone else could ever perceive and his training was very important. Every morning the inhabitants of Pallet town would see Ash jogging around the town, doing pull-ups on various tree branches, and following a training regime that would make most people wince. But Ash followed it through.
Ash had also asked Professor Oak for his help in understanding Pokémon more. He was determined to become a Pokémon master. He had discovered over the last few years by reading various accounts that if you wanted to be a voice of change then you needed to be someone who could stand up and be respected. Oak was THE authority on Pokémon throughout all the regions and his word was valued. Ash saw that and wanted that. So, under the guise of becoming a Pokémon master he asked Oak for help. Oak was only too happy to oblige, partly out of guilt for what had happened but mainly because Ash was clearly interested in learning.
Ash had used his newfound power to develop a deeper connection with the various Pokémon that appeared on Oak's ranch. Being able to converse with them certainly helped him understand their needs a lot better. And over the next few years Ash wrote many essays about what Pokémon really felt and needed. He left them with Sam to read and get his opinion on them. Ash never thought much of his scribblings, but Oak secretly kept them and planned to publish them. Ash never knew that his research was becoming so important worldwide in understanding Pokémon. He decided to let Ash know when he started his journey what he had done.
Giovanni was also around more often. Ash never really knew the man, there was something off about him but as he was a stranger, he put it down to that. Over the next few years, as he conversed more with him, he found out that he was extremely intelligent and an absolute fountain of knowledge about the league and the inner workings of being a gym leader. Ash shared Giovanni's disgust about the news that some of the Indigo gyms were becoming a laughingstock, handing out badges like they were candy.
After months of back-and-forth Riley had also been able to come up with a compromise with Delia. Ash wanted nothing to do with him but as he needed a tutor it had been agreed that a Lucario from the kingdom would come every few months and stay for a few weeks to tutor Ash. As he could understand Pokémon the language barrier was non-existent. Ash's abilities soared from the teachings of the Lucario. So much so that it wasn't a strange sight to see Ash and Lucario sparring in the streets. Ash was quickly becoming formidable and could even do the most basic of Aura spheres. It was only the size of a golf ball so far but usually grown adults struggled to do this. His Aura usage exhausted him, but he was told it was like a muscle, the more you used it the stronger it became, and the more output could be achieved. The Lucario had tried to teach Ash about the moral code of the Aura Guardians, but Ash barely listened. He was determined to not be shackled by the rules that the guardians normally went by. And he certainly wasn't going to adhere to some old code that was vastly outdated. Ash already knew his destiny. He served a higher power than some Queen who sat on a throne doing nothing with her life.
The years passed by very quickly, his training had progressed very well to the point Ash could now manipulate Aura into various shapes. His favourite was Aura spikes as they were harder to deflect and could do more damage. Ash and his mum had discussed at length the moral uses of using Aura in such a way. Ash had retorted that to fulfil his destiny then the chances of him having to kill someone was very likely. Delia wasn't happy with this, but they had come up with a compromise that the person had to be guilty beyond doubt and that he had to ring her immediately to discuss why he had taken such an action. Ash agreed without hesitation, he didn't want to become a murderer, but he also knew it may be necessary to carry out Lady Arceus' will
On Ash's tenth birthday Giovanni showed up with a grim look on his face. Waiting for Ash to arrive from his morning routine he sat with Delia and prepared how to say what he was about to say.
"Ash" Giovanni started "you once asked me how your father died. At the time your mother and I came to the decision that you were far too young to understand or comprehend what we could tell you. Well, we have been talking about it again and have deemed you old enough to know what happened".
"Your father was an honourable man" Delia said taking over "I still do not believe he is dead, but I have no proof he lives either. He was an amazing Pokémon trainer. He achieved the status of Pokémon master at the age of 21, the youngest in centuries at the time. I hear there is a trainer in Sinnoh who achieved Champion at 23 a few years ago but usually people are in their thirties when they attain that rank so that should tell you how gifted he was. Anyhow he was also a part of a group of people called the G-Men, they were basically gifted trainers selected by the champion or leader of the elite four who worked alongside the police but had more executive powers and less red-tape than they have. One day Blue Oak discovered the leader of a group of Pokémon thieves called Team Rocket was holed up in Viridian Gym. He went after him. He misjudged just how many trainers there were protecting him and your father was sent in to help rescue him."
"Now from the transcripts of witnesses and the video footage recovered at my gym" Giovanni said "we have managed to piece together the last few minutes of action before the feed shuts off. Likely due to the building falling apart. Blue Oak was your father's best friend, they were thick as thieves. Red beat Blue to become Pokémon champion less than a day after Blue achieved that position. They were rivals. But they were also friends. Now, Blue stated that Red ordered him to leave the building to go and get help while he confronted the leader of Team Rocket, and when he returned with the police the building had collapsed and all that remained was Reds hat. No body was ever recovered, neither Reds nor the leader. We still have no idea who the leader was or is. We also have no idea what happened to Red or his Pokémon. He was declared dead by Charles Goodshow and Lance Wataru after a weeks' worth of investigating. Now I am not saying they were part of a conspiracy, but that was an awfully quick timeframe to declare the Pokémon master dead. Something is off about the whole situation. The funeral was held two weeks later.
Your mother has always told me she can feel that he is still alive somewhere. I have always gone along with it to humour her as it's been ten years but recently there have been rumours of Team Rocket returning and you needed to know as in a years' time you will be travelling with your own Pokémon. Should that be true then Red Ketchum's son will be one of the main targets. We wanted you to know the actual story and not piece things together over time and come up with false facts. I'm aware this is a lot to take in, but do you have any questions?"
"Can you leave me the transcripts?" Ash asked "I know it's been gone over many times but maybe I can find something. Also why was your gym being used?"
"Yes, I can. I'll let you have them when I leave" Giovanni answered "as for the second question, I have no idea. I suspect that Red and Blue chased him into there, the leader could have also been someone I knew but no one has gone missing from that time who I had close contact with. I was in Johto at the time having a meeting with the head of the radio tower and as there was no psychic type that could teleport me nor a flying type that could travel that fast, I was rightfully cleared. It remains a mystery" standing up he clapped Ash on the shoulder and took his leave saying goodbye to everyone. Watching him leave Ash picked up the transcripts and read them over. Suddenly a lightbulb went off in his head. His mother seeing his face asked what he was thinking.
"Giovanni said Team Rocket are on their way back, and that no KNOWN psychic type was around at that time. Arceus and Mew told me that a group have tried to clone Mew using a Mew. What if they succeeded? Mew could also be powerful enough to do multi teleport jumps. Or what if they have already created a clone years ago but it escaped and, in its rage, destroyed the building it was held captive in along with all their research, so they have had to start from scratch? And what if that psychic Pokémon took dad away?"
"That's a big leap Ash" Delia said "but I can see where you're coming from. Let's keep this to ourselves for now. It seems your time is nearly up for training. The next year will fly by. So, we'll use this time to prepare. We'll start on cooking and sewing tomorrow, Ash. Its high time you learned to survive in the wild, so we'll be taking several trips this year under the guise of holidays".
"Mum" Ash asked suddenly "why aren't you angry at Blue for abandoning Dad?"
"I was for a while Ash" she said sitting down and sighing "but I also knew how stubborn your father was. If he told Blue to leave, then Blue had to leave. He was Blues boss in that incident. And as he said he was the only one with a psychic type that could teleport to get help quickly. Blue is still feeling guilty over what happened, don't forget he grew up with your father, he was his best friend. He feels that he should have died alongside your dad and nothing anyone says will ever change that. It's difficult to be angry at someone when you know they're hurting just as much as you".
Nodding Ash left to go to his room and think over what had been said today. He had a lot of mixed feelings. And Giovanni still felt off to him, it was irritating.
The next year indeed did fly by. Ash continued to train every single day and learned as much as he could in that time. It was during this time that me met someone who would change his life. Running at the side of a stream one day he saw a Pokémon being attacked by a few Spearow. Running at them and shouting at them he scared them away and saw that it was a Pichu holding an apple. He also noticed it was a lighter shade of yellow than they normally had been described as. Taking little notice of that for now he knew it needed to be healed as soon as possible. Oaks lab was about half a mile away so that was the only option for now. Without thinking he picked it up and was immediately electrocuted. It was only a mild shock, but it was enough to make Ash fall down to his knees and pulse his aura out to shield him as much as he could.
"Stop Pichu, I'm only trying to help you!" Ash said startling it "you need to be healed"
Calming down a bit Pichu looked around and saw who had picked him up. He immediately knew this child was different from normal. He could visibly see the aura pulsing from him and knew he was special. Reining in his electricity was difficult given his condition but he eventually succeeded. Not a moment later the Pichu passed out. Ash quickly stood up and ran all the way to Oak's lab. Bursting into the healing room he shouted for the professor to help him. Oak came running into the room, saw what the issue was and immediately acted. "I'll have to capture it Ash so it can be healed in this machine. I promise I'll release it once its healed" without waiting for an answer Oak brought out a poke ball and captured the Pichu. It didn't even shake. Placing it into his healing machine he turned it on "it'll take about three hours to heal Ash. It was very nearly too late. Where did you find it?"
Ash described where he found it and what happened. "Well, it seems your aura has helped you today, Ash. Good job. If you want to stay here for the next few hours waiting you may as well make yourself useful. Charizard has just arrived with his mate and a clutch of eggs. Come and help me do some checks on them. One of them is likely going to be a new trainers starter Pokémon in a few months when they hatch".
The next few hours flew by. Ash had to really concentrate on the eggs. He knew how important they were to not only Charizard but his mate too. Seeing nothing wrong he placed the last one in the incubators Oak had provided and made his way back to the healing room. Seeing the machine turn itself off he waited for the professor to come back. It may have only been a five-minute wait, but it stretched on for what seemed like an eternity. Walking back into the room Oak saw that Ash was waiting and chuckled "lets have a look at Pichu then, shall we?" opening the machine he took the ball out and called the Pichu out. Ash could immediately see it was much better judging by the little bolts of electricity coming from its sac pouches "wow, a shiny Pichu" Oak exclaimed "we don't often see many of them around here. Whoa" Oak shouted as he jumped out of the way as it launched a thundershock at him "he has such great control already? That's unheard of in a Pichu" jumping out of the way of another thundershock he quickly recalled it. "Wow. I think I better release it outside. Ash I may need your help" suddenly sparks were seen to be coming off the poke ball. Running as fast as they could they rushed outside. Just in time it seemed as the poke ball burst open, shattering it into many pieces. The Pichu burst from inside panting, obviously it had taken a lot out of it to be able to do that
"Well Professor" Ash said turning to him "it clearly doesn't like poke balls" walking over to it he knelt ignoring the warning from Oak. "As for you little one you might show a bit more gratitude to the man who saved your life. I got you here just in time. And the professor was going to release you as soon as you were healed so that little show was unnecessary, so I believe you owe him an apology".
Instead, the Pichu looked up at Ash, muttered a few "Pi's" and ran away into the nearby woods. "Well professor it seems the fun is over for today. I have to say though I like that Pichu's spirit. Whoever gains him for a partner will be a lucky person".
"Indeed Ash" Oak said shaking his head still looking at the woods "I would have liked to study it some more, a Pichu with a perfect thundershock and no recoil is almost unheard of. That was a very rare specimen. Anyway Ash, onwards with the day"
Time rushed forwards and before he knew it there was only a month left before Ash was due to set out. It was during this time that he sat down with Delia and Sam to discuss what starter he wanted to have. Usually, Sam would just get one of the three starters and have the newbie trainers pick one but given what Ash had achieved over the past five years Sam offered to pull some strings for him.
"The thing is professor I plan on capturing all the starters for my team during my journey anyway so I'm at a loss on which one to pick as my starter" Ash said
"Ah ok Ash" Oak said thoughtfully knowing he couldn't tell Ash what he knew about him due to his activities with Celebi. Sam very clearly remembered seeing Ash with a Pikachu, he even had sketches of the event amongst his many drawings. Would they change if Ash chose a different Pokémon? Would Sam even remember the original drawings and memories. Ash's voice interrupted his musings.
"I keep going back to the Pichu we met eight months ago professor. My mind keeps being drawn to him, wondering how he's doing now, if he's someone else's partner yet".
"That was a very interesting and unusual Pokémon Ash" Oak said "As you said though we'll likely never know. Do you want a Pikachu to start with then?"
"I don't know" Ash said frowning "it just wont be the same though will it?"
"No dear it won't" Delia said "why don't we think on it some more then? How much notice do you need Sam?"
"At least three weeks Delia" Oak replied. There's a lot of paperwork that comes with it that I must fill out as a new trainers' sponsor".
"Then Ash will give you his answer by the weekend. If he doesn't then he'll have to go with the starter Pokémon you usually offer" Delia said standing up "come on sweetie, lets go home. Thank you for the meeting, Sam. It's much appreciated".
Ash had taken nearly a week to decide and had come up empty handed. Deciding to train in a clearing he had found years ago he relaxed into his fighting stance and went through his morning routine. Shadow fighting was an artform, having no opponent you had to rely on your imagination to believe you had an opponent. Throwing Aura spheres and spike at the various trees he was about to finish up when all of a sudden one of his Aura spheres was batted back to him. Ash automatically opened fire from where it had come from with more spheres into the trees, seeing them come back at him alarmed Ash but was also fun. After a minute of this Ash stopped "Ok whoever you are, you can come out now. That was fun but I don't want to hurt either of us"
After thirty seconds Ash was ready to give it up as a bad job when a golden Pikachu walked out of the trees. Ash gasped, this was the very Pokémon he had been talking about to Sam "you evolved? Wow, look at you. How have you been Pikachu?"
"Pi" came the reply "Pi Pikachu Chu Pika".
"Ah ok, well you look very well Pikachu" Ash said shocking it. Chuckling he carried on "yes, I can understand you. I have the gift of Aura, given to me from Lady Arceus herself to aid her in the future."
"Pi Pika pichu?" Pikachu asked coming forward.
"Yes, that's why I've been training here every day" Ash said "so you've been watching me have you? I knew I felt a familiar presence at times. Yes, I have been given a task by Arceus, one I cant talk about just yet. But it is vital to her. I won't be around here much longer though. I start my Pokémon journey in a few weeks' time. I was just here today to clear my mind and to pick a starter to travel around with".
"Pi pikachu Pi?" Pikachu asked
"Yes, but I can't pick one" Ash said "Ever since I met you many months ago, you're the only one I could think of to pick but I had no idea where you were anymore. I was offered another Pikachu, but it just wouldn't be the same. And I'm never going to force you to come along with me Pikachu so I'll have to choose a normal starter. Well, it was nice seeing you again Pikachu. I'm glad you're ok now anyway".
With that Ash jogged off and continued with his day. He told his mother about meeting Pikachu but as it was wild he knew he'd have to forget it. Sending a message to Sam that he wanted a Charmander he started to organise his backpack. While he still had three weeks left he wanted it sorted before he left. He had ordered a special set of weights that could change how heavy they were up to a certain limit. They had only been released by Silph company a few months before but the Elite Four swore by them so that was enough of an endorsement for Ash. They would be instrumental in his training. His mother had also made him a new outfit to travel in. he started to stock medicines and canned food for now. When he was out in the wild though he would be relying on berries and fishing to provide food. Luckily his year of travelling with his mother had clued him in on what he could and could not eat. While he knew there was some things that only travel experience could get you Ash was still more ready than many other people his age before they set out
A few weeks before Ash was due to set out on his journey, he was called to Oak's lab for a meeting along with his mother. Wondering what was going on they arrived there and asked Oaks aid to tell him he was there. Walking into Oaks office he saw the professor sat behind his desk.
"Hello Ash, hello Delia" Oak said "I've called you here to apologise to you" seeing his confused face he carried on "you see over the last four years I have typed up all your scribblings and presented them to my colleagues around the various regions. I haven't used your name, I gave them a pseudonym and as long you are a minor your true name could be hidden. That and very few people would take a six-year-old seriously. But your work has been instrumental Ash. It has been revolutionary even. Trainers, doctors, even professors worldwide are using your essays to discover new things with Pokémon that they never thought possible." Handing Delia a folder he said "this is the bank account that was set up in Ash's name to hold all the money that his books have made."
Opening it up Delia gasped. She didn't know that there was that much money in the world to start with. Ash would never want for anything in his life "Why are you just telling us now?"
"Ash is about to set off on his journey" Oak said "As such the moment he gains his Pokedex he becomes a young adult in our world and will have access to everything that is in his name, including his bank account. While you still retain the rights of being his parent he will still be a young man that can buy anything he wants without having to ask you first. That is a lot to place on a young man. I know full well that should Gary be offered the same he would squander it very quickly. Hopefully he grows up sooner rather than later.
I also must release the name of the person who wrote the books, he can no longer hide behind a false name. Ash is about to become very well known in our world and you both needed to know" turning to Ash he continued "Ash, you are the most remarkable young man I have ever known, your intelligence and dedication are incredible. But you are about to be thrown into a world very few are truly ready for. Your mother has done a magnificent job in raising you. I hope I don't have to tell you to be sensible.
I know this is a lot to take in. and as an apology I'm giving you something that I've never offered before to someone your age. Given your obvious knowledge on Pokémon I am granting you Junior Professor status. This comes along with a few perks such as a private room in Pokémon centres, early access to new thesis' and free items in the Pokemart, up to a certain amount. Now this is not being given freely. I have been speaking with Charles Goodshow, Giovanni of Viridian the hardest gym, Blue Oak the current champion and Lance who oversees the Elite Four about a project that needs someone not already in the system to do. We have received rumours of gyms in Kanto being unfit for purpose, leaders handing out badges for free or leaders being too harsh on new trainers and not teaching them what gyms should teach" seeing his confused face he elaborated "each gym has a specific challenge for trainers to conquer, not just a specific type. I cannot tell you what they are, but you will know what it is once you battle them. Once you've completed the gym challenge I will need a comprehensive report that I will give to Charles, Blue and Lance to discuss any changes that need to happen. It's a very important job Ash. I wouldn't trust it to anyone else.
Now I'm afraid that I have a meeting scheduled at 2 with a colleague who you will likely meet just outside Vermillion. His name is Bill".
With that Delia and Ash left and walked home in silence. Sitting down at the dinner table Delia opened the folder Sam had given her. "Is it a lot mum?" Ash asked.
"Sweetie you could retire on this and you've not even started your journey" Delia said shaking her head "I always knew you were special Ash. Even before your aura incident you were clever. Seeing this makes me so proud. I'm annoyed at Sam for what he's done, he should have consulted me first but I'm also grateful that your future has been secured".
"Our future mum" Ash interrupted "that money is both of ours. And I know you're going to object, but I will find a way of sending you money should you not accept it. As you said its much more than I could possibly spend. If you have any dreams then you now have the money to do it. You have always wanted to open a restaurant, now you can".
"I will think about it Ash" Delia said standing up "now let's go and see what's in the pantry for tea"