Hello my readers, it's Unknown entity328 with a new chapter of Eon Journey! My schedule was being very uncooperative this year with work, school, and a few other things. It was especially uncooperative nearing the end of the year with how busy it gets. I intended to update all of my fanfics at the same time as a Christmas present to all you readers, but obviously it wasn't meant to be. I sometimes wish I can pull a Naruto and make clones of myself to do everything else so I can focus on my writing. Top that off with lack of inspiration and writers block, and you have yourself a stew of disappointment and failure. Anyway, while it's extremely late and wasn't what I originally planned, I have three fanfic updates ready and waiting to be read! So with that in mind, read, enjoy, and merry late Christmas and happy new year!
Chapter Three: The Journey Begins
Three years have passed since Ash and Serena bid goodbye to each other, promising they will meet again someday. Throughout that time, along with taking care of Latios, Ash took his preparations more seriously. In order to be ready for the day he becomes a trainer, Ash learned everything he could about pokemon. He read every book he could get his hands on about proper pokemon care. He also read books about pokemon behaviors and mental states. Ash didn't understand most of what was said, but he pressed on. Under the guidance of Professor Oak, he learned many things about pokemon he never considered.
Along with his studies, Ash also made sure to make time for Latios. The two grew closer with each passing day. They would play, Ash grooms Latios' feathery down, sleep in the same bed, etc. They even watch pokemon tournaments together, getting Latios interested in pokemon battles. It's gotten to the point you couldn't see one without the other in the Ketchum residence. Latios even makes certain he was always with Ash when the boy goes outside, remaining invisible. Seeing the two so close always brought a smile to Delia's face, her previous worries all but forgotten.
As Latios got older with the passing of time, the Ketchum mother and son learned more about his abilities. One such ability was discovered by accident when Ash and Delia took Latios out for a picnic one day. The raven haired boy and eon pokemon were playing tag and Latios was it. Because the eon pokemon could fly, he easily caught up with Ash and tagged him. While Ash didn't mind, Latios was disappointed as he felt he had an unfair advantage. It happened so suddenly, Latios was enveloped in a bright light, blinding Ash and Delia. When the light died down, they were shocked to see an exact copy of Ash standing before them. Concerned about what to do, they went to Professor Oak in hopes that he knew what happened.
After a careful examination, and a quick phone call to Professor Birch, Professor Oak surmised Latios had the ability to shapeshift. At first, he thought it was an illusion similar to Latios' invisibility. However, that wasn't the case at all, seeing how Latios had working legs and could run with them. When Professor Oak performed an x-ray on Latios, it showed a human skeletal structure. This puzzled the pokemon professor to no end as such a transformation was deemed impossible. And yet, the proof that it is possible was right in front of him.
Ash didn't mind it that much, he just thought it was cool that Latios could take human form. It would make hiding the eon pokemon's existence easier in his opinion. When people asked about her son's lookalike, Delia told them he was Ash's twin brother, Coal. When asked about why they've never seen or heard of him before, she was at a loss of what to say. And so, she said the first thing that came to mind, that she was told that Coal died at birth. It was only recently that she learned she was lied to and Coal was returned to her custody. It wasn't easy convincing everyone, but the fact the two looked identical helped sell the lie about them being twins.
Another ability Ash learned was that Latios could show what Latias was seeing and vice versa. It was a year after saying goodbye to Serena and he wondered how she and Latias were doing. Before he knew it, he was suddenly not in his room anymore. In fact, it was a room befitting a girl and Serena was standing in front of him. The two were shocked upon seeing each other again, but happy as well.
After learning about this ability, the two communicated with each other as often as possible. They talked when something good or exciting happened to them. When either of them were sad, the other kept them company and comforted them despite not being able to touch each other.
"I can't wait!" Ash exclaimed, sitting cross legged on the floor with an excited smile on his face. Latios floated beside him with his eyes glowing. "Tomorrow's the day I finally become a trainer!"
Ash is now a skinny, slender preteen of ten years old, wearing a dark teal T-shirt and blue jeans with light blue cuffs. Over his T-shirt he wore a blue short-sleeved jacket with gold trim, white collar and sleeves. He also had on a pair of black and white sneakers with red dots, green fingerless gloves with light green borders, and a red and white hat with a green stylized "L". Laying next to him is a green backpack, unzipped and its contents spilled out.
Sitting in front of him was Serena, hugging a pillow in her room. She grew her hair out to be waist-length that she keeps tied in a low ponytail. She wore a very fashionable outfit that consists of a dark pink hat with a black band, a black tank top with a white collar, a red pleated skirt, black thigh-high stockings, and black sneakers that have a pink semi-circle shaped like a Poké Ball on them.
Serena laughed at her friend's excitement, wondering if he'll even be able to fall asleep tonight. "Calm down, Ash, save some of that energy for tomorrow."
"How can I?" Ash got pumped up a fist with a confident grin on his face before placing his fist against his chest. "I've spent the last three years preparing for this day." He picked up his backpack, which spilled more of its contents, and showed Serena. "See, I'm ready for whatever the world throws at me!"
"Are you sure you have everything?" Serena inquired, tilting her head curiously while Ash nodded in response. "Sleeping bag?" Another nod. "Toothbrush and toothpaste?" Again she received a nod. "A map?" Ash was about to nod again, but paused before rummaging through his backpack. He then shook his head, smiling sheepishly while Serena giggled. "I thought so."
"Cut me some slack." Ash chuckled, rubbing the back of his head while Latios rolled his eyes. "I'm just excited to get started on my journey." He then stashed away the contents that spilled back into the backpack before turning his attention to Serena. "That reminds me, have you decided to go on a journey too?"
At that question, Serena tightened her hold on her pillow and looked down with uncertainty. "I don't know."
"That's alright." Ash reached to place a shoulder on Serena's shoulder, but pulled back when he remembered he couldn't touch her. Instead, he gave her an encouraging smile. "Take your time, I'm sure you'll find what you want to do soon."
Serena gave her childhood friend a small smile, grateful for the encouragement he was giving her. "Thanks, Ash."
"And just you wait," Ash got to his feet, grabbing a spherical object that resembled a Voltorb from his shelf. "Because I hereby declare that when we meet again in person, I, Ash Ketchum, will be the greatest pokemon master of all time!"
"Ash! Get to bed!"
Letting out a startled yelp, Ash lost his grip on the ball and sent it flying across the room. Standing at the door was the boy's mother, Delia Ketchum, who caught the ball easily. The ball then popped open, revealing it to be an alarm clock with a Pidgey coo-coo.
"It's 11 o' clock, mister." Delia said, giving her son a stern glare. "You should've been asleep hours ago."
"But mom, I'm talking with Serena right now." Ash said, gesturing to Latios, who gave a wave of his paw. "Besides, I start my pokemon journey tomorrow, I can't sleep."
"Well, wrap up your talk then." Delia sighed, knowing that her son was too excited and enjoyed talking with his childhood friend. "You don't want to oversleep for tomorrow." She then looked over to Serena and gave the girl a smile and waved. "It's nice seeing you again, Serena!"
"Hi, Mrs. Ketchum!" Serena waved back before directing her attention to Ash. "Well, guess I should let you sleep now, Ash."
"Yeah." Ash nodded, taking off his hat and setting it on top of his backpack when Delia tossed him his alarm clock. He caught it and set back where it was and gave Serena a wave. "See you next time we talk!"
"Bye, Ash, Mrs. Ketchum!" Serena gave them another wave as he and her room disappeared, replacing it with Ash's room.
"Alright, off to bed, Ash." Delia said, her head peeking through the door to give her son one last stern glare. "And be sure to change into your pajamas."
"I will, mom." Ash nodded, watching her mother close his door before turning to Latios. "Well, time for bed, Latios."
Latios gave a happy coo before being enveloped in a bright light. When the light died down, a copy of Ash, or Coal as he's known throughout the town of Pallet, stood before him. The two then changed into green and blue pajamas respectively before climbing into bed. Ever since Latios learned to take human form, he and Ash always shared his bed.
"Are you excited for tomorrow, Latios?" Ash asked softly, getting a nod from his lookalike. The trainer-to-be smiled before pulling his twin in for a hug. "I am too, let's make lots of friends and have lots of fun battles together."
Latios nodded again, having not learned telepathy or human speech yet. Despite having a human body, Professor Oak was unsure whether or not Latios could talk like a human. He believed that it might be possible, but further research would be needed. Until then, they have decided that while in human form, Latios would be considered mute.
In no time at all, Ash and Latios fell asleep, dreaming of their many possible adventures together. However, one question stuck in Ash's head even as he laid asleep. Which of the three Kanto starter pokemon will he choose? In his dreams, Ash pictured himself throwing a pokeball, releasing each of the starter pokemon.
"Charmander… Squirtle… Bulbasaur…" Ash muttered in his sleep, rolling away from Latios, who turned his back to be more comfortable. "Who… will it… be?" When Ash rolled, his hand bumped into the headboard, rolling his alarm clock into his hand. Sitting up, Ash wound his arm back as he dreamed of throwing a pokeball. "I… choose… you!"
He threw the alarm clock and it soared across the room before being smashed against the wall. Latios opened his eyes at the noise, but closed them again and snuggled deeper into the covers. Ash flopped back down and rolled to his side, unaware of what he had just done.
The next morning, as the sun rose up in the sky, a Dodrio perched atop of a house cried out. The sound was enough to stir Latios from his slumber and open his eyes. He sat up and stretched his arms before letting out a silent yawn. Through half-lidded eyes, he looked out the window to see the sun was already part way in the sky. Now fully awake, Latio panicked and reached over to Ash and shook the preteen's shoulder.
"Wh-wha?" Ash's eyes blinked open before sitting up and let out a yawn. He drowsily looked over at Latios. "What's wrong, Latios?" Ash rubbed one of his eyes while Latios pointed to the window. Following the finger, Ash's eyes shot wide open when he saw how bright it was outside. "Oh no! What time is it?!"
Not waiting for a response, Ash tossed the covers off himself and jumped out of bed. He hastily put on his shoes and was out of his room. Latios tried to chase after the preteen, but got tangled up in the covers and fell to the floor. Ash ran out of the house and down the dirt path towards Professor Oak's research lab. He was unaware that he was still wearing his pajamas, but didn't care as he only had one thought in mind.
'Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur!' Ash thought, picking the pace and ignoring the looks he received from the townspeople who were out. 'Any one of them will do, just please save one for me!'
Once he reached the top of the hill near a big building with a windmill, Ash saw most of the townspeople were crowded at the entrance. Ash excused himself through the crowd so he could get to the front. He was late enough as it is, he didn't need to waste more time wondering what the crowd was about. When he got through to the other end, Ash saw a group of cheerleaders.
"Gary, Gary, he's our man, if he can't do it, no one can!" The cheerleaders cheered, waving their pom poms.
"Well, if it isn't Ash." A tall, thin young man Ash's age said with a smirk.
He had light skin, brown eyes, and big tall, brown spiky hair pointing the other direction. He wears a long purple shirt, dark gray pants, a yin and yang necklace, and brown boots with black straps encircling them. This is Gary Oak, Professor Oak's grandson and Ash's rival. They used to be the best of friends, but ended when their competitiveness got the better of them.
"Morning to you too, Gary." Ash muttered sarcastically, frowning at the cocky smirk directed his way.
"That's Mr. Gary to you." Gary said, pointing at Ash, much to his irritation, his smirk growing. "Well Ash, you snooze you lose, I got a pokemon and you don't."
"You got one already?!" Ash's eyes widened at this information.
"That's right, loser." Gari taunted, pulling out a pokeball, expanding it, and spun it on his finger. "And it's right inside this pokeball." Upon seeing the pokeball, the crowd and cheerleaders cheered even louder. "Thank you, I promise that I will become a great pokemon master and make the town of Pallet known all around the world!"
Ash tried his best not to let his irritation get the better of him as he reminded himself he'll get a pokemon soon. "So, which one did you get?"
"None of your business." Gary mocked, pocketing his pokeball and turned his back to Ash. "Why should I let my competition know what I'm using?" He then scoffed, looking over his shoulder with a cheeky grin. "Not that you even count as competition, for if you've been here earlier, you would have seen that I got the best pokemon there is!" He then raised his shoulders in a shrug. "It pays to have a grandfather in the pokemon business."
"Hard to forget." Ash muttered bitterly, crossing his arms to keep his temper in check. "You keep reminding me."
"Thank you all for coming!" Gary ignored Ash as he waved to the crowd before jumping into a bright red sports car with a chauffeur. "Now I, Gary Oak, am off to learn the ways of the pokemon trainer!"
With that said, the car drove off, creating a cloud of dust as it quickly went out of sight. The crowd quickly began to leave, leaving Ash who was coughing up the dust that got into his lungs. When the dust cloud dispersed, Ash stood alone in front of the lab's gate. Running up the hill was Latios, having finally freed himself from the covers and changed clothes before running after Ash. When Latios was now in front of Ash, he had his hands on his knees and breathing heavily.
"Ugh, that Gary." Ash growled through gritted teeth, holding up a fist in the direction the car drove off. "He can be such a pain!"
"So, you decided to showed up after all." An elderly voice said, walking up being Ash.
"Professor Oak!" Ash greeted, his attitude changing instantly upon seeing the pokemon professor and his mentor. He smiled as his excitement started to outweigh his irritation earlier. "Good morning! I'm ready for my pokemon!"
"You look more ready for bed than a pokemon." Professor Oak pointed out, looking at Ash up and down to see he was still wearing his pajamas. "I hope you don't think you're going to train in your pajamas."
"Oh, this." Ash looked down on himself before rubbing the back of his head with a small blush. "There was a small incident and I was running late." He then held up a clenched fist, his eyes burning with determination. "But I'm really ready for a pokemon, I took all your lessons seriously!"
Latios nodded in agreement, having seen how hard Ash studied through the last three years. Ash may be stubborn, hot-headed, short-tempered, impatient, cocky, reckless, and sometimes impulsive at times, but his determination more than made up for these flaws. Throughout the three years Ash spent studying and taking care of Latios, he learned to keep those parts of himself in check so they would not only affect him as much. While these traits still remain, Ash is quick to calm himself down so they're less of a problem.
Inside the lab, Ash found himself standing before a round, table-like machine. With a whirring sound, three small circular holes opened up at the top and three pokeballs rose up, one through each hole. One had an image of a blue water drop on it, another had a green leaf, and the last had a red flame. Latios stood beside Professor Oak, a little disappointed that he couldn't be Ash's first official pokemon. But he understood why they had to do it this way.
He was a legendary pokemon after all, being a new trainer's starter was out of the question. If word got around, it could and would attract unwanted attention towards Ash. Pokemon hunters being on the top of the list of people to avoid. Those people would do anything to obtain rare and valuable pokemon for their own agendas. From selling them for a profit, to using them to take over the world, their motives are the same in essence. Latios wanted to avoid people like them at all costs so he could enjoy his adventures with Ash.
"I've thought long and hard about this, and I've decided that the pokemon I want is... this one." Ash said, picking up the water drop ball. "Squirtle!" To his surprise, when he opened it, it was empty. "Huh?!"
"Already taken by someone who was on time." Professor Oak explained, giving the boy an apologetic smile.
"Oh, well it's my fault that I overslept." Ash muttered, setting down the pokeball where he picked it up before shaking his head. "But that's fine, because I'll go with my second choice…Bulbasaur!" Ash picked up the one with the leaf, but when he opened it, it was also empty. "Wha?!"
"That one was also taken by a kid who wasn't late." Professor Oak said, rubbing the back of his head upon seeing the boy's disappointment.
"Well, that's no problem." Frowning, Ash set the pokeball down and looked at the last ball with the flame on the front. "Because my Pokémon will be Charmander!" He grasps it and silently prays that the pokemon was inside. However, when he opened it, the ball was also empty. "No way!"
"The early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the pokemon," Professor Oak said, scratching his cheek with a finger when all three pokeballs were opened.
"Does…" Ash hesitated, setting the empty ball down again and looked at his mentor with a look of disappointment. "Does that mean they're all gone?"
Professor Oak rubbed his chin thoughtfully and looked to the side hesitantly. "Well… I do have one more, but…"
Hearing this, Ash's eyes lit up, and said, "Professor, I'll take it!"
Latios smiled that there was hope for Ash after all to have a pokemon. A fourth pokeball with a lightning bolt appeared from the middle of the machine. Latios tilted his head curiously upon seeing the lightning bolt. As far as he knew, there weren't any electric-type starter pokemon.
"Now I should warn you, Ash." Professor Oak said, taking the pokeball and holding it out to Ash. "This one is a little different than the others."
"Please Professor, I have to have a Pokémon." Ash insisted, casting a look to Latios before looking at the pokeball in his mentor's hand.
"Well..if you insist." Prof. Oak reluctantly said, setting the pokeball in Ash's hand.
The moment it touched Ash's hand, the pokeball popped open and a bright light shined from it. The light landed in the center of the three empty pokeballs and began to form. A yellow, mouse-like Pokémon with pointed ears, tipped in black, a flat tail shaped like a lightning bolt and bright red pouches on its cheeks, materialized before him.
"Pikachu?" it said, blinking its eyes.
"Its name is Pikachu." Professor Oak said, gesturing to the yellow mouse-like pokemon before them.
"I-It's so cute." Ash smiled, slowly approaching the pokemon before him. 'Judging by the flat end of its tail, this Pikachu's a male.'
"You'll see…" Oak muttered, taking a step back much to Latios' confusion.
"Hi, Pikachu." Ash said, picking him up and giving the mouse pokemon a friendly smile.
"Pika." Narrowing its eyes, sparks emitted from Pikachu's cheeks before shocking Ash, making him shout in pain. Latios' eyes widened in shock and worry as he ran over to help Ash.
"It's also known as the electric mouse." Professor Oak explained, holding Latios back to make sure he didn't get shocked as well. "It's usually shy, but can sometimes have an electrifying personality,"
"I see what you mean." Ash said weakly, covered in scorch marks as the shock torture died out, making his hair look frazzled and with a stunned look on his face.
"Shocking, isn't it?" Professor Oak closed his eyes before reaching into his coat pockets. "Also, you'll need these." Professor Oak pulled out and presented Ash with a red device along with 5 Pokéballs. "Your pokedex and pokeballs." He held up the red device and flipped it open to show a small screen and buttons inside. "Your PokéDex will serve as your ID and license as a trainer. Do not lose it."
As Pikachu hopped out of Ash's hands, Ash shook off the shock he had just received and quickly grabbed the items. "Thank you, I won't let you down, Professor Oak."
"I'm sure you won't." Professor Oak nodded, reaching into his pants pocket this time and pulled another item out. "Also, a small gift from me." It was a pokeball, but this one had a blue top with a red triangle on the front. "Here, a pokeball custom made for Latios."
"Really?" Ash looked at the pokeball in awe before taking it. "Thanks, Professor!" He pressed the button in the center to expand it before looking at Latios. "You ready, Latios?"
Latios smiled happily upon seeing the pokeball and quickly nodded his head. Pikachu looked at the two in confusion. The electric mouse pokemon's eyes widened when Latios was enveloped in light and changed back to his true form. Latio floated over to Ash excitedly and tapped the pokeball with a paw. The pokeball popped open and Latios became red energy and got sucked in. The pokeball closed shut and wiggled in Ash's hand with the button blinking red. The pokeball stopped wiggling and the button blinked once more before ceasing, signifying a successful capture.
"Now, Ash." Professor Oak said, gaining Ash's attention and gave the boy a stern gaze. "Remember, until you get stronger, no one except those that you trust with your life can know about Latios." He then pointed to the pokedex still in Ash's hand. "With that in mind, I increased the number of pokemon you can have to seven."
"Leave it to me, Professor." Ash nodded, pounding his chest with a look of determination. "I promise that I'll be careful with who I trust."
"Oh, before I forget." Professor Oak's eyebrows rose with sudden remembrance before pointing at the pokedex. "Your pokedex only has pokemon native to the Kanto region loaded in it." He then gestured to the pokeball that now held Latios. "However, with help from Professor Birch in the Hoenn region, I imputed information about Latios in it as well."
"Good to know." Ash nodded, looking at his pokedex before pocketing it and looking at Latios' pokeball. "Latios, come on out!" He threw the pokeball and it popped open, releasing energy that formed Latios. "Ready to get going buddy?"
Latios cooed happily with a nod, enveloping himself in light and taking on his human persona. Pikachu was still processing what he was witnessing right now. A legendary pokemon willingly let itself be caught. Not only that, it seems that the two have known each other a long time, if their interactions were anything to go by. Too much was happening all at once for the mouse pokemon to make sense of.
Ash, Professor Oak, Latios in his human form, and Pikachu descended down the steps. Ash was reminded that he still needed to change his clothes and say goodbye to his mother. Pikachu was strangely quiet after Ash caught Latios even though he had no qualms with shocking the boy.
"Ash?" Ash looked down the steps to see Delia waiting at the bottom, carrying Ash's clothes and a green backpack. "Good, I managed to catch you before you left." She held out the clothes and backpack to her son and smiled. "It wouldn't be great for your send off to be in your pajamas, would it?"
"Thanks Mom." Ash smiled, happy that somebody came to see him off.
As her son took the items, she looked down and noticed Pikachu. "Oh my, is this your pokemon, Ash?"
"Yup, this is Pikachu." Ash nodded, looking down at his new partner before looking at his mother with a raised fist. "With him and Latios by my side, I'll catch all of the pokemon I'll need to be a pokemon master in no time flat!"
"I thought all pokemon stayed inside their pokeballs?" Delia questioned, placing a hand against her cheek and tilted her head in confusion. "Why doesn't this one?"
"Oh, right." Ash said, pulling out Pikachu's pokeball and looking down at the electric mouse pokemon. "Pikachu, time to get in the ball."
Ash tossed it down, but instead of going in, Pikachu smacked the pokeball back into his hand with his tail. Surprised, Ash tried again, only for Pikachu to kick it back. He tried again and Pikachu headbutted it back. They repeated this cycle in the same order a few more times. Latios placed a hand over his mouth to keep himself from laughing. The sight was too cute and funny. After a couple more tries, Pikachu had enough and used his tail to slap the ball with more force than before.
"Ack!" Ash cried out when the pokeball smacked right into his face. He pried the pokeball off and rubbed the bruised area while looking down at Pikachu. "Hey, what gives?"
"Well you see, this Pikachu doesn't really like to be in its pokeball." Professor Oak admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "Not one for confined spaces, I suppose."
"How did you get it in the ball the first time, Professor?" Ash asked, giving his mentor a curious look.
"With great difficulty." Professor Oak sighed, not willing to go into further detail.
Ash turned to Pikachu, who was growling at the sight of its pokeball. Not wanting to anger it even more, Ash pocketed the pokeball, much to the electric mouse pokemon's surprise
"Alright then, if you don't want to go in, I won't force you." Ash smiled and knelt down to be at eye level with Pikachu. "We're gonna be traveling together, Pikachu, so I want us to be friends." He held out a finger for the electric mouse pokemon to shake. "What do you say?"
Pikachu looked from the finger to Ash and back again, giving him a look of apprehension. The mouse pokemon was unsure if he should trust the new trainer or not. He had no intention of being anyone's pokemon in the first place, trainer or otherwise. And yet, he was still caught because he chewed on a few powerlines. Admittedly, that probably wasn't the smartest thing to do. However, it doesn't change the fact that Pikachu was now stuck with this boy.
He then looked to Latios who was looking expectantly at him behind Ash. Pikachu may not know much, but he knew Latios was a legendary pokemon. From what he heard from other pokemon, Latios never shows himself to humans. The only exceptions they knew were humans who were compassionate. If that's the case, and Latios let Ash capture him, doesn't that make the new trainer trustworthy?
Hesitantly walking over to Ash, Pikachu reached for the finger and shook it. "Pikachu."
"Thanks for trusting me, Pikachu." Ash smiled happily and held out his arm for Pikachu to climb up. The electric mouse pokemon hesitated before climbing up the arm and perched himself on Ash's shoulder. "Let's all get along."
"Alright, Ash." Delia said, getting her son's attention as he got to his feet. "I repacked everything you'll need: change of clothes, snacks, travel supplies, a little extra money to help you out, and plenty of extra underwear."
"Thanks mom." Ash said, blushing in embarrassment at the mention of underwear. "But, uh, could you please ease up with the underwear?" He took the backpack and gave his mother a small smile. "I'm not a little kid anymore. I can take care of myself."
"Oh my little boy is growing up." Delia said, wiping away a tear and feeling a little choked up and trying to keep herself together. "I'm gonna miss you."
With mixed feelings, Ash moved in and hugged his mother. "I'll miss you too, Mom. I'm gonna make you proud."
"You always do." Delia smiled, hugging him back. She then looked around before smiling at Latios. "Latios, please look after Ash for me, okay?"
Latios nodded before approaching Delia and hugged her as well. The woman was like a mother to him while being raised by Ash. It was sad to say goodbye, but he knew he'll see her again someday. Until then, he'll keep his promise and look after Ash throughout his journey. After all, it was the least he could do when Ash raised him when he first hatched from his egg.
After the family members embraced, Ash quickly excused himself to go to Prof. Oak's bathroom and changed into his clothes. Once he was fully changed, Ash and Latios made their way out of Pallet town and into route 1. Pikachu remained perched on Ash's shoulder as the trainer tinkered with his pokedex. Deciding to take a break beneath a tree on top of a hill, Ash set his backpack down.
"Alright, let's see what the pokedex has to say about you guys." Ash said, setting Pikachu down and pointing the red device at him.
"Pikachu, the Mouse pokemon." The pokedex declared, showing a picture of Pikachu on its screen. "It can generate electric attacks from the electric pouches located in both of its cheeks."
"Okay, how about what moves you know?" Ash muttered, pressing a few buttons on the red device.
"Pikachu's attacks: Thunder Shock, Agility, Quick Attack, and Leer."
"Okay, what about Latios?" Ash looked around cautiously, nodding when he saw no one before pointing the pokedex at Latios.
"Latios, the Eon pokemon. Latios is highly intelligent and can fly faster than a jet by tucking in its wings." Pressing a button, Ash pointed the pokedex at Latios again. "Latios attacks: Psywave, Safeguard, Dragon Dance, and Helping Hand."
"Alright, those are a good set of moves." Ash nodded, pocketing his pokedex when he suddenly heard movement in the tall grass nearby. He smiled when he saw that it was a small brown bird pokemon. "A Pidgey!"
Pulling out his pokedex again, Ash pointed it at the bird pokemon. "Pidgey is a flying-type pokemon. Among all the flying pokemon, it is the gentlest and easiest to capture. A perfect target for the beginning pokemon trainer to test his pokemon's skills."
Ash looked over to Pikachu and Latios, trying to decide who should battle the Pidgey. He wanted to use Latios, but one can never know when someone will pass by and see him. Then there was Pikachu, who climbed up the tree to sit on a branch and let out a yawn. There were still some hints of wariness and defiance in his eyes. Just because he went along with him, it doesn't mean the mouse pokemon was going to trust him immediately. Chances are Pikachu won't listen to him if he tries to give a command. There was only one other option, he just hopes that he's lucky.
"Here goes nothing." Ash plucked an empty pokeball from his belt and directed his gaze at the Pidgey. "I pledged to become the greatest pokemon master." He expanded the pokeball as the Pidgey pecked at the ground. "I'll need to catch all the pokemon that'll help me along the way." He reeled his arm back before tossing the pokeball towards the unsuspecting bird pokemon. "Pidgey, it starts with you!"
The ball struck the surprised bird pokemon and popped open as the Pidgey became red energy. The energy was pulled into the pokeball before it closed shut and fell to the ground. The ball shook and the button blinked red with each wiggle as the pokemon fought for freedom. Ash was about to celebrate when it stopped shaking only for it to pop open. The pokeball returned to Ash's hand as the energy formed the Pidgey and it flew away.
"Aw man!" Ash groaned, shoulders slumped and head hanging in disappointment.
Pikachu, on the other hand, burst into laughter, falling onto his back and kicking his feet. Latios frowned at the mouse pokemon, thinking it was being rude to their trainer. He already surmised the reasons why Ash didn't use either of them. Pikachu was just being stubborn despite going with them.
Ash also frowned at the mouse pokemon before turning away with a huff. He may have gotten control of his temper, but Ash was still ten. It was natural for his immature side to surface like any other kid. It was a phase he can only grow out of as he got older. Besides, as Professor Oak once said, he should enjoy life as a kid. It would only make more fond memories whether they be good or bad.
Deciding not to dwell on it for long, Ash looked at his backpack, remembering the snacks his mother packed. He blinked as a new idea formed in his head as he approached his backpack. He rummaged through it before pulling out a snack bar and removing the wrapper. Latios looked on curiously as Ash broke off a piece and threw it a little ways away. The boy then hid behind the tree, waiting for a pokemon to come and take it.
He didn't have to wait long as there was rustling in the tall grass. Pikachu looked on in amusement, waiting for this to blow up in Ash's face. Out of the tall grass was a small purple rat pokemon. It approached the piece of food and sniffed it curiously. It picked up the food with its teeth and scurried away.
"Oh no you don't!" Ash shouted, coming out of his hiding place and threw a pokeball. However, the rat pokemon ran into the tall grass just as the pokeball was about to hit it, disappointing Ash." Aw man, I was so close!"
"A forest pokemon, Rattata." Ash pulled out his pokedex and flipped it open to see an image of the rat pokemon. "It likes cheese, nuts, fruits, and berries."
"But this isn't a forest, it's an open field." Ash muttered, looking around the area to see not enough trees to be considered a forest.
"It also comes out into open fields to steal food from stupid travelers." The pokedex continued, much to Pikachu's amusement and Latios' irritation.
"Hey, who are you calling stupid?!" Ash yelled, blushing in embarrassment when he realized he was yelling at an inanimate object.
Pikachu couldn't contain himself anymore, and fell into another bout of hysterical laughter. Latios gave Pikachu a look of disapprovement, placing his hands on his hips. Ash gritted his teeth in frustration, wondering why he's even trying to befriend the mouse pokemon. Just then, a trio of Pidgey emerged from the tall grass. Wanting to vent his anger, Ash picked up a rock and threw it, causing the Pidgey to fly away.
Ash sighed, feeling his anger leave his system and moved to pick up the pokeball he threw earlier. However, another bird pokemon emerged from the tall grass, a small bump on its head. This pokemon was different from Pidgey, having pinkish-red wings, a cream colored underbelly, and a menacing look in its eyes as it turned to glare at Ash.
"Uh-oh, a Spearow." Ash had a look of worry as he slowly backed away from the clearly made pokemon. He remembered reading about Spearow and their terrible attitudes.
The Spearow cried out before taking off into the sky, circling around and dove towards the trainer. Panicking, Ash made a beeline for the tree that had his backpack. Ash yelped as he ducked down, avoiding Spearow's sharp beak. Latios grabbed Ash's backpack and started swinging it to scare the bird pokemon away. However, Spearow then turned its attention towards Pikachu. The mouse pokemon panicked when the bird pokemons started diving towards him. Pikachu dodged Spearow's attacks before having to duck another.
"Hey, leave Pikachu alone!" Ash called out, but he was ignored as Spearow continued to chase after Pikachu. "He didn't throw the rock!"
"Wild pokemon tend to be jealous of human trained pokemon." The pokedex informed.
"Now you tell me?!" Ash grabbed his head with both hands in frustration, cursing his streak of bad luck today.
"Pika!" Pikachu leaned back to dodge another attack, only to fall over and now dangle in the tree branch.
While the little pokemon had been nothing but a pain, Ash couldn't help but worry about it since it was under attack because of him. Latios was also worried about Pikachu, wanting to do something. Turning around, Spearow flew in with a gleaming beak towards the mouse pokemon. Without another thought, Latios reverted to his true form and flew towards Spearow, much to Ash's shock. Latios lets out a loud coo as his body becomes outlined in light blue, and his eyes also glow light blue. Latios opened his mouth before firing light blue rings at Spearow. When the rings hit, Spearow was disoriented, but shook it off and flew past Latios to continue its pursuit.
"Pikachu!" Ash called out, worried and unable to do anything while on the ground.
"Pika-CHU!" Pikachu shouted as he zapped Spearow with a Thunder Shock, causing it to scream in pain. The flying type pokemon tumbled out of the sky and landed in some tall grass.
"Y-you got it!" Ash said as Pikachu climbed down the tree and Latios floated beside him.
Rising from the tall grass, covered in scorch marks and tears in its eyes, Spearow let out a loud cry. From a nearby tree, an entire flock of Spearow took to the sky. Ash and Latios had looks of panic upon seeing the number flying towards them. Sure, Pikachu had the type advantage and Latios was here, but even they can't handle that many at once.
"Sh-should we run?" Ash asked nervously, getting nods of agreement from Pikachu and Latios.
Wasting no time, Ash and Pikachu ran while Latios flew, trying to make as much distance as possible. However, no matter how fast they went, they couldn't widen the gap. The flock of Spearow had the advantage by flying through the air. Latios had the same advantage, but didn't want to leave Ash and Pikachu behind. In fact, the chase reminded the eon pokemon of the day he met Ash, except they were chased by Beedrill.
The Spearow flock eventually caught up and began to peck at them mercilessly. Ash used his backpack to swat them away while Latios used Psywave. Pikachu, however, was not so lucky, as he had the most pecking at him from all sides.
"Pikachu!" Ash gasped before growling. "Hey! Get off of him! Leave him alone!"
He began pushing and grabbing each Spearow away from the mouse. He quickly picked up Pikachu and saw all of the bruises it had sustained. Latios continued to use Psywave to protect the two. The eon pokemon was worried about Pikachu, but needed to focus on keeping the flock at bay.
Looking up at Ash, even though he was injured, Pikachu remained silent, "Pi..ka..chu."
"Hold on tight Pikachu!" Ash said urgently, cradling Pikachu in his arms as he ran into the forest, Latios following him. "We've got to lose them!"
Although quickly running out of breath, Ash raced down the path, the Spearow followed close behind. Making his way through the last of the bushes and trees Ash found himself at a cliff beside a waterfall. Ash looked down to see a river right below them but the cliff was too steep to run down. However, with nowhere else to go and the flock of Spearow closing in, Ash took a deep breath, held Pikachu close, and readied himself.
"Here we go!" he exclaimed as he plunged into the rapid waters below.
Latios dove after him, tucking in his arms just before breaking past the water surface. The eon pokemon looked around, trying to find Ash and Pikachu. He found the boy struggling to hold his breath while swimming, Ash gasped as he saw a large Gyarados swimming in his direction. Immediately, Latios swiftly swam towards Ash and pulled him out of the way. Ash then looped one arm around Latios' neck, keeping the other securely around Pikachu. Latios then began to swim downstream, hoping to get far enough away from the Spearow flock.
Further down the shoreline, a young girl was fishing by the river. She had short, red hair tied into a side ponytail with a blue elastic rubber band. She has green eyes and fair skin. She wears a yellow tank top that reveals her midriff, red suspenders, denim shorts that stop at her thighs and red high top sneakers with yellow lining and white laces. Behind her was a red drawstring backpack and a bicycle further in the back.
She suddenly felt a tug on her line and began to reel her rod in with an excited smile. "Hey I got a bite! Oh wow it's a big one!"
Standing up the girl pulled on the line with all her might and ended up yanking Ash, Latios, and Pikachu out of the river. Landing across from her, Ash coughed up the water that managed to get in his lungs. Latios rubbed his back, giving the boy a look of worry.
"Oh, it's just some kid," the girl commented, disappointed it wasn't a pokemon as Ash looked up at his savior. She then noticed Pikachu and looked worried when she saw the state he was in. "Oh, and a couple Pokémon! Are you all okay?!"
"Yeah I think so." Ash said, catching his breath and unsteadily getting to his feet. Latios remained by Ash's side as support and to check on Pikachu's condition.
"What about him?" The girl asked, pointing at Pikachu in Ash's arms, concerned about the injuries he sustained. She was curious about Latios, having never seen a pokemon like him before, but pushed it aside as there were more pressing matters. "Is he breathing?"
Ash placed two fingers near Pikachu's neck to check his pulse, hoping that his starter was okay. Luckily he felt a pulse and heard faint breathing, which made him feel relieved. Latios was also relieved that Pikachu was okay and not in immediate danger.
"Yeah, he is." Ash sighed, some weight leaving his shoulders before quickly getting up and urgently looking at the girl. "Listen, we just got attacked by a flock of Spearow and we had to jump in the river to escape them." His gaze went to the direction he came from before returning to the girl. "Could you please tell us where we are?"
"You're about a day's hike from Viridian city." The girl said, pointing down the path in the direction of the city. "They have a Pokémon Center there and can fix up your Pokémon."
"A day?!" Ash exclaimed, looking down at Pikachu in his arms worriedly. "I need to get there right away!"
"Pi..kachu.." the poor electric mouse coughed in his arms. Ash looked down at his barely breathing Pikachu. There was no way they could make it there on foot in time. His heart sank upon hearing the familiar cry of the Spearow approaching. He looked up to see the flock exiting the treeline. Panicking Ash looked around frantically and noticed a bicycle parked nearby.
"Are you going to Viridian City by any chance?" Ash quickly asked the girl.
"Yeah, why?" She asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion. She then had a look of shock when Ash rushed to her bike. "Hey, that's my bike!"
"I'm sorry, but I really need to borrow it!" Ash said, placing Pikachu into the basket at the front of it. "Latios isn't strong enough to carry us!" He then started to peddle away with Latios flying beside. "Come and get it back in the city!"
The girl watched as the boy peddled away with her bike before letting a sound of frustration. "Oh, you!"
As Ash was pedaling, the skies darkened up with storm clouds as rain soon poured down. Latios looked behind them in case the Spearow flock were close by. Looking down into the basket, Ash saw Pikachu was panting heavily.
"Just hang on a little longer." Ash said, breathing heavily as it started to get harder to peddle. His legs felt like they were on fire, but pressed on for Pikachu's and Latios' sake.
The Spearow managed to catch up to him and start pecking at Ash's head, making him lose focus on the road. Latios tried to chase them away, but was held back by a separate group of the flock. Ash rode off of a slope, causing Ash to lose balance when he landed and fell off the bike with Pikachu. Latios had a look of worry and tried to force his way through the flock to no avail.
Looking up with a groan, Ash saw one of his partners lay nearby. He then looked up to see Latios fighting to get to them. However, the flock outnumbered him and continued to scratch and peck at him. Ash pushed through his own pain to crawl and placed a hand gently on Pikachu's side.
"Pikachu..." He said under his breath as tears came in his eyes. "I'm so sorry..this is all my fault."
Squawks and cries drew Ash's attention as the flock drew closer towards them. Latios was breathing heavily, using Psywave to make a path. The young trainer saw this and narrowed his eyes in determination. He pulled out the lightning bolt-marked pokeball on his belt.
"Pikachu, get inside." Ash said, placing the ball on the ground beside Pikachu before standing up. "I know you're afraid of going in there, but if you're inside, maybe I can save you." Pikachu looked into his former imprisonment, and then to the boy. "Please, Pikachu, please listen to me and go inside." Unshed tears formed in the corner of Ash's pleading eyes. "After that, then, After that just trust me!"
With that, he stood up and turned to the Spearow flock in the sky. He turned his hat around, raised his arms up to shield himself in front of Pikachu. Latios finally broke through the flock and flew towards Pikachu. The eon pokemon was relieved that Pikachu didn't sustain much damage from the fall. He noticed Pikachu's pokeball on the ground and looked at Ash worriedly.
"Spearows, do you know who I am?!" Ash called out, getting the flock's attention as he glared at them with unwavering determination. "I am Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town! I'm destined to be the world's number one Pokémon Master!" His eyes hardened when the flock started to surround him. "No way I'll ever lose to the likes of you! I'll catch every single one of you!" Lighting struck, shadowing everything. Ash turns to see Pikachu was still there. "Pikachu, get inside the pokeball! It's the only way!" He then looked towards Latios. "Latios, once Pikachu's inside, take him to the pokemon center!"
Latios wanted to protest, not wanting to leave the young trainer behind. After all they've been through, how could Ash ask to abandon him? Although, the eon pokemon knew Ash's reason when he looked over his body. He was covered in scratches and was breathing heavily. He was in no condition to continue fighting even if he wanted to and the young trainer knew this. Ash turned to the Spearow one last time before shouting at the top of his lungs.
"COME AND GET ME!"
Roaring in determination the entire flock of Spearow flew down towards Ash with beaks and talons gleaming. As lightning was about to strike a nearby tree, time slowed down as a bright light shined. Running towards him and scaling up Ash's body, Pikachu jumps off his shoulder towards the flock with sparks emitting from his cheeks. Latios let out a loud coo as his body was enveloped in a golden aura. The aura then traveled through the air and enveloped Pikachu just as the lightning bolt came down.
"Pikaaaa-Chuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!"
A zap of lightning illuminated the sky, followed by a bright flash of light. Then, everything faded into darkness, accompanied by a loud explosion. The Spearow scattered and flew away in storm clouds had disappeared, and the rays of the sun filtered down upon the land. The bicycle lay forgotten, completely destroyed after the blast of lightning. Nearby, the trainer and pokemon were all lying on the ground. Ash opened his eyes and heard the calm in the air surrounding them. He looked at his pokemon and saw that Pikachu and Latios, too, were awake.
"Pikachu… Latios…" Ash slowly brought Pikachu over to embrace him with one arm and used the other to caress Latios' face. Pikachu leaned in and licked his cheek, surprising him. "You did that for me...?"
"Pika.." Pikachu weakly nodded, having no strength to do anything else.
Ash felt his eyes water and he smiled and hugged the mouse softly, who nuzzled him in response with a small 'Cha~'. After going through all of those lengths to protect him, Pikachu felt he needed to return the favor. Latios smiled at them, happy that a bond had finally been formed between the two.
"You were pretty amazing out there." Ash smiled, directing one towards Latios as well to let him know he meant him too. "Maybe… we could start over?" He looked down at Pikachu hesitantly. "What'd you say? Partners?"
"Pika." Pikachu smiled too and nodded, confirming their new partnership.
But what happened next was something none of them expected. A majestic screech was heard in the air, making Ash, Latios, and Pikachu look up to the sky. What they saw was something truly amazing and they'll never forget. Flying over the rainbow was a beautiful bird pokemon, soaring high in the sky.
"What is that?" Ash asked, eyes wide with awe at the majestic pokemon flying overhead.
"Pika." Pikachu said speechless.
Curious as well, Latios reached for Ash's pokedex, which fell out of his pocket, and flipped it open. He then picked it up with unsteady claws and pointed it at the pokemon.
"Unknown Pokemon, no available data." The pokedex informed, confusing Ash that there was a pokemon that not even the Pokédex could register?
He then remembered that Professor Oak told him it only had information on pokemon native to Kanto. Latios was the sole exception since he was around since hatching from an egg. So Ash concluded this pokemon was from another region, or an undiscovered species.
The unknown avian pokemon flew right above their heads when suddenly a feather dropped down towards Ash. Slowly reaching out, Ash caught it in his hand. Once he held it, the feather glowed, surprising him. He watched the pokemon fly away until it disappeared under the rainbow and the feather stopped glowing.
"Pikachu...it's beautiful." Ash said, staring at the feather with awe.
"Cha." Pikachu smiles.
"This is a sign buddy." Ash said, getting into a sitting position before getting to his feet, Latios floating beside him. "As of now, you, me, and Latios are a team. We have a big journey ahead of us and this is proof we're gonna be the best." Ash smiles.
"Pika..chu," the mouse agreed before closing his eyes and snuggling up against Ash's neck.
Ash patted the mouse pokemon before placing the feather in his coat pocket. And with that done, he walked down the trail towards Viridian City, where they would get some much-deserved rest. Latios changed into his human form, wanting to take a break from flying and walk beside his trainer. They continued down the dirt path, enjoying each other's company. They walked up a steep hill until they reached the top, where they could finally see Viridian city. Relieved they didn't have much left to go, Ash and Latios walked down the hill towards the city.
Ash's first day as a pokemon trainer was nothing like he had hoped. But despite everything he is on his way to the next city with his new partners and a new source of inspiration. One day down and many more to come. And the big question is what will happen next?
Now it's time for Review Corner; the segment where I reply to your reviews and answer questions that you may have regarding this fanfic!
Ldrago master: It's good to be back. That is a great suggestion, and one that I decided to use. Although, since this chapter was a timeskip, I apologize that such an opportunity was missed. I originally intended to have Ash and Pikachu meet early, but then nostalgia of the first episode kind of overruled that decision. As for Misty and Brock traveling with Ash or not, that is something to be considered. Sure, there are times they held Ash back, but on the other hand, they also helped him in certain ways. So chances are I'll do something in between, where they travel with him, but not get in his way as often.
Ts22: Sorry to have kept you waiting, and I'm happy to hear you think this is one of the best you've read. I hope that this chapter was worth the wait and has met and exceed your expectations. If there is any form of criticism or ways to make the story better, please don't hesitate to let me know.
YamiChaos27: Indeed, that was very typical of Ash. I wanted to try writing a bittersweet goodbye for quite some time and saw my chance with that chapter. That they did, Latios and Latias' powers always amazed me.
Jake: I'm happy to hear that you thought it was a great chapter, I hope to hear from you again soon.
AlbertDS1921: Unfortunately, they will not learn telepathy yet, but they will in the near future with something extra.
ColsonOtis: It hasn't been abandoned, I was just busy and couldn't find the time to get any writing done. Glad to hear that you think there is a good plot flow. I agree that it was the right moment for a timeskip chapter and came up with this. I'm not considering shipping at the moment, but that might change depending on how the story progresses. You're welcome and I hope to hear from you again soon.
With that done, till we meet again my readers!