Chapter 1: Ash's Hard Knock Life

Ash sat in the waiting room, silently praying as the operation dragged on.

"Please let my mom alright," he begged. "Please…"

His companion, a tiny Pichu, tried to comfort him, but he knew that nothing he could do could make the five year old feel better.

Four hours ago, Ash and his mom had just finished shopping in Viridian City and were making their way back to Pallet Town when they came across Pichu in an alley, horribly injured and crying for help. Without even a second thought, Ash had scooped him up into his arms and ran, trying to get him to the nearest Pokemon Center. That's when it happened.

As him and his mom ran across the street, a car came racing around the corner, much too fast to stop in time. Without even a second to question it, Delila pushed Ash out of the way, the boy rolling across the street as the car ran her over.

"Mom! Mom!"

Delila coughed, a little bit of blood running down her mouth.

"Ash, baby, no matter what happens, I love you…"

"Mom, stay with me, please!"

Luckily, a passerby saw everything and called for help, and Delila was airlifted to the nearest hospital. Once they arrived, Delila was rushed into surgery, forcing Ash to wait outside as time dragged on.

At last, the emergency room doors opened, and out stepped the doctor. Ash rushed over to him, his face pleading with the man to give him some good news.

"Is she going to be okay?"

The doctor shook his head.

"I'm sorry son, we did everything we could, but…"

"No….NO!"

Ash clung to the doctor, pouring his heart out as the man tried to soothe him, though he knew nothing he could say would help.

"Mommy…"

Attention passengers, this is your captain speaking. We'll be landing in Alola shortly. Please have your seatbelts fastened, and your trays in the upright position. Thank you for flying Alolan Airlines, and have a wonderful day!

Ash sighed, unable to enjoy the beautiful landscape.

"Here we go again…"

Five years had passed since that fateful night, and his life had been nothing but misery. While the man who murdered his mom had been brought to justice, being charged with drunk driving and involuntary manslaughter, nothing could ever replace the gaping hole in his heart.

With his birth father unable to be reached, and no one on his mother's side of the family being contactable, Ash was an orphan. For a while, the kind Professor Oak had taken him in, already raising his grandson after Gary's parents passed away, but as time went on it was clear he couldn't take care of both.

"I'm sorry Ash," he'd told the boy. "I wish I could, but I'm not getting any younger, and between you, Gary, and the Pokemon I just can't give you all the care you need."

Ash didn't hate the man for it, he really didn't. If anything, he respected him for taking care of him for as long as he had. Before Ash was shipped off to his next Foster home, he and Gary had a long goodbye.

"I wish you could stay, Ash," Gary had told him. "But I just know you'll find a family to take care of you!"

"Thanks, Gary. That means a lot. Take care."

"You too."

But Ash never did find a family. It was always the same: Child Care Services would find a family who'd take him in, he'd stay there for a few months, but eventually they'd get rid of him for one reason or another.

"He's too old, we can't afford an extra mouth, We're expecting a child soon and need the space," were just some of the excuses he'd heard. So he'd be sent on to the next family, and the cycle would repeat. He'd gone through so many homes that he'd exhausted all of the options in Kanto. So now he was on a plane to Alola, to the latest family willing to give him a chance. Not that he had very high hopes.

"Why doesn't anyone want me?" He whispered to himself. "I'm not that bad, am i?"

Don't ever think like that, A voice in his head spoke up, reminding him of the only family he truly had.

After that fateful night, the Pichu remained by his side. While Nurse Joy had been able to heal him completely, Pichu refused to part ways with Ash. He owed the boy his life, and with his mother gone he knew Ash needed someone to support him, so Officer Jenny let Ash take him with him. And ever since that day, the two were inseparable.

Ash would never forget the day that Pichu finally evolved. It was the best day of both their lives, because that was the day Ash had learned he could understand Pokemon. He didn't know why, but the moment he heard actual words coming out of his best friend's mouth, he felt happy for the first time in years, and gave the little Pichu a great big hug. Of course, he wasn't a Pichu for long, for when he realized Ash could understand him, he immediately evolved into a Pikachu, a development that made them both happy.

"Why, Pikachu? Why can't I have a real family again?"

Pikachu sighed, and gave him a hug.

I don't know, Ash, the Electric type said. But I know all of those other families are missing out on a great guy,

Ash smiled, and stroked Piakchu's fur, making his partner purr in delight.

"Thanks, pal."

So, what do you think this one's like.

Ash shrugged, not even really caring. Why should he if they were just going to get rid of him in less than a year?

"I don't know, what's it matter?"

You never know Ash, this one could be the one!

"You always say that."

Well it could! Come on Ash, can you try to be optimistic? For me?

Ash groaned. Pikachu knew he couldn't refuse him when he gave him Growlithe-eyes.

"Fine. I can try, but only for you."

Thank you. So?

"I don't know, didn't the lady say they were Pokemon Professors?"

Yeah. One studies Pokemon moves, and the other studies other dimensions, whatever that means.

"So they probably have a few Pokemon laying around the house, maybe even some starter Pokemon."

As long as they don't have a Snubbull, I'm fine, Pikachu said with a shudder. Remember Madame Muchmoney?

"Ugh, don't remind me," Ash said with a groan. "You'd think being adopted by a rich lady would be a dream come true, but the only thing she couldn't afford was to spend time with me."

Yeah, well at least you weren't her Snubbull's chew toy.

Ash cringed, feeling sorry for his best friend.

"Well, I doubt they'd make that mistake again. But if they did, I'll make them regret it!"

Pikachu smiled, and began licking Ash's face.

"Thanks, buddy. At least I know you'll always be there for me…"

Attention passengers, we have now reached the gate. Please exit the plane in an orderly fashion. Thank you for flying with us, and we hope you have a pleasant stay!

Ash sighed, holding Pikachu to his chest with one hand and grabbing his meager belongings with another.

"Here we go again."

This is it, I can feel it! Pikachu said, trying to cheer Ash up.

"At least one of us is looking forward to it."

Pikachu sighed, and shook his head. He wished someone would adopt Ash and give him the love he deserved. He did his best, but he could only do so much. He just hoped that this time would be the last time…