Greetings, Mgunnels3 here, and welcome back to Ash's Kanto Journey, My Version. Before we begin, I should talk about what I meant at the end of my AN about its Pokemon that isn't just for Ash but for Misty. She isn't just going to catch water types in this story, and it shows when I gave her a Pidgey in this story instead of Ash. At the same time, I got a couple of new captures for Ash; remember, it's through Sinnoh, so you don't have to pick Kanto Pokemon, and Ash will get another Kanto Pokemon until after Ash's first gym battle. I also have a poll up for something else and look forward to the response. Let's get this chapter started, shall we?
Chapter 3: Expectations
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech"
We joined Ash and Misty at the border of Viridian City a couple of days after they started their Journey.
"Finally, we're in Viridian City. I thought we would be another couple of days after all that," Misty said to Ash and Flare, who nodded.
"We would've been here sooner if I could use a map properly, but I'm not good at maps. Sorry, Misty," Ash said to Misty, who shrugs.
"I'm not great with maps, so I don't blame you there, Ash. Hopefully, this won't be a thing during our Journey together," Misty admitted to Ash as Flare sighed as she was getting a headache from all this.
"Can we head into town and stop this conversation? And I do agree with Misty, Ash. Here's hoping that this won't be a thing 'cause this will lead to arguments," Flare said to Ash and Misty, who nodded.
As they walked towards the city, a voiceover from a loudspeaker caught their attention. The voice warned the citizens to be wary of any suspicious individuals. Just then, the voice noticed Ash and Misty approaching her, along with their Charmander, who was outside its Pokeball.
"Hold on, you two, I need identification between you two given the poachers as of late, and the threats of suspicious people lately, and you having a Pokemon outside its ball is suspicious enough," Officer Jenny said to Misty and Ash, most notably towards Ash.
"Funny you say that, officer. We just ran into a trio of poachers just a few days ago, and we stopped them," Misty said to the officer, who was curious about that and pressed on what Misty said as Ash noticed a wanted poster of a familiar duo. "That's them that we just ran into on that poster," Ash said to Jenny, who was taken aback.
"Before you continue, please show me some identifications, given how that organization operates?" Jenny said as Ash tried to figure out how Misty sighed.
"I have identification, actually, and I guess Professor Oak told you about another function on your Pokedex," Misty said as she pressed buttons. It revealed who she was with her identification info, as Misty Ash did the same, which was enough for Jenny, though the last name caught Jenny's attention.
"You wouldn't happen to be related to Red Ketchem, would you, young man?" Jenny asked Ash, which caught Misty's attention as he nodded.
"He's my older brother. I just started my Journey, and he's out of the region. He told me about Team Rocket." Ash said to Jenny as he told her what he heard Jessie and James say during their scuffle a few days ago.
"I see. They are becoming more poachers to get the group back to normal again, especially given that their leader is no longer our City's gym leader, and we're still waiting on the league for a new one. As of late, we'll have to keep an eye out; I have taken that your Pokemon just wants to be out of its ball as well?" Jenny asked Ash, who nodded as it was what she requested the day they became a team.
"Okay, I'll let you two pass, given that you two just started making your way to the Pokemon Center. It's the big building at the center of town, a 30-minute walk from here, and get some rest and what you need," Jenny said to Ash and Misty, who thanked her and made their way to where she said.
"Ash, you never mentioned your brother earlier. We have a lot to talk about when we get to the Pokemon Center," Misty said to Ash, who nodded. She had a good point, as Ash and Misty had much to explain when they finally arrived at the Pokemon Center's entrance.
"Welcome to the Viridian Cities Pokemon Center. I take that you two have just arrived here and started your Journey?" Joy said to Ash and Misty, who nodded. "Well, let me have your Pokemon, and I'll let you know when they're ready," Joy said as Flare hopped on one of the spaces. Ash put Spearow's ball into one of the six slots as Misty placed her Pokeballs; however, she had three Pokeballs, and Ash knew about two Squirtle and Pidgey. Joy gave Ash and Misty the room key, leading them away to heal their Pokemon.
"I should call my mom and Professor Oak to let them know I arrived in Viridian. We can talk afterward, Misty." Ash said to Misty, who nodded.
"Sure, Ash, I had a feeling that you would have something to do when you arrived, and I was going to contact Professor Oak as well, so you beat me to the punch as well," Misty said to Ash, who nodded.
Ash went to the nearby phone as Ash called his mother, Delia.
"Hi, Mom. I just made it to Viridian City just a half hour ago," Ash said to his mother, who was surprised that he had arrived a lot faster than it usually takes.
"You have already reached Viridian City, which shows how far your journey has come compared to your father and brother, who took at least five days to get here," Delia said to Ash, who rubbed the back of his head as Delia noticed Misty. "And who's your friend there, Ash?" Delia asked Ash as Misty stepped in.
"I'm Misty. I'm the other trainer who became a trainer the same day your son became a trainer. Nice to meet you. We're traveling together 'cause we ran into each other; you can say I am kinda a rival of his now," Misty said to Delia, who nodded.
"Best of luck to you two, given that Ash and Gary were originally supposed to be the trainers who started. It's nice to see another trainer go on their journey, and don't forget to change your, you know what, young man," Delia said. Ash was startled by this. Delia giggled, said her goodbyes, and hung up.
"Mom, why did you have to do that in front of my friend of all people," Ash said to himself.
"Your mom seems nice, and I wouldn't be like that. I don't judge that, Ash," Misty said to Ash, who sighed. "I took that arrogant person in that car I saw when I left. Is this Gary person your mother is talking about?" Misty questioned Ash, who nodded.
"Yeah, and the grandson of Professor Oak; we've known each other for a while, and while he's arrogant, he does care for others," Ash said to Misty, who nodded.
"Ash Ketchem and Misty Waterflower, you have a phone call for you two," a voice called out to them. Ash answered the phone, and it was Professor Oak.
"Ah, Professor Oak, glad to hear from you," Misty said to Oak, surprised to hear from Misty first as Ash chuckled.
"Ah, Ash, Misty fancy that you two would run into each other during your JourneyJourney so soon, given that Misty left about 20 minutes before you did, but I am happy you are doing well. I just got off the phone with your mother, Ash, and she told me about you arriving in Viridian City and was about to call me and tell me that you two were with each other. Have you two registered for the league yet?" Oak asked Ash and Misty, who shook their head.
"Sorry, not yet, Professor. We just arrived here in Viridian and just got our Pokemon healed and about to ask Joy about that," Ash said to Oak, who nodded. "Also, I already have one additional Pokemon to the team, Professor, a Spearow, who happens to be the son of my brother Fearow, and Misty has my brother Pidgeot's daughter," Ash said to Professor Oak, who wasn't surprised by this.
"I had a feeling that someday you might encounter them, Ash. You may also own one or both of their children since Red asked his Pokemon what they wanted while he was away at the lab. And considering that they are siblings, It's not surprising they were willing to help you out, Ash." Oak said as Ash was taken aback by this, as did Misty.
"Well, we'll have to talk to them when they get healed, but there is something else you need to know, Professor," Ash said to Oak and explained what happened on the first day of his Journey and Team Rocket.
"Ash, this is big, and I will contact the league about this. Thank you for informing this. I would inform your Brother, but he's not been in touch since the day you left on your Journey," Oak said to Ash, who looked down. "I'll keep in touch from the looks of it. You'll probably leave tomorrow, so contact me when you arrive in Pewter City, and best of luck to both of you," Oak said as he ended the call.
Ash and Misty overheard their names being called and that their Pokemon were healed and ready to go. Flare jumped on Ash's shoulder, and he and Misty got their Pokeballs from Joy.
"Thank You," Both Misty and Ash said to Joy, who nodded as Ash and Misty went to their room and settled down.
"So now that we are settled in, we might as well talk about what is going on as we did agree to talk about it, Misty," Ash said to Misty, who sighed. "I'm curious as to why you started your journey given how your siblings are gym leaders, and I thought you would be at the gym?" Ash asked Misty, trying not to sound rude as Misty sighed.
"A couple of reasons why I wanted to become a trainer on my own, and one of them had to do with the gym itself," Misty said to Ash, who was as curious as Flare. "The Cerulean City gym has been in my family for generations. My sisters Daisy, Violet, and Lilly used it to perform their shows as the stars they are. Although they still run the gym, they often put the responsibility on me," Misty said to Ash, who nodded.
"I understand the Sensational Sisters are famous, and I can see what you mean, Misty. But what's the other reason?" Ash asked Misty, who sighed and looked down.
"I had a big argument with Violet and Lilly about me running the gym one day. They prefer to perform their shows, whereas I want to do things independently, not relying on our mother's side of the family. Although Daisy supported my decision to leave, Violet and Lilly told me I couldn't bring Pokemon from the gym. And, well..." Misty said to Ash.
"You rather be on your own as a trainer and go out to gyms and be a Pokemon master, like Ash?" Flare said to Misty, who nodded. "You want to go on your own and follow your path that is noble and become a better trainer than your sisters," Flare was interrupted by Ash.
"I understand that you're trying to comfort Misty and Flare, as you, too, are following in your family's footsteps. However, it's important to consider that other trainers have different goals and aspirations beyond just becoming the best trainer," Ash said to his starter, who humphs and crosses her claws.
"Whatever you say, Ash. I was trying to make her feel better as a fellow female, given that we have you beat as two girls and one male," Flare said to Ash, who let what she said go as he knew that that was an argument he wouldn't win.
"It's okay, Flare. I agree with both sides of your argument. Both are true. I want to do things my way and not become a gym leader immediately. Maybe when I prove myself to my sisters and show that I can do things on my own," Misty said to both Ash and Flare, who smiled and nodded as Misty turned to Ash.
"So now you know my life story. It's your turn, Mister Red's younger Brother?" Misty said jokingly as Ash sighed, as it was his turn in the spotlight.
"The story goes beyond my brother's fame, as my dad was the original champion before Gary's older brother became champion. While I love my family, I want to embark on my journey and not just follow in their footsteps. My dad is in Sinnoh on his own journey while I work towards creating my own path." Ash said to Misty, who understood that while her story differs from Ash's, the reason is the same.
"You noticed that during the scuffle with Team Rocket that I froze from well, that's cause Jessie and James called me out for being his brother and will always be in his shadow," Ash said to Misty.
"I saw that, Ash. I was wondering why you couldn't command Flare during that scuffle. Now I understand that," Misty said to Ash, who nodded. "I'm glad we arrived on time, and I apologize for calling you out when I asked if you had other Pokemon on your team. I only got there shortly after the battle began, after seeing your desire to help the flocks," Misty apologized to Ash, who nodded.
"I accept your apology, Misty. Let's work together and avoid conflicts in the future, whether it's about our training methods, battles, which Pokemon to catch, or even getting lost. I know getting lost will likely happen again, but we can always help each other." Ash said to Misty, who nodded.
"I noticed that you told Flare she has some big shoes to fill. However, I recall that when I arrived at Professor Oak's lab, only two Pokeballs, containing Bulbasaur and Squirtle, were present. I'm curious to know how you managed to obtain Charmander, as I was informed that Charmander had already been taken," Misty asked Ash, who turned to Flare.
"I don't mind if you explain who I am. Keeping that information from you doesn't make sense, especially since we are already discussing our life stories. But, to give you a hint, there are more Pokemon other than just Pidgey and Spearow, whose families were owned by Red," Flare said, shrugging as Misty put two and two together.
"So, your Red's Charizard's daughter. I took that she was given to you instead of the usual means for starters," Misty questioned Ash.
"Half right, Misty; Professor Oak did the same with Gary, and I didn't realize that my Brother planned this for me, well, for Flare, until after she was let out of her ball. I knew that when he said it referred to one of his Pokemon, it had to be a Charmander; I just never thought it was my birthday present as I turned 10 the day before we met," Ash said to Misty, who nodded.
"I want to clarify that my name is Flare, not a nickname given to me by Ash or his brother like many trainers do. Also, it might be a good idea to ask your Pokemon if they prefer their given names or if they would like a nickname," Flare said to Misty, who nodded.
"Speaking of Pokemon, I noticed you have three Pokemon and not two, Misty?" Ash said to Misty, who sighed. "I have taken that; that is why you got onto me about having another Pokemon before?"
"Yeah, I caught a Buizel shortly after I left Pallet Town. She's stubborn, but we are on good terms, and she gets along with Squirtle," Misty said to Ash, who nodded.
"It seems like the Buizel you're dealing with is quite assertive, just like my evolutionary line. You'll need to use a translator to communicate with her to avoid conflicts and work together successfully. It's important to maintain a good relationship with her, as Buizel are known to take losses quite seriously," Flare warned Misty, who sighed.
"I am fully aware of what they are, Flare. I guess she sounds more like you, Flare." Misty said jokingly. Flare blushed in embarrassment as Misty was right. "I think we should talk to Pidgey and Spearow. Also, before you ask, I do plan on catching more than just water types for my team, Ash," Misty said to Ash, who nodded as that was fair as the two let out Spearow and Pidgey.
"During our interaction with Professor Oak, who is the one who gave us our starters, we came across some new information about your leaders. Would you like to discuss it?" Ash said to the two flying types, who nodded.
"Yeah, apparently, my mom and her dad wanted to keep that a secret from most of the members of our flocks, and only a few knew about it," Spearow said to Ash as Pidgey nodded.
"That's why our parents worked together to find me after hearing about Team Rocket. They had planned to join our flocks, but," Pidgey looked down.
"The issues with the flocks in the past made it challenging, even with the leaders being siblings and teammates," Misty said to the two, who nodded.
"That and Pidgeotto is not happy that the two of them are leading the flock, as his trainer is a rival of their trainer. Although he is generally okay with humans, the incident you witnessed is precisely why we do not allow him to be an advisor or leader when it comes to you, Ash," Spearow said to Ash, who looked down.
"Do you know what his trainer is? I mean, Red had two rivals when he was on his Journey: a boy named Blue, who is Gary's older Brother, and a girl named Green," Ash asked as the two shook their heads but did not say no.
"We don't know his trainer's name, but we can count on that. It's a female trainer, that's for sure," Pidgey said to Ash, who nodded.
"Before we call it a night, Ash and I want to ask you one last question?" Misty said to the two of them, who were curious and nodded. "Well, I discovered that Charmander here is originally named Flare and goes by it. Are you two okay with being called by your Pokemon names, or do you have a name or want us to make one for you?" Misty asked the two, who looked at each other, nodded, and turned to the group.
"I prefer Spearow, thank you, but I understand that you want a nickname for me. I prefer my Pokemon name. Thank you," Spearow said to Ash, who nodded."My cousin has a name as she hatched simultaneously with the other Pidgeys in the flock."
"I go by the name Tempest, and I prefer to be called that because it is the name my father wanted to give me. I am a skilled flyer compared to most of my flock. You may have noticed that not many birds went out to search for me when I was missing, and only my aunt asked to find me," Tempest said to Misty, who nodded.
"Before you two ask, no, it wasn't my Uncle's idea to just ask my dad to find her, but with the threat of poachers and all that, we don't want to change more flock members being caught. According to members of the flock, we had run-ins with poachers in the past before my Mom and Uncle took over," Spearow said to Ash, who nodded.
"I had a feeling that would be the case given the way that most members of both your flocks didn't trust me at first, especially when I found you and your mom helped save us from more issues," Ash said to Spearow.
"This is what I meant when I said that not all Pokemon are trusting of humans, Ash, or want to be captured, especially with new Pokemon coming into this region. More poachers are showing up; I see why my dad wanted me to be your Pokemon, Ash," Flare said to Ash, who now understands what she meant.
"I want to ask this question because you two are family. Who is the oldest between you two, or are you two the same age as I should ask," Misty asked the two flying-type cousins, who smiled and nodded.
"We're the same age, three years old, though Tempest here is the oldest between me and her, and I have no issues with that as she's both my cousin and my best friend amongst our flocks. And I understand why you would ask that question; I take that you asked that question to Flare as well?" Spearow asked Ash, who shook his head.
"I told him when we were getting to know each other we're the same age as well, and from the looks of it, I'm the oldest of the three of you, so let's get along and work together as a team as we have a lot of challenges ahead of us and not just for our trainers," Flare said to the two who nodded.
"We must register for gym battles and then embark on our journey. Along the way, we may want to add more Pokemon to our teams," Ash said to Misty.
"Yeah, it's a long trek in Viridian Forest, and Pewter City is our first stop for our challenge. As Jenny mentioned earlier, Viridian doesn't have a gym leader yet, and Brock won't make it easy for us," Misty said to Ash, who nodded.
"Given that we are both taking part in the gyms, how will that go for who challenges first," Ash said to Misty, who was also thinking that. "I thought that we take turns like one starts first for one gym and then switches afterward like I take the first gym first and then you will after me and visa versa for the other gyms one at a time," Ash said to Misty, nodded at the idea.
"If you don't mind, I would like to challenge the gym first, given that I do have some experience as a trainer, and you can see how that works gym battles-wise," Misty said to Ash, who nodded.
"Fair enough, Misty, but what will we do about your sisters and their gym?" Ash asked Misty, who looked down. "You're not planning on skipping the gym, Misty, as there are not many gyms nearby here in Kanto, and while some are opening up, they might not be ready for challengers."
"I'll think about it. I can't just run away from challenging the gym, and knowing Daisy, she'll be fine with me challenging her, but not sure about Lilly and Violet as they aren't fans of battles, but I'll try my best to face them, thanks Ash," Misty said to Ash who was curious but lets it go for now. "I think we need to rest, and we'll think about it tomorrow," Misty thought as they noticed it was getting late and headed to bed.
Everyone except Ash was asleep. He sighed as he remembered what Jessie had said about Ash always being in his Brother's shadow and never being better than him.
"Man, some trainer I am for me to check when facing a team that my Brother had singlehandedly taken down years ago; if it weren't for Misty, I probably would've lost Flare and even made my Brother's Pokemon upset. I went on this Journey to follow my dream and not to follow my own family's footsteps," Ash thought as he looked at Flare, sleeping, and sighed.
"I can't let what others say about me get to me. I've dealt with that in the past, "Oh look, it's Red's little brother," or "You just like your brother, the one that is just going to be like him one day" is what I usually get," Ash said as he got up out of bed.
"Yes, I'm going on a Journey like him, but I will do it my way, not his, my own Pokemon, my team, and my own life; if I do become like him, that's fine, but at least I'm going to make it my own," Ash thought gripping his hand looking out the bedroom window.
Little did Ash know it, but Misty and Flare were watching this and could tell that Ash was taking what happened to heart and didn't blame him. What Team Rocket said to him would get to a lot of people.
The following day comes as Ash and Misty get registered for gym challenges and the league by handing their Pokedexs to Joy, who got them registered and now set.
"You two are now officially set for the gym challenges, and as you might know, Pewter City is the first stop on your journey. The league will contact you when the Viridian City gym is ready to accept challengers and a new gym leader," Joy said to Ash and Misty while handing their Pokedexs to them.
"Thank you. I appreciate it, Nurse Joy," Ash and Misty said to Joy, who nodded.
"Just make your way through Viridian Forest, and if you aren't getting lost, you should be able to make it out of there within a week, and my siblings will be happy to heal your Pokemon when you guys reach other Pokemon Centers, so best of luck to both of you," Joy said as both Ash and Misty nodded as they made their way out of the Pokemon Center and to their next adventure.
Now that Ash and Misty are registered for the Pokemon league and challenges, our heroes make their way to Viridian Forest and Pewter City, their first stop on their adventure. What else is in store for our heroes? As the Journey continues.
Stay tuned
Done and done. Yes, I didn't show Team Rocket other than a wanted poster. That's mainly because I plan on them coming in chapters that aren't gym battles/league battles. As that was the main problem with the original series, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who hated that, yes, Misty will also participate in these gym battles. As I said before, I'm accepting requests for new captures for both of them, and once we wrap up the Pewter City gym battle, more Pokemon that aren't from Kanto will be showing up for captures, but I'll take the requests now. The next chapter is episodes 3 and 4 of the anime, as specific chapters will have that type of theme for this story. See you next time.