Ash's fourteenth birthday had passed. Once again was the time of year in which Ash asks his mother to go on a journey. Albeit he was sure Delia would say no again. Not as sure as he is about his father returning, he accepted the fact that he won't see Farron ever again, not that he would want to see that deadbeat. Despite being stuck at home, the last four years, or the last eight for that matter, weren't boring. Sensing emotions and white hair was just the start. Ghost types following his every step was just the start.
Ash developed powers, ghost related according to Professor Oak. Everyone knew Ash had a special bond to ghost types, so it didn't came as a surprise that Ash decided, if Delia ever lets him go, he will be a ghost specialist. At least he will focus on ghost types a lot, as Kanto has only one native ghost type line. Sure, johtonese Misdreavus may cross the border, but that's it.
A month before Professor Oak was scheduled to give out starters to this years batch, he asked his mother. And for the fourth time, her answer was, "I am sorry, but you can't, Ash. I am too worried to let you go."
Despite not having any powers herself, she also felt Ash's sadness and repeated disappointment. She felt guilty and like a bad parent to deny Ash his wish again and again and again. So Delia met with Samuel Oak. Since Farron hit the road, they became closer. Delia asked him for advice far more, as she now doesn't have Farron's input when she is uncertain about things, be it what to eat for dinner or what color to paint the living room.
"I feel bad for constantly saying no, despite so many others becoming trainers. But I am worried I loose him, too. He was already dead for minutes, what if the next time he dies for real?", she told her friend and neighbor. "Not to mention, the Mindless... Green and Yellow's parents don't let them go because of the Mindless."
"If you're worried about Ash being unprepared to face such... Gary will be an On-Field trainer and researcher for me. Which includes a week of rather intense training, not only Pokémon related, but surviving skills, first aid, some hand-to-hand combat.", Samuel explained, "Maybe Ash could be an OFTR as well?"
"Isn't that dangerous? More than being just a trainer?", Delia asked. "Even with the training?"
"Not if I give him the more save and light weight jobs.", the professor replied. "And it would be a good excuse to give Ash a ghost type starter." He chuckled at the last bit. "A little sorry for the long wait."
"You think I should let him go?" She looked at him uncertain.
"Yes. I know you're worried – especially now that the Mindless are out there – but Ash has an advantage. His powers. We both know he trained them over the years. He can detect lies, so that could be a help to avoid dangers.", the professor reasoned. "And unlike useless Farron, he would have light sponsoring as an OFTR. If something happens, I can demand he returns to Pallet."
"Mm... this doesn't sound too bad."
"Now, I won't force Ash to be a OFTR. He would need to do some work for me. If I don't give him tasks frequently, that license would expire. It is understandably if he just wants to enjoy his journey.", Oak said. "I don't want him to tell that being an OFTR is his only option to be a trainer..."
"I see your point, but what about the Mindless? What if Ash becomes one!", Delia said in panic. "Even in the best case, something would have had happened to him to cause light memory loss and disorientation. I can't think about the worst case, total memory loss and-What if he gets attacked by one that acts like a zombie!?"
"Don't think about it. I am certain Ash won't happen to become one of those unfortunates. And if he gets attacked, Mindless are, well, mindless. Hand-to-hand combat and his powers should overwhelm them enough to flee.", Oak reassured her.
"But aren't the Mindless why you keep Gary from going?"
"In addition to it being a punishment. Unlike Ash, Gary has no powers.", Samuel Oak reminded her. "Now, in two weeks, the league will hold a meeting and discuss if they will change the age for trainers to start. Maybe wait until they made their decision before you decide?"
"I think you're right. I'll wait what the league says, then we'll see if my decision matters anyway.", she said. "I should let Ash go – albeit he has to call me frequently - but if the league changes the age, there is nothing I can do."
"Using the league as a scapegoat? You minx."
Two weeks later, the league announced their decision. The age got changed to fourteen, albeit the league said parents can hold them back for longer if they still consider this too young. Some officials hinted at waiting for their children to be adults would be best as long as they have no idea how the Mindless come to be. Let alone the why, how and when of the Mindless. Having read the official statement of the league, Delia decided to let Ash go, albeit she would want he either stays or at least becomes an On-Field Trainer and Researcher.
When Ash was watching a movie in the living room, he has his own TV but no DVD player in his room, she sat besides him on the couch and watched with him.
"Ash, I got news from the Oaks. Gary will – when he is allowed to go – will be an On-Field Trainer and Researcher for Samuel.", she told him. "I think it would be good, if you become a OFTR as well. It would make me feel more secure about you."
"Does that mean you let me go this year?", he asked hopefully.
Delia nod, "Yes. But there will be some compromises. You will call me regularly, inform me of any mile stone, when you leave or arrive at a town or city and you will go to Pallet when you're close by."
"Will do! Finally!", he said jumping from the couch and celebrating. "Do you think I'll find a Misdreavus? Just a Gastly would be too little ghosts and I don't want to have a team of just some Pokémon like some other trainers do."
"Why am I not surprised you want to specialize into ghosts?", she asked, full well knowing the answer.
Ash then toned his celebration down and asked somber, "Mom, what was dad's starter?"
Ash rarely asks about anything Farron related. When he does, Delia is always surprised. "Why do you want to know?", she counters his question with her own. Why does he want to know, considering Farron abandoned them. "He choose Squirtle."
"A Squirtle? I will choose a Charmander or Bulbasaur then.", Ash replied.
Now she understands, Ash asked so he could pick something else than Farron. Good kid. She saw how Ash manipulated the DVD player with his powers. The DVD came out, surrounded in a purple aura, floating. It floated into it's case, the case then floated into the shelf. Ash's hair stayed white over the last eight years and his powers developed. Delia is not sure if he should be open about it. While he switched the disks, Delia walked into her bed room. On her dresser was a big candle. Form her desk, she took out a small picture. Her wedding picture. Her and Farron, dressed up for the occasion. She lighted the candle and held the picture in. Farron was the first to burn.
"I hope our son isn't so much of a coward like you. Ash won't run when things get scary.", she muttered while the picture burned to ashes.
Professor Samuel Oak was in a video chat with all the other professors of the regions. From Elm in Johto to Kukui in Alola to Sada and Turo in Paldea. Birch opened their discussion by saying, "Hello everyone! Now, Samuel, we are scheduled to talk after we give out this years starters, why did you demand to have it before?"
"I have a request that can't wait.", Samuel explained.
"Either way, any news about the Mindless phenomena?", Birch asked. "Still nothing in Hoenn."
"Nothing in Sinnoh either.", Rowan said.
"Same in Unova.", Juniper chimed in,
"None here in Kalos, but the people are worried.", Augustine Sycamore admitted. "Especially after that Mindless on the flight to Orre..."
"Same in Alola.", Kukui said.
"Most people in Paldea aren't even aware about the Mindless.", Sada said.
"Lets hope it stays so.", Turo said. "The horror of being mindless. I couldn't imagine."
"Isn't it a Kanto exclusive problem?", Professor Neroli asked.
"No, there are some in Johto as well, but most are found at the border to Kanto.", Elm explained.
"In short, nothing new.", Juniper stated. "Now, Samuel, why do you wanted to talk to us now? What is that request you mentioned?"
"Remember the kid Gary nearly got killed? Well, he may become an On-Field Trainer and Researcher."
"Ah, the Ketchum kid! Is his hair still white?", Kukui asked.
"We heard you punishing Gary for it, so yeah, we remember.", Augustine said. "Wasn't that the kid your ghost types constantly follow around?"
"Yes, that one. He wants to be a ghost specialist.", Samuel explained. "I wanted to ask if one of you could send over a ghost type. I don't want to give him a Gastly or Misdreavus."
"I could send over a Litwick! A fire and ghost type!", Juniper offered. "It is a very reliable Pokémon and quite popular with the unovan OFTR's."
"But that like does not match the starter guidelines!", Rowan chimed in, "It is a stone evolution. These guidelines can only be bend for OFTR's only so much."
"Relax! I would send him the stone as well!", said.
"I am sorry, Katrin, but I have to agree with Rowan.", Magnolia said, "There is a reason why stone evolutions can't be starters. And I am fully aware that Eevees are an expectation to that rule."
Neroli then chimed in, "Doesn't Paldea and Alola have ghost type starters?"
"Yes! Sada and I have to offer the Skeledirge line, like Litwick, a fire and ghost type.", Turo said proudly, "One of Paldea's strongest Pokémon. Albeit one of the most popular, so I would like to keep them for our native trainers."
"Not like we breed them more than Sprigatito's and Quaxley's for that very reason, Turo.", Sada added, annoyed with her colleague and ex-husband. "We can send one over without issue."
"I could send over a Rowlet, it will be a grass and ghost type when it evolves into Decidueye.", Kukui said. "I could send over a shiny, even."
"Why a shiny specifically, Kukui?", Sycamore asked.
"Simple. The shiny Rowlet would cause a lot of arguing between this years group. I just don't want that.", Kukui explained.
Samuel sympathizes with his younger international colleague. He once had a batch that argued about a shiny Charmander. One of the trainers who ended up with the normals pretty much neglected his Bulbasaur out of frustration. The kid who got the Charmander got bullied a lot and the Squirtle kid tried to snatch his Charmander a few times. He understands why Kukui would want it off his hands.
"What is the Rowlet's personality?", Samuel asked.
"She is a sweetheart and very smart. She gets jealous, though, if she isn't the center of attention.", Kukui said. "My colleagues and assistants spoiled her a lot as she is a shiny. She loves to showcase her fighting skills. I think she hates me for not giving her to a trainer."
His wife Burnett yelled in the background, "She pecked him a lot!" They then saw that Kukui's hands were covered in bandages.
"Despite that, she is very loyal. Well, to Burnett.", Kukui added sheepishly. "Like my wife, she knows what she wants."
"Send her over, I think she is a good match for Ash.", Samuel decided. "Ash also had to wait a lot to be allowed to go."
"Will do after we're done.", Kukui confirmed, "Rowlet! You're getting a trainer!" They then heard a green ball of feathers flying around Kukui's room and chirping. "Someone's happy."
Two weeks later, Ash walked to the lab. No, he was running. Not late, he was very early. He couldn't wait any longer, now that his mom said he could. Arriving at the entrance he saw Gary.
"It was about time Delia lets you go.", Gary said, "And me due to the punishment from gramps."
"Yeah. Mom told me you're gonna be an On-Field Trainer and Researcher.", Ash answered, "Do you really want that?"
"I see no reason why not. The perks, Ash! I could theoretically get a special starter, I'll get a pass for free TM's, I will get paid!", Gary said excitedly. "Sure, I have to do some stuff for gramps and the league, but the perks!"
"That really doesn't sound bad... Special Pokémon you say?", Ash said, "I could get a ghost type that isn't a Gastly that way."
"Exactly! Gramps gonna offer a second spot, according to his assistant Tracy.", Gary tells him, "Now, do you plan to do anything specific, now that you're free?"
"I want to specialize in ghost types."
"I should have seen that one coming.", Gary said nonchalantly, "Now one I didn't see coming are Yellow and Green. Where are they? Not that it matters, us as the oldest, we'll get to choose first." The twins are two years younger. They somewhat idolized Ash and Gary. Green adored Gary for being Oak's grandson and Yellow thought Ash's hair and ghostly stuff was just the coolest. "Now, what do you plan to choose?"
"Assuming I decide not to be a OFTR, not a Squirtle. Probably a Charmander.", Ash answered. "Dad's starter was a Squirtle."
"Oh... would you mind if I choose it?", Gary asked.
"Not at all. I just don't want it myself.", Ash said. He then saw someone coming. "Ah, Yellow and Green are coming." Gary looked to where Ash was looking and saw the twins as well. When they arrived at the door, Professor Oak let them in.
The Professor stood besides a table. There were three Pokéballs, four Pokémon Indexes – or Pokédexes for short – and twenty Pokéballs grouped into five. "It is great to see you all on this great Friday. Now like you can see, you are four trainers but there are only three starters. I have an offer for the fourth one of you, a position as an On-Field Trainer and Researcher.", the Professor said. "In exchange for a week long training and a later start, and, well, working for me, they get a Pokémon of their choice – as long as it follows the starter guide lines - a TM pass and of course payment."
"What if none of us wants to?", Yellow asked. "There are still only three Pokémon."
"Theoretically they would wait at least two days before I get a fourth Pokémon, but I requested a Pokémon from Alola for a certain person-" He looked to Ash. "-so they would get just that. Or wait, if they don't like it. I don't want to send her back, though." Ash knew full well this offer was for him. Gary knew as well, but the twins didn't get the hint.
"Yellow, it would be unfair if just one of us is an OFTR.", Green said.
"Agreed.", her sister answered. "We won't do it."
"I'll would like to become an OFTR.", Ash said, seemingly volunteering for the role. "And I take that alolan Pokémon."
"Good. Now Gary, take your pick.", Samuel said, relieved Ash takes up the offer.
Gary didn't even think, he just picked the Squirtle. Then Green choose the Bulbasaur and Yellow the Charmander. After they picked their starters and received their dex, license and Pokéballs, they left. Ash stayed behind, as the professor has to explain what will happen now as he is now an OFTR.
"Starting next Monday, you will train in multiple skills for a week, including weekend! Your training will be supervised by Lt. Surge, a ranger and an experienced OFTR. On Sunday, there will be your exam. If you fail or not, on the Monday after that, you can go out and about.", the professor explained. "Now, I want to introduce you to your starter. Come out Rowlet!"
Samuel called her out and gave the ball to Ash, who looked at his starter.
"Woah, she is adorable!"
Remembering his hands, the professor said, "I doubt Kukui would call her adorable. Like you already know, she's from Alola, she is their grass starter. Her last evolution, Decidueye, is a grass and ghost type." Rowlet landed on Ash's shoulder and nuzzled his head. "Like you, she was impatient to get a trainer and travel. Kukui was very relieved when I requested her."
"Oh, why that?", Ash asked, "Has Alola no aspiring trainers?" Considering Alola has no real league, he sees no enticement to be a trainer in Alola.
"Oh no. It is just, this little girl is a shiny. Professor Kukui held her back, because trainers would just argue who gets her.", Professor Oak explained. "That issue doesn't exist by giving her to you. Now, don't tell the others she's a shiny."
"Will do.", Ash said. "Now, Gary is an OFTR too, right? Why doesn't he get a week long training?"
"He already did his. Well, a changed version as he had no Pokémon yet when he had his week.", explained Samuel.
The professor than gave him his stuff and send him home. He now has to introduce her to his mom. Walking out the lab, Gary, Yellow and Green saw him and Rowlet on his shoulder. Green asked, "Aren't you supposed to wait a week?"
"The week is for OFTR training.", Ash explained. Their ways then split. Ash returned home and introduced his mom to Rowlet.
Started: 12th September 2023
Edited: 29th July 2024
Finished: 12th September 2023
Uploaded: 4th October 2024