It was finally time, Ash thought as he shouldered his rucksack looking around his room. He had done everything he could in the five years since speaking with Arceus and Mew. Five years where he had trained every single day mastering his aura, honing his body for what was to come. Looking in the mirror he saw the young man looking back at him. Ash was fairly tall for his age at just under 5 foot, messy jet-black hair with blue undertones and startling blue eyes. He had a very athletic toned body; he wasn't overly muscly by any means, but he was certainly very wiry and was very strong. He had discovered in the book his dad left him that Aura wielders had denser than usual bones, designed to absorb the impact aura usage did to the body. They were stronger than normal people, could withstand more injuries and healed very quickly. Ash knew this to be true given the training regimen he had been on and the number of injuries he'd sustained over the years.
Walking downstairs he saw his mother waiting for him with a teary smile on her face. Giving him a big hug, she said,
"Oh, Ashy," she said. "Where has the time gone? It only seems like yesterday that I was bringing you home from the hospital. Now you are a young man about to set out and make your mark on the world. I am so proud to be your mother. Now before you leave with your starter, I want you to come see me. I have a few going away gifts for you. Get going."
Leaving the rucksack next to the door, given he was returning shortly, Ash left walking down the long familiar road to the windmill that sat atop Oak's laboratory. Oak had given all the trainers starting a set time to arrive, staggered so that they could receive their starting kits. Walking up to the gate he noticed a large crowd assembled there. It seemed like someone had hired a cheerleading crowd to see someone off. As the crowd parted, he knew immediately who it would be.
"Well, well," said a snide voice, "it's the loser. Are you sure you're in the right place, Ashy-Boy?"
"Well, this is your grandfather's lab right?" Ash replied back with a raised eyebrow. "I mean I know you're slow Gary, but I would have thought you'd know what this place is. And given you've seen me come in here many times over the years I would have thought that it would have clicked in your tiny brain what this place is seeing as how your own grandfather runs the place."
Hearing sniggers from the assembled crowd one of the cheerleaders shouted at him "Hey, you can't say that to Gary. He's going to be the best trainer in the world" and as if they had a hive mind they all started chanting "Gary, Gary he's our man. If he can't do it no one can".
"Oh, my word," Ash said laughing tears rolling down his face "you actually have cheerleaders? Who the hell thought that would be a good idea?"
"That would be me," said a voice from the side as the crowd parted and Blue Oak walked forwards. "I even bought him a car to travel to each city."
"You bought an eleven-year-old a car?" Ash asked incredulously. "Poor Sam. His intelligence has clearly skipped a few generations."
"Hey, you can't talk to my father like that!" Gary shouted. "You're just jealous that you have no one to see you off".
"And whose fault is that, Gary?" Ash asked seriously. Seeing his confused face, he continued "why don't you ask your dad whose fault it is that I have no one to see me off, see if he tells you the truth. And as for you Blue, I wouldn't get too comfortable sitting in the champion's seat. In a few years it won't be yours to sit in anymore, not that it should be anyway seeing as you never earned it. Now I have an appointment to keep. Good luck Gary. You're going to need it".
Turning his back on them he walked to Sam's laboratory. Hearing Gary ask what he meant he walked on unconcerned. As far as Ash was concerned Blue was partly responsible for what happened given he had attacked Rocket's base without back-up. He may not have been ultimately at fault for what happened to his father, but it was because of him that his dad had to go in and rescue him resulting in his disappearance. He still couldn't fathom how his mother forgave him and he didn't think he ever would. Walking into the lab he saw the professor sat behind his desk filling out forms.
"Who's bright idea was it to give Gary a car?" Ash asked sitting down across from him.
"Don't Ash," Sam said holding both hands up. "I've had this discussion, at length with my son. Hopefully, I've dissuaded him from hiring those cheerleaders he was thinking about getting Gary".
"You might not want to have a look out of your window then," Ash said smirking "it doesn't look like either message got through to your son".
Shaking his head Sam leaned back. Looking up he mumbled "Arceus help me" standing up he walked over to a podium where a solitary Poké Ball sat on it. Picking it up he walked back and placed it on his desk. Pulling out a box he opened it and pulled out an electronic device. Ash had heard of them and seen a few in the hands of the various trainers that had passed through the ranch. It was Oak's pride and joy and it was called the Pokédex. It was his crowning achievement, an encyclopaedia on every Pokémon in the Kanto region, one which had been adapted by every other region to include their region. This one wasn't the usual red that he'd seen various trainers have though. This one was blue and purple.
"This Ash is a National Pokédex. On it is information on every Pokémon in the world, not just from the Kanto region. It is also your personal identification, has your bank account, and a map of the regions. Should you lose this it cannot be replaced so take safe care of it. Inside this ball is your new partner." At that moment, a cry from the window drew both their attention. Opening it up Sam leapt back as a Pikachu jumped in and started chattering away.
"Oh, wow," Ash said shocked "professor this is the Pichu whose life we saved all those months ago. It seems after the conversation I had with him a few weeks ago he has given it a lot of thought and it has demanded to be my partner" getting a nod and a "Pi" Sam sat down.
"Well, I haven't registered this Charmander as yours just yet so that shouldn't be an issue. I seem to recall though that it has a certain hatred for Poké Balls. How are you going to transport it?" Pikachu answered that by hopping onto Ash's shoulder and looking defiantly at Sam. Chuckling Sam shook his head. "You still need to be caught by Ash to be registered". Placing an empty Poké Ball on the table and seeing the uncertain look on Pikachu's face he carried on "I'm sure Ash can let you out straight away, but this is non-negotiable I'm afraid. It's for everyone's safety in case of a dispute should you be stolen or claimed as someone else's. This way it can be proven that you belong to Ash."
Muttering Pikachu made its way onto the table sniffing at the Poké Ball. Shaking its head in clear disgust Ash chuckled "it won't be for long Pikachu. I promise you that as soon as you're registered I will let you out and never force you into the ball again unless I have no other choice". Sighing the Pikachu touched the button and clicked it in. Immediately the ball began to rock back and forth before it stopped and the button went black.
"Well Ash, it looks like you got what you wanted after all," Oak said cheerfully "This Pikachu is rather special. Why don't you use your new Pokédex and scan it".
Lifting the device, he scanned Pikachu. A cool voice immediately said "Pikachu, Pokédex Number 25, the Mouse Pokémon, It stores electricity in the electric sacs on its cheeks. When it releases pent-up energy in a burst, the electric power is equal to a lightning bolt. This Pokémon is Male, has the ability Lightning Rod and has a Mild nature. It knows the moves Iron Tail, Thundershock, Thunder Wave and Quick Attack. It has the egg move Volt Tackle, but it has not yet been unlocked. It's unusual colouring signifies this Pokémon has the shiny gene."
"Wow professor," Ash said whistling "you weren't wrong about him being special, were you?"
Standing up Sam gave Ash Pikachu's Poké Ball. "No, now there are a few things I need to tell you before you set out. This year a few new changes have been implemented by the Pokémon League. For starters, battles. Your Pokémon can know as many moves as you can teach it but you are only able to use four in an official battle so think carefully before blindly giving orders as it is an automatic disqualification should you use five. There is a new system that has been implemented this year regarding battles. Should two or more Pokémon be involved in the fight from one side then the prize money will double what you'd normally receive. This is done automatically through your Pokédex who will listen out in a battle.
As you're a junior professor you are able to use your Pokédex to gain access to materials that are normally restricted. Be warned Ash, should you abuse this privilege then it can and will be revoked. You can also use it to access your own room in Pokémon centres too. I have already told you about your main mission from the league. You are not to tell anyone except your mother or myself about that. After every gym battle you need to write a report to me about how it went and what the experience was like and at the end of your journey, I will collate them all and send them to Charles, Blue and Lance. I think that is everything for now. Here is Pikachu, your Pokédex and five Poké Balls to start you on your journey. I wish you the very best of luck Ash".
Thanking the professor Ash walked out of the building. Thankful that the crowd had disappeared he released Pikachu who immediately jumped onto Ash's shoulder and started muttering about tight confined spaces. Chuckling Ash walked to his house and told Pikachu about his plans for the near future and that tonight he would have serious discussion with Pikachu about what happened with Arceus. But for now, he had his mother to say goodbye to.
Walking into his house he shouted for his mother to join him in the living room. Immediately Pikachu was picked up and cooed over. Ash looked on bewildered, both Sam and himself were attacked by Pikachu when they first met him but here was a complete stranger to Pikachu and he did nothing. "Oh, Ash he is so adorable. Is this the Pichu you rescued? I can see why you wanted him. He is very special, isn't he?".
Looking at Pikachu questioningly he received a sheepish reply of "you don't mess with a mum."
Shaking his head thinking about traitorous little mice Ash replied "He sure is mum. I just wanted to introduce you to my new partner before I left. You said you had something for me?"
Placing Pikachu down she walked over to a box that was on the table "yes, I have the latest Pokégear here for you. I have already stored both mine and Sam's number in it so there should be no excuse to keep me updated on your progress. I have also bought you a blanket that I've already placed into your collapsible tent. And I also thought you should have this" she finished pulling out an item.
Gasping Ash walked over and reverently picked it up "Dad's hat. Mum, I can't take this".
"Don't be silly Ash. Red was going to either buy you one or give you this when you left anyway." She replied "he would want you to have it. And it's only collecting dust here".
Placing it on he marvelled at the feel. It was like having a piece of his dad with him. He had grown up on the stories of Red Ketchum as his dad was a legend in the Pokémon world. Hugging his mum he thanked her and picked up his rucksack "well I need to leave now mum. I love you. Thank you for being my mother."
Openly crying Delia hugged Ash and kissed his head. "Take good care of yourself Ash. And you too Pikachu. Look after him for me" receiving a "Pi" as Pikachu jumped on his shoulders Ash left "I'll give you a ring tonight to tell you where I am, hopefully I should make Viridian in the next few days. Oh, and if you want a laugh go and ask Sam what Blue bought Gary as a leaving present. Bye Mum."
Walking out of Pallet Town was a strange experience for Ash. He had never left here without his mother; he had never crossed the boundary without Oak's Charizard so this was all brand new to him. Ash had been travelling for several hours along the path chatting away to Pikachu about his plans for the future and what his task was off Arceus.
"I may have to kill Pikachu, as might you, so if you're unsure about following me then I'd leave now. Otherwise, I am going to be training you to the bone every single day until you become feared by trainers everywhere. I know the reputation of Pikachu in general, a cute little mouse that needs to evolve before it becomes worthwhile".
"That will change" Pikachu said determinedly his cheeks sparking "I will say now that I have no desire to evolve Ash. I have seen the arrogance of Raichu in action and I know that I have the potential to be stronger than them so I will stay as a Pikachu. And I will also stay and train and as long as the person we kill deserves it then I am willing to do so, even if its reluctantly. Lady Arceus gave you this task, and she brought you to me for a reason. If we must be her judgement on Earth, then I'm fine with that".
"Good" Ash said "I won't lie, I was worried you'd leave. Now then we must come up with a training regime and I have virtually unlimited funds so when we get to Viridian I will be buying you supplements to go along with your food. That too will be specialised. I will also be covering all your weaknesses as much as possible. I already know your electricity is strong, but I eventually want you to shatter boulders with a single attack, rock types will fear you Pikachu. For now though lets go over what you know and perfect your current moves. You already have Iron Tail which is perfect for the first gym leader in Pewter City. We won't see him though for roughly a month so we have all that time to get you as strong as possible. I'm hoping to turn your Thundershock into Thunderbolt by that point too but I'm not worried if we can't just yet".
With that Ash took out the weights and attached them to Pikachu's limbs and tail "these are only on the light setting for now but over time I will increase their limit. We're going to work on your speed for now. Every morning we will go for a run no matter where we are, I will train alongside you, and we will get stronger together. We will then stop for lunch. Later on in the afternoons we will be working on moves and then around 4pm every day is when we will carry on travelling. We will be in bed by ten. This is a tentative regime so far, and we will try and keep to it as much as possible.
"Ok Ash. That sounds reasonable so far" Pikachu said "I reserve the right to tell you when I'm at my limit though. Don't forget I've trained on my own for the last few years, I know a lot of where my strengths lie" Nodding Ash began walking while Pikachu walked alongside him getting used to the weights. Every now and then they would come across a wild Pokémon and battle it. Ash had no desire to catch any of the Pokémon on Route 1. Battling the occasional Pidgey and Rattata gave Ash a good idea where Pikachu's base was and Ash limited Pikachu to just Quick Attack for now. His mantra was "you can't hit what you can't see". And so, this carried on over the next few days as they travelled and got to know each other. It was at the end of the second day when things went wrong. During their training one of Pikachu's Thundershocks went wayward from the boulder he was aiming at and lit up a Pokémon in the grass at the side of it. Stopping what they were doing Ash and Pikachu walked over to see what they hit. All of a sudden, a loud cry came from it "Speeeaaarrooow"
"Oh crap" Ash said, "that's not good. They never travel alone Pikachu. We need to leave here now" packing up as quickly as he could he had just put his rucksack on his shoulders when he began to hear wings in the distance. Lots of wings. "Pikachu, run" and with that they took off running into the nearest set of trees. Panting they stopped and waited for the horde to pass. There must have been at least 30 Spearow that passed by over the next few minutes. Staying there for ten minutes after they passed Ash deemed it safe to carry on "we really need to improve your aim Pikachu" he said chuckling as they tread along the path to Viridian. Around evening the weather began to turn quite bad. Lots of storm clouds were starting to gather in the distance so they began to look for shelter. Finding none they decided to set up the tent under a few trees at the side of a clearing and wait for the storm to pass by. Just as Ash put the last tent peg in, he heard a noise behind him. Turning around he saw a Spearow land looking furious.
"Oh crap" Ash said for the second time that day as it shrieked again and in the distance he heard a reply. "Pikachu, we may need to fight here. We won't have time to pack up and leave. I will help as much as possible using Aura spheres and lances, but the majority will have to be done by you. I won't be holding back either" within minutes the horde had arrived and started to attack. Pikachu and Ash were hard pressed to do much but little by little they thinned out a third of the horde. By this point though they were both scratched up and exhausted and looking over at Pikachu Ash knew that they wouldn't be able to take them all on, their tent was no protection against 20 Spearow either so he needed to come up with a plan. At that very moment Ash heard a rumble up above. It was as if a lightbulb went off in his head.
"Pikachu, I need you to fire as many Thundershocks as you can into those clouds as quickly as you can. I know we're at the point of passing out here, but this is our last chance."
Without hesitating Pikachu did as he was asked. After a minute of this Pikachu sat back exhausted. He was out of electricity. Seeing this the Spearow began to dive bomb them. Just before they were about to hit though a massive lightning bolt came down from the clouds and hit a few of the Spearows. "Pikachu, jump into the next bolt and use the strongest Thundershock you can, don't worry about hitting me. I can use my Aura as a shield for most of the damage" Again without hesitation Pikachu did as he was asked and the world turned yellow and the cries of pain from the Spearows echoed for miles around. Ash and Pikachu passed out next to each other just as the world went silent.
Coming to Ash noticed he and Pikachu were not alone, surrounding them were the bodies of at least twenty knocked out Spearows, many of which were blackened husks. Nudging Pikachu awake he shook his head and cleared the cobwebs away "Well Pikachu, it looks like we survived. You were amazing Pikachu. Thank you, you saved us both."