Again, sorry for the wait. Combination of lacking motivation and Uni assignments and exams. My last exam for the semester is next week so hopefully I have some more motivation.

Thanks so much for everyone reading and enjoying the story

If you have yet to notice, this is a combination of the games and the anime, hence why some of the battles here would be short and OP to the anime, but in the games being 10 levels higher with an advantage is usually enough to KO your opponent. I also add in things so great if you like them, if not just ignore or respond. Even give your own ideas!

I finally chose to go with Ash X Sabrina – chill guys I know Ash is young but I will make her a bit younger to match and they won't do too much. They are kids.

I (sadly) DO NOT OWN POKEMON

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

"Pokemon speech/Aura/Psychic"

'Pokemon thoughts'

Flashback

[Pokedex]

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

CHAPTER 9

To say that their trip was uneventful would have been untruthful. Very untruthful. Ash and co were walking down the main path when they discovered a starved and weakened Charmander atop a rock. Sensing its weakened presence, Ash had approached it cautiously, asking Pikachu to 'translate' for him. Pikachu, proud of his acting talent had been all too happy to oblige.

"He says he's waiting for his trainer" Pikachu commented as he performed exaggerated and rather ridiculous miming actions that the rodent had the audacity to call acting. Suppressing his laughter, Ash had relayed the information back to his friends. A grumbling sound from the Charmander's stomach had Ash asking how long the small fire lizard had been there, the response of 'a few days' had enraged Ash and forced him to try and convince the pokemon to follow them to the nearest Pokemon Centre. Sadly he refused. Submitting to the pokemon's wishes, Ash had left it with some food before leaving on his way.

Later that night, whilst the group were enjoying their dinner, Ash overheard a trainer by the name of Damien bragging about leaving his Charmander to die. Dread filled his stomach as he looked towards the window, watching the storm outside. Without thinking, Ash had vanished, running out of the centre doors before his friends could react. Gathering his psychic energy, he teleported himself to the Pokemon. Seeing the pitiful being attempting to shield itself with a leaf and fend off wild Spearow, Ash scooped it up, ignoring its protests. He removed his jacket, drying the pokemon with the lining before wrapping the lizard within to keep him warm. Realizing he wouldn't have the energy to teleport back, at least with the Charmander, he removed his shirt to shield its tail from the rain. Ignoring the biting cold, he hugged the bundled Pokemon to his chest as he ran at full speed.

He burst through the doors dripping wet, leaving a train of water as he skidded to a stop near Nurse Joy. She shot Ash the 'you are a terrible trainer and have gone too far' look before taking the Pokemon. Ash groaned as he realized he had a lot of explaining to do when she returned, it must have looked like Charmander was his pokemon. 'At least Brock and Misty will vouch for me' he contemplated.

Scanning the trainers within the centre, and glossing over the stunned expressions on his friends' faces, he approached the obnoxious laughing that came from the corner of the room. Blind rage took control of him as he approached Damien, sending his fist to the teen's jaw.

By the time Officer Jenny arrived, Damien lay unconscious on the floor, Nurse Joy in custody of his Pokemon. It had been unpleasant to discover that they were almost as injured and malnourished as the Charmander. Despite fighting in the Pokemon Centre, Nurse Joy had joined his friends in his defence and implicated Damien in the serious crime of Pokemon abuse. As it happened, Damien was wanted by several of the Jennys' on account of pokemon abuse, theft, and use of illegal steroids. In accordance with his crimes, he was arrested and his pokemon confiscated. Ash and friends had offered to take them once they were healthy enough to leave intensive care at the centre, and arranged for them to be sent to Bill's lighthouse where they would make a quick stop.

When everything had calmed down and Ash was once more fully clothed, he became painfully aware of the shocked silence of the group.

"Ash" Brock asked carefully, getting the boy's attention. "How did you get those scars?" he asked. Nurse Joy had unknowingly heard the question and paused her work, leaning closer to hear his answer. As a Pokemon Nurse she had a responsibility to the safety of not only Pokemon but their trainers as well. If something had happened to him on the road, she might have to take action. Ash, meanwhile, froze before twiddling his fingers, looking away in shame.

"I'd rather not talk about it" he commented, once more sealing off his emotions; allowing his cold apathetic composure to take over. Misty looked irate for a second before having the sense to reign her emotions and wisely let Brock handle it.

"If you were injured on your journey the league needs to know" Brock continued softly before Ash interrupted, shaking his head. Tears pricked at the corner of his eyes as he looked away from his friends, taking a deep breath he whispered his response so that only they could hear.

"It was before"

Misty looked at him questioningly before opening her mouth to reply. Brock noticed and nudged her before shaking his head. Confused, she backed down.

"Come on Ash" Brock said, standing and gesturing for Ash to follow. Silently asking Nurse Joy's permission, Ash was lead into the back room of the centre. Within it, Ash broke down, telling Brock of his father's absence, his mother's abuse. He told him about Gary and how his home town treated him. At some point Nurse Joy had put a blanket around him and placed a hot drink in his hand. Eventually Ash opened up to Brock and the Nurse, telling them of the fighting types back home, his ability to speak to Pokemon, to use aura and psychic, he even told them about the Professor and his help. His Pokemon had snuggled against him, letting themselves out of their pokeballs at sensing his distress. A warm glow from his one remaining pokeball caught his attention. Deciding to trust Brock, he released his last Pokemon. As Ho-oh materialized, Brock looked upon her in awe unable to form the words needed for coherent conversation.

Eventually Brock regaled Ash with tales of his own childhood, left to care for his many younger brothers and sisters. He explained his hardships and lack of childhood, how he had been bullied for acting different, for having his parents abandon him. By this time Ash had calmed himself and had begun to see Brock in a new light, the two had formed a closer relationship, one akin to brothers, and had silently sworn themselves to secrecy from what they had learnt. As Ash went to bed that night he felt as though a weight had been lifted from his chest and he slept well for the first time in years.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Following that debacle, and some ways up the road, Ash's keen aura sense had allowed him to avoid another pitfall, this one dug by a group of Squirtle. Misty had not been so lucky. After learning of their abandonment at the hands of their trainers, Ash had felt kindred spirits and went off to follow them, despite Bulbasaur's warning. Eventually, and after injuring his arm to save their leader, Ash had spoken with them and come to an agreement that would suit all parties. The leader would train to battle with Ash whilst the others would train to be a fire fighting team. No matter how hard he had tried, none of them had shown interest in going with Misty. 'Water types did tend to pair best with level headed and calm trainers' Ash thought. 'Except for Gyarados. Maybe Misty should have chosen fire types instead. It fits her personality better'.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Finally, the trio reached a large lighthouse. Approaching the large door, Ash rung the buzzer and waited for the reply. After only a moments pause Bill answered.

"Hello" he spoke. "Hi Bill, its Ash" Ash commented with a level tone. "Just a minute. Now where is the… oh! There it is" he trailed off, forgetting that he was still on the speaker. Ash smiled faintly as the door opened and he and his group entered. Despite his nerves at meeting their new Pokemon, the ones that had been taken from Damien, Ash maintained his apathetic composure. He had been to visit Bill at his lighthouse several times in the past to aid in his research. Bill, along with Professor Oak, had helped Ash to achieve his Junior Professor status. It was because of Bill that Ash's pokedex also functioned as a pokeball transfer device. During his previous visit, Ash had met a rather large Dragonite that lived out in the ocean. Ash had suggested that it was as large as it was because it preferred to remain in the buoyant ocean, putting less strain on its body and enabling it to survive at such a large size. Bill had theorized that it grew so large to accommodate its significant power and then chose to live in the ocean. Dragonite itself didn't even know and so little had come from their research. Recently, Ash had hypothesised that it was merely the result of a genetic mutation and hoped to discuss this further with his mentor.

As they entered the room, they came face to face with a pokemon.

"A Kabuto?" Ash questioned, frowning at the pokemon. It was huge and looked a little… off. It wasn't until it spoke that Ash recognised the voice and smirked. "Leave it to Bill to get stuck in one of his costumes" he murmured over his aura link, causing his pokemon to snicker. After releasing the man from his contraption and calling Professor Oak (thankfully he didn't mention Ho-oh) Ash and Bill discussed his new theory whilst his friends treated them to a home cooked dinner. Misty had initially remained but had left in boredom once they had begun discussing methods of genotyping a pokemon. She was put off that Ash would rather talk to the researcher than her so decided to start planning how to make Ash hers when Brock had asked for her help. Now she was just watching him from a distance. 'Totally not checking him out' she thought as she once more reminded herself to blink.

By morning the Pokemon Centre had sent over the newly rehabilitated Pokemon. Nervously, Ash aided Bill in releasing them from their pokeballs. It took some time, but both researchers felt it to be best to allow the Pokemon to choose the trainer and so they spent the afternoon playing with them before allowing them to choose. Abused Pokemon were complicated, they often lacked trust in trainers and would not be able to work with them. Researchers, along with many breeders, knew that allowing the Pokemon to choose and bond with the trainer would let them remain in control and feel safer about their new trainer.

By the end of the day each of the trio had new Pokemon. Misty had a Tentacool, a Vaporeon, and a Chinchou. Brock had a Rhyhorn and a Bastiodon. Ash, with his ability to understand Pokemon, had ended up with the most Pokemon, a shiny Vulpix, a Trapinch, Absol, Braviary, a Larvesta, and of course, the Charmander.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

By morning the group had continued on the road, finally reaching Vermilion. The trip would have taken longer if it weren't for Ash getting sick of the bickering, taking the map, and leading them the rest of the way. Lucario had spent the entire journey learning to read a map and follow the roads along with both Brock and Misty. Although Zorua and Pikachu remained outside of their pokeballs, the duo had found more enjoyment in pranking the group, their pokemon, and wild pokemon. Thankfully many of the wild pokemon were understanding whilst those that wanted to battle were easy to deal with for Ash. After healing the defeated wild pokemon most had left them be, only a few had wanted to be captured, following Ash until he caved. Of those were a shiny Ponta and a Skarmory.

Entering the city, the group went straight to the Pokemon Centre for a room. A hot shower, warm meal, and a check-up were definitely on the to-do list. Just as they has reached the front desk that heard a commotion outside.

"Hurry! You'll be okay Rattata" a small boy reassured as he ran alongside a Chansey pushing a stretcher through the doors. The group made way for them as Ash assessed the small rodent. It was small, so probably young. No more than level 15. Its colouring was decent but its fur looked dry. 'Dehydration perhaps' Ash thought, although the singe marks suggested electrocution. 'Must have fought the gym leader, he uses electric types'. Upon thinking this Ash frowned, this pokemon was much too injured for it to have been a gym leader, the Rattata was weak but not that weak, and gym leaders were supposed to teach, not kill their opponents pokemon.

"Hurry!" the boy yelled a final time as they rushed into surgery.

"I wonder what happened" Brock mused as though thinking aloud. Almost immediately, Nurse Joy stood with a scowl on her face. "It's the fifteenth one this month" she growled, looking towards the door they had entered.

Ash frowned in response before looking to the recovery room, in the last few minutes he had seen several trainers go through those doors. His thoughts were interrupted by Lucario. Stepping forward she puffed out her chest and addressed the Nurse. "I would like to help" she said with the upmost confidence. Many of her 'brothers' and 'sisters' had hard pasts and helping came second nature to her. It reminded Ash of Gardevoir, much to his amusement.

"Oh my" Nurse Joy exclaimed, looking stunned at the pokemon before her. The talking pokemon. Before she could further act, Ash spoke.

"I would also like to help" he commented, eyes shining with pride as he looked at his 'daughter'. "I'm sure at least one other of my pokemon would also volunteer" he added.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

"They were all defeated by Lt. Surge" the Nurse informed them as Ash, Brock, Misty, Lucario, Gardevoir, Espeon, Zorua, and Pikachu entered the room to help. 'This might take a while' Ash thought, scanning over the rows of injured pokemon.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

As the sun rose the following morning, Ash set out with his chosen group of pokemon to train. "Alright guys" he spoke after making sure he was truly alone, "This next battle is one-on-one and it's going to be difficult". Ash paused for a moment to observe his pokemon. 'Some of the pokemon with Nurse Joy had a type advantage and sill lost. I can't take any chances here' he thought looking over his group. If Lt. Surge could take out a ground type, then his pokemon had to know a variety of moves and playing it safe would be his best bet.

"Gabite" he spoke, turning to face the pokemon. In turn, Gabite raised her head and locked eyes with Ash. Her face broke out into a smile and she eagerly nodded her head. Ash grinned. Now to prepare.

"Surge uses a Raichu" Ash addressed his pokemon "they mainly use normal and electric type moves but they can learn a variety of others. Most Raichu trainers teach them a fighting, grass, psychic, or ground type move." Ash paused for effect before looking to Gabite. "Gabite will be taking this battle" he announced, his pokemon responding in cheers and congratulatory gestures to the dragon type. "So we will need each of your help in training. I want you to restrict your moves to the types mentioned before, focusing on electric. Pikachu" He gestured to the mouse "I want you to use Thunderbolt after Gabite has been soaked with a water gun" he then turned to Gabite "as electric moves usually have no effect, you have no tolerance for when they do. This will help. After that, Pikachu will try to paralyse you with static. Try to learn how to overcome that. From there we try to build up more resistance and speed before looking over your moves."

As the pokemon broke off to practice and teach Gabite all she would need to know, Ash looked over her moves. Deciding Earthquake and Dig to be the most useful, he started to come up with a plan.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

As he walked to the gym his shoulders taken by small electric rodents (no one could tell only one was actually a Pikachu) he was internally terrified. Of course to Ash, this meant that he stood tall with an apathetic expression, his hood covering most of his face and his arms crossed in front of his chest, making them look more muscular than usual. Granted, Misty was the only one to notice this. Then again, this was her favourite persona of his and the main reason she loved to watch him battle, unless he used water types, then her attention was divided.

As the doors opened, a tough looking man and woman stood blocking the entrance.

"Hey boss, another victim for the emergency room" the man called over his shoulder. Ash and his pokemon growled. Hurting pokemon on purpose, for what? Fun. They were going to give him one hell of a surprise. The man in question chose that moment to appear, larger than Ash would have liked. Ash ignored most of what the man said. Right up until he started to call both himself and his pokemon 'baby'. "He is going down" Ash growled over his aura link, his pokemon agreeing without any hesitation.

The battle will now begin. Only one Pokemon may be used, the gym leader has chosen Raichu. There is no time limit. Let the battle begin.

Ash smirked as he reached for his pokeball tossing it into the air, his eyes never leaving Surge. As the light died down the gym was overcome by a monstrous roar as a large Garchomp stepped onto the field, the ground quaking beneath her. Ash's smirk turned into a grin as Surge's face fell, his Raichu gulped, his posse stared wide eyed, and Ash's friend's jaws hit the ground.

Once more Garchomp roared, signalling she was ready to battle. "Earthquake" Ash commanded, hoping to play it safe. Snapping to attention, Surge finally ordered a command "Mega Punch the ground to avoid it and jump!" This battle was not at all going the way he thought it would.

Ash smirked "intercept with Dragon Rush". Raichu, still in the air from his dodging, couldn't avoid the immense speed Garchomp approached with and was struck with the attack, sending him into the gym's wall. Falling to the ground, the rodent rose shakily to its feet before using Growl. Despite the lowered attack, neither Ash nor Garchomp were worried. Raichu didn't have long left.

"Get in close and use Body Slam." Ash watched Raichu approach and waited until the last second. "Throw it down then Earthquake." Unable to avoid the super effective move, Raichu fell with swirls in his eyes. Defeated.

Raichu is unable to battle. Garchomp and the challenger win.

"So powerful" came Misty's voice from the stands making Ash freeze. Daring to look over his shoulder, he was exasperated to find her watching him and not Garchomp like he had hoped, with a starry eyed look. Garchomp laughed. "Shut up" Ash murmured under his breath as he lightly elbowed his pokemon. Garchomp only laughed even harder.

"Well, looks like you aren't such a baby after all" Surge commented, looking between the two. "You earned this" he added, holding out his hand, a badge within his palm. Nodding his head, and not trusting himself to be civil, he took the badge and left, his friends following behind him.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Apparently all it took for Lt. Surge to change his ways was a single defeat. Ash could not for the life of him understand how that worked, but apparently people could change overnight. Too bad nobody he knew had ever done that. Either way, as thanks for his 'help', Ash had been gifted tickets for the St. Anne. He would have declined if it weren't for Misty, she insisted a 'romantic cruise' would be fun. And despite the uncertainty creeping into his chest as he looked at the tickets, his friends did mean something to him and people did do this kind of thing with their friends. Right?

That night his dreams were plagued with nightmares of Misty dragging him to a bedroom, and a sinking ship. Before he woke, he could have sworn he saw a young girl giggling, repeating "play with me" over and over.

I feel so mean cutting it off here. Hehehe. I think you can guess who this is. Next chapter is when everything happens. Introducing Team Rocket (finally) and Sabrina. SPOILER – Using Pokemon Adventures for inspiration – 3 gym leaders *cough* *cough*.

Here is a full list of Ash's pokemon to date along with gender and level (they train whilst travelling so the level will go up every now and again).

M Zorua 41, F Gardevoir (shiny) 58, M Primeape 45, M Pikachu 48, M Fearow 46, F Ho-oh 85, M Gallade 60, M Poliwrath 48, F Espeon 43, F Sylveon 43, F Lucario (shiny/white) 40, F Garchomp 51, M Arcanine 39, F Dratini 15, M Psyduck 17, M Bulbasaur 29, F Vulpix (shiny) 15, M Trapinch 11, M Absol 13, M Braviary 15, F Larvesta 20, F Ponyta (shiny) 22, M Skarmory 25, M Squirtle 23, M Charmander 20

Brock's Pokemon:

Geodude, Onyx, Zubat, Corsola, Rhyhorn, Bastiodon

Misty's Pokemon:

Staryu, Starmie, Tentacool, Vaporeon, Chinchou