Hello guys! I've decided that I didn't really like Journey of a Lifetime. It felt like I was just using Ash as an excuse to write an OC story. I have also skipped far too many episodes which I can actually use for character progress.

With this story I intend to do the following: Ash will have tons of power but nearly no control in the beginning. He, thanks to an accident, will be capable of understanding the Mon language and experiment with Aura.

Now what did I do to make him special? What makes him different from other stories? He'll be different from his hyperactive self, thanks to Gary's influence as a child. He learns the importance of knowledge. He creates something for such a thing, in order to make his journey better. I will not completely BS their growth and the pokémon's power nor will I grant them an egg pool worthy of the Japanese (no offense) efforts. I may go BS on their power such as not limiting myself to levels but hey, gotta make some overpowered Chosen One. Expect a Pikachu that absorbs lightning from storms for years to be capable of a Raichu's electric powers. Doesn't mean he won't lose a single battle though.

As for his traveling partners… Brock has to stay. Instead of simply caring for Ash and his traveling partner, he will be studying medicine and special recipes for pokémon growth with Ash. He will also train as I never liked how Brock still had a Geodude after so freaking long. Just give him a Golem already! What about that Vulpix? Why not capture more for himself? Brock practically stopped catching wild Pokémon after Zubat and followed Ash's principles of the way of talk-to-join.

Just a heads up to many: Ash will only capture 6 pokémon for a team. The rest will have other reasons. The reason why is simply because he can't take care of hundreds of pokémon so I limited it to 60. This means he will only capture 60 pokémon during the journeys up to Kalos and after that I will re-do Hoenn due to Alpha Sapphire. A note I'd place here is that I might consider more by then due to reasons. Reasons I have noted very detailed in a file on my computer.

Ash was always hyperactive as a child. He has been crawling around the house in very short months and was always trying to learn and do new things. Even now, at the summer camp for the little kids to introduce them to the world of Pokémon, he was the same.

He was pretty small for a child and had spiky black hair. His eyes were a warm chocolate brown that revealed unveiled curiosity to everything around him and his cheeks had small marks on them. To be honest, most of the girls found him cute. Of course, those girls could be considered 16 to 20 and often thought of him as a little brother figure.

Right now he is staying at the pokémon camp that Professor Oak hosts for children in Pallet Town and other nearby towns. Ash had always been close friends with Gary, the grandson of Professor Oak. Ever since they learned to speak they began to look around for new things together and they often found themselves in adventures far beyond their age. Right now was such a thing occurring… and this time they messed up.

A large Golem roared as the two boys were looking around in a cave for any possible gems or rare stones they could keep. This was obviously its territory… and let's not forget that the two boys are away from camp because they stepped out of line during their curiosity.

The Golem growled and wondered why children were in its territory. Human children at that! This is his haven and he'll get them out no matter what! It roared and ran after the boys who quickly scrambled up on their feet and ran out of the cave screaming. Both boys were holding a stone. Ash carried a fire stone whereas Gary was holding a water stone. They found them just before the Golem roared and was about to celebrate until this happened…

"Run away! Mad pokémon!" Both boys screamed and Ash unknowingly sent out a large distress signal with his aura. Gary similarly did the same with a burst of psychic energy that attracted another trainer. Golem though, found it insulting and ran after them again.

That was until they, during their panic tripped. At least, Gary did… and Ash was looking at him with fear clear in his eyes. Fear to lose his friend.

"Ash! Run away okay, call for help!" Gary called out in panic before the Golem got closer and growled… that was until Ash revealed a nature that later on would cause so much trouble in his life.

Ash stood in front of Gary and his eyes just began to glow blue. He wouldn't let his best friend get hurt, pokémon be damned! Even if Arceus her- or himself would descend from the skies to use Judgement on Gary Oak, Ash would take it and protect him!

His aura, yet again, bursted and attracted the pokémon that was now running at their direction. Riley, who followed the pokémon at a very fast speed for a human was wondering why his pokémon acted like that… until he felt the second burst.

Gary's eyes widened at Ash's brave yet stupid actions. Well, you can't blame a child for this can you? He did admire Ash for this however.

Ash couldn't help but flinch when the Golem was walking closer and the earth just shook as it came closer and closer. Ash wouldn't budge however - he'd never leave behind his friends!

Friendship. A beautiful thing that many would appreciate… Gary now felt what it meant to have a real friend and now his psychic energy bursted again. Two children, one of Aura that was destined to lead and fight whereas the other was one of Psychic to search and solve. Two friends connected by this funny thing known as fate.

A loud cry was heard as a blue blur came in and smashed the Golem away despite its weight. In front of the boys stood a Lucario - though they didn't know that yet - and even now Ash was looking straight at the Jackal Pokémon with fierce determination as if judging it if it will attack or not.

The Lucario had to hide a smirk… This child, this monster, he repeated in his mind. The amount of Aura the Lucario could feel was startling and it showed why Ash was always so hyperactive. A Lucario can feel the amount of Aura around itself and now nearby Ash it felt like it was standing to something akin to Aura with a human skin. That child must feel a sugar rush every second of his life!

"Gollleeem!" Roared the rock/ground type pokémon as it used rollout to reach the Lucario for its offensive action against him.

"Lucario, catch it now the rollout is weak and throw it back. Use aura sphere afterwards," a calm and collected voice could be heard and the two boys immediately looked at the new arrival. It was a young boy, perhaps 15 years old. He wore a blue outfit that was strikingly similar to an aura guardian.

"Lu… Cario!" The mentioned pokémon grunted and lifted the heavy pokémon with what looked like ease. Gary and Ash could only stare in awe at what was happening, their former uncontrollable energy subsiding as they were watching their first official battle with complete focus.

After throwing the Golem to a safe distance the Lucario charged a large blue orb in between its two paws and 'fired' it at the Golem. The orb promptly exploded and knocked the Golem unconscious.

A psychic trainer remained in the distance as the trainer recognized that there was no longer any danger. Lucian had to hide a smirk - his rival Riley had always had this hero complex. Despite not being a real psychic he had the ability to sense the energy and came rushing in himself to find Riley saving the two young boys.

"Woooaaaah," both boys were awed and Ash just looked at Riley and Lucario with wide eyes as if he felt some kind of connection. Gary however, also felt the other person before the psychic energy left him completely and he looked behind him. Despite having a few scratch wounds from falling he quickly pointed behind him.

"Another pokémon or person!" He warned as Riley instantly sent the Lucario on the poor soul… which was promptly met by Lucian's Gallade.

Lucario recognized the pokémon immediately. They were rivals themselves after all...

"Lucian? What are you doing here?" questioned Riley as he looked at the other teenage boy.

"The same as you. Felt energy," A curt reply, short and simple.

Gary had to blink a few times as he stared at the Gallade… now both boys were completely mesmerized by the respective Pokémon types.

"Cool!" Both boys shouted as they ran at the pokémon. Ash went to Lucario and Gary went to the Gallade. It was perhaps instinct, but they went to their respective types.

Both pokémon just chuckled and Lucario used Aura to speak to the children. "Hello young Chosen," Riley was shocked! This boy was the chosen?! "You're lucky we were nearby."

Ash blinked a few times as he stared at the Lucario. It seems Gary had a similar reaction to a Gallade using telepathy to talk to him.

"YOU SPEAK!" Both boys screamed in excitement and the other four presences couldn't help but snort. Such a reply full of innocence and brimming curiosity… They couldn't blame them though.

This was the start of Ash and Gary's growth. Whilst both wouldn't capture their respective type yet, they received minor instructions and began to practice on their own. Of course due to both boys being 'prodigies' in their own right, they could read and comprehend knowledge much better than other children. As expected of those who are blessed with power.

A small mistake, however, was letting children do things on their own. Either by being too trusting or simply forgetting in Riley's case. Can't blame a yet-to-reach aura guardian for such a mistake though.

That was what happened 2 years ago. Both boys were now 6 years old and their friendship was the same as before. The difference however is that they were much different mentally and emotionally.

Gary was far calmer than before and could absorb knowledge as if he was drinking water. His mind, thanks to meditating and processing psychic energy, worked far better than a normal person's - or boy's in this case.

Ash became the same as Gary after a small incident. Both boys, five at that time, were in the Oak Ranch, at their secret base that was made by requesting a friendly pokémon to help them and studied the use of Aura and Psychic energy to apply it to their bodies.

Whereas Gary was hesitating, Ash did it without thinking. He was still hyperactive due to not having enough meditation lessons to subdue the massive amount of Aura and now it supplied his body without any control. The change was nearly instantly… Ash shouted and rolled on the ground in pain but Gary had to watch in worry and morbid fascination at the changes his friend was going through.

Ash was holding his eyes as he added far too much aura. His skin became paler and the small marks on his cheeks began to disappear. His once spiky black hair began to go down as if they were finally controlled and it was only out of pure survival instinct that Ash finally learnt how to control the amount in his body. Survival instincts are like pokémon learning a new move - they activate and you won't forget.

The damage however was done. Ash opened his eyes and there was a small trail of blood and tears that leaked from them. His eyes were now a maroon color that Gary had to admit showed dominance.

"W-what happened… I feel weird, calm," Ash choked out. His voice hurt from screaming so loud and Gary offered a glass of water that he greedily drank.

Of course, Gary couldn't stay silent. "You idiot! Using Aura out of nowhere wasn't a good idea! Warn me!" Gary was obviously worried and good reason for doing so. The other boy had bled from his eyes and cried in pain.

"I-... I know. I should have thought about it," Ash really regretted his actions. Something was weird though… "Gary, why can I see much clearer and why don't I feel the urge to run around?" He asked as the control was increased due to survival instincts - thus not yet knowing why.

Gary had to blink before shrugging and told Ash of his changes… Man, that Gary Oak was capable of ignoring his best friend bleeding from the eyes. Well, Ash did sound fine so that must've had an effect.

That was up until Ash egged him to do it in minor amounts. Gary was always the one that had better control - as expected of a Psychic - so he should be able to boost himself as they speculated. Gary did do it this and he felt like time slowed just a little. His brain worked overdrive and he had so many thoughts in short seconds that it felt like time nearly didn't pass. Good thing it was in lesser amounts because if it wasn't, he might've received mental damage.

"W-Wow… I just felt like time stopped for a bit. I could think really fast Ash! This is awesome!"

The start of their journey began. One as a trainer, the other as a researcher.

The boys soon ran towards Oak's Lab, intending to explain everything to Oak. While Ash still had some small trails of blood on his cheeks the pokémon around him seemed to be more likeable to him now… and he could hear them talk!

Gary obviously became jealous but didn't say much. Ash suffered for this and Gary understood that if Ash can do it, he will be capable of doing it in the future as well.

The two boys spotted a man's back as they reached the entrance and instantly glomped his legs.

"Gramps! / Professor Oak!" Both cheerful voices came out as Oak turned around and nearly fainted at seeing Ash have blood on his face… and his eyes became red? What in the name of Arceus?

"We did something really cool! I can understand pokémon and I don't feel like running around all day anymore!" Ash started but Gary was eager to join as well. "I can make myself think really, really fast!"

Oak had to stare at the boys in front of him. His grandson sounded like he had the abilities of a psychic… perhaps it was because of the mental stress they received as children when they ran from the Golem?

Yes, Oak knew of it.

No, Delia did not know of it.

The two boys were once brought back, carried by pokémon as they moved with Riley and Lucian's main pokémon, to Oak and they explained what happened to the poor children.

In the end, it seemed that it had benefits though… Oak couldn't deny the giddiness he felt - Psychics could always think much clearer than others. Gary would pretty much pick up his legacy and reach further than he ever did himself.

"Well, well boys. I'm impressed.. but Ash, you should clean yourself." Oak tried to calm them down, but then got a stern look. "This, however, does not excuse your actions! It's very dangerous to simply try those things out!"

Gary flinched but Ash looked at the man with determination.

A smirk was on the boy's lips. "I will do anything for my friends! Controlling what that really cool Lucario has is just the beginning! After I get strong enough and I become a trainer, I will become a pokémon master… and then I intend to have a reaaaally big family and protect them all!"

Oak had to admit, he was impressed. It seems Ash really had guts.

Gary did gain some bravado from Ash's words. "Yeah Gramps! I want to become a strong trainer too, but I think I like research as well. Is it possible to be a battling professor?" He asked innocently.

Oak just laughed at their actions. So much innocence and yet they did things adults would dream of.

"Alright kids… How about this idea?" Oak offered to extend a branch to them. They had big dreams. Gary and Ash would become trainers, one to reach the top of the mountain of trainers and the other to become a researcher.

The two boys just tilted their heads. "What are you thinking about?"

"I offer you two, while you're still young and not attending school yet, to get private study lessons with me!"

The two boys' eyes became wide at that. Professor Oak offered to teach them? Oak? The man who made the pokédex - and was once a champion?!

Let alone his professor status, the man was a certified teacher up until actual university grades and they could learn a lot… Especially Gary.

"But that's not all. Ash, you can speak to pokémon right? I want you two to do something for me." The old man crouched down as a few pokémon surrounded them in interest. Especially a few fighting and psychic types, they felt the boys their energy.

Oak smiled like a grandfather, which he is, but only to Gary. Ash always liked to call him gramps when they were alone too… It's such a shame that his father ran away when he was younger.

"I want you two to make something like I have. A special guide to train pokémon on the road, a guide that makes even the youngest trainer capable of training their pokémon new moves and basic strategies. Let's call it a Pokémon encyclopedia."

Their eyes were wide in interest and big smiles got on their faces.

"Of course gramps! If Ash can talk to them and tell me what they say, we can both figure out ways to use it and train them!"

"Hahaha! I'm interested now boys. While we study, I intend to spend half a day on book works and half a day practical. It is important to keep in shape as a trainer, and learning through physical means is very useful at a young age as well!"

Both boys cheered as they ran to Ash's home. Gary's parents had passed away in an unfortunate accident so he was often found living at the Ketchum Residence. Heck, even professor Oak would stay over at times.

It definitely wasn't because Delia could cook so amazingly well. It also definitely wasn't that Delia was considered one of the best chefs in the world and owned a small restaurant.

"Mom!" Two cheerful voices shouted out. They ran for a good 20 minutes to their house and Ash wiped his face clean meanwhile. "We're home and we have really cool news!"

Delia cheerfully walked up to them. Behind her was a Mr. Mime named Mimey. This Mr. Mime served customers their food while a Clefable and Blissey helped her cook and clean.

Speaking of those two, the two pokémon happily cheered and offered to make food just by seeing them and noticing the time. They always focused more on cooking than other things.

"What would you like, Ash, Gary?" Blissey's lovely voice reached their ears and if they knew well it was very similar to a nurse Joy's.

"I'd like some pancakes for dinner this time Blissey! What would you like, Gary?" Ash spoke as if he knew what the Blissey said… wait. He did.

Blissey stood there, frozen, as it she was staring at the Ketchum boy. He definitely replied to her question.

Delia rose an eyebrow in interest.

"Mmm… I'd also go for pancakes." Gary's stomach grumbled just thinking about it. The two boys had similar interest in food after all!

Delia giggled softly. "You two are so silly… But what did you mean by cool things?" Her voice was filled with interest. Her Blissey was still standing there in shock, but why? Was it because of what Ash said?

"Ash can speak with pokémon now and he got cool eyes! His hair became straight too, weird. Meanwhile, I, the awesome Gary Oak can now think so fast I can plan a lot of things before doing an action. It gives me a reaaally big advantage to becoming a professor too! I feel like I can remember everything too!"

Delia just giggled. Was this a child's fantasy?

Ash didn't like that though. He could feel that his mom didn't believe him!

"It's the truth! Clefable, tell me what mom complained about today!"

The Clefable who stayed a little silent blinked now. Really, they wanted to know? Clefable got an evil smile in return.

"Delia was complaining that her panties were being a pain and didn't wear a bra." The evil mastermind was indeed smart to tell the innocent boy that. After all, it just went in over his head.

Ash relayed what Clefable said and Delia stood frozen before a smile appeared…

and behind her stood something akin to Giratina's face.

Ash and Gary, understandably hid behind Mr. Mime who was having the perfected version of a deadpan expression. Clefable shrieked in terror whereas Blissey instantly got to her senses and ran away to leave the Clefable with the mad mother.

"Now, now, Clefable… You did not just tell my dear son such things. I do not appreciate that."

For some reason, that Giratina look-a-like face got red eyes that glowed.

"You won't do it again, right?" Her voice gained a hint of what Clefable could detect as pure danger.

Now pokémon were much tougher than humans… but humans can be scary in their own rights so nobody could blame the Clefable for nodding and quickly running to help Blissey. Mr. Mime, who stood in front of the slightly terrified boys, let out a loud sigh.

"Sometimes I wonder if I should've taken the offer to join that circus… nah."

Ash was curious about what Mimey said but held back asking and Delia's smile soon became normal. "So Ash, Gary… what else would you like to tell me? I really believe you two.. and Ash, you better explain why your eyes are red and your hair became 'normal'. I expect those answers after dinner young man!"

Gary had to hold back a laugh… Ash's face was filled with terror. Standing in front of a raging wild pokémon? No problem. Dealing with a mad woman, who is also your mother? Not even Arceus, if Arceus had a mother, would dare do such a thing.

Thinking about mothers, Gary had to think about what his life would be without the Ketchums. Would he be friends with Ash, or perhaps be some arrogant kid that boasted his gramps' name?

Ah, such troubling thoughts but he soon got back to normal. He had to tell her the news after all! That stupid Ash was too terrified to speak.

"Well, gramps promised to teach us instead of making us go to school!"

Delia was, understandably, ecstatic. Samuel Oak was a man that did not do favoritism and that meant her two little boys had real potential! Despite the anger later on in that day, she promised to provide them as well as she could. After all, the boys had to grow well and become strong - right?

It was around 8 PM, before bedtime for lots of children, a loud scream was heard. It sounded like a girl but Oak, who had just left his lab, took in a deep breath and began to laugh loudly. That was definitely Ash… and it sounded like bliss for him. For once, the old man wasn't the target of Delia's terrifying smile!

It still took a lot of effort to hide his pizza purchases though.

The next day both Gary and Ash woke up and got dressed. They went downstairs for some breakfast and spotted their mother and grandfather there.

"Good morning!" Two cheerful voices, that could brighten any mood, reached their mother's ears. Ash still had a twitching hand after looking at his mother though. That smile… That unholy smile. Oak just chuckled at seeing Ash do that. He understood all too well.

"Ah good morning my boys. We'll start our lessons today, if that is okay with you?"

Ash and Gary smiled widely and Oak had to chuckle again. They will definitely become Pallet Town's pride and who knows? Perhaps they'll become a part of the history of Pokémon.

He never knew how right he would be in the future. One known as the trainer who never gave up and reached the pinnacle of power and the other who created so many things and saved countless lives in the process.

Seeing them nod, Oak returned it. "Well boys… After you've eaten, let's go."

Delia giggled. She always did when seeing this, it was just the innocence that made her unable to do anything but that. A family that she dreamed of, even if her former husband left her, was here.

The family had a peaceful breakfast and Oak used his Alakazam - after kindly asking of course - to teleport them. Instead of the usual parts in the lab they'd see, this one was filled with books. A giant library full of knowledge from elementary school to university, from pokémon types to all known moves to men and Mon.

"For the first half of the day, up to 3 P.M. you will study here. I will choose books that you must read and I will let you two study on your own at first. I know the both of you are smarter than you look." Oak taunted them on their looks and they fell for it as he could practically feel them bristle at the insult. They were both!

Then, the professor let out a loud chuckle. "If you manage to do that, I will do the practical lessons. Boys, you will study not just the language and maths but also science and history. History shows you what has happened and opens your eyes to the world. It also shows many tactics that are often forgotten for in battle. Science will teach you what moves you may possibly combine or perhaps create. There have been instances of such a thing like Flame Charge, which turned into Flame Wheel. Next is maths. You need to be able to count your money and live on your own, thus such a thing is needed. Then you have language. This will only be taught until you can write proper essays in order to fill the encyclopedia.

Boys, do remember. After you finish that the practical lessons begin. For the first half year I will not let you start the creation of the encyclopedia but instead learn to survive off of the wild and interact with various pokémon. This is a valuable thing for many and young trainers often forget to do this."

Gary and Ash nodded. They agreed with his thinking and Gary thought a little bit about moves for in the future. Combining moves will indeed be interesting, but to actually use them properly? That's going to require teamwork with Ash until they get the hang of it.

They did see Ash's frown at so much paper work… but this for his future, his dream! From that day on the Oaks would learn that a motivated Ash does not falter. The same obviously counts for Gary.

Three years passed since they studied under Professor Oak. Both boys were now 8 years old and just celebrated their birthday where Oak promised them a gift for when they turned 10. Trainers may only officially leave once they become 12. Originally it was 10 but many adults found that irresponsible. The rate of children going missing was terrifying.

The first year they had learnt a lot and surprised Oak by reaching high school material. It seems that even at home they discussed ideas, pointers and knowledge. Heck, the two of them already made a theory of making pokémon capable of using moves that they originally can't! Why can't a Pidgeot use Extremespeed, but can do Quick Attack? They're known to be one of the fastest species of Pokémon!

So they developed methods and heck, they taught a wild Pidgeot how to use extremespeed! It did, in return, grant them full permission to stay in Viridian Forest in the future and even guard them with fellow Pidgey, Pidgeotto and Pidgeot. Arceus, which Pidgeot wouldn't do that for granting it the fastest move known?!

Aside from that, the practical lessons went well. Ash and Gary were survivalists to the limits. They stayed in Viridian Forest for a whole week with one of Oak's pokémon as protection and fed themselves. Of course both of them stayed away from each other.

They were even battling wild Beedrill, Spearow and Fearow to protect innocent pokémon whilst trying to survive there! They did mention that at the end, they wanted a good cooked meal. They said that they did not want to hunt innocent pokémon for food so they lived off of wild berries and such.

Not that that was bad. Berries had all nutrients needed for the body.

Now, to connect with pokémon… One had to say that Ash was a natural. Pokémon followed, listened and protected him like their lives depended on it. He was often the one who stopped fights at the ranch and dissolved them through speech now. Gary was nearly the same. He had a smart mind and knew what to do to attract a pokémon as well as keep them at their happiest. It was just that they were not as hardcore close with him as they were with Ash.

Trainers, who used Oak as a supporter, often fumed at the boys when their usually hardheaded pokémon turned into jelly by their petting sessions. Oak in return just laughed loudly when they complained to him that they feared that the kids will take away their pokémon.

Well, he was jealous himself that his old friend, Dragonite, was the same. He struggled so hard for that damned Dragon to listen and appreciate him but at the first meeting the Dragon pokémon was kind and even flew them around.

As a result the two boys were often seen flying around towns and forests. They went to many towns nearby such as Viridian 'City' though they still never understood why it's called City being so small. Viridian Forest was practically their third home and then came the islands nearby! Oh, the exotic pokémon loved to stay with them.

Gary once returned on top of a giant Gyarados, waving at Oak. That day Delia went, in Oak's very reasonable words, batshit crazy and scared off even the Gyarados who did stay to at least say goodbye to the boys.

They were plain sad when Delia told them to not hang around dangerous pokémon. Didn't she see that the Gyarados was nice? Even the rest of its kind was nice when they tried hard enough to be friends! They're just largely misunderstood because of their rage during evolution.

It was, thanks to them, that Oak found out the reason a Gyarados could be so dangerous. A Magikarp has three main reasons to evolve: Survival, to protect and out of sheer rage. Sadly it is the third option that trainers manage to get. After all, they hate a weak Magikarp.

Yes, Oak was very disappointed when they mentioned what many Gyarados said.

Now eight year old boys were meant to still go around and play, but these two were different. They were already halfway through their encyclopedia and they made special menus for many pokémon. Even the ones outside Kanto were being documented thanks to the help of other professors. They too were extremely interested in the young children and their idea. A result of such efforts to work together? They even got to meet with a Hydreigon which is known to be a being of pure destruction.

...The result, however, made professor Juniper want to kidnap them to study their human bodies. The Hydreigon liked them. It licked them and played with them. It was even kind to other pokémon!

Oak was, and he damn right deserved to do so, often boasting to other professors about his new apprentices and they all helped out as much as they could to see the children their efforts come true. The professors even began to study things together that the children found out during their talks with pokémon. They learned very interesting things such as why a Pokémon follows a trainer after being caught.

Naturally, professors would secretly use their names for their theories and confirmed knowledge. The pokémon league appreciated the two boys very much for doing these things. It's a secret to the boys themselves though.

But outside of those experiences the boys were always together with a pokémon. Whether it's a wild or trained one they got along with everyone. The other children sometimes called them freaks because they were so much smarter… well, almost all children did. A cute girl named Rosa Leafgreen was not one of them.

Actually, Rosa joined their lessons and soon became 'Leaf' as she was often confused with her mother who was named Rose.

Leaf often joined them in their small adventures and became good friends with the boys and pokémon. Unlike them, she was a born prodigy without any special abilities. She however had motivation and determination on their levels… thus making her an equal in their eyes. Not that they looked down on others who didn't have any motivation or determination though. No, they just disliked that they did things half-assed. Delia still scares them when they say it out loud so it's often in their heads.

It was because of that that she learned many things with the best of their respective talents. Ash who excelled in practical things and Gary who excelled in knowledge. Leaf became a mixture of these things making her more balanced compared to her friends.

Oak often wished that he could keep the girl as an assistant. She was kind enough to give him backrubs and shoulder massages after a long, long day! His heart silently weeped that the other children just stayed with the pokémon after long lessons and practice because he would've loved to join them. His old body just couldn't. But seeing them grow up, those three will make him proud.

The progress of the encyclopedia was sped up thanks to Leaf. It was good news that there was a third mind with another opinion compared to theirs. One was hardcore practical, one was technical. She could see reason in between and mention it.

It was two years later that they showed their real talents, after completing the pokéencyclopedia.

"Screw you old man! How about you get in that stupid ball and get dragged around against your will!" Ash could hear the sheer anger in those words as he looked around. Gary and Leaf were curious as to why Ash was like that until he spotted a Pikachu growling at Oak.

This particular Pikachu was caught before, chewing on electric cables and feeding itself electricity. It seemed to have attracted Oak and was captured by him. The Pikachu in turn was not happy with it, no… not at all.

"Professor, what's the matter?" Leaf asked curiously. The Pikachu was extremely hostile. Perhaps a bad memory of other trainers?

"Mm… I captured this Pikachu after I found it chewing on one of my scanning machine's electric cables. It has blue eyes compared to that usual black and it's a little slimmer compared to its kind showing a very agile build. Its tail is also slightly longer which reveals a strong tailbone. I was interested and captured it, but it seems to have backfired…"

Gary flinched at that. He couldn't deal with such angered pokémon but Ash was the opposite.

Ash, who was now ten, wore a long black shirt. On top of it was a red and white jacket that matched his cap. A pair of blue jeans had a black belt attached which had some tools and twelve empty slots for pokéballs. Wearing nothing but socks at the moment he walked up to the Pikachu and held out a gloved hand which still revealed his bare fingers.

"Hello, Pikachu. Do mind your language, but may I speak with you?" Ash was calm when he spoke to the angered mouse. He did this before and can do so again. His eyes began to glow red as he looked down at the Pikachu that now shifted its attention to the three children.

The one in front of it was the real deal that calmed him though. Almost as if it's destined to be, the Pikachu stared at his red eyes and began to calm down. "Sorry about that… I just did not want to be caught, I want to be wild and get stronger. Not rust in some lab…"

Ash simply chuckled at the Pikachu's actions and sat down on the ground in front of it. He revealed that he didn't force himself upon the Mon and trusted it enough to not attack him now. "I can understand why you would want to be wild, but what made you come inside of a lab then?"

"I eh, kinda got kicked out of my family. I was different from them, much faster and my electric attacks were much stronger even as a Pichu. They began to call me freak after my eyes turned blue for some reason… so I got kicked out and I was hungry. I was nearby so I thought I could get some electricity from that cable as food."

Ash nodded understandingly. It was only then that the Pikachu noticed something weird…

"PI-PIKA?!" The children and professor could hear the Pikachu scream out loud as it jumped back. Their response was to laugh loudly, it was after all shocking news to meet a human who can understand pokémon. Ash understood this as the usual "YOU CAN UNDERSTAND ME?!"

"Ahh, yes. I can… A Lucario that came here called it Aura when I was little and thanks to a little experiment when I was younger I believe I overloaded my body with Aura. A result was a tougher body and my eyes and hair changed. The best was of course, that I could understand Pokémon." Ash explained kindly, with patience.

The Pikachu was interested now… A human could understand him? Well, he did feel slightly interested in the boy. Wasn't Aura something only pokémon could control though? Eh, he'd hear the explanation later.

"Then… Will you become a trainer later?" Pikachu asked uncertainly. If he had to be captured, he'd at least stay with someone he could like instead of some old man or a boy that would only force him to battle.

"Mm. My dream is to become the best, a master. I want to capture pokémon that will become my family and reach the pinnacle of all trainers. Even now I completed a special tool with my friends that will allow me to teach other pokémon moves that would require special machines or various, expensive and bothersome, methods. It's just the first step, but a start for my journey. Right guys?" Ash looked behind him with a large grin. It was only when he was with his family and friends that he could reveal some childish nature. He knew how to talk mature and act accordingly, but with them he couldn't help but reveal a childish nature. Perhaps it was part of having a childhood?

Gary and Leaf just grinned widely and nodded. Oak was more subdued and simply smiled as he watched the actions going on. Maybe… Pikachu would be the turning point for these three? He'd give them a fun task instead of the gift he promised when they were 8.

"Hmm. Pikachu." Oak began which instantly made the Pikachu go near hostile if it wasn't for Oak's kind smile. Pikachu seemed to calm down just a little. "Would you like to become Ash's pokémon? I actually have an interesting idea for you. He can't travel for the next two years but he can train you during that time - even if limited."

Pikachu was thinking hard about this. The old man offered a good plan, the boy was kind and dreamed similarly to himself. That was also when he noticed that Ash pulled out a small box and opened it. Then, as if Meloetta was singing in the Pikachu's ears, it smelled the food Ash had.

"We trainers provide food for our pokémon. The encyclopedia we made wasn't just for training, it was also for looking at the right nutrients and make proper pokémon food alongside the likes of pokémon. We provide our pokémon as they travel with us, live with us. In return, they battle for us, laugh with us… enjoy time with us." Ash began to buy over Pikachu and the Pikachu was instantly mesmerized by Ash's small speech. It was done on the spot, not thought of before by him and the other three inside the lab were snickering in their minds. Ash was doing it, again.

"To be honest, I'd love it if you were my starter, my first Pokémon. A family member." Ash put the box of pokéchow down. "Well, I will not force you… and if you dislike it that much, I'll ask Oak if he can release you."

Pikachu was taken. No way was he going to let this go. A kind trainer, promising to battle with him and thus making him become stronger and not just that, but also give him the option to leave? That boy was one of a kind.

"I'll join you!" Pikachu became cheerful and instantly rushed to the food to eat. He was hungry after all.

The other three finally laughed as Oak pressed the release button of the pokéball and turned to Ash.

"Alright Ash. I want you to use your cherish ball and capture Pikachu after he's done eating… I'll explain my idea after that, okay?"

Ash nodded as he walked to a special cabinet. Inside of it were many pokéballs. Sixty of them were a special red color - Cherish Balls.

He had a past with these balls. Oak once told Gary, Leaf and himself to learn the workings of pokéballs and as a result they met up with Kurt. While Kurt would deny it, their curiosity and learning capabilities baffled him to the point they asked if they could make their own pokéballs.

The result was so ironic that they couldn't help but snort.

Red, Blue and Green Cherish Balls were made. Sixty for each, sixty of their very own creations and Kurt officially recognized them as rivals for their work. Not just the looks of the cherish balls, which looked as if it's made of crystals, but the inside workings of it. A Pokémon captured by the Cherish Ball, as they also worked on it with Silph Co for a while, would be capable of seeing the outside world through a connection.

Ash, who had the red Cherish Balls had his necklace. A necklace that was gifted to him by Riley when the Aura Guardian heard of Ash's development. It was made of the crystals in the Tree of the Beginning and like his eyes was a maroon color.

Gary, similarily, had a necklace. His was a Yin-Yang necklace that perhaps explained the calmness. His blue Cherish Balls were linked to it and allowed the pokémon - if they wished to - see from it like they were watching television.

Leaf wore a pair of green crystal earrings. They were originally parts of a leaf stone that was no longer useful and she found it a waste to leave them be. A result, after some begging at Oak, was what she wore. These earrings were linked to her green Cherish Balls.

Honestly if Oak had to admit, it was a breakthrough but this was their finding. Their way of showing they did their best. This was theirs and thus theirs to produce. Oak respected them that much now. To be honest, Silph Co barely understood how it worked but the children did.

Pikachu, after their reminiscing of their fun adventure, finished the food and now looked curiously at Ash. The boy put twelve crystal-like pokéballs on his belt and they stuck as if they were made to be there. Plucking one from it, Ash held it out to the Pikachu.

"Will you join me Pikachu? Will you come with me on my journey, my journey to become the best? This is your last chance to deny it."

Admiration. Happiness. Love. The Pikachu felt so many emotions now. Their first meeting was hostile, but in this short time the human captured his heart.

"Gladly!" Without complaining, the Pikachu tapped the ball and was captured without any hesitation. Pikachu, who was now inside of what he hated the most shivered until he spotted the screen through Ash's necklace and he enjoyed it. He could view what his trainer was looking at… Until he was called out again.

"Woah..! I could see what you could see! It was amazing compared to that stupid ball the old man used!"

Ash laughed loudly as he translated for the others. A result was them chuckling alongside him.

So after some small talk and Pikachu getting used to them, the yellow mouse jumped on Ash's shoulder where he carried the Pikachu around without any problems.

Oak took this as his chance to explain his idea.

"Well children… I must say, you three have impressed me so much I feel like I can simply stare at my television and wait for when you pop up next few years. So, because of Pikachu here my original idea went south. I originally intended to give you three each a Kanto starter." The children wanted to pout, but they couldn't. They liked Pikachu already.

"So I thought of this! Ash will train Pikachu for six months together with you guys. After that, you three will go with Dragonite and look around for a possible wild starter for you three. The reason why I want you to do this is my final lesson: Truly capturing and bonding with your new pokémon. I will even give you locations for various pokémon that I get reported with."

Gary and Leaf were deep in thought before smiling and shrugging. They liked it so they nodded and Gary let Leaf speak first.

"I would like to start with a female Nidoran. I like their versatility and toughness and the Nidoqueens I've met are very kind to other pokémon. I want my new family members to get along and having a Nidoqueen as the official leader and mother hen will be fun," Leaf explained her reasons perfectly. A powerful pokémon with many versatile options, yet kind. She truly was a mix of their personalities. She did hesitate for a Nidoqueen and a Swablu though. Both were very nice.

Gary was up next. "Hmmmm.. Gramps, I'd like to start with an Eevee. I've heard of their evolutions and I want to see what the road will take me to. I will let the Eevee decide what to evolve to and go further from there."

Pikachu had to sweat drop. Always the Eevee but this boy's reasoning of it was admirable. The girl made him like her quite a bit and he knew a tough Nidoran… so he poked Ash and whispered something in his ear.

"Hmm. Leaf, Pikachu just mentioned that he knows a very tough female Nidoran. We can ask this Nidoran to stay at the lab as we train Pikachu, to ask her if she wants to join you on your journey and then battle with it." Ash translated what he was told and liked it. It carried Oak's intentions and Leaf would get a powerful starter.

Oak chuckled heartily. "Then I will take care of the Eevee problem. It's a shame, but they're very rare these days."

The trio of children just brightened up. They were glad that their starters would be ready!

"Gramps… Is it possible to find Bulbasaur, Squirtle and Charmanders in the wild?" Gary asked to be sure. He did want a Blastoise.

Oak had to think about that. Now that he thought about it, there are indeed wild locations. However, they are far, far stronger than the ones handed out by them who were born in breeder locations. There… might also be a case of abandonment by other trainers.

"My answer for this is complicated… There may be abandoned ones," Oak couldn't help but spot that Ash's eyes began to glow and Gary's turned blue. Leaf seemed to be calm but the smile she had worried him… Is she the second coming of Delia? "The ones found in the wild are far stronger than the ones we hand out as a starter. They are simply born in a natural environment and fight much harder. You'll have to wait until you have a badge to at least capture one."

The children nodded. Ash liked Charizard, Gary liked Blastoise and Leaf favored the Venusaur. They were quite typical, but would they capture them in the end is the question? Whilst the starters are powerful, they aren't almighty. Other pokémon may interest them more.

Then Leaf asked a question that made Oak hesitate. "What about pokémon from different regions?" Leaf asked in genuine curiosity.

"Other regional pokémon come from swarms and thus move in large groups.. I'd advise against capturing them. However, some may be willing to join.. I wouldn't bet your money that easily. There is said to be a Froakie in Viridian Forest alongside some other water types but they hide very well. It's also highly dangerous to try and go after swarm pokémon unless you travel in groups."

Ash thought about this and he nodded. "Gary, Leaf. How about we travel together in the future until Pewter City? This is to test how traveling would go for us." Oak had to admire his natural leadership skills.

Gary nodded in agreement. He wouldn't deny that this is a good idea. Even if he wanted to be traveling alone for his journey, it's good to take caution. He will go for badges so it was a good idea of Ash to mention until Pewter.

Leaf practically beamed. She liked the idea very much! They'd still be together for a month making it easier for them to depart with a good mood and perhaps with more skill because they'd battle each other.

Oak just laughed. How interesting, these kids! They're so different from the rest of the children that he had to say that he was going to follow their tracks!

Six months. It has been six months and Pikachu was put through the wringer. His electric pouches went from basic Pikachu to very high Pikachu. To be honest, Pikachu was very happy with the decision to go with Ash and his friends. They were smart and made very good battle plans but they mentioned that he had to first train his body and reserves before they moved onto new moves.

So he did. Every single day Pikachu was going through something that would make Giratina cry to Arceus for forgiveness. He did not complain, not at all. First off was the training of the body… They did not miss a single thing. Tail, legs, arms, entire body weights, head. Pikachu was trained to use anything and to be honest it made him very agile and fast. His kind was known to be like that… and unable to take many hits.

That's when battle experience came in. The three children asked various friends from Rhyhorns with Lightningrod to a freakin' Dragonite.

Pikachu earned the dragon's respect at the end though. The Dragonite was rough around the edges for the first months and didn't hold back but seeing Pikachu's progress from his training made him respect the mouse. Pikachu went from a measly level 8 to 15 if it would be scanned by human levels. However, the scans never did follow the power within the body and the strength, just basic experience that the dex can somehow record inside of the body of a pokémon.

So, with six months of pure training, Pikachu was with the group of children and smiled happily. He just had a nice lunch and asked the kind Nidoran that helped him before to battle for Leaf's team. Of course, Leaf would order him around during the battle. Whilst Pikachu is perfectly capable of fighting on his own - something that Ash, Gary and Leaf focused on unlike many other trainers - they wanted Nidoran's respect.

"Okay, Nidoran. Leaf will make me fight you for a place in her team. After that I have to battle an Eevee for Gary… Are you ready?" Pikachu's excited voice could only be heard by surrounding pokémon, Ash and of course his opponent.

Ash relayed what was spoken to Leaf of course. He wouldn't leave his friends out of the conversation.

"Of course! I must say that you've grown very well, was it thanks to them?" Pikachu's nod made Nidoran happy. She wouldn't join some newbie with arrogance after all. "Please relay to her that even if you lose," Pikachu sent a glare at Nidoran and sparked with far more electricity than before which made the Nidoran admire him somewhat, "I'm interested to join her nonetheless. Your progress is very impressive!" She did regret taunting him later on in battle though.

"Let the battle between Leaf and her temporary pokémon Pikachu against Nidoran… begin!" Gary was the referee for this battle and Ash stood next to him with his arms folded. An Eevee was currently watching the battle as well. This was the Eevee that Gary wanted to join his team as his starter.

"Pikachu, thunder wave." Leaf's first command is to limit Nidoran's moves. Pikachu listened of course. The idea was something that they always started with - a paralyzed opponent is far easier than a healthy one. A wave of electricity was sent to the Nidoran who dodged to the side, only to receive a second thunder wave in the face.

Nidoran let out a cry of pain in response. Now it had electricity going around its body due to paralysis.

"Good job Pikachu! Now let's use that dear Sweet Kiss," Pikachu almost wanted to cry when Leaf showed a near perfect copy of Delia's smile. She had some slight sadistic tendencies but he couldn't deny the effect.

Nidoran, who was originally confident, had to give them props. This was a good start for a battle but she wouldn't let Pikachu kiss her that easily! She began to growl as her body leaked some poison. It then fired poison stings at Pikachu who began to use agility to dodge them.

Alas, the amount of stings were very impressive and showed good training. The stings finally hit Pikachu who cried out in pain before 'taking it like a man' and moving closer to use sweet kiss on Nidoran's cheeks. The effect was immediate as the energy sent through the kiss confused the Nidoran.

"Thundershock!" The moment that word left Leaf's lips, it was a near thunderbolt worth of power coming from the Pikachu who gave it his all to shock the Nidoran. Part for revenge, part for respect.

Nidoran endured and the shock got rid of the confusion pretty quick. It then, in a last struggle, ran to Pikachu and used take down.

"Pika!" A cry was heard as Pikachu was sent flying but soon landed, even if damaged pretty bad from that high powered move. Nidoran then fell down but not before giving Leaf and Pikachu a respectful look and a nod.

Leaf smiled widely, "Go Cherish Ball!" She threw her green cherish ball at the Nidoran who was promptly captured without struggle. Low level pokémon battles didn't last long but they showed very good starting abilities. After the capture, Leaf went to Oak's lab to restore Nidoran and Ash picked up his starter.

"Hey buddy, how'd it go?" He asked with a smile. His red eyes turned kind as his hands began to glow blue, before turning light purplish and it pulsed against Pikachu who's wounds began to heal. He wasn't poisoned so there was no need for antidote.

The reason Leaf went to Oak was firstly because of the healing machine and secondly because a Pokémon, even if healed by potions and such, can become tired. Such a state was bad for battling.

"It went very well. I'm impressed with the take down and you were right Ash. If I hadn't focused on training my body that take down alone would knock me out," Pikachu admitted with a smile. He was ready for the next battle, he could rest after that! It was after all, time to repay his friends for their training and effort!

"Then, officially, Pikachu is the winner. Nidoran has been caught and will now be healed" Gary concluded the battle with a smile before sending the Eevee a look.

Now, normally Eevee are very shy… but this one took the cake. It showed determination and a challenging smirk. It seems those two are a match made in heaven.

"Pikachu, are you ready for the next battle?" Gary asked as he walked up to Ash who let Pikachu down to the ground. It shook its body to feel if anything was wrong and showed that he was fine by making a thumbs up position with a smile.

"Pi, pika!" "Always ready for you guys!" Ash translated it because it wasn't just a yes and Gary smiled happily at his friend's starter.

The pokémon around them let out an excited cry. The first battle wasn't bad and Dragonite who was watching smirked. His effort hadn't gone into vain by training that little mouse. Now he had two new ones to train with the rest.

Nearby pokémon had to back off a bit after the Dragonite let out some weird chuckles. That Mon has a nasty personality when he trains someone.

Ash took the lead and waited a bit for Leaf, who soon returned with a happy Nidoran running next to her. She took his lead and let her pokémon out of their balls unless too big. Good idea to bond nonetheless. After they joined their group alongside Oak who was busy the first match they watched Gary start.

Ash walked in between them and raised two flags looking more official than before. "Let the battle between Gary Oak and his temporary pokémon Pikachu against Eevee begin!"

The battle started instantly as the Eevee ran up to Pikachu with a quick attack intending to prevent a thunder wave command. It wasn't stupid and had a good instinct. Gary had to admire that!

"Pikachu. At the last moment, dodge to the right and twist your body. Strengthen your tail and use Tail whip on the Eevee." Pikachu nodded. He was used to these accurate commands and dodged at the last moment before twisting and using Tail Whip. A minor incomplete boost from an untrained iron tail had its effect and slammed the Eevee away.

"Now, thundershock!" Pikachu jumped upwards to aim for a wider area and fired a large thundershock. Eevee who understood what that meant stood ground and waited for impact. It wouldn't go down so easily!

The pokémon around them blinked a few times in confusion but a few experienced ones nodded in agreement. Staying grounded lessened the electric attack's power but it required guts and being able to withstand the pain and damage.

The electricity hit the Eevee and it didn't even let a cry escape as it stood on its ground. Only after three long seconds stopped the electricity and Pikachu landed only to meet an Eevee charging at him with another quick attack and got slammed into the air.

"Balance yourself in air and use Quick Attack. Turn this in a battle of speed!" Gary had to think quick. Eevee was smart, very much so. Pikachu had the advantage in speed though and it didn't take long before it turned into a white blur.

Pokémon around them followed the movement and were impressed. Those are good quick attacks.

White blurs kept hitting each other and the occasional cry of determination was heard. It kept going until Pikachu suddenly went to the right and with experience and strength to stop himself from running used another quick attack against Eevee's side. That did the trick as Eevee fainted.

Gary grinned widely before throwing his blue cherish ball, not saying a single word. He didn't need to - Eevee acknowledged him after this battle as the pokémon had told him.

"Gary and Pikachu the winners. Eevee has been caught and will now be healed."

Pikachu this time was pretty tired. Two battles against pokémon of his level did tire him out.

Ash chuckled happily as he walked up to Pikachu and picked him up, using another heal pulse to heal bruises and such he got from the quick attack battle. Ash soon watched Gary use the same move on his pokémon.

Ah yes, those heal pulses. To be honest, they weren't sure why they could do it and even why Ash could do it but they theorized that their energy, which they still can barely use except for some minor things and healing, was the same as a pokémon's. Aura was said to be so anyway. They, with their use of heal pulse, technically use their energy to energize a pokémon and boost their healing to a higher level and giving it a true heal pulse effect. The fact the energy entered the wounds helped with that, probably.

"We're ready for our next year and a half, right Pi?" He asked his starter pokémon who looked up and this time had a glint in his eyes. Now he had pokémon that will suffer with him!

Eevee, who woke up by now and Nidoran began to shiver. Oak's Dragonite in the distance had a look that scared off pokémon around him and Oak who saw that had to sweatdrop.

Yes, his grandson and pseudo-grandson as well as his favorite student had befriended his mighty dragon-type pokémon. They seem to share his views on training for experience and even if a pokémon can't 'level up' that way, they would bring up their bases and experience against battling stronger opponents. Oak was happy with this theory though and when he'll release it no doubt high leveled trainers would be paid by rich starting ones or perhaps professors to help them out.

"Hehehehe… I won't suffer alone anymore… I can finally share my pain with those foolish followers…" for some reason, Pikachu began speaking in some evil manner. Ash was staring at his starter before shrugging. Must be the effect of training with a dragon that is hellbent on being a task master. Eh, the results speak for themselves. Pikachu who was once pretty weak became a pretty good powerhouse for his species and would only grow.

Yes, he can still grow despite standing on a high-end road for his species. Oak, together with his students, began to study the way of evolution with Rowan. There they theorized that a pokémon can grow infinitely thus making legendaries far stronger than others, as well as them having better bodies for battle. Pokémon as old as the first few Dragonites have been said to be able to fight legendaries, albeit young ones, for days which is what their legendary parent would make them do.

Hmm. Perhaps this was the mysterious pokémon that Bill was writing about excitedly? He did mention some cry. Eh, whatever.

"Now now Pikachu. Be nice to your new friends, you'll be with each other for a year and half," Ash halfheartedly spoke and Pikachu just perked up. He did like the idea of having new friends, even if they'll suffer with him now, to play with. He was still young after all.

"On my way," Pikachu happily spoke as he ran up to the two starters of his friends. Ash just laughed loudly before walking up to Dragonite and standing next to it with his arms folded.

"You're going to make your training harder, aren't you? I want Pikachu to at least have mid-Raichu electricity reserves so… Don't hold back with thunderstorms the upcoming year and a half," what fools. They never knew the mastermind behind some planning... Well, masterminds. All three children planned the training and Dragonite happily did it for them.

"Of course Ash. Of course. I wouldn't want Pokémon that I train to be weaker than others. I find it strange you don't train them the easy way on wild pokémon though," Dragonite spoke up and Ash just chuckled.

"We're young, they're young. Even if we rush through all wild pokémon and reach the so called max level of a pokémon, we'd lose against a max level Raichu. By doing this their potential can become legendary. Something many have forgotten. Eh, I'm not sharing that information though."

"Good idea. This way of training can also be considered as torture for pokémon and so the league may be tricky. Oak acknowledges the training as amazing though so I'm not sure. But you wouldn't want others to be that much stronger than you huh?"

"Isn't that the way it goes?"

"Damn right. The way to be the best is a harsh one. Having an advantage helps. It was the same with Oak."

"I know. I saw recordings of you guys back as a champion, you were all amazing. Well it's time to get ourselves acquainted with the new pokémon," Ash spoke calmly as he offered the large dragon a smile which was returned. The dragon was pretty docile when not training, perhaps even lazy.

"Can't have them wait. Oak probably wants me to deliver some items too. Anything you want me to bring along?"

Ash stopped before thinking. "Oak told us about swarms. If you perhaps find a good flying type other than Pidgeot and ask them to try out Kanto, I'd be happy. I know Pidgeot and the others are fairly amazing but I want a new approach compared to many in Kanto."

Dragonite nodded in understanding as he let out a chuckle. This boy was interesting, more so than Gary and Leaf. Not that those two weren't great, but Ash just had this mind that worked… differently? Even after the years of being with him, Dragonite couldn't explain it.

One thing was certain though.

Ash was born to be a master, a winner.

It's been 6 months since Gary and Leaf had their starters and during that time quite a lot happened. Even now, Ash had to admit that he had the best childhood he could wish for.

Pallet Town became known as a thunderstorm attraction and quite a lot of wild electric types began to migrate there. Actually, he could've sworn he saw a few Shinx looking interested at Gary and a Pachirisu at Leaf.

Well, it was all for Pikachu's training and Dragonite did it without any regrets. They probably upset some weather somewhere else but hey - until they got a mad Articuno, Moltres or Zapdos after them they wouldn't stop.

Wild electric types just mooched off of the excess electricity. Oak had lots of fun studying them.

It was also during these six months that Ash met a pokémon he would love to be his starter. A Fletchling that Dragonite called for in Kalos. Thinking back to when he met the Fletchling made him happy.

It's been a month since Ash helped his friends capture their starters and they were satisfied with their results so far. Nidoran took to it like a Goldeen to swimming and Eevee's determination to become stronger was very awe inspiring. The amount of pride they feel must be because they're trainers, although not official, that help their pokémon grow.

Ash was yet again training with Pikachu at a thunderstorm on the beach. This part of the beach was completely empty bar many rocks that they used for agility training.

"How's it going Pi, absorbing and producing nicely?" Ash asked at his starter who stood at the highest points, at times firing a thundershock upwards and receiving a lightning bolt in return to grow his reserves.

"Yeah it's going great. I feel amazing like always… I don't mind this training, physical training however.." Pikachu absentmindedly sent a thunderbolt to the distance.

"Hey watch that, what if you hit a wild pokémon!" Ash quickly scolded his starter who immediately rubbed his head. Control was one of his training points and he had to admit that he was pretty bad at it.

"That hurt.. so much.." a soft voice could be heard as a flying type fell down onto the beach. It was definitely hit by the thunderbolt if the state of its wing giving off electricity was any explanation for it.

"See!" Ash quickly grabbed a Cheri berry and fed the flying type whom he still did not know the species of. "You hit this guy!"

He never knew that Fletchling weren't supposed to be that big. He also never knew that this Fletchling was shiny. Can't expect a kid to know all 700 plus pokémon perfectly.

Fletchling who had been flying around to Kanto after meeting this Dragonite was stunned at the sight in front of it. It guessed that it was at least a fully evolved pokémon that hit it with a thunderbolt attack but this was a Pikachu?

He knew that the Dragonite explained the situation and that there might be a thunderstorm. He was doing this for training too, so he ignored the previous warning and flew straight into it. He wasn't a fire type yet so he didn't suffer much from the rain other than having a harder time to fly and the bolts weren't even focused near him, only at a single point.

'I thought that the Dragonite was joking about that training…' the Fletching thought as the thunderstorm began to fade and his wound was being treated with some hyper potion and special berry paste to recover from the burn.

"You're alright, aren't you?" The boy with the red and white clothing asked. Fletchling could see the worry in the child's unusual maroon eyes.

"Yes. I'm okay… I shouldn't have flown through that storm."

"Yup. I thought that Dragonite would've warned most flying types though. I wonder why you weren't told."

"Wait.. Did you just understand me?!" the Fletchling understandably just screamed it out and jumped back in shock.

Ash didn't even bother to look fazed at it these days. "Yeah. I've been able to since I was a kid. I got saved by this Lucario y'see and unlocked my Aura. Small experiments made me able to understand pokémon."

The Fletchling could only stare in amazement. He himself was considered rare, beyond rare due to having a special body and being far stronger than others of his kind but to have a human that could understand him was amazing and even rarer.

"Either way, you shouldn't fly around when we train. What's your name and species anyway?" Ash asked curiously and Pikachu jumped next to him rubbing the back of his head.

"Sorry about that thunderbolt," Pikachu apologized sincerely.

"Ah. I can't stay mad if it's an accident. I am a Fletchling, I do not really have a name as we mostly call each other by specific features. I'm considered Royal amongst my fellow Fletchling." The 'Tiny' Bird Pokémon explained.

"Oh, a Fletchling? I have read about your kind. The fact you evolve into a flying/fire pokémon is amazing and that's not even looking at the amazing ability Gale Wings."

Fletchling just nodded in understanding.

"So why were you coming here?" Ash asked. He was pretty blunt anyway. Children are supposed to be.

"Ahh.. Some Dragonite I met in Kalos told me about Kanto and interesting pokémon and people. I was interested and figured it'd be good training to fly from Kalos to Kanto and back."

"Oh!" Ash put a fist in an open palm as if he just figured out something. "You're the flying type I asked Dragonite to look for? I asked him to look around for a good partner that may want to join my team."

Fletchling flinched. He could have been caught but the boy was nice enough… He wasn't sure if he wanted to be caught by a human so far. "Sorry.. I'm not too interested in being owned. I'm already hunted down like a prize by kids in Kalos."

Ash looked a bit down in depression. A shame, he took a liking to this Fletchling.

"But… I wouldn't mind visiting you. You say you train your pokémon right? I'd like to know what kind of training would be good for me." Fletchling tried to make the boy happier. That look was almost illegal to anyone. Even Pikachu felt like obtaining Thunder or Bolt Strike, hit the Fletchling and throw a cherish ball in its face for making his trainer make that face.

"Hmm… First, come with me to my house. I'll let you recover there and give you some food. We'll discuss more once you've eaten." Ash chuckled at Fletchling's hopeful expression. He wouldn't be surprised if Fletchling wanted to be his mother's pokémon simply because of her cooking but hey. This Fletchling had spirit… He hoped he'd like to join him. Even now he doesn't realize the special qualities of this Fletchling.

"Sure! I'd like some food and I'm tired from flying to Kanto. I must say it's really good for my stamina." The 'Tiny' Bird pokémon chirped happily.

Pikachu began giggling. "Be sure to stay wild. His mother may just convince you to stay with her cooking alone." Even Ash laughed with that and Fletchling got confused…

"Heavenly. Food. I. Can't. Stop." Fletchling was pecking his new food made by Delia and like mentioned before, was definitely in love with it.

Ash just smiled happily and told Delia of why the Fletchling was here. Delia didn't seem to mind and she didn't speak of the Fletchling's unique qualities compared to others. Ash will find out later. Maybe.

"So Fletchling, training… You can use the flying trips from Kanto to Kalos or fly around other regions and train your endurance and stamina," Ash was thinking up methods for a wild pokémon before smiling somewhat. "You can also join our training sessions. I've trained other wild pokémon so I don't mind. We'll use weights to weigh you down and train you in using aerial maneuvers."

Fletchling would only speak after finishing its food, but it was following the ideas as Ash kept going on. Now that's a real trainer. He also told Fletchling to master his moves perfectly instead of simply learning new ones and that made it tempted to join Ash. It also seemed Ash took a liking to him because of his personality and determination instead of special features… that, or he didn't even recognize them. Still fun.

The next six months were spent with Fletchling coming by every so often. It sometimes brought souvenirs such as a Leaf Stone and nuggets it found in mountains. Ash remained silent and decided to later on melt that gold and make a small gift for the Fletchling. He did know Kurt, and Kurt knew how to make pokémon accessories.

It was only at the last month, at their next meeting that instead of a Fletchling a Fletchinder flew down. It was very large - twice as large as a Pidgeotto and capable of flying Ash around if it so wanted.

"Woah, you evolved Fletch! Awesome," Ash cheered and the Fletchinder just preened its feathers but it was obviously happy if the rising in temperature didn't say anything. "Wait… You're a fire type now huh? That's pretty cool," He took his time to admire the giant, shiny pokémon.

"Wooaah! You evolved!" Pikachu was seen running up to Fletchinder with eagerness in his eyes. He wanted to battle him! He definitely wanted to see his strength compared to a flying type that flies around regions, even if it follows Ash's principles of training the body and not just learn new moves. "Battle me sometime!"

The Fletchinder now looked at Ash before making its beak into a smirk. "Well… I've decided to come with you guys if you'd win a battle now. I've been training hard these past six months and your training, even if most trainers don't use it, is very effective. I'm at the peak of my evolution's strength and I've grown far larger than before too. Heck, I can probably grow two to three times as large as a Pidgeot. Maybe I'll take you to the skies if you win."

Now Pikachu did not have many dreams. Ash was similar. They both wanted to be the best and a flying type with very good abilities wanted to join them if they'd win plus offered them a trip to fly around. They wanted to be the best and this guy just offered them a branch to it.

Ash smirked deviously. "You do know we train hard as well, right? Pikachu is probably as strong as a recently evolved Raichu."

Fletchinder merely offered the bird equivalent of a shrug and a smug look. "I can do this."

"Then by the ancient laws of battling, which I just made up, let's do this!" Ash definitely showed a childish side as he grinned widely. He'd get a new friend if he won together with Pikachu! He'd definitely do his best!

"Pikachu! Double team and Agility. Confuse him and then thunder wave!"

Pikachu disappeared in a speed unseen by human eyes. A pokémon that flies as fast as Fletchinder could but Double Team made it far harder and he tried to take to the skies. Maybe he should've done that before giving them the option of a challenge but this is fine. This is how battles are!

A jolt of electricity went through its body but Fletchinder flew up and ignored the pain. After flying upwards, Fletchinder opened its beak and began to use a highly powered version of growl for its kind. Pikachu flinched at that and could feel some of the adrenaline leaving, making his physical attacks slightly weaker.

"Thundershock! Follow up by jumping up and using Electro Ball. You've got enough speed for some good damage!"

Pikachu listened to the order to a T. Whilst Pikachu could definitely do the same on his own, this was part of battling unless said otherwise.

A mighty thundershock that made Fletchinder cry out in pain and a large orb of concentrated electricity made the flying/fire type re-evaluate the Pikachu's progress. That hurt more than the Pikachu he met before and those had Light Balls! Good thing he still carried that orb with him instead of giving it to Pikachu.

"Not bad! Here I come though!" With its superior body and endurance it flew after the Pikachu with a quick attack. The paralysis looked tame compared to the monster of a quick attack that came towards Pikachu but Ash had an idea and smirked.

"Feint!" Feint Pikachu did. Pikachu lured the Fletchinder closer and made a fake mistake before jumping up on its body with quick attack, holding on.

"Thunderbolt, full power! It's all or nothing!" Pikachu nodded. He was physically much weaker and Fletchinder being far, far stronger physically was capable of knocking him down easily. Even if he trained under Ash, this guy did the same and had the royal species gene. That damn cheat code.

Pikachu, however, showed its worth. Crying out with a 'Piiiikaaachuuuu!' which, in Ash's ears was "EAAAAT THIIIIIIS!" a massive lightning bolt could be seen all the way from Viridian City.

"I sometimes wonder if I'm creating the second coming of Raikou," Ash grumbled as he stared at that. It was definitely all the energy Pikachu had in himself but that was a special thing. Pokémon were supposed to have natural limiters that made their attacks weaker or at least prevent them from fainting after using their strongest attack.

Pikachu had no limiter thanks to Ash's training. Pikachu, instead, knew his limits very well and capitalized on it. Fletchinder paid for it now.

The result of the attack was pretty obvious. Fletchinder went down and Pikachu followed but before they could fall, Ash used his cherish ball to 1. return Pikachu and 2. capture Fletchinder.

Fletchinder was caught instantly and Oak received a special message on his computer screen. He nearly cried out in shock when a visual image was shown. He then had a smile filled with pride. Ash was the last of the three that captured their second pokémon because he could be quite picky. His second capture was definitely the best choice possible - a royal species pokémon followed with the shiny gene. Both genes together? That's a real monster. He couldn't be more proud. Plus… He now had something to study, again! Those kids are goldmines!

"Professor Oak, can you heal Fletchinder? Pikachu as well while you're at it," Ash asked in a hurry. He rushed to Oak's lab after that battle as that was the only location with healing equipment and it appeared that Oak was prepared. Next to Oak stood Gary and Leaf, both with their pokémon out: Eevee and Squirtle for Gary, Nidorina and Bulbasaur for Leaf. It seems Ash broke the starter trend but he was happy with this Pokémon too!

Well, he could be the same but he, instead of capturing the Charmander he met in the past adventure, decided to go beyond that. He offered the Charmander a chance to go to Charific Valley and train with the strongest of its kind. The smile that Charmander showed when he was offered freedom and a good training place, as well as a new home, was worth the blood, sweat and tears that Ash went through to capture that Damian guy. That guy also had tons of rare pokémon bought with money from poachers and they were now all in Oak's Ranch.

Ironically, they were off limits to everyone but Ash and his friends because they will absolutely ignore every order from everyone other than them. Talk about a reward by doing a good deed. They could pretty much ask a Nidoking to fight battles for them.

"Ah of course my boy! I must say, I'm quite proud of that capture of yours! A shiny, royal species Pokémon! The amount of luck and skill you have is quite astounding."

"Eh?" Ash blinked as he stared at Oak blankly. Gary and Leaf followed. They hadn't read up on royal species so far, even if they had spotted some. Oak seemed to have named them recently.

"Ah yes. Let's heal Fletchinder and Pikachu before I explain," Oak ushered the children to the health lab and put the pokéballs of Pikachu and Fletchinder in the recovery machine which began to heal them.

Technology, at times, scared Ash. The fact a pokémon could be healed in mere minutes after being completely worn out showed what humans can do and what they are able to do if that knowledge was in the wrong hands. Nonetheless, he was happy with the healing and after it was done Ash rushed outside to let out his starter and second pokémon!

"Come out, Pikachu! Fletchinder!" Ash threw his two red cherish balls into the air and out came Pikachu and Fletchinder. They both looked as healthy as ever and smiled happily.

"A great battle Ash! Thank you for the healing, it felt amazing inside of the pokéball." Fletchinder spoke as he began testing his wings to see if there were any problems.

Pikachu shrugged. He disliked being in a pokéball but Ash's were special. That, and the feeling wasn't so bad inside of a recovery machine. Pikachu then turned to Fletchinder and began to talk about their battle. Ash just sweatdropped at the near battle maniac of a Pikachu. Ah well.

"So, Ash," Oak began as he walked outside with the other two. They just stared at the giant Ember pokémon before shrugging it off. They were amazed, yes, but they wouldn't get mad or anything.

"A royal species pokémon can be considered the cream of the top of their own species. There are different kinds but the general ones are far larger than usual, far stronger than usual and are extremely rare. Whilst it's not only the physical aspects as they're stronger in their element as well. Fletchinder will most likely be able to shrug off fire type attacks as if they're useless and his fire type attacks must be stronger. That's about it for a royal species pokémon… and this one is also shiny. You do understand you have a one in a billion pokémon, right?"

Ash just stared at Fletchinder and then at Oak. Then it went back to Fletchinder. "You knew, didn't you?"

"I did. I just never brought it up and thought you ignored the fact and treated me normal despite not being normal."

"Gee, thanks. Could've been useful to explain further. I would've trained with Pikachu much harder."

"It's not like you hadn't won our battle. Heck, you won quite easily if I had to say so myself. Even if Pikachu fainted afterwards, it was a definite win."

"True, true." Fletchinder showed a sly smirk. Boost one's ego and you can avoid trouble. "Still doesn't excuse you not telling me." There went his attempt, down in the drain.

Ash eventually sighed as he looked at the other two. "Well. Since they're ready like this, how about we up their training? I want you guys to at least have a Wartortle and Ivysaur before we leave. We still got a year after all."

That was also the moment he noticed Fletchinder hand Pikachu an orb. A light ball to be precise. "I wonder how good Fletchinder taste…" He grumbled as he glared at the pokémon. If he had that damn thing, Pikachu's electricity storage could be trained way more than before!

Fletchinder didn't back down and stared at Ash. "I at least expect a thanks, you know."

"I suppose you're right… Thanks." Ash nodded as he turned to the rest again. "So… Where's Dragonite? Can you call Professor Juniper for Hydreigon as well?"

Now Pikachu gulped. Nidorina and Eevee weren't much better… the new ones merely tilted their heads at that idea. Why were their seniors so scared?

"Good idea Ash!" Gary grinned as he looked at his best friend. Leaf on the other hand couldn't help but pity the pokémon yet giggle at their reactions.

Oak smirked slightly. Yes, they knew how to give their pokémon a hard hand but Oak didn't have it in him to tell them that their pokémon, physically and experienced, are far stronger than the ones around the fifth gym. Though it depends on the trainer and the gym leaders will obviously listen to his warning about them. Their challenges will be harder if they want to battle gyms.

In a way, it's like seeing a child grow up. Oak missed this with his own son, who left home after he turned 10. He only saw his child return when he had Gary and then he passed away in some accident.

Either way, the next year will be fun. Oh… He had to give them university material now didn't he? Wouldn't want a child to go out uneducated. Though Ash seems to have some problems with it, Gary and Leaf help him.

Ah, these bonds. They're so precious.

The year passed by pretty quick and now there was a giant Fletchinder who definitely took the cream of the cake in size and power. Compared to many others around its level, it far surpassed them. Perhaps this training should be called Effort Training instead of simply relying on natural born ones? Well, their training might be considered too hard core for many other trainers.

Pikachu was another thing. After absorbing the light ball in its body, the Pikachu's pouches turned darker and his electric attacks got a definite boost. During the year, Pikachu learned moves that they taught with their methods. Of course they only taught them and once they mastered it, a new move would appear. Luckily, the pokémon were well known with the training and they couldn't be happier with the results.

Heck, Gary's Wartortle was so humbled compared to its arrogant nature from before. What did he say again? Ah yes, he was from some kind of Squirtle Squad. Eh. Gary's new Umbreon took the take in defense though, it boggled Ash to see that Dark-type handle attacks that should have knocked it out. Though it still loses against Pikachu and Fletchinder - now named Falcon by Ash - the Umbreon was becoming known in the ranch as one of the stronger pokémon.

Leaf's team was just scary though. Delia began teaching Leaf many things about pokémon, such as tricks that she knew that female pokémon could use. Nidorina will definitely become a near perfect Nidoqueen that many wouldn't even be capable of beating. Sometimes Ash wondered why Leaf won't just do gym battles but then again, he'd have to face her later on. He wasn't sure if he could win. Despite being a prodigy himself, she wasn't far behind and she could capture many pokémon that he had no chance against. Only the future will tell. Ignoring Ash's unconcious fears, Leaf eventually trained her Bulbasaur to an Ivysaur. That Ivysaur that used to dislike humans as a Bulbasaur and didn't want to evolve became very friendly and protective of Leaf to a point he'd train and learn moves that should be near impossible. Whirlwind? Dig? Really?

Her Nidorina was just a terror that even Pikachu didn't want to meet in an alley. The Nidorina was becoming large, very large and once it'll evolve in Mt. Moon, it'd become one of the strongest. That much was proven when her Nidorina won against Ash's Fletchinder. The two monsters in their own rights battled it out to the bitter end and it was only because Nidorina's poison point had its effect that it won by just a few seconds before succumbing to the burn from Fletchinder's flame body.

That spoke for its power and defense. Good thing that the Nidorina hadn't evolved yet. Ash wasn't sure if Pikachu would win against it with its ground type advantage and that's not even considering the fact that its defense would enter scary levels for their level.

Nevertheless, the trio of children were happy. They were now just looking at three new trainers who would receive their starter before they'd leave. After all, they did promise to help Oak out after him gifting them some items.

The trio received Xtransceivers around their wrists to contact Oak in case of a pokémon transfer which is also installed as a beta test by Oak and Bill's effort. They could also hold group chats with him, thus talking about new findings and such.

Other than the Xtransceiver, they received specific items. Ash received items such as a saddle that could be put on Fletchinder and later on Talonflame alongside a thunderstone for when Pikachu reaches the peak of his species. Oak knew of their goal after all. Dragonite even gave him a Dragon Scale, telling him that this is to keep on himself at all times. Ash nodded and put the orange scale into his 'precious items' location of the bag. Gary received all kinds of evolution stones and some traveling clothes he had yet to buy. Sometimes Ash wondered if Gary was turning as forgetful as Oak. Leaf received evolution stones as well but she also received a special pass that would allow her to have all kinds of discounts in pokémon league supported stores.

Let's not forget that the trio received special skates that were made in Kalos for all kinds of traveling purposes. They still didn't know how those worked well so well on the dirt but hey, it was fun.

Ah, it seems the trio now popped up.

First was a boy with an arrogant smirk. It seemed that this guy will be put down very soon if his looks at Leaf were anything to tell by. He's lucky Ivysaur didn't see him do so… Wasn't that kid supposed to be 12? At most it has to be a crush, youth these days.

The other was a cheerful girl who will definitely take a Bulbasaur. The three helpers of Oak couldn't help but sweatdrop at her positivity… That's some scary stuff.

The last was some hyperactive boy that couldn't stand still. Gary teased Ash a few times mentioning that that could've been him but after a retort that Gary could've been that arrogant guy, he shut up. It was more likely to happen if events didn't happen in the past.

Ah, the wonders of being smart. The three pallet town prodigies smiled and each grabbed a ball. Ash held Charmander, Gary held Squirtle and Leaf held Bulbasaur.

Ash spoke up first, seeing as Oak was coming towards them with six pokédexes. "Okay you three. This is the start of your journey and these will be your starters. You must take special care of these guys as they'll eventually become beasts in their own rights, but only if you have patience and the right hand." Gary took over from there. "It's important to look at what kinds of food they like and research on the best nutrients. Perhaps ask Nurse Joys for help about it. You can also find quite a bit of information on the Pokédex," Leaf finished it for the three. "I hold Bulbasaur. Gary here has Squirtle and Ash holds Charmander. You can choose one of these three. Remember, the best thing of having a pokémon journey is the fun you have with your partners and the excitement of finding new things and pokémon for your team and new family."

Oak couldn't help but be proud. The three children were so different from their other age. Calm, collected and sometimes still childish but it was limited and they knew how to improve themselves on their own if they make mistakes.

"Okay you children. Here I hold six pokédexes. Considering these three are my students I added some functions," the arrogant boy wanted to shout about being unfair but Oak held up a hand to stop him from speaking. "These functions are things such as swarm location information, uploadable data in case they find rare pokémon or pictures which will be sent to my lab and finally the national dex options which scans all pokémon. They are far more experienced than you three and I don't mean that negatively, Naga, Ritchie and Meredy." The three, which had not studied under oak kept quiet. They could not retort that as much as they wished to.

"So, which will you choose?" Oak asked as he handed the three new ones each a red pokédex. After that he turned to his students and handed each a specially colored one. Leaf received a blue pokédex with a Nidoqueen printed on the back, Gary received a black one with an Umbreon on it and Ash received a red one with a Pikachu on it. Each based on their starter, which is something they designed and made on their own.

Ritchie spoke up first to get the chance. "I choose Charmander!" He excitedly took the pokéball from Ash's hands and called him out. Charmander was instantly hugged and admired which boasted its ego pretty well. It seems Ritchie will have some problems later on with evolution.

Naga took Squirtle with a grunt. He called out the water type which was actually the most annoying one in the ranch. This one thought he was strong when the stronger pokémon didn't bother attacking him back when he blasted them with water gun. They fit together after looking at each other and smirking.

Meredy seemed to have a better start. She received a calm Bulbasaur who appeared out of its ball and promptly moved a vine whip to her to 'shake hands'. It was something the Bulbasaur practiced with Leaf because she found it funny that the Bulbasaur wanted to be so human-like. Meredy smiled happily and 'shook hands' as she explained her wishes to journey and simply catch new friends before deciding what to do. Bulbasaur didn't mind and agreed.

The three new children returned their pokémon after some small bonding, turned to Oak and bowed before looking challenging at the other three pallet trainers who studied under Professor Oak. After they left, Ash just had to mention it.

"I see each will have troubles. Meredy will no doubt be scared after finding the more untamed pokémon but she will be a good trainer nonetheless. Naga will have arrogance issues and most likely not train a lot. Ritchie is too excited. He will train a lot and probably have a strong team, but with a Charmander line as a starter he will have problems with evolution… Plus did they just look challenging at us as if we're their rivals?"

Gary nearly bust a gut at the last sentence. They each received proper level 5 pokémon who could be considered the very start of a journey whereas they were considered mid-level trainers with extremely high intelligence and knowledge. Leaf merely smiled as she looked at the other two. "At least I won't have an arrogant guy after me, nor a childish one who will complain and beg for tips after losing."

Now professor Oak busted a gut. Leaf scored a critical hit there and the two boys pouted childishly.

"Hahaha! You three always make me laugh and feel young again. Now you three, I want you to be careful. I heard Team Rocket is starting up again and I don't want to find you guys too involved. They won't mind if you take out some grunts though, so don't let them intimidate you." Oak spoke seriously as Team Rocket can be considered a threat. The three children nodded as they looked at their cherish balls with a smile. As if on cue a Pikachu, Nidorina and Umbreon came out of their pokéball and went to their respective sides, or in Pikachu's case, on Ash's shoulder.

Oak turned to them with a teary yet proud smile and embraced the children. "Be safe and make me proud. I know Delia will be. Visit her before you leave, she may have some gifts for you."

The three students cried silently as they returned the embrace, obviously going to miss the professor who they considered their grandfather. "We'll miss you," Gary said with the rest nodding in agreement.

"Heh, I will too. Stay in contact with me and each other. I know you three will be able to give each other tips and possible findings for each other's team. I know about what you three wanted though." Oak chuckled before giving each of them a special trainer card. "These three cards are my final gift. They're put into your pokédex as you know where to replace the old ones."

The trio nodded at their final gift as they did what he said. The pokédex then spoke up.

"Congratulations! You have received Junior Professor status. As a result of helping Professor Oak with many theories, creations and experiences which have later been reported to the league you three have received special privileges. Pokécenter services are now considered free along with special rooms made for professors and you are allowed to carry 10 pokémon with you."

The three children couldn't help but stare before smiling widely and giving Oak a bonecrushing hug. Oak nearly cried out in pain as he was hugged by three children - one who probably could match a Machop in strength thanks to the Aura in his body and physical training he did with his pokémon.

"AAAAH! My back you guys! MY BAAAACK!"

The three Pallet Prodigies were now laughing before turning back to their conversation after a reminder of Oak's cries when they heard a loud dragon laughing. "So Gary, what will you do for your team? I mean, I want to capture six pokémon per region and train them like that. If I do capture more, I will obviously do the same but I intend to focus on six," Ash told Gary his ideas to which Gary nodded. They have limited time during traveling and doing it alone will be tough when you have to feed 10 pokémon. "I was actually thinking of the same. While I do not mind taking care of 10 pokémon, which you probably don't either," Gary spoke as he saw Ash wanting to speak up. Ash instantly became silent, "I will do as needed. How about you Leaf? You intended to capture pokémon to help out Professor Oak."

Leaf nodded happily. "I will capture as much as I can after I finish a proper team. Like you guys, I have sixty cherish balls that we made. I want these sixty to be my personal pokémon and the rest will be caught for the Professor. Who knows, it may become Gary later." Leaf winked playfully and Gary blushed slightly at the compliment. Ash was just ignorant of the feelings between the two but he smiled happily for them. "I'm glad you three get along so well. We'll stay together until Pewter… but first things first. I want to capture that Froakie that Oak told us about when we were 11. If it's not there, that's a shame but if it is…" Ash's eyes became a burning passion.

Gary chuckled, "You always preferred the agile pokémon. Don't forget to have different kinds of pokémon, Ash." Leaf nodded with Gary in agreement and Ash just rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.

That was when they spotted a small group. Delia, Clefairy, Blissey and Mr. Mime were standing there with proud smiles on their faces. "Hello children! Come over here before you leave, I want to give you three some things."

Ash and Gary immediately ran up to her. Why not? She was considered their mother. Leaf followed up soon after as she considered Delia her aunt.

"Mom!" Both Gary and Ash hugged Delia with happy and teary smiles. They were going to miss her - especially her cooking was an inside thought - and the three helpers of her restaurant. She did mention presents though and they instantly hopped away.

"I know Ash and Gary are extremely picky so I have a pokémon for Leaf," Delia smiled softly as she held out a pokéball. She pressed the release button instead of letting it out, showing that it would be wild now. Out of it came a yawning Swablu.

"Swablu?" The three children stared at the pokémon before smiling at Leaf. She liked the pokémon named Altaria more than they did and so they weren't jealous. Leaf often said that she hesitated between Swablu and Nidoran.

Ash chuckled before starting to translate words for Leaf.

"Hello Swablu," Leaf began as she bent over to look at the peaceful pokémon which looked as if it just woke up from a nice nap. "My name is Rosa Leafgreen but everyone calls me Leaf. I want to know if you're interested in coming with me on my journey. My wish is to travel and meet many new pokémon and capture lots of friends." She spoke in a soft, mature voice. It definitely showed her determination.

The Swablu knew that this was coming, Delia told her so. "I am interested, yes. I just hope you will keep me with you in every region we go." Swablu's reasoning was simple and easy to accept and Leaf happily accepted. Swablu seemed to ignore the fact Ash translated her words.

Leaf happily pulled out her cherish ball and Swablu started staring at it for a while in wonder. That was a very pretty pokéball and she instantly liked her trainer for her taste as well. Swablu happily got inside of the ball and admired the fact she could see though some kind of screen the outside world. That was very different compared to the pokéball which only makes one want to nap and hypersensitive for when he or she is called out.

Leaf called out Swablu who promptly got on top of her hat making the others chuckle.

"Of course I didn't forget my two babies," Delia cooed and the two boys groaned with an embarrassed blush. Leaf giggled at the sight of her childish friends.

"For Ash I brought something that you might like. It's basically a list of my basic cooking recipes and ways to improve. I don't want you to copy me, I want you to follow your own path in the way of cooking." Ash instantly loved the gift. He didn't mind cooking after all, but to have his mother's basic recipes would help out a lot!

Gary pouted at that but didn't complain when Delia gave him two gifts to make up for it. "This here is a very special cloak. It's made for travel and gives a lot of warmth for if you're in cold caverns or need a blanket. It won't born and it will dry pretty fast. Of course it won't get too hot if you would wear it now but I'd advise wearing it in cold weather," Gary nodded as Delia gave him her next present. "This is a Mystic Water. It boosts water type damage and I think your Wartortle might like it." She winked as Gary happily took it. He was grateful for the gifts. They weren't too expensive if the looks of the items were anything to go by but gifts from your mother are something you accept. No. Matter. What.

"I'll miss you three so be sure to call me. Oak put our numbers in each of your Xtransceivers for contact reasons as well as a universal Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny center. Give your name and they'll locate you in case you need an ambulance or police officer for something."

"Of course! Right, Pi?" Ash asked his Pikachu who stayed silent with the other three. The three starters didn't want to interrupt their trainer's last moments with their family.

"Of course! I'll take care of Ash for you, mom!" Ash grunted when Pikachu said that and hesitantly translated it. Of course, every human and pokémon had to laugh when he did.

Delia giggled happily as she kissed the children their foreheads before doing the same for the pokémon. "I expect you three to protect your trainers. They are still children and while Ash is a lot more durable, I don't want to see them get hurt, okay?" Delia asked kindly. No scary smile, nothing. The Pokémon who were spoken to nodded resolutely. Their trainers will be safe with them. They swore that in their very core!

Like that, the journey began. One who dreams to become a master and fights for it, the other who aims to be a professor but also likes to battle and the last who will help out the two boys with their goal and have her fun during the traveling.

Each took their first step into the new route and went on with it. Despite their upcoming drama, they were more than ready for it.

I made them stronger than normal children yes. You can compare their pokémon to buffed out Pokémon who took special growth drugs and training against normal trainers who simply battle for experience. Consider them an improved version of AJ.

Now their gym battles won't be easy. I held back on a few details as I want flashback scenes for things such as creating the Pokémon Encyclopedia. Some might say that the Pokédex is this, which it is in a way, but theirs are focused on raising, training and feeding for traveling, battling and performance.

Their pokémon, compared to others, will not learn countless new moves but instead first master one and then move to the next. A single ember will be considered a fireball before they move to flamethower. Think of it like that.

Ash can speak with Pokémon and he can boost himself physically. This is what I want to stay at until late Kanto where he eventually forms a bond with someone. Who or what, I will not say. It will not be a Lucario. He will not receive a Lucario until Sinnoh, which is from Riley after seeing the improvements his Aura made. Of course, the movie with Aaron's Lucario will be very different as Ash has massive - note: MASSIVE - reserves of Aura but barely any control. It will only improve slowly.

Gary has psychic abilities. Whooptiedoo. I wanted this for the reason that he will become a professor. The journey may be based on Ash, but I want Gary to appear more than just for the Diglett episode. I want Gary to be competent and friendly, who improves Ash mentally. Leaf is also there for this reason and she will be like in many stories, though much more advanced.

Why did I go for this and not continue Lifetime? I realized I went fanboy and made OPness and OCness happen far, far too much. Yes, I admit it didn't go too well but hey I got some writing experience out of it. Some. This chapter will most likely not be the best prologue for a new story but I tried to give insight on the past instead of going "I'm 12 now. I start my journey with an overpowered Pikachu and a shiny, Arceus blessed Fletchinder who is far larger than Ash's Pidgeot in the anime". I wanted progress and not some monstrousity speed but slow and steady for a base. Their other improvements will be in the journey itself.

Consider them starting at third gym badge level with experience to battle some fifth badge trainers. Gym leaders will be harder than usual, trainers will be easier.

Now I probably said a lot of things and forgot a lot of things but I will make one thing clear: I finished the pokémon they will get. Yes, Ash will receive other regional pokémon but hey - it's a fanfic. Each will have a 'story' to follow. Pikachu was received and lacks a story thus was lessened but Fletchling hesitated to join and only by proving himself as a competent trainer did he want to join as a Fletchinder. Note: That battle could have been lost. I was wondering if I should make Pikachu lose or not for more story. Froakie, whom I mentioned, will also have a story which will only pop up when they reach Viridian.

One last thing I want to mention is, is that they now have a full - 365 days - year to reach the league. They have time to train their pokémon and they won't just capture a weak Caterpie (I don't hate Ash's Butterfree but I want his team different compared to canon).

As a spoiler I will also mention something Ash's fourth pokémon. It speaks human language.