Ashton Hale: Pokemon Master

When a family vacation to Greenfield leads to romance btw. Delia Ketchum and Spencer Hale, Ash Ketchum isn't sure how to react. He's happy when he gets a new father and sister out of the deal. Growing up under the tutelage of a top Johto scientist, Ash is finally ready to undertake his Journey. Now Ashton Hale, and his starter, Cyndaquil, are out to conquer the Indigo League! Slash

x

"So what you're telling me is that Unown accidentally hit a shiny Hoothoot with Hidden Power after tricking you in capturing him?" Molly asked, with a straight face. "That sounds exactly like the type of journey I'd expected you to have, big brother."

"I'm glad to know that I reached your high expectations, Molly," Ash retorted, "Can you pass the phone to Dad now?"

His little sister stuck her tongue out briefly, and then a brunette girl disappeared from the video screen, and a stern-faced man appeared. "Hello Ash," Spencer Hale greeted happily, "Molly tells me that you managed to catch an Unown?"

"Well, it's not like it's some great accomplishment, Dad," Ash replied, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck, "Unown can only use Hidden Power in battle, and let himself get captured anyway."

The ten-year-old looked over the clearing where all three of his Pokemon were training. Cyndaquil and Hoothoot- who had also refused a name- had paired up, so the former could practice his Ember against the flying type's substandard Protect. A good distance away was Unown, who was continuously forming spherical balls of psychic energy with varying resultant attacks. Ash had found that the constant repetition decreased the time it took to form the attack, and also increased Unown's stamina. Right now, he could average four Hidden Power attacks, before needing to take a break.

"Still, you're the first trainer to ever catch one," Spencer persisted, "You should be proud of that, and for catching a shiny too. I know that I am."

A pleased blush crossed the dark-haired boy's face, even as he looked away in embarrassment. Ash liked gathering compliments, and it was always nice when they came from his Dad, but the act of accepting them was still awkward. The circumstances by which he had caught his Pokemon were almost entirely reliant on luck, but there was a sense of satisfaction from being the one to catch them.

"Thanks Dad, but the reason I called you was to see if you were okay with me catching Unown," Ash said, concerned, "This isn't going to hold back your research, is it?"

Spencer rubbed his chin, and considered the words. "No, I think it might be very beneficial to see an Unown operate in different environments and with other Pokemon species. Since there's only one specimen, I won't be able to draw any set conclusions, but it would make an interesting addendum to the research paper, don't you think?"

"Er, yes?" Ash asked, puzzled.

"I would like to ask a favor from you, son," the older man said decisively, "Would you mind keeping an observational journal about Unown for me?"

"I guess not," the twelve-year-old agreed, "It's not a difficult thing to do."

"It'll be co-published with your name, of course," Spencer added, enthused, "In fact, submitting the journal would go a long way towards completing a Researcher or Breeder license. Have you considered signing up for either program?"

"Dad, I want to be a Pokemon Master," Ash reminded his father, because Spencer Hale had a habit of pushing his kids into the scientific field.

"I know, but there's no reason you can't work on your qualifications while travelling," Spencer replied, reasonably, "The online tracking program will let you work on it in your own pace, and it could never hurt to widen your knowledge about the wonderful Pokemon sharing our world."

"I guess?" Ash hesitated, not really wanting to commit to another path. His father looked so excited, though… "Maybe I can try a few of their Breeder challenges if I come across them on the road?"

Spencer Hale was positively beaming at that reply, and the image of the man's face became a small square on the upper-righthand corner of the screen, as he instructed Ash on how to setup a Breeder account. The twelve-year-old boy input all of his basic information, such as age, hometown, and captured Pokemon, enabled the GPS tracker to affirm his travel progress, and sent the profile to the League, where an agent would be assigned to prove his claims.

The Johto League Online Breeder Program had a very strict anti-cheating program. Not only were there strict penalties for any students that made claims they couldn't back-up, the League would independently investigate the student for defraudment. This was accomplished through a manner of ways, such as cross-referencing Ash's trainer account, keeping video records of League-sanctified battles, and bi-annual written exams in any Johto PokeCenter. It was a hassle to follow all of those regulations, but the benefit was that many trainers could acquire a Researcher or Breeder's License while travelling on their Pokemon journey.

When the account had been set-up, and Ash finished his call to his family, he looked over some of the 'accomplishment' goals on the website. He was currently a Level 1 Breeder, with Level 15 needed for the unspecialized General License, and he would need to accumulate points to reach that level. The amount of points was determined by the difficulty of the tasks associated with them, so Ash would receive more from raising a ghost-type for one year, for example, then from developing his own League-tested Pokeblock recipes. Some tasks had an 'undetermined' label, such as submitting one's own original research, that would receive points based on how impressive the League thought it was.

One of the best ways to rack up points was to enter a Breeder Competition, which Ash made a mental note to look into, if he had the time. The dark-haired boy didn't see himself pursuing this full-time, but his Dad was right in that this could be a good way to augment his trainer career.

When his brief overview was done, Ash stood up and jogged over to his training Pokemon. "Okay guys, can you show me how far training has gone?"

Aiden nodded enthusiastically, and then turned towards his newest team member with an intent look on his face. He opened his maw, fire spiralling from his throat rapidly, and then spit out a full-fledged Ember at the flying type.

"Hoot!" The shiny bird didn't even flinch as a transparent green barrier snapped into the air between them. The fire struck the barrier, Hoothoot blinked, and then, like water on glass, was repelled back into the ground. When the barrier flickered away, the flying type made a contented hoot.

"That was much better," Ash beamed, leaning down to rub Aiden's head. The fire type ducked his face down, in apparent embarrassment, but Hoothoot accepted his trainer's praise as was his due. He made a disgruntled sound when Ash stopped rubbing the spot between his arrow-shaped antlers.

"It would be great if we can make all of your moves solid before we reach Violet City," the twelve-year-old continued, "I don't want us to learn any new techniques until we can use these without question." Despite their disappointment, both Aiden and Hoothoot nodded.

"Can we see your Hidden Power, Unown?" Ash turned to the tiny Psychic Pokemon. Unown spun his body around in a full-circle.

Ash sighed. "Please?"

The key-shaped bottom part of Unown's body wiggled back-and-forth.

"Well, suit yourself," the dark-haired boy shrugged, making a big scene out of turning around, "If you're insecure about your move, then, of course, we'll give you more time to train- Ow!"

The growing welt on the back of the boy's head was a testament to the continued effectiveness of Unown's body slam.

"Look, you either want to show us your move or not," Ash was exasperated, as he tentatively touched the bruise, "I'm not forcing you to do either, but you can't keep attacking me like this. Have I offended you in some way?"

Unown turned around, and the twelve-year-old guessed that he had made some offense. Aiden gave a warning squeak, but the psychic type merely flew out of the flying type's reach.

"Unown, you're my Pokemon now," Ash said firmly, "I expect you to listen to reasonable orders, especially if we're battling, and, if they're unreasonable, refuse to do them without resorting to violence. I'm sorry for whatever I did to upset you. I want to travel with you, but if you cannot obey orders, then I will return you back to the lab."

When Unown's body curled into itself, the dark-haired boy was unsure how to react. Had his rebuke been too harsh? He had never had to deal with a disobeying Pokemon before, but Ash could tell that Unown's attitude would be a continuing problem for the team. He hadn't lied though, about wanting to keep the psychic type on his team. And returning the rebellious Unown to his Dad tasted too much like defeat, for Ash to be happy with it.

"Let's forget this, and set up camp now," Ash tried to make his voice much gentler, as he reached out a hand and gently brushed over the handle of Unown's key-shape, "Thank you for all of the hard work you did so far, Unown. You deserve to regain your energy with some Pokechow."

By then, Ash's voice had tilted upwards uncertainly, almost forming a question, but he needn't have worried. Unown didn't try to use his unusual method of communication, but he did zoom over until he was buried in the twelve-year-old's hair.

"Eh?" Startled, the boy carded his fingers through his messy black locks, and felt Unown's body burrow under them. "You are one strange Pokemon, Unown."

x

Most Johto trainers, even many of those residing on the opposite side of the country, chose to begin their journey at New Bark Town. For that reason, Ash met few trainers on his way to Violet City, and the ones that he did meet often had older, more powerful Pokemon with them. Thus, he won only one battle on the road, against a Politoed that had the misfortune to be hit with Unown's Hidden Power Giga Drain. He did get to see some really cool Pokemon though, including a monster of a Typhlosion. Aiden had been blown away by the fully-evolved example of his own species.

The dark-haired boy's travel had fallen into a routine now. Early in the morning, Ash and Aiden would get a few hours of travel in, before Aiden's short limbs demanded that the little fire type get some rest. Then he would be swapped for Hoothoot, who would get to fly ahead, while Ash continued on the path to Violet City. He would take a break an hour before lunch, to train with the team, and then afterward, the actions would be repeated until dinner. Post-dinner activities were mostly spent grooming or talking with his Pokemon, and occasionally, working on Breeder qualifications.

During the twelve-day trip to Violet City, Ash had plenty of opportunities to learn more about his Pokemon. Aiden remained his shy and sweet starter, but was slowly drifting into the role of peacemaker between the prideful Hoothoot and high-strung Unown. His flying type obeyed Ash's orders without question, and worked hard during his training, but expected to be lavished with praise and treats afterward. Hoothoot took a particular delight in grooming himself, and, despite the fact that most shiny Pokemon tended to be anxious about their colouring, was distinctly smug about his glossy, golden feathers.

Unown was the Pokemon that Ash had the most difficulty in understanding. He was small enough that he could hide in a number of places, most being on Ash's person, and obstinate enough that he would refuse to come out when his trainer called. The dark-haired boy could never tell if Unown was out exploring, as was his wont, or if he was merely resting amidst the group. On the third day, Ash had to pack up camp, and panicked when he couldn't find his psychic Pokemon, but, after a fruitless hour-long search, found it sleeping snugly within his pockets. Unown never directly disobeyed Ash's orders, but he was certainly the most willful amidst the three Pokemon, and prone to what the twelve-year-old swore to be mocking behavior.

Still, Ash supposed that he had made some progress on the bonding front, and was content with that. He was even happier with his Pokemon's training results. Unown's Hidden Power was unpredictable, but quick. Hoothoot could use all of his moves reliably, with an occasional falter in Hypnosis. Aiden's basic move pool was excellent, and his stamina, accuracy, and power had all grown through the constant practice.

'Aiden's probably ready to learn another move,' Ash determined, considering that his friend had been coughing out smoke as his body developed an impromptu Smokescreen, 'He can already form the smoke, he just needs to build it up and direct it properly. After that, another easy move for the Cyndaquil species is Defense Curl, and that can help Aiden withstand Falkner's Peck.'

Ash would have liked to add a stronger attack, like Lava Plume or Flamethrower, to Aiden's moveset, but that was impossible at the time. Fire type species could only use elemental attacks in proportion to their own inner flame, and his Cyndaquil was simply too young to have a powerful, compressed core of fire. He would reach that point one day, but until then, Ash would focus on normal type or ground type moves, that Aiden could also learn.

The twelve-year-old would have continued to think about his Pokemon's potential, if not for the way that the trees began to thin or the sight of the gleaming white towers in the distance. As he came closer he could see the clear riverbed surrounding the area, and one of the many bridges that led into the city. There were pale lavender and rich purple flowers dotting the entire landscape, and the air was rife with the mellow, sweet scent of the violets that led to the city's name.

"Whoa," Ash breathed softly, eyes drawing further up to see the many tree-covered hills in the distance, "No wonder this place was named the Balance City."

There seemed to be just as much leafy green in the image, as there was gleaming steel. Few cars were on the road, and the wide sidewalks gave credence to the main means of traversing the relatively small city. As Ash got closer, he could glimpse the unmistake chatter and bustle of happy people and Pokemon going about their day.

The dark-haired boy felt a tug on his hair, and instantly raised his arm up, so Unown could slip into his jacket's long sleeve. It was the psychic Pokemon's preferred method of travelling to his pocket, and one that Ash encouraged when he met an insistent trainer on the road that tried to get him to trade his Unown for the teen's Goldeen. Ash had flatly refused, and while the boy eventually backed off, his former aggressiveness had reminded the new trainer that Unown was a very rare capture.

Surprisingly enough, this one event had done more to endear Ash to Unown, than any of the twelve-year-old's previous attempts at friendship.

The first destination in any city, naturally, was the Pokemon Centre, so Ash headed there to have his Pokemon checked out. Nurse Joy, a near-identical copy of her younger cousin in Greenfield, quickly scanned his Pokemon through the restoration machine, only pausing to lift a delicate pink eyebrow when Unown was recalled.

"An Unown, huh?" Nurse Joy hummed, as she read over the computer screen, "I don't think I've ever seen one of those before."

"They're psychic Pokemon that mostly hang around the ruins of Greenfield," Ash explained, briefly. "Are they all in good condition?"

"Yes, they're perfectly healthy, Mr. Ketchum," Nurse Joy replied, returning the Pokeballs to him, "Would you like to reserve a room? The first night is free, and we offer a reasonable rate of $30 Pokedollars for each night afterward. Meals are included in the price."

"Yes, please," Ash responded, calculating the length of his stay, "Can I reserve the room for… four nights? And I would also like to register for the Indigo League." When the rest of his business was completed, the dark-haired boy walked away from the center desk and looked around for signs to the cafeteria. Ash hadn't had lunch yet, and his stomach was growling at him to find some nutrition now. He was a growing boy, after all.

'Maybe, it's this way-' Ash thought, about to randomly pick the left door, when he heard someone calling him.

"Ash! Ash Hale!" The confident, outgoing voice was familiar, and when the dark-haired boy's head spun around to face it, he knew why. Spiky, chin-length blonde hair, a tall, lanky figure, and a healthy Pikachu clinging onto his shoulder… Ash's face neatly transitioned into a tomato.

"Hey, I didn't think I was going to find you, this easily," the teenager grinned, one hand messing up his untidy locks even further, "It's good to see you again!"

"Y-you too," Ash managed to say, knowing that even his ears were starting to redden, "It's good to see you, Volkner."

x

I would like to thank everyone that read and reviewed my story this far. A lot of you have given great suggestions about what type of Pokemon Volkner should give Ash, and I've finally settled on a Johto favorite that's still a newborn. (The egg idea was rejected on behalf of how Ash is still so inexperienced as a trainer). 'xXSakuraBlossomsXx' made a great point about how Volkner shouldn't trust Ash immediately, since they barely knew one another, but hopefully I can mitigate that somewhat by having them train and battle together for a few days, before giving him the Pokemon.

As for xChaosRebornx, I think it would be a great idea if you wrote a Volkner x Ash story of your own. This pairing is practically nonexistent on this site, and it would be great to see how another writer would develop it. If you ever want to bounce ideas off of someone, then feel free to PM me.

Now for my next question: Should I have the occasional POV from Volker?