A 9 year old Ash Ketchum was humming to himself as he made his way through the lush forest surrounding Pallet Town, an endeavour he had been undertaking consistently for the last 2 years. It was mid-afternoon and he knew his mother would be expecting him back in the next couple of hours so he was meandering through the familiar foliage as he made his way home.

He'd just finished exhausting himself with a family of Ratatta and Raticate, the smallest of the creatures having boundless energy and even driving his 9 year old self to the brink of collapse. He had played the part of a hunter and chased the little ones around their territory, up into the trees and down through the undergrowth and fallen tree trunks until eventually catching his quarry. Ash very much enjoyed his time with the Pokemon in the wild, he had become quite close with several families spread throughout the forest and his time spent with them was what he looked forward to the most.

As he walked a rustling over-head caught his attention, smiling to himself he maintained his pace and carefully pretended to ignore it until he saw a small white creature in his periphery. As the creature drew closer Ash sprung into action, leaping at the creature and pinning its arms to the ground and with a big grin Ash shouted "Ha! Got you again Mankey!". Laughing out loud as the familiar Mankey underneath him struggled out of his grip and began its predictable tantrum at being caught out.

Mankey decided to get his vengeance and barrelled into Ash's chest and the two began rolling around on the floor in their usual wrestling match, Pokemon and human laughing and shouting all the while. Ash had met this Mankey just 6 months previously on one of his ventures and after an initial tussle he had managed to persuade the Mankey that he meant no harm and from then on he would often attempt to sneak up on Ash. Unfortunately for the fighting Pokemon stealth was not something it was adept at and so was almost always caught out, much to Ash's delight and Mankey's frustration.

Ash wasn't sure if this Mankey had a family or not, or even where he came from. As far as he knew Mankey were not all that common in the area which he had found out from Professor Oak at one of the talks he did for young aspiring Pokemon enthusiasts. He figured the Pokemon looked healthy enough though and certainly had plenty of energy so he was probably doing alright.

Their tussle came to an end with Mankey as the victor utilising his first-rate Pokemon strength and Ash's arm at an almost painful angle (Mankey hadn't quite got the message that Ash wasn't as durable as him). Ash tapped out and got to his feet, brushing himself off and bumping his fist to Mankey's offered paw, a gesture Ash had introduced as a way of gaining the creatures trust.

"You're something else Mankey, I need someone to teach me. I know you're a Pokemon but I'm bigger than you and I have more reach, I should be able to do better." Ash groaned as he stretched out his arm, massaging the joints in order to dissipate the soreness.

While he stretched and watched Mankey start up some shadow boxing he got an idea, why not get Mankey to teach him some moves? He was a fighting-type Pokemon after all and so had an intuitive knowledge of combat, just like how a fire-type can breath fire instinctively. Alright it may not be that easy to translate what Mankey knew into something useful for a human, but if nothing else he could at least have someone who knew what a good punch looked like. Plus, Ash thought Mankey would appreciate the company as he always seemed to enjoy the play fights they had, he'd just need to avoid taking any full powered hits or his mum would go nuts…

2 months later

Ash leapt off the branch as he followed Mankey over their improvised assault course swinging off another branch below and touching down on the ground with a roll. He'd made good time and kept up with the pace Mankey set, though Ash knew the nimble monkey Pokemon could leave him behind any day of the week it still felt great to know he was improving.

Training with Mankey was like nothing Ash had ever attempted before, he thought that it would be exhausting like it was running around playing with Ratatta but he hadn't considered the sheer variety of exercises and acrobatics Mankey would throw at him that seemed to come naturally to the creature. The dull ache in Ash's limbs and joints had unfortunately become totally natural at this point and he no longer felt the need to complain each time. Ash moved over to a clearing to take a rest, Mankey hopping along after him chattering away in apparent happiness and both flopped down onto their backs in pure relief.

In the last 2 months Ash had been bringing his fitness up to a level that satisfied his small training partner, apparently he wasn't ready for the Mankey school of fighting just yet. Now though, after his performance today and how much energy he still felt like he had it seemed like it might finally be time. He knew he could run circles around the Ash of 2 months ago and as small a time-frame as that seemed like he had really been put through a hell of a regime.

Deciding it was time to get back home he leapt to his feet, kicking up from his position on his back in one move. "Hey Mankey it's time for me to head off, what do you think of my performance today? Good right?".

The little fighter hopped up and down excitedly and nodded, then went into a fighting stance and started shadow-boxing.

Ash's grin grew wider, knowing what the Pokemon meant and held his fist out to be bumped. "I can't wait, I'll see you later Mankey. I hope you're ready for me next time!".

The Pokemon and human bumped fists and parted ways, Ash taking a direct route home as he was going to be cutting it close to his curfew. His mum had been acting a little strange over the last few months and Ash figured she had noticed some of his bruises from his early attempts at the assault courses, hopefully she wouldn't try to get him to open up about it again. He had told her a small lie and said it was just his standard adventures and had roped in Gary to be his alibi for him, the jerk demanded one of his collectibles for the help. That seemed to work at first but his mum was still paying a little too much attention.

As he came out of the tree line he saw the setting sun on the horizon, the hills of Pallet town basking in its ember glow. He smiled to himself in silent satisfaction, he knew that many young people in this town left to seek better fortunes elsewhere. Ash himself had the beginnings of a plan to battle his way through the Pokemon Gyms and challenge the Pokemon League after his 15th birthday, the age for starting trainers having been raised due to someone senior realising how bad it looked that 10 year old kids kept disappearing. The change was well received by parents, shockingly.

Bringing his attention back to the view he reaffirmed his love for this town and knew that he was going to leave, not because he was unsatisfied with it like many others but simply that his dreams were out there in the world and that he would always find time to return to his mum and the town that he grew up in.

Approaching his house from the rear he walked up to the backdoor and stepped inside.

"Mum, I'm back!"

6 months later

Now 10 years old Ash twisted out of the way of a quick left jab from his opponent, stepping back and creating some space so he could maximise his height and reach advantage. His attacker was over 2 feet shorter than him but he learned from experience that didn't mean much when they were a Pokemon who literally embodied fighting. Mankey quickly approached launching fast jabs aimed at Ash's body before leaping up and bringing a heel kick down towards his skull which he braced against using both arms and leaving himself open for a follow up jab from his primate partner. He knew he'd feel that one in the morning, coughing as he fell to one knee he looked up and grinned at Mankey who relaxed his stance and hopped over to Ash to check him for injuries.

They had been at this particular spar for over half an hour and Ash was really feeling the impact of the little Pokemon's hits. Mankey regularly dominated Ash with his speed and strength but Ash knew he was forcing him to use more and more of his natural power each time. He figured that if Mankey stayed the same and he kept improving then it would be a much closer fight in another few months, unfortunately for Ash however, Mankey was improving all the time as well so he would have to settle for his steady improvement rather than eventual victory which was just fine with him.

Mankey had started off working on the proper fighting stance for a human, it was basically trial and error until Mankey was satisfied that Ash could utilise his weight correctly and wasn't off balance after throwing or receiving a punch. After that they had worked on punching technique, again Mankey didn't have five fingers or shoulders but they got there in the end, Mankey coaching Ash by being his target and moving Ash's arms and legs each time to get the right movements down. Mankey knew how to fight and knew what a punch should feel like, he just didn't know what a human should look like to throw the perfect punch, that's why it was mostly rinse and repeat until they achieved a good basic stance and technique.

Another facet of the training involved grappling and take-downs, Ash learned how to target a larger opponents joints to bring them down and then get them in a joint-lock to force submission or if it came to it, break their arm or leg. This was something that Ash had been very keen to learn due to him being a child, even with his coaching he still wasn't going to be able to muster the power to really damage a bigger target but if he could get an arm-bar going he definitely had the strength to inflict real damage. When he asked himself whether he would be willing to inflict that sort of damage Ash knew that the answer was 'Yes', he knew of people out there that wouldn't take no for an answer, the criminal organisation known as Team Rocket for one. If there was a threat to his life or the safety of his friends or family Ash would make that decision.

Ash could still remember the first solid hit he had landed, it was a counter to a high sweeping kick Mankey had launched from the air which Ash had blocked with one arm on pure instinct and with his right fist launched a fierce hook to send Mankey flying. While Mankey was certainly the superior physical fighter he still didn't weigh much and it didn't take much force to send him away, especially since he was in the air and couldn't absorb the impact. Mankey had tumbled away, immediately got up and leapt at Ash in a hug while chattering away happily, evidently proud of his best (and only) pupil. Ash had been ecstatic at his progress and internalised that feeling of success to be used to drive himself to even greater achievements.

The training had other more physical effects as well, Ash now looking much leaner and stood at a slightly above average 4' 6", he had really started to explode since his training had started and his hunger had grown right along with his body. His muscles were developing well, built for speed and practical application rather than great feats of strength though Ash's own bodyweight was no trouble to manipulate and he found he greatly enjoyed jumping and swinging around the tree tops with Mankey.

Groaning, Ash got to his feet. "I think I'm beat for now pal, you got me good there. You up for a little race to the forest edge?".

Mankey puffed his chest out in pride and grunted in approval.

"Alright furball, show me what you've got!" Ash finished with a grin, setting off in a sprint towards the tree line and leaving a shocked Mankey in his wake.

Half an hour later a cocky Mankey and a grumpy Ash emerged from the trees. Ash was covered in leaves and dirt.

"I know you used a quick chop to make that branch buckle Mankey, don't think I didn't see you." Ash complained, knowing Mankey didn't take the furball comment very well. He knew his mum wouldn't be too happy with how filthy he was but there wasn't really anything he could do about it now. He turned to the entirely too happy Pokemon next to him and considered introducing him to his mum, he would call Mankey his friend at this point, no longer just a Pokemon he saw in the forest. All that stopped him from making the introduction before was a caution that only occasionally reared its head in his otherwise rash and impulsive behaviour.

"Alright buddy, what do you think about meeting my mum? I think she will be alright with you, but I can't promise. What do you say?".

Mankey looked at Ash for a moment before nodding and hopped along to walk alongside him as they made their way back to his home.

"Hey Mum, I've brought a friend over." Ash called in, looking around the living room.

"In here honey!" A voice carried through from the kitchen.

"Come on pal, there will probably be something to eat as well." Ash said as he led the Pokemon further inside. Mankey looked around in curiosity, having never been in a house before.

Delia Ketchum was sitting at the kitchen table reading a book on home gardening, the smell of roast chicken and potatoes wafting about the room and eliciting rumbles from both Ash and Mankey. Her face lit up upon seeing Ash before her eyes widened slightly at seeing Mankey. "Ash you're filthy!" Delia scolded.

"Sorry mum, this is Mankey, he's a friend I made just over a year ago. Mankey, this is my mum." Ash made the introductions and he noticed Mankey looking a little apprehensive.

Taking a moment to look between the two a small knowing smile appeared on her lips. Schooling her features Delia stood up and went to crouch down in front of Mankey. "Hello Mankey, it's a pleasure to meet you, thank you for taking care of my son. I take it I have you to thank for his improved fitness and the occasional bruise?" She looked up at her son as she finished with a mild glare to which he had the decency to look guilty.

"Sorry I didn't tell you mum, for the first few months it was just exercise you know, climbing trees and stuff. But for a while now Mankey has been training me, I asked him to teach me how to fight. We've become really good friends and I trust him." Ash finished, hoping his mother wouldn't react badly. He knew she was suspicious of him and his growth but had never came out and demanded he tell her.

Delia was silent as she thought this through while Mankey seemed to sense Ash's discomfort and shrunk back behind his leg.

It was true she had noticed the occasional bruise despite Ash's attempts to hide them, he was only a child after all and wasn't all that cunning. They were easy enough to explain away by the standard rough and tumble she knew that he got up to on his own and occasionally with Gary and some of the other kids, she hadn't been particularly worried and his ever improving mood and obvious growth had put most of her anxiety to bed. He had also had a downright gluttonous appetite which she knew to be an indication of good health, people who weren't happy tended to be a bit self-destructive and not get proper nutrition or exercise.

Now though it was different, he was learning to fight with a Pokemon. There were reasons people use Pokemon to catch other Pokemon, they were innately stronger than humans, even this small Mankey would beat an untrained average man. This line of thought seemed a bit pointless however considering they had clearly been going at it for months and the odd bruise was the worst injury that Ash had gotten. Ash knowing how to fight didn't worry her, she'd seen some of the worst parts of people in her life and it honestly made her feel better knowing Ash could take care of himself and his friends. She also trusted Ash to be responsible with it, unlike Gary who was a bit of an arrogant brat and probably wouldn't mind showing it off. She was also very happy that Ash had eventually opened up to her, and knew that if she reacted well to this then the next time he would be all the more likely to come to her sooner. With that thought, she made her decision.

"I've known you were doing something different for a while now, your growth isn't exactly subtle and 10 year old children don't normally get this big. I am glad you've told me and while I would rather not have you fighting with a Pokemon on a regular basis, the fact that the worst injuries you've had are bruises goes a long way to reassure me you are taking care. In the future I would like you to be able to tell me this sort of thing, I am your mother Ash, I know you probably don't realise but your safety and well-being are my priorities. If something had happened to you out there while training with Mankey I don't know what I would have done." Delia realised how scared she was of losing her son and brought him into a hug, tears threatening to fall as images of him lying in a forest somewhere all alone and unable to move came to her mind.

Ash had a small, tentative smile until his mother had started talking about his safety and pulled him into a hug. Had he really seen tears in his mother's eyes? He let his arms wrap around his mother's back and tried to reassure her with his presence, not trusting his voice after hearing the emotion from his mother and feeling a little bit shaky. It was true what she had said, Mankey could have gone overboard and broken something easily enough early on. Ash had trusted him but from an objective point of view it had been silly. Was he always this reckless? The last thing he wanted to do was bring his mother to tears by getting himself hurt or killed. He hadn't ever given it much thought before but perhaps it was time to start thinking things through a little bit more.

"I didn't realise mum, sorry for worrying you. I'll be more careful from now on, I promise."

"Thank you sweetie." Delia said, smothering a relieved sob and bringing her tears back under control.

They remained in their embrace for a moment longer before parting, and Delia crouched again and addressed Mankey. "I hope I can trust you to continue taking care of Ash for me?" In response the little white Pokemon raised its paws and gave a small noise in the affirmative. Smiling, Delia patted the Pokemon on the head and giggled as it closed its eyes and sighed.

"You've made a good friend here dear, take care of him." Delia said, as she turned back to check on the cooking food.

"You can count on it mum." Ash said as he held out his fist for Mankey to bump, their friendship solidified as they shared a determined nod.

A/N

So, couple of things. Mankey's height is going to be a little taller than what it says on the wiki, probably sitting at around 2-2 and a half foot. First few chapters are going to be going through Ash's earlier years where he gets some life lessons and develops a bond with Mankey, there will be a few time skips and not all that much action while we're still in Pallet Town. It's going to be focusing on the characters for now, rather than the overarching plot, battles or bad guys.