Chapter Text
Tomorrow he would finally set out on his journey. Currently, he was sitting in front of the TV in his room, watching a battle. He wasn't very interested in it because he was also finishing packing. He went over all the things he needed on his journey. Unfortunately, Lucario, Dragonair, Gardevoir, Zorua, Zeraora, Popplio, and Rockruff were at the lab. Professor Oak had wanted to take a last look at them before he set out. Not that he minded. He really didn't want to risk his friends and family if something was wrong.
He went over the list he had on his Oran Pad. He giggled and checked every item he knew he packed. When he looked it over, he suddenly realized how much that was actually filled. He was very grateful for having bought a big bag. He had managed to pack both his Kuo Camera, and he put the Oran Pad in the bag too when he was done. Ash nodded and flopped down on his big bed. He would really miss his bed, but he had waited for this opportunity for years now.
It was then his mother knocked on his door.
"Ash, sweetheart, I'm going to bed now, don't stay up so long," she said, and Ash smiled.
"Alright, mum! I'm done now anyway," he said and shut off the TV. He looked over his things one more time and nodded. Everything was done. Now he just needed to shower and get dressed in the morning.
✧·ﾟ: *✧·ﾟ:* ❤ *:·ﾟ✧*:·ﾟ✧
Ash woke up from his clock going off. Giving up a big smile, he jumped out of his bed. It was time. He was finally going on his journey. So he bounced inside in bathroom and jumped into the shower. He was more or less vibrating with eagerness.
Ash started to wash his hair. It had grown a lot during the years, so it now reached him down to his hip. He had wanted it in that length. It was still black with and white ombré effect. After finishing washing his hair, he decided to get out of the shower, not wanting to waste more time in there. He checks the time and saw it was still just six in the morning.
Ash walked up to the big mirror he had on the wall and looked himself over. The hair was dripping, and he wrapped it up in another towel to get rid of some of the water. Tilting his head, and a pouted. Realizing it early on that he would no be much taller. He didn't know how he ended up so short and petite. Sure his mother was very feminine, but she was so tall too. He still liked his length, but he would have preferred to grow even more.
Ash started drying himself, thinking about today. Today Gary Oak was to begin his journey too. Gray liked to tease him and right out bully him. But in the later years, Gary had actually left him alone. Maybe it was because he always was away traveling with his mother. The second one that was about to get their Starter today was a girl named Rosalie Leafgreen. He liked to call her Leaf. Not that he cared much. She was as equally a bully, just like Gary. So he never really cared enough to know anything about her. Or anyone in his age, for that matter. Because he was apparently an easy target of bullies.
Ash nodded in satisfaction when he felt he and his long hair was dry enough, so he put it up in a ponytail, making his bangs frame his face. He huffed and realized his bangs had grown a lot the last year. Maybe it was time to cut it.
He looked outside and smiled. It looked like it was a lovely day today, so he picked up the clothes he had chosen for today.
First, he put on the pair of Jean Shorts Black that he had gotten in Kalos. He knew that he would forever use them because they were just that comfortable. He then pulled on a typical black Tank-top that he had. Over that, he put on his Short Parka Red, also a purchase he did in Kalos, a perfect purchase in his opinion. He nodded and patted his Parka. It was so soft and would keep him warm enough.
He looked over the shoes he had chosen and decided actually to put them on. He was not a very big fan of shoes. In fact, so many in Pallet Town had gotten so used to see him without shoes that they never cast a second glance towards him and his choice of attire. He jumped a bit and giggled. They very ridiculously comfortable, so he could see himself actually using this pair of shoes.
Ash walked out of the bathroom and towards his dresser that was filled with different things. In fact, it was things he had collected or gifted.
One thing he picked up right away was the choker he had his KeyStone in. After all, he didn't want to part with it or just leave it at home. Besides, he really liked the look of it. Then he decided to put in the Jade Orb he had been gifted by Rayquaza. He had made it to an earring, So now it was sitting prettily on his left ear. He didn't have many accessories, but those few he had, he was delighted to have. One pair of earrings he never took out was the part he had gotten from Riley. He really loved them, so they ended up being a pair he never took off. So the Jade Orb ended up having a place right behind it. He put on the NanoDex once more on his left hand. He also picked up his belt. The belt he had the Silver Wing, Rainbow Wing, and Lunar Wing on a chain. On another chain, the Clear Bell and the Tidal Bell were placed. He cherished them like nothing else. After all, it was a gift and reminder of what he was to his friends.
He nodded when he was satisfied with his looks, and he picked up his back and went downstairs. His mother was already there, preparing his breakfast, and he smiled.
"Good morning, honey," Delia said with a big smile and turned around and gave Ash a hug, which he returned.
"Morning, mum! What are you doing?" he asked and jumped up on one of the bar chairs. The kitchen was equally as big as his bedroom and his bathroom combined. Considering his mum was a chef, he couldn't really wonder why it was so big, and Delia had said that she wouldn't have anything less than this. When he had asked her one time why they had such a big home, she had answered that they were allowed to splurge money on the home. After all, they lived alone.
"I'm making your favorite, Chocolate Pancakes," she said and put a plate right in front of him, making him beamed towards her. He loved this as breakfast.
Ash ate while prattling on and on with what he was going to do first on his journey. Where he would like to go, and what places he particular he would visit, after all, he had made a small list of all the things he wanted to see.
When he had finished eating, he looked over to the watch. He saw that if he left now, he would be on the road before everyone else, and he instead leave the town before all his bullies managed to lay eyes on him today. Delia kissed him on the cheek and wished him luck.
"Okay, honey, call me when you get to Viridian City, but call my work number. I need to leave for Vermillion City," she said, and Ash nodded. He didn't mind, so he just hugged his mother goodbye and picked up his bag.
He smiled.
It was time for the first time he would be traveling alone, together with his Pokémon's.
When they both got outside of the gates, they parted ways. He was a bit sad that he didn't know when he would meet his mother again, but then again. Delia lived for traveling, too, so he was very sure he would bump into her sometimes during his travels.
Ash made his way towards the lab. Eager to get his friends and start his journey. He believes towards the lab, and when he was there, he banged on the door. Professor Oak was always an early riser, so Ash knew he was there. Professor Oak more or less lived at the lab. Not that Ash would have minded that either. Ash was now bouncing in his place, too eager to stand still. That was the sight the Professor was met with, and he sweatdropped.
"Eager, are you Ash?" Oak asked with a humorous smile, and Ash giggled and nodded.
"Yes! Please, let me come in," he asked, and Oak nodded.
"You do know that as an Assistant Professor, you have a Key Card too," he said, and Ash froze, groaning.
"I forgot...," he said and pouted, making the Professor start laughing.
"Never mind that. Now then, let's go then, Ash," he said and led Ash into the room where he knew the starters were, and there he saw Zeraora, or Zera, as he was now calling them. Zeraora was a bit mouthful after all. Zera yipped in happiness upon seeing Ash, and Ash himself giggled and hugged his Starter close. Professor Oak looked on with a smile, having the cameras record the interaction.
"Here you go, Ash. I have upgraded a new NanoDex for you. I took the opportunity to transfer all the Data you already had in the former one so that nothing will be lost. But another function we all have added to it is that you won't be needed to go to the Pokémon Centre to switch your different Pokémon's. You just need to shrink the Pokéball, and the NanoDex will do the rest for you," Oak said. Ash shone like the sun and took the new Dex. Putting it on his wrist and giggled as Zera sniffed the new item.
Ash held it up and scanned Zera and smiled as the Holo Screen popped up with all the information they had put in the Database of Zera.
Name: Zeraora.
Region: Alola.
National No: 807.
Type: Electric.
Species: Thunderclap Pokémon.
Height: 1.6 m.
Weight: 45 kg.
Ability: Volt Absorb.
Gender: Genderless.
Evolution Chart:
Zeraora.
Moves - Typing - Category.
Hone Claws - Dark - Status.
Thunder Punch - Electric - Physical.
Plasma Fists - Electric - Physical.
Close Combat - Fighting - Physical.
Dual Chop - Dragon - Physical.
Fire Punch - Fire - Physical.
Brutal Swing - Dark - Physical.
Electroweb - Electric - Special.
Focus Punch - Fighting - Physical.
Quick Guard - Fighting - Status.
PokéDex Entry:
It electrifies its claws and tears its opponents apart with them. Even if they dodge its attack, they'll be electrocuted by the flying sparks. It runs as fast as lightning strikes, shredding its opponents with its high-voltage claws. Wherever Zeraora runs, lightning flashes and thunder echoes.
Ash gave Zera a big smile and ruffled its furry head, making it preen in happiness.
"You are so amazing! But we will be stronger!" Ash said, and Zera gave him a determined nod. Ash turned to Professor Oak and giggled.
"Professor, may I have all of my Pokémon now? I want to get going before this place get's crowded," he said, and he nodded.
"I want you to check your Trainer Profile out when you get the chance to, and just tell me if there is something wrong with it, but I think I got everything right in it. And another thing, I have lifted your restriction on how many Pokémon you can carry. But keep in mind, if I see you are having trouble handling all the different Pokemon. I will remove it so that you will be restricted like anyone else," he said. Giving Ash the rest of his Luxury Balls. He took them. Clipping them on his second belt that was just for holding all his different PokéBalls. He nodded with a smile.
"Thank you so much for this, Professor! But I really want to get going now," he said and rushed out of the lab, with Zera right behind him. They more or less ran to the beginning of Route 1. Ash turned to Zera, who stood next to him, purring in delight, seeing it had Ash's attention.
"Now, our journey has truly begun!" Ash said and bounced forward, followed by his Starter. As they started going forward, has pointed out different Pokémon in the area, some were a rare sight, other not so much. Zera looked on and listened to him, curious about all the differences from where it came from. A moment later, Ash picked his camera up and started taking all sorts of pictures of the different Pokémon's in the area. Zera ran around, determined to be in some of the photos. This made Ash laugh but humored his newest Pokémon.
As they arrived at a stream, Ash sat down, and Zera walked up to the river and pawed at the water.
"Be careful. We don't want you to fall in," Ash said with a smile and placed himself in position, and started his regular meditation. As he let lose his Aura, all the different Pokemon living in the woods came out. His Aura was nice and warm, filled with love, making them feel safe and protected. Zera humored itself, waiting for Ash to be done, so they could get going.
Ash opened his eyes once more and saw that the sky had darkened, so he packed his stuff once more and stood up.
"Come on, Zera, we need to get to Viridian City before this storm hits," he said with a worried look, and Zera nodded. On the way there, they bumped into a screaming girl and an angry Gyarados.
"Come on, Zera! Let me see how you battle!" Ash said, and Zera gave him a determined nod and put itself in battle position.
"Show me that Plasma Fist!" Ash called out, and Zera nodded. It gave up a cry and charged at the giant Pokémon. Zera let the electric attack hit the Gyarados, making it cry out in pain, and it dove back into the river, disappearing.
"That was amazing! You did great, and when you can control your electricity to the point of making it obey your every demand, you'll be even greater!" Ash said and hugged Zera, who purred in happiness over the praise. They both turned to the girl sitting on the ground, staring at them with shocked eyes.
"Are you alright?" Ash asked with worry lacing his voice, and she nodded. Ash held out a hand, helping her up, and she took it, still shaking with fear.
"Yes, thank you so much! Gyarados has always frightened me, making me unable to do anything if I'm facing one," she said with her voice still shaking.
"We should go to Viridian City before nightfall, do. Do you wanna come with me?" Ash asked, and she nodded; still a little shaken up after what had happened. Ash turned and looked around and saw a bike that was in pieces, and he pointed.
"Is that yours? If so, I am really sorry for destroying it," he said with a sad voice, and the girl shook her head with a careful smile.
"It's fine! It was the Gyarados. My name is Misty, by the way, who are you?" she asked, and Ash smiled.
"My name is Ash Ketchum; I have just started my journey!" Ash said with a smile. Misty looked at him in wonder.
"Really? You did so well against the Gyarados, though?" she tilted her head in question, and he shrugged.
"Hm, well, I've met some fierce Pokémon in my life, so a Gyarados is nothing on Zera and me," Ash smiled, and she nodded.
"Okay, but let's go before this storm hits; I heard it's supposed to be really bad," she said, and he nodded. Zera walked close to Ash as they made their way to the closest Pokémon Center.
"It's Viridian City, right?" Ash asked, and she nodded, looking around, nervous over what could jump out of the bushes. Ash looked at her, questioning why she was so nervous, and she gave him a sheepish smile.
"Yes, let's hurry!" Misty said and picked up the speed, making Ash frown, but he didn't follow her. Something made him stop, and Misty that had managed to more or less run away from him, didn't notice it. Zera, on the other hand, patted Ash's arm, and he looked up at him. But Ash ignored it and continued to look at the dark cloudy sky. Something would be coming, and he was very sure that he knew who it was.
It was then the clouds parted, making him gasp upon seeing who it was. The giant Pokémon landed in front of them with a graceful landing, and Ash threw himself at the Pokémon.
"Ho-Oh! How I've missed you!" Ash giggled when the giant bird pulled carefully on his hair, making it a bit messy.
"Chosen, it is good to finally see you old enough to travel the world on your own. That is why I and some of the others have a gift for you," Ho-Oh said, and Ash tilted his head in confusion, but the bird didn't say anything. Ho-Oh just tapped the new Luxury Ball he had on his belt and disappeared. Ash got shocked and froze. The ping of a successful catch brought him back. He pressed the button and brought the bird back out, and looked at it with big eyes.
"Why?" Ash asked, and Zera looked equally as shocked over what had just transpired.
"Because, this way, I will never be in fear of someone unworthy catching me," they said, and Ash nodded slowly.
"I promise to take care of your Pokéball," Ash promised and hugged it.
"I know you will. Just call if it is something you will need help with," they said, and with a mighty flap with their wings, they ascended in the sky and disappeared. Ash looked at the Ball with big eyes and then looked at Zera, who looked happy, making him giggle.
"What do you say? Don't you think this one deserves a special place around my neck?" Ash asked, and Zera nodded, eager to see what their Trainer was about to do. Ash smiled and brought out a silver chain from his bag. His eyes glowed blue for just a second, and the Luxury Ball was now attached to the chain, of no way of falling off or being ripped off. Only he could take it off, and that was probably a good thing. Considering that anything could happen during his travels.
"Come on, Zera, let's get to Viridian City before this storm hits," Ash laughed and took off with Zera hot on his heels.