To Be A Master

Izzyaro

Hello, everyone! This is one of several stress relief projects that is finally seeing the light of day. I can't promise regular updates, but I do like working on it and I've got everything until the Indigo League vaguely planned out. Pairings are currently undecided, because Ash is ten and about as interested as a rock, so that won't come in until later. I'm still toying with including things like Aura, but that won't be introduced until after the League, if it is at all.

Anyway, thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy this story.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

The first day of April following a child's tenth birthday was a special day. It was the day they were allowed to register as Pokémon Trainers, and begin a journey with a Pokémon of their very own. Some people were given their first Pokémon by friends or family members, while others went to the regional Pokémon Professor, who would make sure that every trainer set out with a healthy, capable Pokémon by their side.

At least, that was how it was supposed to work.

"What do you mean, there's none left?"

Professor Oak did that thing where he looked at Ash like he thought he was an idiot. To be fair, Ash was feeling like a bit of an idiot. Of all the days to break his alarm clock…But that didn't mean the professor had to think it too!

"I'm afraid so, Ash. Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle have all been chosen by young trainers."

Ash's heart sank, but he didn't give up. "Please, Professor, there's gotta be something I can have!"

He couldn't wait to start on his Pokémon journey. He'd already been waiting ten years! Ash didn't know how long it would take to get new Starter Pokémon in, but it would be too long.

Professor Oak stroked his chin thoughtfully. "As it happens, I do have two young Pokémon that might be willing to work with an aspiring young trainer. But," he held up a hand to forestall the barrage of questions, "they were both wild Pokémon."

Ash nodded in understanding. While the Starters of each region were bred and raised specifically for new trainers, Pokémon born in the wild were very different. They weren't used to humans, and would be harder to train.

On the other hand…

"I don't care," said Ash firmly. "I'm going to have to catch and raise wild Pokémon if I'm going to be the world's greatest Pokémon Master. I'm not afraid of starting now."

Professor Oak held his gaze for a long moment, then his weathered face creased into a smile. "Now, how did I know you were going to say that?" He moved through to the back room of his laboratory, waving a hand for Ash to follow. "I suppose it can't do any harm to meet them."

"Yes! Thanks, Professor!"

Oak shook his head, but Ash caught the smile tugging at his face before he turned away. Ash bounded after him, heart hammering in his chest. He had no idea what Pokémon were waiting for him, but he didn't care. Ash had never heard of a Pokémon he didn't think was amazing, and he'd seen enough televised battles to know that any Pokémon could be a strong fighter if trained right. Whatever Oak had, Ash was going to make it the strongest it could be.

When Oak turned back, he was holding two Pokéballs. One was marked with a small lightning bolt, and Ash frowned at it.

"What's that for?"

Oak coughed, and if Ash didn't know better he'd swear the man looked embarrassed. "Ah, well, this Pokémon doesn't like being kept in its 'ball." He sighed. "Actually, it refuses to stay in there. I marked it just so I'd remember that it was technically in use."

"That's so cool. What Pokémon is it?"

Oak opened his mouth, but before he could say anything there was a soft noise from behind them. Ash spun round, and his eyes widened. "A Pikachu!"

He was moving forward before he could help himself. One of the best trainers Ash had ever seen had used a Pikachu in the Indigo League, and Ash had been amazed by the power such a small Pokémon contained. This Pikachu's cheeks were already sparking, and Ash crouched down and held out a hand.

"Hi there. My name's Ash, and I'm gonna be a Pokémon Master. Want to come with me?"

"Ash," said Oak, in a warning tone, but Ash kept his eyes on Pikachu, and a bright smile on his face. Pikachu tilted its head to one side, then snorted and turned away.

Ash's smile dropped from his face. "Really?"

More sparks shot from Pikachu's cheeks, and this time Ash got the hint and scrambled back. "Okay, sorry."

Oak patted him sympathetically on the shoulder. "He doesn't like me either," he said, somewhat mournfully. "I'll probably be releasing him today."

Pikachu's ears shot up, and the Electric-type darted back over to them. Ash looked at the hope in his eyes, and felt the last of his resentment fade. "You should do it now. He doesn't want a trainer." He smiled at Pikachu. "You want to get strong yourself, don't you?"

Pikachu nodded warily. Ash sighed, and looked back at Oak. "Let him go," he repeated. He would love to train a Pikachu, but he wasn't going to force this one to go with him, not when there was another Pokémon that might actually want to be his partner.

Oak's expression betrayed his own surprise, but he nodded. "I will," he promised. "But let's get you sorted out first."

Pikachu hopped onto the table and watched as Oak picked up the other Pokéball. Before he opened it, though, the professor glanced at Ash. "Now, don't be offended if he doesn't wake up."

Ash frowned, but his attention was immediately diverted by the flash of red light that signified a Pokéball being opened. A moment later, the light cleared to reveal another small yellow Pokémon. This one, though, hovered in midair, tail flicking rhythmically from side to side, and Ash gasped as something seemed to press against his mind. It was gone a moment later, leaving Ash staring at the creature.

Which was, as Oak had warned, fast asleep.

Ash stared at it for a minute, then turned to Oak. "Is it going to do anything?"

Oak chuckled, and handed over a Pokédex. "Why don't you have a little read?"

Ash did so, and his eyes widened. "Eighteen hours?" He was pretty sure he'd never slept that long in his life. Training a Pokémon that needed that much rest would be hard. Then again…Ash flicked through the next couple of entries, and stilled. Oak smiled.

"They aren't easy Pokémon to train," he said. "But the trainers that do, well, they are certainly remembered."

Ash nodded slowly, still entranced by the Pokédex page. Psychic types were powerful, and Alakazam were amongst the strongest in the world. If he could train one, then everyone would know he could be a Pokémon Master. No-one would be able to argue, or tell him he was an idiot for even trying.

Slowly, Ash closed the Pokédex, and walked over to the Abra. It didn't react, but Ash thought about what he had just read, and realised that even while sleeping it had to be aware of his emotions and intentions at the very least. He thought about how much he loved Pokémon, and how much he wanted to meet as many as he could, and become the best he could be, no matter what it took.

And Abra's eyes opened.

'Is that so?'

Behind them, Oak drew in a sharp breath, but Ash only had eyes for Abra. He opened his mouth, then remembered what he was dealing with, and concentrated as hard as he could. 'I will be a Master,' he thought fiercely. 'I know it's going to be hard, and I know it'll take a long time, but it's my dream, and I'm not giving up on it.'

Abra regarded him in silence, but it wasn't a bad silence, and Ash smiled. 'And if you work with me, then I promise I'll help you become as strong as possible. And more importantly, I'll always be your friend.'

Abra tilted its head to one side, and Ash was struck by a sudden flicker of surprise. The emotion felt disconnected from him, but before he could say anything, Abra sent another coherent thought, 'You consider that more important?'

'Yes! I don't want Pokémon just to fight with them! I want friends, and partners. I want them to trust me, and to be able to trust them.' He paused, not sure how to express himself properly, then realised he didn't have to. He closed his eyes, and concentrated with every fibre of his being on how much he loved Pokémon.

'I'm going to be a Master, and I'm going to do it my way.' He opened his eyes again, and met Abra's dark gaze without flinching. "Do you want to come with me?"

Oak stirred at the first spoken part of the conversation, but he didn't interrupt. Ash waited, his heart hammering in his chest. Pikachu had already refused. The other Starters were already gone. This was his last chance.

Please.

Abra held his gaze for a long, terrifying minute, and then he nodded.

'I suppose I might as well. But I am not calling you Master.'

Ash laughed out loud in sheer joy and relief. "I'll never ask you to," he promised. Then he thought about it. "Is there anything you want me to call you?" A lot of trainers nicknamed their Pokémon, but Ash had never given the matter much thought. Seeing as how he could communicate perfectly well with Abra, though, it seemed rude not to ask.

'My kind do not recognise each other with names,' said his new partner. 'Abra will suffice. I will know when you are addressing me.'

Ash grinned. Psychic types were so cool.

"I take it things are going well?"

Ash jumped. He'd completely forgotten that Professor Oak was still in the room. Luckily, the old man looked more amused than annoyed, but Ash still felt rather sheepish as he rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, everything's great, Professor. Abra's agreed to come with me!"

Oak smiled at the pair of them. "I am very glad to hear it." He handed Ash Abra's Pokéball, along with five empty ones and the Pokédex, but before Ash could thank him Abra yawned and Returned himself in a flash of red light. Ash blinked at the Pokéball, and shrugged.

"I guess I'll talk to him later."

Oak chuckled, but his expression soon turned serious. "You will have to be careful, Ash. Abra have an enormous amount of potential, but they tire easily at this level. Make sure he gets enough sleep, and do not let him strain himself."

"I won't," said Ash firmly. "He's my partner, and we're going to look out for each other." Yeah, he wanted to be the best trainer he could be, but not at the expense of his new friend's health.

Oak nodded approvingly, and patted him on the shoulder. "Then I'm sure the two of you will do very well together."

Ash grinned. "Thanks, Professor! I can't wait to get started." His hand closed tight around Abra's Pokéball. The sooner he left, the sooner he could start getting to know his new friend properly.

Oak coughed. "Yes, perfectly understandable. However, might I suggest getting dressed first?"

Ash blinked, then felt his face blaze red in mortification. He'd completely forgotten about clothes in his mad rush to the lab, and was still in his pyjamas. "Yeah, right." He looked down at himself, and felt his blush darken. He was going to have to walk through town like this!

Fortunately, when Ash made it downstairs, he found his mother waiting for him, along with what seemed like most of his neighbours. Delia's eyes lit up at the sight of him.

"Ash! How did it go?"

Ash beamed at her. "I got an Abra!"

Delia blinked and looked at Oak, who shrugged. "The others had been taken," he said. "But I think Ash and Abra will work very well together."

Delia didn't quite look convinced. "But I thought Abra couldn't learn any actual attacks…"

"He will," said Ash promptly. "We're gonna work really hard, and catch lots of other Pokémon too." He patted Abra's Pokéball. "We'll be fine, Mom."

She hesitated, but after a moment her face softened into a smile. "I'm sure you will, but you'll still call me every night, young man."

Ash pulled a face, but didn't argue. Delia's eyes sparkled, and she handed him an armful of clothes. "Now, why don't you ask Professor Oak if you can borrow a room to dress? Unless you want to head to Viridian City in your pyjamas."

"Mom…"

Ten minutes later, Ash was ready to go. His bag was packed, his Pokédex was in his pocket, and six Pokéballs were clipped to his belt. His neighbours gathered round with well wishes and last bits of advice, and Professor Oak shook his hand, until finally Ash was left with just Delia. His mother's eyes were suspiciously bright, but she smiled at him.

"You will call me whenever you get to a Pokémon Centre," she said firmly. "And make sure you eat properly. Don't spend all your money on TMs."

Ash shuffled impatiently. "I won't, Mom." He had been getting the same lecture for the past month.

"And don't push yourself too hard. You're only ten, and you've got plenty of time before the Indigo League."

"Yeah, I know, Mom."

"And make sure you change your underwear every day-"

"Mom!" Ash yelped. "I'm going right now!"

But he didn't protest when she pulled him in for a quick hug. He firmly ignored the prickling in his own eyes and stepped back. "I'll call you later."

"You'd better. Take care, Ash!"

Ash waved, and set off in the direction of the path to Viridian City. He glanced back at the outskirts of Pallet Town. Most of his neighbours had disappeared, but he recognised his mother's slender form, and the silver of Professor Oak's hair, and had to swallow down the lump in his throat. This was the best day of his life, but he was still leaving the only home he had ever known.

But Ash had never been one to dwell on the past. The open road lay before him, a road full of new friends and new challenges. The sun was warm on his face, and Abra's Pokéball rocked on his belt, and Ash couldn't hold back a triumphant laugh.

He was on his way, and nobody was going to stop him. Pure excitement bubbled up in his chest, and he launched himself forward.

"Come on, Abra," he shouted. "It's a long way to the Pokémon League!"

He wasn't really expecting a reply, but a moment later his steps faltered and he nearly fell as a sigh reverberated within his mind. "What-?"

'I am literally attached to you. There is no need to shout, especially when some of us are trying to sleep.'

Ash winced, but lowered his voice. "Sorry." Then he paused. "Wait, are you going to be listening all the time?" He wasn't sure how he felt about that. As much as he wanted to get to know his new friend, he didn't think he wanted all his thoughts to be shared.

There was another sigh, and this time it was joined by the distinct impression of Abra rolling his eyes. 'I did say I would know when you were addressing me. Communicating like this isn't as easy as I'm making it look.'

Ash nodded. "Got it. I'll let you get some sleep then."

There was no verbal reply, but Ash got a sudden feeling of approval, and smiled. This would take some getting used to, but he couldn't deny that it was cool.

It was a perfect day for setting out on his journey. The sun was warm on his back, but not too hot, and the clouds in the sky looked far away. A pair of Rattata raced past before vanishing into the grass, and Ash threw back his head and basked in the joy of finally being on his way.

He hadn't gone far before he spotted something interesting. Ash had spent a lot of time thinking about what sort of Pokémon he wanted, and a good Flying-type had been at the top of his list. He liked walking, but flying would just be cool. Since Pidgeot were both fairly common in Kanto, and known as one of the fastest species in the world, seeing a lone Pidgey pecking at the soil by the edge of the road was exactly what Ash had been waiting for. He bit back the urge to start yelling, and grabbed for an empty Pokéball.

"All right," he whispered. "Let's do this."

He raised the 'ball ready to throw, only to pause when another 'ball at his belt burst open. Abra materialised next to him, and fixed him with a flat look.

'You do remember that you are supposed to weaken them first.'

Ash blushed, and replaced the Pokéball on his belt. "Uh, yeah, course I did." He pointed at the Pidgey. "Can you attack that Pidgey?"

Abra eyed the oblivious Flying-type, and for the first time Ash thought he looked uncertain. 'I think I can hold him in place,' he said after a moment. 'But not for long.'

Ash frowned. "We'll have to get you a decent attack after this." Maybe he should have a proper look through the Pokédex. There had to be something in there about what moves Abra could learn.

First though, they had a Pidgey to catch. Ash glanced round, then brightened. "Hey, can you move things with your powers?"

Abra frowned. 'Within reason, but again, not for long.'

"It won't need to be for long," Ash assured him. "Just long enough for you to hit it with something hard enough to stun it."

'That doesn't sound very sporting,' Abra muttered, but he did levitate slightly higher in the air and look around. 'Does this mean I'm using Rock Throw?'

Ash grinned. "Sure, and it sounds fair enough to me. Bruno's Pokémon throw things at their opponents all the time."

Abra sighed, but waved a claw and a rock the size of Ash's fist rose slowly into the air. 'All right. Let's see if this works.'

He gestured, and the rock flew at the unsuspecting Pidgey.

Unfortunately, it didn't fly very fast. The Pidgey had plenty of time to see the incoming missile, and it launched itself into the air with a mocking chirp. The rock sailed out of sight, and Abra frowned. 'Perhaps I should have started with something smaller.'

"Maybe," Ash agreed. "But it was good for a first try. It was on target and everything. We'll just have to practice."

'This sounds like a lot of effort,' Abra grumbled.

"Well, yeah I guess, but it'll be worth it. There are loads of ways you could use something like that in a battle, and I bet it'll be just as useful when we're out exploring."

Just thinking about the possibilities was enough to get him excited, but Abra just sighed. Ash rolled his eyes fondly, but before he could say anything else the quiet of the morning was disturbed by a shriek of rage. Ash froze.

"Hey, Abra? Where did that rock end up?"

Abra stiffened. Warily he floated a little higher. Ash took a few steps forward and gulped.

"Uh oh."

The two of them were standing at the edge of a gentle slope. At the bottom of the slope was a flock of Spearow. One of the Spearow was squawking angrily, and next to it...

'Ah,' said Abra quietly. 'Oops?'

Ash swallowed, and started to back up. "C'mon. Let's get out of here before they realise it was us."

Naturally, that was the moment when the Spearow looked up. It zeroed in on Ash and Abra, and its eyes gleamed with manic hate. Ash glanced at Abra. "Run?"

'No, let's stay and wait for them to get organised, Yes, run!'

Ash didn't have time to tell him to cut the sarcasm. He just grabbed his partner and ran for it.

It was just as well Abra weighed next to nothing. Ash slung him onto his shoulders so that he was sitting on his backpack, and took off as fast as his legs could carry him, but he could hear the Spearow calling its friends, and seconds later came the terrifying noise of hundreds of wings cutting through the air towards them. Ash cursed and picked up the pace. He wasn't sure if he could out-run one Spearow, let alone an entire flock, but he had to try. Abra was counting on him.

'I don't want to alarm you,' said Abra quietly. 'But they are catching up. And they are very angry.'

Ash gritted his teeth, and sped up. He didn't have any breath to spare for talking, but then again… 'Can't you do anything? Tell them we didn't mean it?'

'I did. They don't care.' Then his carefully controlled tone changed to alarm. 'Ash, duck!'

Ash threw himself sideways, and felt wind whip at his cheeks as a Spearow missed him by inches. He changed direction, but there were Spearow ahead of him as well as behind now, and he knew it was no good. There was a river nearby, and a forest up ahead, but he knew he would never reach either before the Spearow attacked.

There was only one thing to do, and Ash didn't hesitate.

"Abra," he gasped. "You have to get in your Pokéball."

It was a long few seconds before Abra replied. 'I beg your pardon?'

Ash ducked a flashing talon by inches, and shook his head. "Get in your Pokéball," he repeated. "You'll be safe there."

'But you-'

"Don't worry about me! I'll be - Gah!"

Distracted by the argument, Ash hadn't seen the other Spearow. White fire blazed down his cheek, and he stumbled, and lost his footing. He had enough presence of mind to land on his stomach, rather than crush his partner, but then he could only cover his head as the rest of the Spearow attacked.

"Now, Abra," he pleaded. "You have to be safe."

Abra was on the ground next to him, staring up at the rapidly approaching Spearow, but at Ash's words, he turned to face Ash and Ash gasped. His partner's eyes were wide open, and blazing with fury.

'No,' he said. 'We have to be safe.'

He raised his hands, and Ash's eyes widened in horror. "Wait, you're not strong enough-"

'Teleport.'

Travelling by Teleport was not an experience that Ash would recommend. He felt like he was being pulled and twisted apart, with every limb being yanked in a different direction. He couldn't see anything, couldn't hear anything, and when he tried to scream he couldn't even open his mouth. He had no idea of Abra was with him, or if his partner had stretched himself too far and Ash would be stuck in this twisted hell forever…

Then there was solid ground under his hands, and the sun was warm on his head, and Ash sucked in air like he would never get the chance again.

"We are never doing that again," he managed, in between gasps. Never.

He waited, but the sarcastic reply he was expecting never came. Despite the warmth of the day, Ash suddenly felt cold as ice.

"Abra?"

Every muscle hurt, but Ash dragged himself to his feet. If Abra hadn't come, if he had been left for the mercy of the Spearow…

'What did I tell you about shouting?'

Ash spun around so fast he almost tripped over his own feet. There, lying a few feet away, was Abra, but Ash's pounding heart only sped up. He stumbled over and dropped to his knees next to his partner.

"Abra."

Abra looked terrible. His golden skin had turned an unhealthy shade of yellow, and he hadn't moved a muscle. If not for the faint flicker of warmth in the back of his mind, Ash would think him unconscious, or worse.

'Long distance. Passenger. Interesting. Not doing that again for a while.'

Ash choked out a laugh that was more of a sob. His hand trembled when it touched Abra's head, and Ash didn't care in the slightest. "You saved us."

Abra still didn't move, but the warmth in Ash's mind brightened a little. 'Partners. We save each other.'

Ash's eyes stung, and he had to take a moment to wipe them. "Yeah. We do." He took a deep breath, and forced himself to think. "You need to rest." He didn't recognise his surroundings at all. Abra could have brought them halfway across the region for all he knew. He was certainly tired enough.

'Safe place,' Abra sent softly. His voice was not early fainter, but he cracked open an eye enough to glare at Ash. 'Even you should be able to stay out of trouble for a few hours.'

"Hey," Ash muttered, but his friend did kind of have a point. Less than an hour into his journey, and they had already had a near death experience. His cheek stung at the reminder, and he forced away the terror with an effort. Instead, he took Abra's Pokéball and held it out. "Sleep," he repeated. "I'll be fine."

Abra held his gaze a moment longer, but was too exhausted to argue. He vanished with a flash of red light, and Ash cradled the 'ball carefully in his hands. "Thank you," he whispered.

Despite the warmth of the day, he couldn't stop himself from shivering. That had been far too close. If Abra hadn't been able to get them away, if he had been just a little bit more tired…

Ash gritted his teeth, and forced that thought away. They were okay. They had survived. They would train, and they would make sure that the next time they ran into trouble, they were able to handle it better. And they would run into trouble, Ash had no doubts about that.

It was funny really, Ash had always concentrated on the fun parts of being on a journey; meeting new people and Pokémon, training hard, winning through all the Gyms until he finally reached the Indigo League. He had never really considered the reality; that he was on his own, in a world filled with creatures that could kill him with hardly any effort, with only one relatively weak Pokémon to defend him.

They had gotten lucky once. They couldn't count on that again. Ash's hand closed around Abra's Pokéball, and he took a deep breath.

"Never again," he promised. "We're going to get stronger. And then nothing is going to stop us."

He was still going to be the world's greatest Pokémon Master. If he was the strongest trainer in the world, then his Pokémon, his friends, would be safe. Until then, Ash would do whatever it took to look after Abra, and anyone else he might meet in the future.

For now, though, Ash only had Abra, and until he knew his friend was all right, he wasn't going anywhere. He had the vague idea of finding a Pokémon Centre, but looking around brought absolutely no clues as to his whereabouts. There wasn't even a path he could follow, and until Abra recovered, Ash was wary about venturing any further into the woods. He had learned his lesson about antagonising wild Pokémon.

Bushes rustled behind him, and Ash swallowed. Professor Oak's words echoed in his ears, the first thing he said to anyone who wanted to learn about Pokémon.

Do not go into any area of wild Pokémon, whether long grass, forest, cave, or sea, without a partner of your own for protection.

Still clutching his exhausted partner's Pokéball, Ash slowly turned around.

And now the fun begins...In case anyone is worried, only some Psychic-types, Aura-users, and Legendaries will be communicating this easily with humans. The rest of Ash's team will manage as usual when Abra is asleep/bored/can't be bothered to translate, so basically all the time.

Any feedback would be very much appreciated.