Ash Ketchum: Type Specialist One Shots

Ash hadn't intended to build his life around Electric types.

As a child he hadn't thought much about types, if it was a Pokemon, he loved them, no ifs ands or buts. Growing up he always envisioned himself with a plethora of different types as he ventured through the regions, battling people and Pokemon as he rose through the ranks.

What changed between then and when he actually became a Pokemon Trainer? A Pikachu. A single Pikachu gifted to him by Professor Oak when all the other Starter Pokemon were spoken for.

Granted, the Pikachu hadn't liked him initially, fighting with Ash every step of the way, and even physically shocking the boy. Luckily, the fighting didn't last long, as Trainer and Pokemon were attacked by Spearow and had to fight for their lives. Ash standing to protect Pikachu, and Pikachu turning to protect him in turn was a turning point.

Once Pikachu healed, he warmed right up to Ash, apologetically licking the lichtenberg figures that now decorated his trainer's skin, and riding diligently on his trainer's shoulder as they officially started their journey.

Ash hadn't even realized he developed a preference for electric types until it was pointed out to him. He hadn't caught any other Pokemon, with Pikachu being his sole Pokemon. He wasn't sure why; they had seen plenty of interesting Pokemon, but Ash somehow reasoned himself out of catching every single one of them. It hadn't come back to bite him yet, he defeated Brock with Speed, Misty with type advantage, and Lieutenant Surge with a mixture of speed and power. Sabrina was shaping up to be an issue however, but it that was more due to the deterioration of her mental health than Pokemon types. Still, with Misty and Brock locked up in the woman's doll house, Ash had little other option but to seek out a ghost type Pokemon to combat her Psychic types. Journeying back to Lavender Town had been easy, but catching a Ghost Type, less so. Four Ghost types lived in Lavender tower, Gastly, Haunter, Gangar, and Rotom. Rotom put up a fight about being captured, and after maneuvering and a hard fought Pokemon battle, Ash finally caught the zippy Electric/Ghost, and ventured back to Saffron City, unknowing about the Haunter that followed him until later. The battle with Sabrina was a bit of a mess, Haunter kept popping up and causing trouble, but Sabrina seemed to take a shine to it, and in the end Misty and Brock were set free, and Ash got his March badge.

It was Brock who made Ash realize his preference, once everything was said and done. "I'm glad you were able to find a Ghost type while still being able to stick to your type preference." Brock said nonchalantly as he whipped up a new batch of Pokemon food for the uniquely typed Pokemon.

"Type preference?" Ash turned to look at Brock, turning away from where he was watching Rotom and Pikachu play.

Brock nodded. "Well yeah, you're an Electric Type Specialist right? Like how I'm a Rock Specialist and Misty is a Water Specialist."

Ash fell silent, looking back over to his Pokemon. He hadn't thought about it, not really, but hindsight was 20/20. Preferring Electric types made sense the more he thought about it, the excuses he made to himself on why he didn't catch a Rattata that crossed their path, or the relief he felt when his Pokedex pinged Rotom as a dual type, at which point he zeroed in on the zippy Pokemon.

The revelation changed little, rather it gave Ash a sense of understanding. It did, however, encourage him to research more about Electric types, and to subsequently search Electric Types out. As months passed, he added a Mareep, and Magnemite, both of which would later evolve, to his team.

Sadly, no matter how hard they worked, Ash wasn't able to participate in the Pokemon league. Not because he lacked skill, no Ash and his Pokemon were pretty well off skill wise, he got all eight badges after all, but due to lack of Pokemon. He needed at least six Pokemon to his name to participate, regardless of if he had enough badges.

It was a heavy blow.

Misty and Brock offered for him to borrow their Pokemon, as he had offered them a few times, but grateful as he was, he turned the opportunity down. He had wanted to participate with his team. The Pokemon League was something they, he and his team, were all working so hard for, and borrowing Pokemon for such a huge event just seemed disrespectful towards his team.

But Ash wasn't down for long, it just wasn't his way to stay down. They watched the league in person, which none of them ever had the chance to do before, and had a great time watching, especially when Gary was humiliated so beautifully by another trainer, and later winner of the Pokemon League, Red. It was glorious, and Ash possibly snapped a picture of Gary's distraught face to hang on his wall(don't look at him like that, Gary was a thorn in his side and had picked on him for ages. Let Ash be petty.)

After the League was said and done the trio sat down to decide what to do next. Misty would be taking over the Cerulean Gym, as her sisters would be going on tour followed by a long vacation to destress, while Brock was thinking about applying for medical school, Ash was stuck between what region to visit, as Sinnoh's Gym Circuit and Jhoto's Gym Circuit would be starting soon. But before he could decide, Ash got a very interesting letter.

======

Ash walked down the stairs and into the dining room, his stomach loudly protesting his lack of food, and his arms already covered by his elbow length black gloves. As usual Pikachu was sitting on his shoulder, still half asleep as he clung to Ash's shoulder. From the window, the boy could see his Flaffy sitting in the front yard, happily grazing while Magneton soaked in some sunlight. Given the ruckus in the laundry room, the young trainer could only guess that Rotom had possessed the washer again, while Rotom preferred his usual form, possessing the washing machine seemed to be his second favorite, which luckily his mom was fine with as long as he left it alone when she needed to actually do the laundry. Chuckling at his Pokemon and their usual antics, Ash walked into the kitchen, b-lining his way straight to the table, which welcomed him with a plateful of breakfast.

"Good morning, thanks for the food mom." Ash called, sitting down. Pikachu slipped off his shoulder, and tiredly walked over to his own awaiting bowl of Pokemon food, topped with a little bit of ketchup.

"Morning Ash!" Delilah greeted, poking her head out of the kitchen. "There was a letter for you in the mail. It's right by your food."

Sure enough, a pristine white letter sat next to Ash's plate, his name and address scribbled on the front in black ink. Ash spooned a bite of food in his mouth, before picking up the letter and looking at the return address. Brown eyes widened the size of dinner plates and Ash choked, desperately spitting out his food to regain his breath. After a disparate gulp of milk, and assuring his mother that he was fine, Ash reread the return address, his mouth opening and closing like a fish.

Volkner Licht

Sunyshore Gym

1234 Luxray Lane

Sunyshore City, 180015

Sinnoh

With shaky hands, Ash opened the letter, slowly reading each word to make sure he was properly understanding what he was reading.

June 1, XXXX

Mr. Ashura 'Ash' Ketchum

Ketchum Cottage

151 Pidgey Creek Road

Pallet Town, Kanto, 01501

Dear Mr. Ketchum,

I hope you are doing well. I am Volkner Licht, Gym Leader of the Sunyshore Gym in the Sinnoh Region, and I have contacted you in hopes of you joining my Gym as a Gym Trainer, and Assistant.

I am sure this has come as a shock, as we have never met. I have been the Gym Leader of Sunyshore Gym for the last three years, and as Sunyshore city is changing and growing I find myself in need of more Gym Trainers, and assistants around the gym. Type Specialists are few and far between, as I am sure you know, and when inquiring about Electric Type Pokemon Trainers to my fellow Gym Leaders across the globe I came across your name. After looking into your previous battles in Kanto's Gym Circuit I have come to the conclusion that you would make a good addition to the Sunyshore Gym Team.

Should you accept my offer you will be paid 961 Pokedollers an hour, be provided housing, allowance to use Sunyshore's training facilities, paid yearly vacation, and ability to accompany me and other trainers to other regions to research and catch Pokemon.

I understand that this is an unexpected and big proposition, and thus you need time to think it over, and discuss it with your parents, and or guardian. Please contact me via letter, or call me at (XX)XXXX-XXXX with your response. Sinnoh's Gym Circuit starts in October, please send your response before then.

Sincerely,

Volkner Licht

Volkner Licht

Sunyshore Gym Leader, Sinnoh

"M-Mom!" Ash stood up quickly, pulling away from the table and bolting towards the kitchen, where he met his mom at the door. He pushed the letter into her hands, where she immediately started reading, her eyes widening as his had. "Can you believe it? A Gym Leader wants me! Me!"

"This is wonderful Ash!" Delilah beamed. Honestly, she was excited for her son. She'd much prefer him work in a gym than travel who knows where, meeting shady people, or getting hurt and lost in the wilderness. Sinnoh was many regions away, which was a worry in itself, but if it was what Ash wanted she had no problem with him taking the offer.

"Isn't it!" Brown eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "I was thinking about where to journey next, and this is perfect!"

Delilah creased her brows. "As a Gym Trainer though, you wouldn't be able to take on the other gyms, during gym season you'd have to stay at the gym to help with challengers."

The light in his eyes shifted to reconsideration. "Maybe I should think about this more." He murmured.

The woman nodded in agreement. "Think it over, perhaps call Misty and Brock, they have Gym experience, Professor Oak as well, he would know a lot more." She kissed his forehead. "No matter what you decide I'll be right here cheering you on."

Ash hummed, leaning into her. "I'll do that, thanks mom." He offered her a small smile, which she returned, before wandering back over to the table to commence eating his breakfast, his mind swimming.

======

Ash spent nearly a month constantly thinking about his options. Hours were spent in the Pewter and Cerulean Gyms, Ash sitting with either Misty or Brock while the other was on call. Both agreed that it was a fantastic opportunity, but knowing Ash and his free spirit, they also understood his hesitance. His Pokemon were happy regardless, as long as they were with Ash they didn't seem to care if they traveled or stayed in Palette for the rest of their days. Professor Oak had been overjoyed, (Gary, who was hanging around until Jhoto, less so but Ash didn't go to him for advice). The older man had helped draw up a list of pros and cons and sat with Ash as they went through everything. Hours of research was also conducted, research on Sinnoh, on Sunyshore City, even Volkner himself had been researched to a great extent.

After that long month of research and thought, Ash made his decision, and sent his response. Within the next two weeks, much of his stuff was packed up, Delilah showered her son with affection and directions on how to take care of himself, and Ash and his team were on their way to Sinnoh.

Ash was housed in an apartment not far from the Gym. It was a single bedroom with a kitchen, bathroom, sitting room, and a small outdoor patio. His team took to it easily, and helped him keep the apartment picked up. Flaffy in particular liked the patio, and Ash set up a square of faux grass for her to lounge on. With the apartment came seven gym uniforms to wear to the gym, nothing restricting, black shorts, a black short sleeved top, and a sleeveless blue vest jacket. Ash had been contacted for his preference between shorts and pants, and had permission to wear his gloves.

======

Ash wasn't the only Gym Trainer to join the gym, but it was inherently obvious from the first day that he was the odd ball, and it wasn't just because he was the youngest at the gym. For one, Ash was the only one that chose shorts with his uniform, everyone else had wanted pants, with the addition of his gloves, he looked different than his colleagues. Second, Pikachu rode on his shoulder, or head, not in a Pokeball, something Volkner had no problem with, especially because he had been notified before he had even contacted Ash about Pikachu's aversion to Pokeballs. Third, Ash was hands on, very hands on, his training sessions were notorious for the way Ash made himself the moving target more often than not, how he would attempt moves alongside his Pokemon despite obviously being incapable. Fourth, Ash was very good to his Pokemon, that wasn't to say the other trainers weren't good to their Pokemon, but Ash treated his Pokemon with the same respect he treated the people around him, when calling out moves, he didn't order it, more he was suggesting it, sand they trusted his judgment enough to listen, he had actual conversations with them, even though they couldn't respond in kind.

Overall, Ash was an oddball among his colleagues, but no one could find it in themselves to single him out, or really dislike him. He was brash, and honest, energetic and while not overly intelligent, he was inquisitive and wanted to learn. It was because of these traits that Volkner took notice.

Volkner was a bit stern, and quiet, but he liked Ash's spunk. He had a lot of spirit and perseverance, something that poured over into everything he did. It wasn't long into Ash working at the gym that Volkner approached him, offering him training advice, training alongside him, and fussing after him when he, once again, got electrocuted by his Pokemon. Within months, Volkner all but officially adopted him, taking Ash under his wing as his personal assistant.They were like brothers, thick as thieves, and best friends. Flint never really complained about the adoptive brothers because he too took a shine to Ash, once jokingly begging him to ditch Electric Types to become a Fire Type Specialist under his, Flint's, tutelage. Pikachu personally saw to it Flint never asked such a thing again. Ever.

Years passed with, usually peaceful, ease. Ash took yearly vacations home, dragging Volkner with him sometimes to meet his mom, and in the off season he occasionally accompanied Volkner to other regions, slowly building his arsenal of Electric Types, making new friends, and sometimes(okay, often times) saving an entire region from mass chaos and/or destruction.

Things slowly declined though. When Ash turned fourteen Volkner's personality took a major turn. He didn't seem to enjoy battling anymore, and he became snappy and bitter, spending more time tending to Sunyshore Tower than at the Gym. His time at the gym slowly tapered away, with Ash taking more and more Gym Battles over on his behalf, so much so that most Gym Challengers didn't even know who Volkner was.

=====

Message From: Tony

yo ash volkner aint here again 2day mind taking over again we gots a challenger

Ash sighed as he read the message that came in on his Poketch. "This is the second week in a row." He grumbled, but texted a quick affirmative anyway.

The fourteen year old pulled himself out of bed, careful not to disturb Bolthund, or Pikachu. Magnezone was peacefully sleeping in his bed in the closet, with Rotom asleep in the electric fan beside him, while Amphoros was sleeping outside on her grass square on the patio, a wild Plusle, Minun, and Pachirisu happy snuggled up with her, and Heliolisk was asleep in the living room, under a large heat lamp. Ash couldn't help but smile at all his peaceful Pokemon as he got ready for the day.

The first part of his day was putting on his gloves. The lichtenberg figures that danced up his arms now branched up over his shoulders, backlash from taking many Thunderbolts in the last four years. They personally didn't bother Ash, he saw them as proof of how hard his Pokemon have worked over the years, his Pokemon however, didn't like them. The dark fern-like marks reminded them of the pain they caused their trainer, accidental or otherwise. Whenever Pikachu caught sight of the marks, he would be down the rest of the day, unable to meet Ash's eye, and many of his other Pokemon responded in kind, so Ash just felt it was better to simply hide them behind his clothing when he could.

After dressing, Ash made a simple breakfast and set out the Pokemon food, which of course woke all the Pokemon up the second he set the bowls down. Bolthund came first, hungrily eating his food like he'd never had a meal in his life, Amphoros was polite as ever, sitting beside Heliolisk as they quietly ate their breakfast, soon joined by Magnezone and Rotom, who un-possessed the fan. Pikachu leaped onto Ash's shoulder, nuzzling their cheeks together before running to the bowl he shared with Plusle, Minun and Pachirisu. While the three electric rodents weren't Ash's Pokemon, they showed up soon after Ash moved in, taking a shine to Ash's Pokemon and essentially making themselves at home. Ash didn't mind, Amphoros and Pikachu liked their company and they didn't cause any more trouble than the others did.

After eating and cleaning up, Ash returned his team and placed Pikachu onto his shoulder, waving goodbye to the other electric rodents before locking the apartment behind him. "We're on gym duty again Pikachu." Ash warned, scratching Pikachu's chin while they made their way to the gym. Pikachu cooed, partially due to the chin scratchies, partially in worry for Volkner. "I know, I'm worried too." He sighed. "Lets visit him after the Gym closes yeah?"

"Pika!" Pikachu easily agreed.

=======

"Thanks again Ash." Tony blinked gratefully at the ravenette as they walked to the battlefield, the first battle of the day waiting for them. "I don't know what we'd do without."

"Don't worry about it, glad to help." Ash clapped the older man on the back.

"Man at this point you may as well be the Gym Leader, ever think about taking over? I don't think anyone would complain." The blonde offered, and Ash shifted uncomfortably.

"Volkner is just in a slump, he'll come back soon. Theres no reason for me to take over." Ash denied.

Tony frowned. "I heard through the grapevine that Cynthia was thinking about replacing him." He warned. "My source said that because of how absent he's been, hardly anyone knew he was the Gym Leader, most people think you are. If he doesn't snap out of it, well, we'll be in need of a new Gym Leader."

Ash said nothing and looked away, moving his hat so he could ruffle his black hair. Tony offered a friendly pat to his shoulder, and pushed through the gym doors to announce the match.

=========

"Hey." The sun was setting as Ash approached Volkner, still at Sunyshore tower messing with a handful of wires while Raichu slept beside him.

Volkner raised his head, offering a small smile. "Hey, how was your day?"

Ash sat down haphazardly beside him, leaning into his side to stare at the wire's Volkner was messing with. Pikachu leapt down to play with Raichu. "Good, I gave out a badge today. It was a cool match, you should have seen it."

Volkner simply hummed. "And how many trainers did you beat?"

"Four, but one was very close, another guy annoyed me though." Ash sniffed, remembering a certain mauve haired boy who's training style grinded Ash's gears. A part of him was glad the guy lost. "But, you'd know that if you stopped by once in a while." He pointed out. The blonde seemingly ignored him, going back to fiddling with the wires, and Ash sighed. "Hey, do you want to go camping with me tomorrow?"

"Camping?" Volkner looked back up.

Ash beamed at him. "Yeah! There are no challengers for the next two days, we can go out tonight and stay a few days in the forest!" Volkner looked hesitant. "Come on please? I've been working really hard lately and could really use a break!"

Guilt colored the mans face and he caved. "Alright fine." He finished up whatever he was doing with the wires and put them back into the tower wall. "Go pack up, we'll meet back here."

"Yes!" Ash cheered, leaping back onto his face. "Come on Pikachu!"

"Pika Pi!" Pikachu cried out in joy, leaping onto Ash's shoulder before they bolted from the tower.

Volkner and Raichu watched them leave, fondness coloring their eyes before something unreadable frosted over Volkner's gaze. "Let's go pack."

"Rai Rai." Raichu agreed, following after him.

=======

While Sunyshore was a massive, modern city, just outside the city limits was a nice chunk of forest. While it took about an hour to reach city limits, it didn't take long to find a nice place to camp. With their Pokemon's help, they were able to set up camp before it got too late, the fire cackling in front of them.

Ash was leaned over, roasting a marshmallow over the fire as Volkner dug around their supplies for a drink. Jolteon and Bolthund were racing, and tackling each other, playfully toiling on the forest floor, Pikachu and Raichu trailing after them. Both Ash's and Volkner's Rotoms were happily zipping through the forest, mere cackling yellow light in the dark. Magnezone had gone off somewhere, but Ash wasn't particularly worried, the dual type was rather reclusive and enjoyed his alone time, and they didn't get opportunities to just explore the wild often. Heliolisk, Amphoros, Luxray, and Electivire were resting near the campfire, coiled up and resting against each other though they weren't asleep.

"Man we haven't done this in forever!" Ash bounced excitedly in his seat, reminiscent of an excited child.

"We haven't. It's nice." Volkner agreed, taking a seat next to the fire, a pop in his hand.

The adoptive brothers sat in calm silence, Ash eventually pulling his marshmallow from the fire to make a smore while Volkner took a large gulp of his soda pop. Ash slowly pulled off his gloves before digging into his smore, not wanting to get chocolate and marshmallow all over them.

Volkner eyed the figures that ran up Ash's arms. "Do they hurt?" He asked.

Taken off guard for a moment Ash shrugged. "Not really. Sometimes they feel tender, and random pains will shoot up my arms but its not often." Despite lichtenberg figures usually being temporary, Ash's were permanent due to how often he got shocked. The doctor said they would eventually go away if Ash stopped getting shocked, but given Ash's training methods, that was impossible. "You get them occasionally don't you?"

Volkner nodded. "Most Electric Type Specialists do one time or another, they're inevitable in our kind of Pokemon, but given your being permanent I was curious if it felt different." Ash made a grunting noise around his smore in understanding, causing the older man to laugh.

The two lapsed into another bout of comfortable silence. Bolthund and Jolteon eventually tired eachother out, and collapsed under a tree, fast asleep. Pikachu and Raichu wandered back to their trainers. Raichu curled up next to Volkner's chair, while Pikachu took his place in Ash's lap, guiltily rubbing his cheek into Ash's hand before falling asleep.

"Tony told me Cynthia was thinking about replacing you." Ash said after a moment, and Volkner stiffened. "I've pretty much taken over the gym, and most trainers don't know you're the Gym Leader." Ash sighed when Volkner said nothing, and leaned back in his chair. Brown eyes stared through the tree canopy and into the dark sky, where stars sparkled down at them.

"I'm not happy." Volkner voiced, and Ash turned to look at him. "I used to love going to the gym every day, but over time, I'm just bored. It's not fun anymore, I don't get that rush when I battle. The only one I have any fun battling against is you, and Flint. Being a Gym Leader just feels like a chore these days."

"Volk-"

"So I'm working towards becoming an Elite Four member." Ash blinked in surprise, and Volkner continued. "Elite four members battle on another level, you've heard how Flint talks about it. Stronger challengers, not kids working towards the league. I'll have more time to work on bettering Sunyshore too."

Ash eyed Volkner closely. His sharp features were somehow sharper, blue eyes near glowing with determination that Ash honestly hadn't seen in him in almost a year. Sharply, Ash grinned. "Thats the spirit!" Volkner looked up in shock. "Thats what you want to work towards right? Good luck! I'll be rooting for you the whole time!"

Volkner's surprise melted away, replaced with warm fondness. Reaching across he plucked Ash's hat off his head and ruffled his hair. "You know that means you'll really be Sunyshore's Gym Leader right? Have fun with all that paperwork!"

"Paperwork!" Ash squawked in horror as Volkner just laughed.