What if Ash had met Lily the Pokemon Witch a year before his journey started?
What if they used a spell that would allow Ash to understand Pokémon, only for him to be transformed into a Riolu/Lucario?
What if he didn't become a normal Riolu/Lucario, but an anthropomorphic one? (He is his Cannot height)
What if Pokeballs couldn't catch him?
What if he had to learn how to control his awakened powers before starting his journey?
What if he studied more about Pokemon in the year before his journey?
How will this affect his journey?