4. A New Ash Ketchum

Chapter 3

Team Alpha is a coalition of 19 families, each dedicated to bringing peace across the eight regions. Their base is hidden within the Ketchum residence in Pallet Town. On the day before Ash begins his journey, Aurora and Adam, key members of Team Alpha, summon him to reveal the family's secret.

"Ash," Adam begins, his tone serious yet comforting, "whenever you need help, you can reach out to them. They will be there for you. These families are our trusted comrades, and I'm certain they all recognize who you are."

"Of course, Dad," Ash replies, his voice steady with determination.

Aurora steps forward, her gaze softening as she looks at her son. "Ash, I've taught you how to defend yourself, how to survive. But remember, you must only kill as a last resort, when there's no other choice. Do you understand?"

"I understand, Mom," Ash nods, absorbing her words with the weight they carry.

The next morning, Ash oversleeps, missing his chance to choose a starter Pokémon. In the end, he's left with Pikachu, a decision that turns out to be both a blessing and a challenge. Pikachu, at first, refuses to listen to him until a near-disastrous encounter with a flock of Spearow forces them to bond. In Vermilion City, they cross paths with the infamous Team Rocket trio. Remembering his mother's warning, Ash spares them, though their relentless pursuit of him begins. It frustrates him, yet there's a strange relief in knowing that their obsession stems from Pikachu's unusual power, a power that far exceeds that of a typical Pikachu.

This extraordinary strength in Pikachu leaves Ash puzzled. Why is Pikachu so different? The question lingers in his mind as he continues his journey, forming bonds with more Pokémon and new friends along the way.

Throughout Kanto and Johto, Ash travels with Misty and Brock. In Hoenn, his companions are Brock, May, and Max. Sinnoh sees him journeying with Dawn and Brock, while in Unova, he travels with Iris and Cilan. In Kalos, he teams up with Alice, Clemont, and Bonnie, and in Alola, he attends school, forging friendships with Kiawe, Mallow, Sophocles, Lana, and Lillie. After a year, Ash transfers to Paldea's Naranja Academy on Professor Kukui's recommendation. He spends two more years there before graduating, delighted to find Alice also studying at the academy while pursuing her coordinator dreams. Together, they plan to explore Galar and Paldea when time allows. After graduating, Ash joins Cerise Lab, where he becomes close friends with Goh and Chloe.

During his journey, Ash discreetly meets with the 18 families of Team Alpha, ensuring that none of his traveling companions catch on. These meetings are more than just friendly chats; they often involve discussions about the local Pokémon evil teams. On occasion, Ash joins them in their battles against these forces. Each family possesses one of the 'Infinity Gems,' a powerful heirloom that identifies them as part of Team Alpha, a sign that Ash knows he can trust.

Dr. Jekyll and his wife, Brenda, reside in Aspertia City with their two children, Nate and Rosa. Dr. Jekyll, renowned as the best doctor in Team Alpha, plays a pivotal role in the organization. He's the one who helped Aurora give birth to Ash and Golly, a moment that ties him deeply to the Ketchum family. In the past, he and Brenda spied on Team Plasma, and after the group split into Black and White factions, they sided with White Team Plasma, aiding them in thwarting the sinister plans of their Black counterparts. They possess the Normal Gem, also known as the Gem of Healing, a powerful artifact capable of healing any injury, no matter how dire.

In Alola, Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet live on Route 1 of Melemele Island, where they have been caring for Ash during his time in the region. They have a two-year-old son, Lei, who brings joy to their home. This couple holds the Fighting Gem, also known as the Gem of Boosting, which has the unique ability to amplify the power of both Pokémon and Aura users, making it a treasured asset within Team Alpha.