Ghost Whisperer//Pokémon Fanfiction

I: Dead Boy Walking

Ash's fourteenth birthday had passed. Once again was the time of year in which Ash asks his mother to go on a journey. Albeit he was sure Delia would say no again. Not as sure as he is about his father returning, he accepted the fact that he won't see Farron ever again, not that he would want to see that deadbeat. Despite being stuck at home, the last four years, or the last eight for that matter, weren't boring. Sensing emotions and white hair was just the start. Ghost types following his every step was just the start.

Ash developed powers, ghost related according to Professor Oak. Everyone knew Ash had a special bond to ghost types, so it didn't came as a surprise that Ash decided, if Delia ever lets him go, he will be a ghost specialist. At least he will focus on ghost types a lot, as Kanto has only one native ghost type line. Sure, johtonese Misdreavus may cross the border, but that's it.

A month before Professor Oak was scheduled to give out starters to this years batch, he asked his mother. And for the fourth time, her answer was, "I am sorry, but you can't, Ash. I am too worried to let you go."

Despite not having any powers herself, she also felt Ash's sadness and repeated disappointment. She felt guilty and like a bad parent to deny Ash his wish again and again and again. So Delia met with Samuel Oak. Since Farron hit the road, they became closer. Delia asked him for advice far more, as she now doesn't have Farron's input when she is uncertain about things, be it what to eat for dinner or what color to paint the living room.

"I feel bad for constantly saying no, despite so many others becoming trainers. But I am worried I loose him, too. He was already dead for minutes, what if the next time he dies for real?", she told her friend and neighbor. "Not to mention, the Mindless... Green and Yellow's parents don't let them go because of the Mindless."

"If you're worried about Ash being unprepared to face such... Gary will be an On-Field trainer and researcher for me. Which includes a week of rather intense training, not only Pokémon related, but surviving skills, first aid, some hand-to-hand combat.", Samuel explained, "Maybe Ash could be an OFTR as well?"

"Isn't that dangerous? More than being just a trainer?", Delia asked. "Even with the training?"

"Not if I give him the more save and light weight jobs.", the professor replied. "And it would be a good excuse to give Ash a ghost type starter." He chuckled at the last bit. "A little sorry for the long wait."

"You think I should let him go?" She looked at him uncertain.

"Yes. I know you're worried – especially now that the Mindless are out there – but Ash has an advantage. His powers. We both know he trained them over the years. He can detect lies, so that could be a help to avoid dangers.", the professor reasoned. "And unlike useless Farron, he would have light sponsoring as an OFTR. If something happens, I can demand he returns to Pallet."

"Mm... this doesn't sound too bad."

"Now, I won't force Ash to be a OFTR. He would need to do some work for me. If I don't give him tasks frequently, that license would expire. It is understandably if he just wants to enjoy his journey.", Oak said. "I don't want him to tell that being an OFTR is his only option to be a trainer..."

"I see your point, but what about the Mindless? What if Ash becomes one!", Delia said in panic. "Even in the best case, something would have had happened to him to cause light memory loss and disorientation. I can't think about the worst case, total memory loss and-What if he gets attacked by one that acts like a zombie!?"

"Don't think about it. I am certain Ash won't happen to become one of those unfortunates. And if he gets attacked, Mindless are, well, mindless. Hand-to-hand combat and his powers should overwhelm them enough to flee.", Oak reassured her.