Ash Ketchum: Type Specialist One Shots

Ash's first experience with Ghost Types was a very positive experience.

He'd been only seven at the time, and his mother had just left on an important, and somewhat dangerous, research assignment that would, no doubt, keep her away for at least a year. Since Ash had no other family, his father was MIA, and both grandparents on either side had passed away before Ash was even born, Professor Samule Oak, Kanto's leading Professor and Delia's boss, offered to house Ash until the project was over. Ash didn't really have a problem with Professor Oak, he had watched him before and Ash had once been best friends with his grandson, Gary, but Ash was no doubt a bit upset with his mother's absence and was finding it hard to adapt, even though she called him as much as she possibly could.

Ash liked living at the lab well enough, he loved helping the professor look after the Pokemon, mostly feeding and grooming the more docile Pokemon, and the professor was always happy to help Ash understand his homework better, but it wasn't the same as having his mother around, and as a few weeks passed Ash slowly got a little more homesick. It was honestly heartbreaking seeing a boy that was usually so spirited so down in the dumps, and Professor Oak was finding it harder to think of things to distract the boy, so he came up with a little field trip to visit his old Rival and good friend, Agatha.

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Ash clutched onto Professor Oak's, 'call me Sammy', sleeve as he followed the older man up Victory Road, and into the Elite Four Building. The building was big, rectangular with a slanted roof and tall gold and brass pillars that marked the long staircase up to the actual building. The Entry room was warm, cozy, with deep red carpet and dark wood walls and flooring. There were a number of tables and couches set up, with a Nurse's station to the left side and a small receptionist's desk on the right.

As they entered the Receptionist, an older person with startling green hair and a Slowpoke standing at their side, looked up, and offered a kind smile. "Welcome Professor Oak! Agatha told me to expect you." They greeted them warmly, motioning to another Staircase that led up to a set of big oak doors, another staircase, or an elevator.

"Harley, it's good to see you! Thank you for the warm welcome!" Samuel halted next to the desk momentarily. "This is Ash, the boy that has been a huge help at the lab!"

Ash blushed slightly before puffing up with pride and looking at the receptionist, Harley. "Nice to meet you! I'm Ash Ketchum and I'm going to be a Pokemon Master!"

Harley chuckled, but not in a daunting way like they were making fun of him, but like they were refreshed by his antics. "Nice to meet you, I'm Harely, I run the reception area around here, with the help of Slowpoke of course."

"Ssssloooowww." Slowpoke yawned loud, and slow, making Ash burst out into giggles, and loosen up.

Harley gave the professor a smug grin. "Agatha already signed you two in, so you can head on up."

"Thank you, come on Ash, there's someone else I want you to meet." Samuel pointed up the stairs, encouraging Ash to follow him. With a cheerful wave goodbye, Ash followed after his temporary guardian. Samuel led him up the stairs and to the elevator, where he clicked on the third button up, purple with an odd yellow face.

When the elevator came to a halt, Ash exited it and looked around with hungry eyes. The room was actually decorated in dark colors, mostly violets and other shades of purple with the occasional gold or white accent color. There was some art up on the walls, of night skys and of an odd, spooky looking tower, as well as some Pokemon Ash had never seen before. In the center of the room was a sturdy table with a purple table cloth and four chairs. On the table was a tea set and a small tray of tea cakes. Despite the chill in the air, Ash found the room rather cozy.

As Ash looked around, he noticed the tea set on the table start to shake, and glow blue, like people and Pokemon often did. Ash watched with wide eyes as the tea set started floating around the room, sometimes coming close to hitting him or the professor, causing Samuel to yelp. Ash turned to check on the professor and came face to face with a large purple being with a sharp, wide smile and slanted red eyes.

"Bleh!" The Pokemon screeched, pulling a wild face. Ash jumped in startled surprise before breaking out in giggles. The Pokemon was deterred for only a moment, red eyes widening momentarily before he was spurred on by the peels of laughter. Rubbing his face, the Pokemon stretched his face out, pulling another odd face that made Ash laugh even harder.

At some point, alerted by the loud giggles, a short old woman walked into the room from a side room. She was short, with chin length blonde hair, and dressed in a modest purple and red dress. In her hand was a dark staff with a Pokeball making up the handle. Blue eyes widened momentarily upon seeing Gangaur, her most mischievous Pokemon, pulling faces for a young boy, who had eventually crumbled to the ground, holding his stomach as he laughed. It was a startling experience, seeing as most children, and many adults, were often put off by Gangaur and their harmless pranks. Even when Ghost Pokemon weren't doing anything, people were often put off by their spooky habits, or appearances. Seeing a child break into peels of laughter at the antics of her beloved type made the old woman's heart warm.

Despite Samuel trying to get her attention, Agatha walked towards the boy, coming to a stop beside Gangaur. Noticing his trainer, Gangaur hauntingly melted into her shadow, pulling the boy's attention. He was breathing heavily, trying to get his breath back while watching the Pokemon vanish. "You, boy, what would your name be?"

"A-Ash Ket-Ketchum Ma'am!" Ash shakily raised from the floor and looked up at her.

Agatha hummed slowly. "You were laughing with Gangaur just now, don't you think he's scary? He's a Ghost Pokemon after all?"

An endearing, confused look befell the young boy, his brows scrunching adorably. "He's not scary, he's cool! And funny!" Ash started hopping in excitement. "He made the cups float! That's so cool! And he went into your shadow!"

A small, amused smile curved at her lips. She could feel Gangaur's chilled body heat up with embarrassment and pride from his spot inside her shadow. "That is a very interesting point of view, young man." She eyed him with something akin to curiosity, mirth, and endearment. "Would you like to join me and Samuel for a cup of tea? I think you will be quite the interesting young lad."

Ash's face lit up a bit more. "Yes Please."

Samuel helped Ash up into the seat, the seven year old was a bit small for his age, and took the seat next to him while Agatha sat across from him. The older man couldn't help but metaphorically pat himself on the back. Ash had always been an odd child in the best of ways. Dark types didn't discern the boy, and he found value in all Pokemon the same way Samule himself did, though the boy was a fair bit bolder and braver than Samule ever was, so the Professor wouldn't say he was surprised the boy was elated by Agatha's Ghost Types. What did surprise him, however, was Agatha herself.

Agatha wasn't a rude woman by any means, at least not to children, but the woman was strict, and blunt. She didn't coddle anyone, not even if they were injured. If the injury was your fault she would scold you and call you an idiot, if the injury wasn't your fault, she'd tend to your injuries and then berate you over being more mindful of your surroundings. Even towards children Agatha was brutally honest, something Samuel himself had seen once when he had brought Gary over and the boy went off on a bit of a rude tangent, resulting in getting a 20 minute lecture from Agatha over his behavior. Needless to say, Gary hadn't liked being scolded, he'd never been before after all, and he still refused to return with Samuel whenever he visited his old rival.

However, the way she treated Ash was, dare Samuel say, soft. She was still rather blunt with the boy, as was obvious when she lightly scolded him for almost spilling his tea cup, but there was almost a fond undertone. Samuel couldn't be sure, but if he were to guess, he would say it was because of how Ash reacted to Gangar, with the same bubbling optimism Ash greeted newly hatched Meowth. It could also be, of course, that Ash's temperament didn't damper in the slightest, even when she scolded him or corrected him. Ash himself seemed rather taken with the older woman, rather that was because he missed his mother and was relishing in being in the presence of another mother figure, or simply because he picked up on her being a good person, Samuel hadn't a clue. Somehow Ash had always been a good judge of character, and it definitely helped that he thought her Pokemon Partner was especially cool. Whatever the reason was for the two to get along, Samuel watched his oldest friend and the boy he saw as a second grandson with a fond expression.

========

Samuel wanted to be surprised that a few days after he and Ash returned to Pallet town Agatha just so happened to drop by for another visit, but he really wasn't. It had been something of a battle to get Ash to leave the Elite Four's Headquarters, and that wasn't just Ash's fault. Agatha had seen something in the boy, and she wasn't privy to letting him vanish without her being able to watch his growth.

While she couldn't just move to Pallet Town, Agatha became a staple in Ash's life. She helped Ash with his studies, something he had a hard time focusing on, and even worked on his abysmal etiquette, something she knew Samuel was complete pants at given the older man's own lack of etiquette and decorum. Samuel of course also helped Ash with his studies, but he focused more on Pokemon in general while Agatha focused more on academics.

Delia was more than grateful to the old woman. Ash had her as a mother, and Professor Oak as a surrogate Grandfather/male role model, but she had always been remorseful that Ash never had Grandmother to offer the kind of advice and comfort that only a Grandmother can offer. Delia herself had been very close to her Grandparents, and it broke her heart that Ash had no semblance of his own. Seeing her son's face light up over the phone as he babbled to her what Agatha had taught him that week or the one before brought Delia the greatest sense of comfort, and when she could finally come home after 17 months of field research, she had happily welcomed the older woman into the family, and happily accepted any advice Agatha had for her.

The only thing Delia wasn't ecstatic about was how much of a prankster Ash had turned into. Spending so much time with Ghost types, especially Agatha's mischievous Gengar, had definitely affected him. He never pulled anything dangerous, Mew knows he'd be scolded by not only herself but Agatha as well, no all his pranks were humorful and harmless, like putting googly eyes on all the cereal boxes, and encasing everyone's spare keys in jello so they had to eat them out. But while she wasn't ecstatic about it, she conceded that they were harmless and if he did go over the line he was quick to apologize, she didn't mind too much, and she had far more to be grateful than upset.

For example, Agatha had been the one to help Ash and his abilities. Ash had always been extremely attuned to the world around him, rather it be with Pokemon or people. He was remarkable at picking up on if someone had good intentions or not, or telling if someone or something was coming. He could find any Pokmeon no matter how invisible they made themselves be. Oddly enough, he had a hard time seeing the differences between people and Pokemon. He could look at someone and know they weren't Pokemon, but when it came to other things it was like the lines blurred to him. He wouldn't think twice about starting a fight with a Fighting Type, or blink twice before he grabbed a Meowth by their scruff with his own mouth, or mind when Pidgey and Pidgeotto would preen his head. It simply seemed that he was just as much Pokemon as he was Human at times, and while Delia wasn't bothered, nor was Professor Oak, or Agatha, it was a big hurdle in Ash making friends his own age. Agatha had been the one to notice first, due to surrounding herself with supernatural Pokemon, she had her own inklings about things, to a far lesser extent than Ash, but still. Her Position also granted her resources that even Professor Oak wasn't privy to. So with her help they narrowed down what Ash's abilities were, and what they came from. Her son was a rare case of a person having the ability to see Aura. While he was too young to train properly, he was only 9 at the time of the discovery and his 'core' was still growing and would continue to do so until he was at least 18, knowing what was happening meant they could help him overcome and understand it better, meaning he didn't get as overwhelmed or think he was 'wrong', as he called it.

As he grew into a rambunctious, but mannered, 10 year old, Ash's reverence for his 'Granny Aggie' only grew. He loved the old woman, happily babbling about her whenever he could, and it was obvious she loved him just as much. It came as a surprise to nobody when Ash's talks of 'Being a Pokemon Master' somehow shifted to 'Being a Ghost Pokemon Master'. Agatha of course swelled with pride, even if she didn't want to admit it, and given Ash was her favorite Grandchild(besides Allister, but he was but he was only 2 years old and technically her great nephew) that was going to be joining her as a Ghost Specialist, it only made sense that she be the one to gift him his first Pokemon, something she indeed held over Samuel's head for a number of years. And the perfect Pokemon for him she did find, not only his preferred type, but the particular Pokemon she would be giving him had originally been given to her to help it heal, and if anyone could heal a Pokemon the way that Pokemon needed healing, it was Ash.

========

Delia smiled fondly as Ash's head flung up from his book to look at the door, a big smile spreading on his face. "She's here!" He cheered, pushing himself away from the table. Delia didn't doubt him for a second, as a few moments later a knock sounded at the door. Going back to chopping dinner, Delia giggled when she heard her son cheer "Granny Aggie!" Followed by a gentle 'oof'.

"Honestly lad, I'm not as young as I used to be, you can't hug me that tight." Though her tone was scolding, Delia could hear the usual sliver of fondness that always decorated Agatha's voice when it came to her son.

"Sorry! But I haven't seen you in weeks! And I leave on my journey soon so I won't see you for even longer!" Ash winced apologetically, no doubt taking her coat before leading her into the kitchen.

"I understand that, just be more mindful. Hello Delia." Delia set a cup of tea before her and kissed her cheek in greeting.

"Hello Agatha, was the journey over okay?" The younger woman asked before grabbing plates of food for each person at the table.

"Somehow I'm still kicking." Agatha said with a sense of mirth. "This looks delicious, Delia."

"Thank you. Professor Oak, and Gary won't be joining us, I'm afraid Gary needed stitches so he had to rush him to Viridian City." Delia explained and took her seat, giving Ash a stern look when he looked like he was about to say something rude about the other boy. Seeing her look, Ash instead took a big bite of his dinner and wordlessly looked away.

Dinner was spent with the three happily chittering about the past few weeks, sharing updates and asking Ash about his plans once his journey started. After a good dinner, and equally delicious desert, the small family moved into the living room. Agatha took up a nice burgundy recliner that she usually sat in when she was in the Ketchum home, while Delia and Ash sat on the couch. Part way through a conversation about Ash's final results at school Agatha finally pulled out a Pokeball and called for Ash's attention.

"I'm sure you were expecting to get a Pokemon from Samuel, but seeing as your goal isn't exactly the same as other trainers, I instead took the liberty to get you your first Pokemon." Agatha explained in her usual blunt tone, smiling at the startled look that took up Ash's face. Enlarging the shrunk Pokeball, Agatha held it out to the boy.

Glancing between the two women, Ash carefully took the ball. The ball wasn't the usual Pokeball that Ash saw almost everyone use, instead of the tell-tale half red, half white, it was instead mostly black, with green circles on the top, bottom, back, sides, and front with an orange button and lining. Ash could vaguely recognise it as a Dusk ball from his classes with Grandad Sammy. Gulping, Ash pointed the Pokeball towards the coffee table, and gasped in awe as a black and purple cloud bubbled out of the ball, the energy forming a vaguely familiar Pokemon. It was a scraggly pale yellow with scribbled on orange cheeks and crudely drawn Pikachu face, but it's aura didn't pulse from the top, only the body. Sliding his eyes down, Ash noticed two tiny black eyes on where the 'Pikachu's' belly would be.

"Hello!" Ash chirped, grinning down at the Pokemon, who looked surprised at the boy actually meeting his eye. Ash held his hand out for the Pokemon. "My name is Ash! You're gonna be my new partner, if that's okay?"

The Pokemon crooned lowly before a black claw slipped out from under the costume and stretched out, resting in the boy's hand before gripping it tightly. Ash simply smiled down at him, unbothered by the strong grip. The Pokemon seemed to relax and slowly shuffled onto his hand, watching Ash the whole way, before slowly making his way onto Ash's shoulder.

"We're going to be great friends, right?" Ash beamed.

"Mimi…kyu." The Pokemon blinked before shyly nodding, brushing what looked like 'Pikachu's' hip, but was actually his cheek, against Ash's.

Agatha watched on, her aged eyes sparking with affection. "That Pokemon is called Mimikyu Ash, he's a Ghost and Fairy Type."

"Mimikyu huh?" Ash grinned and gently pulled Mimikyu into his hands, holding him up on his palms so he could meet his eye. "Nice to meet you Mimikyu!"

"Kyu!" Mimikyu crooned again, a bit more assertive.

Agatha smiled at the duo, feeling secure in her decision, and the decision there after. "Ash, I have a small favor to ask of you."

Brown eyes sparkled up at her as Ash turned to look at her. "Of course! What can I do?"

"I know your original plan was to go straight on the path to the Pokemon League, but if you could, would you please visit Lavender Town? The town is more abandoned than anything at this point, but I would like to know if any ghost type Pokemon linger there. I'd go myself, but I can't move around like I used to, and with the season starting up again I don't have the time."

Ash met her with his usual blinding smile. "Of course I'll go there! I'll send you a full report and everything! Just leave it to me and Mimikyu!"

========

Kanto wasn't exactly known for it's Ghost Type Pokemon, but that wasn't to say Ash tackled the gyms with only Mimikyu. Granny Aggie didn't have a full team of Ghosts afterall, and Morty, another Ghost Type Specialist he had met through Agatha, had only the Gangar line, so while Mimikyu was his go to in most senses, Ash also managed to catch a Zubat, and even a Butterfree. Through the beginning of his Journey he managed to make two friends, Misty, and Brock, who joined him. Misty managed to touch Ash's nerves quite a lot, mostly because she tended to give his Pokemon, especially Mimikyu, and Butterfree, a wide berth, trying her best to keep away from them. Brock seemed fascinated by Mimikyu however, and as Brock caught himself a Zubat as well he'd been rather excited to compare his and Ash's Zubat in terms of health, when they would evolve, and skills, Ash didn't mind too much, as long as his Pokemon were okay with it.

Just as Ash had promised, he did visit Lavender Town, opting for going straight there rather than the Saffron City Gym. Misty and even Brock had kicked up a small fuss about the 'spooky' town, but Ash wasn't bothered by it. He could see a heavy cloud of miasma, thanks to his ability to see aura, but most Ghost Pokmeon oozed miasma, it was their thing, so Ash didn't think much of it as he took in the abandoned town, making notes in a notebook as he walked around.

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As they walked through the ghost town, Misty and Brock huddling behind him while looking around skittishly, they came to a tower towards the back of the town. Closing his eyes, Ash felt the pulse of four Ghost Pokemon in the tower, and ventured in. Neither Misty nor Brock followed after him, and that was fine with Ash.

Mimikyu jumped off his shoulder to walk just ahead of him, leading him through the dark halls. The tower was dark, and dreary, with tapestry torn along the walls and windows shipped or shattered. As they walked up the stairs, a familiar violet face popped out, pulling a strange face that made Ash burst out into giggles. Ash didn't notice Gengar's pleasantly surprised grin as he was suddenly hoisted up by a Haunter, and then dropped. Ash yelped, but giggled again when the warmth of Psychic wrapped around him and gently lowered him back down. He burst our laughing again when a small Gastly rushed forward, spinning around him before phasing through Ash's hands when he tried to grab him. Ash shivered as the cold Pokemon flew through him, but that was soon followed by another laugh.

"Where's the fourth Pokemon?" Ash asked, still giggling a bit. Feeling a presence behind him, Ash turned and came face to face with a little floating purple sheet that stuck her tongue out at him. Ash doubled over with laughter, nearly falling back down the stairs if it weren't for Mimikyu's strong hold. Breathing deeply, and grinned at the startled Teru Teru Bozu Pokemon. "I know what you are! Ash beamed. "You're a Shuppet! I've seen pictures from Granny Aggie! Wow!"

"Shuppet!" Shuppet chimed gleefully, floating over to nuzzle her cheek against his, much to Mimikyu's ire.

"So this is where you guys live and play huh? Must be lonely." Ash's mood dampened a little bit as he scribbled the new information onto his notebook. He offered them a big smile as he looked up. "How about you all accompany us while we look around? Once I send this to Granny Aggie, I bet she can get a whole bunch of People to come visit!"

"Gengar!"

"~Gasstly~"

"Haunt Haunt Haunt Haunt!"

"Shup Shuppet!"

===

Ash and Mimikyu laughed and played with the four Ghost Types as they conducted their walk through, only stopping to take notes. When it was time to go, Ash promised to come visit them whenever her could. Shuppet handn't exactly liked that however, as shown by her attacking Mimikyu with a Will-O-Wisp attack.

"Woah! Mimikyu dodge!" Mimikyu jumped easily to the side. "Whats wrong Shuppet?" Ash asked, confused as she didn't seem angry, but sad, and maybe a bit hopeful. Shuppet ignored him however, launching a speedy Shadow Ball. Mimikyu dodged again. "If its a battle you want, than fine! Mimikyu use Mimic!" Mimikyu chirped before glowing a soft white, when the white vanished Mimikyu fired a Shadow Ball of his own. Shuppet slid out of the way and fired another Will-O-Whisp, which Mimikyu dispelled with a scratch attack before using Astonish making a horrifying face, startling Shuppet. With Shuppet startled, Ash called for the previously Mimicked Shadow ball, landing a hit and causing Shuppet to falter. "Go Pokeball!" Clutching an empty Dusk Ball, Ash threw it at Shuppet, watching as she vanished into the ball with a violet flash. The Pokeball shook a total of two times before falling still. "Alright! We caught Shuppet!" Ash cheered, scooping up the Pokeball.

"Mi Mimikyu!" Mimikyu hopped in place excitedly while the other three Ghost Types cheered as well.

========

Defeating Sabrina had been difficult, especially when she tried to turn everyone into Dolls. Ash really hadn't liked the Aura signature that coated Sabrina's doll, it had been odd, angry, yet sad, and made Ash's skin crawl, which was unusual for him of all people. The battle had been hard, but somehow Ash and his Pokemon pulled through, not that Sabrina's doll had been happy about it. If it hadn't been for Haunter, having followed Ash, Mimikyu, and Shuppet, into the city, suddenly appearing and causing a ruckus that made Sabrina break out into real, pure laughter, disrupting whatever curse lingered in the doll, Ash wasn't certain they would have gotten out of Saffron City alive, much less with the Marsh Badge, and with a new friend in Sabrina.

Later, Ash sent his notes to Agatha, informing her of the state of the town, and the Pokemon that lived there, as well as the news that he caught another Pokemon. While it was slow moving, Agatha talked Lance into funding renovations to the town, turning it into a tourist destinations and historical landmark, Sabrina herself had funded a a fair bit into the restoration, and Gengar and Gastly were more than happy to play small pranks on the tourists, drumming up business and superstition.

The rest of Ash's journey was typical, well as typical a journey could be with Ash Ketchum, trouble magnet extraordinaire. Butterfree went off to start a family, it was heartbreaking, but Ash understood, and supported his buggy friend. Shuppet eventually evolved into Banette, and Zubat into Golbat, and eventually Crobat, he even caught an Arbok, Koffing/Weezing, and Venomoth to fill out his team. And while he did end up making it to the Pokemon League, but didn't win, which had devastated the young man as he felt he had shamed his Grandmother for not advancing further than top 16. It had taken Agatha sitting him down over tea and scolding him for him to snap out of his slump.

Before Ash could be sent off to Johto, Agatha had another small task for him. A ghost Pokemon was said to be haunting a small research center in Galar. Ash happily took the task, and after some hijinks, illness, and bonding, Ash welcomed Gangar to his team, and just like Agatha's Gengar, Ash's was quite the mischievous troublemaker, which suited Ash just fine. While in Galar Ash even got to meet his adoptive little cousin Allister, the boy was only about 3 years old, but Ash adored the shy little boy.

Venomoth, Weezing, Crobat, and Arbok decided to stay in Kanto. Venomoth and Weezing had never really enjoyed battling in the same sense as Ash, Mimikyu, Banette, and Gengar did, so the two Poison Types stayed with Professor Oak, helping him with some research, meanwhile Crobat took a great liking to Ash's mother, and could usually be found helping her and Mimey with whatever field work they had to do, so Ash gifted him to her. Finally, Arbok had already been pretty old when Ash caught her, and while she had many years of life left, it just wasn't sensical to force her to compete, so she made a nest at Professor Oak's lab, living a happy retirement where Ash could always come to visit her.

After Jhoto came Hoenn, and then Sinnoh, Unova, and finally Kalos is where Ash decided to end his journey. Through the years the 16 year old had amassed quite the number of Ghost Types, Misdreavus, Froslass, Dusklops, even a Spiritomb, to name a few. For the most part, after each journey, Ash let his Pokemon decide where they wanted to go. Most Ghost Type Pokemon were honestly rather docile and kind, so while they enjoyed the occasional battle, and they loved their time with Ash, few wanted to be battling constantly, so Ash let them stay at the Professor's lab if that was what they preferred. He would still train and battle with them all when he was around, but he was more than happy to let them do as they pleased, which was something his Pokemon loved about him.

While many Pokemon decided to take it easy however, Ash did gather a good, close team of Pokemon that were always ready to battle. Along with Mimikyu, Banette, and Gengar, Ash also caught a shy Sableye in Unova, a cheerful Honedge/Aegislash in Kalos, and a shy but determined Phantump/Trevinant in Kalos(who also happened to be shiny).

Of course, returning from leagues wasn't completely Ash's fault, Agatha may have come to him with a bit of an idea once he returned from Kalos. And well, Ash had a hard time not seriously thinking through his grandmother's ideas.

========

"Kanto is shutting down a couple of its gyms?" Ash stared wide eyed at his adoptive grandmother, his tea cup raised partly to his lips, where his hand had frozen at the news. Leagues did of course demote gyms or switch leaders, and even closed some gyms down, that wasn't news to Ash, but never had he heard of a region shutting down more than one gym at a time.

Agatha sighed tiredly, for once looking her age. "I'm afraid it's true. A number of gyms have gotten complaints as of late, we all swept through the reports. Refusing challengers because of opposing opinions, putting multiple Pokemon in the Pokemon Center from going too far, freely giving away badges instead of simply asking challengers to comeback at a later date, turning away challengers because they're busy with appearance upkeep, being secretly run by an evil organization, insulting challengers, children interfering when their sibling is about to lose, turning challengers into dolls if they lose." She heaved another sigh. "The only reason we have just found out all of this now instead of when it was reported was because the person who runs, and goes through the complaint box on the website, and whose duty it was to inform us, was being paid by said evil team to delete, and ignore any and all complaints."

"I'm sorry." Ash bowed his head, he remembered vividly how he had to fight just to challenge Erika, and how rude Lieutenant Surge had been to him. He had sent in complaints to the website, but he supposed he should have told Agatha as well as filed a complaint.

"You followed the correct means of filing a complaint, and I don't want another word about it young man." Agatha scolded lightly before taking a bite of her tea cake.

"Yes Ganny Aggie." Ash chuckled warmly. "Can I ask what gyms are being shut down? Or is that private information?"

Agatha gave him a mirthful smile. "All the gyms have been evaluated, so the complaints on the Pewter, Saffron, and Cerulean city Gyms have been put on hold, though those three Gyms are being watched very closely and are on probation. However, the Celadon, Viridian, and Vermillion City Gyms have been completely shut down. Due to economic reasons, the Viridian, and Celadon Gyms will likely be refurbished for a new Gym Leader, Lance suggested Bug Type, and Flying Type to take their places, but chances are Vermillion will be completely shut down. We of the Elite Four are in search of where to put a new Gym."

Ash nodded in understanding. "Tell me if there is anything I can do to help."

Agatha smirked and met his eye, making Ash realize she had been hoping he would say that. "Actually, there is something I would like to ask of you."

"Kyu?" Mimikyu, who was carefully sat in Ash's lap, tiled his 'Pikachu' head in question. Ash chuckled and reached down to scratch Mimikyu's chin, getting a small purr of agreement.

"What is it this time?" He asked fondly. He never really minded doing favors for her, she had helped him a lot when he was younger and she never asked him to do anything impossible, or particularly hard.

Agatha's face turned a bit more serious, and Ash straightened up. "I will be retiring as a member of the Elite Four sometime soon." Ash felt the air in his lungs vanish, his brown eyes widening in shock. "Don't look so shocked, I'm not the young woman I used to be. Battling, and my obligations are taking up more and more of my time, and with my old age I'm unable to recover properly." Ash nodded in understanding, though the 16 year old still seemed lost, unable to properly wrap his head around it. Agatha's lips twitched up into a small smile and she reached across the table to pat his calloused hands softly. "Don't look so glum, It's not as if I'm vanishing. Due to all my years working I have a nice retirement fund, if fact you'll likely be able to see me more once I retire."

Ash perked up at that a little bit, and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "It's just hard to imagine you of all people sitting in a rocking chair crocheting doilies instead of putting over confident trainers in their place."

Agatha chuckled warmly at that. "Now, onto my actual favor. You don't have to agree, I am aware that this is one of the bigger favors and If you want to turn the idea down I won't be upset or disappointed." Ash nodded in understanding, urging her to continue. "With the loss of the Vermillion Gym, Lance asked what gyms we, as the Elite Four, suggested. I, of course, suggested Ghost Type Gym, set up in Lavender Town. Since we turned it into a tourist destination the town has been bustling, and I believe a Gym in the town will due it some good."

Ash made a noise of agreement. As he promised, Ash visited Lavender Town at least twice a year, one after returning home, and once before he left on his next adventure. The town was still covered in miasma, but it didn't feel as suffocating. Ghost Types happily roamed the streets, and not just Kanto Ghost Types but Ghost Types from all over the world popped up. Tourists were gleeful as they were spooked, and the town had a rather 'Haunted House' type feel. The old, crumbling Pokemon Tower had been refurbished into a memorial for Pokemon that had passed on, and was almost always full of trainers who were visiting their past partners.

"That's a good idea." Ash mused. "There is a large hill that overlooks the town, a Gym could probably be built there so as not to disrupt the town during construction."

Agatha hummed in agreement around a sip of tea. "Thats what I was thinking as well. When Lance asked who would be the Gym Leader, I of course suggested you."

Ash choked, the tea cake he had been eating entering the wrong pipe due to his surprise. Taking a generous gulp of tea, Ash stared at Agatha in surprise. "Me?!"

"Of course." Agatha didn't even blink at the outburst. "You were runner up in both Unova and Kalos, not to mention all the awards for 'Duty Served' in different regions you've accumulated. I've even heard Giratina themself is quite fond of you."

Ash blushed at the slight dig, his hand moving to brush against the mark that graced his shoulder, a mark given to him by Giratina the last time they had met. To anyone else it looked like a tattoo of the golden parts of Garitina's head, but Aura users, those with supernatural abilities of their own, and those who specialized in Ghost Types could tell. The mark was oozing with Garitina's miasma, marking Ash as a friend to the legendary protector of the Distortion World.

"But, am I ready to be a Gym Leader?" Ash asked a bit nervously.

"I think you are, as does Samuel. Lance himself agrees with me." She smirked, not unlike her Gengar. "Don't tell him I told you, but Lance is quite the fan."

Pride swelled in his chest alongside flattery, the idea of the Champion of not one region, but two, was mystifying. "Really?" Mimikyu puffed with pride in Ash's lap, he knew his trainer was the very best, like no one ever was and it was gratifying that people were finally taking notice.

"It would take a few months to build the Gym, so you will have time to get your affairs in order, and even take a little vacation."

Ash fell silent as he thought it over. He'd never really thought about what he would do after his journey was over. He was still young and had planned on traveling for as long as it felt right, but what came after the journey? What really classified as a Ghost Pokemon master? "Kyu?" Mimikyu looked up at Ash, who smiled and scratched under his chin again, pulling another purr from the Pokemon. Ash gasped as he felt the Pokeballs on his belt pulse. Pulling the five shrunken Dusk Balls from his belt, he gave them a look, feeling his nerves settle as he gazed down at his Pokemon specific Aura, every ball steeping with affection and encouragement. Ash smiled and raised his head.

"I think I'll take you up on the offer!" He agreed brightly before his grin slipped into something feral. "But you should warn Lance, once I'm ready, I'm coming for the Elite Four, and then I'll take the Champion of Kanto title from him!"

Agatha gave her own rather feral smile. "That's the spirit I was hoping for!"

========

Ash was easily accepted as the new Gym Leader for Lavender Town. The Pokemon League had actually almost begged him to take the position before Ash could inform him he had already agreed(apparently Ash was hailed as a hero in quite a few Regions, so whatever Region got their hooks into him got bragging rights. It was a little weird, but apparently Ash taking the offer got Mr. Goodshow a nicely sized bonus that allowed him to get a well bred Ponyta for his daughter, so Ash wasn't all that bothered by it. Just a bit weirded out.). However, as his Grandmother had said, construction on the gym would take a few months, not to mention the refurbishing of Viridian and Celadon and finding appropriate gym Leaders. After looking over and finalizing the plans, Ash and his Pokemon took a short vacation to Alola before Ash would have to 'settle down' into gym life.

Mimikyu loved visiting his home region, and Ash's Pokemon also enjoyed the sun and change of scenery. He'd even met Acerola, Alola's Ghost Type Kahuna, and the two built up a good rapport between Alola and Kanto. Ash even got a chance to lecture a few classes in a Pokemon School with Acerola, explaining the difference between the Pokemon Gyms and Battle Trials. He made a few friends, and once his vacation was over, Ash was even more sure of the path he had chosen.

========

Ash stretched, putting down his pen as he finished his last piece of paperwork. He glanced around his office fondly, Mimikyu was sleeping on the Pokemon bed Ash set up on the right corner of his desk, while his other Pokenmon were scattered about. Ash brought all his Pokemon with him to Lavender Town, even his non-ghost types so he could spend time with them. Wild Ghost Pokemon tended to drop by and hand out as well, happily welcomed by Ash and his Pokemon, unless they tried to be particularly troublesome. As it was, Banette was hanging off Ash's chair, looking over his shoulder. Around her neck was a violet bandanna with Banettite hanging from the tie off, matching perfectly with the Key Stone Ash had embedded into the front of his hat. Sableye was huddled under Ash's desk, finding comfort in her trainer as Ageslash scolded Gengar, Spiritomb, and three small Gastly about something, and Trevenant tried to calm her down.

Ash was pulled from his musings by a knock. "Come in." Ash turned in his chair, smiling when a familiar little boy wandered into the room, a Gastly of his own floating after him.

The boy was young, and short, no older than 7 and dressed in the usual black and purple that made up the rest of the gym. Not noticeably was a peculiar mask that covered the boys face, with messy black hair peeking out behind it. "A-Alliser rep-reporting for wor-ork sir!" He squeaked.

Ash greened at his adopted cousin. "I told you you didn't have to call me that Allister, you're my family!" Ash wandered over to the younger kid and grinned as he ruffle up his hair, pulling an embarrassed whine.

Allister peeked shyly up at his cousin. He'd admired Ash for a long time, even if they hadn't met often. Aunt Agatha had always spoke so highly of him, and when looking at his battles Allister saw something to strive for! Both as a Pokemon trainer and as a person. Allister was shy, and he was pretty sure he was going to mess up, but he really wanted to follow after Ash. He just hadn't expected his mother to reach out and ask for Allister to study under him as a Gym Trainer, nor did he expect Ash to accept. But he was happy, and he was going to try his best.

"Your f-first ch-challenger is he-ere." Allister finally informed, tugging at his sweater paws anxiously, but relaxing at the smile he received. "H-He said his name was M-Max."

Ash chuckled. "I knew he'd be the first to challenge me." He beamed. "Alright everyone, lets go to have our first battle as official Gym Leaders!"

"Mikyu!"

"Nette!"

"Gar Gar Gar!"

"Bleye!"

"Slash."

"Venent!"