Ash Ketchum: Type Specialist One Shots

If you grow up surrounded by one type of Pokemon, their care, and upbringing drilled into your head, you will likely grow to feel one of two ways towards it. Either you grow up to revere them, mesmerized and drawn to them due to elongated exposure. Or, you grow to resent it, feeling trapped by the coils of expectations that you, like the people around you, will become a trainer of said types. Sadly, for then ten year old Ash Blackthorn, he grew up feeling the second.

Don't get Ash wrong, he respected Dragon Types as much as his family, but he'd be lying if he didn't feel a slight resentment for them. Though adopted, growing up a Blackthorn left its marks. Elders expected him to follow after his older brother and cousin, following their footsteps to become a Dragon Master. Classmates would jeer at him if he showed any interest in a Pokemon that wasn't a Dragon Type or at least Dragon looking. Teachers wouldn't let him use any type other than Dragon in school sanctioned practice matches. Growing up in an environment such as that didn't allow a for a lot of individuality, and while Ash loved his family, and was grateful for the life they gave him, negative emotions fester, and its only so long until it explodes.

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Ash followed his brother through the cold Sinnoh mountains. With his tenth birthday just around the corner Lance felt it appropriate to bring him with him to Sinnoh to visit a friend, and Sinnoh Champion: Cynthia. Normally they would have met her at the Elite Four office building, but Snowpoint City Gym needed renovations and as Champion it was her duty to make sure everything went smoothly. Lance was bundled up, despite dealing with Lorelei and/or Pryce almost daily, but Ash, while bundled up, had always run warmer, a byproduct of Aura, and was faring much better, though still wrapped up in a heavy coat. As they tracked through the ice and snow Lance was sure to point out traveling tips, and opinions, preparing Ash for his own journey, set to start a few days after they return from Sinnoh.

As much as Ash appreciated his brother, he was getting rather annoyed. Since the day Ash turned nine all the family could talk about was Ash's journey, and while Ash himself was excited, the subject of his would-be starter Pokemon always left a bitter taste in his mouth. The elders would never say what it would be, but it was obvious it would be a Dragon Type, and somehow that felt foreboding on the ten year oldest shoulders.

Ash looked at the taller red haired man. He'd never had issue talking to Lance before, he was his confidant, he was the one Ash told about being picked on, he was the one that always made time for him despite his busy schedule. Nibbling at his lips, Ash cut his brother's tenth lecture on how to properly store clothes. "Lance," Lance halted and turned towards his brother. "I-I don't think I want to be a Dragon Master."

Lance's eyes widened before a tired, amused grin spread of his sharp features. "You don't mean that, you're simply nervous and confused." A sharp sense of betrayal stung Ash's chest. "I was nervous, as was Clair. In time you-"

"I'm not confused!" Ash spit, his hands balling themselves up into fists. Lance jolted back in surprise. "I don't know why I even said anything! All you ever think about is Dragons, Dragons, Dragons!"

Tears made of frustration turned to ice along Ash's cheeks and he shoved past Lance, running deeper into the snowy forest. His brown eyes were frozen shut, and had it not been for early aura training Ash surely would have ran into a tree as he pelted deeper into the snowy forest.

With heaving lungs and tired legs, Ash eventually came to a stop, breathing desperately as he sucked frigid air into his lungs. Sniffling, he sat down at the base of a large pine tree, messily removing frozen tears from his face, and allowing himself to once again see. Shivering, Ash pulled his legs up, burying his face into his folded knees, and curling in on himself.

Logically, he knew he shouldn't have run off. He was in an unfamiliar forest, a forest blown over by snow and ice and he had no clue where he was. But, he couldn't stand there and listen to his brother call him confused, or delusional. He wasn't. He didn't want to be a Dragon Master like his brother or cousin, he wanted to be his own type of trainer, to find his own type, or even have no type at all.

"Snorunt?" A small voice cooed, and Ash raised his head. Standing before him was a small black Pokemon, an odd yellow and orange jacket like a covering coiled around it. It's blue eyes seemed to glimmer with emotion, and Ash could sense a distinct feeling of worry, and intrigued. Seemingly noticing it got his attention, Snowrunt smiled. "Sno Snorunt!" It giggled before running off.

Sniffling, Ash watched Snorunt run away, and pulled his jacket closer. Snorunt skipped back over after a few minutes, something sparkling blue in its hand.

"Snorunt!" Snorunt held out a sparkling blue berry with small green leaves(yacht berry).

A small smile worked its way on Ash's face and he held out his hand, letting Snorunt, who seemed very proud of itself, set the berry on his palm. "Thank you." He murmured, snapping the berry in half, and offering one half to the Pokemon. Snorunt's face lit up with joy and took it, happily munching down on it. Chuckling, Ash copied it, biting onto the cold berry. It had a smooth texture, but was slightly dry, with a sour after taste. "It's good!" Snorunt's face lit up, and it hopped around in glee.

"Sno Sno Sno!" Snorunt chimed, forming a snowball in its hand by blowing a cold wind from it's mouth. Satisfied, Snorunt held up its creation.

"That's so cool! You did that with Icy Wind right?" Ash beamed in awe before a bitter smile slipped onto his face. "I wish I could have a Pokemon like you." Ash sighed, Snorunt tilted it's head in confusion. "There's so much I don't know about other Pokemon, like this." He motioned towards Snorunt's snowball. "I didn't know you could make a snowball with Icy Wind alone. It's so cool, and has so many uses." He sighed. "Not like I'll be able to use it though, not when I'm destined to follow my brother's footsteps."

Snorunt hadn't a clue what most of what the boy said meant. What he did know was that he was sad again. Rearing his tiny hand back, he threw his snowball at the human, hitting him on the side of the head and giggling at the shocked look that replaced the sadness.

Ash stared wide eyed at the small Ice Type, before smirking. "Oh its on!" Grabbing a handful of snow, Ash launched a snowball at Snorunt, who just barely dodged and threw another snowball.

Human and Pokemon playfully threw snowballs back and forth, sometimes landing its but usually missing them. After a couple of hours, Ash finally forfeited, collapsing back flat into the snow with a joyous laugh. Grinning, Snorunt plopped down beside him, and the two stared up at the darkening sky, breathing heavily with childish grins.

Ash sighed and hauled himself back up into a sitting position. "It's getting dark, I should probably try and find my way back. Oh man I'm gonna be in so much trouble." Ash pushed himself up to stand, but as he looked around for what direction to go, Snorunt grabbed his pants leg. "Wanna come with me?" Ash asked hesitantly. Snorunt grinned and hopped around happily, until Ash reached down to pick him up. "Now lets see…" Ash closed his eyes and steadied his breathing, reaching out in search of another person's aura. While he couldn't see clear pictures due to the distance, he could sense an abundance of human aura to the north. Peeking his eyes back open, Ash turned north.

Ash made his way through the forest, watching the darkening sky with rising anxiety. The temperature was dropping even colder, nipping at Ash's skin even through his jacket. Snorunt narrowed his eyes, grunting as he picked up something. Sensing his unease, Ash stopped in his tracks. The sound of a twig snapping has Snorunt leaping out of Ash's arms, sending a large burst of Icy Wind hurling through the trees.

"Shadow Ball Glaceon!" A black and violet ball formed out of nowhere, canceling out Icy Wind. From the bushes jumped out a pale blue four legged Pokemon with diamond shaped ears.

Snorunt puffed up, and multiple Snorunt scattered themselves across the forest floor. However, Ash recognized the voice who called out a command, and relief speared through him. "Snorunt, it's okay!" Ash called, halting Snorunt as he readied his next attack, Headbutt by the looks of it. Snorunt tilted his head, and Double Team vanished before he jumped back into Ash's arms, keeping his eyes on the other Ice Type.

"Ash?" Lance called, pushing himself through the snowy bushes, behind him Cynthia revealed herself, returning her Glaceon. Relief colored his face and the red haired man ran forward, pulling Ash to his chest. "You are freezing!" Lance hissed, despite the fact that he too was cold, shivering. "Never run off like that! You could have been taken by a Froslass or or-I'm so glad you're okay."

Ash buried his face into his brother's shoulder, shivering lightly as he soaked in his brother's warmth. "I'm sorry." He muffled.

Lance pulled away after a few seconds. "I'm sorry too. I never should have belittled your feelings, or called you confused. If you don't want to be a Dragon Master, you don't have to. It's your journey and your team, and I'm sorry I implied you have no say in it." His face pinched in worry. "I can't say the Elders will agree, and there's going to be a lot of people out there judging you for being a Blackthorn but not being a Dragon Type Specialist, but I know you'll make a wonderful Pokemon Trainer, no matter your profession, or type, or if you even have a type."

Emotion surged through Ash, and relieved tears built up in his eyes. Gripping his brother's coat tightly, Ash pulled Lance back in for another hug, burying his face back into his shoulder to hide his tears. "You won't be disappointed?" The raven haired boy asked, tone between hopeful and fear.

"Never." Lance promised.

Ash pulled away with a sniff, and held up the Snorunt in his arms, who eyed Lance skeptically. "This is my new friend, Snorunt."

Lance chuckled something between bewilderment and fondness. "Nice to meet you, Snorunt."

"SnoRUNT!" Snorunt waved at him, before breathing Icy Wing straight into his face, giggling after doing so.

"I guess I deserve that." Lance shivered, shaking away the ice that took over his face and hair. Reaching into his pocket, Lance pulled out a Pokeball, and handed it to Ash.

"For me?" Ash eyed the red and white ball skeptically.

"You already caught your first Pokemon, all you need to do is officially catch it."

Looking at the Ice Type in his arms, Ash grabbed the ball. "Do you want to be my first Pokemon Snorunt?"

"Snorunt!" Snorunt shot his hand out, touching the capsule on the Pokeball, and getting sucked in. The ball shook twice in Ash's hand, before falling still.

"Alright! I caught a Snorunt!"

Lance smiled at him, ruffling Ash's hair warmly. "Come on, lets get back to the Pokemon center before we get sick." He pulled Ash closer to him to share body heat as they trekked through the forest. "And I'll talk to the Elders, but I can't promise anything."

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As they had assumed, the Elders weren't thrilled with Ash's decision, but while they did try to persuade him originally, they eventually relented. So when Ash left for his journey, he and Snorunt were sent away with warm goodbyes, and agreements for his return. His Journey through Johto was pretty typical, resulting in Ash placing in the top 16, but it was after Johto that Ash decided on becoming an Ice Type Specialist. Maybe it was his bond with Glalie(who had evolved part way through Johto), or the fact that Pryce and Lorelei had been overjoyed when Ash showed off his Dewgong, and Glalie to them, but Ash came to love Ice Types. He'd grown somewhat resistant to their attacks, and cold weather, so when it was time to embark on his next journey he decided to change it up. He traveled to every region, meeting with other Ice Type Specialists along the way, and training under them as he met and built his team. And he was very proud of his team.

Glalie was still as playful as the day they met. Dewgong was every bit as mothering to Ash as she had been to the Seel that had been in her pod. Aurorus was the strong, silent type, but he was trustworthy and reliable, whenever Ash needed him, he'd appear. Ninetale was snooty, and a bit stuck up, he had to be the prettiest, and refused to battle otherwise, unless it was an emergency, and then he was right by Ash's side. And Frosmoth, who had started as just a small little baby Snom, scared of her own shadow, had grown into a capable, and determined Pokemon. Ash adored his team, even if they were a handful. Of course there were other Pokemon, ones who simply joined him for company, or other Ice Types that weren't part of his main lineup.

Following his return to Johto, Lance had brought up a new circuit that had popped up, the Battle Frontier, in Kanto. As he had just returned from many years of journeying, the 16 year old decided to use the Battle Frontier to get back into the battling scene. It was fascinating to battle, and bond with the different Frontier Brains. Each Brain had their own style, their own rules, unlike the ones you saw in the usual Gym Battle. And even though it took Ash three times to win his last Frontier Symbol, he eventually mastered the Battle Frontier. And with his victory came Scott's offer to become a Frontier Brain himself. It was only due to the fact that challengers to the Battle Frontier were few and far between that Ash agreed immediately.

His Battle Facility was placed on Mount Silver, a snowy mountain peak perfect for Ash and his Ice type Pokemon. Dubbed the Battle Peak, Ash would be the fifth frontier brain, with Spencer moving up to sixth, Anabelle seventh, and Bradon eighth, and his symbol was dubbed the Determination Symbol, partially for Ash's determination, but also due to the determination a trainer would need to have to hike all the way to Mount Silver. But facilities weren't made in a day, so while the Battle Peak was constructed Ash took on the Kanto Pokemon League, and visited his family in Johto to catch them up, and even the most spiteful of Elders had been proud of his achievements.

Once the Battle Peak was complete, Ash settled down on his mountain top, taking care of the injured forest Pokemon up there and training his Pokemon. Occasionally, when business was slow, he'd venture out, always on call for if he needed to return, and at 18, after he had just finished a quick trip to Hoenn, he was called back to meet a very special guest that would be arriving sometime in the next week.

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"Why are we climbing this blasted mountain?!" A dark haired girl shrieked, shivering heavily despite the multiple layers that covered her body.

The two others with her, an older woman with flowing blue hair, and a girl closer in age with pink hair, stopped their assent to turn towards her. The older woman, dressed equally as warm, chuckled, while the girl rolled her eyes. "You are such a baby Iris." She scoffed. She was also bundled up against the thick snow, but was fairing far better.

'Iris' stuck her tongue out at her. "Shut up Georgia! Its f-f-freezing! Poor Axue is shaking!" Turning to the blue haired woman, she continued. "Clair, do we really have to scale this mountain? Can't your cousin just come to us?"

'Clair' sighed fondly. "We already pulled Ash from his business in Hoenn, the least we can do is go up to his facility. Come on, its just a few more miles."

Iris groaned. "Couldn't he have added some kind of transport? This is cruel and unusual punishment!"

"What's cruel and unusual punishment is having to listen to you complain the whole trip!" Georgia snapped.

"Okay enough," Clair sighed before a fight could break out, and given both girls' tempers, one would. "Iris Battle Facilities aren't like Gym Battles. In a way, they're more refined and they have more rules. Ash's Symbol is Determination, and this hike is part of testing the challenger's Determination and Perseverance. There is transportation for non challengers but-"

"But we aren't challengers." Iris pointed out.

"You're right, we aren't." Clair agreed. "But you're working toward becoming a Dragon Master, you need to work on your endurance."

Heaving a sigh, Iris relented. "Fine." She grumbled and kept walking.

After a few more hours of hiking through the snowy forest terrain, the three trainers came upon the Battle Peak. Pointed like a mountain top, and painted silver and white, almost blending in with the surroundings. Outside the facility were a number of Pokiemon, such as a few Pikachu, and Rattata that peeked at them from the bushes, and Fearow and Pidgeot glancing at them from their perch in the trees. There was even a partially frozen man made lake with a few Seel and a Dewgong, Spheal, and Lapras swimming and playing. Through the trees you could just make out a Beartic, and three Cubchoo accompanied by an Ursaring, and Teddyursa. There was even an Aurourus and a Mamoswine laying in the snow, watching them as a few smaller Ice, and Normal Types crawled over them, playing. Truly, it looked like a sanctuary for Ice Type Pokemon.

"Gla!" A pair of voices cooed, drawing the group's attention to a pair of Glaceon. "Gla Glaceon!" The bigger Glaceon barked, tossing its head towards the building.

"Hello Glaceon." Clair greeted, holding her hand out for Glaceon to rub against.

"Ahh! Ice Type!" Iris squeaked, scrambling away.

Georgia rolled her eyes, reaching down to pet the other. "There are a lot of Ice Types around here, Iris." She scoffed.

Iris opened her mouth to argue, but Clair cut her off. "Enough." Clair sighed, standing back up. "Can you take us to Ash?" She asked the two four legged Pokemon.

"Gla!" The smaller Glaceon yipped, pulling away to lead them into the building, soon followed by the bigger one.

"I can't believe a Blackthorn is an Ice Type Specialist. What a let down." Iris murmured as she eyed the mountain top with scrutiny.

Clair halted in place and whipped around. "Iris, that is enough. My cousin has every right to follow his own path, he happened to love Ice Types as much as you love Dragon Types. He has worked hard to get to where he is today and our family could not be prouder. I will not let you put down another person because they don't fit into what you think they should be doing."

Properly cowed, Iris apologized. "Sorry."

Sighing, Clair opened the facility doors, sighing in relief that the interior was at least somewhat warm. The temperature was still kept on the lower side, but it was definitely warmer than outside. The trio followed Glaceon further into the facility, passing the snow covered battlefield, that had another partially frozen lake, and into the back. As they walked Georgia and Iris took notice of the different doors. There was a doctor's station for people and Pokemon(glancing inside they could see a tall dark skinned man tending to an injured Sandslash), another room with a few Pokemon eggs incubating, and even what seemed to be a daycare, where a Bayleef could be seen inside playing with a Phampy, Happiny, Cyndaquil, and Scrafty. Finally they were led into what looked like a house in the very back. There was a number of bedrooms, the walls filled with plaques and accomplishments, and a nice sized kitchen. In the living room slept a large Charizard, curled up on the rug with his tail's flame carefully placed in the fireplace. Taking a right turn, they entered an office, were a few stacks of paperwork were scattered around a desk. At said desk was an older teen, with wild black hair covered in a cap. Noticeably he had odd markings on his cheeks.

"Glaceon!" "Gla Gla!" The man raised his head as the two Glaceon barked, drawing his attention up. A big grin made itself at home on his face and he stood.

"Thanks Glaceon, and Glaceon." The man, presumably Ash, said to the Pokemon, swooping down to pet them before they ran out a Pokemon door(like a doggy door) to go back outside to play. "Clair, its so good to see you!"

"Ashy, its been too long!" Clair smiled back, pulling him into a hug. "You need to come back home soon, another baby is due to be born in a few months. We sent you a letter but it takes forever for mail to reach up here, and the phone connection isn't the best either."

Ash winced in guilt. "Sorry sorry, I've been working with Clemont and Volkner to see if there's a way to fix the connection, they'll be here in a few days to check it out. I promise to visit before I return to Hoenn."

"I'm holding you to that." Clair said firmly. "Speaking of Hoenn, is that May, and Cynthia's Glaceon."

"Yeah, when I told May I was coming here she asked me to take Glaceon so he could adjust, and Cynthia asked if Brock could watch over her Glaceon since she's not in rotation at the moment." He chuckled fondly. "Those two are like two peas in a pod, I just hope I don't have to be the one that tells them their grandmothers once Glaceon clutches." He heaved a tired sigh. Clair laughed at her cousin's misfortune. "Come on, let's sit in the living room and you can tell me what you needed me for, and introduce me to your two carry-ons."

"That sounds nice." Clair agreed and Ash lead them back out to the livingroom, welcoming them to sit. In an instant Iris and Axue parked themselves in front of the fireplace, mindful of the sleeping Charizard as they warmed up.

"Tea? Hot Cocoa?" He offered.

"Tea please." Georgia sat on the loveseat, eyeing the sleeping Pokemon warily. She had nothing against Charizard, they weren't technically Dragons after all, but she knew better than to wake a sleeping one.

"Me too." Clair chimed, making herself at home and pulling her travel bag to her lap.

"Hot Cocoa for me please!" "Axue ue!" Iris and Axue called.

Ash vanished into the kitchen, coming back with five cups, two tea, and three hot chocolates(one in a small cup for the baby Dragon), along with two bowls of Pokemon food. As soon as he smelled it, Charizard's eyes opened, and he raised his head. Ash passed the drinks out, giving the Pokemon their snacks, and sat down beside his cousin. "So what did you need me for."

"Two things actually." Clair started. "As I told you, I will be taking Iris under my wing for a little while, as we were talking Iris' friend, Georgia," Clair motioned to the pink haired girl, ignoring both their protests about not being friends. "Overheard your name, she would like to train under you for a bit."

Intrigued, Ash turned to the 12 year old girl. "Really?" He asked.

Georgia's face heated up. "Well yes. You see I want to be a Dragon buster, I want to battle every Dragon Type there is. While Ice Type, and Fairy Type Gym Leaders know their thing about Ice and Fairy Types, you're different. You specialize in Ice Types, but you also grew up surrounded by Dragon Types. To beat Dragon Types you need to know about them, not just over power them with stronger type match ups!"

Ash hummed in thought. "I can see where you're going with this, and I understand completely, however." Ash hummed in thought. "I'm not here all the time. I'm participating in the Gym Circuit for the Hoenn league right now, and really only came back for the time being because I was called back." Georgia's shoulders dropped in disappointment, and Ash sighed. "Listen, after the Hoenn league I'm staying here in Kanto for a little while. Truth be told I'm after Lorelei's spot in Kanto's Elite four-"

"I didn't know that." Clair gasped in mock offense.

Ash snorted at her. "Nobody knew about it except Brock." He stuck his tongue out at her and turned back to Georgia. "If you're still interested in training with me, come back after the Hoenn league wraps up for the year, and then we'll work something out."

Georgia smiled in relief, dipping her head in thanks. "Thank you for the opportunity! I'll be here as soon as the league wraps up!" She promised. "Is it okay if I explore your battle facility? I have Ice Types of my own and I'm sure they'd love it here."

"Go right ahead, I just ask that you leave the Doctor's office alone unless you or your Pokemon are hurt. Brock is pretty busy at the moment. And if you look at the Pokemon Eggs make sure you shut the door tight, if it gets too cold in there it endangers the Eggs." Ash warned.

"I understand, thank you!" With high spirits, the Dragon Buster excused herself to go play outside with her Pokemon.

"Now what was the second reason I was needed?" Ash chuckled.

Clair opened her backpack and pulled out a carrying incubator. "A breeder from Paldea gifted our family this Pokemon Egg a few months ago." The egg was a cloudy blueish grey, with a lighter spot in the center and a yellow stripe on each side. "According to them, this egg belongs to a Dragon Ice type native to their region."

Ash's eyes bulged. "I've heard about a Ice Dragon Pokemon popping up but I thought they were talking about Kyurem." Ash murmured before worry struck him. "Please tell me you haven't incubated it like a Dragon Type's egg!"

Clair winced. "We tried to, at first, before Nurse Joy corrected us. Luckily, the egg is still okay." She admitted and Ash heaved a sigh of relief. Unlike most other Pokemon Eggs, who need warmth, the Pokemon Eggs of Ice Types, even dual Ice Types, need to be kept in Cold environments or else the egg risks dying. "That is why the Elders asked me to bring them to you. Not only are you a Dragon Type expert because of being a Blackthorn, but you're also the family's only Ice Type Specialist. The Elder's want you to take over its care. Please?"

Ash chuckled warmly. The bitterness he once felt towards Dragon Type's had thawed(pun 100% intended) in the years Ash spent traveling and growing. "Of course I'll take over their care." He accepted the egg's capsule with little fuss. He ran his thumb over the smooth, frigid shell of the Pokemon's egg. In a weird way, Ash felt connected to the unhatched Pokemon. After all, like himself, it was born and Ice Type in a Dragon Type's world.