So, you're probably wondering what's going? Why were the 3 stories deleted? Because I'm starting EVERYTHING over from the top.

This time in MY OWN VISION.

I don't want to be restricted of following of what happened in the past.

I'm changing some events, while keeping a few, making Ash's Pokémon list shorter than it was, and giving some thought of Ash's main goal.

I really hope you'll give the remake of "Starting Things Differently", a chance.

Enjoy!

Chapter 1: Betrayal and Recovery

'Pikachu..how could you' was in the thoughts of young Ash Ketchum as he watched his so called starter and friend run away when he needed him the most.

Today was supposed to be something special to Ash. He had just recently turned 10 years old and that meant he could now begin his very own Pokémon journey.

It was supposed to be an adventure of thrills, chills, laughs and all of that jazz. It was there he could prove himself he could be a Pokémon Master..but that all changed earlier this morning.

Ash had arrived late for his Pokémon and as a result Charmander, Squirtle and Bulbasaur were taken by other trainers.

And instead, all of that was left was...Pikachu, The Electric Mouse Pokémon. Let me tell you, Pikachu HATED humans all together. Every time someone got close to him, he would zap you with Thunder Shock.

Ash tried to make it work, but the lazy Pokémon refused to do anything he said.

He wouldn't help Ash catch a Pidgey nor a Rattata, he laughed when Ash got pelted with Sand-Attack, when a Rattata tried to steal food from his bag and got insulted by his PokéDex.

Frustrated, Ash decided to put matters into his own hands. Looking around, he saw what he thought was another Pidgey, and threw a rock at it..unfortunately it wasn't a Pidgey it was a Spearow and it..wasn't happy one bit by the blow.

Spearow are very angry Pokémon and when you mess with one more are always close by.

Soon a whole flock was after them both.

Pikachu countered with Thunder Shock, but that just made them angrier.

No matter how hard they tried, the two just couldn't avoid the flock. Running down the route, both were beginning to lose their footing, and Ash tripped on a rock. "Ugh.." He looked up seeing Pikachu still running off. "Pikachu! Pikachu, wait for me! Help!!" He cried.

Turning around Pikachu looked Ash in the eyes and could see the fear on the young trainers face.

But what happened next was the most horrible thing Ash had ever seen.

Pikachu saw the flock hovering above Ash and he was outnumbered. Nothing he could do to stop it. "Pika!" He quickly fled and disappeared into the tall grass.

"PIKACHU!!" Ash yells at the top of his lungs before the Spearow descended on him.

The pain hit Ash in seconds. He could hear the screeching and clawing. He turned on his right side and reverted to the fetal position. He tried to protect himself as much as he could. Ash felt the most as the vicious birds attacked his face.

His left eye that wasn't as protected, got scratched as it was so painful, the poor kid screamed in agony.

As Ash's screamed echoed through the forest various Pokémon turned in that direction…all but one.

"I can't believe this is happening...Why..Pik...a...chu?" Ash's vision was faded and then his world went black. One of the Spearow happened to have watched the mouse fled as his eye's were filled in shock and horror.

"Spear! Spear!" It yells at top of his lungs.

As the flock stops the Spearow looks to see Ash's cut and injured body laying on the ground with blood dripping from his face.

One Spearow, satisfied was about to finish the job, until the dame Spearow tackled him with a glare. "You will do NO such thing!" It said in its eyes.

"Spear?" The Spearow said confused.

The Spearow in question was the Spearow that started this whole mess, he ordered this to happen so why was he stopping it?

Looking down at Ash, Spearow admit he was angry at him for attacking him with that rock but seeing the crushed and broken state he was in. Not to mention being left behind by his own Pokemon. He just couldn't ignore it.

"SpearowSpearow," it cawed, saying this boy was betrayed.

"Spear." Despite being an angry flock one thing they knew was loyalty.

You NEVER turn your back on your comrades, especially leave them to die, and that's what that cowardly rodent just did.

"Spear?" One of the Spearow asked the leader, what do they do now?

The head Spearow looked to the boy and back to them. "Spearow..Spearow." He chirped, saying that they should leave the area.

"Spear?" Another asks, "What about the boy?"

Looking Spearow noticed a river flowing nearby.

If he could figure out a way to navigate him to the town he might have a chance.

"SpearowSpear." Spearow says they should leave him while he handles on making sure the boy is alright.

Pausing the flock slowly turned away and flew as dark clouds filled the skies.

Grabbing Ash by the straps of his backpack, Spearow flapped his wings trying to bring him to the water.

As he did so, another thought came into his head, 'How would I move him in the river?' A bird like him isn't exactly aquatic. So there must be an alternative somewhere.

Suddenly it heard a splashing noise nearby.

Looking around it noticed a flash of red splashing around in the water.

Letting go of Ash, Spearow flew towards the source and sees a Magikarp swimming with a smile on its face.

That Pokémon would be a great help. Flying on a rock in front it her, Spearow gotten it's attention. 'Hey, sorry to interrupt you, but do you mind helping me please for a minute?'

'Help?' Magikarp said surprised.

Pointing his wing, Spearow showed the unconscious Ash by the edge.

Magikarp gasped in horror, 'My lord, what happened to him?!'

'Not the time. We need to move fast.' Spearow glares.

Seeing the serious look on his face, Magikarp obliged. 'Push him into the water, I'll try my best to keep him afloat.'

Nodding, Spearow flew back to Ash and once grabbing onto a part of his bag, he heard groaning. Looking to him, Spearow sees Ash was still alive..though barely, which meant he had to hurry.

Ash started to blink his eyes in a haze. His body felt like it went through the blender. The most of his pain was on his face. He felt a warm substance fall down the left of his face. He would wipe it, but was in so much pain to do so.

Groaning Ash slowly lifted his head up but only saw a blurry light on one side of his face and the other was pure black nothingness.

'What...happened..oh right..the Spearow?..am I dead?' He thought to himself. All his thoughts came to a halt, after feeling a nuzzling on his face.

He turned his head slightly as much as he could to stare at the thing who was doing that. His right eye widened at the sight of the Spearow. He closed his eye fast to keep it from being injured...but seconds pass and he didn't feel any kind of harm to him.

He saw the Spearow was looking to him with a sorry and sincere look,trying to tell Ash he was helping him. "Spear." He points to Ash, on trying to get into the water.

"Karp Karp Magikarp." The Magikarp said acting as a life preserver for him.

'Spearow..Magikarp? They're helping me?' Ash thought in surprise. He didn't knew what to say, but "...thank you." He whispered in kindness before blacking out again.

"Karp!" Noticing this, Magikarp swam faster and looked to Spearow, telling him to see if there was people nearby to help.

Taking to the sky, Spearow looked around frantically before noticing a human girl with orange hair down the trail nearby.

She happened to be fishing nearby, and wasn't getting any bites lately.

"Spear!" Hearing a caw, she saw a Spearow land in front of her with a panicked look on its face.

"Whoa! Uh okay what did they say if you encountered a wild Spearow?" The girl panics dropping her pole.

"Spear! Spear!" Spearow said shaking his head.

"Wait are you a Wild Spearow?" She asks.

It nodded, but flew up. "Spear!" It squawked to her to follow him and fast.

Running to the river, the girl gasps in horror seeing Ash and Magikarp.

"Oh my god! What happened?!" She panics.

She jumped in the river instantly and started to swim towards them. She grabbed the boy and dragged him to her fishing spot.

Looking at him all over, the girl sees the boy was bleeding while covered in scars. She couldn't believe what happened to him. She looked at the two pokemon beside her. The Magikarp in the river watching with concerned eyes along with the Spearow.

"Is he your trainer?" She asks them. To her astonishment they shook their heads.

Spearow then looked over and sees on the boy, a belt with Pokéballs on them.

Without a Pokemon to protect him, Ash wouldn't last much longer, but would he even accept him? Magikarp maybe, but he was the one who attacked him and started all this.

"Spear.." He plucked two Pokéballs off his belt and placed one in front of himself and Magikarp.

"Karp?" She asked, what was he doing.

"Spear. Spear." Spearow said saying this would be the best way to help.

To make sure Ash's safety was sure until the end.

"Karp." Turning to Ash they saw the human girl help him out of the water.

They wanted to see if he was going to make it, but since Magikarp had no feet and Spearow couldn't just carry her, there was only one way.

Tapping the Pokeballs, two red beams shot out pulling both Pokemon inside.

Blinking rapidly, the Pokéballs clicked signaling Ash caught them.

Looking over, the girl sees the two Pokémon were gone and in their place, were 2 Pokéballs on the ground. D-did they..?

However her train of thought was cut off when she heard Ash groaning again. Now wasn't the time to think, but act. Once she had Ash on a comfortable spot on her bike, she grabbed the balls and placed them in her bag.

With that done, she quickly peddled away towards Viridian City.

Soon Ash was in the hospital being brought inside on a gurney.

"Is he gonna be okay?" Misty asks.

"I'm not entirely sure..those cuts looked real severe.." The doctor said making Misty look in fear. "But, we'll try our best. Now why don't you rest in the waiting room? You must be tired." He suggested.

"T-Thank you." She said going to the waiting area.

Examing in his backpack, she looks for any contact information.

In his torn coat pocket, she finds his PokéDex. Opening it up, it plays her a recording.

"I'm Dexter, a Pokédex programmed by Professor Oak for Pokémon Trainer Ash Ketchum of the town of Pallet. My function is to provide Ash with information and advice regarding Pokémon and their training. If lost or stolen, I cannot be replaced."

"Perfect there's an emergency contact." She said taking it to the phone and dialing it.

"Hello this is the Lab of Prof. Samuel Oak." A male voice said.

On screen was a old man with gray hair in a lab coat.

"Hi you're Prof. Oak, right?" She asked.

"Yes, and who might you be young lady? It's quite late." Prof. Oak asks.

"My name is Misty Waterflower, and I'm calling you from the Veridian City Hospital." Misty said, making him surprised.

"The hospital? Is there something wrong?" He asked as he sees the sullen look on her face.

"It's..it's about one of your students: Ash Ketchum."

A few hours later, the door swung open revealing Prof. Oak and an adult woman with brown hair running inside.

"WHERE IS HE?!" She asked with her eyes swelling with tears. "Where is my baby?!"

"Uh hi you must be Ash's mom." Misty said standing up.

"Where's my baby?" She repeats.

"In the back, they still haven't said anything yet." Misty said nervously.

"Oh why? Why, why him? Why now?" She sobbed.

"I don't understand how this could have happened." Prof. Oak said.

Looking up to face him, Delia gave the old man a glare. "Oh I can think of one, and it's quite 'shocking',"

"Now Delia there's no reason to play the Blame Game." Prof. Oak gulps.

"No reason?! You let my son take that awful Pokémon and you didn't stop him!" She snaps shaking him by the coat.

She was causing quite a scene. "M-Mrs. Ketchum, please calm down!" Misty said trying to intervene. "I'm sure it wasn't Prof. Oak's intentions to make all of this happen."

"Yes. Listen to her please." Prof. Oak begs.

Finally calming down, Delia let's him go. "Fine, you're lucky I'm not the kind of person to hold a grudge."

"Delia I swear to you, I will pay for Ash's medical bill and fix this once Ash wakes up." Prof. Oak promises.

"I can't believe this happened. This was supposed to be the best day of Ash's life." Delia frowns.

"He just started his journey today, didn't he?" Misty asks.

"Yes he did and I even gave him his first Pokémon this morning." Prof. Oak nods.

"What Pokémon did you gave him that did..well that to him?" Misty asks curiously.

"It was well..a Pikachu."

"A Pikachu? Aw those are so cute." Misty said.

"Yes well this one may have had its...issues." Prof. Oak said.

"Like?" Misty asks as Prof. Oak went onto detail of how Pikachu hated humans, and no matter how many times he tried to tame it, it would zap him in retaliation.

"And repeat you let him take it?" Delia asks.

"He was very insistent on having a Pokemon." Prof. Oak said.

Now Misty saw that Delia's anger was justified. Hearing about how Pikachu hated its Pokéballs, really hoped none of the Pokémon she caught, wouldn't act like that..wait speaking of Pokéballs.

From the back a nurse walks in.

"Uh excuse me, are you Ash Ketchum's group?" She calls out.

"That's us." Misty said as they stood up.

"How is he?" Delia asks concerned.

"Well I have some good news..he's going to be OK." She said smiling.

"Oh thank goodness." Delia said as they all smiled.

"That's probably the best news we've heard all day." Prof. Oak smiles.

"But uh there is one thing you should know." She points out.

And boy were they about to be horrifed by the news..

In Ash's emergency room..

Ash groaned and started to turn his head slightly. He opened his eyes slow and could see a bit of a haze. His vision cleared up and saw he was in a white room in a bed. 'W-where am I?' He thought to himself.

"Ash you're awake!" Looking to the door, he saw his mom and Prof. Oak come in first with Misty right behind them.

"Mom?" Ash said weakly.

She bent down and quickly hugged. "Oh sweetie, I am SO SO happy to see you. Are you alright?" Her voice said cracked.

"I feel like a scratching post." Ash said.

"Ash.." Prof. Oak walked up to him.

"Prof. Oak." Ash said acknowledging him and sees the frown.

"I am truly sorry of what has become of you. It's my fault you're here now.." He said. "I understand if you refuse to forgive me."

"He left me behind Prof. Oak...when things got dangerous Pikachu ran away and left me behind." Ash chokes.

Prof. Oak shook his head, 'Oh Pikachu, what have you done?'

"I don't know what happened. How can I be a Pokemon Master if I can't even get one Pikachu to listen to me?" Ash asks.

At this point, he might as well quit since he had no Pokémon.

"Well that's not entirely true Ash. You caught 2 of them on your way in." Misty said getting his attention.

And what do you mean?"

"My name's Misty and I'm the one who helped get you here. I found in the river where two Pokemon were trying to get you to safety. Your Spearow helped me found you and your Magikarp helped get you through the forest." She explains.

"Spearow..Magikarp?" Ash suddenly remembers seeing those two helping him get out of the danger. "Oh w-where are they?"

Misty pulled out two Pokéballs out to him. "They caught themselves."

"I don't believe this." Ash said sitting up in disbelief.

"Before that Ash, there's something you need to know." Prof. Oak said.

"What?" Ash said really tired of bad news.

"Um..how well is your vision, like right now?" He asked the child.

"I think those doctors gave me something because one eye works fine but the other is completely black." Ash said.

He looked around and see everyone in the room had uneasy and nervous looks. "Uh..is there something wrong?"

"Ash this is going to be hard to hear but…" Taking out a hand mirror Delia showed him his face making him gasp.

The left side of his face had a huge scar with several scratches along it and his left eye was severely damaged.

"M-My eye." Ash said horrified.

Touching it, his left eye was a dull brown. He could barely see out of it.

"The doctors tried their absolute best, but they said they couldn't do anything to fix it." Misty said in sorrow.

Ash couldn't believe it, he was going to be half-blind for the rest of his life. And it wasn't just there, he saw the rest of the scars litter the rest of his left half. They made them self's shown on his arm and belly.

Tears slowly came down his face, as Ash was about to break into tears. Delia quickly hugged him as he silently sobbed in her chest. "Shh, shh. It's going to be OK." She shed her own tear as she rubbed the back of his head.

"I-I'm a freak..I look like an abomination," Ash chocked as he cried.

"No you're not." Delia said trying to help.

"Yes I am. I can't even see out of it. What am I supposed to do now?!" Ash said scared and confused.

The whole world would see him. He could see the looks on their faces, horrified and scarred for life.

He could hear the name calling: Scarface, One eyed jack, Pirate-Boy.

Walking up Misty joins the hug making it a group hug.

"I don't think you're a freak." She tells him in a calm tone of voice.

"R-Really?" Ash sniffed.

"Look, you're dealing with a lot of bad things but I think the only thing you should worry about is healing up and resting. We can figure everything else afterwards." Misty suggests.

"Ms. Waterflower is right." Prof. Oak said. "You've been through alot today Ash, it's best you just use this time to recover."

"But don't worry, we'll be here everyday with you until you feel better." Delia promises him.

"Thanks mom." Ash said laying back down.

Seeing visiting hours were about to be over, Ash's visitors left, leaving him alone to reflect in his thoughts.

Two Pokémon had saved his life. One of them was the Spearow who attacked him.

He wouldn't believe it himself if the Pokéball. wasn't nearby.

Should I talk to them? What would I even say?

Sorry for causing this whole mess and thanks for saving my life out of pity? And to make matters worse Pikachu was probably somewhere out there free from his Pokeball and all that trainer stuff.

He sighed laying on his pillow. "I really need to think this through."

The next morning Ash was in the outdoor resting area. Opening his pokeballs Magikarp landed in a pool of water while Spearow appeared on a bench.

"Uh...hi you two." He said greeting the Pokémon.

"Spear/ Karp." Both greeted.

"So uh I guess I should thank you for saving my life yesterday. And Spearow I guess also owe you an apology for throwing that rock at you. I'm sorry about that." Ash said.

"Spear," Spearow nodded, saying he was forgiven.

"Karp Karp Magikarp." Magikarp smiles.

Looking at it, Ash noticed its scales were shining in the water.

"Hey you have some pretty nice scales. Almost mystical." Ash compliments.

Magikarp was surprised by that comment. No one has ever said that about a Magikarp.

"Karp." Magikapr smiles flattered.

"Spear. Spearow?" Spearow asks worried about him.

"I don't Spearow. I mean it doesn't hurt as much but I don't think I'll ever see out of this thing again." Ash said touching his left eye.

Frowning, Spearow couldn't help but blame only himself for this. If only he wasnt so damn angry then...

"Ash there you are." Delia said walking out to him.

"Hey mom." Ash said greeting her.

"How are you feeling son?" Delia asks.

"A little better. I'm just talking with Spearow and Magikarp."

"Well these two seem nice. Thank you both for saving my son." Delia said making them both smile. "So have you given any thought to what you want to do?"

"I don't know mom. I mean part of me wants to still be a Pokémon Master but I'm still not sure if I want to go back out there." Ash said.

Frowning, Delia said. "Ash.." She sits down next to him on the bench. "Now, I understand you are scared and I do want you to be safe, but do you really want to quit?"

"No...yes...I don't know. What if something happens to me? I almost died." Ash said.

"Ash I've watched you grow up. And I know you've been dreaming about this day for years. I know it didn't start off the way you wanted, but do you really want to give up your dream because of one bad day?" Delia asks.

Ash stayed silent, unsure what to say.

That's when Spearow perched itself on Delia's lap. "Spear."

"Well this one seems to be on board." Delia said before cringing. "Although you might want to watch the talons. They're very sharp."

'Talons..' Ash thought.

"Ash I just want you to know whatever you choose I'm still proud of you." Delia said.

"No offense mom but what's there about me to be proud of?" Ash asks.

"Okay first stop talking about yourself like that. I'm proud of you because even with all that happened yesterday you're able to actually still consider your dream. You're stronger than you believe Ash. You just need to build up that confidence." Delia said.

Ash sat there as he digested his mother's words. "You always wanted to be a Pokémon Trainer. You said it almost everyday."

Looking at Spearow and Magikarp, Ash paused in thought.

"So say I said yes would you two be interested in sticking around with me?" Ash asks hopeful.

They did wanted to make sure he would be alright in the future. "Magikarp." She nodded.

"Spear." Spearow nods.

"Thanks guys, but I think to avoid a mess like before maybe I should give you both names." Ash suggests.

"Ooh nicknames. What did you have in mind?" Delia asks.

Thinking to himself, Ash first looked to Magikarp and remembered what he said about her scales. "I'll call you..Mystic. Because of how entrancing your scales were in the water." He said smiling.

"KarpKarp!" Magikarp flopped happily, liking the name.

"Spear?" Spearow asks what his name would be.

"I'm gonna call you Talon because I know firsthand how sharp and fierce you are." Ash said.

Spearow couldn't help but grin, liking it.

"Well if you're gonna get back out there I better see about getting you a new outfit for your travels." Delia said getting up.

"Can I keep the hat though mom?" Ash asks. "It's kinda special to me."

"Of course Ash. I'll have it cleaned up a bit." Delia said taking out the hat with a rough patch on the visor part.

"Actually I like it this way. It got damaged but it's still fine. Kinda like me." Ash said putting it on his head.

Delia looked at him before stifling a giggle. "Well you're definitely my boy. Always looking at the bright side of things."

"Like you said just need a little confidence." Ash smiles softly.

Giving her son a small hug Delia walks out happy to have the old Ash back.

Talon perched himself on Ash's shoulder. "Spear?"

"Yeah, I think I'll be fine. But in the meantime, I wouldn't mind spending a little time with my new Pokémon."

After a few more days in the hospital Ash was finally ready to leave.

And he was sported in a new look. His old cap aside, Ash had on a red, white and black sleeveless jacket, with the Pokéball symbol on the left breast. He kept his black t-shirt and now sported gray jeans and black and red sneakers. His green fingerless gloves now had 2 holes for his knuckles.

"And I even have you a new backpack." Delia said holding out a black and red backpack. "I made sure to stock it up with everything you might need. Medicine, food, spare clothing and food your Pokémon."

"Thanks mom." Ash smiles.

"So where are you going to go next?" Delia asks as Ash walks to the map.

"I think I'll head here. The Viridian Forest." Ash points.

"Ahh, well that's where you'll encounter a bunch of many Pokémon in there Ash. And your Spearow might be big of a help for you trecking inside." Prof. Oak said.

"Perfect. I could use a few more Pokemon on my team." Ash said

"And you're traveling with him Misty?" Delia asks her.

"Well I'm on that way anyway and it might be nice to have some company. You don't mind do you Ash?" Misty asks.

"Not at all." Ash shook his head.

"Good luck Ash. I know I was hard on you before, but I'm rooting for you." Prof. Oak said.

"And if you need anything, to be afraid to call." Delia said kissing his forehead. "Don't let the world get you down. You're a strong boy Ash, you can get through this."

"Thanks mom." Ash said as he and Misty walked out.

As they made their way to the forest a few passersby noticed Ash's scars and it made them uneasy.

"Hey just ignore them Ash. They don't know what you've been through." Misty said assuringly.

Nodding silently, Ash pushed the brim of his hat over his eyes so they won't look at him.

Making their way past an alley Ash suddenly heard a rattling noise.

The sound made Ash and Misty jump. "D-did you hear that?" Misty asked.

"Y-yeah. Sounds like something's in there." Ash pointed down in the alleyway.

"Uh..I don't think we should bother Ash. It could be something dangerous.." Misty said.

"What if it's hurt?" Ash asks.

Misty wasn't sure what to do. She didn't want to risk Ash getting injured again. Misty got in front of Ash, "Stay behind me." She advises, Pokéball at the ready.

Slowy entering the alley a trashcan rattled making Misty yelp.

Throwing the Pokéball it it hit the trashcan making something fall out of it.

"Nya!" Crying out, it was a cream-colored cat Pokémon with a gold coin on its head and long tail. "N-nya?" She turns to the humans.

"It's a Meowth." Ash quickly took his PokéDex out to scan it.

"Meowth, the Scratch Cat Pokémon. Normal Type. Being nocturnal, it is known to wander about city streets at night and pick up anything that sparkles, including loose change."

"So what's one doing out during the day?" Misty asks.

"I don't think it's looking for change.." Ash turns to the trashcan. "I think it's looking for food."

"Nya." The Meowth said nervously backing up.

"Scared and hungry. That's never a good combination." Misty said putting her Pokeball away.

Ash bends down. "Hey, hey. Are you OK? I'm not gonna hurt you."

"Nya." Looking up at him the Meowth gulps in fear seeing the scars.

"Hey I get it. These things aren't easy to look at. Trust me. I don't mean trouble." Ash said holding out his hand. But the Meowth wouldn't budge, she still backed away.

There has to be something Ash could do to earn it's trust. Suddenly he heard her tummy growl, and she groaned.

Getting an idea, Ash pulls out a bag of food and water in two bowls and placed them right in front of her.

"Here you go. Dig in." Ash offers.

Meowth looked at the food, wondering if it was really safe to eat.

Slowly taking a bite of one a big smile appears on her face as she wolfs down the food.

"Whoa easy don't eat so fast." Ash said.

"It looks like she hasn't had anything to eat in days," Misty figured.

"Something tells me this one isn't wild." Ash said.

"What do you mean?" Misty asks.

"I mean I think it used to have a trainer. Wild Pokémon are very resourceful." Ash points out.

Hearing the words, "Trainer", Meowzie frowned.

"I think your theory hits home." Misty points out.

"What happened girl? Are you alone? Where's your trainer?" Ash asks.

"Nya.." Frowning, Meowth flashbacks to what happened it it.

Flashback

One night, a limo pulled up to the city and a large woman came out. "Meowzie deary, we need to talk." She opened the ball and the Meowth from the alleyway came out.

"Nya!" She cried out with a smile, happy to be out. However the frown on her owner's face said otherwise.

"I hate to do this, but my money has nearly run out." She said surprising her. "I wish I could keep you, but I'm sure you can fend for yourself." Wait, fend for myself?! You're leaving me?!

"I have to, good luck darling!" Those were the last words her owner said to her as she hopped back into her limo and drove away, leaving Meowzie in the dust.

Coughing up dust, Meowzie looked around to see her owner was long gone and she was all alone.

And she didn't knew what to do. She didn't knew where to go.

She was..a stray.

Flashback End

"Nya." Meowzie frowns sadly as a tear ran down her eye.

Suddenly she felt herself picked up and into a hug, surprising her. She looked and see it was Ash. "Nya?"

"Sorry, but I figured you needed a hug. A hug helps me feel better if I'm dealing with something big. How do you feel now?" Ash asks.

"Nya." Meowzie smiles leaning in.

On the sidelines, Misty thought it was the absolute cutest thing she's ever seen.

"Why don't we see about getting you to the Pokemon Center? You look like you need this." Ash suggests.

"Nya." Meowzie felt like that was a totally better option than staying in the alleyway.

She climbed up Ash's and laid into his arms.

"Well look who's not so shy anymore." Ash chuckles. "I don't suppose you know where this town's Pokémon Center is?"

"I sure do. Right this way," Misty said leading them out of the alley.

Arriving at a building with an orange roof and a white Pokéball, they enter to see a woman with pink hair in a nurse's uniform at the front desk.

"Hello there, my name is Nurse Joy and welcome to the Pokémon Center." She greets them.

"Hi Nurse Joy, we found this Meowth all cold and alone in an alley. You think you could do a check up on her?" Ash asks placing Meowzie on the counter

"Of course. I'll have a look at her right away." Nurse Joy said looking at him. "You're a very good trainer going out of your way to help a Pokemon."

Hearing that Ash was a little surprised.

"Oh, um t-thank you." He said.

Seeing this Misty gave him an encouraging nudge. "See looks like your redo is off to a good start." Misty smiles.

"You really think so?" Ash asks.

"Nurse Joy thinks so and I bet that Meowth thinks so too." Misty points out.

"Yeah...maybe you're right." Ash smiles softly.

His journey was off to a rocky start, but thanks to some better company, Ash's redo of his journey can hopefully be an improvement.

To Be Continued...

Party Data:

Ash: Spearow (Talon) and Magikarp (Mystic)

Misty: Soon to be revealed

I hope you all enjoyed the very first chapter. Please don't get upset about me starting over, I'm just tired of the stories past mistakes.

I hope you're all strapped up in for a ride and let's hope this version becomes better than the original Starting Things Differently.

Ash's new look is in the thumbnail, and is made by "FinnAkira" off Deviantart. Look up, "Ash Ketchum 6th Generation (Fan Made)"

Just picture him with the scars and dull eye.

That's all for now. I'll see you guys in chapter 2.