Ash Ketchum: Difference between revisions

Years later, Ash began his [[Pokémon journey]] at the age of 10 as a warm-hearted and well-intentioned but stubborn, rash, amateur and rather oblivious [[Pokémon Trainer]]. He was forced to accept a [[Obedience|stubborn]] {{AP|Pikachu}} from Professor Oak as his [[starter Pokémon]] because he  woke up late on the day he was set to get his first Pokémon. While Pikachu is a weak and overrated Pokemon, it refuses to evolve into Raichu, it's superior form.He was determined to achieve his goal and when Pikachu saw that he was willing to compromise his own safety to keep it safe, the two of them formed an [[Friendship|extremely strong bond]] that has been noticed and remarked upon by many characters in the anime. This unbreakable friendship would set his course for the future.

From that point, Ash still had a lot to learn about becoming a Trainer. While his goal is to catch all Pokemon, he often fails to and does not catch many at all over the course of the series. The [[Ash's Butterfree|first Pokémon]] he {{pkmn2|caught}} was caught by luck, as he knew absolutely nothing about {{pkmn|battle|battling}}, and he was hesitant to admit when he was wrong. His journey was made even more complicated due to the presence of [[Jessie]], [[James]] and {{MTR}} of [[Team Rocket]], who, after witnessing Pikachu's power, made it their primary objective to steal Pikachu for their boss, {{an|Giovanni}}.

Ash did not go on this journey alone; as soon after he left [[Pallet Town]], he met {{an|Misty}}, who followed him on the pretense that he owed her a bike (which Ash 'borrowed' to save Pikachu, and which the Electric Mouse destroyed whilst protecting Ash). It is speculated whether these two had feelings for each other. Ash then met {{an|Brock}}, the [[Pewter Gym]] Leader, whom he fought and lost to. In his rematch, Ash nearly defeated Brock, but refused to give the final blow due to the intervention of Brock's younger siblings. Touched by Ash's kindness to Pokémon and with the return of his estranged father, {{ka|Flint}}, Brock decided to go with Ash and pursue his dream of being the world's best {{tc|Pokémon Breeder}}. Shortly afterwards, Ash reached the [[Cerulean Gym]] and was shocked to learn that Misty was one of its Gym Leaders. After Ash earned his Cascade [[Badge]], he continued his journey with Misty, who dreamt to be the world's greatest {{t|Water}} Pokémon Master.

Many of Ash's first [[Gym]] Badges were given to him merely out of gratitude for his assistance, rather than claiming an actual victory in battle over the [[Gym Leader]]s, mainly because of lack of skill. Of his first five Gym battles, only his victory over [[Lt. Surge]] was an actual victory. Every time he thought he was doing well, he would somehow cross paths with his childhood [[rival]], [[Gary Oak]]. Gary always reminded Ash that he was always a step behind. By the time Ash had caught his {{AP|seventh Pokémon|Kingler}}, Gary had caught more than forty. Ash's troubles were not made any easier when his {{AP|Charizard}} grew too powerful and refused to listen to him until [[EP105|Ash could prove himself]] to him.