My opinion on what a Pokemon Master is (in bold). Basically this is a drabble I wrote a while ago.
The story flashes back to Ash being born and his father leaving the family in order to become a Pokémon Master. A couple of years later, Ash asks his mother where his father went, and she explains. Ash says that he wants to become a Pokémon Master too.
Fast forward to the present, where an Ash in his mid twenties is getting ready to battle in the Champions League final. Pikachu is by his side as always, and the ultimate team comes up to him: Espeon, Sceptile, Infernape, Krookodile, and Greninja. Ash gives a pep talk and says that today is the day when I become a Master. They all put their hands (or paws) in, and Ash says that we are all in this together. A voice comes from behind him: I am too. It's Serena, Ash's wife. He declares that he loves her and they all raise their hands up in the sky.
It turns out that Ash’s final opponent is his own father. Ash’s father, whose name is Red, says that he regrets leaving him, as he never achieved his goal. Ash says that if he has a child of his own, that he will never leave them. The two battle and the final showdown is between Pikachu and Nidoking. Pikachu uses Electro Ball to knock Nidoking off balance and then uses Quick Attack to finish it off. Ash wins and he thanks his team.
A couple of days later there is a party at Ash and Serena’s house and all of their friends, family, rivals, gym leaders, champions, and Pokémon are there. Ash comes up to make a speech.
“Ever since I was little, I’ve always dreamed of becoming a Pokémon Master. I didn’t achieve that goal until a couple of days ago, and now I’ve realized what becoming one really means. It’s not about how much you win, or if you lose. It’s the bonds you make with not just your Pokémon, but your friends and family too. My compassion and spirit for every Pokémon, big or small, is what makes me a Master. Through battling for over ten years with my Pokémon, we have achieved the ultimate friendship, especially with my partner Pikachu. On these journeys I have met countless new friends and rivals that have changed my life forever, and on these journeys I have found the love of my life. I want you all to come together and ask yourselves, what makes you a Master? You don’t have to be perfect, everyone has flaws, but just think about the friendships that you have all made with your Pokémon. And so, my journey is over, but a new chapter in our lives is beginning. We have kept this to ourselves so far, I haven’t even told Pikachu yet, but now is the time to share. I’m going to be a father.”
The crowd roars and erupts with congratulations, meanwhile Pikachu stands there in shock. He nuzzles Ash.
A couple of months later Ash is holding his son in his arms. He tells him that he’ll always be there for him and that he loves him more than anything else in the world. Tears of joy start to fall from Ash’s cheeks as both he and Serena hold their newborn child in their arms.
