Ash Ketchum: Formula One Driver

Story Summary:

To Ash Ketchum, training Pokémon and becoming a Pokémon Master was his dream. But, after a major battle with Team Rocket and a chance meeting with the 4-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher and the Ferrari F1 team, Ash starts to think about what he wants to achieve in his young life.

Writer's Notes:

This story takes place in the year 2005. Michael Schumacher is now retired, due to a major accident at the A1-Ring in Austria in 2004. The Prost team is no longer around. Minardi has become a front-runner all thanks to an American company and Chevrolet V10 F1 engines. Mika Hakkinen never returned to racing and has become McLaren's head manager. Jacques Villeneuve quit BAR and returned to the United States and joined NASCAR.

Disclaimer:

I don't own Pokémon. They are the sole property of Game Freak, that Satoshi Tajiri guy, the WB, 4Kids Entertainment and Nintendo. As for Formula One and the teams and tracks, I don't own them either (wish I did). Formula One is governed by the FIA, so they own it. Rich people in Europe own the teams of Formula One and rich people in Europe also own the tracks. I am typing this story up, because I always wanted to post this thing up on some fanfic site.

If you want to know more about Formula One, go to www.formula1.com. One of the best sites for Formula One news, races and other stuff!!!

Ash Ketchum: Formula One Driver
Chapter 1: The Rocket Ambush and Mewtwo’s Appearance

The 2005 Grand Prix of Germany is almost at the end. The drivers navigated the fast and historic 4.21-mile Hockenheim track. Many of the fans were fixated on the leader. A young man wearing a black, green and red helmet, driving a white and red car was leading the German Grand Prix with 2 laps to go. The car was a factory Toyota. The car's nose was elevated from the ground and the front wing was under slung to allow the air to flow over the million-dollar car. The Bridgestone tires with the 4 grooves cut in them made the car fight for what little grip the tires would give. The oval air opening over the driver's helmet just sucked in all the air it can, feeding it to the powerful V10 engine. The chassis itself was very blocky, but curved enough to cut through the air with ease. The end of the car, before the rear wheels, had a small wing on the ends to allow some aerodynamic drag. The rear wing was set to low drag, because of the long straights of the Hockenheim track you need the fastest speed that your car can make. The young man's team watched the monitors in their garage and the head members of the team were sitting in a pit box with the same monitors. All of them were watching their driver pass an ailing Renault and race into the stadium section of the course. The horns going off in the stands, drowning out the loud V10 engine of the leader. The driver reached to the side of his helmet and pulled off his final tear away visor from his dirt, tire wear and oil-covered helmet. The car raced onto the pit straight and took the white flag. The members of the team watched and prayed, as their driver was now one lap away from victory. Among the head personnel sitting in their pit box was a Pikachu. The small, electric Pokémon's eyes were also fixed in the monitor just like the other members of the Toyota team.

"Don't say anything. Just give me the lap time and where Barrichello is. Just don't break my concentration." The young man radioed to his already nervous crew. They did just what he asked and kept silent. The young man took the first turn in 4th gear, trying to make sure that he won't slide off into the kitty litter as many people in F1 call gravel traps. The 2nd place driver, Rubens Barrichello in his legendary red Ferrari was nearly 40 seconds behind. The Toyota reached speeds of well over 200 MPH on the very long straight before braking hard for the Jim Clark chicane.

"Barrichello is 40.782 seconds behind and heading towards the stadium." His head mechanic radioed to him, like he did the past 12 laps. Calling out the sector times to the team's driver. Passing through the chicane, the car took off on another long straight heading to a downhill chicane.

"I can't believe that I might win my 3rd race. And getting the win with this young team and on this historic race track. I just hope I can do it." The young man said to himself quietly. His Toyota was fighting to corner as he applied throttle and turned for yet another long straight. The grooved tires were making the job of cornering hard with less grip. With the low downforce setup, the car was almost to the edge of the track before it straightened out. The young man behind the wheel was only 17 years old and granted a super license by the FIA, making him the youngest driver in any racing series at only 15 years old. The driver of Toyota F1 car is Ash Ketchum. Back in 2001, he never thought of becoming a driver in Formula One. He was training to become a Pokémon Master. That was his plan until he met with Michael Schumacher on that fateful day.

[Flashback]

Back to 2001... Ash Ketchum decided to catch some Pokémon with Pikachu near Blackthorn City. He asked his two best friends Misty and Brock not to come along this time and stay at the Pokémon center. The two protested and wanted to come along, but Ash wanted to go alone with Pikachu this time. They finally agreed and told Ash to be careful. As Ash and Pikachu continued to find Pokémon, Team Rocket made an appearance and Ash and Pikachu were in for a surprise.

"Team Rocket!!" Ash yelled out as he grabbed a Poké Ball and Pikachu jumped off Ash's shoulder. Jessie and James stood before Ash. Meowth was also with the two as usual. They all had very sinister and evil smiles on their faces and they didn't bother to say their stupid catch phrase this time.

"Oh, look James and Meowth. It's the twerp and Pikachu." Jessie said,

"And he's without the other twerps. This will be our day!" James said,

"To get that Pikachu!!" Meowth added,

"Even without Misty and Brock, you will always lose." Ash said confidently,

"Pikachu!" Pikachu said, as the Pokémon got ready to fight,

"Oh don't be so sure of yourself, you punk!" A female voice called out,

"Your lucky streak is officially over!!!" A voice with a raspy sound also called out from the night. The two others came out from their hiding spots. It was Butch and Cassidy.

Oh shit! I knew I should have brought Misty and Brock with me. I'm outnumbered. Ash thought as he saw the odds now greatly increase in Team Rocket's favor.

"We decided to settle our differences for one time and join forces." Butch said,

"To get all your Pokémon and finish you off for good." Cassidy said,

"For ruining Team Rocket's evil reputation!!" Meowth said in an angry tone,

"The Boss wants you eliminated!" Jessie said,

"Surrender now, or you'll lose more than the fight!!!" James finished as the four launched their Poké Balls!! Four powerful Pokémon appeared, more dangerous than any Pokémon Ash has ever faced.

"Let's battle!!!" Ash yelled out as all his Pokémon, along with Pikachu ran into the fight. This was a must win for Ash, but he knows that he might not survive this battle with a fired up Team Rocket. He needed to hit fast and hit hard. Back at the Pokémon Center, Misty and Brock were getting worried about Ash. He and Pikachu were supposed to return from catching Pokémon at 1 A.M. It was now 1:21 A.M. and the two were wondering if something bad has happened to their long time friends.

"I'm getting worried, Brock. Ash and Pikachu should have been back over 20 minutes ago." Misty said as she laid on her bed. She and Brock haven't been able to sleep at all. Togepi on the other hand, was out like a light.

"I know Misty. Ash wanted to catch Pokémon be himself with Pikachu for years. We have always been distracting him from doing it for so long." Brock said. Misty knew Brock was right. Every time Ash wanted to catch a Pokémon, some odd thing would usually stop them. Most of the time it was Brock getting a glimpse at some cute girl.

"You're right. We shouldn't worry. Ash has Pikachu with him." Misty said as she finally decided to get some rest. Little did they know, Ash was in the battle of his young life. At this time, it wasn't going very well for Ash. The new Pokémon of Team Rocket already has beaten Chikorita and Noctowl. Ash and Pikachu have defeated Drowzee, Raticate, Victreebell, Wobbafet, Blastoise and Tyranitar.

"Dammit, boy!! Give up!! We have over 20 Pokémon and you only have 4 left!!" James yelled in frustration as Pikachu defeated Dodrio,

"I shall never give up!!!" Ash yelled out as he threw a Poké Ball into the air. "Go, Totodile!!" Totodile popped out of the Poké Ball, ready for a fight.

"Totodile!!" Totodile yelled out and used Hydro Pump on a Magmar and a Marowak. Both Pokémon were defeated.

"Damn you!!" Butch yelled out as he tossed another Poké Ball into the fight. Out came an Umbreon, ready to fight.

"Pikachu!! Thunder, now!!!" Ash yelled out. Pikachu leaped into the air and a powerful thunderbolt struck the Dark Pokémon. The members of Team Rocket were in for a long night of battling.

* * * * * * * * * *

After less than an hour of harsh and devastating fighting, Ash and Pikachu along with Charizard, who sensed that Ash was in danger, came to Ash's aid from the Charicific Valley. Because of Charizard's months of hard training with many powerful Charizards, the battle momentum went to Ash's side. James was the angriest of the four. He cursed harshly every time Ash and his Pokémon defeated one of theirs.

"Come on!!! You are not so tough now!!!" Ash yelled out in excitement. Charizard growled and let loose a flame from its mouth,

"Pika!!!" Pikachu gloated. The group was sensing their major victory, until James pulled out a 9mm handgun and shot Ash 4 times. The bullets tore through Ash's body. He screamed out in pain and fell to the ground. Blood already oozing from the freshly made bullet wounds.

"Pika pi!!!" Pikachu cried out, seeing its friend/trainer on the ground.

"Die Ketchum!! I have had enough of you!!" James yelled out in frustration, shocking Butch, Cassidy, Jessie and Meowth by taking out a tranquilizer gun and firing darts at Pikachu and Charizard. The giant Fire Pokémon tried to get up, but the tranquilizer kicked in and Charizard was out like a light.

"James!! The Boss told us to capture him, not kill him!!" Jessie said as she tried to get James to come to his senses,

"That bastard never said about killing a trainer who fights back." James said as he fired two more rounds at Ash's legs. The young trainer screamed out as he felt the bullets go through his legs. Pikachu and Charizard were helpless because of the darts.

"James, stop it! He's just a kid." For the first time, Butch saw the mean streak of James and he was scared also and tried not to say the wrong things.

"Kid or not, I have had it with him!" James said as he walked up to the wounded Ash and kicked him in the stomach. Blood shot out of Ash's mouth as he gasped for air. Jessie was getting worried about her partner.

"James. Please stop. Let's just take Pikachu and the others." Jessie said with a lot concern in her voice. She really didn't like Ash, but she secretly didn't want to see him get killed becuase of this.

"No. I have waited years for this. All it takes is jsut one bullet." James said as he pointed the gun at Ash's head.

"Hey, hold up Jimmy. You kill the twerp and you might be hunted down by the entire town where the twerp lives." Meowth tried his luck in calming down James, but it didn't work. All of Ash's Pokémon were defeated and in his mind, Ash knew he was going to die. But then, a giant surge of energy came rushing through the team and sent Meowth flying into the trees.

"Looks like I'm blasting off again!!! OW!!" Meowth crashed into a tree and was knocked out.

"What the hell was that?" Butch asked as the energy surge blew past them once again.

"Whatever it was, it's helping the twerp!!" Jessie yelled out. The mysterious energy floated and started to take from. Lo and behold, it was the powerful genetic Pokémon, Mewtwo.

"At last, I have finally reached my full potential. I am no longer some puppet that you created." Mewtwo said telepathically,

"Oh, really? Why don't you tell that to the boss after we kill that brat." James said as he started to pull the trigger of the gun, but Mewtwo used his powers to knock the gun away from James.

"I owe this young man a 'favor' as you people call it. And I intend to pay him back!!" Mewtwo used his psychic powers to blast Team Rocket away into the night sky.

"Not again!!!" Everybody said as they landed about 100 miles from where Ash was dying. Mewtwo used some of his powers to revive Ash's Pokémon, but the Psychic Pokémon was unsure that Ash will survive.

"Team Rocket has gone too far. I don't think he will live for much longer. There is nothing I can do for him." Mewtwo saw Pikachu coming to and the mouse Pokémon's eyes were getting teary eyed.

"Pika pi?" Pikachu asked,

"I don't know." Mewtwo replied telepathically, "But if somebody comes by here soon, he might have a chance."

"Pika!! Pika pikachu!! Pi, chu!! Pikachu!!!" Pikachu asked,

"I can only heal Pokémon with my powers. Your trainer needs its own kind to help him." Mewtwo answered. All of a sudden, there was some rustling of the leaves as Meowth appeared from the trees.

"Ow. That smarts." The talking Pokémon said and caught a sight of Mewtwo. "You're going to kill me!!!" Meowth yelled out, but the Psychic Pokémon didn't take any action.

"No. I did read your mind and you wish to leave Team Rocket?" Mewtwo asked,

"Yeah. All of this stealing Pokémon and catching the twerps' Pikachu is getting old. I rather have a trainer, than be with those idiots." Meowth admitted. At that time, there was a car heading towards them.

"Pika?" Pikachu asked,

"Yeah. That sounds like a car heading this way." Meowth said. Mewtwo had an idea.

"Looks like your trainer has a lot of luck going for him." Mewtwo said as the Psychic placed Ash's still alive body in the middle of the road. "Don't you two leave his side at all." Mewtwo added as the Psychic Pokémon disappeared into the night. Both Pikachu and Meowth stayed with Ash.

* * * * * * * * * *

About 5 miles from where the battle was, a car stopped along the side of the road. A man wearing a Ferrari Formula One jacket looked at a map of Johto.

"I am going to kill that cop!!" The man said German. He got back in his car and continued to drive down the road. The man is 4-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher. He is taking some time off before returning to Italy for off-season practice. He has been driving in Johto for the past 34 hours. "Oh! Go to Johto, Michael. It's a nice place, Michael. I'm going to kill you Ralf!!!! And Montoya isn't going to save you this time!!!!" The World Champion yelled out and then, he drove to where Ash was laying with Pikachu was ready to shock and Meowth without a clue to what to do. Michael Schumacher stopped the car, got out and didn't like what he saw. "Oh, my god." He said as he kneeled down and got a look at Ash's wounded body. He then looked at Pikachu.

"Pikachu." Pikachu said as it pointed to Ash, who was struggling to life.

"What? Are you trying to tell me to help him?" Michael asked,

"That's what he said." Meowth said, translating what Pikachu just said. Michael looked at Meowth for a second.

"What are you?" He asked,

"Never mind that!! The twerp needs help!! He has more holes in him than Swiss cheese!!!" Meowth yelled out. This brought Michael back to reality.

"All right. Get his stuff in the car, along with his pet. I'll put him inside the car." Michael ordered as he picked up Ash's limp body and put him in the passenger seat. Ash was still breathing, but he needed help real fast. As soon as everything was ready, Michael along with Meowth and Pikachu sped off to find a hospital.

To Be Continued...

Well, here's the first chapter of my series. Ash Ketchum: Formula One Driver. Will Ash live? What is the 4-time World Champion doing in Johto? And what about poor Pikachu?

If you have any comments, questions of want to know what I know about Formula One... my E-mail is Hornet19us@Yahoo.com.

I really want to see what you people think about this type of story. Please, review this story! I am now on my knees pleading with all of you Pokémon fans!!! I'm out!

Written by Mario Alvarado
3/10/2002