These are recommendations made by Tropers for Pokémon Shipping Fan Fic, all of which have to be signed to stay on the page. Feel free to add a fanfic of your own to the list, but remember to use the template found here.
You can also add to the current recommendations if you want. Refrain from posting Conversation in the Main Page though; that goes in the discussion page.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon fics should be posted on the appropriate page.
Do warn when a fanfic may head into non-canon territory. Some people just don't like it, and as we all know, Shipping is Serious Business.
Stories focused on the romantic relationships between the cast.
An Adventurer
by gengar_family
- Recommended by: Ribbons
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: Water and earth. Sea and land. Legends and logic. Everything is defined by what they are not, and so they define themselves through each other. Team Aqua and Team Magma have resumed their activities, and the cast gradually find themselves in an intense struggle to stop them.
- Pairing(s): May/Paul and Ash/Gary, unrequited Drew/May
- Tags: Plot heavy; primarily adventure. There’s a large, satisfying focus on familial relationships. Both ships are slow burn romances.
- Comments: An unusual main pairing that works thanks to the author building on points of commonality between the two. The writing is impeccable, the adventure is engaging, the stakes are high, and the consequences are serious. I particularly liked the deeper look at May’s home life and relationship with her family. The lore is very well-developed and a seamless fusion of both the anime and the game’s.
Silent but Deadly by Blue is the New Red
- Recommended by: Proud Loner
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Ash and his Pokemon have disappeared seemingly without a trace. After receiving a tip off as to his possible whereabouts, May and Gary set out to find him on Mount Silver. Upon finding him, however, they discover he doesn't have much to say for himself.
- Pairings: Ash/May
- Comments: A little unusual considering the story involves one of the main characters staying silent for the majority of it, but the story works nevertheless thanks to the writer's portrayal of the May/Ash relationship. A slow burn with the romance, but it pays off reasonably well.
Fiercer than a Legendary by Blue is the New Red
- Recommended by: Proud Loner
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Hoping to get closer to Ash, May rejoins him just as Ash learns of a new Battle Frontier taking place in the Johto region. However, she has competition in the form of Dawn who has also rejoined the party and for precisely the same reason as May. The resulting conflict is, well, fiercer than a legendary Pokemon. Meanwhile, as this is all taking place, Team Rocket is up to their usual nefarious deeds.
- Pairing(s): Ash/May, one-sided Dawn/Ash
- Comments: A nice blend of humor and action. Overall a very entertaining and, at times, thrilling story.
The Tempering of Steel by Dirtyfeet
- Recommended by: Kitsunemask
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: I first met him when I was 16 in the dark depths of Granite Cave, where the air was cool and the light flickered against the stone walls he loved so much. By sea and by sun, the winds brought us together again and again, but no matter how I changed, he remained cold and unbent, unyielding to anyone - even me.
- Pairing(s): Steven/May
- Comments: A wonderfully written story concerning depictions of Steven Stone and May. This piece is almost akin to a character study on the relationship between Steven and May and has a very unique format to show for it. While a bit confusing at first glance, this story runs on a A, 1, B, 2 kind of pattern. That is to say that the story runs in a format where chapter "A" is a part of the story that takes part in the past where chapter "1" is a part of the story that takes place in the present. The chapters swing between May's past with Steven and her present with Steven throughout the duration of the piece. It does this in a way that isn't random or jumpy but, rather, in a way that seamlessly strings the narrative together.
- It's also worth mentioning that the characters feel really fleshed out and their world does too. Even though the story is a slowburn romance, there's a lot of emphasis on factors that I've found are interesting to think about. For one, this fanfic showcases May's relationship with the public as a result of her Championship. For a second, the use of a past-present-past-present chapter technique really highlights the difference between May's naive belief in Steven as she meets him on her journey and her soured, cynical belief of him as she meets him after he's left her behind. I'm normally not a fan of continuations of the "May finds Steven's letter and is hurt" game plot but this one goes above and beyond that idea that I've got to say I'm absolutely stunned even months after reading this.
Pokémon Radiant Sun by FlygonNick
- Recommended by Logic_Taunter
- Status: Hiatus
- Pairings: Sun/Lillie
- Synopsis: A novelization of Pokémon Sun. After moving to Alola from the Kanto region, an 11-year old boy is immediately sent on a crash course in local culture through the Island Challenge, a unique rite of passage amongst Trainers in Alola. Join our newest hero, Sun, as he meets new friends and encounters exotic new Pokémon…even those from another world.
- Comments: Using elements from Colosseum, Gale of Darkness and other Pokémon games, Pokémon Radiant Sun is a much darker take on the games, featuring crime, death and evil organisations working to take over the world. However, between these darker elements the author has woven humour, adventure and fluffiness to provide a wonderful mix of good and bad times that will have the reader wanting more. Rated T.
- Can't say I can personally rec this fic. The fic suffers from severe adaption issues. It tries to adapt things from the games that do not make sense as written work, like the switching of Pokemon to split experience, and is clunky as a result. It also is extremely dark and apathy from it can ensue. KrspaceT.
- Recommended by polooglu, seconded by celebison
- Status: Complete, with a follow-up in the works
- Pairings: Sun/Lillie
- Synopsis: A modified retelling of Sun & Moon, as told through Lillie's perspective as she becomes slowly and irreparably enamored with the snarky but pathologically helpful new kid with a heaping helping of Daddy Issues. Hilarity and heartwarming moments ensue.
- Comments: Takes the already Ship Tease heavy story of Sun & Moon into full blown romance territory, with Lillie and "Sun" (here called Holtz) working as an incredibly endearing unit, complimenting each other in terms of both personality and backstory. The interplay between both them and other characters (including Holtz' Pokemon, which get a fair bit of airtime and characterization) make not only for sweet anecdotes but also hilarious exchanges. Both leads and their relationship are flawed and grounded, yet always sympathetic, and the fic uses the skeleton of Sun & Moon's pre-existing plot to springboard into some very interesting interactions. a sequel is in the works which, while more character-focused at the moment, will build of the Official Couple status of Holtz and Lillie established in the previous story as well as the previously-mentioned Daddy Issues.
Into the Fires of Hell by Pokemaster-Samantha
- Recommended by TheChaosEntity
- Status: Dormant
- Pairings: Silver/Lyra
- Synopsis: Lyra is helping a hot-headed trainer, making sure they get rid of Team Rocket completely this time. But it seems that Team Rocket has gigantic plans that might spell disaster to the duo. To save our world the two will have to throw themselves into the fires of hell. Soulsilvershipping. Lyra and Silver are 18 and 19.
- Comments: Very well developed in terms of overall plot and character interaction. True to the source material and everyone is in-character. Reviews welcomed by author.
Watch Your Back by Maia's Pen
- Recommended by Nexus
- Status: Complete.
- Pairings: Gary/Misty (Yeah, Iknow. But it's written so well that it actually made it seem plausible, and I usually hate reading non-canon pairing ships.)
- Synopsis: An unidentified new Pokemon kidnaps all of the world's strongest trainers one-by-one. After they are all gathered, they are forced by an ancient cult to participate in a rather dark Tournament Arc. The story mainly focuses on Ash, Gary, and Misty.
- Comments: Very dramatic and well-written, though the descriptions of the battles could be better.
Add ReviewWhen One Ends by Soulja and a Gentleman
- Recommended by The Jabberwock
- Status: Dead (last updated February 2017)
- Pairings: Ash/Misty, May/Drew and Brock/Solidad
- Synopsis: After Ash disappears from the face of the earth for five years, he returns to Pallet Town hoping to open a Gym there. However, much has changed since he left, including himself: He recently realized that he has feelings for Misty. Unfortunately, Misty's already taken; she's dating a rich socialite named Nigel. The story focuses on Ash and Misty's now complicated relationship, along with some other subplots and a slew of OCs.
- Comments: Extremely well written, though the grammar can use some work. The characters' personalities are engaging and fun, and each OC has a different and well-defined personality, especially Cloudcuckoolander Kai. The humor is also well timed. The drama between Ash and Misty somehow manages not to get boring. A personal favorite fic of mine.
- Canto Candidus: About the OC's, i've seen better and with all due respect, they were irritating for me to read and i stopped halfway through the fic after multiple tries to at least NOT dislike them, it felt like they just barged their way through into the story. Again, this is just me talking. Read the fic and make your own judgement.
- Tropers/dudinacas: At some point it changes from a good story into sex scene after sex scene.
- Recommended by DATEMAY
- Status: Complete.
- Pairings: Ash/Misty, and a bit of Drew/May
- Synopsis: Misty wishes on a shooting star one night to be with Ash again. When she wakes up the next morning... she's now a Pikachu. Found by Ash and Gary, she now has to figure out how to change back while dealing with her feelings and being with Ash again.
- Comments: Very funny and well-written, and Misty's Pikachu form is so cute.
Freak on a Leash by Nibzo
- Recommended by Ketsu
- Status: Complete.
- Pairings: Gary/Ash, Misty/Brock (not in focus)
- Synopsis: "Ash is the missing link between Pokemon and humans, and is kept on a tight chain. But when Gary walks into his life, things could change drastically—but for better, or for worse?" Starts out dark, but a bit fluffy. One bit of sumt. Most definitely yaoi.
- Comments: You'll forget about the smut due to the deaths and the ending. Well written and I know it made me cry. Very short at only nine chapters, but a good read.
A Pikachu in Love by Golem Gojira.
- Recommended by Toko WH
- Status: Complete
- Pairings: Pikachu/OC Pikachu.
- Synopsis: Set way back in the Jotho Saga, on their way to the next gym the main cast decides to take a little break in a forest. On that night when Pikachu catches a familiar scent on the winds, the events that insue send Pikachu into making one of the hardest descisions of his life...
- Comments: One of the rare Pokemon anime shipping fics that mainly focuses' on one of the main cast Pokemon for a change. A Pikachu In Love is an interesting take on the concept of shipping in that instead of focusing on the couple, it focuses on how the possiblity of someone falling in love can affect others. Throughout the fic Pikachu battles to come to terms with the prospect that Ash may one day grow too old for his Pokemon training and instead seek solance in a new love, possibly forgetting his best friend in the process, ontop of already feeling alienated by the fact that unlike Brock and Misty he can't fully communicate with Ash. Having met a fellow Pikachu 'Pichi' the following night, he originally starts to meet her the next following nights to help cope with this possible outcome, but even that starts to cause him unnessicary grief as he starts to struggle with new emotions he's never felt before...
- All in all, A Pikachu in Love is an interesting read if read with an open mind. Though the OC 'Pichi' does possess some Mary Sue traits, and her Genki Girl-ness can wear on some's nervs, this eventually gets balanced out by the fact that such traits get rather breutally Deconstructed later on in the fic. On-top of that, this fic also goes to show something other shipping fics rarely touch upon, in that sometimes, the bonds between true friends can be stronger than that of the feelings of love...
All We Know Is Falling by d i n o b o t.
- Recommended by Dark Gyarados
- Status: Complete.
- Pairings: Ash/Misty
- Synopsis: " Years in the future, Ash Ketchum is an agent of the Pokémon League sent to investigate the disappearance of an old friend. The evidence leads him to Cerulean City, fatal battles and a deadly conspiracy that could threaten all he holds dear."
- Comments: Although it has its flaws, this fanfic is very well written and structured. It's got some kick-ass action scenes that really impressed this troper, Ash and Misty's romance was developed very nicely and it wasn't childish. On the whole, this is one of the many examples of how a Pokeshipping fanfic should be written.
- Pykrete: A few very minor nitpicksnote , but lots of substance. Characters are kept believable, Ash Took a Level in Badass while still being a lovable doofus — he feels a bit like Red, really — and it seems Paul mellowed out just the right amount. Basically a really fun read that realizes any fluff between Ash and Misty will have a hell of a lot of steel behind it.
The Sound Of Falling Rain by DOTMW
- Recommended by Sagacious Zu
- Status: Complete.
- Pairings: Ash/Misty, other minor pairings
- Synopsis: Ten years after the start of the series, Ash vanishes from a championship tournament only to appear on Misty's doorstep one rainy afternoon. Misty's worried that something's wrong and through the course of the night, she unravels what finally scared Ash into finally giving up.
- Comments: Still ongoing (described by the author as a "oneshot that got away from [him/her]") this fic is AAML matured and distilled into a small space of time with the emphasis on their relationship over the years. The author keeps the reader in Misty's shoes for the most part, unraveling the mystery as she understands it (and as of chapter 4, the whole "puzzle" is still forming). The author does a good job of keeping the lens focused on Ash and Misty while still including Ash's other friends who are just as worried as Misty. Still ongoing but promising to be a solid fic overall.
- Completed as of August 17, 2010! And it has a very, very satisfying ending that is incredibly heartwarming.
Pokemon Diamond and Pearl: Time Travel by JapanDreamer09
- Recommended by Assassin
- Status: Ongoing.
- Pairings: Lucas/Dawn
- Synopsis: Team Galactic ruled the world. Now Lucas went back in time fourteen years ago to stop them. Along the way, he meet Dawn and Damion. Will they be able to save the world? Will Lucas want to go back after he realized his feelings for Dawn?
- Comments: Like the author's other fics, this story is a finely combined concoction of both the games and the manga. The time travel aspect is a glimpse into a future where Cyrus succeeds in his plans and offers a story of what his victims endure. While it could feel rushed in the execution with the occasional grammar and spelling errors, it's a good read.
His Queen by Night Rain Illusion.
- Recommended by Pichu
- Status: Complete.
- Pairings: Jun/Mitsumi
- Synposis: Jun/Mitsumi. If you tell him that "love at first sight" isn't real, Jun will simply say that he must be blind with love for her. Based on the Pokemon Diamond and Pearl Adventure! manga
- Comments: Well..It's a DPA fanfiction, and this troper has only seen around two including this one. It's a short and simple fanfic that delves into Jun and Mitsumi's relationship. It's a recommended read, for even people unfamiliar with the manga.
- Recommended by Anon
- Status: Complete
- Pairings: Ash/Arceus
- Synopsis: "About a year ago, Ash is posed with a question from a being not many people are even aware of existing. Though expected to give his answer, he is also given all the time in the world to think it through... except for the fact that thinking always takes a back seat when he can have hands-on approach. So he says 'yes'. To Arceus."
- Comments: A very unique fanfiction, as its ship is not very common and rather rare to find. Evo TFG does an incredible job with world building as well as diving into a deeper understanding of the dimensions in which the Sinnoh Legends reside in as well as what happened to Cyrus and Shadow Unbound Hoopa. Despite being a romantic fic- it’s very tame with its romantic scenes- usually easing readers into the uncommon ship. The story itself takes place 10 years after the events of Kalos and the love shown between Arceus and Ash is genuine, heartfelt and admirable. The Author does a fantastic job making sure to point out the Androgynous nature of Legendary Pokemon and also how Aura works as well. For such an uncommon ship, it is so well done that one cannot but notice some chemistry that does work between Ash and Arceus. All in all, a wonder fanfic.
A New Chance Series by ArcyAnderson
- Recommended by Poptard, Caellach Tiger Eye, Brendan D Rizzoq, NaruHinaFan
- Status:
- A New Chance At Life: Complete
- A New Chance For Adventure: Ongoing
- Pairings: Ash/Latias, Pikachu/Umbreon (Gary's), one-sided Misty/Ash.
- Synopsis:
- A New Chance At Life: "Latios was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for Altomare, for his sister. But some fortunate events give him a second chance at life thanks to Latias and Ash. So Altomare is safe and Latios is alive. Now, both Dragons depart with Ash on his journey."
- A New Chance For Adventure: "Finishing the Johto region while catching two Legendary Pokémon, Latias and Latios, was certainly a joyous experience for Ash. With that region behind him, Ash has now set his sights on a new challenge: the Hoenn League."
- Comments ("A New Chance At Life"): A very well written What-if story. The story covers Ash's journey to the Silver Conference with two Olympus Mons in tow. The writting gets continually better each chapter, and the characterization is perfect. There's even some Ash/Latias fluff. It's nearing completion, but will be continued in a sequel with Ash going to Hoenn.
- I second this one without hesitation. Though labelling it as a primarily Shipping fic is questionable, the romance is being hinted at frequently and is very slow-burning (a Justified Trope due to Ash's Oblivious to Love nature), but it's still there. Characterisation is strong and consistent, the humour never feels over-repetitive even with some Running Gag elements, and there is actually a pre-planned plot going on - in fact, the first story is just a Prologue to the much, MUCH bigger plot which is to be unravelled in ANCFA. Not to mention the expanded roles of faces such as Bianca (Movie 5), and the less-seen Team Rocket agents (who have a very large role for the sequel being Foreshadowed). My only quibble is the diminishment of some supporting characters (ie: Harrison, Macey, Jackson, etc), but given the structure, even this is excusable. Concluding, I must commend the author for his dedication towards this AU series - few who set at such a task are as skilled, patient or competent at it as ARCEUS-Master.
In Ruins by Lanie Kay-Aleese
- Recommended by SofiaMerriweather
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: It's a more mature and a darker look at the Pokemon cast, especially Shigeru and Satoshi (Gary and Ash). This fic details what happens after Ash comes back home, gets bored, and goes to visit Shigeru's workplace at ancient ruins, beeing thrown into a time where the ruins were alive with people and a unique culture. But why were they put there? And who put them there? Shigeru and Satoshi must find themselves, find out what's going on, and find a way home.
- Pairing(s): Shigeru/Satoshi or Gary/Ash. This is male slash, but as a romance is very tastefully written. This is equally a romance and adventure story.
- Comments: I love it, and it's very well written. The emotions and characters are real. It's pretty addictive, I must warn you.
''Bullet Proof by Otte
- Recomended by Faislittlewhiteraven
- Status: Complete
- Pairing: Manga version Gold/Silver SLASH
- Synopsis: A one-shot set within an alternate manga verse. Actual summary: "They never expected to get in this deep. However, against impossible odds, all you can do is fight back."
- Comments: Seriously, a very additive oneshot that takes a few plot threads left hanging from the end of the Emerald arc and manages to turn it into one of the most dark and intense fics I've ever read. It constantly jumps perspective between characters and between past and present but surprisingly still tells an understandible (if not an extremely well written) story, as well as managing to give one of the best reasons for why humans don't carry weapons that I've ever read in the process. It has a few lines of song fic but those are easily ignored; the shipping is also fairly ignorable except for a few lines in the middle and at the end, so for those not as into slash as myself please just ingore the shipping and read it anyway. Highly recomended.
Except Me by Mel-Girl
- Recommended by Chariot
- Status: Discontinued.
- Pairings: Multi-shipping fic.
- Synopsis: A fic set in AU at a boarding school. Revolves around Kengo trying to get with Hikari as well as various other character relationships.
- Comments: An extremely memorable fic about life, love, and the struggle for courage. Very good, I was sad to see it go.
Cavern Of A Million Colours by Eeveebeth Fejvu
- Recommended by CanadianPhoenix and forthel0veoffanfic
- Status: Complete
- Pairings: Ash/Misty, May/Brendan (implied)
- Synopsis: "A novel. A magical cave doesn't seem like such a bad place to get trapped in, especially with your best friend. However, when a frightening occurrence happens to Ash and Misty, will Brock, May, and Max be able to get them out... alive? AAML"
- Comments: The fic that got me into fanfiction. Admittedly a fan of Ash/Misty so I may be biased, but the tentative emotions between the two feels very tender and realistic, when taking into account their situation.
Cerulean Aurum by kagome002
- Recommended by discorobots
- Status: Dormant
- Pairings: Silver/Ethan [Game-verse]
- Synopsis: Those eyes were what drew him in. Every time he looked at those irises, no matter how many times he's seen them throughout his journey, they never fail to shine with the lustrous, beautiful glimmer of pure gold.
- Comments: A heart warming piece that leaves you light hearted and wanting for more at the end of each chapter. The slow pacing conveys a sense of soft, tender emotions throughout the story.
Hopeless by Morriganmkii
- Recommended by pokefan
- Status: Dormant
- Pairings: OC/OC
- Synopsis: "A trainer lost in Eterna Forest finds comfort."
- Comments: Starts off a bit slow, but it really picks up by the fifth chapter. the author has a good sense of grammar, and I'm excited to see what he/she does with it next.
United Through Two Worlds by Zer0c00l
- Recommended by pokefan
- Status: Dormant
- Pairings: OC/OC
- Synopsis: "A young man, bored with life and the world, is suddenly united with a being that by all physical laws shouldn't exist. A Pokemon."
- Comments: Huge story with many and varied characters. lots going on, plenty of action and character development. I can't recommend this one enough.
- Contested. I have been reading this one up to chapter seven, and while the plot is largely interesting and very plausible, the writing is horrible (repeated statements every now and then, defective punctuation, Rouge Angles of Satin and more), romance is shallow and too hurried to be believed, and the author takes every single chance he can to demonize humans through the view of a loner by choice that is barely past his teens. This fic isn't godawful, but there's much better stuff out there.
- Zer0c00l here, author of this thing. I'm glad someone liked it enough for it to be submitted here, although I honestly don't think it deserves the title of a recommended fic and so I support this objection. This fanfiction was written many years ago when my skills in storytelling were rather crude. I'm glad I wrote it, it did help me improve as the story progressed, but my improvement was also the reason I stopped writing it. The first chapters are terrible and are far too rushed, my proofreading was non-existent and the character development is sloppy. It was written during a very unhappy time in my life and I like to think it was a nice project to vent myself on, but that's about it. It isn't worthy of being on the Fanfic Recs page.
- ....and if you think this is bad, you should see my older stuff, hohohooooo boy...
- Contested. I have been reading this one up to chapter seven, and while the plot is largely interesting and very plausible, the writing is horrible (repeated statements every now and then, defective punctuation, Rouge Angles of Satin and more), romance is shallow and too hurried to be believed, and the author takes every single chance he can to demonize humans through the view of a loner by choice that is barely past his teens. This fic isn't godawful, but there's much better stuff out there.
- Recommended by Gr3mlinify
- Status: Complete
- Pairings: Jessie/James; (Rocketshipping)
- Synopsis: "James notices how Jessie seems to be attracted to his effeminacy…and he's not quite sure how he feels about that. Slightly dark. Some slight out-of-characterness. Implied sexual situations. One-shot.."
- Comments: Although at first glance it appears to be a typical Rocketship that emphasizes the Masculine Girl, Feminine Boy dynamic of the group, the story is actually a stealth criticism of molestation/harassment is love, as well as of the Bishonen trope, the fanatical Bishie-fangirl, and the implications about the types of people that would actually accept this behavior as genuine affection.
- Dellanotte: Yeek. Seconded, but yeek. While this fic gives a pretty good character analysis of James, beware of the rape in this fic... which the characters lampshade just a little too much. On the plus side, James does stand up for himself, so it's not total Ukefication.
- Recommended by 2writeis2life
- Status: Dormant
- Pairings: Maxie/May
- Synopsis: "May Maple used to think life was simple, that good always triumphed over all, but when the new evil that threatens Hoenn consumes her she must rely on an old enemy to be her savior and in the deepening shadows two hearts might find their own salvation"
- Comments: This is the first fanfic based around the Maxie/May pairing ever to appear on Fanfiction.net, and is credited with helping to bring the pairing into the relative mainstream. It's also one of, if not the best fics of its kind. The relationship is surprisingly well-done and believable, and both Maxie and May have fairly complex, fleshed-out personalities and motivations. There are a few spelling and grammar errors, but nothing that detracts from the meaning of the story. In addition to the romantic relationship the story also features a plot in which Maxie and May must team up to help take down Cipher (who are bent on capturing May and turning her into the perfect Shadow soldier), and it's really interesting to see characters from the last of the Lighter and Softer Pokémon games go up against some of the darkest and scariest villains ever to grace the franchise- especially when you consider that both Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire and Pokémon Colosseum were produced just a couple of years apart from one another. The story also neatly avoids making the characters' May–December Romance too creepy (though perhaps not not-creepy, as even the characters themselves note) by having May be an adult.
A New Journey by Texas Longhorn
- Recommended by Sceptilianblade
- Status: Dormant
- Pairings: Ash/Misty
- Synopsis: Ash has finally defeated Cynthia and become the Sinnoh League Champion. But his adventure isn't over yet. Cynthia has given him a mysterious box, which contains instructions pertaining to the next step of his journey: to become the Pokemon Master! Unfortunately, Team Rocket is on the move... and it isn't just Jessie, James, and Meowth this time. Now, it's the whole organization, and Giovanni has a dangerous new operative. Technically no longer canon due to the introduction of Gen V.
- Comments: An amazing story. As it goes on, the story gets Darker and Edgier, with a few Lighter and Softer moments thrown in as Ash goes around the regions capturing all the Pokemon he hasn't already caught. TL introduces a new character (not his own, by the way) in chapter 44. This character is a little overpowered, but he's had a generally warm reception. Now back in business after 7 months' worth of hiatus.
Unreliable Sources by R. Vienna
- Recommended by Max300frk
- Pairings: May/Steven, Lyra/Ethan
- Status: Completed
- Synopsis: When I met Steven Stone, in someway, I was affected.
- Comments: This is a very well written one-shot which I believe captures a situation of what could happen during Steven Stone's trip to the Sinnoh Region. Each of the characters' personalities are captured really well, especially Steven's personality. The fic contains two very good pairings and is worth a read if you are interested.
Blanket Of Shadows by Writerdragon
- Recommended by Pichu
- Status: Dormant
- Pairings: Iris/Cilan
- Synopsis: Life was a clockwork day in and day out. Everyone woke up at a certain time, everyone went to bed at a same time. Life is perfect here in Unova, just like a utopia. Cilan knew what was creeping behind the shadows; evil and corruption. AU. Dark Cilan/Iris.
- Comments: It's a dark, mildly disturbing take on the Pokemon world set in a Dystopia. It's heavily based off The Giver, which should give you a good thought about how it is.
An Electrifying Valentines by Xianyu
- Recommended by Tambov333
- Pairings: OC Luxray/OC
- Status: Completed
- Synopsis: "Lex is a Luxray, an orphan, 'raised' by the street, forever watching the mansion on the hill and wishing she could live that life..." When she offers its inhabitant a Valentine card, he takes her home to feed and wash - and she's eager to reciprocate the latter part...and more.
- Content warnings: Xenofiction, Explicit Content, W.A.F.F., Lemon, violence (not part of the lemon), female Pokémon on male human oral, male human on female Pokémon oral, het.
- Comments: There is strong focus on Lex's feeling towards the (unnamed) male lead, and on her transformation from a desperate crush to a Defrosting Ice Queen to Violently Protective Girlfriend.
''It's A Trap by Lady Chitose
- Recommended by Pichu
- Pairings: Brock/Erika, Sabrina/Erika
- Status: Completed
- Synopsis: In which Brock finally gets some. Or maybe not. Kink meme crackfic thing.
- Comments: It mixes game!Brock and anime!Brock a bit but it worked fine. The ending didn't quite flow off the tongue but it was nice for a quick giggle.
Chrysanthemums by Lord English
- Recommended by Pichu
- Pairings: Cilan/Iris
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Identities can change, but scars are forever. Iris/Dent. Gameverse, slightly AU. Rated for descriptions of rape and violence.
- Warnings: Obviously Rape as Drama and quite a lot of violence, some detailed and others implied. There's implied sex but nothing is shown.
"If I Lost On Purpose, Would You Stop Following Me?" by Marlin Marlen
- Recommended by Newt Girl
- Status: Dead
- ''Pairings": Silver/Lyra, later on Ethan/Crystal
- Synopsis: Abandoned by Crystal, Elm bribes rash and crazy Lyra into taking her place. But Lyra attracts trouble wherever she goes– and as her cruel rival, Silver, soon discovers– she's more than a little hard to follow... Semi-crack, comedy, soulsilvershipping, Hot-blood!Lyra, Tsundere!Silver.
- Comments: This story is done very well. The backstory they give Lyra is very enjoyable and interesting, and the relationship between Silver and Lyra is fun to watch, especially with how their personalities conflict.
Capture The Heart by r.k.Oujirou
- Recommended by Nightshade 1218
- Status: Complete
- Pairings: Dawn/Hunter J
- Synopsis: With Team Galactic imprisoned and Pokemon Hunter J reportedly gone, things were looking to be more peaceful in the Sinnoh region. But as Dawn and Piplup would discover on a late-night adventure, their troubles weren't over after all.
- Comments: A Hunter J redemption story, and one of the few shipping fics this troper is a fan of in the Pokemon fanon. The pacing is well done and the characterization is handled superbly.
- Recommended by Tarany and Innocent Zero
- Status: Ongoing.
- Pairings: Main: Jasmine/Morty... probably. Side: Ethan/Lyra
- Synopsis: Jasmine is an adult now, but even as her fellow gym leaders mature and begin exploring their sexuality, she remains stubbornly shrewish and abrasive towards romance and sex. An old middle school pest returns to try to win her heart, and in the process, uncover the reason for her unnatural hatred towards men.
- Comments:
- Very amazing. The story has great writing, the characters involved are well-written, and the author even has his own canon that fills out spaces and loopholes in the official canon of the Pokemon series and paints the entire series in a more mature and interesting light. It's not everyday that you find a fanfiction that stars Jasmine and many other Gym Leaders who are only side characters in official Pokemon media—and a very good one, at that. ~ Innocent Zero
- There are also some side-stories within the same universe that occur before the events of Olivine Romance: ''Succession'', a story told from Steven's point-of-view, and ''Trasmutation'', the events of HGSS told from Silver's point-of-view. ~ Innocent Zero
- The author is leaving FF. The story is slowly updating here.
- This fanfic now has a page here.
As Grey As Battleships by Falcitrix
- Recommended by Demon Damian
- ''Pairings": N/Touya
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: AU. Unova's involvement in a worldwide war places stress and restrictions on the entire region. When Touya and Touko are forced to move to Castelia, they come face to face with the effects of war and all the resistance and discontent it breeds. And as leader of the anti-government organization Team Plasma, N has plans of his own for the Unova region. Updates every Sunday.
- Comments: An excellent story detailing how would Unova be if it were on a totalitarian regime in the middle of a war. N acts in character and the relationship is believable. While it is a shipping fic, the romance is slow building, and the setting makes the story very interesting.
Civil War by The Shiny Gengar
- Recommended by: zeldafan128
- Status: In Progress, 22 chapters already out
- Pairing(s): Advance Shipping (Ash/May), Ego Shipping (Gary/Misty), possibly more as time goes on.
- Synopsis: A civil war has erupted in the Pokemon world, splitting the characters apart from each other. Each move comes at some price, and a small resistance unit risks it all.
- Comments: A very deep fanfic with a strong fanbase that serves as not only another Advance Shipping fanfiction, but also as an evident gun control analogy. The shipping is slow-building and almost non-existent at times, but is promised to grow and balance out the action that makes up a strong part of the fanfic. It is about halfway finished now and might become a trilogy. The author is highly decorated and has also penned Fiercer Than a Legendary, which had a major plot point used for the story of Pokemon Black and White 2.
- Dead link
When Two Are One by FieryFafar
- Recommended by: RN 452
- Status: Complete
- Pairing(s): N/White.
- Synopsis: "Dragons of Ideals and Truths were once one; forced to battle to defend their respective heroes' beliefs. Now, two different trainers must face their fate and realize that they are so much alike than they could ever imagined..."
- Comments: This is a rare N/White fic that doesn't commit most sins of the average Ferriswheelshipping fanfics. N is completely in-character, being innocent, naïve, yet determined to his goals. White is a headstrong tomboy also determined to become a Champion. When they both encounter they realize that they are very different from each other, so the Ferris wheel scene isn't romantic. However, after that, N's character development starts to change him, in order to comprehend better the world he's in and to understand what White means and what makes her so different from other trainers. The development of their friendship and romance is slow, but it has a an appropriate pacing for the situation and there are a lot of funny moments with N's misunderstandings. Also, the fic focus on the character development of their Pokémon, Reading about Marcus the Lilipup can make any day much better. The only downside are the jumping PoVs in the beginning but they're fixed and shouldn't be an impediment to read this fanfic.
- The relationships are very well-developed and everyone IS in character, but it has some critical flaws that drag it down. If a lot of swearing, people saying "Oh, Arceus" for just about everything, and heavily-described violent Pokemon deaths (which are admittedly not that frequent up until the end) are not your thing, this fanfic is NOT for you. The author also has a frustrating habit of describing the characters with "the greenette" (which is, of course, firstly not a word and secondly is feminine despite referring to N), "the brunette", "the bespectacled boy" and "the males" incredibly often, as well as repeatedly using eye colours to tell the reader which person is talking. Also has a fixation on pupils shrinking.
- To be fair, English is not the author's first language and partially explains some of the grammar/syntax issues. So long as you can look past some occasionally clunky prose, this definitely one of the better FWS fics out there and more than worth your time if you're a fan of the pairing.
Learning Curve by Whiscash
- Recommended by: Nightshade 1218
- Status: Complete
- Pairings: Maylene/Candice (Glistenshipping)
- Synopsis: "Maylene never expected someone like Candice to understand."
- * Comments: A charming character study/friendship fic of the two gym leaders that eventually evolves into something deeper at the end. Also offers a nice little deconstruction on the gym leader lifestyle. Definitely worth a look at.
- Recommended by: Brony Scientist DDLX
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: "After losing in the Sinnoh league, Ash and his friends head back home but make a stop in Altomare to visit some old friends. However, it's a start of a new adventure as unexpected changes befall upon our young hero that could decide the fate of the world."
- Pairings: Ash/Latias (Altoshipping), Oc/Oc (Kirlia/Riolu)
- Comments: A heartwarming, yet moderately slow burning romance that breaks the usual mold that Pokemon romances usually follow, thus making a somewhat unique, yet satisfying story. The plot is a little thin as of now, but it has a lot of potential to expand.
Champion of Champions by Basic Trainer
- Recommended by: SanDemonMax
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: It's been 3 years since Ash left Unova or seen his friends. He spent all that time training and now he's ready to start again. As he starts his journey to conquer the Pokemon Leagues he meets an old friend who has a favour to ask.
- Pairings: Main: Ash/May. Side: Brock/Lucy, Dawn/Zoey, Cilan/Iris.
- Comments: It follows Ash after three years of solitude training following placing second in the Unova League. The story assumes that the movies (or at least the eighth movie) are canon with the rest of the anime. Specifically, Ash is now very proficient in the use of Aura, and has attained the rank of Aura Guardian as one of Lady Ilene's knights, even reaching the same level as Sir Aaron, being his direct descendant. As for the favor...
The Road You Choose by Skylight Sparkle
- Recommended by: Jedi Master Draco
- Status:
- The Mystery of Aura: Complete
- The Master of Mirage: Complete
- Between Time and Space: Complete
- Distortion: Complete
- Harbinger of Life: Complete
- When the World Ends: Complete
- The Mystery of Aura
- Pairings: Ash/Misty; May/Drew is teased
- Synopsis:
- The Mystery of Aura: Small things can bring big changes. While visiting Cameron Palace, Pikachu goes missing, and Ash, along with his friends and a mysterious pokemon named Lucario, go on a quest to find him. Along the way, Ash discovers things about himself that could change his entire life. AU Novelization of Lucario and the Mystery of Mew.
- The Master of Mirage: Direct sequel to The Mystery of Aura. Ash Ketchum thought that he experienced some strange things and faced almost every type of villain around, but this was something on a whole different level. One small thing can change everything, and sometimes the lines between what is real and what is just a mirage are impossible to see.
- Between Time and Space: There's a balance to the world, a fragile but powerful one that keeps everything in motion. Something has started to shift and change that balance with potential cataclysmic consequences, and not everything is as it seems. This is barely the beginning, but for Ash and his friends, it might very well be the end. Sequel to The Master of Mirage.
- Distortion: Legends whisper of a world that is a shadowed, distorted mirror of our own. Should harm come to this world, the consequences to our world would be dire. Time and space aren't the only things on a direct collision course, but how a small little pokemon fits into all of this is a mystery. A very annoying one, if you ask Ash Ketchum. Sequel to Between Time and Space
- The Harbinger of Life: The signs and the warnings were all there, but only to those who were looking. Now judgment will reign down upon them for the mistakes of the past. Time cannot be changed without great consequence, and Ash is about to learn that nothing can be classified as just good or evil. Not even him. Sequel to Distortion.
- When the World Ends: Nothing in the world lasts forever. Sometimes the good guys aren't all that good, and the bad guys aren't quite as dark as they seem. Ash and his friends are about to learn that, in a world that's about to end, all actions come with a consequence and all secrets come with a price. Sequel to The Harbinger of Life.
- Comments:
- This is an astounding series of fanfics. The story starts with an adaptation of Lucario and the Mystery of Mew. But with one key difference: Misty shows up after Ash blackmails Daisy into letting her come to Cameron Palace. It follows the story almost exactly with Misty fitting in very naturally and making you think she'd been there to start with. However the ending is different with Lucario being reincarnated (sort of) into an egg. It sets the tone of the entire series as it is implied that Ash is slowly developing his Aura in between each story. They stories are adaptations of Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai, and Giratina and the Sky Warrior, with a planned fifth installment to be based on Arceus and the Jewel of Life. At least two more are currently on the planning table. Ash and Misty's relationship is a central theme but it doesn't dominate the story. It is first and foremost a coming of age story as Ash deals with his role as "The Chosen One" and trying to figure out what that means. Overall they are great stories for anyone who actually wants Ash to have character development.
- has its own The Road You Choose Wiki Page, in desperate need of wiki magic love, including Indexing.
- Recommended by Zelenal
- Status: Ongoing
- Pairing: Seth/Gardevoir
- Synopsis: Seth and his newly evolved Gardevoir decide to set out on their adventure after a long rest in Lavaridge Town. Seth wants to prove to his father that he has become powerful enough to beat him, but more importantly, he wants to show his lost first Pokemon that he is strong and that it was a mistake to leave him. Can Gardevoir help him achieve this?
- Comments: The protagonist is the guy from Gen III if things went poorly for him in the beginning. It's a fairly cute story focusing on his relationship with the Gardevoir he's had for years after losing his old starter, Treeko. Just as a warning, there's a lot of sexual energy in it and they have full blown sex in Chapter 10.
The Journey Continues by Omniscient Pancake 17
- Recommended by Eclipse-Elite
- Status: Complete
- Pairing: Ash and Dawn (Pearlshipping)
- Synopsis: Dawn turns down Buneary's modeling offer in order to continue her travels with Ash and Brock. When Brock moves on to follow his new dream of becoming a Pokémon Doctor, Ash and Dawn are left to decide the next steps in their journey. But with unspoken feelings between them and a sinister plot on the horizon, they'll find that their troubles are far from over...
- Comments: Without a doubt a Pearlshipping story to remember. The Journey Continues spins a new tale as Ash and Dawn re-journey through Sinnoh. The development of their relationship as their quest progresses, coupled with a massive plot outlaid by Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket, brings an exciting atmosphere. Reappearances of loved characters from the past and memorable OCs bring more magic to this true adventure. Also includes Ash learning Aura from Riley somewhat early in the story.
For the Love of Pikachu by PokeMaster64
- Recommended by The Snow Squirrel
- Status: Complete
- Pairing: Pikachu/Buneary
- Synopsis: When a female Pikachu visits the gang, Pikachu develops a crush on it, which makes Buneary jealous. However, the wild Pikachu is not what it seems. Also, Team Rocket manages to get a lot of money and they're going to use it to catch Pikachu. Question is, what are they buying?
- Comments: This story develops the characters (and the main pairing) believably without breaking anyone's character. There's also a dangerous, yet sympathetic villain joining Team Rocket, and a powerful new Mon joining the heroes. I applaud the author for making Team Rocket a legitimate threat while still being their wacky selves. If you're into fics that are faithful to the show, give this a note whirl.
- Recommended by: Analyticulous
- Status: Active
- Pairing: PokéShipping (eventually) [WARNING: MILD LEMON]
- Synopsis: Arceus notices that Ash has not aged in eight years; it turns out that Ho-Oh fulfilled his wish from I Choose You! for his journey to never end, and as such, Ash's more grown-up personality aspects were spun off into Red. With the help of Dialga, Palkia & Mewtwo, the two personalities are recombined & the timeline is reset... but is it exactly the same? How will Ash cope now that he's finally going through puberty? Which of his companions will win his heart, and take his virginity?
- Use of Ash's Pokémons' POV is very engaging, as well as the gradual explanation that they had been running a paramilitary force to deal with Ash's Weirdness Magnet tendencies in the old timeline. The only complaint I have is the crossover in Chapter 7 — buying weapons & an aircraft for use as a flying headquarters from Heinz Doofenshmertz? Is that just because he fit into the plot with the least amount of personality modification?
- Recommended by: Analyticulous
- Status: Abandoned
- Pairing: Ash/Serena, Clemont/Bonnie, Ash/his Pokémon
- Taking place in the middle of the Kalos arc, an unknown Pokémon crash-lands to Earth nearby & sets about making Pokémon sexually aggressive towards humans. The foursome are all molested by their Pokémon, meet some wild Pokémon (Ash actually tames the Florges that took over his Goodra's home swamp), and Ash impregnates Serena.
- Recommended by: The Snow Squirrel
- Status: Complete
- Pairing: Celebi/Jirachi
- Synopsis The Voice of the Forest never stays in one time for long, but when she becomes friends with a Pokémon that only awakens every thousand years, she finds herself wishing to stay in these seven nights forever.
- Comments A very touching story with a bit of poignancy that explores the downside of Jirachi having to sleep for 1000 years, and Celebi's loving determination to show Jirachi all she can about the world before he has to go into hibernation and thus never see it again.
Dating a Team Magma Grunt by Gooberman(kdk5011)
- Recommended by: Mr Terrorist, Gamermaster
- Pairing: Brendan/Female Team Magma Grunt (Yes, you read that right!)
- Synopsis Set after Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, a female grunt from Team Magma dates her former enemy, Brendan.
- Comments Prepare for a sweet, romantic story. In this funny and diabetic inducing doujin by Korean artist, Gooberman(kdk5011), it tells the unexpected coupling of Brendan and the Female Team Magma Grunt and the romance between them. Plus some funny moments from others characters like the rest of Team Magma and the Female Team Aqua Grunt.
- And now it has its own TVTropes page
AAML Diamond and Pearl version by Echidna Power
- Recommended by: Useful Critic
- Status: Dormant; last updated January 2018
- Synopsis & Pairings: {from the fanfiction.net page}
- Comments: Extremely well written, sweet, exciting, in-character, and internally consistent. The greatest “how it should have happened” pokemon fanfic I have ever found. Reviews welcomed, (and often replied to) by author
- Now with a page (currently still under construction) here! AAML: Diamond and Pearl Version
In the End/At the Beginning and Other Ferriswheelshipping Stories by tiera
- Recommended by: Azelf 2010
- Status: Complete
- Pairing: N/Hilda(Touko)
- Synopsis: A collection of one-shots written for Ferriswheelshipping Week on Tumblr.
- Comments: The above link is a hubpage for four individual stories, and unlike a lot of FWS fics they focus on the emotional effects of love rather than the way it is expressed physically. Everyone is (gasp!) actually in character - Touko doesn't devolve into a wimpy Bella Swan expy when she's abandoned, and N is never presented as the Casanova many fanfic authors peg him as - he's just as refreshingly dorky as he is in canon. If you have time for just one story, go with The Lucky Ones, which chronicles Touko's journey and her encounters with N as seen through the eyes of her Pokemon team.
Across the Sun by Liz Hollow
- Recommended by mutents
- Status: Complete.
- Pairings: May/Steven Stone
- Synopsis: After May's sudden disappearance, Steven Stone discovers a letter left behind by the lost champion. Filled with instructions and hints to locate the other letters she left throughout the regions, Steven finds himself on an impossible and heartbreaking journey searching for her. And the more letters he finds, the more he fears what lies at the end.
- Comments: Considering that it's a fanfic for a video game with a perpetual ten year old lead, this story is very deep. It's told from Stone's P.O.V., and the writer nails him. It's also got a one-shot sequel and longer prequel that should probably be read after the first story.
Wake me up when this chaos ends by Feni
- Recommended by: Aquablue 11
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: In a world where Pokemon have turned against humans and even their own kind, Red breaks. Green is the only one left to pick up the pieces.
- Pairings: Green Oak/Red Gold/Crystal [Brief]
- Tags: Darkfic
- Comments: A dark take on a "what if" scenario, where the shadow Pokemon featured in Gale of darkness were to be released around the entire world. While Red's character could be considered OOC, the premise of the world and story really makes you understand why he is very much that way.
Meowth's Christmas Gift by Team Rocket Rose
- Recommended by fruitstripegum
- Status: Complete
- Pairings: Jessie/James; (Rocketshipping)
- Synopsis: Meowth has a special surprise for Jessie and James... that might create a bit of Christmas Rocketshippy magic!
Beginnings: Pokemon Tech by Team Rocket Rose
- Recommended by fruitstripegum
- Status: Complete
- Pairings: Jessie/James; (Rocketshipping)
- Synopsis: This is my first pre-Pokemon story, about Jessie's first night at Pokemon Tech, and how she and James become friends.
Handle with Care by lilpurplebird
- Recommended by Hanabi_99
- Status: Dormant; last updated November 2019
- Pairing: Mewtwo/Mew
- Synopsis: A fragile heart can break in any hand that handles it for too long. It can be put back together, but it'll never be the same.
- Tags: Porn with Plot
- Comments: Despite the slice of life setting, the adorable interactions between the characters and the simple plot-line of Mew wanting a baby (thus that PWP tag), the author takes their time building up the drama and drawing back the curtain on the relationship, and they don't pull any punches. It's a long read, but it's highly recommended to have a box of tissues handy.
United Destiny: The Hero and the Hybrid by Dragon's Blaze
- Recommended by Twenty4Seven
- Status: Dead
- Pairing: Ash/Serena
- Synopsis: Serena Yvonne has always been a strange girl, talking to Pokémon and a few strange abilities that seem to mirror that of a Pokémon. Ash Ketchum is a boy from Pallet Town who has saved the world and has a dream to be a Pokemon master. It seems that their destinies seeming so far apart are actually intertwined together.
- Comments: The story is a surprising take on some old ideas. The first two chapters focus mainly on Serena, who serves as the main protagonist, and makes heavy use of background events to further the plot. Ash feels more like a natural evolution instead of the usual time skip changes, and despite her powers Serena barely if ever feels like a Mary Sue.
- TheCastawayPariah: Seconded. The setup is very fascinating and Serena is a fleshed-out protagonist, certainly moreso than in the source material.
Dragonfall by Storylover-Vodhr
- Recommended by: Fwahm
- Status: Dormant; last updated January 2019
- Synopsis: During the anime's Unova adventure, Ash (age fifteen) wakes up to find himself a Latios for an unknown reason, and quickly finds himself separated from his friends (minus Pikachu), who all think he's dead or missing. Eventually, with few options left, he finds his way to Alto Mare and the Latias he met there three years prior, only to find that she is not the same Pokémon he knew before. In a world where multiple evil teams are hunting Latios and Latias to extinction or worse, he may not have the luxury of time to figure out what happened before he is thrust into danger.
- Pairing(s): Ash/Latias
- Comments: While "Ash is/becomes/can turn into a Latios and gets shipped with Latias" is a very popular and common premise, this one is presented very differently than any others I've ever seen, for multiple reasons. Some major points include:
- Ash is very much NOT at home being a Latios in this story, despite having (unknowingly) been born as one as opposed to being able to transform into one. He can't transform without outside help nor communicate with humans, cutting him off from human society and his friends. Both learning how his new body works (he doesn't have any innate knowledge of his new form unlike many other stories) and the incredibly intricate Latios/Latias culture this story has created cause him severe troubles.
- Latias is not the same cheerful and bubbly Pokémon as when Ash left. In the three years since Ash left, Alto Mare has turned into a Latios/Latias sanctuary with hundreds of members, and she's been forced to become their leader despite not having reached adulthood. This, in addition to her love leaving right after her brother died, has turned her distant, angry, and cold, with only Ash being able to partially pierce her façade.
- Unlike most Altoshipping stories, this romance is treated extremely seriously, with almost no comedy. Latias is a broken Pokémon, and Ash's romantic knowledge is taken directly from the anime, so he is completely out of his depth in trying to figure out how to be in a relationship. As such, the romance is very slow-burn and has a lot of deep problems to overcome.
- Finally, there is a massive amount of world-building in this story, especially regarding Latios and Latias culture and biology; there are entire systems governing Latios/Latias behavior, original Lati subspecies, in-story myths, and more.
Illumination Theory by johnny3gud
- Recommended by My Sinema Sins
- Status: Complete
- Pairings: Ash/Serena
- Synopsis: When our heroes are forced to take shelter from a storm, Serena uncovers an otherworldly secret. Trapped in a situation beyond her wildest dreams, she discovers that the only way out is through finding herself - more literally than she ever could have imagined. Will her misadventure bring her and Ash closer together, or will it tear them apart forever?
- Comments: Astonishingly well-written. The XY characters are incredibly in-character to the point where the story practically reads like a real episode, just with some heavier themes. Very, very cute. Expands on themes and characters from episode 37 of the XY Pokémon anime.
The Em-bare-assing Showcase! by ShinyRoothoot
- Recommended by My Sinema Sins
- Status: Complete
- Pairings: Ash/Serena
- Synopsis: Serena decides to compete in the Anistar City Pokémon Showcase with an exotic dress she got from a famous Pokémon Coordinator. However, after Ash promises her a surprise after the Showcase, Serena's wandering thoughts get the better of her, leading to a less than ideal situation.
- Comments: The author absolutely nails the characters and even retains the spirit of the animeverse, despite the NSFW subject matter that is the story's core. While the story begins practically as a direct rip-off of the source episode, XY episode 91, two specific instances of Point of Divergence come into play as Ash promises Serena a post-performance surprise which Serena is convinced is going to be a surprise date, thus giving her distracting, wandering thoughts throughout the story, and an exotic (and revealing) dress is given to her by May from the Hoenn region. Cue Serena becoming a Reluctant Fanservice Girl due to a Wardrobe Malfunction during a Showcase performance followed by a Naked Freak-Out after she realizes her situation.
- Very, very cute scene when Ash gives a tearful Serena a one-on-one, heart-to-heart talk and recounts how, without his own public failures and humiliations in the past, he might not have been to so many great places, done so much great stuff, and met so many dear friends, including her. This allows Serena to recover from the humiliation.
- The story came about in a 4chan Pokémon thread, when a lewd image served as a prompt to inspire two authors to write stories about Serena unknowingly becoming an exhibitionist during a Showcase performance.
A Game of Cat and Mouse by tiniest_hands_in_all_the_land
- Recommend by: Shatterstar
- Status: Complete
- Pairing: Pikachu / Meowth
- Synopsis: They're not friends, but maybe, in some instances, they could pass as such, or even just as acquaintances. Whatever the case, they're more than just friendly rivals.
- Comments: An extremely well-written and hilarious romantic comedy starring Meowth and Pikachu who started from enemies to frienemies and then eventually romance. Cover a lot of important milestones in their interaction while keeping both extremely in-character. The Maybe Ever After ending is unusually somber but realistic and hopeful.
- Recommend by: caulifla
- Status: Complete
- Pairing: Ash/Dawn
- Synopsis: After yet another defeat at a league, Ash is feeling down. Things only get worse after he finds himself a target of Team Plasma and is recruited to stop them. Thankfully, there is no way Dawn is going to make him face this alone.
- Comments: Feeling the Plasma subplot in the anime was lackluster? Well, no need to worry. This fic is here to solve the issue, as well as giving you great battles, revelations and a very well-written romance.
- Now with a Tv Tropes page: Failure Hero
- Recommended by: Nanimations
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Based on the 8th Pokémon film, the story shows an alternate ending in which Lucario never met Ash and instead became a revered Aura Guardian in Cameron. Despite his status and relation to royalty, Lucario lacks fulfillment, and condemns himself to lonely, endless training sessions. This all changes when he meets a young man named Paul who is determined to become his friend.
- Pairings: OC/Lucario
- Comments: Warning: this fanfiction is Not Safe for Work. Chapters 3 and onwards slowly begin to include sexual scenes as it goes on. Despite this, I found myself unable to keep from recommending it, purely because of how well done it is. It has a couple of minor grammatical issues, although its quite forgivable as the author self-admittedly is not a native English speaker. It's a fantastic story. The characters are immediately interesting and immensely likeable. It also has the benefit of being one of the best gay fanfictions I've ever read.
Pavane, Crescendo by appending_fic
- Recommended by: DBZFan102
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Ash and Goh visit Kalos, where Serena is worried Goh doesn't like her, Ash meets an old friend, and Raboot gets to fulfill a lifelong dream and dance in front of an audience.
- Pairings: Ash/Goh, implied Serena/Ash Starboarding
- Comments: A Distant Sequel, of sorts, to both the XY&Z arc of the anime and Pokémon Journeys. The characters are noticeably older and more mature (not those "Oh, they're 18 in this story because I'm saying so" things, but actual time passing), while still remaining recognizably the ones we're familiar with. Ash is still Innocently Insensitive and Oblivious to Love, and still traveling with Goh after all these years, Serena is still doing Showcases (and convinces Goh to participate in one) and there are a lot of nods to past events of both seasons. Think of it as a little epilogue for Ash and Goh's as well as Ash and Serena's relationships. If you ever wanted to see a fic where Serena actually helps out her latest rival, this is a good one.
come with me by withtwocracksalongbothsides
- Recommended by: MisterDrBob2
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Ash and Misty, growing together. (au)
- Pairings: Ash/Misty, brief instance of Gary/Misty
- Comments: A very fuzzy feel-good story set in a mild AU. Chronicles the friendship between Ash and Misty, from age 7, when Ash and Delia encounter a lone girl crying in the Cerulean City ice cream parlor waiting for her sister, up until their early twenties when Ash suddenly has to confront the reality that Misty may not always be at his side as he begins exploring the world and she begins studying marine Pokémon. Only one main chapter with a bonus chapter depicting the day they both met Pikachu.
As Fate Would Have It by Rmpdc
- Recommended by: Pokedude 14
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: After being rejected by his childhood friend Rosa, Nate stumbles upon a dropped Xtransceiver. And from there, friendship, eventual romance, and occasional awkwardness ensue.
- Pairing(s): Nate/Yancy
- Tags: NSFW
- Has its own Tropes Page As Fate Would Have It
The Way We Will Be by (TheCartoonFanatic01)
- Recommended by: Happy Man
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: While in Kiloude City for a Pokémon Showcase, Ash and Serena meet a girl who claims to be their daughter from their future. This startling turn of events results in an adventure like no other, and quite perhaps...something a little bit more?
- Pairing(s): Ash/Serena
- Comments: A very fun and well written story with lots of warm and fuzzy moments (especially if they involve Selene, Ash and Serena's youngest daughter), good Pokemon battles and a very engaging plot. It's also worth mention the author turning most background/one-shot performers, like Sara Lee, Concetta, Blanche or Amelia into Ascended Extra, which help reinforce the already good XY supporting cast. If you're an ammourshipper, this story is definitely a must-read
- Recommended by: Krspace T
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: Chloe never really knew what kind of person Ash Ketchum was, only seeing who he presented on the surface. But one night of talking leads to insight into this young man, and slowly she finds herself more and more becoming a part of his world. What will Chloe find in becoming his confidant, the one he can talk to when he can't speak to anyone else? What will he see in her, a cautious and thoughtful girl?
- Comments: It's an excellent pallet cleanser and different approach to a fic like Blossoming Trail and offers perhaps the best take on this obscure pairing. It's loved by those who write many top tier fics like the Ancienverse, even if it isn't a hundred percent my thing. I do, however, recognize the quality and want to share it.
For All the Times I Can't Reverse by ibuberu
- Recommended by: forthel0veoffanfic
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Now an adult, Sapphire returns to her secret base to reminesce and runs into Ruby.
- Pairing(s): Ruby/Sapphire
- Tags: Post-Canon
Eden by Hope Estheim
- Recommended by: forthel0veoffanfic
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: An alternate universe in which Touko loses against N. Team Plasma takes over Unova, and Touko is stuck playing along. Plans for escape become more complicated when she develops Stockholm Syndrome.
- Pairing(s): N/Touko
- Comments: This is a classic work of Ferriswheelshipping literature. The author aims for dark romance and sometimes it misses the mark, slipping into cringe territory, but one thing it does right - which was NOT so common among Ferriswheelshipping stories of this era - is actually acknowledge that the relationship dynamics were toxic and give some of Touko's actions devastating consequences.
The Prince and I by Bluechan XD
- Recommended by: forthel0veoffanfic
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: One of those stories where N coerces the protagonist of Black and White to marry him.
- Pairing(s): N/Touko
- Tags: Post-Canon
- Now with its own workpage
The One Who Chases series by Purim
- Recommended by: Happy Man
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A mission from Project Mew begins a path for Goh that will lead him down a perilous journey. While he has his trusted friends Ash and Pikachu at his side, he's forced to contend with his teasing, kind-hearted, and too-smart childhood friend Chloe as she joins them for their research. Everywhere they turn, they seem to be confronted with the selfishness and greed in the hearts of humans who seek to use Pokémon for their own ends, and it will take every bit of his skills, intelligence, and confidence in order to protect the people and Pokémon he holds dear.
With each step he takes down this path, it seems that a mystery begins to reveal itself. And with each thread Goh pulls along the way, it seems to pull him and Chloe closer and closer together. With his very dream of meeting the Mythical Pokémon Mew on the line, how will Goh manage his pride, his knowledge, and the feelings growing in his heart? - Pairing(s): Goh/Chloe, very minor Ash/Serena
- Comments: A fun and extremely well written story. Its ongoing mystery and adventure trips will keep you hooked from the very beginning, even if you aren't that big of a fan of either Goh or Vermillionshipping in general. The plot is very engaging, the characters are very likeable, and it has an amazing worldbuilding that makes a very liberal use of obscure elements from the franchise to make the world feel much richer.
- Recommended by: Iustinus Tempus
- Status: Completed
- Synopsis: Latias is still suffering for years from heartache with death of her brother and waiting for Ash to return, and loneliness as Lorenzo has been sick for some time and Bianca left Alto Mare to draw what is out and beyond the city. On the mainland, Ash and Pikachu figures out their next destination and heads for Alto Mare to reconnect with old friends.
- Pairing(s): Ash/Latias (Altoshipping)
- Comments: Ying used his knowledge of Chinese litature to create this wonderfully written novella that deals with themes such as the pain and impact of heartaches over time.
Seeking Attention by CitrusChickadee
- Recommended by: StarHunter
- Status: One shot
- Synopsis: Brassius is really dramatic about asking for attention. Fortunately, Hassel is happy to oblige. One shot.
- Pairing(s): Hassel/Brassis
- Comments: Basically exactly what it sounds like: Some Hassel/Brassius fluff. A short and quick but very cute and fun read.
Ash's Adventure: Girls' Hunter Edition! by SedaCassie
- Recommended by: The Witchfinder
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: Pokémon: A semi-sentient wild creature in possession of power pertaining to an elemental typing, capable of rapid evolution, often hunted and caught in a pokeball by professional trainers for the purpose of competitive combat. Poke Girl: A human female who has been defeated in a Pokémon battle and caught by the victorious trainer in a human ball and thus endowed with comparable power and toughness to a Pokémon, as well as a highly increased libido. Often used both in competitive combat and sexual gratification. Ash Ketchum: A ten-year-old aspiring trainer who adores Pokémon and wants to prove himself as a Pokémon master. However, as he is too young to catch Poke Girls, he doesn't give them much thought. Fate, however, has different plans...
- Pairing(s): Ash/Harem, many other minor pairings
- Comments: 'Crack Treated Seriously' really is the best way you could describe this bonkers story; it's very much a smut fic that fell into a deep effort spiral. Based on the infamous rom hack Pokémon: Girls' Hunter edition, this story revolves around the idea of the Pokegirls concept in the anime. All smut aside, it's a very riveting story, full of frustration, failure, friendship and a young boy trying his darndest to be a Pokémon master despite fate conspiring against him at every turn.
- Warnings: A whole slew of them, as this is at its heart a smutfic, including sex (underage or otherwise), violence, Pokémon abuse, child abuse, big time OOC (i.e. Gary being a class-5 douchbag and May needing a psychiatrist), etc.
