Ash could be a Pokémon trainer with a different starting point in this fanfiction. Born in 1987, by 1997 he might have already made a name for himself in local Pokémon battles. He could have a team of Pokémon that he rescued from difficult situations, like a Charmander that was abandoned by its trainer. His story could revolve around giving these Pokémon a second chance and proving that Pokémon don't need to be 'perfect' to be strong.
A fanfiction idea could be that Ash, born in 1987, has a special bond with Pokémon due to some event in his childhood in 1997. Maybe he discovered an injured Pokémon in the forest and nursed it back to health. This led to him having an ability to communicate with Pokémon on a deeper level. His adventures would then focus on using this ability to resolve conflicts between different Pokémon species and humans, while also competing in Pokémon battles.
In a fanfiction about Ash born in 1987 and his situation in 1997, we could see an alternate story where Ash is not the typical rookie trainer. Since he's a bit older than in the original, he might be more knowledgeable about Pokémon lore. He could be on a quest to uncover some ancient Pokémon secrets in 1997. He might travel to different regions, not just for battles but also to study old Pokémon texts and artifacts, and along the way, form an unusual team of Pokémon that are attracted to his in - depth knowledge.
One idea could be a fanfiction where a girl joins Ash on his journey. She might have a unique Pokemon that helps Ash in a difficult battle. For example, she could have a psychic - type Pokemon that can sense the opponents' next moves and help Ash strategize better.
In this fanfiction, Gary might be an important character too. He could be a rival from the very beginning, with both of them having different approaches to Pokémon since Ash was born into it. Professor Oak would also be a main character as he could be the one to discover Ash's unique connection to Pokémon and help him on his journey.
In a fanfiction about Ash's reunion in Alola, perhaps he comes back to help with an ecological problem. The Alola region's unique ecosystem is in danger, and his friends call him for his expertise. Ash brings along some of his other Pokemon from his travels, and together they work to save the day while also having a great time catching up.
Another possibility is Ash becoming Lugia. Lugia is known as the guardian of the seas. As Lugia, Ash could explore the deep oceans, discover new species of Pokemon, and safeguard the marine ecosystem. He could use his psychic and flying abilities to interact with both water - and flying - type Pokemon, bringing a new era of harmony between different Pokemon types.
In this fanfiction, Ash and May could be on separate adventures in Kalos at first. But then, they cross paths when they both get involved in a mystery related to a rare and powerful Pokémon in Kalos. They have to put their heads together, along with their Pokémon, to solve the mystery and protect the Pokémon from those who would use it for bad purposes.
One idea could be that Ash discovers a hidden power within himself related to water types. Maybe he has a special connection with a rare water - type Pokemon that helps him unlock this new ability. For example, he meets a mythical water - type Pokemon in a hidden cave. The Pokemon sees Ash's pure heart and decides to bond with him, allowing him to control water in ways he never thought possible.
One idea could be that Ash discovers a Sylveon in a forest. The Sylveon is injured and Ash takes it upon himself to nurse it back to health. This could lead to a strong bond between them, and Sylveon could become a unique addition to his Pokémon team, with new adventures and battles ensuing.
In some fanfictions, the girl's clothes are related to her Pokemon evolution journey. Maybe when her starter Pokemon evolves, she gets a new set of clothes that symbolizes their growth together. It could be a more elaborate and powerful - looking outfit. Also, there are often stories where she dresses up to impress Ash or to show her confidence during a difficult battle. This could involve a flashy, battle - ready costume with bright colors and strong - looking boots.
One idea could be that their daughter discovers a new type of Pokemon that no one has ever seen before. She embarks on a journey to learn more about it, just like Ash did in his early days.