One possible plot could be that Ash starts his journey with a different starter Pokémon, like Bulbasaur. Without Pikachu by his side, he might face different challenges and form different relationships. He could struggle more in the early battles without Pikachu's electric power, but then develop unique strategies with his new Pokémon team.
Maybe in the fanfic, Ash gets separated from Pikachu early on in his journey. He then has to prove himself all over again. He could meet new trainers and Pokémon that help him on his way. He might also have to deal with the fact that everyone expects him to have Pikachu. This could lead to a story of self - discovery and growth as he tries to make a name for himself without his iconic partner.
In this fanfic, it could be that Ash is turned into Pikachu as a result of an experiment gone wrong. As Pikachu, he discovers new abilities and senses that he didn't know about before. He might form closer bonds with other Pikachu in the wild and learn their ways of living. He could also have to face challenges like being hunted by other Pokémon that see him as an easy target, and he has to use his new Pikachu - like skills to survive and try to find a way to turn back into his human form.
One possible plot could be that Ash turns into Pikachu and has to learn how to communicate with his human friends in this new form. He might struggle at first, but then discovers that he can use his Pikachu abilities in unique ways to help the group in battles and in solving problems around them.
Another idea could be a more emotional story. The female Pikachu gets separated from her group for some reason. Ash finds her and takes it upon himself to reunite her with her family. During this time, they have to endure harsh weather conditions and dangerous terrains. As they spend time together, they develop a deep connection that is based on mutual care and the shared goal of getting the female Pikachu back to her loved ones.
The plot could be as simple as Ash training an Electrivire in secret. When Gary challenges Ash to a battle, Ash unleashes the Electrivire, which is much more powerful than Gary expected. Pikachu could also be involved by taunting Gary's Pokémon during the battle, adding to the overall scare factor.
One possible plot could be that Ash realizes Pikachu has grown too powerful for the regular Pokémon battles in their world. So, he releases Pikachu into a special, untouched forest where Pikachu can live freely and hone its skills further without the restrictions of human - Pokémon battles. Pikachu then has to learn to survive on its own and make new Pokémon friends.
A possible plot is that Ash wakes up one day to find that he has swapped bodies with Pikachu. He has to experience life from Pikachu's perspective while still trying to participate in Pokémon battles. This would lead to some really funny and interesting situations as he tries to communicate with the other Pokémon and his human friends in his new form.
Maybe Pikachu gets mind - controlled and turns against Ash, leading to Ash being abandoned. It could also be that Pikachu is forced to leave Ash due to some external danger it doesn't want to expose Ash to.
Perhaps Pikachu discovers a 'dark truth' about Ash. For example, Pikachu might find out that Ash has unknowingly been involved in something that goes against Pokémon ethics, like being associated with a group that mistreats Pokémon. This discovery could make Pikachu feel betrayed by Ash first, and then Pikachu's actions would make Ash feel the same way in return.
Perhaps Pikachu leaves Ash because it has been through a series of really tough battles and has become a bit disillusioned. It might think that by leaving, it can find a new purpose, away from the constant cycle of gym battles and competitions that it has been in with Ash. It may want to explore the world on its own terms, without the pressure that comes with being Ash's main Pokémon.
Well, it could start with Ash being transformed into a Pikachu in a mysterious forest. His friends are initially confused but soon realize it's him. As a Pikachu, Ash discovers new abilities he didn't know about before. He might be able to sense things like incoming danger more acutely. He could also have a hard time convincing his other Pokémon that he is still their trainer. Throughout the fanfiction, there could be a series of comical and exciting events as he tries to adapt to his new form and find a way to reverse the transformation.