One good example could be a fanfiction where Ash gets sick during a big Pokemon battle against Paul. In this story, his Pokemon have to step up and fight even harder to make up for his weakened state. Maybe Pikachu takes on a leadership role among the team.
The uniqueness lies in the potential character development. When either Ash or Paul is sick, it gives the author a chance to explore their more vulnerable sides. For example, a sick Paul might show a side of him that's less competitive and more in need of friendship, which is a new aspect of his character.
One good example could be a fanfiction where James gets sick during a Pokemon journey. Maybe he catches a cold in a cold, damp cave while searching for a rare Pokemon. His Pokemon then take care of him in their own unique ways. For instance, Meowth might try to find some herbs to make a remedy, just like it's seen trying to be helpful in the anime.
Well, there's a fanfiction where Ash and Paul meet in a different region than the main series. In this story, they start off as rivals as usual, but then they discover a mystery about a rare Pokemon that forces them to work together. It's really interesting to see how their personalities clash and then gradually find common ground. There's also a fanfiction that explores what would happen if Ash and Paul switched Pokemon for a short period. This shows how they would adapt to each other's battle styles and Pokemon teams. And one more is a story that goes back in time to when they first started their Pokemon journeys and how their paths could have crossed earlier.
One popular theme could be Paul's struggle with his illness while still trying to pursue his Pokemon training goals. It might show his determination in the face of physical challenges. Another theme could be the relationships he forms with his Pokemon during this tough time. His Pokemon might become more protective or show extraordinary loyalty.
Well, there's a fanfiction where Ash is a scientific genius. He starts to study the genetic makeup of Pokemon and finds a way to enhance their natural abilities. This makes his battles not just about training but also about scientific innovation. Also, there are fanfictions where he uses his smartness to solve mysteries in the Pokemon world, like the mystery behind some rare and powerful Pokemon that are said to hold the key to a great power.
There's a fanfic where Ash is a coordinator and he uses his Charizard in contests. This is interesting because Charizard is known for its power in battles, but in this story, Ash has to transform it into a more elegant and performance - worthy Pokemon. He has to work on Charizard's attitude too, as it's not used to the finesse required in coordinator events. Ash uses his bond with Charizard to bring out a side of it that no one has seen before in the context of contests.
One good example could be a story where Ash and Tenten team up in a Pokémon tournament. They combine their skills, with Ash's Pokémon knowledge and Tenten's ninja - like agility and strategic thinking to outwit their opponents.
There are fanfictions where Ash is made unconscious by a mysterious villain's attack. His Pikachu then takes on a more protective role, trying to find a way to revive Ash. Some fanfictions in this theme also explore the emotional turmoil of his friends like Misty and Brock when Ash is in this state. They might search for rare herbs or items to help him wake up.
Some fanfictions focus on their rivalry evolving into friendship. Paul starts off as quite antagonistic towards Ash, but over time, through shared experiences like traveling in the same region or helping each other out in a Pokémon - related crisis, they begin to respect and even like each other. For example, in a story, they might both get lost in a dangerous forest and have to rely on each other's Pokémon skills to get out, which changes their relationship for the better.
One popular Pokemon Ash x Paul fanfiction is 'The Rivalry Transformed'. It explores their relationship in a new light, showing how they gradually understand each other beyond just being rivals. Another great one could be 'Ash and Paul's Unlikely Bond', which delves into their shared experiences and how they grow from it.