Ash Ketchum was running late. He didn't really mind. It wasn't as if the day was of much consequence—only four trainers were leaving, after all. The professor would need to have four starters ready, but it wasn't like there was any rush. Ash had his reasons for delaying: he had stopped by his mother's grave, wanting to pay his respects. His house, situated on the outskirts of Pallet Town, was quiet, but it made visits to the cemetery feel more distant, somehow.
Now, walking at a leisurely pace towards Professor Oak's lab, Ash didn't feel the typical urgency. The other trainers had likely left by now—fine by him. He never had much in common with them anyway. As for Red, he was neutral. And Blue? They barely exchanged more than a few words when their paths crossed. Then there was Green... The less said, the better.
As he drew nearer to the professor's lab, the familiar sight of the yellow bridge came into view, nestled above a small hill. It was the same bridge that marked the way to the lab, the one he'd crossed countless times as a child, always full of anticipation.
When he reached the door, he knocked softly. Moments later, the knob turned, and the door swung open to reveal Professor Samuel Oak, his warm smile barely concealing a glint of amusement.
"Well, better late than never, I always say," Oak chuckled. "What kept you?"
Ash tilted his head slightly, a sheepish smile on his lips. "I was visiting Mom... paying my respects."
The professor's smile softened. He patted Ash on the shoulder, his gaze understanding. "I know, kiddo. It's not easy... but you could've come by after picking up your starter. Anyway, you're here now, and that's what matters. Come inside?"
Ash nodded, his mood lightening at the professor's warmth. They both entered the lab, where the usual hustle of research and experimentation greeted Ash—a space filled with books, scientific instruments, and the hum of life that never seemed to stop.
As they settled in, Oak asked, "So, Ash… what do you plan to do once you leave Pallet Town?"
Ash paused, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Well, as a kid, I probably would've said I wanted to be a Champion or something, but now… I just want to explore. See the world, catch Pokémon, make friends. I'll still enter the Gym Challenge and the League, of course. I have a promise to keep."
The professor smiled, his eyes twinkling with pride, but his expression turned a little more serious. "A promise… I see. But, Ash," he began, "aren't you nervous? The road ahead is dangerous. There are trials you'll face that are like nothing you've encountered before. Are you sure you're ready?"
Ash stopped. He met Oak's gaze with unwavering conviction, his voice steady. "Professor, I've never been more sure of anything in my life."
Oak's expression softened, and he nodded, accepting Ash's determination. "Very well," he said, opening a door and gesturing for Ash to enter. The room beyond was a mix of cluttered research equipment and shelves filled with books on Pokémon and human bonds—a space that always felt like the heart of the professor's work.
As Ash wandered further into the room, his gaze fell on a small rectangular object that Oak was holding in his hand.
"I believe this is yours," Oak said, offering it to Ash.
Ash took the object, his fingers brushing the plastic. It was his Trainer's License—the very one he had worked so hard to obtain. He remembered the test, ten days ago, on his birthday. The pressure, the hours spent studying… and the relief when he'd passed with a 79. He had hoped for a higher grade, but in the end, it didn't matter. This was his moment. This was real.
He glanced down at the license.
Trainer License IDNo: 33024
Name: Ash Ketchum
Born on: May 22, 1997
Home Address: Machida Avenue, Pallet Town
Region: Kanto
Grade: 79
For a few moments, he stared at the license, feeling the weight of the years of dreaming that had led to this point. Then, his eyes drifted back to Oak, and a wry smile crossed his face.
"So, I guess all the other starters are already taken," Ash remarked, flicking the license idly between his fingers. "Do you have another Pokémon, or should I prepare myself for some lame excuse like 'I forgot there were four trainers today'?"
Professor Oak chuckled, a sweatdrop forming on his brow. "Oh no, nothing like that. I've got a starter ready, but… I caught him only recently. He's a bit untamed, you could say."
Ash grinned. "Not a problem. I'll take him. It's better than standing around waiting, right?"
The professor laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. "You sure are something else, Ash. Alright, wait here for me."
A few minutes later, Professor Oak returned, holding a Pokéball in his hand. At first glance, it appeared to be like any other Pokéball Ash had ever seen: the upper half was a bright, cherry red, the lower half white, separated by a black band with a white button in the center. But as soon as Ash took the ball in his hand, he noticed something different. On the upper part of the Pokéball was a sticker in the shape of a bolt of lightning, an unusual detail that immediately piqued his curiosity.
Ash raised an eyebrow, glancing at Oak. "What's this about, Professor?"
Professor Oak smiled, though there was a hint of hesitation in his voice. "Tell me, Ash… Aren't you going to open it?"
Ash didn't hesitate. He pressed the white button on the Pokéball, and in a flash, a brilliant blue light burst from the sphere. The light began to take shape, slowly materializing on the table in front of them. As it dimmed, Ash's eyes widened in recognition. The Pokémon that stood before him was a small, chubby, rodent-like creature—yellow fur, two brown stripes running along its back, long pointed ears with black tips, and a tail shaped like a lightning bolt. Its brown eyes met Ash's, and on each of its cheeks was a bright red circle.
"A Pikachu… Nice," Ash murmured, kneeling in front of the little Electric-type. He stared into the Pokémon's eyes, and it huffed, glaring back at him with unmistakable defiance.
Ash chuckled. "Feisty little one, aren't you?"
"Pika!" the Pikachu huffed, its eyes narrowing even further.
Ash laughed again, unfazed. "Well, you'll do just fine. By the way, my name's Ash. Starting today, I'm your partner—and hopefully, your friend. If you'll give me a chance, that is."
He extended his hand toward the Pikachu, who hesitated for a moment before glancing down at the outstretched fingers. The Pikachu then took Ash's hand—well, its tail, to be exact, coiling it around Ash's fingers in a sort of handshake. Ash blinked, slightly confused, as the tiny Electric-type gave him a firm shake.
"Pikachu!" the little mouse chirped in acknowledgment.
Ash sweatdropped. "Uh… I guess that works."
Professor Oak watched the exchange, a smile tugging at his lips. He was both amused and a bit stunned. Pikachu had never been easy to approach, often avoiding him at all costs, yet here was Ash, managing to earn the Pokémon's trust so easily. It was almost uncanny.
After a moment, Ash stood up and turned to the professor. "Well, I guess I should get going now, right? You've got things to do, and I've got… well, a lot of things to do. I'll be seeing you."
He reached for the Pokéball, preparing to return Pikachu inside. But just as his hand hovered over it, Pikachu darted behind Ash's legs, peeking out from the safety of his trainer's shadow. Ash blinked, raising an eyebrow as he looked back at the professor.
"Mmm, seems like Pikachu doesn't like being in its Pokéball," Oak observed, nodding toward the Pokémon, who stood defiantly with its back to the sphere.
Ash glanced down at Pikachu, who looked up at him with a mix of stubbornness and reluctance. "I guess it makes sense. You've probably been cooped up in there for a while, huh?" He crouched down to the Pokémon's level. "You'd rather not go back in, right?"
Pikachu nodded, visibly uncomfortable with the thought of being trapped inside the ball again. The fresh air was much more appealing—he'd take on a Dragonite if it meant not being stuffed inside that confined space.
Oak chuckled softly. "Well, as long as you two stick together, I don't think there'll be any trouble. Just… be careful."
Ash nodded, slipping the Pokéball into his bag and letting Pikachu stay beside him. He stood up, waving goodbye to the professor as he turned toward the door.
"Cya later, Professor!" Ash called over his shoulder.
Professor Oak watched the two of them leave, a gentle smile forming as he saw the duo stride out of the lab. They were already growing smaller in the distance, heading toward the unknown future. Oak couldn't help but let out a quiet sigh.
"I hope I made the right choice," he murmured to himself, his gaze lingering on the pair until they were out of sight. Ash and Pikachu were off to write their own story now, and Oak could only hope they would find the adventure they were both destined for.
After walking for a few minutes, Ash and Pikachu approached the exit of Pallet Town, which wasn't far from Ash's house. The morning air was crisp, and the quiet of the town made everything feel peaceful. Ash had taken only five steps outside the town limits when he suddenly stopped in his tracks.
"Pikachu, did you hear that?" he asked, looking down at his partner.
Pikachu's large ears twitched. His hearing was far sharper than most Pokémon—and especially sharper than Ash's. If his ears weren't playing tricks on him, he could've sworn he heard someone screaming.
"AAASH! WAIT UUUUP!" a female voice called from behind.
Ash turned quickly, his face lighting up with recognition. "Daisy?" he muttered to himself, wondering what she was doing here.
It only took a few more seconds before Daisy came into view, sprinting towards him with a determined look on her face. She stopped in front of him, gasping for air, clearly winded from running so hard.
"I… made it," she panted, hands resting on her knees as she caught her breath.
"Hi, Daisy. What are you doing here?" Ash asked, raising an eyebrow.
"What do you think, silly? I'm here to say goodbye," Daisy replied, grinning. "And to give you a present!"
"A present?" Ash blinked, surprised.
"Yeah, I meant to give it to you at the lab," she explained. "But I forgot it at home, and then it didn't help that—"
The scene flashed back to earlier that morning. Daisy had been running all over Pallet Town in a mad dash, determined not to let Ash leave without her gift.
After grabbing two small objects from her house, she had practically flown up the hill to Professor Oak's lab. She made it to the stairs in record time but didn't show any signs of slowing down. Racing up the stairs two at a time, she barely avoided tripping twice before she finally reached the door.
She threw it open and rushed in, her voice echoing throughout the lab. "SURPRISE!"
Professor Oak, who had been seated at his desk, nearly fell out of his chair, startled by the sudden shout. He clutched his chest, his face pale from the shock.
"Daisy, don't do that! You almost gave me a heart attack!" Oak exclaimed, his voice a mix of annoyance and mild panic.
"Sorry, Grandpa," Daisy apologized quickly, though she still had a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "But wait—where's Ash? Is he not here yet?"
Oak's expression softened as he shook his head. "Oh, Ash already left, dear."
Daisy blinked, stunned. "Come again?"
"Yep. I handed him his Trainer's License and his Pokémon a little while ago," Oak said, not realizing the storm that was brewing. "Though, if I'm being honest, I'm not sure he—"
"WHAAAAT?!" Daisy shrieked, her voice so loud that Oak had to cover his ears, fearing his eardrums would rupture. The sound of her yell seemed so forceful that even the windows of the lab shuddered.
"Yeah, he left about twenty minutes ago," Oak replied, recovering from the shock of her outburst.
"Twenty minutes?!" Daisy nearly exploded. "And why didn't you stop him from leaving before I could give him his gift?!"
Professor Oak, caught off guard by Daisy's growing frustration, hesitated. "W-well… why would I stop him?"
"Because I ran all the way home to get it, that's why!" Daisy growled, her eyes narrowing in on her grandfather. "I wanted to give it to him before he left, but nooo, you let him slip away!"
"Oh right, I guess I forgot about that," Oak muttered sheepishly, now backing away slightly. He raised his hands in mock surrender, clearly fearing for his safety.
Daisy's eyes burned with the kind of fury only a granddaughter could unleash on her poor grandfather. She stepped forward, gritting her teeth. "You can be so inconsiderate sometimes, Grandpa."
Oak stood there, sweating in silence. He'd been through many wild situations, but facing Daisy when she was angry felt like being in the middle of a storm. Desperate to de-escalate, he quickly added, "Wait, Ash went home to grab his things! If you run now, you might catch up to him before he leaves town!"
Daisy didn't need any further encouragement. With a final glare at Oak, she darted out the door, racing down the hill, her mind set on catching up with Ash.
Inside the lab, Oak remained standing, looking utterly defeated. His heart was still racing from Daisy's outburst. As much as she could appear sweet and angelic, when Daisy was mad, she was more terrifying than a rampaging Giratina.
Meanwhile, Daisy was already halfway down the road, muttering under her breath. "My grandpa can be such an idiot sometimes…"
Ash, still confused, glanced at Pikachu, who was equally puzzled by Daisy's sudden change in demeanor. But in an instant, Daisy's scowl softened, and she beamed at Ash with a smile that could light up the whole town.
"Anyway," she said brightly, "let's forget about that and focus on what's truly important." She stepped closer to Ash, placing her hands on her hips. "Congratulations, Ash! You're officially a trainer now, and I'm so happy for you!"
Ash smiled, feeling a warmth spread through him at Daisy's words. She was one of the few people in Pallet Town who truly understood him, and her kindness had always been a steady source of comfort—especially when he lost his mother. Despite the constant rivalry between Ash and her brother, it never affected his bond with Daisy. She had always been there, a supportive friend when he needed one most.
"Thanks, Daisy," Ash said, his smile genuine. "It means a lot to me."
Daisy smiled warmly, pleased to see her friend so happy. "Well," she said, her eyes twinkling, "I think it's time to give you your present."
Ash raised an eyebrow, his expression softening. "Daisy, you really didn't have to," he said, a gentle smile tugging at his lips.
"Of course I do," Daisy replied, her voice warm but determined. "I owe you this one."
She reached into her bag and began rummaging around, taking her time as she searched for something. After a moment, she pulled out two objects, each wrapped neatly in colorful paper. "Got it!" she exclaimed, holding up the presents.
"Here you go," she said, handing the wrapped gifts to Ash with a smile.
Ash took them, his curiosity piqued. The two packages were rectangular, but one was clearly smaller and thinner, while the other was considerably larger. He couldn't help but wonder what they could be.
"Well, aren't you going to open them?" Daisy teased, her tone light.
Ash nodded, his fingers deftly unwrapping the gifts. His gaze flicked between the presents as he carefully peeled off the paper. When he was finished, he found a book and what looked like a small journal with a sleek pen.
"Happy (slightly delayed) birthday, Ash!" Daisy beamed, her smile infectious. "I wanted to give these to you before your license test, but I got a little caught up with everything. I thought they might help you study, but I—well, I kind of dropped the ball."
Ash looked at her, feeling a sense of appreciation for her thoughtfulness. He could tell that she'd really put time and care into picking these out. He ran his fingers across the surface of the book, noticing the title: Kanto's 149 Wonders for Trainers.
"Thank you, Daisy," Ash said quietly, his voice sincere. "I'm sure I'll get a lot of use out of these."
Daisy's face softened, pleased that Ash liked the gift. "I hope you do. There's a lot of great info in there. I thought you might find it useful, especially with all the Pokémon you're about to meet."
Ash opened the book to a random page, scanning the text. He immediately saw what Daisy meant. The pages were filled with detailed information about the various Pokémon native to the Kanto region—everything from their egg groups to their abilities, moves, and how they learn them.
"Wow," Ash murmured, turning a few more pages before something caught his eye. "Look, Pikachu, here you are!" He chuckled softly, showing the image of the familiar electric mouse to his partner.
Pikachu perked up, eyes narrowing as he studied the image. There was something different about the illustration—the Pikachu in the book was a lot slimmer, more streamlined.
Ash laughed a little, then began to read aloud, his voice steady and calm as he absorbed the information.
"Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon. When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity can build up and cause lightning storms. It keeps its tail raised to monitor its surroundings. If you yank its tail, it will try to bite you. They greet each other by sniffing and rubbing their tails together. Electricity can be used to send and receive messages, not only with other Pikachu but with Electric-type Pokémon as well. A female will have a V-shaped notch at the end of her tail, which looks like the top of a heart. Although classified as a quadruped, Pikachu has been known to stand and walk on its hind legs."
Ash closed the book with a thoughtful expression, then turned it back toward Pikachu. "I'll have to read more later. There's a lot here."
"So, do you like it?" Daisy asked, her tone curious and hopeful.
Ash smiled warmly, feeling a sense of gratitude. "Like it? I love it. This is honestly one of the best gifts I've ever received."
He looked down at the small journal in his hands. "But, what's this one for?" he asked, his voice soft but curious.
Daisy grinned, a playful spark in her eyes. "That's for you to write in. Maybe you'll want to document something interesting you see or hear while you travel. A cool story, a lesson you learned, or just anything that stands out to you. It's your journey, after all."
Ash glanced down at the journal, his fingers grazing the cover. He wasn't the type to write much, never really kept track of things like that—even in school, he had always been more focused on the present than on making notes. But something about this felt different. This was the start of his adventure, his own story.
"Yeah, I think I'll give it a try," he said thoughtfully. "It might be good to keep track of everything—especially when I'm out there doing things that'll make the world take notice."
"I know you will," Daisy said with a confident smile, as if she knew Ash would make the most of it. "I believe in you."
Ash turned to Daisy, his curiosity piqued. "By the way, what Pokémon did Blue, Red, and Green choose?" he asked, his amber eyes meeting hers for a brief moment. There was a quiet intensity in his gaze, a mix of genuine interest and a subtle hint of warmth.
Daisy paused, glancing at him as she thought for a moment. "Oh, that," she replied, her expression thoughtful. "Green picked Growlithe, and Red... well, he ended up with Pikachu, of course. But here's the interesting part: Green told Blue to pick first, and she went with Jigglypuff. Apparently, he thought she deserved it, since she was the only one to show up on time. But, honestly, I think green just went along with it because he wanted to make sure he had a starter that was stronger than Red's."
Ash raised an eyebrow at this, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Always that rivalry with Red, huh?"
"Yeah," Daisy replied, her tone laced with both affection and exasperation. "That's my brother for you."
Pikachu, who had been quietly observing the conversation, couldn't help but let out a soft "Pika" of impatience. He was tired of standing still, listening to the human chatter. After all, weren't they supposed to be setting out on a journey? A journey that, according to him, definitely didn't involve standing around talking about people he'd never met.
Daisy chuckled, noticing Pikachu's growing restlessness. "I think it's time for you two to get moving," she said with a soft smile, her understanding gaze flicking between Ash and the electric mouse.
Ash nodded thoughtfully, feeling the weight of their journey settling in. "I suppose you're right," he said, his voice calm but purposeful. He turned to Daisy, his expression sincere. "Thank you, Daisy. You have no idea how much it means to me to have you as a friend. It's not easy, you know—being away from home... and everyone else. But having you in my corner makes it feel a little easier."
Daisy's eyes softened, touched by his words. She had always known how difficult things had been for him, especially after everything he'd been through. "You're very welcome, Ash. That means more to me than you know."
Ash straightened up, taking a deep breath as he readied himself for what was to come. "Well, I guess it's time to go," he said with a gentle smile.
Pikachu, standing beside him, let out a relieved "Pika!" and scampered over to Ash's side, eager to finally start moving.
Daisy's voice caught him for a moment, warm and encouraging. "Good luck, Ash," she said earnestly. "And remember, no matter what happens, don't ever throw in the towel. I'm certain you'll go far."
Ash smiled back at her, a quiet strength in his gaze. "Thanks, Daisy. I won't. I promise."
He gave a small nod, then turned to continue on his way. After a few steps, he paused, turning to face his friend one last time. With a soft wave, he called out, "Cyaa, and take care of yourself, okay?"
Daisy waved back, her smile filled with a quiet sense of pride. "You too, Ash. Take care out there."
With that, Ash and Pikachu began their journey, their path stretching out ahead of them, the town of Pallet growing smaller behind them. The world was wide and full of possibilities—and Ash was ready to meet them head-on.
The forest was quiet—peaceful. Ash and Pikachu walked side by side, the rustling of leaves and the distant sounds of wild Pokémon providing a serene backdrop. Ash occasionally glanced at Pikachu, but the electric-type was focused on his surroundings, clearly not in the mood for conversation.
I wonder how long it'll take before we hit our first real challenge, Ash thought to himself. I should stay alert, but we've got some time before we reach Viridian.
The two of them walked in silence for another half hour when a sudden movement in the bushes caught Ash's attention. His sharp eyes quickly spotted the small purple rodent Pokémon that had jumped out from the underbrush.
"Rattata," Ash muttered to himself, already understanding what it was. It was a common Pokémon in these parts, but it was fast, and Ash had no intention of letting it get away without trying. He could also sense something wasn't quite right about the way it was acting—it seemed unusually agitated.
Ash crouched slightly, his body language calm and controlled as he assessed the situation. He didn't need to open his book. Rattata's known for being fast, aggressive, and territorial, he thought. This one's likely on edge, which might mean there are others nearby. I should be careful.
"Pikachu, let's be cautious here," Ash said quietly to his partner, keeping his eyes on the Rattata. "I'll go for a quick catch. Stay ready."
But Pikachu wasn't paying attention. The electric-type turned his back to Ash and began to wander off, as if disinterested. Typical, Ash thought, but his focus remained on the task at hand.
He reached for a Poké Ball, his hand steady as he prepared to throw it.
"Rattata, I'm going to catch you," Ash murmured under his breath, using his body language to signal the Pokémon that he was making a move.
But just before he threw the Poké Ball, the Rattata suddenly charged forward with a burst of speed, baring its teeth. Ash's eyes widened. That's not typical behavior...
It wasn't just attacking—it was acting in defense. Ash calculated that Rattata had likely been protecting something, or at least, was on edge because of the presence of other Pokémon in the area. He wasn't exactly surprised, but it did make him pause.
"Alright, careful now, Rattata. I don't want to fight," Ash said, speaking in a soft, authoritative voice. But before he could finish his sentence, the Rattata darted forward again, this time trying to bite Ash's leg.
Ash sidestepped the attack with quick reflexes, then crouched and tossed the Poké Ball at the Rattata. It struck the Pokémon on the head, but just before the ball could close, Rattata broke free with a sharp screech.
"Too fast... it's not giving me a chance," Ash muttered to himself, standing back up, realizing the Rattata wasn't about to let itself be caught easily.
Suddenly, Ash felt a presence—other Pokémon—moving in on him. He turned to see a small group of Spearow emerge from the trees, all of them watching him with hostile intent.
His mind immediately went into analysis mode. The Rattata's not the problem here, it's these Spearow. They're coming in to defend their territory. I need to keep a level head and not make this worse.
Ash's eyes scanned the area quickly. The Spearow will probably be quick to attack if they think I'm a threat. I'll need to handle this without starting a fight—let them feel like they've won without escalating it further.
He turned to Pikachu, still ignoring him in the distance. Pikachu's not paying attention... Ash thought, a small sense of frustration bubbling under his calm exterior, but he pushed it down quickly. Stay focused.
"Alright, Pikachu, we're going to have to make a quick exit," Ash said calmly, his voice low but firm.
But just as he made the decision to retreat slowly, the Spearow leader—the one with the distinctive lump on its head—screeched loudly, signaling the others to attack. Ash froze for just a second, then quickly adjusted his plan.
There's no running now, he realized. If I run, they'll only get angrier. The only way out is to neutralize the situation without violence.
Ash quickly turned to the Spearow. "I'm not your enemy." His voice was steady and commanding, but he spoke with no aggression, only calm assurance. "I'm just passing through."
But the leader of the Spearow was undeterred, its eyes narrowing as it screamed again, sending the flock into motion. The birds were closing in quickly.
Ash had anticipated this, though, and already had a solution in mind. "Pikachu, use Thunder Wave, but don't hurt them. Just enough to stop them in their tracks."
Pikachu, despite his earlier indifference, turned around just as the first Spearow swooped in. His expression flickered with a hint of understanding.
"Pi... pika!" Pikachu called out, his cheeks sparking as a bolt of electricity surged outward, creating a ripple that struck several of the Spearow mid-flight. The birds were caught off guard, their movements disrupted, but they weren't incapacitated—yet.
Ash moved quickly, calculating his next step. I need to get Pikachu out of here—if they keep coming, they could overwhelm us. He took a deep breath. Stay calm. I've handled worse situations before.
Miraculously, a bolt of lightning struck a tree nearby, splitting it in two. The sharp crack and thunderous noise caused the flock of Spearow to hesitate for a moment, their wings flapping wildly as they momentarily lost their focus.
Ash seized the moment, quickly grabbing Pikachu from the ground and hoisting him into his arms. His mind raced as his heart pounded against his chest.
He didn't need to look at Pikachu to know how bad the situation was. He could feel the warm, sticky blood seeping from Pikachu's tiny body, the way his little partner trembled. Pikachu had been hurt badly.
Ash's own body felt like it was on fire, his arms and legs bruised and scratched, a sharp pain in his side from a particularly nasty hit by one of the Spearow. His face burned where he'd been clawed, but his focus remained on Pikachu.
I can't afford to think about me right now... Ash's mind was clear and focused despite the physical pain. He took a quick breath and tightened his grip around Pikachu, pushing through the weakness in his legs. His focus narrowed entirely on getting Pikachu out of danger.
Unfortunately, the sound of the Spearow flapping their wings grew louder. The flock hadn't given up, and as if to add to his troubles, the rain began to pour harder, blurring his vision and making everything slick and difficult to navigate.
Ash's boots slipped against the mud as he adjusted his grip on Pikachu, trying to pick up the pace, but his legs felt like they were made of lead. He turned sharply to the right, hoping to lose the Spearow in a more dense part of the woods, but he lost his footing on the slick ground and tumbled down a small hill.
He shielded Pikachu with his body as they rolled down, the world spinning and his breath leaving him in sharp gasps. The storm was unforgiving, the rain now soaking through his black hooded jacket with blue highlights and running down his face. His wet hair clung to his forehead, his bangs hanging low over his eyes.
When they finally stopped, Ash groaned, his body aching with every movement. But as soon as he stood up, he heard the Spearow's cries echoing through the storm. They were getting closer, and they wouldn't stop until they'd driven him out of their territory.
No. Ash clenched his teeth, pushing through the pain in his body. I won't run anymore.
His legs trembled, his arms sore, but he wouldn't leave Pikachu behind. Not now, not when it was his responsibility to protect him.
He tried to steady himself, but his knees buckled as he struggled to push forward again. The Spearow were closing in on him—faster this time.
Ash's mind flashed with thoughts of failure. The kids back in Pallet Town, the ones who always told him he'd never make it. He could hear their mocking voices in his head. Jason's dismissive laugh, Mrs. Ima's pitying stare, Janet's cruel comments about his "lack of skill." And, of course, Green. His voice was sharp, mocking him, telling him he'd never be able to make it as a trainer.
He had failed his first test as a trainer.
Maybe they were right, Ash thought, feeling his confidence slipping. Maybe this was too much for him. He'd barely passed his trainer's exam, and now, he had made the wrong call by rushing out here alone, unprepared. And in the end, it was Pikachu who was suffering.
I've messed up, Ash thought as he looked down at his partner in his arms. Maybe this is my punishment for all the rash choices I've made today...
A weak, soft voice broke through his spiraling thoughts.
"P-Pi…" Pikachu's voice was quiet, strained.
Ash snapped back into focus, his eyes hardening. He couldn't afford to break down now. Pikachu was relying on him, and so were the people back home who believed in him. His mother. Daisy. The professor. They had all placed their trust in him.
His breath steadied, and he placed Pikachu gently down onto the ground.
"I know, Pikachu," Ash whispered, his voice calm despite everything. "I don't like it either, but it's the only way to keep you safe right now."
He reached for the Poké Ball in his pocket, but as his fingers brushed against it, something inside him refused to let go. No. He couldn't just put Pikachu away. Not like that.
With a steadying breath, Ash stood tall, the rain soaking him completely now, but his determination burning brightly through the cold and the storm. He was responsible for Pikachu's safety, no one else was going to do it for him.
He turned to face the oncoming Spearow, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.
"You want to attack us? Then come at me." Ash's voice was quiet but resolute, barely audible over the howling winds and the storm, but it was strong. "I'm not running anymore. I'm not going to let you hurt Pikachu, not while I'm standing here."
His breath came out in a steady stream, his gaze unwavering as the rain blurred everything around him. His soaked hoodie clung to his body, but he didn't care.
"This is my responsibility, and I will protect my friends, no matter what," Ash muttered, more to himself than to the approaching flock. He knew there was no running now, no way out. This was his fight.
And just like that, Ash faced the horde of Spearow head-on, no fear, no hesitation.
As the Spearow closed in, Pikachu didn't hesitate. Ash.
He'd always known that Ash wasn't someone who acted on impulse without thought. Despite how headstrong he was, Pikachu had always known that his trainer was far from reckless. Ash was clever. Smart. Calculating, even when the situation seemed hopeless. That's why, even now, as the Spearow swarmed around them, Pikachu wasn't worried about Ash's ability to think his way out of this.
But Pikachu also knew that this was a moment where they had to be more than just smart — they had to be strong. Together.
Pikachu's thoughts drifted to the time when he had been a small Pichu, adopted by a Kangaskhan family. It had been a happy time, but when he grew, he felt like a burden. He thought evolving would change things — make him stronger, independent. But even after his evolution, his weakness was still there. The day he was caught so easily… he remembered that feeling of failure, of not being good enough, not being strong enough.
But now, looking up at Ash, he realized something important.
Ash had never given up on him. Never. Not once, despite all of Pikachu's struggles, despite the rocky start. And it wasn't just that. Ash always found a way to stay calm, to think through their situations. Even when things were tough, Ash didn't give in to panic. He always found a way forward, even if it seemed impossible.
That's what Pikachu admired — what Pikachu trusted. Ash was someone who would always give his all, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Now, Pikachu knew what he had to do.
He pulled himself up Ash's back, climbing higher despite the exhaustion still weighing on him. Ash was too focused on the advancing Spearow to notice Pikachu's movements. But Pikachu wasn't concerned with being noticed — this was about doing his part.
When he reached Ash's head, he felt it — a surge of energy, not just from the storm, but from something deeper. A connection.
Without hesitation, Pikachu leaped off Ash's head, diving into the middle of the storm of Spearow.
"PIKAAAAA CHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!"
The very instant Pikachu's electricity collided with the lightning streaking down from the sky, everything seemed to freeze. The energy didn't just flow into Pikachu — it surged through him with an intensity that sent shockwaves through the air. But it didn't just stop with Pikachu.
Ash felt it too.
Everything clicked.
As the bolt of lightning struck, Ash's eyes— previously warm and brown— flickered. They turned a piercing, calm blue, his focus sharpening instantly. The connection between him and Pikachu surged like an unstoppable force. The storm, once an uncontrollable force of nature, became something he understood. His mind, already calculating and sharp, suddenly felt like it had access to a deeper well of insight.
His movements were precise, as if his instincts had been amplified by the bond he shared with his partner. He saw the storm not as a threat, but as a tool. And Pikachu, glowing with energy, was his ally in this fight, not a burden.
Together, they were unstoppable.
The blast of combined lightning — Pikachu's Thunder and the lightning from the storm — exploded outward in a brilliant surge of energy. The Spearow, thrown back by the overwhelming force, scattered and flew in all directions, too disoriented to continue their assault.
The rain continued to fall, but now it felt like a distant thing. The world around Ash and Pikachu was sharp, clear, and calm.
Ash took a deep breath, his chest heaving from the exhaustion of the run, but his mind was clear. His eyes remained a steady blue — calm, focused. His hand moved instinctively toward Pikachu, who was still glowing with the aftermath of the blast.
"You're not a burden, Pikachu." Ash's voice was calm, even as the storm raged on. "I'll always protect you."
Pikachu, still slightly unsteady but strong, looked up at his trainer, his heart swelling. The bond they shared had always been there, but now it was something deeper. Stronger. Ash wasn't the impulsive kid he once thought he was. He was someone who thought through every move, every situation. Ash was calm in the storm, just like Pikachu.
Together, they were ready for whatever came next.
Ash slowly regained consciousness, his body feeling heavy, his limbs numb with exhaustion. His mind was foggy, but he pushed through the haze, trying to open his eyes. At first, everything was blurry — shapes and colors merging together. But, as time passed, the world around him became clearer.
And what did he see?
He saw the Spearow scattered around the ground, all of them lying unconscious. The battle had ended, the threat dissipated.
"P-pi…ka…" a weak voice came from his right.
Ash, using every last ounce of strength, turned his body toward the sound. His eyes locked with Pikachu's. Both of them were exhausted, bruised, but alive. And for the first time since the storm began, they shared a quiet, relieved smile. They had made it.
For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. But it wasn't long before the sounds of movement brought Ash's attention back. The Spearow were starting to stir, slowly regaining consciousness.
The leader of the flock, despite his injuries, was still determined to continue the assault. But as his eyes scanned his weakened flock, he saw the hesitation, the fear. They were too shaken by the power Pikachu had unleashed, too exhausted to even take on a Rattata. One by one, they backed away, unwilling to fight.
The leader's beak tightened in frustration. He cursed them for being weaklings, shouting at them to get up.
But they didn't.
And so, with a growl of frustration, the leader turned his attention back to Ash and Pikachu. His wings flapped as he prepared to launch another attack, but as he did, a wave of dizziness hit him. His vision blurred, his legs wobbled, and the pain from the earlier lightning strike overwhelmed him. He stumbled, his strength failing him.
Realizing he couldn't do anything in his current state, he let out one last defiant shout — a promise that this wouldn't be the last time he would face Ash and Pikachu. He would grow stronger, he vowed. Stronger than even the lightning and the storm, until both of them would be like child's play to him.
But Ash didn't hear him. Neither did Pikachu. They were too caught up in the relief of the moment, too focused on each other to care about the leader's empty threats. They both smiled, relieved that the battle was over.
That was until something caught their eyes in the sky.
A majestic figure soared across the clouds — a bird-like creature, glowing with a golden light. It was massive, far larger than anything Ash had ever seen. As it flew, a rainbow seemed to form in its wake, coloring the sky with an ethereal brilliance.
Ash instinctively reached for the books Daisy had given him, flipping through the pages in a frantic attempt to identify the creature. But no matter how hard he searched, nothing matched. It was unlike anything he had ever seen. Not a Pidgeot. Not a Fearow. It was far grander, far more powerful, more majestic. Even the legendary birds — Moltres, Zapdos, Articuno — seemed small compared to the creature now flying before them.
Was it even possible? Ash wondered, his heart racing.
As the creature flew into the distance, Ash and Pikachu shared a silent realization. They were tiny. The world was far larger than they had ever imagined. And compared to the creature above, they were nothing more than a speck of dust in the grand scheme of things.
But rather than feeling discouraged, Ash felt something else stir inside him. Excitement.
The realization that the world was so vast, so full of mysteries, only made him more determined. There were so many Pokémon, so many places, so many adventures waiting out there. They weren't special, not in the way the legendary creatures were. But that didn't matter.
What mattered was the journey. And the two of them were going to face it together.
Ash slowly sat up, his body aching, but his resolve stronger than ever. He gently cradled Pikachu in his arms, the warmth of his friend's presence giving him strength. Together, they had survived this storm. Together, they would face whatever came next.
He looked at Pikachu with a soft smile, his voice calm but filled with purpose. "I think we started off on the wrong foot, didn't we? How about we start again, right this time?"
Pikachu blinked at him, his ears twitching, before a slow grin spread across his face. He licked Ash's cheek affectionately.
Ash laughed softly, brushing the wet hair from his face. "I take it that's a yes." He grinned, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing moment.
The two of them — trainer and Pokémon, friends — stood together, ready to face whatever the future held for them. There were no guarantees. No promises of easy victories. But that didn't matter. As long as they were together, they could face anything. They would seek out the unknown, explore the world, and uncover the mysteries it held.
But for now… for now, the first thing they needed to do was find a Pokémon Center.
And so, as Ash began to walk, Pikachu settled comfortably in his arms, the two of them moving forward into a future full of uncertainty, but with a bond unshakable, grounded in trust, friendship, and a shared dream. The future was theirs to discover — together.