chest.
Professor Oak's lab was alive with morning activity. Outside the main doors, two other trainers were already waiting.
"Well, well," said Gary Oak, flipping his bangs confidently. "If it isn't the Professor's favorite lab assistant. Finally stepping into the real world?"
Ash smirked. "I've been living in the real world, Gary. You've just been watching it from the comfort of your car."
"Hey, boys," Leaf interjected before Gary could retort. Her tone was friendly, even amused. "No need to turn the rivalry dial to ten before I even had my breakfast. Let's just go get our starters."
Inside the lab, Professor Oak awaited, a tray of Poké Balls in hand. The air was thick with excitement and quiet anticipation.
"Good morning, all three of you," he greeted, smiling broadly. "You're about to take your first step into a much larger world. But I trust you're prepared—especially you, Ash."
Gary puffed his chest slightly, but Ash remained steady.
"Today, you each receive one starter Pokémon, a Pokédex, and five Poké Balls to begin your journey."
All three trainers had already decided amongst themselves who they were choosing as their starter so that there was no confusion.
Gary stepped forward first. "I choose Squirtle. Strong, reliable, great defense."
The ball clicked open, and the small blue turtle appeared in a flash of white light. Squirtle blinked once, sized up Gary, and gave a confident salute. Gary responded with a sharp nod, then immediately pulled out a notepad.
"Training begins now. We're focusing on speed drills by midday."
Next was Leaf. "Bulbasaur, please."
Her ball opened to reveal a squat, green Pokémon with a large bulb on its back. Bulbasaur stretched and looked around sleepily. Leaf knelt to meet its eyes and gently reached out to touch its forehead.
"Hey there, cutie. We're going to be great friends."
Bulbasaur blinked slowly, then leaned forward and gave her hand a soft nuzzle. Leaf giggled and scooped him gently into her arms.
Ash stepped forward. "I choose Charmander."
In a swirl of light, the orange lizard with a flickering flame on its tail appeared. Charmander looked up at Ash with a curious gaze, then smiled.
"Hi, buddy," Ash said quietly, noting the faint nervous energy radiating from Charmander. You're strong, but you're still young. "We're going to learn a lot together."
Charmander flicked his tail and tapped Ash's hand lightly with his claw. Ash smiled. There was something honest and eager about this Pokémon—like he was ready to prove himself just as much as Ash was.
Professor Oak smiled at the sight of all three trainers bonding with their new Pokémon. "Good. Now for the rest of your equipment."
He handed each of them a compact red device.
"The Pokédex. This isn't just a Pokémon identification tool. It's a digital encyclopedia linked to the League database. Point it at any Pokémon to learn its species, typing, height, weight, evolutionary data, and regional variants. You'll also find:
- The known movepool, organized by level, TM compatibility, and Egg Moves.
- Type effectiveness charts, including resistances and immunities.
- Field notes submitted by trainers around the region.
- Training tips for teaching advanced moves.
- Status effect symptoms and first-aid treatments.
- A log of all Pokémon you catch, including nature, ability, and battle history.
It updates wirelessly whenever you pass through a certified Pokémon Center."
"That's amazing," Leaf said, flipping hers open.
"And here are your Poké Balls. Five each."
Gary smirked. "I'll need way more than that. My Squirtle and I will win with style."
Ash raised an eyebrow. "We'll see about that."
With a playful smirk, Gary waved. "Catch ya on the leaderboard, Ketchum." Then he strolled outside and into the sleek black car waiting for him at the curb.
Leaf looked at Ash. "I'm heading toward Route 1. Let's meet in Viridian sometime."
"Count on it."Ash wandered the familiar back fields of the lab, visiting each pen and enclosure. He stroked the heads of resting Nidoran, offered a final berry to the Butterfree he'd helped rehabilitate, and gave a gentle rub to the old Growlithe who always waited by the fence for treats.
Ahead, waiting patiently under a wide oak tree, was Pichu. The small Electric-type Pokémon's ears twitched nervously, his tiny body trembling slightly despite the warmth of the sun. Ash's heart clenched with a mixture of pride and melancholy. This little Pokémon had come so far, from a frightened and injured infant to a strong companion. Their bond was unlike any Ash had ever known—it was quiet, built from countless days of patient care and understanding.
Ash knelt down slowly, careful not to startle him. "Hey, buddy," he whispered, voice soft but steady. He reached out a hand, and Pichu stepped forward, nuzzling into Ash's palm. The small sparks from Pichu's cheeks tickled his skin, a gentle reminder of the electric power simmering just beneath the surface.
Ash closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the steady rhythm of Pichu's heartbeat against his hand. He remembered the day they first met—how small and fragile Pichu had seemed, and how terrified. Back then, Ash had wondered if he was ready to take on such responsibility. Now, holding Pichu close, he knew that responsibility had shaped him as much as any battle or lesson.
"It's time for both of us to take the next step," Ash said quietly, voice thick with emotion. "We've worked hard. We've grown. And now, it's time."
Pichu squeaked softly, eyes shining with trust and excitement. Ash could feel the energy building, a subtle vibration pulsing through the air around them.
Suddenly, a brilliant golden light began to glow from within Pichu's small frame. Ash felt a rush of warmth flood his hands and arms, spreading up through his shoulders and chest. It was as if the very air hummed with raw power and ancient magic.