Pokémon: An Unexpected Odyssey

[Adamos_Amet]

Spoiler: Author Note and Support

Disclaimer:
This fanwork is a non-canon creation by Adamo_Amet, who does not claim ownership of any intellectual properties (IPs) referenced herein. All mentioned IPs remain the sole property of their respective holders.

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Support Links:
If you appreciate my work and want to support me, you can do so here:
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Why Include Support Links?
I write because I love it, and it's been truly humbling to see readers on platforms like Royal Road and Webnovel appreciate my "jumbled ramblings" enough to donate. I hold no judgment on what people choose to support, and I want to be clear: I will never put fanwork behind a paywall or delay releases due to lack of support. I've seen others fall into the trap of "big-fish, small-pond" egomania, and I'm determined to avoid that path entirely.

If you can spare a dollar to support my work, that's fantastic. If not, that's absolutely okay too! I'm always up for a chat, so feel free to join me on Discord!

---

"Oh, come on, that's bull crap!" Austin shouted, slouching back on the sofa, frustration bubbling over as he glared at the TV. Seriously? That just happened?

He rubbed his temples, trying to wrap his head around it. How does Pikachu—the same Pikachu that took down a Regice and held his own against a freakin' Latios—lose to a rookie Snivy? Sure, his electric attacks were disabled, but come on! He could've just used Iron Tail and sent that smug little snake flying. It made no sense.

This wasn't the first time the Pokémon anime had pissed him off. No, far from it. He remembered how Ash only took Pikachu with him to Hoenn—completely ignoring the rest of his team. And then he had the nerve to do the exact same thing in Sinnoh. I mean, Bulbasaur showed up for, like, one episode. One. Single. Episode. Who does that?

He shook his head, muttering under his breath as he clicked off the TV. "Anyone could do better than that," he grumbled, reaching for his headphones. The moment he put them on, he felt a little more in control, the world fading out as the opening chords of "New Divide" by Linkin Park filled his ears.

Finally. Some peace.

With his parents out for another hour, he had some time to himself. After they got back, it'd be back to the grind—shopping for boring school supplies and whatever else they could think of. But for now? He could just… exist.

He closed his eyes, letting the music wash over him. But his mind wouldn't stop running laps around the disaster that was the Black and White series. How do you go from Ash in Diamond and Pearl, arguably his peak, to… that? It was just dumb. If he'd brought more than just Pikachu, maybe they wouldn't have made him lose to a beginner's Snivy. It was so stupid, he couldn't let it go. Who writes this stuff?

But as the song played on, something strange happened. His body started to feel heavy. Like, really heavy.

He yawned, his eyelids growing heavier by the second. What the hell? Just a minute ago, I was full of energy, all fired up over the show. Now, it felt like he couldn't even keep his eyes open.

I guess a quick nap wouldn't hurt, he thought, sinking deeper into the cushions. His body felt like it was melting into the sofa, the music swirling around him, pulling him under.

The last thing he remembered before drifting off was the bass thumping in time with his heartbeat, each beat pulling him deeper and deeper into sleep.

---

Austin felt his nose twitch as the sunlight pierced through the window, forcing him to turn his head away from its blinding rays. Instinctively, he curled up tighter, seeking the warmth of his covers.

…Wait.

He hadn't pulled any covers over himself.

A chill of unease ran down his spine as his eyes cracked open, and he froze. The room around him was definitely not his. His heart started racing, a cold sweat forming at the back of his neck as he shot upright, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings.

What the hell?

He scrambled out of the bed, his legs wobbly beneath him, like they weren't his. His gaze darted around the room, taking in the bizarre decorations: a Clefairy piggy bank, a Zubat hanging from the ceiling, a giant Snorlax bean bag chair sprawled across the floor, and a broken Voltorb clock with a mini Pidgey perched on top of it.

This wasn't real. None of this could be real.

He stumbled toward a mirror on the wall, his heart pounding so hard he could feel it in his throat. As he caught sight of his reflection, his blood ran cold.

The face staring back at him wasn't his.

It was Ash Ketchum's.

No. No, no, no. This… This couldn't be real. His hands trembled as he lifted one to his face, and Ash's reflection did the same, perfectly mirroring his movements. His brain struggled to catch up, his thoughts spiraling out of control.

N-No way… This had to be a dream, right? It couldn't be anything else.

His hand touched his cheek, and the skin was warm, solid. It didn't feel like a dream. His mind reeled. How the hell did I get here? How am I in Ash Ketchum's body?!

"H-How—" He tried to speak, but the voice that came out wasn't his. It was Ash's voice. His heart dropped into his stomach. This was real. Somehow, impossibly real.

He screamed.

The sound ripped through the room, raw and panicked, bouncing off the walls as he lost whatever composure he had left. What the hell was happening to him?!

Almost instantly, he regretted the outburst. Footsteps pounded down the hallway, growing louder, closer. Before he could even begin to think of what to do, the door swung open, revealing a young woman with mahogany hair and amber eyes.

Delia Ketchum. Ash's mom.

"Ash, are you alright?" she asked, her voice laced with concern as her eyes searched his face for answers.

Panic tightened its grip on his chest. His first instinct was to confess—tell her he wasn't Ash, tell her this was some insane nightmare that didn't make any sense. But how would that sound? What could he even say? Hey, I'm not your son, I just woke up like this. Yeah, that'd go over great.

"I-I overslept!" he blurted out, the words tumbling from his mouth before he could stop them. His voice—Ash's voice—was strained, panicked. He forced himself to adopt the identity, at least for now. It was the only way to keep things from spiraling further out of control.

Delia's worried expression softened into a gentle smile, but he could still see traces of concern. She didn't push him, though. Thank Arceus for that.

He awkwardly darted past her, his movements clumsy, uncoordinated. Adjusting to this body was like being shoved into clothes two sizes too small—everything felt weird, wrong. His legs were shorter, his arms were thinner, and he didn't know how to move without feeling like he might trip over his own feet at any second.

"Ash, wait! You need to eat something—" Delia's voice faded as he bolted out the door, ignoring the pit in his stomach.

What the hell is going on?

Panic surged through Austin as he sprinted down the street, his legs moving faster than his brain could keep up. He didn't know where he was going, but the need to move, to figure this out, was overwhelming.

This is a dream, he told himself over and over again. Just a really messed-up, hyper-realistic dream.

Any second now, he was going to wake up. He'd be back in his room, back with his parents, getting ready for school shopping or whatever mundane thing was on the agenda. But no matter how hard he wished for it, the wake-up call never came.

His lungs burned, and he slowed to a stop, realizing he hadn't even gone that far. Ash's house was still visible in the distance, standing there like a mocking reminder that none of this made any sense.

"Okay… okay," he muttered under his breath, trying to get a grip. "I'm obviously in Pallet Town."

He swallowed hard, the words barely making sense even as he said them.

"And I've become Ash."

He let out a nervous laugh, half-expecting to blink and find himself in some padded room, wrapped up in a straitjacket. But no, he was still here, in Pallet Town, standing in Ash's skin. The air felt too crisp, the sounds of the town too clear, too real. This wasn't how dreams felt.

His thoughts were interrupted by a distant noise—voices, laughter, and something else. He looked up and saw a crowd gathering near the gates of the Oak Pokémon Lab. Instinctively, he walked toward the commotion, hoping it might help him piece together this bizarre reality.

And then he heard it—a familiar voice, oozing arrogance.

"Well, Ash, better late than never, I suppose."

He stopped dead in his tracks. No way. He turned, and there he was—a boy his age, brown hair, blue shirt, black pants, holding a Pokéball like it was a trophy.

"G-Gary Oak?" he stuttered, feeling his brain short-circuit.

"That's Mr. Gary to you. Show some respect," Gary shot back, his words dripping with superiority. It was exactly how Austin remembered him from the show—the smugness, the cocky attitude. It was unreal.

"Well, Ash, you snooze, you lose. I have a Pokémon, and you don't." He smirked, basking in his own importance.

Austin could feel his blood boiling, but at the same time, a strange calm settled over him. This was his dream, right? He didn't have to take this crap.

"Must be quite the Pokémon to put up with your big head," he snapped before he could stop himself.

Gary's eyes widened in surprise, clearly not expecting Ash to fight back like that. His mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. For a moment, Austin wondered if he'd gone too far. But then Gary narrowed his eyes, recovering.

"I bet you're wondering what Pokémon it is—"

"Squirtle," Austin said flatly, cutting him off.

Gary's jaw dropped, his ego visibly deflating. "How did you know?!"

Crap. He hadn't thought this through. "Uh, there are only three choices. I just guessed," Austin lied, hoping it sounded somewhat believable.

Gary gave him a suspicious look, but eventually, he let it go. "Well, whatever. Doesn't matter. I've got a journey to start, and you're already behind, Smell ya later? Ashy-Boy."

His signature catchphrase sounded ridiculous now that Austin was hearing it in person. Smell ya later? Who says that? He had to suppress a snicker, wondering if Gary had some weird smell-related fetish or something.

Before he could dwell on that strange thought, an elderly voice cut through the chaos.

"So you decided to show up after all."

He whipped around, and there he was—Professor Samuel Oak, in the flesh. White lab coat, red shirt, brown cargo pants, just like the anime. But seeing him in real life, in front of Austin, was… surreal. The legend himself. He felt his legs go weak.

"P-Professor Oak?" Austin blurted, completely starstruck. His brain short-circuited again. This was just too much.

Professor Oak raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Well, you look like you're ready for bed, not for Pokémon training," he chuckled, eyeing Austin's appearance.

He glanced down and winced. He was a mess—just like Ash had been in the anime. His clothes were wrinkled, and he looked like he had just rolled out of bed. Great, he thought. Perfect first impression.

"Uh… I can fix this," Austin stammered, feeling his face heat up with embarrassment.

But then, something shifted inside him. If this was a dream, if he was really stuck in this, he might as well lean into it. He wasn't just Austin anymore—he was Ash. And Ash… Ash had a Pokémon to get.

A grin spread across his face as he looked Professor Oak in the eye, the nervous energy suddenly turning into something bolder.

"But I am ready for a Pokémon," he declared.

For the first time since this whole dream started, Austin felt like he had some control. If he was going to be Ash, then damn it, he was going to be the best version of Ash.

---

Austin glanced around the lab, his eyes darting over every piece of high-tech equipment, each sound and flicker of light setting his nerves on edge. This was it—where everything began. The beginning of Ash's journey, the place that changed everything. But now it was his. His hands trembled slightly as the glass panel slid open, revealing three Pokéballs.

"Are you alright, Ash?" Professor Oak asked, his voice gentle but probing, as if he could sense the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside Austin.

He forced a smile, mustering every ounce of fake enthusiasm he could. "Oh, I'm fine, Professor. Just excited."

Excited? Austin felt like he was standing on the edge of a cliff, the ground crumbling beneath his feet. He'd dreamt of this moment for years, but now that he was here, the reality felt far more surreal and nerve-wracking.

"Hm… Well, alright then," Professor Oak said, his eyes lingering on Austin for a moment before he sighed and gestured to the Pokéballs. "So, who will be your choice?"

Austin took a deep breath, pretending to weigh his options, even though he knew exactly what he had to do. "Well, Gary said he got a Squirtle, so that's out," he said, reaching for a Pokéball.

"I choose Charmander."

He popped it open, knowing full well it would be empty. His heart raced as he tried to mimic disappointment, turning his face into a perfect mask of letdown. And right on cue, Professor Oak confirmed it.

"That one was also taken by a kid who wasn't late."

"Of course it was," Austin muttered, feigning exasperation. "Well, that's fine. Bulbasaur is a great Pokémon—"

He opened the next ball. Empty again. A pit of anxiety formed in his stomach, despite knowing what was coming.

"The early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the Pokémon," Professor Oak remarked with a knowing smile, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

"So… there's no Pokémon left?" Austin asked, pretending to sound crestfallen, though he already knew the answer.

Professor Oak hesitated, clearly torn. "Well, there's still one left, but I—"

"I'll take it," Austin blurted out, his voice too eager, too desperate. He needed to keep moving, to keep moving before he woke up.

Professor Oak blinked at Austin's urgency but nodded, pressing a button. A lone Pokéball, marked with a lightning bolt, rose up.

"I should warn you, there's a problem with this last one," Professor Oak said, his eyes cautious.

Austin's heart hammered in his chest. "I'll take my chances."

"Very well then," Professor Oak said, handing over the ball. Austin grinned, but the moment he touched it, the weight of everything hit him. This was real. He pressed the button, and a flash of light filled the room, materializing into a small, yellow mouse with red cheeks and a lightning bolt tail.

"His name is Pikachu," Professor Oak said as Pikachu turned to them, his tiny face scrunched in a frown.

"Pika," Pikachu grunted, crossing his little arms like a disgruntled toddler.

"Hey, Pikachu," Austin said softly, extending his hand, his heart aching with a weird, nostalgic fondness. This was Pikachu. Ash's Pikachu. No—his Pikachu. But as he moved closer, Professor Oak's voice cut through the moment.

"Wait—!"

Too late. Pain exploded through Austin's body, his muscles seizing up as Pikachu unleashed a jolt of electricity. He collapsed, twitching violently, his vision going white.

Oh god, the pain—it was real. This wasn't a dream, and it hurt like hell. His body convulsed, his teeth clenched as he tried to process what was happening. The shock was overwhelming, his thoughts a scattered mess. Holy shit, he was really here.

"Shocking, isn't it?" Professor Oak's voice cut through the haze, his tone casual, almost amused.

S-S-Screw you, Austin thought, his body still jerking uncontrollably, the words never quite making it out of his mouth.

Pikachu huffed, looking more annoyed than anything, like Austin had offended him personally.

Austin finally regained control of his limbs, though they still tingled from the residual shock. He glanced at Pikachu, who refused to meet his eyes, the little yellow body turned slightly away in what looked like… was that embarrassment? Or maybe Pikachu just didn't care. Either way, the boy was sure of one thing now.

This wasn't a dream.

The weight of the situation hit him all at once, like a tidal wave he wasn't prepared for. How the hell did he end up here? He was in Ash Ketchum's body. Did that mean Ash was in his? A knot twisted in his gut at the thought. Could Ash be back in his world, in his body, with his parents? How would they even handle that? Would Ash try to explain it or just play along?

Austin swallowed hard, imagining his mom's face when her son started acting like a hyperactive, Pokémon-obsessed kid.

Wait, that's literally me.

He shook his head, trying to push the panic down. I have to fix this, he thought, as Professor Oak handed him a Pokédex and a handful of Pokéballs, his expression calm, like nothing in the world was wrong. How was he supposed to fix this? He didn't even know how he got here in the first place.

Knowing his luck, he'd probably end up in a mental hospital if he ever got back home.

Austin stared at the Pokédex, turning it over in his hands before pointing it at Pikachu. The pokemon finally looked up, his brow furrowing, obviously confused by whatever Austin was doing.

"Pikachu, the Electric Mouse Pokémon," the robotic voice of the Pokédex droned on. "The red sacs on its cheeks store energy equal to a lightning bolt. If one finds a charred berry in the woods, it is a sure sign that a Pikachu is nearby."

Austin marveled at it, even though he knew exactly what the Pokédex did. Hearing it for real, standing here, holding this thing… it was like stepping into another dimension. Well, technically, that's exactly what had happened.

"This Pikachu is male, with the ability Static. He knows Thundershock, Growl, and Tail Whip. Age: two years and five months."

Austin blinked at the detail. It even listed Pikachu's age? How had Ash survived half the stuff that happened in the show? Like, Pikachu should be able to incinerate him. That Flamethrower attack from Charizard should've been the end of him! He glanced at Pikachu, who huffed and looked away again, clearly still unimpressed.

"You may want to return him to his Pokéball," Professor Oak suggested, pulling Austin out of his thoughts. Pikachu's ears perked up, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Right. He remembered this part. Pikachu hated being inside the Pokéball. Austin smiled, hoping to smooth things over. "Nah, I think he'd prefer to stay out."

Pikachu's ears twitched, his gaze still suspicious. Austin tried to sound confident, though part of him was screaming to just play it safe. The last thing he needed was another electric shock.

"Besides, how can I be his friend if I keep him in the ball all the time?"

Pikachu made a noise that sounded suspiciously like a scoff, his little face twisted into a Yeah, right kind of look.

Great, Austin thought, I'm off to a fantastic start.

Professor Oak scratched his cheek, clearly not convinced. "If you're sure, Ash."

Austin swallowed hard. Ash. He had to remember, he was Ash now. At least for as long as he was stuck here. He couldn't afford to slip up, to let anyone know something was off. Not yet. It would take some getting used to, pretending to be someone else in a world that had been fiction just a day ago.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to settle into Ash's mindset. Carefree. Optimistic. Maybe a little dense. When he opened them again, Professor Oak was staring at him with a concerned expression.

"You alright, Ash?"

"Uh, yeah," Austin stammered, forcing a grin. "Just trying to calm myself because I'm so excited."

Professor Oak chuckled, clearly buying his act. "Well, excitement is a good start for any Pokémon Trainer."

Excitement, Austin thought, feeling the weight of the Pokédex in his hand and the Pokéballs in his pocket. Right. That was one way to describe it. He wasn't sure if excitement was the right word for what he was feeling. It was more like a storm of confusion and anxiety, but he had no choice but to push forward.

---

Stepping out of the lab, Austin scanned the front of the ranch, half-expecting to see Ash's mom waiting with that warm smile she always had in the anime. But she wasn't there. There was no Delia.

Well, that's one thing that's different, he thought, though the relief was short-lived. A knot of concern tightened in his chest. How was he going to deal with her? Moms notice everything, especially when something's off. What would she think if she picked up on the changes in him?

The possibilities played out in his mind like an endless reel of disasters. Would she think he was possessed by some ghost Pokémon? Maybe she'd think he was finally taking things seriously for once, or worse, that Pikachu's shock had connected Ash's last two brain cells.

The thought made him chuckle, but the humor quickly faded. If she got too suspicious, it could lead to a medical evaluation. What would that even look like here? Would I end up strapped to some machine in a Pokémon Center, electrodes stuck to my head while a Chansey tried to keep me calm, and an Alakazam probed my mind, all while I desperately tried to explain why her son wasn't acting like himself?

He shuddered at the thought, his mind spinning with worst-case scenarios.

"Pika."

Pikachu's voice snapped him out of his spiraling thoughts. Austin looked down to see the little yellow mouse staring up at him with an expression that clearly said, Get me out of here.

He hummed quietly to himself. Right, Ash only won Pikachu over because of the whole Spearow fiasco, he thought, considering for a split second whether he should try to recreate that scene. But that idea died the moment it formed.

No way am I doing that. What kind of butterfly—or rather, Butterfree—effect would that bring? He sighed again, realizing just how fragile this world felt. How much could he change? Would the universe try to stick to the plot no matter what he did? Or could he make things better—or worse?

"Come on, Pikachu," he said, trying to break the tension. "Don't I get the benefit of the doubt for not shoving you in the Pokéball?"

Pikachu just stared at him blankly, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Pika Pi," he muttered, and although Austin didn't know exactly what he said, the tone made it sound like an insult.

He couldn't help but smirk. Even in this world, Pikachu wasn't taking him seriously—especially while he was still in his pajamas.

Without thinking too much, Austin turned back toward the lab. As he stepped inside, the first thing he noticed was Professor Oak busy with paperwork. Then his eyes landed on something that made his heart nearly stop.

An Alakazam.

The Pokémon floated near Professor Oak, manipulating two brooms to sweep the floor using psychic energy, its silver spoons glowing faintly. Its narrow eyes and small mustache gave it a sharp, knowing look, like it could see right through him.

His pulse quickened. Could it read his mind? Was it doing it right now? Could it tell that he wasn't really Ash? Oh God, was it going to expose him?

"Alakazam!" he blurted out, his voice a little too loud, a little too shaky. He tried to cover his anxiety with a deep breath, but his mind was spinning out of control.

Professor Oak looked up, oblivious to his internal freakout. "Oh, Ash, my boy! Do you need something?" He walked over with a stack of papers, completely casual, while Austin was on the verge of a full-blown panic attack.

He couldn't stop staring at the Alakazam, sweat forming on his forehead. Could it feel his thoughts? It had to know something was wrong. He had to get out of here.

"Oh, Alakazam is mine," Professor Oak said with a chuckle, sensing his unease. "Don't worry—she doesn't bite."

Bite? Yeah, I wasn't worried about biting. I was worried about her ripping my mind apart with psychic powers.

"P-Professor," Austin stammered, trying to pull himself together. "Do you have a book on how to deal with aggressive Pokémon? And… some ketchup packets?" The words tumbled out of his mouth before he could think, his eyes darting between Oak and Alakazam, who was now narrowing its eyes at him.

"Ketchup packets?" Oak looked at him, amused but a little confused. "Ah, trying to make friends with Pikachu, I see. Great start, my boy."

He motioned to Alakazam to fetch some items, and Austin felt like he could breathe again—at least for a moment. But even as Alakazam floated away, he couldn't shake the paranoia gnawing at the back of his mind. Did she know what he was thinking? Was she judging him?

Oak's voice brought him back. "You might want to stop staring, my boy. People and Pokémon alike don't appreciate that."

He nodded slowly, feeling like the biggest idiot on the planet. He needed to get a grip.

Within moments, a book titled Handling Fury: Professor Samuel Oak's Guide to Managing Aggressive Mons floated over, followed by a handful of ketchup packets. He grabbed them like a lifeline, muttering a quick "thanks" before practically bolting out of the lab.

The second he was outside, he leaned against the wall, his heart pounding so hard he thought it might burst out of his chest. He clutched the book and ketchup like they were going to save his life.

"Jesus Christ," he muttered to himself, trying to shake the paranoia. He hadn't expected this to be so real.

"Pika."

Pikachu frowned and turned away deliberately, clearly unimpressed. It stung more than Austin wanted to admit, but he wasn't about to give up. He knew there was a way to get through to him.

Austin pulled out a packet of ketchup and carefully tore it open. The rich, tangy scent filled the air, and he squeezed some onto his palm, holding it out like an olive branch.

Pikachu hesitated, but Austin could see his ears twitching, his little nose wrinkling as he caught a whiff. Slowly, Pikachu inched closer, curiosity overpowering his initial distrust. He sniffed cautiously, then reached out a paw and dipped it into the ketchup, tasting it.

Austin's heart swelled as he watched Pikachu's eyes light up with delight. He knew it—ketchup was Pikachu's weakness. This was his chance to connect, to show Pikachu he wasn't just some clueless kid.

Taking a deep breath, Austin placed Pikachu's Pokéball on the ground between them, a gesture of trust. "Look, I know you don't like the situation you were put into," he started, his voice betraying the nerves he was barely keeping in check. He clasped his hands behind his back, trying to hide their trembling. Why was this so hard? It's just a Pokémon, right? But… it was more than that.

Pikachu's eyes shifted from the ketchup to him, his attention fully captured now.

"But I have a simple proposal." Austin tried to sound casual. "You scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours."

Pikachu tilted his head, confused. He glanced at his paws, as if checking if something was on them. Austin almost laughed at the sight but managed to hold it in.

"What I mean is… help me catch another Pokémon, and when we reach Viridian City I'll release you." Austin trailed off, gauging Pikachu's reaction. Pikachu looked genuinely surprised, his eyes widening as he squeaked, "Pika?" as if to ask why.

Pikachu didn't get it, did he? No one had ever bothered to ask him what he wanted. "I imagined myself in your position," Austin said softly. "Being told you have to travel with a stupid ten-year-old… I'd probably jump off the nearest cliff."

It was a stupid joke, but it seemed to work. Pikachu snorted, a small smile breaking through his initial reluctance. Austin's shoulders relaxed a fraction.

"So, deal?" Austin asked, holding out his hand, praying Pikachu wouldn't reject it. His heart was pounding so hard he was sure Pikachu could hear it. Everything felt surreal—here he was, negotiating with a Pokémon, and yet it felt more intense than any conversation he'd ever had.

Pikachu eyed him for a moment, as if weighing his options. Then, with a small, deliberate movement, he stretched out his paw and met Austin's hand.

"Pika."

A simple sound, but it felt like a promise. Relief washed over Austin, and he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

Austin hurried back to the house, flipping through the pages of the book in his hands. Surprisingly, it was in English. He stopped for a second, his mind trying to process that.

Wait… shouldn't this be in Japanese? Or is it in Japanese, and I'm just seeing it as English?

His thoughts were interrupted by a sharp gasp. He looked up and froze. Delia—Mom—was standing outside, her hand over her mouth, staring at the book like it was some kind of alien artifact.

"Ash, is everything alright?" she asked, her eyes wide, darting between him and the book like she couldn't believe what she was seeing.

Yeah, he couldn't believe it either. Ash and books? If he were in her shoes, he'd be just as shocked. He forced a smile, trying to play it off.

"Professor Oak gave me this awesome book to help me be the best trainer for Pikachu," he explained, hoping the excuse would fly.

Delia's expression softened as her gaze shifted to Pikachu, who was standing at Austin's side. Her whole face lit up like she was seeing the cutest thing in the world. "Well, aren't you a handsome boy?" she cooed, reaching out to pet him.

Austin opened his mouth to warn her, but it was too late. Pikachu was already bracing himself, his cheeks sparking lightly. But before he could let loose, Delia found the magic spot between his ears. Pikachu's eyes went wide, then half-lidded as he melted into her touch.

"Chaa…" he murmured, looking like he was in heaven.

Austin blinked, completely dumbfounded. What the— How did she manage that? Pikachu practically roasted him earlier, but now he was a puddle of contentment in her hands.

That's not fair.

"Your clothes are out on your bed," Delia said casually, still rubbing Pikachu's head. Austin could see Pikachu leaning into it, tail wagging slightly.

"R-Right…" Austin muttered, shaking his head as he headed inside. The feeling of familiarity hit him hard as he made his way up the stairs. It was Ash's room, but now it felt like it was his too. He stepped in, spotting the clothes laid out neatly on the bed—the exact outfit from the first three seasons.

He changed quickly, pulling on the black shirt and blue vest, followed by the jeans, sneakers, and the red and white hat that felt too iconic for its own good. The moment he put on the fingerless green gloves, he stared at himself in the mirror.

Jesus… I'm really turning into him.

He looked like Ash, down to the last detail. The sight was unsettling, like he was losing pieces of himself the longer he stayed here. With a deep breath, he grabbed the backpack and headed back downstairs.

Delia had breakfast waiting. The smell of food hit him, but instead of feeling comforted, a pang of guilt gnawed at his stomach. She was smiling so warmly, so genuinely, like she was happy to see her son. But he wasn't really her son. Not in the way she thought.

I'm not Ash. The thought was like a weight pressing on his chest. But what could he do? He didn't cause this. He didn't ask to be thrown into this world. He was just trying to survive. Trying to make the best of a completely insane situation.

Pikachu was already chowing down on some Pokémon food Delia had put out for him, looking completely content. Austin tried to get his attention. "Hey, Pikachu."

He didn't even look at Austin. Just kept eating, deliberately ignoring him.

Yeah… still a dick.

"Eat up, you'll need your strength before your journey," Delia encouraged, her voice full of warmth.

Austin nodded, forcing a weak smile as he started eating. He took small bites, chewing slowly, trying to keep his mind from spiraling.

Out of the corner of his eye, Austin saw Delia watching him, her brows furrowing in confusion. He could tell she was noticing the change. Normally, Ash—he—would be stuffing his face like there was no tomorrow. But he was eating slowly, methodically.

She wasn't used to it. To him. And how could she be? Ash had been acting different since the moment Austin woke up. He could see the questions in her eyes, the slight confusion she tried to hide behind that smile.

Austin started stuffing his face in response, and the confusion melted into a warm smile on Delia's face.

---

The grasslands stretched out around her like an endless sea of green, swaying gently under the soft whisper of the wind. The air was alive with the scent of earth and wildflowers—a peaceful place for most, but for her, it was a battlefield. Her stomach gnawed at her, a relentless ache that overshadowed the dull pain of the wounds she'd gathered from living out here alone. She was hungry. So hungry.

She crept through the underbrush, her small, purple body blending with the shadows. The coolness of the ground seeped into her cream-colored paws, the ache in her belly driving her forward. Each step was cautious, her narrow eyes darting around, ears twitching at every sound. Out here, everything could be a threat—or an opportunity.

The scent hit her like a wave, pulling her in, making her nose twitch with excitement. Food. Her instincts kicked in, sharpening her focus. She followed the tantalizing aroma through the tall grass, her heart racing with anticipation. She would eat tonight. She had to.

She slunk closer, belly low to the ground, until she spotted him—a human boy, standing there, staring off into the distance with wide eyes. He looked almost lost, like he was seeing the world for the first time. Her gaze zeroed in on his backpack, her heart pounding so hard she thought it might burst. That's where the food was. It had to be.

He didn't see her. He was too busy with whatever humans get fascinated by. Perfect. She moved closer, each step deliberate, careful. The hunger gnawed at her, urging her forward despite the fear that prickled along her spine. She had to be quick. In and out. Just grab something and run.

She was so close. Her heart raced, muscles coiled tight, ready to snatch whatever she could. But then—pain. Searing, blinding pain shot through her like a bolt of lightning. Her body convulsed, her fur standing on end as the electricity tore through every nerve. It was like her entire being was on fire, buzzing uncontrollably, her muscles seizing up in a helpless dance.

What's happening? She wanted to scream, but no sound came out, only a faint whimper as she crumpled to the ground. She lay there, trembling, eyes wide with shock and fear. Why? Why this pain? She wasn't doing anything wrong. She was just hungry. She just wanted—

Her gaze met the boy's. There was no anger in his eyes, only something else, something that cut through her deeper than any wound ever could. Disappointment. It felt like he was looking right through her, seeing something she didn't even know was there.

She barely registered the Pokéball in his hand before it flew toward her. She tried to move, to run, but her body wouldn't listen. The red light enveloped her, pulling her in, and everything around her went dark.

Was I wrong to be hungry?

---

Austin stood in the middle of Route 1, staring down at the freshly caught Pokéball in his hand. His first Pokémon. He should've been more excited, right? But he couldn't shake the disappointment gnawing at him.

"Rattata…" he muttered, trying to find some enthusiasm in the name alone. Not exactly a thrilling start. But then again, this wasn't a game. Plus, any Pokémon can be strong, he had to remind himself. That was one lesson that was always repeated in the anime.

Pikachu glanced back at him briefly, probably wondering why he was just standing there like an idiot.

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Austin said, forcing a smile. "You did your part."

Pikachu's ear twitched as he motioned toward the backpack, clearly telling Austin to get on with it and open the damn ketchup. He rolled his eyes but complied, tearing open a packet and handing it to Pikachu. The little Pokémon latched onto it immediately, eyes half-closed in bliss as he sucked on it.

Austin shook his head, watching him. "Let's just get to Viridian City," he muttered, more to himself than to Pikachu. "It'll take a few minutes, and then… well, I'll set you free if that's what you want."

Pikachu glanced at him, his expression unreadable. Part of Austin hoped Pikachu would stick around, but he knew better than to count on it. He knew the Pokémon writers had a habit of nerfing Pikachu every other region, but the electric mouse had always managed to grow strong.

Regardless, Austin resolved to release Pikachu if that was what the Pokémon desired.

He sighed, shifting the Pokéball in his hand.

Just then, a sharp, piercing cry cut through the air.

"Spearow!"

Austin's heart jumped into his throat. He spun around, every nerve on edge. There, perched on a low-hanging branch, was a Spearow, glaring at him with those narrow, fierce eyes. Its feathers were a rough mix of browns and pinks, and its beak—sharp and hooked—looked like it was made to tear things apart. It was small, but it didn't need to be big to be dangerous.

Pikachu tensed beside him, sparks crackling around his cheeks as he prepared to attack. Austin raised his hand instinctively, stopping him.

"No, don't!" he whispered urgently. Starting a fight with a Spearow was a bad idea. He knew how this went. One wrong move and it would call its entire flock. And he wasn't ready for that—not even close.

But the Spearow's gaze hardened, and Austin saw its beak open, ready to let out a call. Panic gripped him, his mind scrambling for a solution. He didn't have time to think, only to react.

His hand moved on its own, grabbing another Pokéball from his belt. Desperation took over as he hurled it at the bird, his heart pounding so hard he thought it might burst.

"Spear!" the bird screeched, and then it disappeared in a flash of light as the Pokéball hit it dead on. The ball shook violently as it fell to the ground, rocking back and forth. Austin could barely breathe, every second stretching out into what felt like hours. He braced himself, half-expecting the Spearow to burst free and call its friends down on them like a pack of wolves.

But then, the Pokéball stilled. There was a soft, clear ding.

Austin froze, staring at it in disbelief. Did he just…?

"I caught it?" he whispered, the words barely registering in his own mind. He took a hesitant step forward, picking up the Pokéball and feeling its smooth surface under his fingertips. He caught it. He actually caught it.

---

[Pallet Town - Ketchum Household]

Delia was a whirlwind of emotions—a blend of pride and profound worry that only a mother whose son had just left on a dangerous journey could understand. The tightness in her chest wouldn't ease; her mind replayed every possible danger her son could face.

"Don't worry, he'll be alright. He is his father's son after all," she murmured to herself, trying to find solace in the reminder.

To distract herself, Delia turned on the television, hoping some idle show might soothe her nerves. However, the news only heightened her anxiety. The anchor began a segment that immediately caught her attention and stoked her fears:

"Tragic news from Route 1 as a young trainer named Jimmy was found deceased early this morning, the victim of an aggressive Spearow flock. Experts believe this flock has developed unusually strategic hunting tactics. Dr. Fiona Barkley, a Pokémon behaviorist, notes that the Spearows appear to use a single member to lure unsuspecting trainers or Pokémon into ambushes where the entire flock then attacks. Environmental biologist, Dr. Hank Jennings, suggests that recent habitat disruptions may have forced the Spearows to adopt more aggressive measures to defend their territory. This dangerous flock is known to be active across Routes 1, 25, and 3. The incidents have sparked outrage in several communities, with citizens demanding action from the Pokémon League."

As the report continued, Delia's hands began to sweat, her heart thumping wildly in her chest. She clasped her hands tightly together, her knuckles whitening as she whispered a prayer.

Oh, Mew, please keep my baby safe!

 

[Adamos_Amet]

Spoiler: Patreon and Discord

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon. Any similarities between real people, living or dead, or places, standing or demolished, in this story are just coincidences. If you appreciate my work and want to support me, you can do so here:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Adamo_Amet
Discord: https://discord.gg/9BARwq8n

---

Breathe in, breathe out.

Each breath tore through Austin's chest like sandpaper, sharp and unforgiving. His lungs screamed, his heart pounded against his ribs like a drum, and his legs… his legs felt like they were made of lead. Every muscle burned with raw, searing pain, but he couldn't stop—not with the bloodthirsty flock of Spearow screeching behind him.

He forced himself to remember his brother's advice: "Stay light on your feet. Lean forward. Don't lock your knees."

But it was hard to remember anything coherent when terror was thrumming through his veins, drowning out any sense of control. He stumbled, and a sudden, sharp pain exploded at the back of his head—white-hot and blinding—as a Spearow dove down and struck him. He nearly collapsed, but adrenaline surged through him, sparking every nerve to keep moving, keep surviving.

The pain in his skull barely registered compared to the fear—pure, gut-wrenching terror lodged itself like a stone in his stomach. These Spearow weren't going to stop. They didn't care about mercy, didn't care that he was just a kid. They were relentless. His legs felt like they'd give out any second, but he pushed through it, lungs burning, the air tearing at his throat with each gasping breath.

"Pikachu, get in your Pokéball!" he gasped, his voice barely a choked whisper of desperation.

"Pi?!"

"Listen to me," he begged, twisting his backpack to shield his head from another dive. "I'm not going to let you get hurt!" The thought of Pikachu taking a single hit from those razor-sharp beaks and talons made his stomach churn.

But then, a darker thought slammed into him, harder than any Spearow ever could. Was this my fault? The question gnawed at him, ugly and insistent. Did catching that lone Spearow set the rest of them off? Or… or is this just Ash's fate? Maybe no matter what I do, this is how it always goes.

The doubt tangled into his fear, making his heartbeat trip over itself. He barely had a chance to wrestle with the thought before he realized Pikachu wasn't beside him anymore.

"Pika—!" The defiant cry reached his ears, and his heart plummeted. He spun around, stumbling to a stop, and saw Pikachu standing his ground, tiny body tensed, sparks crackling across his cheeks, ready to take on the entire flock alone.

"No, Pikachu!" Austin's voice broke as he fumbled with Pikachu's Pokéball, his hands trembling. He aimed and shot out the red beam just as Pikachu fired a thundershock, recalling the small Pokémon before he could launch into a losing battle. As Pikachu disappeared into the safety of the ball, the residual shock stunned a few of the Spearow, momentarily dropping them from the sky.

A brief flash of relief flooded Austin, but it was fleeting. The rest of the flock was still hurtling toward him, closing in fast.

He stood there, gasping, every muscle trembling, his skin buzzing with leftover adrenaline. He had maybe a second to catch his breath, maybe two—but he knew that wouldn't be enough. His mind raced, searching frantically for a plan, but the beat of wings drawing closer snapped him back to the present.

Misty. She should be nearby. I need to find her. I need help, he thought, clutching Pikachu's Pokéball in a death grip.

Good. I have a plan, he told himself, ignoring the relentless pounding in his chest. Now, if there's a god out there… give me some luck.

He swung his bag up over his head, using it as a flimsy shield as he sprinted forward, hoping it'd at least soften the blows from those vicious beaks and claws. Each step was a desperate gamble, his legs numb, but he pushed forward, refusing to look back at the screeching flock. All he could do was cling to his plan and pray it'd be enough.

---

Misty Waterflower didn't consider herself a patient girl. Never had been. In fact, she was pretty much the opposite—more of a firecracker. Kinda ironic, given her dream of becoming a water-type Pokémon specialist. Water was supposed to be calm, cool, flowing. But her? She was more like a stormy sea—unpredictable and restless.

The sun warmed her face as she pedaled through the grasslands, the breeze teasing her hair in a way that was almost calming. Pidgeys darted overhead, and unseen critters rustled in the tall grass, but none of it really held her attention. She had other things on her mind.

She pulled up beside a river and checked her Pokétch, its dot-matrix screen blinking as it confirmed her location. This was the spot. Out here in the wide-open Kanto region, she was on her own quest—proving herself worthy of taking over the Cerulean Gym.

Of course, League missions kept getting in the way. Today's task? Deal with some annoying Spearow. Necessary? Sure. Annoying? Absolutely.

Misty sighed, muttering under her breath, "I'll deal with those pesky flying types later." Right now, she had something better in mind. Fishing. Adding a new water-type to her team sounded like a much better use of her time.

She reached for her fishing rod, her mood brightening at the thought of snagging a new catch, but just as she was about to cast her line, she heard a distant squawk. It was deep, loud, and definitely not the peaceful sound of a nearby river. She turned, eyes narrowing, and that's when she saw him.

A boy. Sprinting toward her like his life depended on it, his backpack thrown haphazardly over his head for protection while he clutched a violently shaking Pokéball in his hands. She blinked, staring in disbelief as he ran, panic written all over his face. He was in trouble, that much was obvious. But then their eyes met, and there was something in his gaze—recognition. Like he knew her. What the hell? She'd never seen this guy before in her life, yet he looked at her like she was some long-lost friend. Or maybe a lifeline.

Before she could even process it, he shouted, "I have an electric type! Can you release your water type?!"

Wait, what?

Misty blinked, confused, but instinct kicked in. She didn't have time to ask questions. Her hand flew to her Pokéball, and with a swift motion, she released Starmie. Her trusted partner appeared, its red jewel core gleaming, spinning in readiness for battle. Starmie and Misty were always in sync—no words needed.

The boy stumbled to her side, gasping for breath. He released his Pikachu, who looked absolutely furious. The situation was bad. She could tell from the swarm of Spearow in the distance, diving like little demons. This wasn't just a few peckish birds; this was an all-out attack.

"Wide Water Pulse!" she commanded. Starmie spun in the air, sending out a massive spray of water. The Spearow, mid-flight, were drenched, their wings suddenly too heavy to stay airborne. As they plummeted to the ground, squawking in confusion, she couldn't help the rush of adrenaline that surged through her. Gotcha.

"Now, Pikachu!"

Pikachu didn't need to be told twice. With a fierce spark, it unleashed a Thundershock on the soaked Spearow, and Misty watched as the entire flock was incapacitated in seconds. The battle was over before she even had time to really take it in.

For a moment, everything was still. Her heart pounded, the rush of the fight still buzzing in her veins. Then she turned to look at the boy and his Pikachu, expecting some sort of triumphant reunion.

Instead, Pikachu was glaring at him, growling low. There was no happiness, no pride. Just… anger.

The boy sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Hey! Don't give me that look. I returned you to your Pokéball for your safety."

Pikachu huffed, turning away, clearly not having any of it. Misty raised an eyebrow, watching the exchange, her curiosity piqued. What's their deal?

And then the boy muttered under his breath, "Stupid fat rat."

It was in the heat of the moment, but the damage was done.

"Oh no," Misty muttered to herself, wincing before she even saw Pikachu's reaction. Sparks crackled dangerously on its cheeks, tiny bolts snapping in the air like a mini lightning storm ready to fry the boy where he stood. Typical electric type—short fuse, especially when insulted. This was about to go from bad to worse.

She saw the fear in his eyes as he glanced at Pikachu, clearly realizing the depth of his mistake. He looked desperate, almost like he was silently begging her for help.

"Excuse me," Misty said firmly, stepping in to break the tense silence. She kept her voice calm, hoping to defuse the situation before Pikachu decided to roast him alive. "Can you tell me what happened here?"

The boy turned to her, half-relieved, half-defeated. "I… yeah, I guess," he said, glancing nervously at Pikachu as he started explaining the whole ordeal—the chase, the swarm of Spearow, his panicked sprint through the fields. Misty listened, nodding along, eyebrows raising at certain details. He looked worn out, like he'd been running for his life.

When he finally finished, she gave a slow nod. "Sounds like you've had a rough day."

"That's… putting it mildly," he muttered, scratching the back of his neck.

Misty extended a hand. "My name's Misty, by the way."

"Austin," he replied reflexively, shaking her hand.

Misty blinked, eyebrows lifting. "Austin?"

He froze. Oh, crap, what did I just say? Panic hit him. I was supposed to be Ash. Not Austin! He swallowed hard, trying to recover.

"Uh… yeah," he stammered, keeping his face neutral. Smooth. Real smooth, genius.

Misty tilted her head, her gaze curious. "So… how do you know me?"

Austin's heart skipped a beat. He tried to look casual, shrugging as he forced himself to hold her gaze. "Well, I recognized someone who could save my life," he replied with a lopsided grin.

Misty squinted, suspicion flickering in her eyes, but she gave a small nod. "Fair enough," she muttered. But she wasn't done with her questions. "And how'd you know I had water types?"

Austin opened his mouth, realizing he didn't have a good excuse. His gaze drifted, looking for anything that might help him. "Uh… the fishing rod," he blurted, pointing at it.

Misty arched an eyebrow, a half-smile forming. "Because I'm fishing, you assumed I had water types?"

He tried to play it cool, grinning sheepishly. "I mean, wouldn't you? Besides, who wouldn't keep a water type near rivers?"

She chuckled. "Alright, good save." Her gaze lingered on him, something familiar but strange. "You're… interesting, kid."

"Interesting?" he feigned offense. "I'm interesting enough to attract a whole flock of angry Spearow. I'll take that as a compliment."

She shook her head, smirking. "Sure, let's call it that."

Pikachu, still glaring, let out an exasperated huff, the sparks on its cheeks dimming.

Misty crossed her arms, studying the boy. "So, Austin… what are you planning next? Because, by the look of things, it doesn't seem like you're prepared for temperamental Pokémon."

He gave a wry smile, scratching his head. "Well, since you saved me, maybe I'll consider some… backup. Got any tips?"

"Plenty," Misty said with a grin. "And the first one? Keep your Pokémon happy." She glanced at Pikachu. "Next time, try skipping the insults."

Austin chuckled nervously. "Yeah… noted." He looked at Pikachu, offering a tentative smile. "Sorry, buddy."

Pikachu huffed again, but its gaze softened slightly.

Misty punched him lightly on the shoulder. "You'll learn. Just don't get yourself fried before you do."

"Don't worry," he replied, smirking. "I'm not tender enough to get fried just yet."

Misty snorted, rolling her eyes. She tapped a few buttons on her Pokétch, and he raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"Pretty sweet gadget," he said, trying to get a better look. "What is it?"

"This?" Misty's voice took on a proud edge. "It's a Pokétch. Sinnoh tech. Cost me a small fortune."

Nice going, Austin, he thought, cringing. Way to pop her bubble.

"What's with the call?"

"League's got a relocation team," she said, glancing at him. "They'll move the Spearow flock somewhere safe."

"Good idea. They were out for blood."

Misty raised an eyebrow. "Not the first time I've dealt with angry flying types. People throw Pokéballs at anything."

He chuckled, rubbing his neck. "Yeah…"

She finished the call, glancing at him. "So, anything else I can help you with? Or are you just going to keep running headfirst into trouble?"

"Actually," he said, trying to sound casual, "which way to Viridian City?"

Misty pointed. "Just follow this road. Can't miss it."

"Thanks." He hesitated, feeling awkward. "And… thanks for saving me and Pikachu. Couldn't have handled those Spearow without you."

"No problem." She smiled. "Don't beat yourself up. It's your first day. You and Pikachu just need time to figure each other out."

Austin blinked, surprised by the warmth in her tone. This Misty was… different. Sweeter than he remembered.

"Thanks."

Austin glanced at Pikachu, who was glaring at a bush as if daring it to move. "Yeah, I'll work on that," he muttered. "Hey, Pikachu—you ready to go?"

"Pika," Pikachu replied flatly, but willing to move on.

Austin let out a breath. "Alright. Let's go."

As he passed Misty's bike leaning against a tree, something clicked. Wait… I didn't fry her bike. In the anime, Ash had barbecued her bike, which led to her tagging along. But here? The bike was untouched. Misty had no reason to stick around.

It felt strange, like he'd dodged some important moment. Guess it's just me and Pikachu, he thought, a pang of uncertainty hitting him as he turned to keep walking.

Behind him, he could still feel Misty's presence, like a shadow lingering just out of reach, the ghost of something that should have been. This world was familiar, yet off-kilter in a way that set him on edge. Every step felt like a new direction, like he was rewriting a journey that was supposed to be set in stone.

And he had no idea where it was going to lead.

---

Ho-Oh soared gracefully through the skies, its feathers shimmering in a breathtaking array of colors. The predominant gold and red hues of its body gleamed under the sunlight, complemented by the vibrant yellow of its tail feathers and the stark white of its underside. At the tips of its wings, green feathers added a striking contrast, while a green stripe adorned its neck, enhancing its regal appearance.

The legendary Pokémon's piercing red eyes, encircled by black rings, reflected a wise and ancient soul. Atop its head, a feathered yellow crest waved like a flag as it glided through the sky. Ho-Oh glanced downward, its gaze falling on a human and a Pikachu watching in awe from the ground below. For a moment, a thought crossed its mind: Something has happened to your chosen, Arceus. Is this according to your will?

Down below, Austin's gaze lifted as the golden bird soared across the sky, its feathers gleaming with every color of the spectrum, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the landscape. The memory of that iconic first encounter hit Austin like a wave—Ash had seen Ho-Oh on his first day too. But here, experiencing it firsthand, the reality of it was… overwhelming. It felt like something out of a legend made real, its beauty almost too much to take in.

For a long moment, he just stood there, watching the Legendary Pokémon vanish beyond the horizon, his heart pounding. When he finally tore his eyes away, he looked down at Pikachu, who was still staring up, visibly shaken by the sight.

Austin took a deep breath and knelt in front of Pikachu, holding his Pokéball in one hand, his gaze cast down. The weight of everything—the uncertainty, the fear, the responsibility—settled heavily on his shoulders, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the little yellow Pokémon watching him intently.

"So, Pikachu," he began softly, looking up at his partner. "A deal's a deal. Do you want to keep going with me, or… do you want to go your own way?" He hadn't meant for his voice to sound so vulnerable, but it was there, raw and open. The question hung in the air, and he could feel his heart pounding as he waited.

Pikachu's eyes widened slightly, like he couldn't quite believe what he was hearing. "Pika?" He tilted his head, ears twitching as if trying to understand.

Austin forced himself to keep his voice steady. "I mean it. I don't want you to feel like you're stuck with me if you don't want to be." His words were quiet, almost lost in the stillness of the forest around them. He tried to offer Pikachu a small, reassuring smile, but he could feel the uncertainty beneath it. If you want to go… I'll let you.

Pikachu stared at him, his expression unreadable, his dark eyes thoughtful. There was something there—an interest, a curiosity that Austin hadn't seen before. Like Pikachu was sizing him up, weighing his words, deciding if this strange new trainer was worth sticking around for.

After a moment, Pikachu gave a small, firm nod. Not a full, enthusiastic commitment, but a cautious willingness to stay, for now. To see what might come next.

Austin felt a wave of relief wash over him, mixed with a strange, fierce gratitude. He knelt a little lower, gripping the Pokéball tightly as he looked Pikachu in the eyes. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice thick. "I… I don't know what I'm doing, honestly. I don't know what it really means to be a Pokémon Trainer, and I don't know what the future looks like for us."

He swallowed, feeling his throat tighten. "But I promise… I'll give it everything I've got. I don't know much, but I'm not going to quit on you, Pikachu."

Pikachu's gaze softened, just a bit. He wasn't giving Austin blind loyalty, and Austin could see that clearly. But there was an understanding between them now, a quiet acceptance. Pikachu nodded again, and Austin could feel the beginnings of trust, fragile but real.

They stayed there for a moment, just looking at each other, and Austin felt something shift. Something he hadn't expected. This wasn't just a trainer and his Pokémon; this was a partnership, a connection he hadn't thought he'd feel so soon.

"Alright," Austin said softly, pushing himself back up to his feet. He slipped the Pokéball back into his bag and gave Pikachu a small, determined smile. "Let's see where this goes. Together."

---

"Wow," Austin murmured, taking in his first real look at Viridian City from a high point on the hill.

It was nothing like he'd imagined from watching the anime. The city sprawled out before him, far larger and more alive than the simple depiction he remembered. Low-rise buildings in soft pastel colors dotted the landscape, blending naturally into the lush green forests that surrounded the city on all sides. The buildings seemed to rise out of the trees themselves, like the city had grown with the forest rather than in place of it.

Far below, winding streets twisted and curved, following the natural shape of the land instead of cutting through it. Towering trees shaded the roads, their roots pushing up from the earth, forming gentle, rolling mounds along the sidewalks. It gave the whole place a layered, organic feel, as if the city had been molded to fit within nature's boundaries rather than bulldozed into it.

Great, my first butterfly—ahem, Butterfree effect, Austin thought as he entered Viridian City. I wasn't stopped by Officer Jenny. He wasn't sure whether to be relieved or nervous. All he wanted right now was a quiet place to let the weight of the day slip off his shoulders.

Still… where was Officer Jenny? In the anime, she'd stopped Ash around here. Maybe it's because I caught that Rattata and Spearow, he mused. Maybe that small change threw off the sequence of events just enough to keep Team Rocket away. He snorted to himself. Fine by me. I'd love to avoid Team Rocket altogether.

But a nagging unease lingered. What if dodging this encounter had changed things in a way he couldn't predict? What if, by avoiding one trap, he'd set himself up for something worse down the line?

Austin shook his head, forcing himself to focus on the present. No point worrying about hypothetical disasters. He needed to take things one step at a time.

He spotted an older man walking by, a kind-looking gentleman with a Pidgey perched on his shoulder.

"Excuse me, sir—could you point me to the Pokémon Center?"

The man smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Of course, son. Just up the road there, then take a left. You can't miss it."

"Thanks."

Fifteen minutes later, he found it. The Pokémon Center stood at the end of the street, a sleek, modern building that looked completely out of place among Viridian's quaint, forest-blended architecture. It was larger than he'd expected, the facade gleaming in the late afternoon light. The place was a fortress of glass and steel, with a distinct red roof and a glowing Pokéball symbol above the entrance.

To quote Ash… it's gigantic.

The moment he stepped inside, a wave of calm washed over him. The air was cool, faintly scented with antiseptic, but something warm and welcoming filled the space. Trainers of all ages milled about, some chatting quietly, others waiting with their Pokémon at their side.

Behind the counter stood Nurse Joy, with her signature pink hair and gentle smile, exactly as he remembered. Just seeing her made his shoulders relax, even if only a little.

"Welcome to the Pokémon Center," she greeted, her voice soft and almost motherly. She looked at him with a slight tilt of her head, as if she could see the weariness he was trying to hide. "How can I help you?"

"I recently caught these two Pokémon." Austin placed the Pokéballs on the counter.

Nurse Joy picked them up, examining the Pokéballs thoughtfully. "How recent are we talking?" she asked, looking up at him with curiosity.

Austin blinked, a little thrown. "Uh… a few hours ago?"

She gave a small nod. "Then they'll need a standard health assessment for newly caught Pokémon. We'll check for any underlying injuries, illnesses, and administer basic vaccines. Wild Pokémon can carry all sorts of things, and we want to make sure they're in good shape before they get too integrated into training."

Austin nodded, absorbing this. "Right. Vaccines. Makes sense that they'd need that."

Next to him, Pikachu shivered at the mention of "vaccines," and Austin had to bite back a smile. He wouldn't have guessed Pikachu would understand that word, but apparently, Pikachu knew enough to look wary.

"Is this… free?" he asked, feeling a little silly. It was a new world for him, in more ways than one.

"Of course," Nurse Joy said with a reassuring smile. "Basic healthcare is provided for all trainers at Pokémon Centers. It's covered by the League."

"Well, that's a relief," Austin said, exhaling. "How long will it take?"

"A few minutes to an hour, depending on their condition," Nurse Joy replied. "Sometimes wild Pokémon need deworming or hydration therapy, or we'll find small injuries that need treatment."

Austin nodded again, slightly overwhelmed by the reminder of just how real all this was. "Well, you're the professional, so I'll leave it in your hands."

Nurse Joy smiled as she turned to Pikachu, still perched tensely on Austin's shoulder. She motioned gently toward him. "And how about you, Pikachu? Would you like a check-up too?"

Pikachu narrowed his eyes suspiciously, glancing from her to Austin like he was considering making a break for it.

Austin sighed, giving Pikachu a patient look. "Come on, buddy. We've been through a lot today—fighting Spearow, running halfway across the forest. Wouldn't it be a good idea to make sure you're healthy?"

Pikachu's expression was clear: Absolutely not.

Austin tried not to laugh. "I'll give you a ketchup packet if you let Nurse Joy check you out."

At that, Pikachu's ears perked up, and he hopped onto the counter, landing right in front of Nurse Joy with a determined squeak. She chuckled, placing him on a rolling examination cart. A Chansey came over, smiling warmly as it began to push the cart toward the examination room.

Nurse Joy chuckled, glancing at Austin. "You've got an interesting relationship with your Pokémon. He seems pretty attached to you… as long as there's ketchup involved."

Austin grinned, scratching his head. "Yeah, it's a work in progress. But we're getting there."

Nurse Joy gave him an approving nod. "Why don't you take a break, maybe grab something to eat? You can come back in an hour or so to check on them."

Austin hesitated, unsure what to do with himself. "Actually… while I'm here, is there, like, a bookstore nearby? Somewhere I could find books on… I don't know, how to make Pokémon food? Or grooming, training techniques… that kind of thing?"

He realized he was rambling a little and scratched the back of his neck, feeling awkward. But then he noticed Nurse Joy's expression—she was smiling at him with a kind of surprised delight, like he'd just asked the best question in the world.

He shifted on his feet, a bit embarrassed. "Uh… did I say something weird?"

"Oh, no!" she said, looking slightly flustered herself. "It's just… most new trainers don't think about things like that until they're a year or two into their journey. Usually, they're more focused on battling than learning how to take care of their Pokémon."

Austin chuckled, his awkwardness melting. "Well, I've got a lot to catch up on. If I'm going to be a decent trainer, I figured I should start with the basics."

Nurse Joy's smile softened, her eyes warm with something like pride. "That's a wonderful mindset to have. Trainers who take the time to understand their Pokémon's needs usually end up building the strongest bonds. There's a bookstore just a few blocks from here—Greenleaf Books. They have a good section on Pokémon care."

---

The bell jingled softly as Austin pushed open the door to the bookstore, the chime echoing in the quiet, cozy space. Shelves lined every inch of the walls, stretching up to the ceiling, crammed with books that looked like they'd been there for decades. The air smelled faintly of paper and something herbal—maybe from the dried plants hanging from the shelves.

Austin was about to start browsing when his attention was drawn to the shopkeeper behind the counter. The man was… something else. He had a long white beard that reached down to his chest, a dark green beanie perched on his head, and a black bathrobe draped over cargo shorts. A curved pipe was clenched between his teeth, from which he blew slow, perfect smoke rings, each one rising lazily toward the ceiling before vanishing.

"That's bad for you, you know," Austin muttered, wrinkling his nose at the smell.

The old man chuckled, a raspy sound that rolled out of him like stones tumbling down a hill. "Kid, at my age, I think I've earned the right to a few bad habits."

Austin didn't know how to respond to that, so he just shrugged and started pulling books off the shelves, hoping he wasn't making a fool of himself. Before long, he had a solid stack:

Grooming the Kanto Way: 101 Tips for Pokémon Care by Suzie Yuki

Inside Kanto: A Political Analysis by Martin Greene

Culinary Companions: Over 100 Recipes for Your Pokémon by Emily Turner and James Ford

The Physics of Pokémon: Understanding Their Moves by Professor Magnolia

He brought the pile to the counter, feeling the weight of the books in his arms. The shopkeeper eyed the stack, blowing a smoke ring through it as he raised an eyebrow.

"That'll be 2000 Pokédollars," the old man said, his tone casual.

Austin reached into his pocket, only to come up empty. His heart sank. Right. I'm not on Earth anymore, he reminded himself with a pang of frustration. Of course, I don't have any money here.

Back home, he'd been saving every bit of his pocket money to buy a rare Pokémon card from a friend. He'd nearly had enough, too. But here? None of that mattered. No pocket money, no stash of coins. Just him, empty pockets, and a pile of books he suddenly couldn't afford.

He hesitated, glancing back at the shopkeeper, and a wild idea popped into his head.

"Is… uh, is it possible to barter? I mean, instead of paying with cash?"

The shopkeeper's eyebrow shot up, and he let out another smoke ring, watching Austin with an amused glint in his eye. "Barter, huh? Depends on what you got, kid."

Austin fumbled through his bag and pulled out a Pokéball, placing it on the counter. The shopkeeper's eyes narrowed, his gaze sharpening.

"You know selling Pokémon is illegal, right?" the old man said, his voice suddenly cold.

Austin's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly shook his head. "No, no! I'm not selling a Pokémon—I swear! Look." He popped the Pokéball open to show it was empty, then looked up at the man, cheeks burning. "It's just an extra Pokéball. I thought… I don't know, maybe you could use it?"

The shopkeeper's hard gaze softened a bit, and he studied the empty Pokéball, tapping it thoughtfully with one long, bony finger. After a pause, he gave a slow nod. "Hmm. Pokéballs aren't cheap, y'know. And they're always handy to have around…"

Without another word, the shopkeeper slid a few crisp bills across the counter. Austin blinked, picking them up carefully. Each bill had an intricate design—a mural of Mew, detailed and elegant, almost mystical. The artwork reminded him of the ancient Mew mural from the first Pokémon movie.

The shopkeeper took another drag from his pipe, blowing a perfect ring as he watched Austin count. "That's 3,000 Pokédollars for the Pokéball. Guess that covers your books with a bit of change left over."

Austin stared at the bills, his mind racing. Wait… 3,000 Pokédollars? That means a single Pokéball costs 5,000?! The realization hit him like a Thunder Shock. Holy crap, being a trainer is expensive.

The shopkeeper chuckled, clearly enjoying the shock on Austin's face. "Noticed, did ya?" he said, sounding amused. "Ain't cheap, the trainer life. Food, medicine, Pokéballs… it all adds up."

Austin looked up, feeling a reality check settle in. "How do trainers usually… I mean, how do they make money? How much do they actually earn?"

"Depends." The shopkeeper shrugged. "A simple match might net you 100 to 200 Pokédollars. Gym battles? 500 to 2,000, depending on the place. League's a bit different—there are prizes, but only if you're good enough to make it up the ranks. Most rookies don't make it past the first round, though."

Austin felt like he'd been slapped with reality.

How had Ash even survived? he wondered. If Brock hadn't been there to help him with food and supplies, Ash would've been in serious trouble. No way he could manage without being more careful.

The shopkeeper reached over and placed two more books on Austin's pile:

Pokémon Training for Dummies by Jane Peters

Wealthy Trainer, Wise Trainer: Financial Strategies for Beginners by David Clarkson

Austin swallowed, eyeing the books. They were exactly what he needed. He braced himself, dreading the price. "How much for these two?"

The shopkeeper gave him a long look, then leaned back in his chair, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Free."

"Wait… seriously?"

The old man nodded, his smile deepening as he tapped the books with one finger. "The only good is knowledge, kid. The only evil is ignorance. And you look like you're actually willing to learn—can't say that about most new trainers. So yeah, take 'em. On the house."

Austin stared at him, not sure what to say. "Thank you."

The old man nodded, his eyes twinkling with a wry wisdom. "Don't thank me yet, kid. Just promise me you'll actually read them."

Austin grinned, tucking the books under his arm. "Deal."

---

Austin walked out of the convenience store with a small bag of chips, a candy bar, and some other snacks, barely able to contain his excitement. Trying out snacks in another world—it was the kind of thing he'd never even dared to imagine. Who gets to experience something like this? he thought, grinning as he opened the bag of chips and popped one in his mouth. The flavor was unfamiliar, a mix of spicy and sweet he'd never tasted before, and it was surprisingly good.

This is the life, he thought. Here he was, bag of snacks in hand, exploring the world of Pokémon. Sure, there had been a few close calls today, but right now? Right now, he could just enjoy himself, snack on alien junk food, and take in the sights. He took another chip and savored the taste, feeling almost giddy.

And then, just like that, the universe decided to rain on his parade.

A loudspeaker crackled to life nearby, and a repeating announcement echoed through the streets: "Attention, citizens of Viridian City. Attention, citizens of Viridian City. There have been reports of possible Pokémon thieves in the area. Please be on the lookout for suspicious-looking individuals."

Austin froze, chip halfway to his mouth, as the message continued to blare. The voice was familiar—Officer Jenny. His stomach did a flip as he connected the dots.

Wait… I got here before Ash would have. That means…

A cold wave of realization hit him.

Oh no. That means Team Rocket is probably going to hit the Pokémon Center tonight.

His excitement fizzled out in an instant, replaced by a creeping sense of dread. He stuffed the snacks back into his bag, his heart pounding as he sprinted toward the Pokémon Center.

I'm not ready for this, he thought, trying to keep his breathing steady as the Center came into view.

Nurse Joy was at the counter, greeting him with a calm, reassuring smile that felt so out of place compared to the urgency pounding in his chest. He forced himself to take a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Nurse Joy, are my Pokémon ready yet?" he asked, struggling to sound casual, though he could feel his nerves fraying. Please just say they're fine so I can grab them and get out of here.

"Actually, I was just about to update you. We found a few issues with your Rattata."

Austin's heart sank. "Is she… is she going to be okay?"

"She's stable, but… she was in worse shape than we expected. Severe dehydration, signs of malnutrition, and a couple of infected wounds. We're treating her with antibiotics and fluids."

"I… I didn't know. I mean, she looked rough, but…"

Nurse Joy placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, her touch gentle. "There's no way you could have known," she said softly. "From what we can tell, this happened long before you caught her. If anything, you saved her by bringing her in when you did. If she'd been left out in the wild…" She paused. "Let's just say she wouldn't have made it through the night."

Austin felt the words hit like a punch to the gut. He'd known this world could be dangerous, but he hadn't really known. Not like this. It was one thing to watch Pokémon battle on a screen, to see them faint and bounce back like it was nothing. But to hear Nurse Joy calmly explain that Rattata might not have survived the night? That was something else entirely. This isn't a game, he reminded himself, the weight of it settling heavily in his mind.

For a split second, the thought flickered through his head: Maybe I should let Rattata go. Maybe I'm in over my head. But the idea made his stomach twist, and he immediately wanted to slap himself. No. Come on, Austin. Get it together.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to think clearly. You caught her. She's yours now, and she's depending on you. Running wasn't an option.

He nodded, trying to keep his voice steady. "Thanks for looking out for her, Nurse Joy. I… I didn't realize how serious it was."

Nurse Joy offered him a warm, understanding smile. "Of course. Rattata just needs some rest and proper care, and she'll be back to her old self. With a little patience, you'll see her personality come out."

Austin managed a small smile, feeling a flicker of relief. But then his mind snapped back to the announcement he'd heard outside. Team Rocket.

"Good, good," Austin mumbled, nodding. "And… is there somewhere I can stay tonight?"

"Certainly," Nurse Joy said, though she tilted her head slightly, as if noticing his distracted air. "We have rooms for trainers—500 Pokédollars per night, which includes access to the cafeteria."

Austin forced a smile, already mentally tallying his expenses. Great. I need to find a way to make money fast. But he filed that thought away for later, knowing he had bigger concerns right now.

"Nurse Joy, uh…" He hesitated, glancing around the Pokémon Center. "Do you… have any kind of security here? I heard that announcement about Pokémon thieves, and, well… I was just wondering."

Nurse Joy's expression turned serious, her warm demeanor shifting to something more professional. "We do. Officer Jenny is patrolling the area, and the Center has a few security protocols in place. But unfortunately, these kinds of thieves are tricky. They often wait for things to quiet down before they make their move."

"Right. And, uh, what does 'quiet' look like around here?"

She looked at him, perhaps sensing his unease. "Usually, most trainers head to bed around ten or eleven. There's a night shift Chansey who stays up front with me, and Officer Jenny checks in periodically." She gave him a reassuring smile. "But don't worry. We haven't had a real incident in quite some time."

"Right," Austin said, nodding too quickly. "Yeah. I'm sure it'll be fine."

Nurse Joy studied him for a moment, her gaze softening. "You're worried about something, aren't you?"

Austin rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a bit exposed. "Well… yeah. I mean, I'm new to all of this. And hearing about Pokémon thieves… I just don't want anything bad to happen."

Nurse Joy's expression turned gentle. "It's good that you're cautious. Pokémon Centers are safe places, and we take every precaution. But… if it makes you feel better, you're welcome to keep an eye on things too."

Austin managed a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Nurse Joy. I might… stay up a little tonight. Just in case."

She nodded, understanding in her eyes. "And remember, kid—you're doing a good job. It's rare to see a trainer as thoughtful as you so early in their journey. Your Pokémon are lucky to have you."

"Thank you," he said quietly. "That… actually means a lot."

Nurse Joy gave him one last warm smile before turning back to her duties. Austin took a deep breath and started walking down the hallway, his mind already racing. He glanced up at the clock on the wall: seven hours until things would likely go down.

Alright, Jessie and James, he thought, determination hardening his gaze. You're not getting my Pokémon.

---

Jessie leaned over the wicker basket of their hot air balloon, her magenta hair fluttering wildly in the night breeze. "Go a little to the right," she directed, turning to her partners with a smirk.

James, his periwinkle hair framing his face, adjusted the controls beside Meowth, who looked up with anticipation, his wide eyes gleaming. As their balloon hovered directly over the Pokémon Center, Jessie checked their position and nodded.

"You two ready?"

Meowth grinned, and James paused to inhale the scent of his rose before pulling out a Pokéball. "Make your entrance, Koffing!"

Koffing emerged in a burst of light, his spherical form hovering as he grinned with a mouth full of pointed teeth. Wasting no time, he descended toward the Pokémon Center, expelling a thick, noxious gas that cloaked him like a smoggy veil.

With a shared look of triumph, Jessie, James, and Meowth prepared their own descent. "Let's go," Jessie said. They each grabbed a rope and leaped from the balloon, heading toward the chaos below.

An urgent alarm blared throughout the Pokémon Center. "Attention! Our Viridian City radar has detected a suspicious aircraft. If you have a Pokémon in your possession, exercise extreme caution."

In the confusion, a young trainer managed to choke out, "What's going on?"

Jessie's mocking laughter cut through the smoky air. "We'll answer your question, little girl."

James nodded, and together, they recited their creed:

"To protect the world from devastation."
"To unite all peoples within our nation."
"To denounce the evils of truth and love."
"To extend our reach to the stars above."
"Jessie!"
"James!"
"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!"
"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"
"Meowth, that's right!" Meowth finished with a pose.

They grinned, basking in the shock of Nurse Joy and the trainers, only to be interrupted by a piercing fire alarm. Sprinklers embedded in the ceiling activated, drenching everyone and everything below. The water quickly combined with Koffing's gas, creating heavy soot particles that sank to the floor, dissipating the toxic cloud.

Scowling, Jessie released her Ekans. The purple serpent hissed, its eyes glinting with menace.

"I-I didn't do anything," Nurse Joy stammered, visibly shaken.

"Why don't you leave the beautiful nurse alone?" called a voice from the back of the room. Austin stood there, his voice lowered awkwardly as he tried to sound bold. Every head turned to the sight of a kid with a paper bag over his head, layered in three jackets and two pairs of pants—a strange, low-budget hero.

Austin dropped two fire extinguishers onto the floor with a loud thud, the room falling silent as everyone tried to figure out his purpose.

Meowth tilted his head. "And who're you supposed to be, kid?"

"Bag Boy!"

James sniffed his rose with a raised eyebrow. "Kid, don't play hero. You'll only get hurt."

Ignoring his own terror, Austin channeled his best Bane impression. "Oh, you think darkness is your ally? You merely adopted the dark. I was born in it, molded by it. I didn't see the light until I was already a man, and by then, it was blinding."

Silence.

The room stared in confusion. Jessie looked annoyed, James bewildered, and Nurse Joy faintly supportive. But Austin spotted her slight nod—she'd realized he was stalling for time.

The sprinklers finally shut off. Austin seized his moment, grabbing a fire extinguisher and aiming it at Koffing. Thick foam burst forth, coating the gas Pokémon and smothering its smoky body.

"Ekans, get him!" Jessie shrieked as Koffing faltered.

Ekans lunged, and Austin's heart leaped in fear. But before Ekans could strike, Pikachu darted forward, cheeks sparking. "Pika-CHUU!" He unleashed a Thundershock that arced through the damp room, striking Ekans and sending it convulsing across the floor.

Austin's eyes widened, realization hitting him—his plan was working.

First, neutralize Koffing's gas. In the show, the gas had caused the Pokémon Center explosion. No gas, no explosion. Second, create as much chaos as possible, disrupt Team Rocket, and he'd stand a chance. He wasn't Ash Ketchum; he didn't have plot armor to rely on.

Jessie gaped as Ekans lay twitching. She noticed Austin's rubber gloves and boots, dawning realization on her face. "Poison Sting!" she ordered, but Ekans was too paralyzed to respond.

"Again," Austin said, voice calm despite the pounding in his chest. Pikachu nodded, charging another Thundershock. The electricity struck Ekans, knocking it out cold.

"Now?!" James called, wide-eyed. Meowth nodded, rushing forward.

"Thundershock on Koffing?!" Austin shouted in panic. Pikachu gave a wary "Pika?" but complied, another burst of electricity slamming into Koffing just as it spewed smog. The force knocked Koffing back, straight into James, who staggered under the impact.

Then Austin felt a searing pain across his back—Meowth had clawed him, his makeshift armor doing little to protect him. He gritted his teeth, refusing to cry out.

"Crying won't save ya," Meowth sneered, leaping for another strike.

Austin reacted on instinct, opening a Pokéball. Spearow emerged in a flash, his angry squawk echoing through the room. Meowth backed off for a moment, then scoffed. "Birds are Meowth's prey, capisce?"

Austin, struggling through the pain, muttered, "Let's show them the true strength of a Great Spearow."

Spearow's eyes flared with determination. With a fierce cry, he launched at Meowth, his beak striking hard and sending the feline Pokémon tumbling.

"Thundershock," Austin ordered, voice shaky. Pikachu's cheeks sparked, and another surge of electricity coursed through Meowth, leaving him convulsing.

Jessie and James scrambled to grab Meowth, faces pale with defeat. "You haven't seen the last of us, kid!" they shouted, retreating hastily as the room echoed with the sounds of their hasty exit.

Nurse Joy pressed her face against the window, curiosity overtaking her as she watched the debacle unfolding outside. James, in a frenzy, scrambled onto a bicycle, his movements clumsy and rushed. Jessie followed, leaping onto the back with the grace of a sack of potatoes hitting the ground.

"Pedal, James, pedal!" she shrieked, punctuating her words with sharp pats on James's back, much like a jockey urging a reluctant racehorse.

Driven more by Jessie's urgency than by the actual need for speed, James began pedaling with wild fervor. His legs moved in a blur as the bike wobbled dangerously, struggling under the mismatched weight and lack of coordination between the two.

Meanwhile, a paralyzed Meowth dangled limply from Jessie's grip, like a ragdoll swinging haphazardly as they made their escape.

Nurse Joy turned, ready to thank the young man who had saved the center—only to find him gone. Nearby, a busted fire extinguisher lay on the floor, foam still gushing out, clearly left behind as a distraction.

---

"Isn't this really supposed to be a kid-friendly anime?" Austin muttered, peeling off his outer layers. His t-shirt and one of his jackets were shredded across the back, three jagged slashes running through the fabric. He shuddered, realizing how close Meowth's claws had come. The only reason he wasn't bleeding out was the makeshift "armor" of clothes Delia had stuffed in his bag.

His hands trembled slightly as he inspected the ruined fabric. He'd jumped into this world thinking it would be just like the show—safe, colorful, where things always turned out okay. But it wasn't like that, was it? These Pokémon had claws, teeth, and raw power, and they could hurt him. Badly. He forced the thought down, trying to steady his breathing. He couldn't fall apart now.

The whole night had left him shaken, more than he wanted to admit. For the first time, the cheerful, kid-friendly image he'd had of this world felt like it was slipping, replaced by something darker, something real. He tried to shake it off, to push away the creeping disillusionment.

But as he sat there, glancing around the small room, he couldn't help but feel trapped. Running wasn't an option—not with Rattata still in the Pokémon Center recovering. And if he did, wouldn't that just scream that he was the so-called "Bag Boy"? What was he supposed to do? Pretend to be asleep and hope Nurse Joy didn't come looking for him?

As if on cue, a soft knock sounded at the door. Austin's heart leapt into his throat, and he froze, glancing at Pikachu and Spearow. Both went still, sensing his tension.

"Bag Boy?" came Nurse Joy's gentle voice from the other side.

Great, he thought, cringing. She figured it out fast. He stared at the door as if he could somehow will her away. Did she really have to use that name?

Taking a deep breath, he stood up and cracked the door open just enough to see her standing there, a small medical kit in her hands.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Of course," Nurse Joy replied, her smile unwavering. "Mind if I come in? I brought a first-aid kit. Let me help you, for helping us."

Austin hesitated, looking at her face, really looking. Worry and gratitude shone in her eyes. She didn't seem angry or suspicious—just concerned.

He sighed, his shoulders slumping a little as he stepped back and opened the door wider. "Alright. But… don't tell anyone, okay? I don't want Team Rocket coming after me."

Nurse Joy nodded, stepping into the room and closing the door softly behind her. "Your secret's safe with me," she said, setting the kit on the table. She motioned for him to sit, and when he did, she carefully examined the red marks on his back.

Her hands were gentle and practiced, and he felt a strange warmth, despite the sting of antiseptic on his skin. He clenched his jaw, trying not to wince, but Nurse Joy caught his reaction and gave him a soft, understanding look.

"You did really well tonight," she said quietly, focusing on his wounds. "It takes a lot of courage to stand up to people like that, especially when you don't have much Pokémon battle experience."

Austin tried to shrug, though it just made his shoulder throb. "Yeah, well… someone had to do something. I couldn't just sit back and let them take all the Pokémon."

Nurse Joy gave him a gentle smile as she wrapped a bandage. "You don't have to pretend it didn't scare you, you know. You did something really brave. But that doesn't mean it wasn't hard."

Austin looked down, his fingers twisting together in his lap. He hadn't let himself think too hard about how scared he'd been. How close it had felt. He swallowed, trying to brush it off. "I'm fine."

They sat in silence as Nurse Joy finished bandaging his scrapes, her hands gentle and practiced. When she was done, she took a moment to gather her supplies, pausing as if thinking something over. Then, with a small, thoughtful smile, she looked at him.

"One last thing," she said softly. "Why did you help us?"

The question hung in the air, and Austin found himself at a loss for words. Why did I help? He knew the answer he'd told himself—because he knew what would happen if he didn't, because he couldn't just stand by and let his Pokémon, or anyone else's, get taken. But it felt incomplete somehow, like there was something deeper he didn't want to acknowledge.

Finally, he shrugged, looking down. "Do I… do I need a reason to help?"

Nurse Joy's eyes softened, and she gave him a small, warm smile. "No," she replied quietly, and there was an understanding in her gaze that made him feel she truly meant it.

Austin managed a faint smile in return, feeling a sense of relief he hadn't expected. Just knowing that she didn't need an explanation—didn't need him to be anything more than he was—helped ease the weight in his chest.

Nurse Joy glanced at Pikachu, who had been sitting quietly by Austin's side, watching him with concern. "Your Pokémon think a lot of you, you know," she said gently. "Sometimes, being a hero isn't about feeling brave. It's just about showing up… even when it's hard."

Austin looked down at Pikachu, who gave him an encouraging "Pika!" Spearow, perched on the windowsill, looked away with an indifferent squawk.

"Yeah," Austin murmured. "I guess I just… didn't expect it to feel so real."

Nurse Joy nodded, her expression softening. "It's different when you're in the middle of it, isn't it? From the outside, it seems clear-cut. But in the moment… it's messier. Harder." She met his gaze, her eyes filled with gentle understanding. "But that's also what makes it matter."

Austin felt something settle inside him at her words, a quiet reassurance he couldn't quite explain. "You think so?"

She smiled. "I do. Being scared just means you understand the risks. And you still did what you thought was right. That's what matters."

He swallowed, feeling a tightness in his throat. "I guess… I'll just have to get used to being scared, huh?"

Nurse Joy chuckled, patting his shoulder. "Probably. But remember, you're not alone. You've got a team now." She glanced at Spearow, who ruffled his feathers and looked away, feigning disinterest. "Even if some of them are a little… prickly."

Austin laughed, the tension in his chest finally starting to ease. "Yeah… I guess I do."

As she finished packing up, Nurse Joy reached into her kit and pulled out a small glass bottle with a spray cap, the liquid inside shimmering a soft, vibrant blue. She held it out to him. "I know this isn't much, but… this is a Max Potion. A thank-you for everything you did tonight."

 

[Adamos_Amet]

Austin woke to the soft murmur of "Pika," breaking through the haze of sleep that clung to him like a heavy fog. Blinking groggily, he turned to see Pikachu perched at the edge of the bed, its round cheeks faintly glowing with residual sparks in the dim morning light. The Pokémon's wide brown eyes glimmered with curiosity and a touch of impatience.

"A Pikachu?" he muttered, his voice hoarse from sleep as he rubbed his eyes. Everything felt disjointed, as though he was caught in the strange limbo between dreaming and waking. The events of yesterday felt like a surreal blur—impossible to grasp.

And then it hit him.

Holy shit, yesterday wasn't a dream!

He bolted upright, his heart pounding in his chest like a drum. The sudden movement startled Pikachu, who let out a yelp and tumbled off the bed with a surprised squeak. As Pikachu hit the floor, the air filled with the sharp tang of ozone, its cheeks sparking dangerously.

"S-Sorry, buddy!" Austin stammered, holding up his hands as if to calm the little Electric-type. "You startled me! Did you need something?"

Pikachu glared up at him, rubbing its head with a tiny paw, before pointing to its belly with an insistent "Pika Pi."

"Right, you're hungry," Austin sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. "Okay, give me a minute to wash up, and then we'll get some breakfast."

He glanced over at Spearow, curled up at the foot of the bed. Its sharp beak was tucked under its wing, and the brown-and-cream feathers rose and fell with each steady breath. Despite its usual aggressive demeanor, the little bird looked ridiculously peaceful—cute, even—in sleep.

Slipping out of bed, Austin padded toward the small bathroom attached to his room.

The tiles were cold against his feet as he stepped inside, and the chill sent a shiver up his spine. He caught his reflection in the mirror above the sink and frowned as he didn't see his face. But what drew his attention were the bandages. He stared at himself for a moment, his reflection a harsh reminder of the danger this world posed.

Sighing, Austin began peeling off the old bandages, wincing as the adhesive tugged sharply at his skin. He gritted his teeth, hissing softly as the gauze pulled free.

The cuts had scabbed over during the night, their jagged edges tinged with red and swollen where the skin had struggled to knit itself back together. Bruises surrounded the claw marks, blooming in mottled shades of purple and green, spreading like an ugly halo around the injury.

"Hope this doesn't leave a scar," he muttered, tossing the blood-stained wrappings into the trash. But even as the words left his mouth, he couldn't help but trace the claw marks lightly with his fingers, his mind racing.

Pokémon can actually hurt humans here, he thought grimly. Like, really hurt them. How did I survive Pikachu's Thundershock? Was it holding back because of Oak? Or maybe Pikachu was just weaker than Meowth?

He turned the shower knob, and a blast of cold water shot from the nozzle, making him flinch. Gritting his teeth, he stepped under the freezing stream. The icy water hit his skin like a slap, shocking him awake and washing away the dried blood clinging to his wounds.

He hissed through his teeth as the cold water stung his injuries, but he forced himself to bear it.

After a few minutes, his body adjusted to the chill, and the sting dulled to an almost bearable level. As the water streamed over him, Austin's thoughts drifted back to the reality of this situation.

Why was he here? How did he get pulled into this world? Was he Ash Ketchum, or was he still himself, just dropped into Ash's shoes? The questions swirled in his mind, colliding and tangling until he felt dizzy. He tried to ground himself, focusing on the icy sting of the water, the sound of it hitting the tiles, the cold air nipping at his skin.

"No need to worry over questions you won't get answers to," he murmured, the words sounding hollow even to his own ears. "Just… go with it. One step at a time."

This was his life now, and every decision he made had real consequences—for him and for the Pokémon he was responsible for.

"Let's just enjoy this journey until you get to Sinnoh and meet God," he joked, a dry laugh escaping him. The absurdity of it all washed over him, the thought of meeting Arceus, of confronting the being that was supposedly the creator of this world. It was insane, impossible, but so was everything else that had happened to him.

He sighed, the cold water doing little to clear the fog of confusion from his mind.

Austin stood there, water from the shower long gone, his skin still clammy and cold as he stared at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, trying to piece together the timeline.

How long would it take to reach Sinnoh? The question gnawed at him.

If the series progression was anything to go by, and assuming Ash does age—God, that's a big if—he'd be around sixteen during the Sinnoh arc, assuming every region took a year to complete. That meant he might be living in this world for about six years before he could meet up with Arceus, assuming that's even possible.

Six years. The thought alone was enough to make his head spin.

But then, how canon were the movies to the anime? If they didn't line up, that could throw all his calculations out the window.

"Shit!" Austin swore, louder than he intended, his voice bouncing off the bathroom walls.

He pressed his forehead against the cool tiles, the chill seeping through his skin, grounding him for just a moment. "I'll deal with this when I get to Sinnoh," he muttered, trying to convince himself to let it go. "Let's just enjoy these six years away from school and studying and…"

His voice trailed off as a familiar ache tightened in his chest.

His family. How would they cope without him? Did they even know he was gone? Or had his disappearance been smoothed over, another glitch in the system that no one noticed?

He could see their faces in his mind—his parents, his friends—people he never thought he'd be away from. And now, he was here, in some alternate reality with no idea if he'd ever see them again.

Would they even recognize him if he came back? Would he be the same person?

What if he never made it back?

The thought hit like a punch to the gut, knocking the air out of his lungs. He squeezed his eyes shut, pressing harder against the tiles, as if he could push the anxiety out through sheer force of will.

"Don't think about it. Just… don't," he whispered to himself, but it was no use. The questions kept coming, relentless and unanswerable.

And then, another thought slipped through the cracks, something he hadn't considered but now couldn't ignore.

Wait. I'm ten now, but by the time I hit Sinnoh, I'll be sixteen. That means… going through puberty all over again.

His eyes flew open, the realization almost comical if it weren't so horrifying. Going through puberty was bad enough the first time—awkward growth spurts, random voice cracks, the whole nine yards. Now, he had to do it again, while fighting off evil teams, being a Pokémon trainer, and trying not to screw up the timeline too badly?

Austin let out a hollow laugh, the sound echoing in the empty bathroom. "Great. Just great." As if being stuck in a world where Pokémon could destroy cities wasn't enough, now he had to deal with hormones and zits all over again.

He leaned back from the tiles, running a hand through his still-damp hair. His reflection in the mirror was a stranger—wide eyes, messy hair, and a hint of fear that he couldn't quite hide.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus. One step at a time. Get through today, then tomorrow. Don't think too far ahead. Six years was a long time, but he didn't have to face it all at once.

He could figure this out. Somehow.

---

As Austin walked through the Pokémon Center, he noticed Nurse Joy behind the counter, her usual warm smile in place. He approached her, trying not to look too out of place with a Spearow perched confidently on his head.

"Good morning!" Nurse Joy greeted cheerfully, her eyes flicking upward. Her smile faltered just a fraction before she let out a soft laugh. "You've got an interesting hat today."

"Yeah, rent's overdue, but Spearow doesn't seem to care."

Nurse Joy chuckled, resting her elbows on the counter. "I don't think it's planning to pay up anytime soon."

"Figured," Austin muttered as Spearow squawked indignantly, tugging at his hair as if to say, You'll take it and like it.

At his feet, Pikachu tapped his foot impatiently.

"Alright, alright, I'm getting to it," Austin said, holding his hands up. He turned back to Nurse Joy with a sheepish grin. "Sorry, I'm still figuring out this whole Pokémon trainer thing. Pretty sure I'm doing half of it wrong."

Nurse Joy tilted her head, her smile softening. "Oh, everyone feels like that in the beginning. Pokémon training isn't just about battles—it's about getting to know them. They've all got their own personalities, you know."

"Yeah, I'm getting that. Spearow here's got the personality of a landlord who raises rent every month."

"Sounds like a challenge," Nurse Joy said with a grin. "But challenges make good trainers. You're doing fine."

"Thanks," Austin replied, genuinely appreciating her encouragement.

Spearow, however, seemed unimpressed and tugged at his hair again.

"Spearow! Quit it! I'm going to go bald if you keep this up," Austin groaned, swatting lightly at the bird.

Spearow squawked and settled down, tucking its wings neatly, as if to say, Fine, I'll allow it.

Nurse Joy laughed. "Looks like it's got a flair for drama. So, what brings you over?"

"Oh, right." Austin scratched his head, careful not to disturb Spearow. "I was wondering where the cafeteria is—and if there's a kitchen I could use to whip up something for my Pokémon."

"The cafeteria is just down the hall to your left," Nurse Joy said. "As for the kitchen, you're welcome to use it, but you'll need to bring your own ingredients, and you'll need an intern with you. Safety protocols."

"Intern supervision? Sounds serious."

"Oh, it's not that bad," she said, though her smile widened just a little too much. "They're very… patient."

Austin sweatdropped. "I'll try not to burn the place down, then."

"Good plan," she teased, leaning on the counter. "How's your back doing, by the way?"

He rolled his shoulders, wincing slightly. "Still sore, but manageable. Nothing I can't handle."

"I'll send some pain relief ointment to your room," Nurse Joy offered. "It'll help with the stiffness."

"Thanks. That'll definitely help."

"Oh, and one more thing," Nurse Joy added. "Your Rattata's just about ready to be picked up. Nurse Chansey's finishing her final checkup now. You can pick her up in about an hour."

"That's great."

"Yes," Nurse Joy said, "And one last thing—Professor Oak called asking about you. He said he'd like you to video call him as soon as possible."

Austin froze for a second. "Professor Oak?" he repeated, keeping his voice casual. "Did he say why?"

She shook her head. "No, just that it's important."

"Got it. I'll give him a call," Austin said, pocketing his Pokédex and forcing a smile. "Thanks for everything."

"Of course," Nurse Joy replied brightly. "Have a good day, hero."

"You too," Austin replied, giving Nurse Joy a quick wave as he turned to leave.

His mind, however, was spinning. What could Professor Oak want? Austin glanced down at his Pokédex, scrolling through the contacts as he walked.

"Let's see," he murmured to himself. Ketchum household number, some restaurant—oh yeah, Delia worked there. Oak's lab… huh, a ton of emergency numbers too.

His thumb hovered over the contact list, but his thoughts were interrupted by a sudden burst of sunlight.

Austin blinked, glancing around. Wait, wasn't I supposed to be heading to the cafeteria?

Looking up, he finally saw the building he'd been aimlessly walking toward. The entrance was bustling with trainers, but what really caught his eye was the small garden visible through the open back. Pokémon lounged alongside their trainers under shady gazebos, their soft chirps and relaxed murmurs blending into a peaceful background hum.

Pikachu, however, had no interest in the scenery. The moment he spotted the food table inside, his ears perked up, and he launched himself forward like a yellow rocket. "Pika!"

"Pikachu, slow down!" Austin called, but it was too late. Pikachu skidded to a halt near the overwhelmed intern manning the table. The poor kid, looking like he'd been awake for days, was handing out plates of eggs, berries, toast, and milk to trainers while hastily refilling bowls of kibble for their Pokémon. His every move was sluggish, like he was teetering on the edge of exhaustion.

Austin grabbed a plate, shaking his head at Pikachu, who was already eyeing the kibble bowls like they were made of gold. He made his way to the back garden, finding a quiet spot under one of the gazebos. Away from the crowd, it felt peaceful—a small slice of calm in the chaos of his new life.

Pikachu followed eagerly, hopping onto the bench beside him, while Spearow fluttered off his head and landed on the table with an indignant squawk.

"You're welcome," Austin muttered dryly, setting his plate down.

As he picked at his eggs, a strange thought wormed its way into his mind. Are these from Pidgeys or Spearows?

His fork paused mid-air as his stomach did a flip. He remembered hints in the anime about Pokémon being used for food, but the idea of eating one made him queasy.

Pikachu glanced up at him, a piece of kibble dangling from his mouth, as if to ask what his problem was.

Austin sighed and took a tentative bite. The taste was incredible—creamy, fluffy, and rich. It was so good, in fact, that he momentarily forgot his earlier concern. "Okay, wow," he said aloud. "Maybe I won't question it. These eggs are amazing."

Pikachu squeaked in agreement, munching happily on his kibble, while Spearow pecked at a berry with what could only be described as regal disdain.

"Guess I'm not going vegan anytime soon. Vegetarian, I guess," he muttered to himself, glancing at the glass of milk on his tray. But then a strange question crossed his mind, one he wasn't sure he wanted the answer to.

I do wonder… what's the attitude on eating Pokémon in other regions? There's the whole Slowpoke tail thing in Johto…

The thought made his stomach churn. He grimaced, gagging slightly.

Pikachu, who had been peacefully chomping down on his kibble, gave him an unimpressed side-eye.

"Right, sorry," he muttered, shaking off the thought. His gaze drifted to Pikachu's bowl of kibble, the oddly colorful pieces stacked neatly in the ceramic dish. "I wonder what that stuff tastes like…"

Pikachu froze mid-bite, his eyes narrowing. He slowly placed his paw over the bowl protectively, shielding it like a prized treasure.

"Alright, alright! I wasn't going to take it. Geez, you're more protective of that bowl than my bank account."

Meanwhile, Spearow had finished his berries and hopped closer to Austin's plate, eyeing the eggs with greedy curiosity. The boy noticed immediately, narrowing his eyes at the small bird. "Don't even think about it," he warned, pointing his fork at Spearow.

Spearow cocked his head, then hopped even closer, his beady eyes practically daring Austin to stop him.

"Alright, fine. Let's make this interesting."

He swapped the bowls around, sliding Pikachu's kibble to himself, the eggs to Spearow, and the berry bowl to Pikachu. "Come on, guys. Let's try something new for a change."

Pikachu glared at him, cheeks sparking in protest, but the Electric-type reluctantly leaned down and stuffed a berry into his mouth. His cheeks puffed out like a squirrel hoarding acorns.

"So cute."

Pikachu paused and blushed at the compliment. Spearow, however, immediately began scarfing down the eggs, popping bits into his beak one after another.

Austin picked up a piece of kibble and popped it into his mouth.

Big mistake.

The second it hit his tongue, he froze. It was like chewing on Styrofoam—bland, dry, and utterly tasteless. He gagged, forcing himself to swallow, and immediately reached for his glass of milk to wash it down. "This… this tastes like nothing. How do you eat this, Pikachu?"

Pikachu shrugged, entirely unbothered, as the boy grabbed a piece and held it for Spearow, hoping to ease some of the tension between them. But the moment Spearow pecked at it, the bird nearly chomped down on his hand instead.

"Ah—ouch!" Austin yelped, pulling his hand back and shaking it out. A faint red mark on his palm throbbed where the sharp beak had almost gotten him. "What the hell, Spearow? You trying to turn me into your next snack?"

Spearow flapped his wings and let out a smug squawk, his beady eyes gleaming with something the boy could only describe as amusement. Was he enjoying this?

Austin frowned, rubbing his sore palm as he studied the bird. It was clear that Spearow still had an edge to his personality—the same aggressive streak he'd shown back when he was part of the flock. But there was something different now. Sure, he was still a pain in the neck, but he wasn't outright hostile.

Why? Austin wondered, his mind racing. Why isn't he as aggressive as he was with his flock? Was it because he fought alongside us? Or is there something else going on here?

He thought back to everything he knew about Spearow. In the anime, Spearow eventually becomes the leader of his flock—an undeniably tough Pokémon with a chip on his shoulder. But maybe, just maybe, this Spearow wasn't there yet.

What if he's young? Austin's brows furrowed as he considered the possibility. That would explain why the flock used him as bait—he was the weakest link, expendable. But he's got potential. That much is clear. And he's got that petty, aggressive attitude to boot. It's probably his way of trying to prove himself.

Pikachu suddenly sparked with electricity, his cheeks crackling as he prepared to give Spearow a piece of his mind.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Austin said quickly, holding up his hands. He reached out and gently placed a hand on Pikachu's head, easing him down. "No Thunder Shock, buddy. We're not frying him."

Pikachu huffed, crossing his tiny arms as he shot Spearow a dirty look. The tiny bird Pokémon, in response, puffed up his chest and let out a mocking chirp, clearly enjoying the chaos he was causing.

Austin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Okay, I can't let this attitude slide. If I do, it's only going to get worse.

The boy looked at the small pile of berries on the table and suddenly had an idea. He reached into his backpack and pulled out the cookbook. Flipping through it, his eyes lit up when he spotted something that made his mouth water just reading it.

"Frozen yogurt berries… covered in chocolate," he said slowly, his voice dripping with exaggerated temptation, like he was announcing the world's most luxurious dessert. "Add a drizzle of honey, maybe some crushed nuts on top… and voila—a heavenly snack."

As he glanced down, he caught both Pikachu and Spearow staring at him, their mouths quite literally watering.

"What do you say, Pikachu? Want to try it?"

"Pika!" Pikachu nodded enthusiastically, his little paws gripping the table edge as he leaned closer, clearly imagining the treat.

"And we could make it even better. Maybe toss in some caramel drizzle, a sprinkle of cinnamon... Oh, the flavors, Pikachu. You and me, buddy—tasting heaven."

The trap was set.

Sure enough, Spearow let out an offended squawk, wings flaring slightly as he hopped closer. The tiny bird Pokémon squeaked indignantly as if to say, Why am I not included in this?!

"I don't know, Spearow," he said casually, flexing his hand dramatically. "My hand hurts too much to whip up snacks for just anyone. Maybe next time."

The effect was instant. Spearow looked down, his wings drooping slightly, and gave a small, pitiful squawk.

Austin sighed softly and reached out to rub a finger over the crown of the bird's head. Spearow stiffened at first but slowly relaxed under the gentle touch.

"Spearow," Austin began, his voice kind but firm, "I want you to know this isn't going to be like your old flock. I'm not here to deal with your aggressive attitude all the time. We've gotta work together. Let's get along, okay? Think about it—I'll give you snacks, train you to be stronger, give you battles, and hey, let's be honest…" He tapped the top of his head lightly. "My head's a pretty perfect nest, isn't it?"

Spearow let out a hesitant chirp, tilting his head in what could only be described as thoughtful consideration.

"Good. Now eat up, genius." Austin smirked as he slid the berry bowl toward the bird while adding some milk.

Austin felt full just watching the duo eat. He pulled out his Pokédex, almost out of habit, like it was his phone.

"Spearow: Male. Ability: Keen Eye. Current moves: Peck, Leer, Focus Energy, and Fury Attack. Age: Four months."

Austin froze, his eyebrows shooting up. Wait—Four months?

He glanced down at the bird perched on the table, who tilted his head smugly, as if to say, Yeah, I'm awesome. What of it?

That's way younger than I expected… And Fury Attack? You didn't know that move the other day.

His thoughts began to race. So, Spearow must've learned it during that scuffle with Team Rocket. That means Pokémon actually gain experience in real-time here, just like in the games. Do they 'level up'? Is there a cap on how many moves they can learn?

The idea of a four-move limit made his stomach churn. Man, if that's a thing, that would suck.

"Guess I'll ask Professor Oak about it later," Austin mumbled, tucking the thought away for now.

Before he could close the Pokédex, something else caught his attention—a small symbol he hadn't noticed before. Intrigued, he tapped it, and a new section labeled "Encyclopedia" popped up.

A video of Professor Oak appeared. "Hello there! Looks like you've found the secret function of the Pokédex. Think of this as a fun quest. As long as you encounter a Pokémon, their entry will be automatically unlocked for you to read. Enjoy!"

Austin couldn't help but grin. He glanced over at Pikachu and Spearow, who had both finished their meals and were now staring at him intently.

"Alright," Austin said, chuckling at their expressions. "Which one should we check out first?"

"Spearow!"

"Pika!"

Austin raised his hands, stepping in before things could escalate. "Okay, okay, let's settle this without frying anything. I'll pick based on who joined the team first."

Spearow seemed to accept the logic, though he still gave Pikachu a sharp side-eye. Pikachu, meanwhile, smirked smugly, knowing exactly how this would play out.

"Let's see what Pikachu's entry says."

---

[ Encyclopaedia Entry Number #25 ]

Pikachu are a small species of Pokémon which many people find cute, and for this reason have become quite popular as pets, even among people with little interest in Pokémon battles. This is an unfortunate fact which leads to many electrocutions, for a Pikachu can be quite dangerous to handle.

Pikachu are Pokémon which store electricity in their cheeks, but this electricity must be released on a semi-regular basis lest the Pokémon use powerful electric attacks at random, shocking everything in sight. Typically, this is handled by occasionally hooking the rodent up to a special battery which is recharged by its shock, then using the electricity to power the household. Furthermore, they do not only use Thunder Shock to release energy, but also when startled or angry, and they do not have especially forgiving tempers. Many a trainer has been hospitalized or worse when quarreling with their Pokémon, some passing away from shock wounds which could have been properly treated were the trainer not embarrassed for how this reflected upon them as a trainer.

Moreover, there is the issue of weather; Pikachu can seldom be cooped up inside for long, but they are prone to causing nearby people to be electrocuted in rain, and its tail can attract lightning in thunderstorms. Proper care involves the usage of a Poké Ball in inclement weather, but Pikachu are often reluctant to be so confined. Many inexperienced owners are equally reluctant to use them, fearing it will mark them as Pokémon trainers and force them to accept challenges and see their precious Pikachu injured.

Despite this, with a gentle spirit and proper caution, Pikachu can make for excellent pets.

---

As the encyclopedia entry finished, Austin leaned back, smirking at Pikachu. "So, I guess we know why you fried me when we first met. Honestly, though, if you hadn't held back, I'd probably still be a scorch mark on Route 1. Would've made for a short journey."

He laughed at his own joke, but his smile faltered as he noticed Pikachu's reaction. The little Electric-type's ears drooped, his tail sagged, and his eyes darted nervously to the side. His usual confident, almost cocky demeanor was gone, replaced by visible unease. Pikachu shifted on the table, his small frame stiff as if bracing for something.

"Hey… buddy?" He leaned forward, his tone softening. "What's wrong?"

Pikachu didn't meet his eyes. "Pika…" he murmured lowly, almost like he was apologizing for something.

It hit Austin like a Thunder Shock. Pikachu wasn't just uneasy—he was scared. Scared of his own power. Scared of hurting someone. Maybe even scared of hurting him.

Reaching over, Austin gently placed a hand on Pikachu's head, his fingers brushing through the soft yellow fur. "Hey, that was a dumb joke," he said quietly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that."

"Pika…"

Austin sighed, letting his hand rest there, feeling the tension in Pikachu's tiny body. "Look," he began, his voice steady, "I get it. You're worried about losing control, right? About shocking someone without meaning to?"

Pikachu gave the smallest of nods, his big eyes flicking up to meet Austin's for just a moment before darting away again.

"Well, don't be," Austin said firmly, his tone carrying a confidence he wasn't sure he entirely felt. "We're going to train, alright? Every day. We'll figure this out together, step by step. And I promise you, the chances of you having a random discharge are going to drop to zero. Zero. You'll have more control than a gym leader's Raichu by the time we're done."

"Pika…?"

Austin smiled, scratching behind Pikachu's ears. "Yeah, that's a promise. And if it takes some extra help to get there, then we'll find it. Look, I'll put this special battery on our to-buy list. I'll find one for you, no matter how much it costs."

Pikachu's eyes widened slightly, the nervous tension in his body easing a fraction.

"Yep. I don't care if I have to save up for a year or haggle like crazy. Whatever it takes to help you feel safe, buddy, I'll do it. We're in this together."

Pikachu stared at him for a long moment, his little face still uncertain but softening with something that looked like trust. Slowly, he nodded, his ears perking up slightly.

"That's more like it," Austin said, a grin tugging at his lips. "We've got this. You've got this."

He was about to say more when a sudden, sharp chirp! broke through the quiet moment.

"Ah!" Austin yelped, jumping slightly as the sound rang through his ears. "Spearow!" He turned to glare at the tiny bird looking far too pleased with himself.

Austin groaned, rubbing his ear with his pinky. "Well, aren't you excited? What's the matter? Jealous of the bonding moment? Want some scratches too?"

Spearow gave an indignant squawk, hopping closer as if daring Austin to try.

Pikachu, now more himself, let out a squeaky laugh.

---

[ Encyclopaedia Entry Number #21 ]

When children are too young to train Pokémon, their mothers typically give them two pieces of advice: "Don't go into the tall grass" and "under no circumstances make a Spearow mad." It would do more trainers well to heed the second piece of advice, even once they get their first Pokémon; alas, many are too hotheaded to listen.

Spearow are a rare and cowardly Pokémon, but quick to anger. If a trainer is too weak to capture or kill one they antagonize (and they are quick to anger), a Spearow will call for backup from its friends, and young children who struggle with one of them now battle a whole flock.

Sometimes trainers have already captured an Electric, Ice, or Rock Pokémon and can use its type advantage to survive, albeit typically in critical condition and dire need of a Pokémon Center. Far more often, young trainers are pecked and scratched to death, and their bodies, along with those of their Pokémon, feed the victorious flock for an entire week.

---

Austin stared at the entry on his Pokédex, his face pale. His hand slowly slid up to cover his face as the full weight of what he'd just read sank in. His mind went completely blank, save for one horrifying realization.

How close was I to being bird food yesterday?!

He replayed the memory in his head—running as the Spearow flock descended on him, their talons slashing, their beaks stabbing, and the fury in their red eyes.

The boy gulped, his hands trembling slightly as he lowered the Pokédex. I was one peck away from being a corpse in the tall grass.

He glanced nervously over at Spearow, who was perched on the edge of the table, grooming its feathers like it didn't have a care in the world. Pikachu, however, was watching the tiny bird with narrowed eyes, sparks crackling faintly from his cheeks. It didn't take a genius to see that Pikachu was still suspicious of their new "teammate."

Spearow, of course, noticed the Electric-type's stare and cocked its head, giving Pikachu a pointed look that practically screamed, What are you gonna do about it?

Austin could feel the tension in the air like a live wire. Oh, great, he thought, wiping his clammy hands on his jeans.

"Alright, let's calm down here," Austin said, raising his hands in a placating gesture as he stepped between them. "Pikachu, buddy, listen to me. Spearow's not our enemy anymore. He's on our team now, okay?"

Pikachu tilted his head, unconvinced, and crossed his tiny arms. His tail twitched as another faint spark danced off his cheeks.

"Come on, Pikachu," Austin tried again, crouching down to meet the Electric-type's eyes. "I know his flock tried to peck us to death yesterday—"

"Pika!" Pikachu interrupted, pointing dramatically at Spearow as if to say, Exactly! Case closed.

Austin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Okay, fair point. But Spearow isn't his flock, remember? And now he's with us. That's how it works. We're a team, and teams trust each other. Right?"

Pikachu looked unconvinced but glanced back at Spearow, who had paused his grooming to puff out his chest smugly. It was like the bird was daring Pikachu to try something.

Austin groaned inwardly. You're not helping, Spearow.

"Listen, Pikachu," Austin said, his voice softening. "I need you to trust me on this. I promise Spearow's not going to hurt you—or me. And if he tries anything, you've got my permission to zap him into next week. Deal?"

Pikachu's ears twitched at that, and he gave Spearow one last glare before nodding reluctantly. "Pika," he said, though it was clear he'd be keeping a close eye on the tiny bird.

Austin let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "Good. Thanks, buddy." He gave Pikachu a gentle scratch behind the ears, earning a contented squeak in response.

Spearow, meanwhile, let out a soft squawk, as if mocking the entire exchange. Austin shot him a look. "And you. No funny business, got it?"

Spearow blinked innocently, as if to say, Who, me?

Austin groaned. Being a trainer is hard work.

"Alright, let's get moving!" he announced, standing up and stretching. He needed to break the tense atmosphere before things spiraled again. "Snacks, anyone?"

"Pika!"

"Spear!"

Austin chuckled. "That's what I thought."

The trip to the shop was quick but left Austin feeling significantly lighter—both emotionally and financially. His wallet had taken a 200 Pokédollar hit in exchange for berries, yogurt, chocolates, and a bag of chips. He figured it was worth it. If food could keep his team happy and distracted from their differences, it was an investment he was willing to make.

As they walked back to their room, Austin noticed both Pikachu and Spearow eyeing the bags he was carrying like vultures circling a meal.

"Seriously, guys? I just risked my bank account for you, and all you care about is the snacks?"

Pikachu didn't even look up, his focus laser-locked on the bag.

Spearow let out a squawk of agreement, his talons clicking against the floor as he hurried to keep pace with Austin.

"Unbelievable," Austin muttered, shaking his head as he pushed open the door to their room. "Food is the way to your hearts, huh?"

Setting the bags down, Austin pulled out Rattata's Pokéball with a small smile. "Alright, let's get you out of there—hello ther—"

Before he could finish, pain exploded across his face like a thunderbolt. He stumbled back, crashing onto the floor as stars danced in his vision. His nose throbbed, and a fiery ache shot through his skull.

"What the—?!" he groaned, blinking up at the ceiling, trying to process what had just happened. His thoughts were interrupted by a sharp, panicked cry.

"Pika?!"

Electricity crackled dangerously as Pikachu stood on the table, cheeks sparking wildly.

"Pikachu, wait!" Austin raised a shaky hand, his voice strained but urgent. "Don't—"

Spearow, however, had no such restraint. With an aggressive squawk, the bird launched himself into action, wings flapping furiously. Was he trying to protect Austin, or just reacting to the sudden chaos? Austin couldn't tell.

Spearow swooped toward Rattata, his sharp beak glinting as he aimed a Peck at the tiny Pokémon.

"Wait, no—stop it!" Austin yelled, scrambling to his feet as fast as his aching body would allow.

Rattata moved like lightning, darting to the side with a terrified squeak. Spearow's attack missed, and his momentum carried him straight into the nearby window.

Crash!

Glass shattered, the deafening noise cutting through the room as shards flew everywhere. Austin instinctively threw up his arms to shield himself, feeling tiny, stinging cuts on his skin as the pieces rained down.

"Enough!" he roared, his voice hoarse with panic. He staggered upright, taking in the chaos: Spearow flapping wildly near the broken window, Pikachu still sparking with tension, and Rattata, curled up in the corner, trembling violently.

She looked so small. So scared.

The door slammed open, and Nurse Joy rushed in with a Chansey at her side. Her eyes widened as she took in the scene—the shattered glass, the Pokémon on edge, and Austin, bleeding and looking like he'd just walked out of a warzone.

"I—I didn't mean for this to happen," Austin blurted out, his words tumbling over each other in a frantic mess. "The window—I didn't think Rattata would react like that, and—"

"Hold on," Nurse Joy interrupted, her calm, professional demeanor cutting through his panic. "You're bleeding."

Austin blinked, confused. "What?" He reached up to his face and winced as his fingers brushed against his nose. A sharp sting shot through him, and when he pulled his hand back, it was smeared with blood.

Looking in the mirror across the room, he saw it: his nose was clearly broken, and blood was dripping steadily down his face.

"Great. Just great," he muttered, his voice thick with frustration and pain.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw movement—Rattata making a desperate dash for the door. Without thinking, Austin grabbed her Pokéball and recalled her in a flash of red light before she could escape. The room fell eerily quiet, save for the soft hum of the Pokémon Center and Austin's ragged breathing.

Nurse Joy was at his side in an instant, her movements calm and precise, though there was an edge of concern in her voice. "Stay still. Your nose is broken," she said as she knelt down next to Austin. Her tone left no room for argument.

Austin winced, still half-dazed. "Broken? Great. What else is new?" His voice came out muffled as he pinched the bridge of his nose instinctively, trying to stop the bleeding.

"Let me see," she said, gently pulling his hand away. Her face scrunched slightly as she examined him. "This might sting a bit."

"Sting? Nurse Joy, my face feels like I headbutted a Golem," he muttered, though he stayed still as she began to work.

"That does seem like something you'd do."

Austin gave her a weak grin through the pain. "Funny. You should take that act on the road."

"Maybe I will," she replied, not missing a beat, as she carefully adjusted his nose.

Behind them, Chansey waddled into the room, balancing a small tray of medical supplies in her stubby arms. She gave a soft "Chansey!" and placed the tray down before surveying the shattered window and scattered glass.

Pikachu took one look at Chansey and immediately grabbed a broom leaning against the wall. He let out a determined "Pika!" and started sweeping the broken shards with tiny, focused movements.

"Pikachu… what are you doing?"

Chansey clapped her little hands together in approval. "Chansey!"

"Alright, alright, overachiever," Austin muttered, leaning back slightly as Nurse Joy gently dabbed at a cut on his cheek.

Meanwhile, Spearow was perched on the headboard of the bed.

"Spearow," he said, his tone sharp, "help them."

The bird's feathers puffed up in indignation, his beady eyes glaring at Austin as if to say, Excuse me?

"Spearow," Austin repeated, his voice firm this time. "Now!"

With a squawk that sounded suspiciously like a teenager saying, Ugh, fine, Spearow fluttered down to the floor. He began picking up larger shards of glass with his beak, occasionally tossing them into the dustpan Chansey held.

Nurse Joy glanced up from her work, watching the scene unfold. "You've got a way with your Pokémon," she said lightly, though there was a trace of amusement in her tone.

"Way with them? More like they've got a way with me."

"Well, considering the number of injuries you've racked up in, what, a day? I can't complain. Keeps me in business," she said, her lips twitching into a teasing smile.

Austin raised an eyebrow, half-skeptical. "Wait a second—aren't Pokémon Centers free?"

"Oh, yeah, but I'm thinking of charging you especially," Nurse Joy said with a sly smile as she carefully removed another glass shard from his arm, the blood glinting faintly under the light.

Austin flinched, wincing at the sharp sting. "Mercy! Please, Nurse Joy, have mercy!" he pleaded dramatically, though his voice cracked just enough to show he wasn't entirely kidding.

Her laugh was light, but her hands remained steady as she worked.

"Great," Austin muttered, gritting his teeth as she pulled out another shard. "I'll go down in history as the trainer who ruined universal healthcare."

Nurse Joy chuckled as the boy let out a half-hearted laugh but immediately winced as another sharp sting shot through his arm.

Okay, Austin, he thought, if you want to make it out of this journey in one piece, you need to start being more cautious. Think things through. Assume the worst.

His eyes drifted down to the Pokéball resting in his hand. The glossy red-and-white surface gleamed faintly in the light, but his thoughts were heavier than the ball itself.

What do I do with you now, Rattata?

He turned the Pokéball over in his palm, the weight of it suddenly feeling more significant. She was scared—terrified, even. And why wouldn't she be? He'd caught her in a moment of desperation, and she clearly didn't trust him yet.

Nurse Joy glanced at him as she finished removing the last shard of glass, her tone softening. "You look like you've got something on your mind."

Austin hesitated, then held up the Pokéball. "It's Rattata. She's… she's scared of me. If I let her out, she'll bolt. I don't know how to get through to her."

Nurse Joy studied him for a moment before setting down her tools. "Can I see her Pokéball?"

Confused, Austin handed it over. He watched as she twisted the front button, and to his surprise, the red top of the Pokéball faded, revealing a tiny Rattata curled up inside.

His jaw dropped. That's… that's like something from the Pokémon manga!

Nurse Joy chuckled. "It's a feature most trainers don't know about. It's meant to help you understand your Pokémon better. Look at her—she's scared. She doesn't trust you yet."

Austin stared at the tiny Pokémon, her little body trembling even inside the ball.

"Talk to her," Nurse Joy continued, handing the Pokéball back to him. "Help her understand that you're not going to hurt her. She needs to feel safe with you. Trust takes time, but you'll get there."

Austin nodded slowly, her words sinking in. "Thanks," he said quietly.

"I need to get back to work," Nurse Joy said, giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Take care of yourself—and your Pokémon."

As the door clicked shut behind her, Austin sat down heavily on the edge of the bed, staring at the Pokéball in his hand. The room felt too quiet now, and the weight of what had just happened pressed down on him like a ton of bricks.

Austin turned the transparent Pokéball over in his palm, his brow furrowed in disbelief. How does this even work? He tilted the ball slightly, as if doing so might reveal some hidden secret. The science of this world was on another level, and no amount of thinking was going to help him figure it out.

A soft squeak from inside the Pokéball broke his train of thought. He blinked, focusing on the miniature Rattata curled up inside.

"You pack quite the punch, you know that?" Austin said softly, tilting the Pokéball so Rattata was in full view. Her small body trembled slightly, and he could see the tension in her tiny form.

Pikachu snorted audibly, his ears flicking back in clear annoyance as he glared at the Pokéball.

"Okay, buddy, chill," Austin said. "She didn't mean to cause trouble. She was scared."

"Pika," Pikachu grumbled.

"Oh, really? Like you weren't scared when we first met? You literally zapped me into next week."

Pikachu's ears twitched, and he let out a huff, turning away with an exaggerated flick of his tail. His expression screamed, That was different.

Austin smirked but didn't push further. Instead, he turned his attention back to Rattata's Pokéball. "Don't worry," he said gently. "He's just protective. It's a new environment for all of us."

Rattata's small eyes darted around warily, but there was a flicker of something else there—curiosity, maybe.

"Look, we got off on the wrong foot," Austin continued. "My name's Austin, and I'm your trainer. And I get it—you're scared. You've got no reason to trust me yet. But… maybe we can change that?"

Rattata tilted her head slightly, her ears perking up. Austin wasn't sure if she understood him, but at least she wasn't outright panicking.

"Trainer," he repeated. "You know, we go on adventures, battle sometimes, eat good food… especially the food."

That last part seemed to hit a nerve. Her ears twitched again, and her nose wiggled slightly, like the mere mention of food had flipped a switch.

"Oh, so that's what gets your attention, huh? Food?"

Rattata's tiny body leaned forward, just a little, her tail flicking with interest.

"Alright, let's make a deal," Austin said, gripping the Pokéball a little tighter. "I'll let you out, but you have to promise me you won't run away. Deal?"

Rattata hesitated but eventually gave a small, tentative nod.

Taking a deep breath, Austin pressed the button on the Pokéball, releasing her in a flash of light. She appeared on the floor, her tiny body tense, but she didn't bolt.

"Good start," Austin said softly, reaching into his bag. He pulled out a handful of berries and held them out to her with an open palm.

Rattata sniffed the air cautiously before inching forward, her little nose twitching furiously. Finally, she took a bite, nibbling at the berries with quick, precise movements.

Austin watched her, something warm settling in his chest. It wasn't just relief—there was something heartwarming about seeing her relax, even if it was just for food. She wasn't some wild Pokémon anymore. She was part of this crazy, mismatched team he was building.

The peaceful moment shattered with a loud screech.

Austin's head snapped up to see Spearow perched on the edge of the bed, his beak glowing ominously as he prepared to dive at Rattata.

"Spearow!" Austin barked. "Stand down, or no snacks for you!"

Spearow froze mid-flap, his head jerking toward Austin. He let out a disgruntled squawk before reluctantly settling down, hopping back to the headboard. His eyes, however, stayed locked on Rattata, sharp and calculating.

"Yeah, yeah, I see you," Austin muttered. "But if you so much as think about dive-bombing her again, you're sleeping outside tonight."

Spearow ruffled his feathers indignantly, but he didn't make another move.

Rattata, meanwhile, hadn't stopped eating. If she noticed the near attack, she didn't show it. She was laser-focused on the berries, her little body hunched protectively over her meal.

"Don't worry," Austin continued. "As long as I'm here, you'll be safe. I promise."

The words felt heavier than he expected, like he was making a vow not just to her, but to himself.

For a moment, the room felt still, as if the words were sinking in for all of them.

Austin let out a slow breath, standing back up. "Alright, team," he said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Let's take it one step at a time."

Pikachu gave a soft "Pika," his tail flicking in agreement, while Spearow let out a grudging squawk, clearly too proud to openly agree but not entirely against the idea.

As for Rattata, she finished the last of her berries and looked up at Austin, her tiny eyes less fearful than before. It wasn't much. But it was a start.

---

"Are you... okay?" Austin asked cautiously, eyeing the intern who looked one sneeze away from passing out. The guy's pink hair was an absolute mess, sticking out in every direction, and the dark bags under his half-closed eyes made him look like he hadn't seen a bed—or basic human joy—in days. He leaned against the counter like it was the only thing keeping him upright.

The intern let out a long, dramatic sigh, like he was carrying the weight of the entire Pokémon Center on his back. "Define... okay." His voice was monotone, and he blinked slowly, as though even that required monumental effort.

Austin raised an eyebrow. "Uh, I meant, like... are you good? You look like you're about to keel over."

"I'm fine," the intern mumbled, wobbling slightly on his feet. "Totally fine. Just... what do you need? Dehydrator? Freeze dryer? Blast chiller? Or... I don't know... a time machine?"

Austin tilted his head. "Why would I need all that?"

The intern stared at him like he'd just asked why water was wet. "To... make snacks? For the road? You freeze-dry fruit, dehydrate meat... maybe vacuum-seal it? You know, basic survival stuff." He yawned mid-sentence, his words slurring together. "Otherwise, your snacks are gonna go bad and you'll starve in the wilderness or something. Trust me... it happens..."

"Right." Austin shot a glance at his Pokémon. Pikachu, Spearow, and Rattata were darting around the gleaming kitchen, poking their noses into cupboards and sniffing every utensil they came across. The kitchen itself was a pristine, stainless steel wonderland filled with gadgets and appliances Austin couldn't even name, let alone use. Honestly, it was intimidating.

"Well," Austin began, hoping to keep it simple, "I was just planning to use a double boiler and maybe the freezer. You know, old-school."

The intern froze mid-yawn, his eyes snapping open just a fraction wider. He stared at Austin like he'd just witnessed something miraculous. "You..." He pointed a shaky finger at him. "You're... the Messiah."

Austin blinked, caught completely off guard. "...What?"

"The culinary Messiah!" the intern whispered with the kind of reverence usually reserved for legendary Pokémon. His voice trembled like he'd just had a religious experience. "The chosen one... sent to save us from... the tyranny of... overcomplicated machines."

Austin stared at him, completely baffled. "Dude, it's just a double boiler."

The intern leaned closer, his bloodshot eyes narrowing. "A double boiler... of destiny."

"Okay," Austin said, holding up his hands. "You need sleep. Like, right now."

The intern straightened—or at least tried to, but his posture still screamed about to collapse. "You're right. Sleep is good. I'll go do that." He started stumbling toward the door, muttering under his breath. "But you... you are the truth."

"Uh, thanks?"

As the intern shuffled toward the exit, he paused, glancing back over his shoulder. "Or... maybe you're a false prophet. I'll decide after my nap." And with that, he collapsed face-first onto the floor, dead asleep before he even hit the tile.

Austin blinked down at the snoring figure. "Okay, then." He turned back to his Pokémon, exhaling slowly. "Well, that happened."

"Pika!" Pikachu called out, drawing his attention. The little electric mouse stood on the counter, one paw pressed against a teetering cup that looked moments away from falling. Pikachu's wide-eyed expression screamed oops, and Austin could already feel his stress levels rising.

"Seriously?" he muttered, moving to grab the cup before it could shatter. "Pikachu, do me a favor—don't make my day harder than it already is."

Pikachu tilted his head innocently.

Meanwhile, Rattata was nosing around a bag of flour on the floor, looking far too interested for Austin's liking.

He groaned, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I really, really need to find Brock and convince him to join me."

As if on cue, the intern snored loudly, mumbling something unintelligible about "prophecies" and "kitchen appliances." Austin shook his head, muttering under his breath. "Yeah. Definitely need Brock."

Later, as the treats chilled, Austin flipped through The Physics of Pokémon: Understanding Their Moves by Professor Magnolia. A section caught his attention:

Instinctive Moves — These are moves that a Pokémon instinctively knows but requires the catalyst of a battle to 'unlock.' It's like they have these moves lying dormant until the heat of battle triggers them.

Egg Moves — These moves awaken in Pokémon due to interspecies breeding. They are passed down from parents to offspring, sometimes resulting in moves that a Pokémon wouldn't normally learn.

Tutor Moves — A phenomenon known as Pokémon Mimetics shows that Pokémon can teach some of their moves to other species. This can be replicated by professional move tutors, who help Pokémon learn moves outside their natural set.

"Pokémon Mimetics," Austin murmured, imagining a classroom of Pokémon learning moves like students in a school. It was a fascinating thought, but definitely something he'd have to explore later.

TM Moves — TM, or Technical Machine, moves were created by Orrean scientist Konrad Zuse. He discovered that many Pokémon have vestigial organs that allow them to learn moves their species naturally can't. The first successful TM was created in 1941 when an Eevee was taught the move 'Stored Power' using a combination of Psychic-type Pokémon and engineering.

Austin paused, his eyes lingering on the word Orrean. Orre? Isn't that the region from Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness? Nostalgia and worry raced through his mind. Could Team Cipher become a problem for me in the future?

"Pika." Pikachu's gentle pat on his leg snapped Austin out of his thoughts. Pikachu pointed at the clock with his tiny paw, reminding the boy of their current task.

Austin blinked, shaking off the heavy thoughts. "Right. Let's see if the snacks are done."

He pulled out a plate of freshly made treats. Taking a bite, he savored the rich, smooth chocolate melting on his tongue, the cold, creamy yogurt balancing the sweetness, and the burst of tangy berries. It was perfect.

Handing a snack to each Pokémon, Austin watched as their faces lit up with joy. For a moment, he allowed himself to enjoy this small victory.

Cross the bridge when you come to it, he reminded himself. Focus on what's right in front of you. Talk to Professor Oak, sort out your budget, train, get through those books. Michael and Wes can handle Team Cipher if they become a problem.

Right now, he had his own journey to figure out.

Austin glanced at his Pokémon, still happily munching on their snacks, and felt a sense of peace wash over him.

For now, this was enough.

---

Austin settled into the communication room, the hum of vintage 90s computers filling the quiet space. The beige, bulky monitors were encased in small partitioned walls, offering a semblance of privacy. The soft glow of the screen was almost calming, but his nerves had other ideas. His leg bounced under the desk as he muttered, "Okay, you got this," before powering up the computer and dialing the number.

The ringing seemed to stretch forever, each chime amplifying the anxious rhythm of his heartbeat.

Finally, a voice crackled through the speakers.

"Hello, this is the Ketchum residence."

It was her, but the video feed hadn't activated yet.

Austin swallowed hard, the guilt settling heavy in his chest. "Hello, Mom?" The word felt foreign, like it didn't belong to him.

There was a cry of joy on the other end, loud and filled with unfiltered excitement. He winced at the sudden noise as Delia's face appeared on the screen, her smile warm and radiant.

"Hi, honey! Is everything okay?"

Her image came into focus, and Austin blinked, his thoughts stalling. Delia was curling dumbbells—big, 50-pound dumbbells. Her toned arms flexed with each movement, her expression focused. For a moment, he didn't know how to process it.

"Where are you, Ash?" she asked, her voice snapping him out of his daze.

"The Pokémon Center in Viridian City," he replied automatically, still processing what he was seeing. Was this her? The sweet, gentle Delia from the show? Or is this world just trying to surprise me in every way possible?

"You're already in Viridian City?" Her tone shifted to something proud, impressed even. "It took your father four days to get there when he started Pokémon training. Oh, he'll be so proud. You're the apple of his eye."

Father.

The word hit Austin harder than expected, like a punch he wasn't ready for. A lump formed in his throat. Ash's dad—a mystery my whole childhood—and now here I am, standing in his shoes.

"Is there a way for me to talk to him?" he blurted, the words escaping before he could think them through. They hung in the air, heavy with years of curiosity he hadn't realized he was carrying.

Delia's smile faltered, just slightly, and her tone became practiced, like this wasn't the first time she'd had to answer this question. "Sorry, honey, you know how busy he is."

There was something beneath her words, something unspoken, but Austin didn't push. He wasn't sure he wanted to know.

"Well, next time you talk to Dad, tell him I'm doing alright," he said, his voice betraying the weight of his emotions.

"Ash, I'm proud of you," Delia said, her eyes soft and brimming with love. "And I want you to know your father is proud of you too."

Austin looked away, his chest tightening with emotions he wasn't prepared to face. This is too much. Too real.

"Hmm," he murmured, barely audible, his voice a whisper of acknowledgment.

He needed an exit. Fast.

"I have to call Professor Oak," he said, his words tumbling out quickly, almost tripping over themselves. "I shouldn't keep him waiting."

"I love you," she said, her tone warm and genuine.

The words hit harder than he'd anticipated. Hearing them—so full of unconditional love—even though he wasn't truly her son, made his chest ache.

"Me too," he mumbled, his voice cracking as he ended the call.

The screen went dark, leaving Austin sitting in silence. It was deafening, the weight of the moment pressing down on him as he stared at the blank monitor.

This world, these connections—they're becoming more real with every passing moment.

And he was right in the middle of it all, struggling to navigate his unexpected journey, trying to piece together who he was in a world where everyone already seemed to know him.

---

"Ring, ring, ring."

"Hello there."

"Ah! My boy. How is your journey going?"

"Who is this?"

"Don't you recognize me?"

Austin bit back a laugh as he stared at the screen, the camera showing only the back of Professor Oak's head. "I would if I wasn't looking at the back of your head," he quipped, watching as the professor fumbled with the setup. Oak's sudden scramble to adjust the camera had him stifling a chuckle until he finally turned around, looking a bit sheepish.

"Looks like you made it to Viridian City," Oak noted, trying to regain his composure, though a faint blush crept across his cheeks.

"Yeah, I was curious why you called the Pokémon Center?"

"I was checking to see your progress since I am your sponsor," Professor Oak explained, his tone taking on a serious edge.

Austin's eyebrows shot up. Sponsor? That was news to him. He felt a twinge of anxiety, like he'd missed a critical piece of the puzzle. What else don't I know about this world?

"And I had my doubts that you'd be able to handle your Pikachu," Oak continued, "but when my grandson said you wouldn't have a new Pokémon by the time you got to Viridian City, I bet him 1,000 Pokédollars that he'd be wrong."

A grin spread across Austin's face. "You won that bet," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I caught two Pokémon—Rattata and Spearow."

Professor Oak's laughter filled the room, easing some of Austin's tension. "Well done! A Spearow?" Oak's expression shifted to concern, the amusement fading. "That Pokémon is hard for new trainers to handle."

"We'll see."

"Confidence, that's good to see," Oak said, smiling again. There was a warmth in his voice that made Austin feel like maybe he wasn't doing so badly after all.

"Professor, I had a few questions on my mind. Do you mind answering them?"

"Ask away," Oak encouraged, leaning forward, his eyes keen and focused.

"Can Pokémon use more than four moves?"

"Of course. Why do you ask?" Oak tilted his head, clearly curious about the question.

"Well, I saw this Pokémon match, and they only used four moves," Austin said, leaning back. He needed to know the rules here, to figure out what was real and what was just part of the show.

"That's because the Pokémon League rules limit each Pokémon to four moves during official battles, making the matches more strategic," Professor Oak explained. Austin nodded, filing that information away.

"Any other questions?"

"Uh, yeah." Austin hesitated, then pushed on. "When you say you're my sponsor, what does that mean exactly?"

Professor Oak chuckled, shaking his head. "You weren't paying attention during the lecture, were you?"

Austin forced a nervous laugh, feeling like he'd just been called out in class.

"Okay, being a sponsored trainer is pretty straightforward. I give you access to the Oak Lab's ranch, and the League provides you with a monthly stipend of 10,000 Pokédollars to use as you see fit," Oak explained.

Austin's jaw dropped.

"Ten thousand Pokédollars?"

He couldn't believe it. That was more money than he'd ever seen, let alone had to spend. He knew being a trainer was expensive, but still…

"But what's the catch?" Austin asked, trying to keep his voice steady. There had to be a catch. Nothing was ever this easy.

"The catch is that you're considered an active trainer who operates on my behalf and represents me in official tournaments while conducting your own adventures. Essentially, you get paid to battle and bring prestige to the lab. The better you perform, the more substantial the grants I receive from the League, and the bigger your stipend becomes," Oak continued.

"So I'm like a walking advertisement for the Oak Lab?"

"Something like that," Oak said, smiling. "But it's more about supporting young trainers and advancing Pokémon research."

Austin paused, letting it all sink in.

"But what if someone doesn't want to battle?" The question slipped out before he could stop himself.

"You, of all people, don't want to battle?" Professor Oak raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised.

"No, no, no," Austin backtracked quickly. "It's just that I recently found out how expensive it is to be a trainer, plus I plan to catch a lot of Pokémon, so a big stipend would be really helpful." He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling like he was exposing too much of his hand.

Professor Oak laughed, the sound easing some of Austin's tension. "Wow, I didn't expect you to start changing in just a day. The Ash of yesterday wouldn't have even bothered with this stuff."

Austin pursed his lips.

"The League's stipend can primarily be increased through your contributions to lab research or through gaining prestige in battles. However, that's not something you need to concern yourself with immediately. Managing six Pokémon with the 10K Pokédollars monthly stipend should be quite feasible. If you find yourself catching more Pokémon than you can comfortably manage, you can always send the extras to the ranch," Oak said.

Austin nodded, trying to process everything. This was… a lot.

But one thing still bugged him.

"Wouldn't sending my extra Pokémon to the ranch affect your finances?"

Professor Oak paused, looking momentarily taken aback. "Oh, you don't know."

"Know what?"

"The ranch generates revenue by selling by-products from Pokémon. For example, we store Pikachu's electricity in batteries; Tauros's fur can be harvested and sold; Miltank provides Moomoo Milk, and so forth," Oak explained, and suddenly, a lot of things started clicking into place.

"Professor Oak, I've read that many people need a second job alongside being a low-level trainer. Why don't more people get into this ranch business?"

"That's because trainers aren't exactly paid in cash; the ranch simply takes care of your Pokémon in exchange for the ownership of these by-products," Oak clarified.

"Okay, last question," Austin said, trying to keep his thoughts from spiraling too much. "You mentioned a 10K stipend."

"Yes?"

"So, where's my money?"

"In your bank account."

Austin blinked, feeling a bit stunned. Why the hell does a ten-year-old have a bank account?

---

As Austin left the bank with 5,000 Pokédollars in his pocket and headed for the Poké Mart to stock up on essentials, he flipped open Pokémon Training for Dummies by Jane Peters. The first section outlined the core staples of training any Pokémon: Knowledge, Diet, and Rest. Curious, Austin skipped the part about diet for now—he was more interested in what the book described as training specific to each Pokémon.

The book detailed:

A Pokémon's capabilities can be categorized into specific stats based on their physiology and the average abilities inherent to their species.

It listed several stats:

• Health Points (HP) or Stamina: How much damage a Pokémon can take before fainting.
• Attack: Often referred to as Physical Attack, this determines the damage dealt by physical moves.
• Defense: Influences how much damage a Pokémon receives from physical moves.
• Special: Divided into Special Attack and Special Defense, which affect special moves' impact and resistance.
• Speed: Determines a Pokémon's ability to dodge, move, and attack quickly.

Austin continued reading, intrigued.

"Every Pokémon species has been scientifically shown to have an affinity towards one of these stats. For example, an average Pikachu will always be quicker than it is durable. Therefore, when training, exercises related to enhancing speed should be prioritized over those that increase stamina."

The book included a table mapping each species to their stat affinities. Austin scanned the list, noting where Kanto Pokémon fell.

"So in the games, stats are actual numbers, but here they're more about a Pokémon's natural inclinations… I should model my training around these," he realized, nodding. It was a fascinating new angle for working with Pikachu, Spearow, and Rattata.

"Pika!" Pikachu chirped, pulling Austin from the book. He looked up and blinked, adjusting to his surroundings.

A passerby caught his eye. On a whim, Austin asked, "Excuse me, is that the Poké Mart?"

The man pointed at the giant sign over a massive building. Austin muttered a quick thanks, feeling his cheeks flush with embarrassment.

The Poké Mart was huge—a Pokémon-world version of Costco. Inside, it was even grander, with high ceilings and endless rows of shelves packed with items for trainers: toys, treats, grooming kits, and specialized gear like fire-retardant pet beds. Near the front, behind checkout counters, a wide glass case showcased familiar staples—Pokéballs, potions, and… glowing metal cubes?

Austin raised an eyebrow. Definitely not in the anime.

Grabbing a cart, he headed to the first aisle labeled Electric, steering carefully. Pikachu hopped in with a delighted chirp, wide-eyed at the spectacle. Austin pulled out his shopping list.

It was simple: Pikachu's special battery, high-quality food, and a grooming kit. He paused at a bag labeled League Recommended Omnivore Pokémon Food Blend. The back description was vague, promising "balanced nutrients" without specifics. He grimaced, shaking his head. Not good enough.

"Nah, I'll just make the food myself," he muttered. Pikachu perked up, ears twitching in approval.

Navigating through aisles, Austin grabbed essentials, avoiding gimmicks. At the bookshelf section, he picked up Under the Stars: A Modern Guide to Camping by Emma Clarkson. Feeling accomplished, he headed to checkout.

A teenage girl in a blue apron greeted him with a wide, practiced smile, quickly stashing away a magazine.

"Find everything okay?"

"Just fine, thanks," Austin replied, eyeing the glowing cubes in the glass case. "What are those?"

"TMs," she said, scanning his items.

Austin's heart skipped. Teaching Pokémon new moves? Game-changer. "Can I buy one?"

She held up a card listing available TMs, but his excitement plummeted when he saw the price: the cheapest was 20,000 Pokédollars. He didn't bother asking about the moves. Way out of my league right now.

"Which aisle is the Silph Co. bag in?" he asked, eyeing an ad for the high-tech backpack that used Pokéball technology to expand its storage. Priced at 8,000 Pokédollars, it even had an installment option. Too good to be true?

"Wow, that's some gift," the girl said, impressed.

"Uh, it's not a gift. Why'd you say that?"

"It's weird to waste money on a Silph Co. bag when you already have one," she said casually.

Austin blinked. "Pardon?" He quickly pulled off his backpack, holding it up. "I already have one?"

"Oh, you didn't turn it on." She tapped a small grommet, and the weight he'd been carrying vanished. It felt like the bag wasn't even there.

"How?" Austin stammered, his brain struggling to process.

"Same principle as Pokéballs—matter-to-energy, space-expanding tech," she explained, sounding as unsure as he felt. "It's bigger on the inside. Somehow."

Physics be damned, Austin thought, his mind doing somersaults.

"Your total is 5,600 Pokédollars," she announced, snapping him back to reality.

Austin grimaced. More than expected. "Is there, like, a first-time discount?" he asked, trying a hopeful smile.

Pikachu caught on immediately. The little Electric-type looked up at the cashier with wide, sparkling eyes, letting out a soft, heart-melting "Pikaaa!"

The girl hesitated, her practiced smile faltering. "Cute," she said, before scanning the final item. "But no discounts, sorry."

Austin sighed.

---

"Fucking taxes," Austin muttered under his breath, stuffing the crumpled receipt into his pocket as he left the Poké Mart. An extra 30 Pokédollars gone, just like that. Taxes! In a world where ten-year-olds roamed forests filled with dangerous creatures, the government still managed to squeeze out a little extra. His wallet felt lighter, and his mood wasn't far behind as he approached the Pokémon Center.

Stepping through the doors, he noticed a commotion near the entrance. A familiar voice, loud and heated, cut through the usual hum of trainers chatting and Pokémon calls. Curious, Austin glanced over and spotted Misty, her arms crossed, frustration radiating off her like steam from a kettle.

"I can't believe this!" she practically yelled, her fiery orange hair bouncing as she threw her hands up. Heads turned, some trainers openly staring, others pretending not to notice.

Austin jogged over, his gut telling him this wasn't his problem, but his curiosity getting the better of him. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked cautiously.

Misty whipped around, her glare fierce enough to make him momentarily regret his decision. "Team Rocket stole my bike!" she spat, practically shaking with outrage.

Austin had to bite his cheek to keep from laughing. "Uh… that sucks," he said, keeping his voice steady. "But hey, I'm sure Officer Jenny will get it back."

"Yeah, right," Misty snapped. "You think I'm just going to sit around waiting for that? I need that bike! I was planning to ride straight through Viridian Forest—no stopping."

Austin winced internally. Viridian Forest? On a bike? That sounded like a disaster waiting to happen. A forest full of bug Pokémon and a trainer with a bug phobia? No, thank you.

"Well," he said, shrugging sympathetically, "good luck with that." He offered an awkward smile and started backing away.

As he turned, a nagging thought tugged at his mind. Should I ask her to come with me? Traveling together could be helpful… but then he remembered the screaming. Oh, Arceus, the screaming. The mental image of Misty losing it at the sight of a Caterpie sent a shiver down his spine. Nope. He'd rather face a swarm of angry Beedrill alone.

"Good luck with the bike," he called over his shoulder, quickening his pace before she could rope him into her chaos. His focus shifted back to his next steps—research to do and snacks to make.

Hours later, Austin sat in his room, surrounded by a pile of books about camping, Pokémon nutrition, and battle strategies. To his surprise, the books were more engaging than expected, each page packed with insights and tips that made his head spin.

Still, his body was calling it quits. His eyes grew heavy, the words on the page starting to blur. Rubbing his face, he muttered, "Just two more pages," flipping his notebook open to jot down a few notes. "Then I'll call it a night."

From the corner of the room came a soft rustle and a quiet squeak. Glancing down, he spotted Pikachu sitting on the floor, watching him with drooping eyes. Rattata was curled up on the couch, her chest rising and falling steadily. Even Spearow, perched near the windowsill, looked half-asleep, his feathers puffed out slightly.

Austin smiled. "Why don't you all get some sleep?" he suggested, stifling a yawn. "I'm almost done here."

Pikachu blinked up at him, his expression clearly saying, You should take your own advice. Spearow, however, acted first. With a sharp flutter of wings, he hopped onto the table and gave Austin's notebook a pointed peck.

"Alright, alright!" Austin said, holding up his hands in surrender. "I get it. You're my strict bedtime enforcer now?"

Spearow let out a quiet chirp, hopping back to the windowsill with a smug look.

With a sigh, Austin pushed back his chair and trudged to the cot. The thin mattress creaked as he flopped down, pulling the blanket over himself. Almost immediately, a soft weight landed on his chest. Cracking an eye open, he found Pikachu curled into a tiny ball of yellow fur, his warm body settling comfortably.

"Comfortable?" Austin asked with a soft chuckle. Pikachu's ear flicked in response, but his eyes stayed shut.

Rattata stirred on the couch, letting out a sleepy squeak. After a moment's hesitation, she scurried to the cot and curled up near his feet. She didn't get too close, but it was enough to make Austin's smile widen.

"Well, look at that," he murmured, adjusting the blanket to cover her. His gaze shifted to Spearow, still perched by the window, scanning the world outside. The bird gave a quick glance back, as if to say, Don't worry, I've got this.

Austin let out a quiet laugh. "This… this is what I've always dreamed of. Being a trainer. Having a team."

Rattata's ears twitched, and though she didn't move closer, her dark eyes stayed on him, half-listening. Pikachu snored softly, his body rising and falling in time with Austin's breathing. Spearow ruffled his feathers but kept his silent vigil.

"Thank you," Austin whispered, his words meant for all of them. "For being my friends."

Rattata squeaked faintly, curling tighter at his feet.

His eyelids grew heavy, and this time, he didn't fight it. Warmth spread through him as he drifted into peaceful dreams, surrounded by the first true companions he'd ever had.

---

Spoiler: Author Note and Support

Hey everyone!

If you've been following closely, you've probably noticed the encyclopedia-style Pokémon entries sprinkled throughout the story. Pretty cool, right? Well, I've got some exciting news—those entries come from a fan-made Pokédex created by the incredibly talented Birdboy!

Some of you were curious about their origins, so I'm officially confirming it: Birdboy generously gave me permission to use his amazing Pokédex entries in the story! The level of detail and effort he's poured into them is mind-blowing, and I'm so grateful for the chance to incorporate them. They add such a unique, immersive layer to the worldbuilding, don't you think?

For the skeptics out there (hey, I see you ), here's the proof: Proof Screenshot (https://ibb.co/52T9NR5)

A massive thanks to Birdboy for allowing me to share his work with you all. If you're loving the extra lore, you know who to thank!
If you appreciate my work and want to support me, you can do so here:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Adamo_Amet
Discord: https://discord.gg/9BARwq8n

Your support means the world to me. Knowing you're enjoying the story keeps me pumped to stick to my weekly posting schedule! Don't forget to leave a comment or review—your feedback genuinely makes my day.

Take care, stay awesome, and I'll see you in the next chapter!

Much love,

Admaos_Amet