have made it this far without you."
Delia touched his cheek, then kissed his forehead. "Your father would be so proud."
Delia's eyes glistened with something unspoken. "Your father would be so proud. You've always been strong, but he'd want you to remember that courage is more than muscle. It's heart."
Her words carried a quiet weight, a reminder of a family legacy Ash both respected and felt responsibility to honor.
Ash didn't reply—he couldn't trust his voice not to crack. Instead, he hugged her tightly, adjusted the forest-green backpack, and jogged up the path to Professor Oak's lab, excitement thrumming in his chest.
Professor Oak's lab was alive with morning activity. Outside the main doors, two other trainers were already waiting.
"Well, well," said Gary Oak, flipping his bangs confidently. "If it isn't the Professor's favorite lab assistant. Finally stepping into the real world?"
Ash smirked. "I've been living in the real world, Gary. You've just been watching it from the comfort of your car."
"Hey, boys," Leaf interjected before Gary could retort. Her tone was friendly, even amused. "No need to turn the rivalry dial to ten before I even had my breakfast. Let's just go get our starters."
Inside the lab, Professor Oak awaited, a tray of Poké Balls in hand. The air was thick with excitement and quiet anticipation.
"Good morning, all three of you," he greeted, smiling broadly. "You're about to take your first step into a much larger world. But I trust you're prepared—especially you, Ash."
Gary puffed his chest slightly, but Ash remained steady.
"Today, you each receive one starter Pokémon, a Pokédex, and five Poké Balls to begin your journey."
All three trainers had already decided amongst themselves who they were choosing as their starter so that there was no confusion.
Gary stepped forward first. "I choose Squirtle. Strong, reliable, great defense."
The ball clicked open, and the small blue turtle appeared in a flash of white light. Squirtle blinked once, sized up Gary, and gave a confident salute. Gary responded with a sharp nod, then immediately pulled out a notepad.
"Training begins now. We're focusing on speed drills by midday."
unbreakable bond.
Oak's voice broke the silence, calm and steady but tinged with genuine admiration. "Emotional evolution. It's rare. It means you've built a connection that goes beyond simple training. You understand each other."
Ash looked up, eyes shining. "He's not just my Pokémon. He's my partner. We'll face everything together."
Pikachu nuzzled his cheek affectionately, sparks flickering lightly, as if affirming the promise.
Ash stood slowly, feeling the weight of both the past and the future settle on his shoulders. The path ahead was uncertain, full of challenges and unknowns—but with Pikachu by his side, and the strength they had forged together, Ash was ready.
Ash took out one of the pokeballs Oak had given and tapped it gently to Pikachu's head. A red beam pulled the Electric-type in—and moments later, Pikachu popped back out onto his shoulder, beaming.
Ash turned and gestured toward Charmander, who had been observing curiously.
"Charmander, meet Pikachu. We've been through a lot together already. I hope you'll be friends."
Charmander gave a friendly growl and held out a claw. Pikachu responded with a cheerful "Pika!" and tapped it with his paw, sparks crackling gently between them.
Ash grinned. "Looks like we're already a team."
Back at the Ketchum residence, Delia stood with her hands clasped in front of her mouth as Ash introduced both his new Pokémon.
Charmander gave a polite wave. Pikachu nuzzled against her, emitting a soft static buzz.
"Oh, Ash," she said quietly, pulling him into a hug. "They're wonderful."
Ash smiled, feeling a lump rise in his throat.
She adjusted the straps on his bag one last time and checked the side pouches. "Food. Potions. Money. Firestarter. Compass. Tent. Sewing kit. Don't forget to eat properly. And call me when you get to Viridian."
"I will."
They stood at the edge of Pallet Town, facing the open road beyond the hill.
"Be safe," Delia said, hugging him again.
"I will."
Ash took a breath. Pikachu leapt onto his shoulder. Charmander walked beside him.
The morning sun poured down over Route 1, casting a warm, golden light that made the grass shimmer like a sea of emerald flames. Ash Ketchum stood at the edge of the path, the faint breeze tousling his hair and carrying the fresh scent of earth and wildflowers. Behind him, the quiet town of Pallet faded into the distance; ahead lay the vast unknown.
He tightened the straps of his backpack, feeling the reassuring weight of his gear and the familiar presence of his new Pokémon companions at his side. The path stretched before him like a ribbon of endless possibility—challenging, unpredictable, and thrilling.
Ash took a deep breath, the crisp air filling his lungs and steadying his heart. His eyes scanned the horizon, where the sky melted into soft blues and pale clouds, promising adventures yet to be written.
In that quiet moment, he whispered to himself, barely audible, a vow carried only by the wind:
"I won't just be a trainer. I'll be the best. For my friends, for my family, and for myself."
With that, he stepped forward onto the path, each footfall a promise, each breath a step closer to the dream he had nurtured for so long. The road ahead was uncertain—but Ash was ready.
A flicker of a smile touched his lips as he glanced down at Pikachu, who chirped happily, tail sparking gently. Together, they vanished into the morning light, beginning the journey that would shape their destiny forever.
The sun had risen higher in the sky, casting golden rays through the leaves that danced in the wind above Route 1. The morning air was beginning to warm, carrying the scent of grass, earth, and the occasional whiff of pollen from wildflowers scattered along the roadside. Ash Ketchum paused at a slight rise in the trail, exhaling deeply as he surveyed the clearing ahead.