As Purple finally set out on his long-awaited journey, starting from Route 1 after a heartbreaking farewell with his mom, he began to feel something unusual. Yes, he was nervous, anxious, and excited, but there was something more. He felt emotional and missed someone. It wasn't just a longing for his previous life; he missed Delia, Ash's mom. It wasn't purely because of her looks; rather, he felt he had an emotional connection with her, a connection akin to that of a mother and son. But how? He wasn't Ash, nor had he known her. He had only spent two or three hours in her company. The feelings seemed to emerge subconsciously, deep from within his heart. It felt as though Ash was still present in his body on a subconscious level. This suggested that Ash's soul was within Purple, technically, within Ash's own body, while Purple maintained his consciousness. Though this was merely a theory in Purple's mind, he felt compelled to validate it.
If Ash's soul was subconsciously present, then he might have plot armour, implying that whatever he did would yield predictable outcomes. It could also mean he had the potential to awaken Ash's aura or even harness chakra. To test his theory, Purple thought about what would likely happen: he wouldn't catch any Pokémon on Route 1, he would be attacked by a flock of Spearow, he would borrow Misty's bike to reach Viridian City, and in the Pokémon Centre, he would defeat Team Rocket. If all these events played out, it would indeed suggest that he possessed plot armour, confirming that Ash's soul was subconsciously influencing him. He was pulled from his thoughts by his partner, Pikachu, who informed him that they had reached Route 1.
As Purple and Pikachu arrived at Route 1, Purple knew that if he continued straight, he would encounter Pidgey and then Spearow. However, he decided to venture through the tall grass, hoping to encounter other Pokémon. While aware that the tall grass was risky territory—for only strong trainers could navigate it safely Purple pressed on, using a pocket knife to clear a path. After walking for about fifteen minutes through the dense grass, they emerged into a lush green forest filled with trees and bushes. Purple felt confident they would surely find a Pokémon here.
In the meantime, Ash opened a packet of ketchup for Pikachu. While they were exploring, they spotted a group of five Spearow attacking a Rattata that was trying to protect his family. Ash found himself in a dilemma. Should he save the Rattata and risk an attack from the Spearow, or should he simply walk away? But before he could decide, Pikachu exclaimed, "Pika pika chuuu," and it was too late. Pikachu launched a Thunder Shock at the Spearow, injuring them.
Seizing the opportunity, the Rattata managed to escape. The Spearow let out a loud cry, and suddenly, a larger flock took flight, diving straight toward them. Pikachu became frightened and started trembling. Seeing this, Ash reassured him, saying, "Pikachu, don't worry. As long as I am your trainer, I will protect you no matter what."
Pikachu glanced at Ash for a moment before bolting away at top speed, abandoning Ash. Purple thought, 'I've promised to protect him, but how do I protect myself first? He just ran off, leaving me to face this alone. I guess I'd better find a Lucario to train me for situations like this.'
Ash turned and saw the army of Spearow just a few meters away. He picked up a fallen stick, lit one end with a match he had brought from home, and charged at the Spearow, jumping high into the air while swinging the stick wildly and shouting, "AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! DISAPPEAR THE HELL OUT OF HERE AND NEVER RETURN!"
The Spearows flew overhead without bothering to look at him. Purple turned around and realised that Pikachu, now running freely in an open field, had made himself an easy target for the birds. He recalled that Spearows often felt jealous of Pokémon with trainers.
He noticed hundreds of Spearows in the air, accompanied by a Fearow, which was likely the leader of the gang, charging straight at Pikachu. They all dove toward Pikachu and began to attack him. Pikachu was experiencing intolerable pain as the Fearow also aimed to swoop down at him.
Seeing this, Purple became worried for Pikachu. Guilt washed over him; he felt responsible for leading Pikachu into such a dangerous situation, and fear gripped him. He knew he had to rescue Pikachu from the flock. He had promised to protect him, no matter what. Determined, Purple thought, "I need to save Pikachu. No matter what happens to me, I must gather the strength to protect my family and friends. I promised Pikachu, and I will keep that promise."
As he looked at the army of birds, chills ran down his spine. He took a deep breath to regain his courage.
Purple shouted loudly, "I'm not going to run away, and I never go back on my word! This is my nindo—my way as a trainer!"
Suddenly, he felt a surge of energy within him and charged forward with his stick. He ran so fast that he kicked up mud behind him, creating a pathway. He felt enveloped in energy or perhaps an aura.
He saw the Fearow brutally pecking at Pikachu and unleashed a fierce aura that momentarily froze all the Spearows around him. He yelled, "Now feel the power of youth—somersault kick!"
The Fearow was sent flying from the kick, crashing to the ground, knocked out. However, Purple had exerted so much strength that he immediately began to feel weak and dizzy. But then the Spearows resumed their attack.
Fueled by adrenaline, he tapped into the remaining energy within him, sensing all the Spearows as if in sage mode. Using his fire stick, he fought back, managing to defeat a few and burn others. Despite taking some hits himself, leaving him with cuts and scratches, he ensured that none of the Spearows reached Pikachu.