Early sunlight filtered through thin clouds as students gathered in the courtyard. Backpacks swung, chatter buzzed, and excitement filled the air. For Ash, this was more than just a school trip—it was the moment he'd been waiting for.
He sat up in bed quickly and began to dress, a rare enthusiasm glowing on his face.
'Alright! This is it—the moment when the anime chronology finally begins. I better get ready!'
Shouldering his backpack, Ash stepped out into the streets of Pallet Town, his pace brisk but calm. The familiar scenery rolled by: sleepy rooftops, sunlit fences, and the occasional early-morning Pokémon call. It was all leading to one place—Professor Oak's Lab.
"Phew, made it in time—and well prepared." he thought.
As he approached the hilltop lab, he spotted a few familiar faces already waiting.
'Oh, so Green, Yellow, and Gary have already arrived.'
He finally stopped once he saw the former two were approaching him.
"You're almost late, Ash!" Yellow called cheerfully. "You're usually so punctual."
Green crossed her arms with a smirk. "Yeah, we thought maybe you stayed up too late studying again."
"Pffft! Please," Ash replied confidently, adjusting his backpack with a confident smile. "Do you really think I'd miss this?" He valued every opportunity to learn, especially when it involved Professor Oak's expertise.
"Yeah, prioritized them so much you've literally fallen asleep on your books more than once," Green teased.
Ash grinned. "Hey, knowledge is power. Every detail matters when you're aiming to become a great trainer." He then looked toward the lab. "Speaking of which… where's Professor Oak?"
"He's waiting for everyone to arrive," Yellow replied. "Said he'd do a final headcount before we go."
"I see."
Ash nodded, glancing around at the growing crowd of students. Some were huddled in excited little groups, swapping snacks or boasting about what Pokémon they hoped to see on the trip. Others looked a bit sleepy still, barely awake as they waited for instructions. The air had a subtle, earthy scent, typical of early mornings in Pallet—fresh grass, dew, and distant Pokémon cries carried on the wind.
"I hope we see something interesting this time," Green said idly, arms crossed as she scanned the horizon. "Last trip was just... boring."
Ash smiled faintly. "Don't worry. Something big is definitely going to happen."
Green raised an eyebrow. "You sound way too confident. Did you sneak a look at the itinerary?"
"Let's just say... I have a good feeling," he replied cryptically.
Yellow glanced between the two of them, her expression thoughtful. "I'm just happy we get to spend the day outside. It feels different, like... something special is going to happen."
Ash gave a small nod, but his mind was already drifting ahead. He knew the significance of this day—not just for himself, but for Goh. He had to let things happen naturally. No forcing it. No interfering—at least not obviously.
"By the way," Ash said, "Didn't Chloe say she was bringing a friend?"
"Yeah. Goh, or something like that," Green replied.
"Goh, huh..." Ash kept his tone neutral. "Name sounds familiar."
"Chloe said he's from Vermilion," Yellow added. "He's new around here."
"Big city kid, huh?" Green said. "He'll probably think he knows everything."
Ash held back a groan. 'If only you knew.'
"Well, we'll meet him soon enough. Chloe's been excited about introducing him to the class."
Suddenly, a loud, cheerful voice cut through the morning hum.
"Alright, everyone! Line up, line up! Settle down, please!"
Professor Oak had arrived, clipboard in hand, his lab coat fluttering in the breeze. Behind him, assistants wheeled out supply carts—field kits, notebooks, extra hats, and even small first-aid boxes. His presence immediately snapped the crowd to attention.
"Good morning, students!" Oak greeted, his voice booming with warmth and energy. "Today, we embark on a field expedition just beyond the hills—where you'll get hands-on experience with native flora and fauna. Observe, take notes, and most importantly, enjoy yourselves. This is science in the real world!"
The students erupted into light applause and cheers.
"Now, before we begin, let's make sure we have everyone," Oak continued, flipping through his clipboard. "Green?"
"Here!"
"Yellow?"
"Here!"
"Gary?"
"Yeah, yeah." Gary raised a hand lazily from the middle of the group.
"Chloe?"
"Present!" a clear voice came from the left, and with it came an arrogant-looking boy, standing with a serene intensity. He wore a red hoodie and black shorts, his expression unreadable but his gaze penetrating, already scanning the crowd, the lab, the surrounding nature. His hands gripped the straps of his backpack tightly, as if preparing himself.
'And there he is…' Ash resisted the urge to sigh aloud.
"You must be Goh!" Oak said brightly.
"Yes, sir," Goh replied, polite but stiff.
'Of course he's polite now…'
As a Pokémon proud fan, he absolutely despised him, but he knew it was necessary for the plot, so he put up with it.
The others paid Goh little attention beyond a few curious glances. To them, he was just a new face. But Ash watched him closely—every little movement.
"Alright then. Ash?"
"Here." Ash lifted his hand.
At the sound of his name, Goh's head snapped up. Their eyes met.
Ash blinked, surprised.
Without hesitation, Goh started walking toward him.
"Huh?" Green muttered. "What's this guy doing?"
"Maybe he knows Ash?" Yellow wondered aloud.
Ash stood still, forcing himself to remain calm.
"You're Ash, right?" Goh asked flatly.
"Yeah. That's me." He kept his voice steady, burying his irritation.
"I've heard about you. Chloe said you're really into Pokémon biology and battle strategy."
He tried not to grimace. "Yeah, I read a lot. Helps me stay ahead."
"Chloe also told me that you are the smartest and most hard working kid on Pallet," Goh folded his arms smugly. "But I bet you don't know more than me."
Before he could answer, Chloe stepped in quickly between the two boys, flashing an apologetic smile. "Sorry! Goh gets a little… competitive. Please don't take it personally Ash."
Ash faked a chuckle. "No problem. I like a challenge."
Goh scoffed. "I wasn't challenging you. Just stating facts."
Chloe nudged him. "Goh…"
He sighed, clearly unused to social subtleties. "Fine, whatever."
"Let's just enjoy the trip, okay?" Chloe added, trying to lighten the mood.
Professor Oak clapped his hands for attention. "Excellent! Now that we're all accounted for, let's get moving!"
The students formed small groups as instructed, each one accompanied by a lab assistant or a senior intern from the institute. Chloe naturally joined Ash, Yellow, and Green, dragging a reluctant Goh along with her. Ash could barely hide his annoyance but kept his smile polite.
Their path led them through a winding trail behind the lab, into the gentle, rolling hills that framed Pallet Town. The morning light dappled through the canopy as they moved into lightly forested terrain, where the grass shimmered with dew and the occasional Pokémon darted between the trees.
A flock of Pidgey scattered overhead, chirping with excitement.
"Everyone, remember to take notes," the assistant guiding their group said. "You'll be quizzed on these observations tomorrow!"
Ash automatically jotted things down—habitat patterns, interactions between Pokémon species, even the structure of the tall Sitrus trees around them. And Goh immediately took the opportunity to boast about his knowledge and show off to the other kids.
"This is a Rattata," Goh loudly said as he pointed to the mouse Pokémon. "He is a small, swift, and highly adaptable creature, capable of settling virtually anywhere there's food. Its impressive vitality allows it to live and reproduce quickly, making it a common sight in many places. It's not picky about its habitat; any corner will do for its burrow."
"Oooooh!" some students exclaimed.
"And that," he pointed at a nearby Caterpie. "Is a Caterpie. They are Bug-type Pokémon that can easily camouflage themselves among foliage, where it often crouches to go unnoticed. It has short legs covered in suction cups, allowing it to tirelessly climb walls, slopes, and trees in search of leaves, its main food."
'How annoying...' Ash and Chloe groaned silently.
They were both taken out of their thoughts when Oak started to talk.
"Very good, Goh! Excellent observations, and quite accurate too. I'm impressed with your initiative," Oak said with a chuckle.
Goh beamed under the praise, puffing up with pride. "Thank you, Professor. I read everything I could before coming here."
Ash resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
'Of course you did.'
Then he kept his notes focused, flipping to the next blank page with a sharp turn.
They then continued walking through the forest, and Oak explained about Pokémon habitats, their diets, and other things. And, of course, Goh interrupted him to brag at every chance he got. And that was starting to annoy the professor.
"And all Pokémon are capable of evolving," Oak said. "It's a biological process—"
"Actually," Goh interjected, "not all Pokémon can evolve. For example, that Farfetch'd over there can't."
Ash glanced sideways at him, who had just interrupted Oak for the fifth time that minute. The boy's tone was confident—bordering on arrogant. And professor Oak forced a smile but was clearly losing patience.
'Okay, you know what? I'm going to show that narcissist that he doesn't know everything.'
"You are wrong about that, Goh," Ash began, folding his arms. "Farfetch'd can evolve—into Sirfetch'd. But only under special conditions."
Goh blinked, caught off guard. "Wait, what? Since when?"
Ash shrugged, playing it casual. "Since the Galar region was officially documented. A Farfetch'd from Galar can evolve if it lands three critical hits in a single battle. It's rare, but totally possible."
Oak turned to Ash, clearly impressed. "Very good, Ash. That's correct. Evolution can vary by region and even depend on specific environmental or battle-related conditions."
Goh frowned, clearly irritated that he'd been corrected in front of everyone. "Tch… Well, I meant this Farfetch'd. It doesn't look like a Galarian one."
Ash nodded. "Maybe. But you said 'Farfetch'd can't evolve'—you didn't specify which kind. That's kind of a big mistake."
Oak chuckled lightly. "Well said. Accuracy in observation and wording is crucial in field research."
Goh opened his mouth—paused—and for once, didn't have a quick comeback.
Ash smirked. 'One point for me.'
After that, the group walked near a pond and the professor took the opportunity and began discussing aquatic Pokémon. Meanwhile, Goh fell into step behind Ash and Chloe.
"Come on Goh," Chloe spoke. "You shouldn't boast about your knowledge and think you're better than everyone just because of that."
He clicked his tongue.
"Tch. I don't care," Goh muttered. "I do know more than everyone."
"And that's exactly why you don't have friends," Chloe said flatly.
"And who said I wanted to make friends? I'm only here because you insisted I come." Goh said. "Besides, the kids here aren't worthy to be my friends, I don't want to be surrounded by dumb people. You are the only friend I need, and Ash is the only worthy one beside you."
'This is the guy I need for the plot? Seriously?' Ash bit his tongue. 'Besides, who the hell would want to be your friend?'
"You know, Chloe's right," Ash finally said. "You isolate yourself by acting like you're above everyone."
"Yeah yeah, whatever, at the end, it doesn't matter." Goh gave a cocky grin. "It's my reality, my future, and I can hold that future in the palm of my hand!"
Ash and Chloe shared an exhausted glance.
Then—
A high-pitched cry echoed through the trees, sharp and melodic, silencing the forest for a moment.
The group froze.
"What was that?" Chloe whispered.
Ash's eyes snapped toward the canopy, his senses instantly on alert. He knew what was going to happen.
BOOOOOOM!!!
A tremendous crash echoed through the trees. From behind the brush burst a massive Nidoking, bellowing in fury. Then—a flash. A shimmer of pink darted through the sky.
Goh gasped. "Did you see that?!"
Ash didn't respond.
"The Nidoking?" Chloe asked.
"No, I saw something else!" Goh cried. "It was pink! Small—and it floated like a balloon!"
She blinked. "Maybe a Jigglypuff?"
"No! Not a Jigglypuff—it was way faster. Like… like light!"
Ash finally turned to look at him.
"You sure?" he asked.
"Yeah—and I'm going after it!"
"Goh, wait!" Chloe shouted.
But it was too late, he had already ran away. Seeing this, Ash decided to do something about it.
"I'll follow him," Ash said. "Stay here."
"What, NO!"
But he was already gone.
--------------------
With Chloe left behind, the two advanced further, their footfalls muffled by moss and fallen leaves. The path opened into a hidden glade, encircled by trees with sunlight filtering through the leaves like golden threads. A small pond reflected the light with crystalline clarity.
Then, another shimmer.
Hovering above the pond, glowing gently, was a small pink creature. Long tail curled, blue eyes gleaming, it spun playfully in the air.
Mew.
Then—
The wild Nidoking let out a primal roar and charged.
ROAAAAAAR!
Nidoking lunged forward, Earth Power exploding in a burst of stone and light—but Mew twirled away effortlessly, giggling.
BOOOOOOOOOOM!!!
Then another attack—Shadow Ball.
Mew copied it mid-air, flinging back a perfect replica. It struck Nidoking square in the chest, forcing the giant to stumble.
"He copied the move—and did it better!" Goh cried in awe.
Ash grabbed him. "Quiet! They'll notice us!"
Nidoking recovered, snarling, and launched another Shadow Ball—but again, Mew dodged with a laugh and retaliated. The blast was stronger this time, sending Nidoking to one knee.
In desperation, Nidoking fired Ice Beam.
Mew danced above it and responded with a frigid blast of its own.
THUD.
The beast collapsed.
Mew floated gently for a moment… then giggled and zipped away.
"Wait—don't go!" Goh yelled.
But Mew vanished into the sky, a pink blur disappearing into sunlight.