Viridian Forest was vast—far more expansive than most would imagine. Even in his previous life, Ash had only ever explored the outer edges of it. The core of the forest remained untouched.
It was here that the original Ash caught his first two Pokémon: Caterpie and Pidgeotto.
Caterpie eventually evolved into Butterfree, who later flew off with its pink mate, leaving Ash behind with bittersweet memories.
As for Pidgeotto—after evolving into Pidgeot, it had stayed behind in this very forest to protect the local flock of Pidgey and Pidgeotto, making a solemn promise to Ash: One day, we'll reunite.
Today, that promise would finally be fulfilled.
The forest's interior was dense and shadowy, sunlight barely filtering through the thick canopy. But it was the perfect habitat for Bug-type and Flying-type Pokémon.
Ash took in the scenery with a refreshed smile. "Alright, Pikachu—let's charge through!"
"Pika~!" Pikachu puffed out its chest and thumped it with a paw. Leave it to me!
With that, the boy and his partner dashed into the forest like twin whirlwinds—challenging and defeating every wild Pokémon they encountered.
Each battle earned Ash precious system points, but he wasn't cruel—he exchanged some of those points for Energy Cubes, offering them to the defeated Pokémon as a show of goodwill before continuing onward.
Suddenly, Pikachu tapped Ash's leg and pointed ahead. "Pikachu! Pikachu!"
Ash turned to look—and spotted a brown-furred fox Pokémon emerging from the brush.
"Wait—that's an Eevee?! This is amazing!"
A rare species with eight potential evolutions, Eevee was a fantastic catch!
[Eevee]
Type: Normal
Gender: Male
Ability:Adaptability – Boosts the power of same-type moves
Strength: Mid-tier Normal
Moves: Agility, Sand Attack, Swift, Quick Attack, Dig, Shadow Sneak, Double Kick
Dynamax Type: Normal
Despite its low level, this Eevee already knew advanced moves like Dig, Shadow Sneak, and Double Kick—clearly, a cut above the rest. Ash's eyes lit up.
The Eevee stood proudly, strutting toward them with an aloof, confident air.
"Alright, let's go! Pikachu, catch that Eevee!"
"Pika~ Pikachu~!" Pikachu charged forward, cheeks sparking with electric energy.
"Eevee~!" Startled by Pikachu's intensity, the fox Pokémon quickly dug underground to escape!
"Shoot! Pikachu, use Thunderbolt—now!"
"Pika~CHUUU!"
Electricity surged across the field—but it was too late. Eevee had already vanished below.
Luckily, Eevee hadn't gone far. Ash focused on the shifting ground ahead.
"Now! Pikachu, use Agility, then Quick Attack—to the right!"
"Pika-pi!"
In a blur, Pikachu appeared right in front of Eevee as it emerged, knocking it back with a flash of white light!
"Perfect! Time for the finisher—Crystallize Outbreak, go!"
Pikachu's tiny paw glowed with brilliant white energy. It struck Eevee directly, unleashing a blue shockwave that sent the fox tumbling.
Eevee collapsed, unable to continue the fight.
"Let's do this! Go, Poké Ball!"
Ash flipped his hat backward with a grin and threw the ball. A beam of red light sucked Eevee inside.
The ball shook once, Twice, Three times…
Click! ✨ A small star sparkled at the top of the ball.
"YES! I caught an Eevee!""Pika~ Pi~!"
Pikachu ran over, hugged the Poké Ball, and handed it proudly to Ash.
"Thanks, partner!" "Pika~!" Pikachu waved happily.
Ash summoned Eevee back out and immediately used a Potion from the system to heal its injuries.
"Eevee~?"
Eevee opened its eyes to find itself cradled gently in Ash's arms.
"You're safe now, buddy. Here—try this." He offered it an Energy Cube.
Eevee took a nibble—and its eyes lit up. It scarfed the rest down and then happily jumped into Ash's arms, nuzzling affectionately against him.
With a warm smile, Ash returned Eevee to its ball, and he and Pikachu pressed deeper into the forest.
— One Hour Later —
The trees began to thin, and more light filtered in. The oppressive Bug-type presence faded.
This was a sign. They'd entered the domain of a powerful Pokémon—Pidgeot's territory.
Small flocks of Pidgey and Pidgeotto circled above, confirming it.
Ash knew better than to push further. Beyond this point, outsiders would be treated as enemies.
He took a deep breath and shouted, voice echoing through the trees:"Pidgeot! I've come to bring you back!" "Pikachu Pi~!"
"Pidgeot! I'm here to fulfill our promise!"
Just then, a powerful gust blew through the trees. Ash and Pikachu looked up—two majestic Pidgeot soared toward them, bathed in golden sunlight.
The one in front radiated authority and strength—it could only be his Pidgeot.
"Pidgeot! Over here! Sorry I'm late!"
"Pidgeot!!" The large bird swooped down and wrapped Ash and Pikachu in its wings.
[Pidgeot]
Type: Normal / Flying
Ability:Keen Eye – Accuracy can't be lowered; ignores evasive boosts
Strength: Gym Leader Peak
Moves: Gust, Brave Bird, Roost, Steel Wing, Hyper Beam
Dynamax Type: Flying
"Pidgeot—will you travel with me again?" Ash asked.
"Pidge~ot!" Pidgeot let out a sharp cry, eyes gleaming with competitive fire.
Ash understood immediately. "You want to battle first, huh? Alright. Pikachu, let's do this!"
"Pika~!" Pikachu bristled with energy, ready to face Pidgeot head-on.
Pidgeot moved first—Air Slash!
"Dodge it and counter with Thunderbolt!" Ash ordered.
"Pika-chuuu!" Pikachu nimbly dodged and blasted a golden bolt upward!
Pidgeot evaded midair and dove down with Brave Bird!
"Again! Thunderbolt!"
BOOM! Electricity exploded on contact, smoke billowing across the battlefield.
But Pidgeot burst out from the haze, wings still strong!
Ash's eyes widened with admiration. It took a Thunderbolt boosted by a Light Ball and still kept going...
"Let's end this! Pikachu—Quick Attack!"
But Pikachu didn't use Quick Attack.
Instead—his entire body surged with lightning.
Ash's eyes sparkled. "That's—Volt Tackle! Pikachu's signature move!"
"Pidgeot!!" With a cry, Pidgeot countered with Brave Bird once more.
BANG! The two attacks collided in a massive explosion of energy and light.
From the smoke emerged Pidgeot—soaring majestically, with Pikachu on its back waving, "Pika~ Pi~!"
Pidgeot gently landed in front of Ash and nuzzled against his chest, as Pikachu hopped back onto his shoulder.
Ash smiled and held up a Poké Ball. "Welcome home, Pidgeot."
"Pidge~!" The majestic bird pecked the ball and was absorbed into it once more.
In the trees above, the Pidgey and Pidgeotto cried out in farewell to their guardian.
Ash handed out more Energy Cubes to the flock, and Pidgeot's second-in-command took them before leading the others deeper into the forest.
"Let's head back, Pikachu. Mission complete!"
"Pika-pi!" Pikachu nodded, proud and happy.
Together, they left Viridian Forest, the golden light of sunset casting long shadows behind them.
Meanwhile, back at Professor Oak's lab...
In the backyard, Delia, Professor Oak, and Tracey had prepared a farewell party for Ash's new journey. His other Pokémon gathered around, the atmosphere cheerful and full of laughter.
To be continued…