Chapter 7: Pikachu's Approval and Advice from the Masters
"I'm sorry, Pikachu," Ash said, his voice full of genuine remorse as Pikachu stirred. "I just got this power, and I couldn't control the strength. How are you feeling?"
He honestly hadn't expected that an Aura Sphere, thrown with less than ten percent of his power, would knock Pikachu out instantly.
Ash had been planning all sorts of cool battle strategies, but the fight was over before it even began.
He couldn't tell if Pikachu was just weak, or if he was just that strong.
"Pika pika..." Are you even human?
"Hey! Of course I am!" Ash shot back, rolling his eyes. "One hundred percent human, thank you very much! Just... a human with a few special perks."
"Pikachu pi!" That's more than a 'perk'! That's insane!
"Heh heh, just your average, world-class talent," Ash bragged. "So, does this mean you accept me as your trainer now?"
"Pika." A deal's a deal.
Pikachu might be rebellious, but it was an honest Pokémon. Ash had defeated it fair and square. There was nothing more to say.
And just like that, Ash had officially gained his first Pokémon partner.
Most trainers got a starter who was ready to go from day one. Only Ash had to win a one-on-one fight just to get his starter to acknowledge him.
"Alright! Since you're my Pokémon now, you should get in your Poké Ball. That's what other Pokémon do," Ash said, holding out the red and white sphere.
"Pika pika!!" Pikachu shook its head frantically. Even without Aura, Ash could understand that gesture perfectly. It did not want to go inside.
For most trainers, this would be unacceptable. Letting a Pokémon out occasionally was fine, but having one out all the time could be a hassle.
But Ash was different. After hearing Pikachu's thoughts, he thought for a moment and then nodded. "Okay, if you don't like the Poké Ball, you don't have to go in. Let me spray you with this Potion first. I'm glad Mom packed some."
Hearing this, the tension in Pikachu's body eased. Its gaze toward Ash softened considerably.
Ash's willingness to respect its wishes had earned him a huge amount of goodwill. In its time in the human world, Pikachu had learned that very few trainers were willing to let their Pokémon stay outside the Poké Ball. By sheer luck, it had met one who was.
Maybe this trainer isn't so bad after all, Pikachu thought. He's monstrously strong, but he's kind and respects my feelings... The thought of taking orders from Ash suddenly didn't seem so bad anymore.
Ash took out a Potion and gently sprayed Pikachu's minor scrapes. The special medicine stung for a second but worked wonders, and Pikachu felt much better almost instantly.
Once Pikachu was back in good shape, Ash continued on his journey toward the next city.
Along the way, he opened the chat group to ask for advice. He had a goal—to beat Leon—but he had no idea where to even start.
[Champion Ash]: ...If I remember correctly, the next town after Pallet is Viridian City. You should head there first and register for the Pokémon League Conference. If you can win the Indigo League, that'll be a good sign that you're on the right track.
[Newbie Ash]: Huh? I have to win the whole conference just to be considered on the right track? Isn't that a little extreme?
After learning how to change his name, Ash had updated his own. In a group full of masters, he chose a new term he'd learned from them: Newbie. It meant a poor, helpless, and weak newcomer. Even with the Aura Guardian's power, Ash knew he was still a complete amateur as a Pokémon Trainer. He had a lot to learn from the others.
[Champion Ash]: Hmmm, from what I recall, the Indigo League is one of the easier conferences. They only allow trainers who have been on their journey for two years or less to compete. It's basically a tournament for rookies.
[Champion Ash]: But those are the rules in my world. They might be different in yours. Still, there will definitely be a League Conference. For a short-term goal, aim to become the champion of your regional league. After you've done that, you can figure out your next step.
[Breeder Ash]: And while you're at it, you could learn a little about Pokémon breeding! If you have any questions, just ask me in the chat. I'll teach you everything!
[Contest Star Ash]: You're really desperate to recruit a new member, aren't you?
[Aura Guardian Ash]: Heh, let him be. There are hardly any other breeders in this group for him to talk to, and they're barely active. Now that he's found a complete newbie with no bad habits, of course he's going to try and convert him.
[Master Tactician Ash]: He's got a point, though. If you want to reach the top, you can't ignore breeding and Pokémon care. It's an essential skill. Unless you plan on having a professional breeder with you at all times, you should definitely learn the basics.
[Newbie Ash]: I get it! I'll head to Viridian City first! Talk to you guys later!
[Champion Ash]: Wait. On your way, if you see any wild Pokémon, you should battle them, even if you don't plan on catching them. Besides daily care, battle experience is crucial for a Pokémon's growth. The more they battle, the faster their level will increase, theoretically.
[Champion Ash]: But battling isn't everything. It's just one piece of the puzzle. Daily care, proper food, training, and companionship are all equally important. Just by reading our chats, you should be able to pick up a lot.
[Newbie Ash]: Got it! Thanks!
Ash mentally filed away everyone's advice and then logged out of the chat.
His initial plan had been to use Pikachu to catch another Pokémon or two before reaching Viridian City. But now, he decided it was better to focus on training Pikachu first. Their relationship was still new, and Pikachu's level didn't seem very high. It made more sense to strengthen his first partner before adding another member to the team.
"Alright, Pikachu, let's go get you some levels!"
"Pika?" Pikachu tilted its head, a confused look on its face.
From its perspective, Ash had closed his eyes for a moment, then suddenly opened them, fired up and shouting about "levels." He was acting so weird. But since Ash could understand him now, Pikachu decided to just voice its confusion instead of making a sarcastic comment.
"We're gonna level up, beat the Gyms, and become the best in the world! Let's go!" Ash yelled, charging ahead.
Pikachu stared after him for a second with a baffled expression, then quickly scrambled to catch up.