---
### I. The Road to Viridian
The sun hung low and angry by the time they reached the outskirts of Viridian City, painting the world in shades of amber and blood.
Colt's legs burned. His shoulder ached where a Spearow's talon had grazed him during the chaos—not as bad as Ash's wound, but enough to remind him that this world had teeth.
Ash limped beside him, Pikachu cradled in his arms. The Electric-type was unconscious, breathing shallow, small sparks occasionally dancing across its fur.
> "How much farther?" Ash asked, voice tight with worry.
Colt consulted his Pokédex's map function. "Half a mile. Maybe less." He glanced at Pikachu. "He'll make it. Electric-types are tough."
> "He shouldn't have to be tough," Ash muttered. "He saved us and now he's—"
> "He's *alive*," Colt interrupted firmly. "Because of you. You asked him to trust you, and he did. That counts for something."
Riolu walked between them, ears swiveling at every sound. The Fighting-type had been on high alert since the Spearow attack, scanning the tall grass for threats.
*He's protective,* Colt realized. *Not just of me—of both of us.*
The thought warmed something in his chest.
They crested a hill, and Viridian City sprawled before them—a modest collection of buildings, the Pokémon Center's red roof glowing like a beacon in the fading light.
> "There!" Ash broke into a run despite his limp. "Come on!"
Colt followed, Riolu matching his pace.
*First major milestone,* he thought. *In the anime, Ash met Officer Jenny here. Got chased by Team Rocket. Took Pikachu to the Center and met—*
His mental checklist stopped.
*I can't just follow the script. I'm not a side character. I'm HERE. Really here.*
*So what do I do differently?*
---
### II. The Pokémon Center
The automatic doors slid open with a pneumatic hiss, and cool air washed over them like relief.
The Pokémon Center was clean, modern, and humming with quiet activity. Trainers sat in waiting areas with their partners—a girl with a Rattata, a boy nervously clutching a Pokéball, an older trainer reviewing notes on a tablet.
Behind the counter stood Nurse Joy—pink hair in loops, white uniform crisp, warm smile practiced but genuine.
> "Welcome to the Pokémon Center!" she said brightly. Then her eyes landed on Pikachu. "Oh my—what happened?"
> "Spearow attack," Ash gasped, rushing forward. "He used Thunderbolt to save us but now he won't wake up and I—"
> "It's okay, honey, breathe." Nurse Joy took Pikachu gently, already assessing vitals with expert hands. "Chansey!"
A pink, egg-shaped Pokémon emerged from the back room, trilling softly.
> "Full examination and IV fluids," Joy instructed. "Electrical exhaustion, possible talon lacerations." She looked at Ash. "He'll be fine. You did the right thing bringing him here immediately."
Ash's shoulders sagged with relief.
Joy's gaze shifted to Colt and Riolu. "And you? Any injuries?"
> "Scratches, mostly," Colt said. "Riolu took a few hits but nothing serious."
Riolu huffed—*I'm fine*—but allowed Joy to scan him with a portable device anyway.
> "Minor bruising. Nothing rest won't fix." She smiled at the Fighting-type. "You're a brave one, aren't you?"
Riolu looked away, embarrassed.
Joy checked Ash's shoulder wound next, cleaning and bandaging it with practiced efficiency. "You boys are lucky. Spearow flocks can be deadly."
> "We noticed," Colt said dryly.
She handed them each a room key. "Shower, rest, and get some food. Your Pokémon will be ready by morning." Her expression softened. "You're both first-time trainers, aren't you?"
> "How'd you know?" Ash asked.
> "The look in your eyes." She smiled. "Equal parts terror and wonder. Don't worry—it gets easier."
*Does it?* Colt wondered.
---
### III. The Shower Revelation
Hot water had never felt so good.
Colt stood under the spray, watching dirt and dried blood swirl down the drain. His reflection in the fogged mirror was strange—ten years old, lean from childhood activity, dark hair plastered to his forehead.
*I'm really here,* he thought. *Not dreaming. Not dying. Here.*
*So what's my goal?*
In his old life, he'd been directionless. Dead-end job, no ambitions, coasting through existence. Then—impact. Darkness. Rebirth.
*I have a second chance. In a world where legends walk and kids fight monsters.*
*Ash will become a champion. Maybe not win a League, but he'll be a hero.*
*What do I become?*
He thought of his planned team. Growlithe for loyalty. Scyther for speed. Dratini for potential. Aerodactyl and the fossils for raw power.
*A team built for war,* he realized. *For survival.*
*Because I know what's coming. Team Rocket. The legendary birds. Mewtwo.*
*And I can't stop it. But maybe I can be ready for it.*
He turned off the water and dried off, fastening the Focus band around his wrist again.
In the mirror, his eyes looked older than ten.
---
### IV. Night Conversation
The Pokémon Center room was small but clean—two beds, a desk, a window overlooking Viridian's quiet streets.
Ash was already asleep, snoring softly, one arm hanging off the bed.
Colt sat by the window, staring at the stars. Riolu sat beside him, unusually still.
> "Can't sleep either?" Colt murmured.
Riolu's ear flicked.
> "I keep thinking about that Ho-Oh. Legends say it only appears to trainers destined for greatness." He glanced at his partner. "Do you believe in destiny?"
Riolu tilted its head—a question.
> "I didn't. Not in my—" He caught himself. "Not before. But now..."
He looked at his hands. Hands that had once typed on keyboards and held coffee cups. Now they held Pokéballs and commanded creatures that could split mountains.
> "I'm scared," he admitted quietly. "Not of battles. Of failing. Of making the wrong choices."
Riolu placed a paw on his knee.
*You're not alone,* the gesture said.
Colt smiled faintly. "Yeah. I'm not."
He stood, stretched. "Come on. Let's get some sleep. Tomorrow we start catching your future teammates."
Riolu's eyes gleamed with interest.
*Now that sounds fun.*
---
### V. Morning at the Pokémon Center
Colt woke to the smell of pancakes and Ash's excited shouting.
> "HE'S OKAY! COLT, PIKACHU'S OKAY!"
He stumbled out of bed to find Ash in the Center's lobby, Pikachu perched on his shoulder, looking tired but alert.
Nurse Joy smiled. "Full recovery. He just needed rest and electrolytes."
Pikachu nuzzled Ash's cheek—a gesture so tender it made Colt's chest ache.
*They've already bonded,* he thought. *Just like the anime. Some things don't change.*
Joy handed them each a tray of food—eggs, toast, berries. "Eat up. You've got a long journey ahead."
As they ate, a commotion erupted outside.
A police motorcycle roared up, and a woman in blue dismounted—Officer Jenny, dark blue hair tied back, Growlithe at her side.
She burst through the doors, face grim.
> "Nurse Joy! We've had three Pokémon thefts in the last week. Trainers are being ambushed on Route 2."
> "Team Rocket?" Joy asked quietly.
> "Likely. Stay alert." Jenny's gaze swept the room, landing on Ash and Colt. "You two. New trainers?"
> "Yes ma'am," Colt said.
> "Be careful. Team Rocket targets rare or powerful Pokémon." Her eyes lingered on Pikachu. "That one especially. Electric-types fetch high prices on the black market."
Ash pulled Pikachu closer. "Nobody's taking him."
Jenny's expression softened. "Good. Keep that attitude." She turned to leave, then paused. "If you see anyone in black uniforms with a red R, run. Don't be heroes."
The doors closed behind her.
Ash looked at Colt. "Team Rocket's real?"
> "Yeah," Colt said quietly. *And they'll be targeting us soon.*
---
### VI. The Persistent Opponent
They left the Pokémon Center an hour later, heading toward Route 2 and Viridian Forest.
But before they reached the city gates, a voice called out.
> "Well, well. If it isn't the Ketchum twins."
Gary Oak leaned against a lamppost, arms crossed, Squirtle at his feet. The Water-type looked healthy, well-trained, confident.
> "Gary," Ash said flatly.
> "I heard about your little Spearow incident." Gary smirked. "Rookie mistake. A real trainer would've handled it better."
> "We handled it fine," Colt said evenly.
> "Did you?" Gary's eyes flicked to the bandage on Ash's shoulder. "Looks painful. Maybe you're not cut out for this."
Ash's fists clenched. "Wanna bet?"
> "Actually, yeah." Gary straightened. "Battle me. Right now. Unless you're scared."
> "I'll battle you!" Ash stepped forward.
> "Not you." Gary's gaze locked on Colt. "Him. The quiet one. Let's see if Oak's favoritism was worth it."
Colt felt Riolu shift beside him, ready.
*This wasn't in the anime,* Colt thought. *Gary challenged Ash in Viridian, but not immediately. Not like this.*
*I'm already changing things.*
> "Fine," Colt said. "One-on-one. Riolu versus Squirtle."
Gary grinned. "Let's make it interesting. Loser buys dinner."
> "Deal."
A small crowd gathered—trainers, locals, curious kids. Someone marked a makeshift battlefield in chalk.
Gary took one side. Colt the other.
> "Go, Squirtle!"
The Water-type emerged, stance confident, eyes sharp.
> "Riolu. Ready?"
The Fighting-type stepped forward, aura flickering faintly around its paws.
Officer Jenny appeared at the edge of the crowd. "Keep it clean, boys. And no property damage!"
Gary called first. "Squirtle, Water Gun!"
A pressurized jet of water shot forward. Riolu dodged left—barely.
> "Quick Attack!" Colt commanded.
Riolu blurred forward, slamming into Squirtle's side. The Water-type skidded but recovered quickly.
> "Withdraw!"
Squirtle retreated into its shell, defense rising.
*Damn,* Colt thought. *He's trained it well.*
> "Riolu, Force Palm—aim for the shell gaps!"
Riolu's paw glowed with energy. It struck—once, twice—targeting the openings. Squirtle flinched.
> "Bubble attack!"
A storm of bubbles erupted, forcing Riolu back.
The battle raged—Quick Attacks met with Water Guns, Withdraws countered with Force Palms. Neither side gave ground.
Then Colt saw it.
Squirtle's breathing was labored. Gary had trained hard, but the Pokémon was still young. Still building stamina.
> "Riolu—Endure, then counter!"
Riolu braced as another Water Gun hit. It staggered but stayed upright.
Then it lunged—Force Palm enhanced by desperation and adrenaline—and struck Squirtle square in the chest.
The Water-type flew backward, hitting the ground hard.
Silence.
Then Squirtle twitched, trying to rise—but collapsed, unconscious.
> "Squirtle is unable to battle!" someone shouted. "Riolu wins!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Gary recalled Squirtle, jaw tight. "Lucky hit."
> "Good training," Colt countered. "Your Squirtle's strong. Another week and we'd have lost."
Gary's expression flickered—surprise, then grudging respect.
> "...Maybe you're not totally useless." He turned away. "I'll beat you next time."
> "I'll be waiting."
As Gary left, Ash clapped Colt on the shoulder. "That was AWESOME!"
Colt smiled, but his mind was racing.
*I just beat Gary in our first battle. That's a divergence.*
*What else will change?*
---
### VII. Into Viridian Forest
Route 2 opened into Viridian Forest—a vast, ancient woodland where sunlight filtered through leaves like green-gold water.
The air smelled of moss and life.
Ash stared up in wonder. "Whoa..."
> "Viridian Forest," Colt said. "Bug-types, lots of Pidgey and Rattata. Beedrill nests in the deeper sections."
> "How do you know all this stuff?"
*Because I watched it on TV,* Colt thought. *Because I've memorized every route, every encounter.*
> "Professor Oak's books," he lied smoothly.
They ventured in, following the dirt path. Wild Pokémon rustled in the underbrush—Caterpie munching leaves, a Metapod hanging from a branch.
Then Colt saw it.
A flash of orange-yellow in the shadows.
He stopped. Held up a hand.
> "Ash. Don't move."
> "Why—"
A low growl rumbled from the trees.
And out stepped a Growlithe.
---
### VIII. The Pup with Fire in Its Eyes
It was small—probably young—but its eyes burned with fierce intelligence. Orange and cream fur, black stripes, a mane that smoked faintly in the humid air.
It stared at them, hackles raised.
> "A Growlithe?" Ash whispered. "This far from Cinnabar?"
Colt's heart raced. *This is it. My first real catch.*
He crouched slowly, meeting the Fire-type's gaze.
> "Hey there. Not looking for trouble."
Growlithe snarled—a warning, not an attack.
Riolu stepped forward, aura flaring protectively.
The two Pokémon locked eyes.
*Canine versus canine,* Colt realized. *This is a dominance check.*
> "Riolu," Colt said quietly. "Show respect. We're not enemies."
Riolu's stance shifted—still alert, but less aggressive.
Growlithe's growl softened. It sniffed the air, studying them.
Then it did something unexpected.
It sat. Waiting.
*It wants to see if I'm worth following,* Colt understood.
He pulled out an Oran Berry from his pack—leftovers from the Pokémon Center. Held it out.
> "Hungry?"
Growlithe's nose twitched. It approached cautiously, snatched the berry, and retreated.
Ate.
Watched.
> "You're alone, aren't you?" Colt said softly. "No pack. Just you."
Growlithe's ears drooped slightly.
> "I get it. Being alone sucks." Colt gestured to Riolu. "But it doesn't have to be forever. Come with us. Be part of a pack again."
The Fire-type studied him for a long moment.
Then it barked—short, sharp.
*Battle me first.*
Colt grinned. "Alright. Let's do this properly. Riolu—you ready?"
Riolu dropped into a stance.
Growlithe's mane ignited.
> "Ember!"
Flames shot forward. Riolu dodged, countering with Quick Attack.
The battle was brief but fierce—Fire versus Fighting, neither holding back.
Finally, Colt saw his opening.
> "Force Palm—non-lethal!"
Riolu struck Growlithe's shoulder. The Fire-type yelped, stumbled, breathing hard.
Colt pulled out an empty Pokéball.
> "You fought well. Join us?"
Growlithe looked at the ball.
At Riolu, who nodded in respect.
At Colt, who waited without forcing.
Then it pressed its nose to the button.
Red light enveloped it.
The ball shook once. Twice. Three times.
*Click.*
Colt stared at the Pokéball, chest heaving.
*I did it. My first catch.*
Ash whooped. "YES! That was awesome!"
Colt released Growlithe immediately. The Fire-type emerged, looking tired but content.
> "Welcome to the team," Colt said, scratching behind its ears.
Growlithe's tail wagged once—tentative, but real.
Riolu bumped fists with it.
*Pack,* the gesture said.
And deep in Colt's chest, something settled into place.
*This is real. I'm really doing this.*
*And it's only the beginning.*
---
### IX. The Poison Needle Guardian
The forest grew darker as they ventured deeper, the path narrowing to barely more than a deer trail. Sunlight struggled through the dense canopy, creating pockets of shadow that seemed to breathe.
Ash was humming the Pokémon theme song—badly—while Pikachu rode on his shoulder, occasionally swatting at passing Butterfree.
Colt walked slightly ahead, Growlithe at his left, Riolu at his right. Both were on high alert, instincts honed from lives spent surviving.
*This part of the forest,* Colt thought, consulting his mental map of the anime, *is where Ash caught Caterpie. Which means...*
A rustle in the underbrush.
Growlithe's hackles rose, a low growl rumbling in its throat.
> "Contact," Colt said quietly.
Ash stopped mid-hum. "What kind of—"
A Weedle burst from the foliage—not attacking, but fleeing.
Behind it, three Beedrill gave chase, their drill-like stingers gleaming with poison, wings buzzing like chainsaws.
The Weedle was small, barely a foot long, its horn poison stinger cracked and bleeding. It stumbled, exhausted, terrified.
The Beedrill closed in.
> "They're going to kill it!" Ash shouted.
Colt's mind raced. *In the anime, Beedrill were territorial but not murderous. This is different. Why would they—*
He saw it then. The Weedle's coloring was wrong—not the normal yellow and brown, but a deeper gold with faint red markings.
*A shiny variant. Or close to it. Rare genetics.*
*The hive sees it as defective. As other. So they're eliminating the anomaly.*
> "Growlithe, Ember—scatter them! Riolu, protect the Weedle!"
Growlithe unleashed a wave of flames. The Beedrill scattered, buzzing angrily, but regrouped quickly.
Riolu scooped up the Weedle and leapt back to Colt's side.
The Bug-type trembled in Riolu's arms, eyes wide with terror.
> "It's okay," Colt murmured. "You're safe now."
The lead Beedrill—larger than the others, scarred across its face—buzzed a challenge. Its meaning was clear:
*Give us the defective one, or face the swarm.*
> "Colt, there's three of them!" Ash warned. "We should run!"
> "No." Colt's voice was cold. Hard. "Running just gets us stung in the back."
He looked at the Beedrill leader. "This Weedle is under my protection now. You want it? You go through me."
The Beedrill's eyes glowed red with fury.
> "Ash, get behind me. Pikachu, if they dive, Thunder Shock the trees—make them a minefield."
> "Got it!"
The Beedrill attacked as one.
> "Growlithe, Ember barrage—don't let them get close! Riolu, Quick Attack the leader—disrupt their formation!"
Flames erupted. Riolu blurred forward, striking the leader mid-flight. It crashed into a tree with a satisfying *crack*.
The other two Beedrill split up, trying to flank.
> "Pikachu, NOW!"
Electricity arced between the trees, creating a deadly web. One Beedrill flew straight into it and fell, twitching.
The leader recovered, furious, and dove at Colt directly.
Time seemed to slow.
Colt saw the poison stinger aimed at his chest. Saw the hate in those compound eyes.
Then the Weedle in Riolu's arms did something unexpected.
It fired a Poison Sting—weak, desperate—directly into the Beedrill leader's face.
The evolved Bug-type reeled back, blinded, crashing to the ground.
The remaining conscious Beedrill grabbed its leader and retreated, buzzing threats but unwilling to continue the fight.
Silence fell over the forest like a held breath.
Colt's heart hammered. His hands shook.
*That could've killed me. That poison stinger was aimed at my heart.*
Ash ran up, Pikachu sparking nervously. "Dude! That was insane! Are you okay?"
> "Yeah," Colt managed. "I'm good."
He looked down at the Weedle, still trembling in Riolu's arms.
The Bug-type met his gaze—and in those black compound eyes, Colt saw something he recognized.
*Gratitude. And a question.*
> "You saved my life," Colt said quietly. "I was going to save yours, but you beat me to it."
He knelt, bringing himself eye-level with the Weedle.
> "Your hive rejected you because you're different. I get that. Being different is... hard."
*Being reborn into a world that shouldn't exist is different,* he didn't say.
> "But different doesn't mean weak. It means unique. Special."
He pulled out an empty Pokéball.
> "Come with me. Be part of a pack that doesn't care about what you look like—only about what's in your heart."
The Weedle looked at Riolu, who nodded.
At Growlithe, who woofed softly—*Welcome.*
Then it pressed its head against the Pokéball's button.
Red light. Shaking. Once. Twice. Three times.
*Click.*
Colt released it immediately. The Weedle emerged, no longer trembling.
> "Welcome to the team," Colt said, gently touching its unbroken horn.
Weedle chirped—a sound like wind chimes—and nuzzled his hand.
Ash watched, eyes shining. "That was the coolest thing I've ever seen."
> "Just doing what felt right."
*And securing a future Beedrill,* Colt thought. *One that will be loyal to the death because I gave it a second chance.*
*Just like I got.*
---
### X. Ash's Turn
They walked for another hour, the forest growing lighter as they approached the central clearing.
Ash was practically vibrating with excitement.
"Man, I gotta catch something! You've got three Pokémon already, and I just have Pikachu!"
"Quality over quantity," Colt reminded him. "And Pikachu's worth ten normal Pokémon."
Pikachu preened, sparks dancing proudly.
"Still, I want to—THERE!"
A Caterpie was munching on a leaf, completely oblivious to the world.
Ash's eyes lit up. "A Bug-type! Perfect!"
Colt bit back a smile. Right on schedule. Just like the anime.
"Go for it."
Ash crept forward, Pokéball ready. "Okay, little guy, let's be friends!"
He tossed the ball—
—and completely missed, hitting a tree.
The ball bounced back and bonked Ash on the head.
Colt facepalmed. Pikachu sighed deeply.
"Okay, that was practice!" Ash insisted, rubbing his head. "This time for real!"
He threw again.
The ball sailed past Caterpie, hit another tree, and rolled back to his feet.
"ARGH! Why is this so hard?!"
"Because you're throwing like you're pitching a baseball," Colt said, trying not to laugh.
"Pokéballs need arc, not speed."
"Oh."
Third attempt. Ash took a breath, aimed carefully, and lobbed the ball in a gentle arc.
It bonked Caterpie on the head.
The Bug-type looked confused for a moment—then the ball opened, drawing it inside.
Shake. Shake. Shake.
Click.
"YES!" Ash pumped his fist. "I caught a Caterpie!"
He released it immediately, scooping the Bug-type into his arms.
"Welcome to the team, buddy! You're gonna be a powerful Butterfree someday!"
Caterpie cooed happily, nuzzling Ash's face. Pikachu hopped onto Ash's other shoulder, sparks friendly now.
Colt smiled. Some things really don't change. And maybe that's okay.
---
XI. The Clearing and the Samurai
The forest opened into a large clearing where sunlight poured down like liquid gold.
In the center stood a boy—maybe twelve—wearing a samurai outfit complete with a wooden practice sword and a serious expression.
"HALT!"
Ash and Colt stopped.
The boy pointed his sword dramatically. "I am Samurai! And I challenge you to a Pokémon battle!"
"Uh… okay?" Ash said.
Right, Colt remembered. The Samurai kid. He challenged trainers from Pallet Town because he was salty about losing to someone. Probably Gary.
"I've already defeated several trainers from Pallet Town this month!" Samurai declared. "But none have satisfied my warrior's spirit! Show me your strength!"
"Both of us?" Colt asked.
"One at a time! You first!" He pointed at Ash. "You have the look of a true beginner!"
"Hey!"
Samurai released a Pinsir—massive, brown, with horns that could crush boulders.
Ash swallowed. "That thing is huge."
"Caterpie, I choose you!"
The tiny Bug-type emerged, looking adorably non-threatening next to the terrifying Pinsir.
Samurai's eye twitched. "You… you're sending a Caterpie against my Pinsir?"
"Yeah! Caterpie's got heart!"
"It's got three attacks: Tackle, String Shot, and Harden," Samurai deadpanned. "My Pinsir knows Seismic Toss."
"Doesn't matter! Caterpie, String Shot!"
Sticky silk sprayed, coating Pinsir's horns. The Bug-type struggled, annoyed.
"Pinsir, Harden, then Seismic Toss!"
Pinsir's shell gleamed, defense rising. Then it grabbed Caterpie, leapt into the air, and pile-drove it into the ground.
Caterpie didn't get up.
"Caterpie is unable to battle!" Samurai announced. "As I expected—"
A brilliant white light erupted from Caterpie's body.
Everyone froze.
The light grew brighter, the shape within shifting, changing, elongating—
When it faded, a Metapod sat where Caterpie had been, shell gleaming.
"WHOA!" Ash shouted. "Caterpie evolved!"
Samurai's jaw dropped. "That's… that's impossible! Caterpie never evolve mid-battle!"
"Mine just did!" Ash grinned. "Metapod, Harden!"
The shell gleamed even brighter.
Samurai recalled Pinsir. "I… I need to rethink my strategy. Battle postponed!"
He turned to Colt. "And you! What's your name?"
"Colt Ketchum."
"KETCHUM?!" Samurai's eyes widened. "You're related to that arrogant Gary Oak's rival from Pallet?!"
"Gary's not my rival," Colt said. "He's my measuring stick."
"Then prove it! Battle me!"
"Fine." Colt stepped forward. "One-on-one?"
"Yes! Go, Metapod!"
A second Metapod appeared—larger, older, more experienced than Ash's newborn evolution.
Colt considered his options. Growlithe's Fire would be too strong. Weedle's too weak still. That leaves—
"Riolu. Let's do this."
The Fighting-type stepped forward, aura flickering.
"A Riolu? Those are rare," Samurai said. "Where did you—"
"Long story. You attacking or talking?"
"Metapod, Harden!"
"Riolu, Quick Attack—keep moving!"
Riolu became a blue blur, circling the Metapod, testing for openings.
"Keep using Harden! Defense is absolute!"
He's trying to outlast us, Colt realized. Wait for Riolu to exhaust itself, then counter.
But he's forgetting something.
"Riolu, stop."
Riolu skidded to a halt.
"Force Palm. Full power. Aim for the shell's center."
Riolu's paw glowed bright blue. It planted its feet, centered its aura, and struck.
CRACK.
The Metapod's shell fractured—not broken, but visibly damaged.
"That's impossible!" Samurai gasped. "Metapod's shell can withstand—"
"Physical attacks, sure," Colt said. "But Force Palm is Fighting energy. Energy passes through barriers."
"Riolu, again."
Another Force Palm. The crack widened.
Metapod wobbled, unconscious.
"Metapod is unable to battle," Colt said quietly. "Riolu wins."
Samurai recalled his Pokémon, looking shaken. "You… actually understood type advantages beyond the basic chart."
"I pay attention."
"And your Riolu's aura control is advanced for such a young Pokémon. How long have you been training?"
"One day."
Samurai's mouth opened. Closed. Opened again. "…You're lying."
"Nope."
Ash laughed. "He's just that good!"
Samurai sheathed his wooden sword. "I… I have much to learn. Thank you for the lesson, Colt Ketchum."
Colt bowed back. "You too. Your defense strategy almost worked."
"Almost isn't enough," Samurai said firmly. "I'll train harder. Next time we meet, I'll defeat you."
"Looking forward to it."
As Samurai left, Ash clapped Colt on the shoulder. "Dude! You're like a battle genius or something!"
Or I've just watched this show a hundred times and know Fighting beats Bug, Colt thought.
He smiled. "Just lucky."
Riolu snorted—Luck had nothing to do with it.
---
XII. The Beedrill Swarm
They made camp as the sun set, the forest canopy turning from green to gold to deep purple.
Ash cooked instant ramen over a small fire. Pikachu and Metapod sat nearby, while Colt fed his team—Riolu, Growlithe, and Weedle.
Three Pokémon, Colt thought, watching them eat. Good coverage so far—but I need more. Water, Flying, Psychic resistance…
His mental list played out: Magikarp, Abra, Cubone, Ponyta, Scyther—
A distant buzzing interrupted his thoughts.
Growlithe's ears perked. Riolu stood, aura flaring.
"You hear that?" Ash asked.
The buzzing grew louder.
"Oh no."
"BEEDRILL SWARM!" Colt shouted. "Grab your Pokémon and RUN!"
They burst from the clearing just as a cloud of Beedrill descended—dozens of them, wings reflecting light like shattered glass.
"Why are they after us?!" Ash yelled.
"They're probably from the same hive as earlier! They tracked Weedle's scent!"
Or this is just standard Viridian Forest nightmare fuel, Colt thought, ducking a stinger that whistled past his ear.
They ran through the darkening forest, branches whipping their faces.
Then Colt saw it—a small cave hidden by vines.
"THERE! GO!"
They dove inside, thorns tearing their clothes. The cave was dark, damp, smelling of earth and old rain.
Outside, the Beedrill buzzed in frustration, unable to fit through the narrow entrance.
Ash and Colt collapsed against the cave wall, gasping.
"That… was way too close."
"Welcome to Viridian Forest," Colt muttered. "Where Bug-types are territorial and the trees want you dead."
Pikachu's cheeks sparked faintly, providing light.
"Should we wait for them to leave?" Ash asked.
Colt listened. The buzzing wasn't fading—if anything, it sounded angrier.
"They're not leaving. They'll wait us out."
"So we go deeper."
"Yeah."
Their Pokémon clustered around them—Pikachu on Ash's shoulder, Metapod in his arms, Riolu, Growlithe, and Weedle flanking Colt like tiny guardians.
This wasn't in the anime, Colt thought uneasily. We're off-script now. Which means anything could happen.
They ventured deeper into the cave, Pikachu's electricity their only light.
And in the darkness ahead, something glittered—
Two red eyes, watching.
---
XIII. The Unexpected Encounter
"Um, Colt?" Ash's voice was small. "What Pokémon have red eyes in caves?"
Zubat have purple. Geodude brown. Onix red, but we'd hear it.
The eyes moved closer.
Growlithe growled, flames flickering.
Riolu's aura blazed, illuminating the cave—
—and revealing a Paras, shell gleaming with mushrooms, eyes wide and terrified.
A Paras? They're not aggressive. Why would—
Then Colt saw the wounds. Deep scratches, one mushroom cracked and leaking spores.
It's hurt. Probably fled from a predator.
"It's okay," Colt said softly, crouching. "We're not going to hurt you."
The Paras skittered back nervously. Ash pulled a Potion from his bag.
"Here, let me help."
He sprayed the wounds gently. The Bug-type flinched but didn't flee.
"There you go, buddy. All better."
The Paras clicked softly, grateful, then scurried into a side tunnel.
"Guess it had somewhere to be," Ash said.
"Or it's leading us somewhere," Colt muttered.
In Pokémon logic, injured Pokémon sometimes lead you to safety… or treasure. Please be safety.
They followed the tunnel until sunlight streamed through cracks above—
They'd looped back toward the forest's surface.
The exit was clear.
"Freedom!" Ash cheered.
They stepped into the late afternoon light. The Paras sat near the exit, watching.
When it saw them safe, it clicked once and vanished into the underbrush.
"Thank you!" Ash called after it.
Colt smiled. Even random encounters have heart here.
They checked the map. Pewter City—less than a day's walk away.
"First Gym Badge, here we come!" Ash declared.
Colt looked at his team—Riolu, Growlithe, Weedle—all watching him with trust.
Three down. Fourteen to go.
And a long, long road ahead.
For the first time since his rebirth, Colt felt something he hadn't before.
Purpose.
---
XIV. Night Watch
They made camp at the forest's edge, safely distant from Beedrill territory.
Ash fell asleep immediately, Pikachu curled against his chest, Metapod resting nearby.
Colt sat by the fire, awake. Riolu sat beside him, as always.
"You ever think about what comes next?" Colt asked quietly.
Riolu tilted its head.
"I mean… after the Gyms. After the League. What then?"
In the anime, Ash just kept going. New regions. New adventures. An endless cycle.
But I'm not Ash. I'm not bound by a script.
So what's my endgame?
He looked up at the unfamiliar stars. This wasn't Earth. This was a world where dragons flew, ghosts haunted towers, and gods slept in volcano hearts.
"I want to be strong enough that nobody can hurt the people I care about," Colt said softly. "Strong enough that when legends wake up, I can stand against them."
Riolu's paw touched his knee.
Then we train. Together.
"Yeah," Colt smiled. "Together."
Growlithe woofed softly in its sleep. Weedle chirped in Colt's jacket pocket.
This is my pack now, Colt thought. My family. And I'll protect them. No matter what.
In the distance, an Ursaring roared—deep and primal, a reminder that this world was beautiful and deadly in equal measure.
Colt fed another branch to the fire and settled in for a long night.
Tomorrow, Pewter City.
Tomorrow, his first Gym Battle.
Tomorrow, the real test began.
But tonight?
Tonight, he was just a ten-year-old kid with three Pokémon and a brother who snored like a Snorlax.
And somehow, that was enough.
---
XV. Morning Light and New Resolve
Dawn broke through the trees like spilled honey, golden and warm.
Colt woke to Growlithe's wet nose nudging his face.
"Alright, alright, I'm up."
Ash was already awake, doing stretches with Pikachu mimicking him—poorly. Metapod sat nearby, shell gleaming.
"Morning!" Ash called. "Ready for Pewter City?"
Colt stood, rolling his shoulders. The ache from sleeping on the ground was a good one—the kind that came from doing something.
"Ready as I'll ever be."
They walked in companionable silence, the forest thinning until they saw open road ahead.
And there, nestled against the mountains, stood Pewter City—gray stone buildings, a massive museum, and the towering Gym.
"There it is," Ash breathed. "Our first real challenge."
Colt felt his heart rate pick up. In the anime, Ash lost his first battle with Brock. Got humiliated. Had to train harder and come back.
Will the same happen to me?
Or will my knowledge change things?
Riolu bumped his leg, sensing his unease. We'll find out together.
"Come on," Colt said, adjusting his backpack. "Let's go meet our first Gym Leader."
They walked toward Pewter City, the morning sun at their backs, shadows stretching long before them.
Two brothers.
Two journeys.
One destination.
And overhead, unseen by anyone, a great bird circled—gold and crimson feathers catching the light.
Ho-Oh watched.
And waited.