Viridian City rose out of the trees like a promise.
Stone buildings, wide streets, the hum of people and Pokémon moving together. Ash slowed at the city's edge, eyes wide. This was bigger than Pallet. Louder. Alive in a way he'd only seen on television.
"We made it," he said, half to himself.
Caterpie wriggled happily on his shoulder. Pidgey fluttered up to land on a nearby signpost, watching everything with sharp curiosity.
Behind them, the Charizard stepped onto the paved road.
The reaction was immediate.
Conversations stopped. A vendor dropped a crate with a loud clatter. A group of trainers near the entrance froze, eyes wide as the shadow of wings passed over them.
"Is that a—"
"No way, that kid—"
"A Charizard? Here?"
Ash's excitement dimmed. He hadn't thought about this part.
The Charizard ignored the stares completely, walking straight ahead as if the city were just another stretch of road. Its tail flame reflected in shop windows as it passed.
Maya leaned closer to Ash. "You're going to be remembered," she said quietly. "Whether you want to be or not."
Ash swallowed. "I just wanted to start my journey."
"That's how journeys start," she replied. "Quietly. And then they stop being quiet."
They found the Pokémon Center near the city's center. The red roof gleamed under the sun like a beacon.
Inside, the air was cool and clean. Machines hummed softly. A pink-haired nurse looked up from the counter and smiled automatically—until her eyes landed on the Charizard.
"…Welcome," Nurse Joy said, pausing only a fraction of a second before regaining her composure. "How may I help you?"
"My Caterpie and Pidgey need a checkup," Ash said quickly. "And—"
He glanced back.
The Charizard had stopped just inside the doorway, wings folded tight. It did not approach the counter.
"And my Charizard," Ash finished more softly. "His wing is injured."
Nurse Joy nodded. "I'll take care of them."
She hesitated, then added, "All of them."
Ash released Caterpie and Pidgey. They were taken gently to the back. Maya spoke quietly with Joy, explaining the injury.
Ash stayed where he was.
"So," a voice said nearby. "That's your Charizard?"
Ash turned. A boy a little older than him stood there, arms crossed, eyes sharp with interest. He wore a confident grin that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Yeah," Ash said. "Well. Kind of."
The boy laughed. "You don't sound very sure."
"I'm Ash," he said. "From Pallet Town."
"Figures," the boy replied. "I'm Ryo. Viridian City."
His gaze flicked to the Charizard again. "You know how rare it is to see one of those outside a Gym or the League?"
Ash shifted uncomfortably. "I didn't plan it."
Ryo smiled wider. "Nobody ever does."
Before Ash could reply, Nurse Joy returned. "Your Pokémon are resting," she said. "As for the Charizard… the wing will heal, but it's been pushed too hard for too long."
Ash nodded. "I won't make him fight."
The Charizard flicked its tail, flame steady.
Outside, Ash stood on the steps of the Pokémon Center, watching the city move around him. Trainers passed by, some curious, some wary. Posters for the Indigo League fluttered on nearby walls.
Maya joined him. "You're officially on the map now," she said. "Viridian City is the first stop for a lot of trainers."
Ash looked at the posters. "That's the tournament, right? The Pokémon League."
"Yes," she said. "Badges. Gyms. Qualifications."
Ash clenched his fists, excitement and doubt tangling together. "I want to compete."
The Charizard stepped past him, stopping at the edge of the street. It looked back once, eyes unreadable.
Ash met its gaze.
"I won't rush," he said quietly. "I promise."
The Charizard turned forward again and waited.
Not following.
Waiting.
And for Ash Ketchum, that felt like progress.
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T/N:
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