Route 22 slowly narrowed as Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town walked forward, the dirt path thinning into packed earth and scattered stones. The air smelled different here. Damp. Green. Alive.
Charizard walked ahead, wings folded tight, tail flame steady but low. It stopped now and then, scanning the trees, listening. Caterpie stayed inside its Poké Ball today, tired from earlier battles. Rattata rode on Ash's shoulder, whiskers twitching.
Maya glanced up at the looming treeline. "Viridian Forest is just ahead."
Ash swallowed, excitement and nerves mixing. "That's where things really start, right?"
Maya smiled faintly. "That's where trainers learn fast… or learn painfully."
The shadows deepened as they stepped closer to the forest entrance. The path narrowed further, grass brushing against Ash's legs.
Suddenly, something dropped from above.
A green shape slammed into the ground between Ash and Charizard, mandibles snapping.
Ash stumbled back. "Whoa!"
The Pokémon raised its crescent-shaped scythes and hissed.
Ash's hand flew to his Pokédex.
"Scyther, the Mantis Pokémon. Bug and Flying type. Uses sharp scythes to slice through prey at blinding speed. Highly territorial."
Maya's eyes widened slightly. "That's not common near the forest edge."
Charizard turned slowly, eyes locking onto the Scyther. Its wings twitched once. It didn't move forward.
Ash clenched his fist. "Okay… I've never fought one like this."
Ash took a breath and reached for a Poké Ball.
"Rattata, I choose you!"
Rattata leapt down, teeth bared, fur bristling.
The Scyther moved instantly.
It vanished.
A sharp clang rang out as Scyther reappeared, its scythe slashing across the ground where Rattata had just been.
"Too fast!" Ash shouted. "Rattata, dodge and Tackle!"
Rattata lunged, striking Scyther's side, but the impact barely slowed it. Scyther retaliated immediately.
"Scyther used Quick Attack!"
It struck Rattata mid-motion, sending it tumbling back into the dirt.
"Rattata!" Ash ran forward but stopped himself. "Get up!"
Rattata staggered to its feet, breathing hard.
Charizard's tail flame flared slightly. Its claws dug into the earth. Still, it didn't step in.
Ash thought fast. "Rattata, Bite!"
Rattata darted forward, teeth snapping. This time it connected, clamping down on Scyther's arm.
Scyther screeched and slashed downward.
"Scyther used Fury Cutter!"
Rattata was knocked back hard, skidding to a stop near Ash's boots.
Ash's heart slammed in his chest. "That's enough!"
He grabbed a Poké Ball and recalled Rattata in a flash of red light.
The Scyther hovered in place for a moment, wings buzzing, eyes locked on Ash.
Charizard stepped forward.
Not aggressively.
Just one step.
The Scyther hesitated. Its wings slowed. Then, with a sharp screech, it shot upward into the trees and vanished.
Ash exhaled shakily and dropped to one knee.
Maya rushed over. "You did the right thing. That wasn't a fight you could win yet."
Ash nodded, fists clenched. "Yeah… but now I know."
He released Rattata again. The Pokémon was bruised but conscious. Ash checked it carefully, wrapping a potion-soaked cloth around its side.
Charizard watched silently.
For the first time, it didn't walk ahead.
It stayed.
Not close.
Not far.
Just… there.
Ash looked up at it and smiled faintly. "Thanks… for not leaving."
Charizard turned away first, tail flame calming, and resumed walking toward the forest.
Ash stood, determination settling in his chest.
Viridian Forest waited.
And he wasn't ready.
But he was learning.
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T/N:
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