Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town adjusted his backpack and stepped carefully into the tall grass outside Viridian City. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting shadows that danced with the wind. Charizard walked a few paces ahead, wings folded, tail flame steady, eyes alert.
Caterpie wriggled nervously on his shoulder, Pidgey perched nearby, wings twitching.
"This is it… the first real battle," Ash muttered.
Maya walked beside him, notebook ready. "Remember, Ash, you only have two Pokémon. You'll have to strategize and use them carefully. And only one at a time."
Ash nodded, gripping his Poké Ball tightly.
A rustle came from the grass. A small brown rodent Pokémon darted out, teeth glinting and eyes fierce.
"Rattata, the Mouse Pokémon. Normal type. Extremely quick and agile. Uses sharp teeth and fast reflexes to survive in the wild."
Ash's heart raced. "All right… Caterpie, I choose you!"
Caterpie wriggled nervously as Ash released it. The tiny Bug Pokémon landed on the ground, antenna twitching.
"String Shot!" Ash commanded.
A silk thread shot from Caterpie's body, but Rattata twisted quickly and leapt forward, forcing Caterpie to dodge. Its stinger glimmered, and it lunged toward Ash, narrowly missing him.
"Whoa! Too fast!" Ash shouted, ducking back.
Caterpie tried to attack again, but Rattata dodged and bit at its silk thread. Caterpie yelped and tumbled back. Ash grabbed the Pokédex quickly.
"Rattata, Normal type, Level 3. Extremely fast and aggressive. Often attacks when threatened. Weak against Bug-type moves in sustained battle."
Ash clenched his fists. "All right… think, Ash. One step at a time."
He sent Caterpie forward again. This time, Rattata charged immediately, teeth bared. Caterpie spun, using String Shot to slow it slightly.
Ash took a deep breath. "Poké Ball… now!"
He threw, but Rattata twisted mid-throw and escaped. The ball bounced uselessly on the grass.
"No! Not yet!" Ash shouted, as the rodent lunged toward him. He dodged backward, heart pounding.
Charizard's tail flame flicked faintly, nostrils curling smoke. It did not intervene, just watched.
Ash quickly shouted, "Caterpie, String Shot again!"
The silk wrapped around Rattata partially, slowing its movement. Ash threw another Poké Ball, but the Pokémon struggled and wriggled free again.
Caterpie was exhausted, shaking slightly. Ash's heart pounded, sweat dripping from his forehead.
"Okay… we can do this," he muttered. He remembered the Pokédex. "Rattata is weak to Bug-types… so I need to be precise."
Caterpie spun one last time, tangling Rattata more effectively. Ash grabbed the Poké Ball and threw it carefully.
Shake… shake… shake…
Click.
Ash dropped to his knees, gasping for air. "Yes… finally!"
Caterpie collapsed beside him, trembling but safe. Charizard shifted slightly, tail flame flicking once, then turned forward and continued walking down the path. Not approval. Not disapproval. Just presence.
Ash exhaled, wiping sweat from his brow. "One Pokémon at a time… that's the way."
Maya scribbled in her notebook. "Every battle teaches patience, strategy, and observation. Even the smallest Pokémon can be a challenge."
Ash nodded, looking at Charizard walking ahead. "Step by step… we'll get there."
The tall grass swayed around him, alive with potential. Two Pokémon in his team, and a powerful partner still distant. The journey had truly begun.
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T/N:
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