Viridian Forest swallowed sound.
Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town felt it the moment he crossed the wooden gate. The air turned cool and damp, light breaking into thin green shards through the canopy above. Every step stirred leaves, and every rustle carried intent.
Charizard entered first, wings folded tight to avoid branches. Its tail flame dimmed instinctively, burning low to avoid drawing attention. It paused, scanning the forest, senses sharp.
Ash followed, Rattata walking beside his boots now instead of on his shoulder. Caterpie remained in its Poké Ball, still recovering. Maya closed the gate behind them.
"This place doesn't forgive mistakes," she said quietly.
Ash nodded. "Then I won't make any."
They hadn't gone far when a sharp voice echoed through the trees.
"Hey! You there!"
A boy in a green vest stepped onto the path, bug net slung over his shoulder, confidence written all over his grin.
"I'm Sammy," he said proudly. "Bug Catcher from Viridian Forest. You're not getting through without a battle."
Ash straightened. "I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town."
Sammy's eyes flicked to Charizard, lingering for a second longer than normal. Curious. Cautious.
"Huh. Big Pokémon for a beginner," he said. "Doesn't matter. Bugs always win in the forest."
He snapped a Poké Ball open.
"Go, Metapod!"
A hard, green shell dropped onto the ground with a dull thud.
Ash reached for his Pokédex.
"Metapod, the Cocoon Pokémon. Bug type. The evolved form of Caterpie. This Pokémon is vulnerable while its shell hardens. Its primary defense is Harden."
Ash exhaled slowly. "Alright… Rattata, I choose you."
Rattata leapt forward, claws digging into the forest floor.
"Metapod, Harden!" Sammy shouted immediately.
The green shell glowed faintly, surface tightening.
Ash frowned. "That's all it does?"
"Doesn't need anything else," Sammy replied smugly.
Ash thought for a second. "Rattata, Tackle!"
Rattata charged, slamming into Metapod. The impact echoed, but Metapod barely moved.
"Again!" Ash called.
Rattata struck once more, harder this time. Metapod rocked slightly but held.
Sammy laughed. "You can't break it. Metapod's defense keeps rising."
Ash clenched his fists. He remembered Caterpie's battles. Remembered patience.
"Rattata," he said firmly, "Bite."
Rattata lunged, teeth sinking into the hardened shell. Metapod shuddered.
"Metapod, Harden again!"
The shell glowed brighter.
Rattata staggered back, breathing hard.
Ash watched closely. Metapod wasn't attacking, but it was wearing Rattata down just by lasting.
"…Withdraw," Ash muttered.
"What?" Sammy blinked.
Ash recalled Rattata. "This isn't working. I'm not going to burn my Pokémon out."
Sammy scoffed. "Running already?"
Ash met his gaze. "No. Learning."
They moved deeper into the forest.
The light dimmed further. The air buzzed.
Then it happened fast.
A sharp whirring sound sliced through the air.
Charizard roared.
A massive yellow-and-black shape burst from the trees.
Ash's Pokédex activated as his hand snapped to it.
"Beedrill, the Poison Bee Pokémon. Bug and Poison type. Uses twin stingers on its arms and abdomen to attack. Extremely aggressive when its territory is threatened."
"Multiple!" Maya shouted.
Three Beedrill descended.
"Rattata, out!" Ash yelled.
Rattata barely hit the ground before a Beedrill struck.
"Beedrill used Twineedle!"
The stingers slammed into the ground inches from Ash's legs. He stumbled backward.
"Rattata, dodge and Bite!"
Rattata leapt, snapping at a Beedrill's arm, forcing it back.
Another swooped low.
"Beedrill used Poison Sting!"
Ash felt the wind of it pass his face.
Charizard stepped forward.
Not waiting.
A wing snapped outward, slamming into the ground.
The force alone scattered leaves and dust, sending the Beedrill recoiling midair.
Charizard didn't attack again.
It didn't need to.
The Beedrill screeched and retreated into the canopy.
Silence returned, broken only by Ash's breathing.
Ash dropped to one knee, heart pounding.
Rattata trembled but stood.
Ash checked it quickly, applying a potion with shaking hands.
"Good job… you stayed with me."
Charizard stood nearby, tail flame steady again. It looked at Ash, then at Rattata.
No rejection.
No obedience.
Just acknowledgment.
Maya exhaled. "Viridian Forest just taught you its first rule."
Ash stood slowly. "Don't rush. Don't underestimate. And don't fight battles you can't finish."
Charizard turned and continued down the path.
Ash followed.
Pewter City was still far away.
But for the first time, Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town was beginning to think like a trainer.
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