The forest began to thin.
Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town noticed it first by the light. It grew stronger, less broken, spilling through wider gaps in the trees. The air changed too. Less damp. Less buzzing.
Charizard slowed, lifting its head. Its tail flame burned a little brighter now, no longer needing to hide.
Rattata padded along steadily. Metapod rested in its Poké Ball, silent and solid.
Maya smiled faintly. "We're almost out."
Ash nodded, relief mixing with anticipation. "Then Pewter City's next."
They hadn't gone far when a final trainer stepped onto the path.
"Hold it!"
A Bug Catcher with a wide grin and confident stance blocked the trail.
"Forest rule," he said. "No one leaves without a battle."
Ash stepped forward. "I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town."
The trainer nodded. "Name's Leo. Let's go."
He threw a Poké Ball.
"Go, Beedrill!"
The sharp buzz filled the clearing as the Beedrill hovered, stingers glinting.
Ash's hand went to the Pokédex.
"Beedrill, the Poison Bee Pokémon. Bug and Poison type. Attacks with high speed using its twin stingers. Known for aggressive aerial assaults."
Ash swallowed. "Rattata, I choose you."
Rattata bristled, eyes locked on the airborne opponent.
"Beedrill, Poison Sting!" Leo shouted.
The Beedrill darted forward.
"Dodge and Bite!" Ash called.
Rattata leapt, snapping at the Beedrill's arm. The attack connected, forcing the Beedrill back slightly.
"Again!" Ash said.
But the Beedrill was faster this time.
"Beedrill used Fury Attack!"
Rattata was struck twice in rapid succession, knocked backward into the dirt.
"Rattata!" Ash ran forward but stopped himself. "Get up!"
Rattata staggered to its feet, breathing hard.
Ash thought fast. "One more. Bite!"
Rattata lunged, teeth closing around the Beedrill's abdomen. The Beedrill screeched and broke away, hovering unsteadily.
"Beedrill, retreat!" Leo snapped.
The Pokémon pulled back, injured.
Leo recalled it, frowning. Then smiled. "Not bad. You earned the exit."
They stepped out of the forest moments later.
The world opened.
Stone paths. Clear sky. And ahead, built into the rock itself, stood Pewter City.
Ash stopped.
"There it is," he said quietly.
Maya followed his gaze. "First Gym."
Charizard stood beside Ash now, wings folded, posture steady. It looked toward the city, then briefly at Ash.
Not defiant.
Not obedient.
Present.
Ash clenched his fist, heart steady.
"I'm ready," he said.
Pewter City waited.
And Brock, the Rock-type Gym Leader, stood somewhere within.
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T/N:
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