After leaving Professor Oak's lab, Ash returned home with Pikachu to say goodbye to his mother.
"Be safe on the road, and remember to call me when you get to the city. Don't forget to brush your teeth and wash your face every day!" Delia said, her voice filled with motherly care.
Ash nodded seriously at every instruction, knowing that no matter where you go in the world, every mom is the same.
"And Pikachu, I'll be counting on you to take care of my son from now on," Delia said as she knelt to meet Pikachu's gaze.
"Pika~!!" Pikachu responded confidently, giving a cheerful nod as if to say, Don't worry, Mom, I've got this.
"Mom, I'm off. Just wait—you'll see all the amazing things I'll accomplish," Ash said as he hugged his mother tightly.
"Be careful, sweetheart," Delia said softly, waving as Ash turned and walked away. Her smile was warm, just as it was every time she sent him off.
---
Holding Pikachu in his arms, Ash walked down the road that led out of Pallet Town. "Alright, let's see how this National Pokédex works."
As he fiddled with the device, a small question mark appeared above Pikachu's head. Intrigued, Ash focused his thoughts, and a virtual screen opened in front of him.
[Pikachu – Electric Mouse Pokémon
Type: Electric
Ability: Static
Level: 15
Holding Item: Electric Bead (Perfect Level)
Skills: Thunder Shock, Quick Attack, Electro Ball, Tackle, Thunder (Locked)
Genetic Skill: Charge]
There was also a footnote in small text:
Levels 40+ = Elite
Levels 60+ = Gym Leader
Levels 70+ = Elite Four
Levels 80+ = Champion
Levels 90-95 = Pseudo-Legendary
Levels 95-100 = Legendary Tier.
"Pikachu, we're about to enter Viridian Forest. When we encounter wild Pokémon, I'll be counting on you to handle it," Ash said, stopping under the shade of a tree near the forest's edge.
As if on cue, a small bird Pokémon appeared in the grass nearby.
[Pidgey – Bird Pokémon
Type: Normal/Flying
Ability: Keen Eye
Level: 10
Held Item: None
Skills: Tackle, Sand Attack, Gust]
"Alright, Pikachu, your first opponent is here. It's time to show what you can do!" Ash said, pointing dramatically at the tiny bird.
"Pika!" Pikachu hopped to the ground, his cheeks sparking as he readied himself for battle.
"Let's start strong! Pikachu, use Quick Attack!" Ash commanded.
"Pika!" Pikachu moved like a flash of light, slamming into Pidgey before it had a chance to react.
"Follow it up with Thunder Shock!"
Electricity crackled from Pikachu's cheeks as he unleashed a jolt of lightning at the stunned Pidgey. The tiny bird let out a weak cry before collapsing to the ground, fainted.
"We did it!" Ash exclaimed, raising his fist triumphantly. "Pikachu, we won our first battle!"
"Pika!" Pikachu struck a victory pose, holding up two fingers as if to say, MVP!
Ding! Dream Points +3.
Ash smirked at the notification. "Seriously? Only three points? What am I supposed to do with that?"
Still, the thrill of victory was satisfying. As Ash celebrated, the familiar sound of rustling grass caught his attention.
---
Ash turned to see another bird Pokémon emerge from the tall grass—but this one was no Pidgey.
"Spearow," Ash muttered, recognizing the aggressive expression on the Pokémon's face. Before he could act, Pikachu leapt forward, sparks already flying.
"Pika...CHUUU!" Pikachu unleashed a powerful Thunder Shock, hitting the Spearow directly.
"Lie~!" the Spearow screeched, its charred feathers sticking out in all directions. Wobbling unsteadily, it stretched its neck and let out a loud, piercing cry.
"Oh no," Ash groaned, realizing what was about to happen.
A deafening screech echoed through the forest as dozens of Spearows erupted from the trees, forming a massive flock. Their sharp eyes locked onto Ash and Pikachu.
"Run, Pikachu!" Ash shouted, scooping up his partner as the angry Spearow flock gave chase.
---
Ash sprinted down the path, dodging low branches and leaping over rocks, but the Spearows were relentless. They swooped down, pecking furiously at Pikachu, who cried out in pain.
"Get away from him!" Ash yelled, using his own body to shield Pikachu from the attacks. A blue light flickered in his eyes as he instinctively unleashed a burst of psychic energy. Though his telekinesis was weak, it was enough to momentarily push the Spearows back.
"Are you okay, Pikachu?" Ash asked, holding his injured partner close.
"Pika..." Pikachu licked Ash's wounds, determined not to let his trainer see him in pain.
Ash's frustration boiled over as the Spearows began circling above, taunting them like predators playing with their prey. "System! What do I do now?!"
Ding! Please resolve the situation on your own.
Ash's jaw tightened. "Fine. If we make it out of this, I'm going to train Pikachu until we're unstoppable!"
At that moment, several Spearows broke away from the flock, diving straight for them. Ash braced himself, holding Pikachu tightly to protect him from the impact.
But Pikachu had other plans.
"Pika!" Pikachu's eyes blazed with determination as he leapt from Ash's arms. A crackling bolt of lightning shot down from the sky, striking Pikachu directly. His Electric Bead glowed brilliantly as it channeled the overwhelming energy.
"Pikachu... use Thunder!" Ash shouted, trusting his partner completely.
"PIKA...CHUUUUU!!!" Pikachu roared as a massive thunderbolt exploded from his body, spreading outward in a blinding flash of light.
The entire Spearow flock was struck down, falling like leaves in a storm. The few that survived screeched in terror and fled, vowing never to mess with humans and Pikachu again.
---
"Pikachu!" Ash cried, running forward to catch his partner as he fell from the sky. He cradled the exhausted Pokémon in his arms. "You saved us... Thank you."
"Pika..." Pikachu smiled weakly, nuzzling Ash's cheek. You risked everything to protect me. How could I do any less for you?
Ding! Dream Puzzle: "Spearow Flock Incident" completed. Reward: Time Capsule (Pidgeot), Dream Points +500.
As Ash carried Pikachu to a safe spot, a sudden downpour forced them to take shelter under a tree. Wrapping Pikachu in his jacket, Ash held him close to keep him warm.
"Pikachu, you're incredible. Rest for now—we've got a long journey ahead."
---
As the rain cleared, a radiant rainbow appeared in the sky. A majestic, multicolored bird flew past, its cry echoing through the forest.
"Pikachu, look! It's Ho-Oh," Ash said in awe, quickly snapping a picture with his Pokédex.
"Pika..." Pikachu gazed at the legendary Pokémon, his eyes filled with wonder.
"One day, we'll be strong enough to challenge it. Let's make that our ultimate goal!" Ash said, his resolve renewed.
"Pika!" Pikachu fist-bumped Ash, their bond stronger than ever.
As Ho-Oh disappeared into the horizon, a single, radiant feather floated down, landing gently in front of Ash.
With determination in his heart and Pikachu by his side, Ash took the first step on his legendary journey.