"Ding… Dream Puzzle complete. Rewards: TM (Skill Learning Machine), a Bakery Voucher, a Café Voucher, and a Skill Reset Card. Skill unlocked: Advanced Mechanical Crafting! Current Dream Points: 37,000."
After repelling Team Rocket, Ash stared at the system message in disbelief. "Are those three clowns actually handing me freebies?" He had earned an impressive set of rewards all at once.
Looking at the café and bakery vouchers along with the reset card, Ash smirked. "I'll save these as their retirement gifts. After all, it's tough being Team Rocket!" He stuffed the rewards into his system storage and surveyed the scene.
"Ash, are you and Pikachu alright?" Misty ran over, worry written all over her face.
"Thanks to Pikachu's Recharge, we're in perfect condition!" Ash responded with a V-for-victory gesture.
"Young trainer, thank you so much. Without you, the Pokémon Center would've been in real trouble!" Nurse Joy bowed in gratitude.
"Ding! Dream Points +20."
Ash smiled modestly. At least this time, only two ceiling windows broke. Last time, the entire place practically collapsed...
"Miss Joy, you're welcome. Any trainer would step in during a situation like this."
Some nervous new trainers hiding in the corner: …
"Ash, is your next goal the Indigo League?" Misty asked, standing beside him.
"Yeah, the Indigo League is the first milestone of my journey." Ash nodded, though he felt awkward as Misty leaned closer. Why is her face so close? Is this what people mean by 'having a clean look'?
Clearing his throat, he changed the subject. "Ahem… It's getting late. We should rest up for tomorrow." He quickly made his exit.
Misty watched him go, nodding to herself. "He's strong, polite, and kind... I've decided—I'm traveling with him!"
---
Back in his room, Ash locked the door and let out a breath. Time to review his gains.
The TM caught his attention first. "This thing would easily cost tens of thousands at a specialty shop..." he muttered, admiring the shiny disk.
The TM—short for Technical Machine—was a product of Silph Co., designed to teach Pokémon new moves. Trainers would place a Pokémon into its Poké Ball, slot the ball into the machine, and insert the corresponding TM disk. The Pokémon would then absorb the knowledge, understanding the energy manipulation and execution required for the move.
High-tech as it was, TMs were expensive, and the rarest could sell for over a hundred thousand Pokédollars. Most trainers relied on Pokémon learning moves naturally or through books and mentors. But for rare moves like Pledge, trainers had to rely on specific Pokémon species to teach one another.
"Pikachu, could you go into your Poké Ball just for a bit? I promise it's only to learn this new move," Ash asked with clasped hands. "After this, you can rest."
"Pika Pika…" Pikachu sighed but nodded reluctantly.
Smiling, Ash carefully placed Pikachu into its Poké Ball and slotted it into the TM machine. He inserted the disk for Iron Tail, and the machine whirred to life.
A minute later, both the TM and Poké Ball popped out with a click. "Come on out, Pikachu!"
Pikachu emerged, excitedly waving its tail, which gleamed with a faint metallic light. "Pika!"
However, as Pikachu attempted to demonstrate, it stumbled, the energy flickering out. "Pika…" Pikachu growled in frustration, shaking its tail.
"It's okay, buddy," Ash said, ruffling Pikachu's head. "You've learned the basics. Now it's just practice."
"Pika! Pikachu!" (I'll master it tomorrow!)
Ash chuckled. "Alright, let's get some sleep. Tomorrow, we head into Viridian Forest." He patted the bed beside him, and Pikachu hopped in, snuggling close.
---
The next morning, Ash and Pikachu had breakfast at the Pokémon Center. Misty soon joined them. "Morning, Ash."
"Morning, Misty." After they ate, Ash packed his bag.
"Are you leaving already?" Misty asked, concerned.
"Yeah. The Viridian Gym only accepts trainers with seven badges, so my next stop is Pewter City."
Misty hesitated before speaking. "Can I travel with you? I want to become a Water Pokémon Master, so traveling together would help me grow."
Ash considered her request. "Alright. Traveling together makes sense—two heads are better than one."
---
The pair entered Viridian Forest, the dense canopy blocking out most sunlight.
Suddenly, a scream pierced the air. "AHHHH!" Misty threw herself onto Ash's back.
"What's wrong?" Ash asked, startled.
"A BUG! It's a bug!" Misty pointed at a Caterpie crawling across the path.
"Relax, it's harmless." Ash motioned to Pikachu. "Give it a little jolt."
Pikachu sent a small spark at the ground near Caterpie, startling it. The Pokémon scurried away.
Ash smiled, watching it retreat. "Go grow into a beautiful Butterfree."
With a trembling voice, Misty whispered, "Is it gone?"
"Yes. Can you let go of my jacket now?" Ash teased.
Blushing, Misty stepped back. "Let's keep moving."
---
That evening, the two set up camp. While Misty admired the stars, Ash focused on Pikachu's Iron Tail training. After several attempts, Pikachu improved its technique, consistently striking the wooden targets Ash tossed into the air.
"You're doing great," Ash encouraged, gently massaging Pikachu's sore tail.
---
The next day, laughter echoed through the forest.
"Prepare for trouble…"
"And make it double…"
Ash sighed, cutting them off. "Yeah, yeah, I know the rest. Let's skip to the part where you lose."
"Show some respect!" Jessie snapped.
"You're making us look incompetent!" James added.
Ash shrugged. "Not my fault. Pikachu, Pidgeot—let's wrap this up."
Team Rocket sent out Koffing and Ekans, but Ash's Pikachu dodged their attacks with ease, countering with a powerful Thunder Shock. Pidgeot swooped in, using Wing Attack to send them flying.
"Meowth, do something!" Jessie barked.
Meowth stepped forward, only to be hit by another Thunder Shock. "Meeeeowth!" He landed charred and groaning at Jessie and James's feet.
"We'll be back!" the trio yelled, retreating with their usual dramatic flair.
---
As Ash and Misty continued through Viridian Forest, Misty jumped at every passing bug Pokémon. "Ash, this forest is endless!"
Ash smirked. "Well, it's all part of the adventure."
The forest still had many surprises waiting for them.
Patreon.com/Tyrouge for advance chappy~