The air was thick with tension as Velkris and Gary stepped onto the battlefield. The dirt beneath their feet was freshly marked from the previous battle, faint traces of Pikachu's sparks still lingering in the air. The sun hung high above, casting long shadows as both trainers took their positions.
Velkris narrowed his eyes and pulled out his upgraded Pokédex. The device gave a soft ding before displaying the data.
________________________________________
Pokémon: Squirtle – The Tiny Turtle Pokémon
Gender: Male
Ability: Torrent – Powers up Water-type moves when HP is low.
Known Moves:
Standard Moves:
• Tackle – A basic physical attack that uses the whole body.
• Tail Whip – Wags its tail cutely to lower the opponent's Defense.
• Water Gun – A weak but reliable Water-type attack.
• Withdraw – Retreats into its shell to raise Defense.
Egg Moves:
• Aqua Jet – A fast Water-type attack that always strikes first.
• Haze – Eliminates all stat changes on the field.
Tutor Moves:
• Dragon Pulse – Fires a powerful Dragon-type energy blast.
• Ice Punch – A powerful Ice-type punch that may freeze the target.
________________________________________
Gary smirked, arms crossed confidently. "Heh, so you made it past Ash. Guess that means you're not a total pushover."
Velkris remained calm, his eyes focused. "I could say the same about you. You didn't even break a sweat against Kenji."
Gary let out a small chuckle. "Well, what can I say? Some of us are just built different." He then pulled out a Pokéball, spinning it between his fingers before tossing it into the air. "But let's see if you can handle this. Let's go, Squirtle!"
A flash of red light revealed Squirtle, who landed gracefully, giving a confident smirk as it adjusted its stance.
Velkris reached for his own Pokéball, taking a deep breath. "Alright, let's do this. Ralts, you're up!"
With a shimmer of psychic energy, Ralts appeared before him, its bright red eyes locking onto Squirtle with quiet determination. The contrast between the two Pokémon was clear—Squirtle was brimming with confidence, while Ralts stood still, its calm exterior betraying the powerful mind within.
Professor Oak raised his hand. "Trainers, are you ready?"
Both Velkris and Gary nodded.
"Then let the battle… BEGIN!"
The moment the word left Oak's mouth, both trainers sprang into action—one relying on experience, the other on sheer tactical mastery.
"Squirtle, open with Water Gun!" Gary called out.
Squirtle inhaled and shot a jet of water straight at Ralts.
"Double Team!" Velkris countered.
Ralts shimmered, creating multiple afterimages. The Water Gun passed harmlessly through an illusion.
Gary narrowed his eyes. "Tch. Squirtle, clear the field with Haze!"
A thick black mist spread across the battlefield, erasing Ralts' illusions.
"Now, Aqua Jet!" Gary commanded.
Squirtle's body glowed blue as it rocketed forward at blinding speed.
"Disarming Voice!" Velkris called out.
Just before impact, Ralts let out a high-pitched cry. The Fairy-type energy washed over Squirtle, but the Aqua Jet still connected, knocking Ralts back.
She stumbled but remained standing.
Ralts' eyes glowed ominously, locking Squirtle in place. Gary's expression changed slightly.
" Folloe up with an Ice Punch!"
Squirtle lunged, fist covered in icy mist.
"Shadow Sneak!"
Before Squirtle could reach her, Ralts' shadow stretched unnaturally, striking first and forcing Squirtle to stumble mid-attack. The Ice Punch still connected, but the damage was reduced.
Gary clicked his tongue. "You're tough, but we're not done yet! Dragon Pulse!"
A swirling blue-green energy built up in Squirtle's mouth before launching toward Ralts.
"Misty Terrain!"
Just before impact, a soft pink mist rolled across the battlefield. Though Dragon Pulse hit, the terrain dampened any potential Effectiveness.
Gary gritted his teeth. "Come on, Squirtle! One more Aqua Jet!"
Squirtle dashed forward in a final burst of speed.
Velkris' eyes sharpened. "Destiny Bond? No. Confusion!"
Ralts' eyes glowed as a psychic force caught Squirtle mid-charge, lifting it into the air before slamming it back down.
Squirtle groaned, dazed, and finally slumped to the ground.
Squirtle is unable to battle. Velkris wins!
Gary sighed, recalling Squirtle. He was silent for a moment, processing the loss before running a hand through his hair with a small smirk. "Man, I really thought I had you there," he admitted. "But you're strong, Velkris. Ralts is no joke."
Velkris gave a small nod. "You weren't bad either. Squirtle put up a great fight."
Gary huffed but then grinned. "Yeah, yeah. Still, I don't plan on staying behind for long. This was just the beginning." His eyes burned with determination as he pointed at Velkris. "Next time, I won't lose. I'm gonna travel far and wide, catch some amazing Pokémon, and build the strongest team out there."
Velkris smirked. "I'd expect nothing less from you, Gary."
Gary turned, adjusting the strap on his bag as he began walking away. "Next time we battle, I'll be the one walking away as the winner. You'd better not slack off, Velkris. Smell ya later!"
Velkris watched as Gary Oak—his rival, but also someone he respected—strode off with the confidence of someone who had no doubt he'd one day reach the top. Even though he lost today, it was clear Gary had no intention of staying down.
Velkris let out a breath. He's going to become strong. No doubt about it. But that only meant Velkris had to push himself just as hard.
A familiar voice suddenly cut through his thoughts.
"That was an awesome battle!"
Velkris turned to see Ash Ketchum, standing nearby with Pikachu perched on his shoulder.
Velkris nodded. "Thanks. So, you're finally starting your journey?"
Ash puffed out his chest. "Yep! Pikachu and I are heading out to take on the Pokémon League!"
Velkris glanced at Pikachu, who still looked a little wary of Ash. "You're heading to the Pewter Gym first, right?"
"Yeah," Ash replied. "I'll catch some Pokémon on the way and take on Brock."
Velkris thought for a moment before smirking. "In that case, why don't I come with you until the first Gym? Having someone to travel with might help, and I can give you a few pointers."
Ash's eyes lit up. "Really? That'd be awesome!"
Pikachu, still unsure about Ash, glanced at Velkris and Ralts, then gave a small nod, seemingly approving of the idea.
Velkris adjusted his bag. "Alright then. Let's not waste time. Our journey starts now."
The morning sun cast a golden glow over Pallet Town as Velkris and Ash exited Professor Oak's lab, their first Pokémon by their sides. Ralts walked beside Velkris, her small steps silent, while Pikachu clung to Ash's shoulder, still somewhat distant from its trainer.
Behind them, Professor Oak stood at the lab's entrance, watching them go with a knowing smile.
"You two are about to embark on a journey that will shape your futures," Oak said. "Take care of your Pokémon and learn from every experience. And don't forget—you can always send your extra Pokémon back to my lab when your team fills up."
Ash grinned. "You got it, Professor!"
Velkris nodded. "Thanks for everything, Professor. We'll make the most of this journey."
After giving their final thanks, the two trainers made their way into the town, stopping by their homes one last time.
Before leaving home, Velkris took a final glance around the house, letting the moment sink in. This was it—the last time he'd be here as just a regular kid. The next time he returned, he'd be a seasoned trainer.
As he adjusted his bag, he felt a soft tug at his pant leg. Looking down, he saw a small, blue Pokémon with a wide, cheerful grin.
"Wynaut!" the Pokémon chirped, bouncing excitedly in place.
Velkris' mother chuckled from the doorway. "Looks like Wynaut wants to say goodbye, too."
Velkris knelt down, patting Wynaut's head. "Hey, buddy. I'll be gone for a while, but don't go causing trouble while I'm away, alright?"
Wynaut let out a playful giggle, raising its stubby arms in what Velkris knew was its way of pretending to be tough. "Wy-naut!"
Velkris smirked. "Yeah, yeah, I know. You'll hold down the fort for me."
Wynaut suddenly puffed out its cheeks and bounced up to tap its forehead against his—a habit it had since they were kids. Velkris chuckled and lightly tapped his forehead back in return.
"I'll see you soon," he said. "Take care of Mom and Dad while I'm gone, alright?"
Wynaut gave an exaggerated salute before bouncing back toward Velkris' mother, still grinning.
His mother smiled warmly. "We'll be cheering you on from here, Velkris. Don't forget—you're always welcome home."
Velkris nodded. "I won't forget."
With one final look at his home, his family, and Wynaut's ever-cheerful face, Velkris turned and stepped toward his journey.
Ash, too, was wrapping up his goodbyes with his mother, Delia, who fussed over him endlessly. "Make sure to change your socks every day! And eat properly! And be nice to Pikachu!"
"Mom, I'll be fine!" Ash groaned, embarrassed.
Pikachu just let out a small "Pika" in amusement.
The townspeople also gathered to wish them well, a few calling out encouragements. "Make us proud!" "Catch some strong Pokémon!" "Maybe one of you will become Champion!"
Velkris took a deep breath as he stood at the edge of Pallet Town. This was it. His journey was officially beginning.
The dirt path stretched ahead as Velkris and Ash made their way through Route 1, the first step of their Pokémon journey. The morning sun shone brightly, casting soft shadows through the swaying trees. The sounds of rustling grass and chirping Pokémon filled the air, adding to the excitement of their adventure.
Ash walked with a spring in his step, his Pokédex in one hand while Pikachu sat on his shoulder, still looking somewhat distant. Velkris, on the other hand, was calm, observing everything around them with a sharp eye. Ralts walked beside him, her small feet barely making a sound on the path.
A slight movement in the grass caught their attention. A small, brown-feathered bird with cream-colored underbelly and black markings on its wings was pecking at the ground.
Ash grinned. "Look! A Pidgey! This is my chance to catch my first Pokémon!"
Velkris crossed his arms and observed as Ash grabbed an empty Poké Ball. He wasn't even thinking about weakening the Pokémon first.
Ash tossed the ball without hesitation. The Poké Ball flew through the air, struck Pidgey, and absorbed it in a flash of red light. It hit the ground and wobbled once. Twice.
Then, with a loud ping, the Poké Ball snapped open, and Pidgey reappeared, looking startled before it quickly flapped its wings and flew away.
Ash's mouth fell open. "H-Huh? What happened?"
Velkris sighed, shaking his head. "You really thought you could just throw a Poké Ball at it and catch it without battling?"
Ash scratched his head. "Well… yeah. Isn't that how it works?"
Velkris gestured toward Pidgey, which had now landed a little farther away, watching them cautiously. "Pokémon don't just let themselves get caught. You need to weaken them first. Otherwise, they'll break free like that."
Ash frowned. "Alright then. I'll try again—with Pikachu!" He turned to his partner, but Pikachu simply crossed its arms, turning its head away stubbornly. It clearly still wasn't interested in listening to Ash.
Velkris glanced at Pikachu and thought, Pikachu isn't going to obey him unless Ash earns its trust first.
Ash sighed but turned his focus back to Pidgey. "Fine, I'll do this myself!" He picked up a rock and chucked it at Pidgey, hoping to weaken it.
Pidgey easily dodged.
Velkris's eyes narrowed. He really doesn't know what he's doing yet. He had read about Ash in his past life—how he started out rash and inexperienced but grew stronger over time. Still, seeing it firsthand was something else.
Pidgey flapped its wings aggressively before flying away again.
Ash groaned. "Ugh! This is harder than I thought…"
Velkris smirked. "That's because you're rushing in without thinking. Catching Pokémon takes more than just throwing things at them."
Ash pouted but then suddenly spotted another bird Pokémon pecking at the ground nearby.
But this time, it wasn't a Pidgey.
It was a Spearow.
Ash's face lit up. "Alright! I'll catch this one instead!"
Velkris instantly frowned. "Ash, wait—"
But Ash was already picking up another rock. He hurled it at the Spearow, just like before.
The rock hit its mark, striking Spearow on the head.
The wild Spearow stopped pecking and slowly turned its head toward them.
Velkris felt a chill go down his spine. That was a mistake.
Spearow's eyes blazed with fury. It screeched loudly before launching itself straight at Ash.
Ash yelped. "W-Whoa! What's it doing?!"
Velkris sighed. "You just attacked a Pokémon for no reason. It's fighting back."
Spearow darted toward Ash with Tackle, aiming for his face. Ash barely dodged, stumbling backward.
"Pikachu, help me!" Ash pleaded.
Pikachu just turned its head away, refusing to assist.
Velkris shook his head. Ash still has a lot to learn.
The problem was… Spearow wasn't done yet. It flapped its wings aggressively before turning its beady eyes toward something in the distance.
More Spearow—**a whole flock—**perched in the nearby trees.
Velkris' expression hardened. Now we have a problem.
The wild Spearow let out a shrill cry, and suddenly, the entire flock took off into the air, their wings beating furiously as they turned toward Ash.
Velkris narrowed his eyes. This was about to get dangerous.