"Ash: I haven't gotten my first Pokémon yet. By the way, what was my first Pokémon in other worlds? Was it Squirtle?"
At this moment, Ash was utterly oblivious to the fact that he was late and hadn't yet received any Pokémon. His heart brimmed with curiosity about his starter Pokémon in other worlds.
"Champion Ash: Mine was Pikachu."
"Aura Guardian Ash: +1"
"Breeder Ash: +10086"
"…"
Following Ash's question, various Ashs from different fields in the group chimed in, each confirming that their starter Pokémon was Pikachu.
Ash stared at the messages, stunned. It seemed that despite their different achievements, his counterparts in other worlds all shared the same starter Pokémon. However...
"Ash: Asking for a friend, what kind of Pokémon is Pikachu?"
With this question, the group fell silent. Ash waited for more than half a minute, thinking maybe the chat group had malfunctioned.
"Tactician Ash: That's a tough one to answer. Why not go get your starter Pokémon first? Then you'll see what Pikachu is."
"Ash: You're right! I still need to get my starter Pokémon! How do I get out of here?!"
Tactician Ash's advice suddenly reminded Ash of his task. He needed to collect his first Pokémon! There was no time to dawdle in the chat group.
"Champion Ash: To exit, just think 'exit.' Once you've received your Pokémon, we'll explain the chat group and its benefits."
"Ash: Okay!"
Ash quickly replied and mentally said 'exit.'
His consciousness wavered, and he returned from that ethereal space to the real world.
He found himself half-crouched on the ground, hand on his head. Oak's Research Institute stood just ahead.
He could see a crowd gathered at the Institute's entrance, seemingly bidding someone farewell.
Recovered, Ash rushed into the crowd, pushing his way to the front, where his eyes met those of a young boy surrounded by others like a star among planets.
It was Gary, Professor Oak's grandson!
Gary was also starting his journey that day and had already received his Pokémon.
"Oh, isn't this blockhead Ash, good for nothing but his strength?" Gary taunted as Ash burst in.
"Stinky Gary! Who are you calling useless?!" Ash retorted angrily, shaking his fist.
In every city, the Pokémon League dispatches lecturers to teach future Trainers. In Pallet Town, Professor Oak held this responsibility. His academic level was unmatched, capable even of instructing Gym Leaders.
Under Professor Oak's guidance, Pallet Town produced many known Trainers, though none reached Elite status.
Ash and Gary, both taught by Professor Oak, had competed since childhood. Ash couldn't match Gary's knowledge and was often at the bottom of Oak's students. But physically, ten Garys couldn't match Ash.
Fortunately, Ash wasn't one to resort to violence casually. Otherwise, Gary's taunts would have led to many beatings.
Even so, Gary labeled Ash as simple-minded but strong.
"You're late on such an important day. With your brain, don't get eaten by a Gyarados on day one." Gary mocked with a smirk.
Ash clenched his teeth, fists tight, unable to retort.
For any fifteen-year-old, receiving a Pokémon from an Alliance envoy on their designated city date was crucial. Missing it meant waiting a month.
Boys wouldn't miss the eighth of their birthday month. Missing meant delaying their Pokémon day by a month, an unbearable thought for Ash.
"You've got your Pokémon?"
"Of course. I'm leaving soon. If you don't hurry, you'll wait until next month." Gary's sarcasm had a hint of warning.
Ash hurried past Gary into Oak's Research Institute.
Gary watched Ash, then continued sharing his journey ambitions with the crowd.
...
Inside Oak's Research Institute, Ash found Professor Oak engrossed in research. He rushed over, exclaiming, "Professor Oak, I'm here! Where's my Pokémon?"
Startled, Professor Oak turned to see Ash.
"You scared me, Ash. How could you be late on such an important day? If you were any later..."
"Stop, stop! I know I was wrong. Where's my Pokémon?" Ash interrupted, weary of the lecture, eager for his Pokémon.
"Over there." Professor Oak pointed to a lone Poké Ball on a stand, marked with a yellow lightning bolt.
Latecomers had no choice. It was lucky a Pokémon remained, sparing Ash from waiting a month.
"No choice is fine. I wonder if this is the Pikachu 'I' mentioned..." Ash mused, picking up the lightning-marked Poké Ball.
He threw it out: "Come out! My starter Pokémon!"
The ball opened mid-air, releasing a flash of light. A small yellow Pokémon appeared.
Yellow fur, two brown stripes on its back, a jagged lightning bolt tail, red cheeks with electric sacs, and long ears with black tips—this was Kanto's famous electric mouse, Pikachu!
"Is this Pikachu?" Ash asked himself, determined to remember Pikachu's appearance.