"Aura resides within my heart."
Ash spoke the phrase like an incantation. It wasn't just for show, this was the command that allowed him to push Aura beyond its normal limits, even channeling it into his Pokémon.
When Pikachu had fought Ekans, Ash's Aura flowed into him. Strength surged, and along with raw power came new instincts: the ability to sense an opponent's Aura.
That was why, even in the middle of Koffing's choking smog, Pikachu struck true. His body flashed white as he tore through the haze, slamming Ekans out into the open.
And later, that same Aura elevated Thunder Shock into something greater. Electricity blazed brighter, hotter, Thunderbolt. It was the finishing blow that sent Team Rocket flying.
This was Ash's secret weapon, the "trump card" he'd mentioned to Misty. A move meant for battle, meant to surprise.
Tactician Ash had once said: "The biggest factor in battles is the gap in information. When there's a difference in strength, tricks and surprises are the keys that turn the tide."
That was why Ash never told Misty about it. She had looked down on him and Pikachu before. When the day came that they battled, he'd use this trump card to wipe that smug look off her face.
'Sudden strength in the middle of battle, surprising, isn't it? Unexpected, isn't it?'
Ash grinned just thinking about it.
"By the way, Misty," he asked, glancing back at the still-bustling Pokémon Center, "what kind of group is Team Rocket? Why would they dare to attack a Pokémon Center?"
Even Ash, with his shallow book smarts, knew how important Centers were. They were the backbone of the Alliance and the world. Attacking one made no sense, unless there was some injured Legendary inside. But Viridian City's Center had neither rare Pokémon nor anything special. What could Team Rocket gain?
Misty crossed her arms, frowning. "Team Rocket is an international criminal syndicate. They've got members everywhere, you'll find traces of them in every region. But their main bases are in Kanto and Johto. That said… even Team Rocket shouldn't be reckless enough to attack a Pokémon Center."
She looked unsettled herself. Yes, Team Rocket was powerful, but even villains had lines. Pokémon Centers treated everyone equally, heroes, criminals, it didn't matter. Even the most wanted outlaw could bring their Pokémon here and receive care.
That was the compassion of healers.
And that was why the underworld rarely provoked them. Team Rocket's actions tonight weren't just bold, they were senseless.
Ash yawned and waved it off. "Eh, who cares? They were blasted away anyway. Once Officer Jenny takes our statements, we can get some sleep. Just a small interlude."
He wasn't about to waste brainpower on why Team Rocket acted crazy. What mattered was that Pikachu shone, he shone, and for once, he was the hero of the story.
For a ten-year-old boy, that was satisfaction enough.
What Ash didn't realize was that last night's spotlight moment would earn him a lifelong follower.
After Officer Jenny finished taking statements, everyone returned to their rooms. The incident was serious enough for the Pokémon League to treat it as a breach of security, but whatever punishments or measures would come next were far above Ash's pay grade.
Early the next morning, Ash and Misty packed up and headed toward Pewter City.
The first golden rays pierced through the misty veil of dawn, sweeping across the forest like spotlights on a stage. The shifting tree shadows danced with the rising sun, and the crisp chirping of cicadas filled the woods in a constant chorus.
The moment they stepped into Viridian Forest, Misty latched onto Ash's jacket, her whole body leaning closer as her eyes darted nervously from side to side.
"I say, Misty, what are you so scared of? There's nothing here," Ash said helplessly. His movements were stiff and awkward, being pulled by the back of his jacket like a stubborn shopping cart made it hard to walk, let alone hurry.
"There is! There are so many bugs!" Misty's voice rose an octave as she clung tighter.
Half a day later, Ash glanced at the map. They had covered less than a tenth of the distance. At this rate, it would take at least a week to reach Pewter City.
"Didn't you buy half a bag of bug spray? Just use it and the bugs won't come near you."
"That spray works on normal bugs, not Bug-type Pokémon! Who knew this forest would be crawling with them!" Misty stomped her foot, her eyes wide with disgust.
She wasn't exaggerating. Pikachu had already battled over thirty Bug-types, and that didn't count the swarms they had avoided. After so many fights, Pikachu's power had climbed all the way to the peak of the Trainer Class, one step away from the Advanced level.
Misty had expected Viridian Forest to be buggy, but not this buggy.
"It's normal for a forest to have bugs. And Bug-type Pokémon are actually kind of cute. What's so scary about them?" Ash countered.
"Cute? Forget it! I just hate bugs!" Misty snapped.
Ash shrugged, then scanned the trees for more Pokémon.
And there it was, a large green bug with red antennae, nibbling happily on fallen leaves.
"Pika?" Pikachu tilted his head. Another battle?
"This time," Ash grinned, "we're not just battling, we're catching it!"
"What?!" Misty's voice cracked. "Catch it? A Caterpie? Ash, are you out of your mind?!"
Of all things, a Caterpie. The mere thought made Misty shiver.
"What's wrong with Caterpie?" Ash blinked.
"Everything's wrong with Caterpie!" Misty groaned. "Caterpie and Weedle evolve quickly, sure, but their potential is terrible. If your goal is to become a Champion, Pokémon like that will fall behind. You'll just end up leaving them at home!"
She wasn't wrong. Bug-types evolved fast, but they plateaued just as quickly. Butterfree and Beedrill could reach their final forms within days, but once they hit the higher tiers, progress slowed to a crawl.
That's why, among all the Elite Four and Champions across the world, only one Elite specialized in Bug-type Pokémon.