Chapter 2: A Different Beginning
The morning dew in Pallet Town rolled gently off the window ledge, cool and clear in the early light, dripping rhythmically as if to wake the small, round creature dozing against the window frame.
"Pika!" Pikachu jolted awake, his fur puffing slightly from the chill. He twisted his head toward the wall clock.
Thank goodness—it was only six in the morning.
"Pika~" he murmured, scratching his chin with a tiny paw as he recalled what Ash had told him before bed the night before.
"Hey, Pikachu~ I don't really trust the clock in our house, so I'm counting on you. Wake me up before seven tomorrow morning, okay? We're going to meet our new partner!"
Pikachu's eyes gleamed mischievously. The corners of his mouth curved into a cheeky grin as he glanced at Ash, who was sprawled across the bed like a fallen tree, snoring blissfully without a care in the world.
He only said "wake me up." He didn't say how, right?
Bzzzt! A dazzling flash of electricity illuminated the room.
"GAAAAH! OW OW OW—" Ash's scream pierced the calm morning sky.
Flat on his stomach, face darkened with soot, he twitched on the floor, his hair sticking up like wild grass after a storm. "You really didn't need to go that hard, buddy…"
"Pika~chu," Pikachu replied innocently, tilting his head with the sweetest, most harmless smile imaginable.
Ash sighed in defeat. "Using cuteness as a weapon? That's cheating, you little rascal."
After recovering from the electric shock, Ash washed up quickly and got dressed. He flicked the hem of his jacket, set his treasured cap firmly on his head, and faced the mirror with a satisfied nod.
"Alright! Ash, time to set off again!"
"Pikachu~!" The yellow mouse leapt gracefully onto Ash's shoulder, where he belonged. They shared a smile that said everything—trust, excitement, and the thrill of a new beginning.
With his backpack slung tight, Ash dashed downstairs. The warm aroma of breakfast filled the house—his mother, Delia, had already prepared a hearty meal.
"You're up early, Ash. Eat more, okay? Once you leave, you won't get to eat my cooking every day." Her gentle voice was soft, but full of affection.
"Don't worry, Mom." Ash smiled brightly. "I'll call often! Whenever there's a break in my schedule, I'll come home to spend time with you."
The Pokémon League season didn't last all year. From registration to earning badges, the entire period usually took about six months.
After that, trainers could choose how to spend their time—resting, training independently, challenging special facilities, or joining regional tournaments.
So as long as Ash kept up with his goals, he'd have plenty of time to relax with his mom—maybe even take her traveling someday.
"At least eat regularly out there," Delia continued with her endless list of reminders. "Wash your hands often, keep clean, change your underwear every day, and don't skip meals no matter how busy you get."
Ash, cheeks stuffed full of rice, nodded vigorously while chewing.
Her words might have sounded ordinary, but every sentence was packed with love.
"All done!" he announced after wolfing down the last bite. Checking the clock—6:50. He stood, stepped over, and hugged his mother tightly.
"Mom, take care of yourself, okay? When I come back with honors, you've got to cook me a big feast to celebrate."
"You silly boy…" Tears shimmered in Delia's eyes, but she blinked them away and smiled. Standing by the doorway, she waved gently as he left.
A child must eventually spread his wings. A mother doesn't care how high he flies—only that he doesn't tire himself out.
As she watched his retreating back, Delia thought of another figure from her youth—a passionate young man, so full of fire and dreams.
"Hey, dear! Should I call the neighbors to come cheer for you?" she called out suddenly.
Ash stumbled mid-step, nearly faceplanting. "Mom! Please, don't trouble everyone! Wait until I've earned my badges—then they can welcome me home like a hero!"
Waving energetically, he broke into a sprint down the country path.
The people of Pallet Town were too enthusiastic—Ash still cringed thinking about some of the times they'd cheered him on in the past.
He passed through the narrow streets, climbing up the cobblestone steps that led toward the edge of town.
Up ahead, the outline of the Professor Oak's Laboratory came into view. The massive windmill turned lazily, its wooden blades creaking softly in the morning breeze.
The red-roofed building stood proudly among wooden fences and tall trees. This was it—the place where everything began.
Heart pounding with excitement, Ash rang the doorbell. "Professor Oak! It's me, Ash! I'm here to receive my starter Pokémon!"
Click. The door opened.
A young man wearing a green vest and an amethyst pendant appeared. His sharp eyes and confident air reminded Ash of someone—he looked nearly identical to Gary Oak.
"Oh—it's Ash. You're early," the man said calmly.
"Green!" Ash exclaimed in surprise.
This was the man known as The Breeder—the one Professor Oak himself had praised as a once-in-a-generation genius.
Though Green had only held the Kanto Champion title for a brief five minutes, his strength and intellect had made him a legend. Gym Leader, Champion, Breeder, Scholar—he embodied the brilliance of the Oak family name.
Because he now oversaw Viridian Gym, very few trainers in Kanto managed to earn all eight major badges. He was, quite literally, a wall of iron.
It was rare for him to visit the lab, and Ash hadn't expected to meet him here today.
"Today's Gary's first journey as a Trainer," Green said with a small smile. "I came to drop off a few gifts. I'll be heading back to Viridian City soon—good luck on your travels."
"Thank you, Green!" Ash said respectfully.
After seeing him off, Ash stepped inside, eager and full of energy.
"Yo, Ash! You're here!"
Gary was sitting comfortably on the couch, fiddling with a notebook. The cover featured a Squirtle sketch, and at the bottom, the name read: Green Oak.
"Yeah, I'm here, Gary." Ash grinned. Between them, there was no need for formality anymore.
Especially after the "eight-year reset," Ash had changed dramatically. The two of them had grown even closer—both rivals and best friends, bound by their mutual respect.
"Check it out!" Gary said smugly, waving the notebook. "A training manual written by Green himself! Jealous, huh?"
Ash smirked. "So you've revealed your choice, huh? Guess I'll pick Bulbasaur, then. Hope you're ready to lose."
"Cough—hey, come on, I just got this! Give me two months to train first!" Gary instantly backed down.
Ash shrugged playfully. "Fine, I'll let you save face. Where's the Professor, anyway?"
"Upstairs," Gary replied, standing lazily. "Go on up—I've gotta pack my stuff."
"And don't drive," Ash reminded him.
"Yeah, yeah, nag much?" Gary waved him off, disappearing into his room.
Ash sighed, chuckling. "I'm telling you to walk for your own good, buddy…"
He climbed the staircase and quietly pushed open the lab door.
Inside, the soft hiss of an alcohol burner filled the room. Professor Oak was bent over his desk, completely focused.
Beep, beep, beep—
After three minutes, he suddenly stood upright, slamming a hand on the table. "It's time! The perfect instant—cup noodle's golden flavor window!"
Ash burst out laughing. "Spicy beef flavor today?"
"Ah! You've got a sharp nose!" Professor Oak spun around, grinning—then froze when he saw Ash standing at the door with a teasing smile.
"Cough, cough… Ash! You're up early today, huh?" he stammered, trying to act composed.
"Professor, does boiling instant noodles in a beaker really make them taste better?" Ash asked curiously.
"That's my secret recipe! No sharing!" the professor said proudly, lifting his chin like a kid guarding a secret.
Ash decided to humor him, stepping forward and bowing respectfully. "Professor, please—give me my starter Pokémon."
Professor Oak's gaze drifted to Pikachu, perched alertly on Ash's shoulder, then to the two Poké Balls Green had delivered earlier that morning.
A knowing smile spread across his face. "Alright then, follow me."
To be continued…