Chapter 3: Bulbasaur and Pidgeotto
Professor Oak guided Ash to the platform where the Poké Balls were carefully placed. He pressed the release button, and the protective glass cover slowly lifted with a soft click.
Three Poké Balls sat neatly before them, arranged in a perfect triangle—the Water-type Squirtle, the Fire-type Charmander with its flickering tail flame, and the Grass-type Bulbasaur, marked by the little green bulb on its back.
"Pokémon are truly mysterious creatures," Professor Oak began in a gentle, reflective tone. "We call them Pocket Monsters, Pokémon, or simply, our partners.
There are still countless secrets about them that we humans have yet to uncover." He smiled warmly. "But one thing I know for certain—they can become the greatest friends a person could ever have."
He turned to Ash, eyes glimmering with pride and expectation. "Now, choose the companion your heart calls for, and step forth on your journey to become a Pokémon Master."
Without hesitation, Ash reached out and pressed his hand onto Bulbasaur's Poké Ball.
"It's decided then," he said softly, a confident smile forming on his face. "I choose you, Bulbasaur."
He lifted the Poké Ball and held it close to his chest. For a brief moment, his expression softened; the excitement in his eyes was mixed with gratitude and familiarity, as if greeting an old friend.
Watching Ash's choice, Professor Oak couldn't help but smile with quiet satisfaction. So, you chose the same partner as Red, huh… Ash.
"Well then," the professor continued, "here are five empty Poké Balls and a Pokédex. With these, you can begin your own adventure." He handed over the gear with a look that carried both pride and nostalgia.
"Pika!" Pikachu's eyes immediately lit up at the sight of the empty Poké Balls, tail flicking in excitement.
"Thank you, Professor." Ash bowed slightly, then picked up one of the empty Poké Balls and held Pikachu in his arms.
"Once you go inside, there's no turning back," he said softly. "Are you ready, Pikachu? Will you come with me on this journey?"
"Pika~chuu!" Pikachu gave a sweet smile and, without a hint of hesitation, tapped the button on the Poké Ball with his tail.
With a soft pop, the Poké Ball opened and drew Pikachu inside in a streak of crimson light.
Click! The ball closed and gave a brief shimmer of light—Pikachu's capture was complete, the electronic tone confirming that he was now officially registered as Ash's partner Pokémon.
"Professor, I'm heading out now," Ash said, clutching the Poké Balls tightly. His voice carried the thrill of adventure and a touch of sentiment.
Professor Oak nodded approvingly. "Safe travels, Ash. May you and Pikachu bring pride to Pallet Town."
With brisk steps, Ash exited the lab. The morning sun painted the quiet town in golden hues. He turned back once, gazing at the small white houses and the peaceful streets of Pallet Town.
This town… will shine again—because I'm setting out from here once more.
"I'm going!" he declared aloud, more to himself than to anyone else.
"Pika~!" Pikachu, newly freed from his Poké Ball, perched on Ash's shoulder, eyes sparkling with excitement.
The world was vast and full of wonder, and Pikachu wanted nothing more than to explore it—together with Ash.
Unfolding a neatly folded map, Ash studied it seriously. "Can't take any chances this time," he muttered.
People always said he had a terrible sense of direction—but during the World Championships, he had actually gotten much better. He wasn't that clueless kid anymore.
"First, we'll go to the big banyan tree at the exit of Pallet Town, then head toward the back mountain," he planned aloud.
That banyan tree… it was where he'd first encountered a Pidgeotto. And if his memory served right, there was another special guest waiting for him there.
"Let's go, Pikachu—full speed ahead!"
"Pika-Pikachu!" Pikachu chirped in excitement.
With his backpack secure and his partner on his shoulder, Ash sprinted down the winding road out of town.
He climbed a grassy hill, his shoes brushing against wildflowers swaying in the morning breeze. Ahead stood the grand banyan tree, its thick canopy spreading like a natural umbrella. Beyond it stretched the dense, mysterious Viridian Forest.
Everyone knew that the Viridian Forest was a special place—a hotspot for rare and even mythical Pokémon.
Mew, Moltres, Ho-Oh… it wasn't unusual for such legendary creatures to wander near the "beginner's village."
And of course, Ash couldn't help but think of Red, the legendary trainer of this world—the man who had single-handedly taken down Team Rocket's main base, forcing the once-dominant organization deep underground.
Thanks to Red, the forest was now much safer than before.
This world never lacked heroes.
"Alright," Ash said, settling himself beneath the banyan tree. "We'll wait here. Sooner or later, the right one will come."
"Pi?" Pikachu's ears twitched suddenly.
Ash turned, just in time to spot a small Rattata sneaking toward his backpack.
"Well, well, look who's here!" Ash grinned.
The little thief froze, glancing up in horror at Ash's clenched fists and Pikachu's cheeks sparking with static.
"Thunder Shock!" Ash commanded.
Crack! A bolt of lightning struck the ground right beside the terrified Rattata, who squeaked and bolted away as fast as its tiny legs could carry it.
Ash and Pikachu shared a triumphant high-five. "Nice job, partner! That'll teach him not to steal our lunch."
"Pika~pika!" Pikachu nodded proudly.
"Alright then," Ash said, glancing at the sky. "The appetizer's gone—time for the main event."
And right on cue, a sleek shadow cut across the sun.
Whoosh!
A majestic bird swooped down from above, its feathers gleaming in hues of brown and cream.
Ash whipped out his Pokédex eagerly.
"Pidgeotto, the Bird Pokémon. Unlike Pidgey, it has a much more aggressive nature."
Ash blinked. "Wow… what a thoroughly unhelpful description."
He grinned, plucking a Poké Ball from his belt. "Alright, Pikachu—let's catch it! Once we've got this one, we can go camping at Mt. Moon!"
"Pika!" Pikachu nodded enthusiastically and leapt into the field.
The Pidgeotto, busy pecking the grass for worms, spun around at the sudden sound—only to find Pikachu standing across from it, sparks crackling along his cheeks.
"Pidgeotto!" Ash called out. "Let's battle!"
"Biyuu!" The bird shrieked and flapped its wings, soaring high into the sky.
Ash chuckled. "Still flying in a straight line, huh? Just like before."
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
Pikachu clenched his tiny fists and released a blinding surge of electricity.
Zzzzzzzt! The thick bolt arced upward, perfectly intercepting Pidgeotto's flight path.
The bird let out a sharp cry as sparks erupted across its body, feathers ruffled by the shock.
Ash didn't hesitate. "Go, Poké Ball!"
He threw it with practiced precision. The ball spun through the air in a smooth curve and struck Pidgeotto directly.
Pop!
The Pokémon vanished into a flash of red light. The Poké Ball hit the ground and began to shake violently.
Ash and Pikachu held their breath, watching the blinking red light.
One… two… three—
Click!
The Poké Ball locked.
Ash snatched it up, throwing his free hand into the air.
(≧▽≦) "Pidgeotto—Getto daze!"
[TL: Tell me if I should change it to eng.]
"Pika..Pikachu!" Pikachu raised two fingers in a "V" for victory, posing proudly beside his Trainer.
Thunder rumbled in the distance. The sky was darkening rapidly, heavy clouds rolling toward the forest.
Ash looked up, squinting at the gathering storm. "Storm's coming. Let's find shelter before it hits."
"Pika~chu." Pikachu nodded and climbed back onto his shoulder.
They ran through the thickening wind until they found a small cave tucked into the hillside at the forest's edge. Ash gathered a few dry branches along the way and ducked inside just as the first drops began to fall.
Rain pattered steadily outside, a rhythmic symphony against the leaves. Inside, Ash set his backpack behind him for support and used Pikachu's sparks to ignite a small campfire.
Warm light flickered across the rocky walls. The boy and his Pokémon sat close, safe and dry.
"Alright," Ash said, holding out two Poké Balls with a grin. "Time to introduce everyone properly."
He tossed them gently into the air.
"Come on out, Pidgeotto! You too, Bulbasaur!"
"Bulba~saur!" The small green Pokémon appeared, eyes wide with innocent curiosity and a bright, trusting smile.
"Biyuu~!" Pidgeotto spread its wings proudly, stepping closer to shield Ash from the light drizzle drifting into the cave's entrance.
Ash looked from one to the other, warmth filling his chest.
He patted both their heads gently. "Bulbasaur, Pidgeotto—welcome to the team."
The three of them sat together beside the fire as the rain continued to fall outside, their reflections dancing in the flickering light—
a new journey had truly begun.
To be continued…