The path out of Pallet Town sloped gently upward before flattening into the wide-open stretch of Route 1. Alex walked at an easy pace, boots crunching softly on the dirt trail. The morning air still carried that fresh, clean smell of dew on grass, and the sky was the kind of bright blue you only saw in places like this. Charmander rode on his left shoulder, tail flame flickering steadily, occasionally letting out a curious little "Char?" whenever a butterfly fluttered past.
It felt… normal. Almost too normal. The memories of the old Alex mixed smoothly with his own thoughts now, like two streams joining without a splash. He remembered racing along this same route as a kid with Ash, pretending to battle imaginary Team Rocket grunts. Ash would always yell the loudest commands. Today the route was quieter, just the rustle of tall grass and the occasional cry of wild Pokémon in the distance. Ash and Gary were already way ahead, probably halfway to Viridian by now.
Alex reached up and gave Charmander a light scratch behind the frill on its head. The little lizard leaned into the touch with a happy rumble, its warm scales pressing against his neck. "Let's see what you can do," he murmured, voice low and calm.
Not even ten minutes later, the grass to his right shook harder than the breeze could explain. A small brown shape burst out—Pidgey, feathers ruffled, eyes sharp and territorial. It flapped its wings once, letting out a challenging "Pidgey!"
Charmander tensed on his shoulder, tail flame flaring brighter. Alex stopped walking and shifted his stance, the way trainers did in every battle he'd ever watched. "Alright. Charmander, Ember."
The lizard leaped down with surprising speed, landing lightly on all fours. It inhaled, cheeks puffing, then spat a small burst of bright orange fire straight at the Pidgey. The bird dodged sideways in a clumsy flutter, but a few embers caught its wingtip. It squawked in surprise and retaliated with a quick Gust, sending a swirl of wind and dust toward Charmander.
"Scratch," Alex said, keeping his tone even. No shouting, no drama—just clear and steady.
Charmander dashed forward, claws glowing faintly as it raked across the Pidgey's side. The bird tumbled back into the grass with a startled cry, flapping weakly. One more Ember finished it. The Pidgey wobbled, then flopped over, defeated but breathing steadily. Alex pulled out an empty Poké Ball, weighed it in his hand for a second, then decided against it. Not this one. Too common, too early. He crouched instead and tossed a few of the berries from his backpack toward the fallen bird. "Better luck next time."
Charmander trotted back, looking proud, little chest puffed out. Alex offered a small nod and a scratch under the chin. "Good work. You're quick." The lizard practically glowed at the praise, scrambling back up to his shoulder with an energetic "Char-char!"
They kept walking. The sun climbed higher, warming the back of Alex's jacket. Every so often he'd point out a patch of taller grass or a rock formation, letting Charmander practice quick little Embers or Scratches on low branches. Nothing serious—just enough to get the feel of working together. The little lizard learned fast, adjusting its aim after the third missed shot, tail flame steady the whole time.
About an hour in, the path curved near a small cluster of trees that offered some shade. Alex decided to take a short break. He sat on a flat rock, pulled out a sandwich from his bag, and broke off a piece for Charmander. The lizard munched happily, sitting beside him, occasionally glancing up like it was checking if this was okay.
That was when he heard footsteps on the path ahead.
A woman was walking toward him from the direction of Viridian—mid-forties, soft curves, simple yellow sundress that swayed with her steps, a woven basket over one arm. Her brown hair was tied back loosely, and a plain gold wedding ring caught the sunlight. She looked familiar; one of the moms from Pallet Town, the one who'd been carrying laundry earlier that morning. Mrs. Lila something. Fisher, maybe. Her husband was the fisherman who always waved from the docks.
She slowed when she saw him, then smiled in that easy, neighborly way people did here. "Oh! Alex, right? The last trainer out today. I thought I recognized that Charmander." She stopped a polite few meters away, fanning herself lightly with one hand. "It's warmer than I expected for this time of year, isn't it? I'm just heading back from dropping some fresh bread off for my sister in Viridian. My husband's waiting up ahead—he wanted to check the fishing spots near the city."
Alex gave her the same small, friendly smile he'd used with Delia. "Yeah, it's getting hot. You walked all the way? That's a good distance."
Lila laughed softly, shifting her basket. "Oh, I don't mind. Keeps me moving. And it's nice to see the new trainers starting out. My own boy left on his journey three years ago—sends postcards from Johto sometimes." She paused, pressing a hand lightly to her chest for a second, as if the sun had suddenly felt a touch stronger. Her cheeks had the faintest pink to them, but she just kept smiling like it was nothing. "Your Charmander looks strong already. You two make a good team."
Charmander puffed up again at the compliment, letting out a proud little flame-spark. Alex reached over and adjusted the lizard's position on his shoulder. "We're learning together. First day and all."
They stood there for maybe two minutes, chatting about nothing important—the weather, how the Pidgey seemed bolder this season, whether the new Poké Mart in Viridian had better berry stock. Lila's voice was warm, relaxed, the way it always was back in town when she waved across fences. She mentioned her husband twice, casually, the way married people did when everything was normal and good. "He'll be happy to hear another Pallet trainer made it this far already."
When she finally adjusted her basket and said she should keep going, Alex nodded. "Safe travels back. Tell Mr. Fisher I said hi."
"I will! And good luck to you, Alex. Don't forget to call home if you need anything." She gave a little wave and continued down the path, humming the same tune Delia had been humming earlier. Her steps were light, unhurried. Nothing out of the ordinary. Just a friendly chat on the road.
Alex watched her go for a few seconds, then stood up, brushed off his pants, and started walking again. Charmander settled back into place, tail flame calm.
The rest of the morning passed in the same easy rhythm—another short battle against a curious Rattata (Charmander handled it with two well-placed Embers), a quick drink from a clear stream, and the distant sound of other trainers laughing somewhere ahead. By the time the red roofs of Viridian City came into view through the trees, the sun was high overhead and Alex's legs had that pleasant tired feeling of a day well spent.
The city looked exactly like the anime had shown: bigger than Pallet, bustling with people and Pokémon, the Pokémon Center's bright red roof standing out like a beacon. He could just make out the Poké Mart sign and the Gym in the distance. Somewhere in there, Nurse Joy was probably already helping the trainers who'd arrived earlier.
Alex adjusted his backpack one more time and kept walking toward the gates. Charmander let out a sleepy "Char…" and nuzzled closer to his neck.
This is Just the beginning.