Pokemon: An Unexpected Odyssey

As Austin packed his backpack with everything he thought he'd need—extra clothes, a tent, sleeping bag, pad, some repels for the wild Pokémon, and a lighter—he couldn't shake a nagging thought. Did he really have to collect all of Ash's Pokémon?

His hands automatically reached for Pikachu's special battery, shoving it into his pack alongside some Tupperware filled with dehydrated and freeze-dried food.

What was the point of all this? He wasn't just playing a role; this was real—his reality now. But… was he supposed to follow the same script? Catching every single one of Ash's Pokémon? Thirty Tauros? That idea made him snort out loud. It seemed absurd.

"Pika?" Pikachu tilted his head, giving Austin that familiar look. The one that said, What's going on in that head of yours?

Austin smiled softly, ruffling Pikachu's fur. "You ready to say goodbye to Viridian City?"

Pikachu nodded, hopping onto his shoulder with a burst of enthusiasm. "Pika!"

They'd already said their goodbyes to Nurse Joy, and with one last look back, Austin set his feet on the path leading toward Viridian Forest. The bustling city faded behind them, its noise replaced by the rustling of leaves and distant Pokémon cries. Tall trees loomed on either side of the road, their branches entwined overhead until only slivers of sunlight broke through. The air felt different—cleaner, sharper, like the wilderness itself was welcoming them.

Austin paused in front of a road sign marking the forest's edge, his eyes lingering on the dense stretch of greenery ahead.

With a sigh, he ran a hand through his hair. I'm not gonna be like Season 1 Ash, he reminded himself. This has to be different. My journey, not his. He didn't want to catch Pokémon just to fill out a roster or complete a checklist. He wanted to bond with them.

Catching 30 Tauros? He grimaced at the thought. No way. Maybe one, if that. He'd already changed things—he had Rattata and Spearow, after all. Who's to say what else had shifted because of him? Maybe someone else had already caught Caterpie or Pidgeotto by now.

Clenching his fists, Austin stared at the forest ahead. He couldn't control everything, but that was okay. He wasn't Ash, and he wasn't going to force himself to follow the same path.

"Pika." Pikachu's paw tapped his cheek, snapping him out of his thoughts.

Austin blinked and looked at Pikachu, realizing he'd zoned out again. "Sorry, just… thinking too much, I guess." He let out a small laugh. "Let's go."

The cool air swept around them, carrying the earthy scent of pine and damp leaves. He breathed deeply, letting the calmness settle in his bones. This was it. His journey. Not Ash's, not anyone else's—just his own. He'd make the most of it.

Who do I even want on my team? His mind wandered as they moved deeper into the forest, and Austin couldn't help but imagine the possibilities. Maybe an Eevee. Or a Scyther. A Ninetales?

After hours of trudging through Viridian Forest, Austin could feel every step growing heavier, his feet dragging across the dirt path. The sun barely peeked through the thick canopy overhead, casting scattered patches of light on the forest floor. He was grateful for the Pokémon Repel—it kept wild Pokémon at bay—but it also made the journey feel... dull. No distractions, no surprises, just an endless stretch of trees and the repetitive sound of his boots crunching the ground.

Eventually, he spotted a decent-sized tree and, without hesitation, slumped down against it. The rough bark pressed into his back, but he didn't care about the discomfort. A break—finally.

"Pika pi," Pikachu chirped beside him, pumping his tiny arms like he still had energy to spare.

A tired smile tugged at the corner of Austin's lips. "Let's not overwork ourselves, buddy," he muttered, his voice tinged with exhaustion. The effort to stay upbeat had long since evaporated. "I'm gonna rest for a bit."

"Chu," Pikachu replied before scampering off, still full of energy. His little legs carried him around the clearing, sniffing at bushes and poking his nose into anything that seemed remotely interesting. Austin watched, envying Pikachu's enthusiasm.

He reached into his pack and pulled out a freeze-dried lemon, biting into it absentmindedly. The sharp, sour taste hit him like a punch, jolting him awake. It was sharp—really sharp—but somehow refreshing after the monotonous day. He didn't even mind the chalky texture. A few sips of water washed the sourness down, reviving him just enough to feel a little less like a zombie.

As Pikachu explored, a familiar wave of boredom crept over Austin. He dug through his backpack, hoping to find something—anything—to pass the time. His fingers brushed against the edges of a book he had been slowly working through. Pulling it out, he flipped it open to a random page. As he turned it, a couple of loose sheets slipped out and fluttered to the ground.

"What the—?" Austin muttered, picking up the papers.

They were crumpled, handwritten notes, the name 'Pokémon Tech Academy' scribbled at the top. It sounded familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. Shrugging, he began reading, curiosity piqued.

Why Do Pokémon Need Humans?

According to an accepted theory called the Companionship Bond, Pokémon seek out humans because they crave companionship, much like humans do. Most Pokémon are believed to have the same level of sentience as humans, meaning they experience social needs in a similar way. Just like humans, who are naturally social creatures because being in groups helps with survival, communication, and forming bonds, Pokémon thrive on that connection too.

One of the main reasons behind this is how Pokémon parenting works. Most Pokémon parents only look after their young for about a month before letting them go out into the world on their own. This leaves many young Pokémon searching for companionship and guidance. That's where humans come in. By forming bonds with humans, Pokémon get the emotional and social fulfillment they need, while also finding safety and security.

In return, many Pokémon are fiercely loyal, willing to protect their human companions with their lives. This behavior isn't just limited to individual Pokémon, either. You can see the same kind of loyalty and companionship in Pokémon colonies, herds, flocks, and swarms. Different species band together, just like they do with humans, because those bonds keep them safe and strong.

So it's not just about survival or battling—Pokémon stay with humans because, deep down, they want to.

As Austin walked through the tall grass, something clicked in his mind. Wait... He began connecting dots he'd never really considered before. "Is that why... in the games... every time you step into the grass, a wild Pokémon appears?" A small smile tugged at his lips. Maybe they just want to be your friend. The thought felt oddly comforting. That's... kinda cute.

But then another thought crept in. Are battles their way of proving something? Or am I just reading too much into it?

Before he could dwell on it further, a rustling sound nearby made him tense up instinctively. Something small pressed against his leg. Slowly, Austin looked down and saw a Pokémon. It was small and green, shaped like a caterpillar with a yellow underside and a teardrop-shaped tail. Its segmented body had yellow, eye-like rings along its back, but what stood out the most was the bright red antenna on its head.

The antenna twitched, retracting suddenly with a small noise that startled Austin.

Caterpie...?

He blinked, surprised. Is this...? Could this really be Ash's Caterpie? A nervous laugh escaped him. No way. That's just dumb. There's no way to know if this is the Caterpie or just... a Caterpie.

The Caterpie tugged at his leg, trying to crawl up him. Its body was soft and almost squishy as it pulled itself forward.

"Alright, little guy... Easy," Austin muttered as he knelt down, placing his palms on its small form, gently easing it off his leg and back onto the ground. "No," he added softly, pointing at the Pokémon, trying to be both firm and gentle.

Caterpie stared up at him with wide eyes that were almost too cute to handle. Why do they have to make these things so adorable?

Suddenly, Pikachu let out a sharp "Chu!" followed by an unexpected Thundershock. The area lit up with crackling energy, the sharp scent of ozone filling the air. Austin's eyes stung as he blinked against the brightness.

When his vision finally cleared, Austin saw the Caterpie, knocked out cold on the ground.

"Sweet mother of goose, Pikachu, you're a monster, an irredeemable monster."

Pikachu just stared at him as if he'd lost his mind, then theatrically placed his paws on his chest, feigning innocence.

"Don't worry, I'm joking, but I think we found our excuse to set up camp," Austin said with a grin.

"Pika?" Pikachu tilted his head, his ears flopping to the side in confusion.

"We obviously have to treat your victim here," he added.

"Pi." Pikachu pointed first at himself and then at Austin, playing up his role as the brave defender.

Austin chuckled as he watched Pikachu huff and turn away, his little body language clearly showing he was a bit miffed.

"Come on, I was joking."

Pikachu continued to sulk.

"Help me out, and I'll give you two snacks." At the mention of treats, Pikachu's demeanor changed. He sidled up beside Austin's leg, rubbing against it like a cat might, seeking affection and perhaps confirming the promise of those extra snacks. His soft squeaks brushed against Austin's pants.

"You're supposed to be Jerry, not Tom."

"Pika?"

Helping the Caterpie turned out to be simpler than Austin expected. A quick spray of the potion, and it looked better almost instantly, at least on the outside. He carefully placed it on his sleeping bag, watching it wiggle slightly as he began setting up camp.

"Thanks, Dad. You really taught me well," Austin muttered to himself as he worked. He could practically see his dad, the calm and patient way he used to teach him how to do things step by step. His dad never rushed, always making sure Austin understood every part of what he was doing. Now, as he laid out the tent materials in the fading light, those lessons came back effortlessly. His hands moved through the motions automatically, muscle memory guiding him as if his dad were still there, guiding him.

He and Pikachu moved in sync, as they often did now. Austin spread out the tent materials while Pikachu darted around, gathering small stones for the fire ring.

Once everything was laid out, Austin pulled out a Pokémon Repel, spraying a careful circle around the campsite. The scent hit hard, sharp and pungent, like a chemical barrier.

"Pika..." Pikachu groaned, rubbing his nose in disgust. Austin couldn't blame him; even he had to stop himself from breathing too deeply.

"If it's too much, you can go back to your Pokéball."

But, true to form, Pikachu shook his head stubbornly and pointed toward the trees and then back at the fire ring.

"Alright, alright," Austin laughed. "Try to grab some fallen branches." He settled down onto his sleeping pillow, watching as the sun slowly sank behind the treeline, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple.

He let his thoughts drift. How will the night sky look tonight? He wondered aloud, feeling a bit lighter as the first stars peeked through the darkening sky. There's something calming about watching the stars. It always felt like… like they were constant, unchanging, even if everything else in life wasn't.

Then he heard a soft rustle. Caterpie was waking up.

"You okay?" Austin asked, keeping his voice low, not wanting to startle it. The small Pokémon stirred, wiggling its feet as if trying to get a grip on the world after being unconscious for so long. Austin chuckled, reaching into his pack and pulling out a piece of freeze-dried candy. Caterpie nibbled at it cautiously at first, then more eagerly.

Austin watched it closely, this tiny creature that had probably seen more of this forest than he ever would. For a moment, a thought crossed his mind—maybe Caterpie was waiting for something. An invitation, perhaps? To join him?

But Austin stayed silent. A tightness built in his chest as he watched the Pokémon linger. That familiar uneasy feeling returned. Why wasn't I saying anything? It felt wrong, like he should have offered more, but something held him back. He couldn't. Caterpie eventually turned and crawled back into the forest, vanishing into the undergrowth.

Austin closed his eyes for a moment, letting out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. His heart raced with a strange mix of guilt and relief. What am I doing? He wondered. Could this one decision mess things up down the line? Would this come back to haunt me?

Before he could spiral further into his thoughts, Pikachu dragged a large branch into the campsite, snapping him out of it.

Austin stood up, brushing the dirt off his pants. In that moment, something hardened inside him. I will not emulate Ash Ketchum.

This was his journey, not Ash's. Ash had taken in a Caterpie, and it had become his Butterfree. But Austin? He didn't need to follow that same path. Why should he invest in a Caterpie when he knew—knew—it might not stick around?

He glanced at his supplies: limited potions, scarce food, equipment that was barely holding up. He needed to prioritize. Every choice mattered, and taking in another Pokémon just because it felt right... no, that wasn't practical. It wasn't smart.

Ash's Butterfree might've held a special place in his memories, but Austin wasn't Ash. This wasn't the same world he remembered from the games or the show. He had to be realistic, had to think ahead.

The warmth of the flames wrapped around Austin like a comforting blanket as he stirred the pot of tomato berry soup, the tangy scent of dried berries mingling with the savory tofu and sweet potato chunks bobbing in the bubbling broth. The flickering firelight danced across the campsite, casting soft shadows against the trees. Everything about this moment felt surreal—calm, even peaceful.

Austin ladled out bowls for Rattata and Spearow, who had just stretched their wings and legs after being released from their Pokéballs. They eagerly dug in, their tiny faces focused on the simple task of eating. It was oddly comforting to watch. He joined them, sitting cross-legged, letting the day's exhaustion begin to melt away as he spooned the warm soup into his mouth.

But his mind couldn't rest. To distract himself, Austin pulled out his Pokédex and flipped open Caterpie's entry—not because he was particularly interested, but because he needed something to occupy his hands, something to keep his thoughts at bay.

Encyclopedia Entry Number #10

Of the five Pokémon on the Japanese Continent that can learn String Shot, only Caterpie produces actual string. Weedle produces a weak fiber similar to cotton, used solely for the construction of textiles. Wurmple produces a smooth silky thread that is pleasant to the touch, while Spinarak and Ariados produce a powerful adhesive.

For utility, however, none of these are as valuable as Caterpie string. It can be used in archery, to make ropes, or for a thousand other things, half of them improvised in times of scant other materials. Other fibers made from plants are occasionally used elsewhere, typically in places which lack trade links with Viridian City and its adjoining forest where most of Viridian's people work. The task is tough and thankless, for it requires extensive harvesting of leaves to feed the bug Pokémon year-round. The string after spraying must be collected by hand, they must avoid battling them (save for the few lucky enough to afford Everstones) as evolution weakens the string, and profits have never been very high.

Japanese continent?

Austin froze mid-bite. That… that couldn't be right. Wasn't this supposed to be a completely different world? What did that mean, 'Japanese continent'? His brain scrambled.

How many continents were there in this world? He'd only ever seen the regions in the anime—Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh—but what if there were more? Places the anime never showed? New Pokémon that hadn't even been discovered yet?

He glanced up at the sky, the stars twinkling like countless diamonds scattered across an infinite expanse of darkness. The night was so clear, so vast, that it made him feel small. Insignificant, even. But when his gaze drifted back down to his Pokémon—Rattata slurping up soup, Spearow carefully dipping his beak—a different feeling washed over him. Small, yes, but not in a bad way. Small, as though he were part of something much bigger, something he didn't yet fully understand.

Without thinking, Austin muttered, "Do you think there are alien Pokémon out there?"

None of his Pokémon answered, of course—they were too focused on their soup—but he noticed Pikachu glancing up at the sky, as if pondering the same idea. Or maybe he was just marveling at the stars like Austin was.

Leaning back, Austin gazed at the crackling fire and let out a small chuckle. "This is so much better than boring school."

No walls, no teachers droning on about subjects he barely cared about, no one telling him what he had to do. Just him, his Pokémon, the open world, and a future that he was free to shape however he wanted.

This… this was the life he had always dreamed of.

The first light of dawn pierced through the trees, hitting Austin square in the face and dragging him out of the last remnants of sleep. He groaned, squeezing his eyes shut in protest. His body longed to stay wrapped up in the warmth of his sleeping bag, but the cold air and the dying fire had other plans. Reluctantly, he sat up, rubbing his eyes and stretching until his muscles slowly came back to life.

As he glanced around the campsite, Austin didn't notice the pair of eyes watching him from the underbrush, too caught up in his own thoughts. Pikachu and Rattata were huddled together near the remains of last night's fire, still lost in their dreams. Spearow, on the other hand, was perched on a nearby branch, alert as ever, scanning the surroundings like he was always ready for action. Austin wasn't surprised—Spearow was built for intensity.

Just as Austin began to enjoy the quiet of the morning, the flap of wings broke through the stillness. His eyes shot upward, catching sight of a Pidgeotto swooping down, its brown feathers glowing in the early light. The pinkish-red on its head gleamed as it circled above, its sharp gaze locked on them. Austin recognized that look instantly. This Pidgeotto wasn't here to make friends.

Spearow was already locked in, his fierce eyes sizing up his opponent with that familiar intensity. Austin's heart raced—this was it. "Hey, Spearow, you up for a battle?"

The flying type answered with a loud cry, eager and brimming with fire. The shout woke the others. Pikachu shot to his feet, alert, his eyes darting between Austin and the Pidgeotto. Rattata twitched awake, visibly annoyed by the sudden commotion but not protesting.

Spearow wasted no time, launching himself into the air, feathers bristling with aggression as he locked onto Pidgeotto. "Fury Attack!" Austin shouted, his command spilling out before he even realized it.

Spearow became a blur, his beak jabbing at Pidgeotto with brutal precision. For a moment, Austin thought they had the upper hand. But Pidgeotto wasn't backing down. With a furious squawk, it flapped its powerful wings, swatting Spearow away like he weighed nothing. The impact hit Austin hard—Pidgeotto was fast, much faster than he had anticipated.

Before Austin could think of the next move, Pidgeotto followed up with a Quick Attack, rocketing toward Spearow like a bullet. "Twist while you're falling!" Austin shouted, hoping Spearow could react fast enough.

Spearow managed to pull off the maneuver, twisting just in time to dodge the hit and regain control. He was back in the air, but Austin knew they couldn't keep dodging. "Peck!" he ordered, hoping for a clean hit this time.

Spearow dove, but Pidgeotto was ready. In a move that made Austin's stomach drop, Pidgeotto caught Spearow's beak in its talons mid-dive, twisting sharply and slamming Spearow into the ground. The impact echoed in Austin's bones. His fists clenched as he stared at Spearow, urging him to get up.

Austin's hand hovered over Spearow's Pokéball, ready to call him back. This battle wasn't going the way he'd expected, and he wasn't about to let Spearow get hurt over a bad call. But then, before he could recall him, Spearow let out a defiant cry—a stubborn, fiery shout that told Austin he wasn't backing down.

Their eyes met, and Austin could feel it—the determination, the will to keep going. "You sure?"

Spearow gave a sharp nod. He was sure. Alright then.

"Leer and then Fury Attack!"

Spearow's eyes glowed with a fierce intensity, his glare cutting through the air like a blade. Pidgeotto responded with a blinding Sand Attack, and Austin felt his heart sink—until he remembered Spearow's Keen Eye. The sand meant nothing. Spearow could see right through it. With a final burst of speed, Spearow launched forward, his beak flying in a relentless assault. Pidgeotto tried to counter, but the onslaught was too much. After a few more brutal strikes, Pidgeotto faltered, collapsing to the ground, too weak to continue.

Austin let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. It was over. They'd won.

He rummaged through his pack and pulled out a gold berry, tossing it toward the Pidgeotto. The bird cautiously nibbled at the berry, slowly regaining its strength. Spearow squawked, his eyes full of confusion. He wasn't used to this—winning and then helping?

"You won," Austin said, kneeling beside him. "No need to take it too far."

Spearow tilted his head, still trying to understand, while Pidgeotto seemed to get it. With a nod of gratitude, it flapped its wings and flew off into the forest.

For a moment, Austin felt a twinge of regret. Maybe he should've caught it... But then he looked at Spearow, standing tall with his feathers ruffled but proud. He'd fought with everything he had, and Austin could see the potential in him. He didn't need another flying type.

Austin smiled, looking down at Spearow. "Yeah, I think I'm good with just one flying type."

There was a pair of eyes watching Austin and his team from the underbrush. Hidden in the shadows, the creature stayed perfectly still, its gaze sharp and unblinking. It had been observing them for a while now, its curiosity piqued by the commotion of the battle. As Austin and Spearow celebrated their victory, the eyes narrowed slightly, taking in every detail—the bond between the trainer and his Pokémon, the way they moved together, the way they fought.

It didn't move, didn't make a sound, blending seamlessly into the surrounding foliage. Whatever it was, it was watching, waiting, its presence unnoticed by Austin and his team.

"Shut up!" Jessie snapped, hurling a rock at a cluster of Pidgeys that scattered into the early morning sky. Her frustration echoed through the clearing as the flying types flapped away hurriedly.

James groaned awake, the discomfort evident on his face as he uncurled from his makeshift bed on a tree branch. Sleeping on such uneven surfaces was always a nightmare, and he could feel every aching muscle protesting as he tried to stretch.

I can't believe we were beaten by a stupid kid in a paper bag, Jessie growled repeatedly, her annoyance simmering with each repetition. Neither Meowth nor James had the energy or the desire to calm her down, especially not first thing in the morning.

"Hey, there's a message from headquarters," Meowth announced as he brandished an R-shaped phone. "All Team Rocket personnel have been issued a command from the executives to find an Eevee currently hiding in the Viridian Forest. Any operative that succeeds in capturing this Eevee will be granted an apprenticeship under an executive."

Jessie and James's jaws dropped in unison, their earlier irritation quickly replaced by a surge of excitement. This could be our chance at redemption.

"This message was sent an hour ago," Meowth added with a sly smile, watching as excitement practically bubbled over in his companions.

"Most of the operatives will be here in about 20 minutes to an hour," James estimated, trying to calculate their advantage over the others. The urgency of the situation was clear.

"Come on, we have to find this Eevee and get our deserved promotion!"

The morning had started out so perfectly, peaceful and bright, the kind of day Austin wished could last forever. The clear, cloudless sky stretched above him, and the warmth of the sun on his back was just right. Making pancakes outdoors felt like the perfect way to start the day, even if he had to cheat with a store-bought mix. Just add water, stir, and bam—instant breakfast. What could go wrong?

Apparently, a lot. As he tried to flip a pancake, his enthusiasm got the better of him. Hot butter splashed onto his arm. "Ouch!" he yelped, the sudden sting sharp and burning, leaving an angry red mark.

His Pokémon—Pikachu, Rattata, and Spearow—stared at him, wide-eyed, clearly curious about what had just happened.

"Don't worry, guys, just a minor setback," he muttered, though the skin on his arm still tingled. Determined, he flipped the next pancake perfectly, placing it on a plate with a small surge of pride. It was a victory, a small one, but he'd take it.

Before he could savor the moment, though, a clatter broke the peace. Austin turned just in time to see the plate sliding across the flat rock, the pancake disappearing in an instant. His frown deepened as he scanned the area, searching for any sign of the sneaky culprit, but all he found was a small puddle of water next to the rock. Suspicious.

Alright, so that's how we're playing it? A smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. Whoever or whatever had swiped his pancake wasn't getting away that easily. He placed another pancake on the plate, this time ready, waiting. Come on, show yourself.

At first, nothing happened. Patience. His Pokémon watched with mild curiosity. "Okay, guys, turn around. Don't scare off our little thief," Austin whispered. Pikachu and Rattata grumbled but obeyed, while Spearow seemed more bored than anything.

"Hey, Spearow," Austin called, flicking a snack towards him. Spearow's sharp eyes locked onto it, and with a swift motion, he snatched it mid-air. Austin had to admit—Spearow's reflexes were impressive. Pikachu and Rattata, not wanting to miss out, gave him those classic big, pleading eyes, silently begging for a share of the treats. But Austin stomped the ground firmly, signaling them to stay put. They grumbled but stayed where they were.

And then it happened.

Out of the corner of his eye, Austin saw it—a blue paw creeping out from behind the rock, as quiet as a shadow. Gotcha. His heart raced as he lunged, catching the movement reflected in his Pokédex's screen. But by the time he reached the plate, it was already too late. All that remained were pancake crumbs, now floating in the puddle where the pancake used to be.

Wait… floating?

Austin grabbed a nearby stick and hesitated for just a moment before prodding the water gently. His heart raced, the sound of his pulse loud in his ears. The water rippled, and then—two black eyes stared back at him.

"What?" he whispered, barely able to process it. The water began to shift, swirling and forming into a distinct shape. A Pokémon.

Slowly, it emerged—a Vaporeon, its light blue skin shimmering, dark blue markings accentuating its sleek form. Austin's mind raced. Vaporeon? Here?

"Reon!" it cried out, but before Austin could even think, Pikachu leapt into action. Instinctively, he unleashed a Thundershock, the electricity crackling through the air toward the water-type.

But something unexpected happened.

A white glow engulfed Vaporeon, its body shifting, transforming before Austin's eyes. The light faded, and in its place stood a yellow, spiky Pokémon.

"Jolteon?!" Austin gasped, struggling to comprehend what he was seeing. The fur—the way it absorbed Pikachu's attack like it was nothing—it sent chills down his spine. No way... No freaking way.

This was Vee. The special Eevee from Pokémon Adventures manga. The one who could evolve and devolve between the three Kanto Eeveelutions. But how? How was Vee here, in this world? Wasn't this the anime world? How could he be here?

And if Vee was here... Did that mean Red was out there too? Austin's mind swirled with questions, none of which he had time to answer because Jolteon was already on the move. It sent a Thundershock racing toward Spearow. Austin could see it all happen in slow motion—the electricity sparking, Spearow flapping desperately to dodge—but he wasn't fast enough. The bolt hit him directly, sending him tumbling to the ground with a sickening thud.

Austin's heart dropped.

Pikachu and Rattata were ready to leap into action, their eyes filled with determination, but Austin couldn't let this escalate.

"Stop it!"

The air seemed to freeze around them. Austin felt every muscle in his body tense as Jolteon—no, Flareon now—stood before them, transformed yet again. The light of evolution had faded, leaving behind this new form, its reddish-orange fur gleaming in the dim light of the forest. Its dark, intense eyes locked onto Austin's, and he swore he could feel the heat radiating from its body.

Vee stood by Austin's side, but he couldn't tell if Vee was ready or terrified. Maybe both. He sure was. His mind raced. What now? What's its next move? What's his next move?

Everything was silent for a heartbeat, then Austin's instincts kicked in. "Cover me!" he shouted, his voice cracking with the urgency of the situation. He didn't have time to think—he just moved. Flareon's eyes flicked towards Pikachu, and Austin saw the embers starting to gather in its mouth.

Oh no, oh no.

Quick as he could, Austin snatched Spearow's Pokéball. But he wasn't fast enough. Flareon's embers clashed with Pikachu's Thundershock mid-air, the two attacks colliding in a bright, blinding flash. The noise was deafening—a sharp crack, followed by the sizzle of sparks raining down on them. A

"Rattata, go!"

His little lady was already moving before he could finish the command, darting forward in a blur of speed. He barely had time to register her movement before his attention shifted back to Spearow.

"Spear…"

Spearow was singed, his feathers charred from the last attack.

"You did your best, buddy." Austin's voice came out soft. He grabbed a potion from his pack, spraying it over Spearow's injuries with a shaky hand. "Just rest now. We'll take it from here."

Austin returned Spearow to his Pokéball, trying to push down the guilt gnawing at him. His focus needed to be on the battle, but a part of him kept screaming: What if he hadn't been fast enough? What if Spearow had been hurt worse?

He shook his head. No time for that. Eyes back on the fight.

Rattata was already dodging Flareon's Swift attack. Those yellow stars shot out from its mouth, sharp and fast. Too fast. Austin's heart leapt into his throat, but Rattata—she's… she's incredible. She swerved to the right, narrowly avoiding the first barrage, but the stars—damn it—they were coming back. They boomeranged.

He felt his breath catch as the stars closed in, but Rattata… she flipped, like something out of a movie, and those stars slammed into each other mid-air. An explosion of light and sound, and suddenly, there was an opening.

She was going for it!

"Go, go, go!" Austin found himself cheering, not caring how stupid it sounded. He couldn't help it. Rattata slammed into Flareon with a full-body tackle, knocking the fire type off balance. His heart soared. She did it.

"Wow," Austin breathed, genuinely stunned. She was faster than he'd ever imagined. Smart, too. Where did that come from? She wasn't just some scrappy little Rattata—she was a real fighter.

But before Austin could fully process it, he heard voices. Distant, but getting closer.

"James, do you hear that? The sound of battling. Eevee might be there."

Jessie. Team Rocket. Austin's heart sank. No, no, not now.

It all clicked in an instant. Austin had thought—hoped—that coming through Viridian Forest two days later would mean he'd avoid them. That they wouldn't be here. But he should have known better. They weren't here for random Pokémon—they were here for Vee.

Austin glanced at Pikachu, panic rising in his chest. If they saw him… if they recognized him as Bag Boy…

No, that couldn't happen.

"Pikachu, hide in the tent," Austin ordered, trying to keep his voice steady. "Don't let Team Rocket see you."

Pikachu's ears twitched, but he nodded, scampering off toward the tent. Austin's mind raced. Vee was still standing there, his eyes darting around, anxious. He knew. He knew Team Rocket was coming for him.

"Vee," Austin whispered, stepping closer, "come with me. I can keep you safe."

Vee didn't move, still eyeing Austin with that cautious look. Why would he trust him?

Austin reached into his pack again, grabbing the thermos. Emptying it out, he quickly mixed in a potion. "Look," he said softly, locking eyes with Vee, "you're in pain. I know you are. This will help. Just do the Vaporeon water thing, okay?"

For a long moment, Vee just stared at Austin, as if weighing his options. The boy tried to keep his expression calm, sincere. Please trust me. I'm not like them. I'll keep you safe.

Vee remembered—the berry Austin had offered to Pidgeotto, the way Austin had helped Spearow without hesitation. Slowly, Vee stepped forward, then… transformed. His body turned to water, slipping into the thermos with ease.

Austin let out a shaky breath, screwing the lid on tightly. "I've got you," he whispered.

"If things go south, I want you to run away. I'll hold them off." Austin's voice was low, barely audible, but he knew Vee could hear him. Vee's eyes, wide and clear through the water, looked back at him in shock.

"I have a plan."

"Hey, you!" Jessie's voice snapped Austin to the prsent, his heart slamming against his chest as he saw them—Jessie, James, and Meowth stumbling out from the undergrowth, tangled up in Misty's bike of all things. They looked like they'd been through hell, clothes torn, hair disheveled, and their eyes fixed on him with a mixture of desperation and frustration.

Crap. This is happening. This is really happening.

Austin's fingers tightened around the thermos, feeling Vee tremble inside. He could practically feel the anxiety radiating from Vee, but he had to keep calm, had to keep them from noticing anything off. His mind raced, trying to come up with something—anything—that would get him out of this without giving away Vee.

"Have you seen an Eevee around here?"

"Yes," Austin replied, forcing his voice to stay steady, even though inside, he was freaking out. His hands gripped the thermos a little tighter, trying to silently reassure Vee. I've got you, just trust me.

Austin sat down on a nearby rock, acting like he had all the time in the world, but his heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might explode. Play it cool, Austin. Just play it cool. He gave them a half-smile, hoping it looked more confident than he felt.

Jessie's patience was wearing thin. "Tell us!" she snapped, stepping forward, her eyes blazing with frustration.

Austin raised an eyebrow, trying to stay calm. "What do I get in return?"

They exchanged a glance, desperation clear in their eyes. Austin could see the exhaustion, the weariness. Maybe, just maybe, he could use that to his advantage. His mind scrambled for something to stall them with.

"What do you want?" James asked, his voice edged with fatigue.

Meowth, ever suspicious, cut in, "How do we know you ain't pullin' our leg?"

Austin let out a chuckle, motioning for Rattata to join him, feeling a weird surge of confidence, even if it was all an act. "You know," he started, trying to keep his tone light, "the Eevee I fought was doing something weird… evolving and devolving into Flareon, Jolteon, and Vaporeon." He waved his arms dramatically, really selling it. But in his enthusiasm, he knocked over the thermos.

Jessie wasn't having it, though. She got right up in Austin's face, her grip suddenly tight on his shoulder. Rattata growled low in her throat, her ears and tail bristling. Austin felt his muscles tense under Jessie's hold, but he had to stay calm. Had to stay in control.

"Tell us!" she barked.

"How about that bike?"

Jessie shot a look at James, who sighed and handed it over reluctantly. The thing was a mess—scratched, bent, and tangled, but it didn't matter. Austin pointed off into the trees to the right. "That way."

Meowth narrowed his eyes. "How do we know you ain't just yanking our chain?"

Austin just smiled, his heart pounding in his ears. Timing was everything now.

And right on cue, the distant call of an Eevee echoed from the direction he pointed. The trio's heads snapped toward the sound, and without another word, they bolted, vanishing into the trees.

Austin didn't waste a second. His hands moved quickly, packing up his belongings as fast as he could. They bought it. They actually bought it.

His plan had been simple—distract them long enough for Vee to slip away, lead them on a wild goose chase, and then circle back. As Austin turned, he spotted him. Vee emerged from the bushes, his brown fur blending in with the forest as he quietly padded over. His cream-colored tail flicked, eyes wary but relieved.

"Welcome back," Austin whispered, giving him a quick smile. Pikachu hopped into the basket of the bike, ears twitching as he glanced up at Austin. Vee hesitated for a moment, his eyes meeting Austin's, and he could tell Vee was unsure.

"Come on, we've gotta move. They'll be back any minute." Austin patted the basket, and Vee jumped in beside Pikachu. His hands gripped the bike's handles, and he took a deep breath.

Alright. Let's go.

Austin pushed off, his legs pumping the pedals as fast as they could. The wind rushed past them, cool and crisp against his skin, but his heart wouldn't slow down. It was like the wind was pulling him forward, like he could outrun everything if he just kept going. Pikachu's ears flapped in the breeze, and Vee looked ahead, his wide eyes taking in the forest rushing by.

They have no idea what's coming next. And neither do I.

But for now, Austin just had to keep riding. Keep moving forward.

Two hours later, an exhausted Austin slowed down, finally stopping to rest. He sat down on a fallen log, pulling out some dehydrated lemons and a bottle of water.

Vee looked on curiously, and Austin, noticing his interest, offered him one of the tangy fruits. Seeing Pikachu's envious glance, he chuckled and handed one to his partner as well.

Their reactions to the dried lemons were comical—Pikachu's face puckered up immediately, and Vee blinked rapidly, clearly unaccustomed to the sourness. Austin laughed heartily at their expressions as he continued to drink his water.

After a moment of lightheartedness, Austin turned to Vee, his expression becoming serious. "Do you want to join us?" he asked. Vee's eyes narrowed, and his body tensed, a clear sign he was considering fleeing. Sensing his apprehension, Austin added softly, "I can help you cure your pain."

Vee froze, his attention caught.

Pikachu, although looking a bit lost in the gravity of the situation, stayed quiet. "Eevee!" Vee barked out as if demanding answers.

Austin placed a Pokéball in front of him, explaining further, "Your body is unstable, which is why you can evolve and devolve at will. But with that instability comes pain. If you join me, I can help you."

Vee studied Austin, then the Pokéball, and finally glanced at Pikachu, who gave a reassuring nod. It was a silent endorsement that this human was different, kind, and trustworthy. With a decisive click, Vee touched the Pokéball, allowing himself to be captured. Everything went dark for a moment as he was pulled into the Pokéball.

This was Vee's gamble, and deep down, he held onto a small hope. Maybe this choice would take away his pain, keep him safe, and perhaps even give him the home he had always wanted—a place where he felt loved and belonged, not just used.

The wind rushed past Austin's face, cool and refreshing, as he pedaled faster along the path toward Pewter City. His legs were burning, but it was a good burn—the kind that makes you feel alive. After days of trekking through Viridian Forest, dodging Team Rocket at every turn, the speed and freedom of the bike were a relief. The rhythmic hum of the tires on the dirt path was almost soothing, like a beat that matched his progress.

Pikachu looked happy, enjoying the ride as much as Austin was. They were making good time, and for the first time in a while, Austin felt like they were ahead of the curve. Maybe they'd even get to Pewter City before nightfall. No more hiding from those idiots in the forest.

But just as Austin let himself enjoy the moment, a figure jumped out in front of him, forcing him to slam on the brakes. The tires screeched, skidding across the dirt as the bike wobbled under him. Pikachu nearly flew off, clutching his head as he tried to steady himself.

"What the hell?!" Austin yelled, heart pounding in his chest. Who just jumps in front of someone like that?

Standing in his path was a boy dressed head-to-toe in samurai armor, complete with giant yellow horns on his helmet. The armor was black with red accents, making him look like he had just walked out of a feudal Japan reenactment—or a bad cosplay convention.

"Halt!" the boy shouted, pulling out a katana that had a Pokéball for a crossguard. A real sword? Seriously? Austin's mind flashed back to the Pokémon Adventures manga, where trainers used real weapons. But this was different. They were in the anime world, right? He was probably overthinking it.

"Are you from Pallet Town?" the samurai demanded, the tip of his sword pointing dangerously close.

Austin pushed the sword aside, a little too casually for someone with a blade in their face. "Nope," he said, trying to keep the sarcasm out of his voice.

The samurai pulled out some crumpled drawings from his pocket—one of them, a terrible caricature of Ash with a dunce cap. Austin nearly laughed. This guy was serious? The samurai studied them as if he were Sherlock Holmes, but all Austin saw was a dude with way too much time on his hands.

"Wait," the samurai said, squinting at Pikachu and then back at one of the drawings. "You have a Pikachu."

"No," Austin replied, deadpan. "It's a Pidgey. Right, Pikachu?"

Pikachu, catching on to the joke, stretched his paws over his face, mimicking a beak. "P P P," he chirped, his voice completely monotone.

Austin had to bite his lip to stop from laughing. The samurai looked confused for a second but then narrowed his eyes.

"That's clearly a Pikachu," he insisted, like he had just uncovered a massive conspiracy.

"No, man, this is a new type of Pidgey from the Orre region," Austin said, struggling to keep a straight face. "Super rare."

The samurai actually bought it, leaning in closer to poke Pikachu's cheeks. Big mistake. Pikachu zapped him, a tiny bolt of electricity sending the samurai flying back onto his butt with a loud "Ouch!"

That did it. Austin couldn't hold back the laughter anymore, doubling over as the samurai scrambled to his feet, looking both furious and embarrassed.

"Stop laughing and battle me!" the samurai shouted, glaring at Austin like he had just insulted his honor.

"Nah," Austin said, leaning lazily against the handlebars, still trying to catch his breath. "I don't feel like it."

The samurai's face fell, and he actually sounded desperate. "Please! I have to get paid!"

Wait, what? Austin raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Paid? For what?"

The samurai sighed dramatically, like he was about to launch into some tragic backstory. "A few days ago, I was harvesting silk when some trainer in a red car came by and battled me. My Caterpie evolved, and my silk business was ruined."

Austin blinked. Was this guy serious? "Sounds rough, buddy."

The samurai nodded solemnly. "Gary Oak, however, offered me a deal. If I battle all the trainers from Pallet Town, he'll pay me."

Of course, it was Gary. That cocky bastard probably thought this was hilarious. Austin couldn't help but shake his head. "Why don't you just catch another Caterpie and keep your silk business going?"

"The money was going to be used to buy a Pokéball," the samurai replied like that explained everything.

Austin almost laughed again. "Wait, how much was Gary paying you?"

"5,000 Pokédollars."

"What?!" Austin's jaw dropped. "For one battle?"

The samurai nodded. "10,000 if I defeat all the trainers from Pallet Town."

Austin whistled. Gary was throwing around cash like it was nothing. And here he was, scraping by with barely enough for potions.

The samurai straightened up, pulling himself together. "So, will you battle me?"

Austin considered it for a moment, his heart picking up speed. This would be his first real Pokémon battle. No crazy traps, no weird circumstances—just a straightforward fight. "Alright," he said, feeling the excitement build in his chest. "What are the rules?"

"Official tournament rules. Two-on-two."

"Pinsir to the battlefield!" Samurai announced, his voice booming as he tossed a Pokéball into the air.

The light faded, and there it was—Pinsir. Austin's heart skipped a beat. Up close, it was even more terrifying. That wide, dull-brown body, segmented like armor, those massive, spiked pincers on top of its head… It looked like it could crush a boulder. And those eyes—those cold, triangular eyes staring straight through him like he wasn't even there. Its mouth, filled with long, flat teeth, made him shudder.

Pikachu leapt from the basket and landed on the battlefield, looking back at Austin with determination in his eyes.

Samurai bent down, picked up a rock, and gave Austin a nod. He knew what that meant—the match would start the second that rock hit the ground.

Okay, think. Fast. Run-and-hit tactics. Keep moving. Don't give him a chance to land a solid hit. Austin glanced at Pikachu, already bracing himself, sparks crackling faintly in his cheeks. We've got this.

The rock hit the ground with a dull thud, and time seemed to slow for just a second before snapping back into motion.

"Vice Grip!" Samurai's voice cut through the air like a whip.

"Dodge with Quick Attack!"

Pinsir lunged forward, those massive pincers snapping shut right where Pikachu had been a split second earlier. But Pikachu was too fast, darting to the right in a blur of yellow.

"Thundershock!"

Pikachu's cheeks flared bright yellow as he released a surge of lightning towards Pinsir.

"Lightning rod tactic!" Samurai countered, his voice calm, like he had planned for this.

Wait, what?! Austin's mind raced as Pinsir shoved its arms into the ground, grounding itself. The electricity fizzled out as if it never existed. He blinked in disbelief, his heart pounding in his chest. He had never seen anything like that.

What the hell? This guy's way tougher than he was in the anime. Austin felt a knot tighten in his stomach.

Pinsir was stuck for a moment, and Austin knew he had to act fast.

"Quick Attack into tackle!"

Pikachu shot forward like a bolt of lightning, slamming into Pinsir's side with a force that made the bug-type stagger. For a moment, Austin thought they had it. He thought they had knocked it off balance, but then Pinsir shook it off like it was nothing.

Pinsir's arms shot out, glowing with power as it grabbed Pikachu in a bind. The hug tightened, and Austin could see Pikachu's body convulse with pain.

"Pika?!" Pikachu's cry tore through Austin, sharp and agonizing. His heart dropped. He froze. Panic clawed at Austin's chest, suffocating him.

No. No, no, no. Not like this. I can't—I can't let him get hurt. I have to—

Without thinking, Austin reached for Pikachu's Pokéball and recalled him in an instant, his form vanishing in a beam of red light.

"Hey, you earned a penalty," Samurai's voice snapped Austin back to reality, harsh and sharp. He looked up at Samurai, the adrenaline still pounding in his ears. His throat tightened, and for a moment, Austin wanted to scream at him. How could he say that? Didn't he see what was happening?

But instead of shouting, Austin bit his lip and looked down at Pikachu's Pokéball. He couldn't stay angry at Samurai. He had panicked. His heart was still racing, and his palms were sweaty as he pulled Pikachu out again.

"Pika!" Pikachu popped out of the ball, frowning at Austin like he knew the boy had messed up.

"I'm sorry, buddy," Austin whispered, his voice barely audible. "I didn't want you to get hurt…"

Pikachu just puffed out his little chest, tapping it with his paw, like he was telling Austin, I'm tougher than you think, dummy. A weak smile tugged at Austin's lips, but deep down, he was kicking himself.

They aren't like regular pets. They're so much stronger than I give them credit for. Why did I think Pikachu needed me to protect him like that?

"You okay?" Samurai asked, his voice softer now, as he noticed the tension in Austin's face.

Austin nodded, though the tightness in his chest hadn't fully gone away. "Yeah… sorry, I just… I panicked," he admitted. "I didn't know what to do."

Samurai gave Austin a small, understanding nod. "It's normal. You're not the first person to panic in a battle. But you have to learn that Pokémon aren't weak. Your heart was in the right place, but in the end, it earned you a penalty. You've got to push past that fear, or it'll control you every time."

Austin swallowed hard, nodding slowly as Samurai's words sank in. He was right. Austin had let his fear take over, and it had cost him.

"Thanks… What does the penalty mean?"

"If you recall a Pokémon while it's under attack, it can't continue the battle. Pikachu's out."

Austin felt the weight of Samurai's words settle on his shoulders, heavier than he'd expected. Pikachu was his best shot, and now… now he was down one Pokémon. All because he panicked.

Damn it. I can't let this happen again.

Austin reached for Rattata's Pokéball, his mind racing with options. Spearow was still recovering, and there was no way he was sending Vee into battle—not yet. He needed to build that trust first, make sure Vee knew he wasn't like the others. He wasn't going to push him before he was ready.

"I leave everything to you, my lady," Austin whispered, releasing Rattata onto the field.

Samurai didn't waste any time. "Vice Grip!"

Pinsir lunged forward, those massive pincers aiming straight for Rattata. Austin's heart lurched, but he forced himself to stay calm.

"Towards the tree!" Austin shouted, and Rattata, quick on her feet, dashed toward the base of a large tree, just as Pinsir's shadow loomed over her. Please, be fast enough.

"Jump!" The command left his lips before he could second-guess it, and Rattata launched herself off the tree trunk, her powerful hind legs propelling her into the air. Pinsir slammed into the tree with a deafening crack, its pincers stuck.

Yes!

"Tail whip!" Austin called out, not wasting a second. Rattata's tail glowed with a soft white aura as she swung it at Pinsir, striking it hard. The bug type recoiled but wasn't down yet. I need to keep up the pressure.

Pinsir freed itself, but before it could turn around, Rattata struck it again with another tail whip. Each hit weakened it, lowering its defenses.

"Bind!" Samurai ordered, and Austin saw the glow of Pinsir's arms. Not good.

"Run through the gap between his legs!" Austin shouted, his voice sharp. Rattata didn't hesitate. She darted underneath Pinsir, avoiding the glowing bind with a smooth, agile movement, and landed another tail whip as she passed. Pinsir grunted in frustration, its movements slower now, less precise.

But Samurai wasn't done.

"Seismic Toss!"

Austin's stomach dropped as Pinsir grabbed Rattata by the horns, its muscular arms lifting her off the ground. He could only watch in horror as Pinsir leaped into the air, flinging Rattata down hard into the dirt. The impact sent a shiver through him. Rattata lay there, struggling to get up. No, no, no…

His hand hovered over her Pokéball. I need to call her back. She's hurt. She's—

A soft tap on Austin's leg broke through the panic. Pikachu's eyes met his, calm but determined. He wasn't asking Austin to help Rattata. He was telling him to trust her. Trust her. Austin's heart pounded in his chest, but he took a breath and let go of the Pokéball.

"Tail whip!" Austin shouted, his voice stronger than before. Rattata, still shaking from the impact, forced herself up and lashed out with her tail, striking Pinsir as it landed. She's still in this. She's stronger than I think.

"Vice Grip!" Samurai wasn't letting up. Pinsir charged again, pincers wide.

"Tackle!" Austin yelled, his adrenaline surging. Rattata met Pinsir head-on, slamming into it with all the force she could muster. The collision was brutal. For a moment, Austin couldn't tell who had come out on top. But then, he saw it—Pinsir's pincers cracked under the impact, the bug type collapsing to the ground, knocked out.

She did it. Austin let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. Rattata turned to him, panting, but her eyes were bright, alive. "You okay, baby girl?"

She nodded, still catching her breath. Austin smiled, more grateful than he could put into words.

Samurai recalled his fallen Pinsir. For a moment, Austin felt a twinge of worry. "Hey, is Pinsir gonna be okay?"

"Of course," Samurai replied with a reassuring smile. "Give it a few days, and those pincers will regrow. Plus, I could sell the broken ones and get Pinsir some good food."

Austin chuckled dryly, still adjusting to how casual everyone seemed about things here. This world… it's different.

Samurai's expression hardened again as he readied his next Pokéball. "You will not win against my second Pokémon."

"Bring it," Austin replied, his confidence growing. He had a pretty good idea of what was coming next. The ball opened, and sure enough, a green cocoon Pokémon, Metapod, appeared on the field.

"Do you fear him?" Samurai asked, laughter in his voice.

Austin shook his head, not even bothering to hide his grin. "Not even close." He gestured to Rattata. "Tackle."

Before Samurai could issue a command, Rattata dashed forward, moving faster than ever. But instead of a regular tackle, she used Quick Attack, slamming into Metapod with a sharp crack. The poor thing was sent flying back, landing in the dirt with a dull thud.

And that's game.

Samurai blinked, clearly caught off guard. He sighed, recalling Metapod. "You are very strong."

"Thanks," Austin said, wiping the sweat from his brow. "But I'm curious—did you plan for that Lightning Rod tactic?"

Samurai chuckled. "Oh, that? I came up with it because Gary said he'd pay me 20k if I beat a Pallet Town trainer with a Pikachu."

Austin couldn't help but sweatdrop. Gary, seriously? The guy was blowing 20k just to one-up him? That's... pathetic. He smirked at the thought, unable to hold back his amusement. He must be way more desperate for bragging rights than I thought.

"I'm Austin," he said, extending his hand toward Samurai. He realized then he didn't even know the guy's name. He'd just been calling him Samurai in his head.

The kid blinked, clearly realizing the same thing. He smiled and reached out to shake Austin's hand. "Nobunaga. Oda Nobunaga."

Austin froze, staring at him. "You can't be serious. You can't."

"Oh, but I am," Nobunaga said with a smirk.

"Your parents hated you, didn't they?"

"Shut up."