Breathe in, breathe out.

  Each breath tore through Austin's chest like sandpaper, sharp and unforgiving. His lungs screamed, his heart pounded against his ribs like a drum, and his legs… his legs felt like they were made of lead. Every muscle burned with raw, searing pain, but he couldn't stop—not with the bloodthirsty flock of Spearow screeching behind him.

  He forced himself to remember his brother's advice: "Stay light on your feet. Lean forward. Don't lock your knees."

  But it was hard to remember anything coherent when terror was thrumming through his veins, drowning out any sense of control. He stumbled, and a sudden, sharp pain exploded at the back of his head—white-hot and blinding—as a Spearow dove down and struck him. He nearly collapsed, but adrenaline surged through him, sparking every nerve to keep moving, keep surviving.

  The pain in his skull barely registered compared to the fear—pure, gut-wrenching terror lodged itself like a stone in his stomach. These Spearow weren't going to stop. They didn't care about mercy, didn't care that he was just a kid. They were relentless. His legs felt like they'd give out any second, but he pushed through it, lungs burning, the air tearing at his throat with each gasping breath.

  "Pikachu, get in your Pokéball!" he gasped, his voice barely a choked whisper of desperation.

  "Pi?!"

  "Listen to me," he begged, twisting his backpack to shield his head from another dive. "I'm not going to let you get hurt!" The thought of Pikachu taking a single hit from those razor-sharp beaks and talons made his stomach churn.

  But then, a darker thought slammed into him, harder than any Spearow ever could. Was this my fault? The question gnawed at him, ugly and insistent. Did catching that lone Spearow set the rest of them off? Or… or is this just Ash's fate? Maybe no matter what I do, this is how it always goes.

  The doubt tangled into his fear, making his heartbeat trip over itself. He barely had a chance to wrestle with the thought before he realized Pikachu wasn't beside him anymore.

  "Pika—!" The defiant cry reached his ears, and his heart plummeted. He spun around, stumbling to a stop, and saw Pikachu standing his ground, tiny body tensed, sparks crackling across his cheeks, ready to take on the entire flock alone.

  "No, Pikachu!" Austin's voice broke as he fumbled with Pikachu's Pokéball, his hands trembling. He aimed and shot out the red beam just as Pikachu fired a thundershock, recalling the small Pokémon before he could launch into a losing battle. As Pikachu disappeared into the safety of the ball, the residual shock stunned a few of the Spearow, momentarily dropping them from the sky.

  A brief flash of relief flooded Austin, but it was fleeting. The rest of the flock was still hurtling toward him, closing in fast.

  He stood there, gasping, every muscle trembling, his skin buzzing with leftover adrenaline. He had maybe a second to catch his breath, maybe two—but he knew that wouldn't be enough. His mind raced, searching frantically for a plan, but the beat of wings drawing closer snapped him back to the present.

  Misty. She should be nearby. I need to find her. I need help, he thought, clutching Pikachu's Pokéball in a death grip.

  Good. I have a plan, he told himself, ignoring the relentless pounding in his chest. Now, if there's a god out there… give me some luck.

  He swung his bag up over his head, using it as a flimsy shield as he sprinted forward, hoping it'd at least soften the blows from those vicious beaks and claws. Each step was a desperate gamble, his legs numb, but he pushed forward, refusing to look back at the screeching flock. All he could do was cling to his plan and pray it'd be enough.

  Misty Waterflower didn't consider herself a patient girl. Never had been. In fact, she was pretty much the opposite—more of a firecracker. Kinda ironic, given her dream of becoming a water-type Pokémon specialist. Water was supposed to be calm, cool, flowing. But her? She was more like a stormy sea—unpredictable and restless.

  The sun warmed her face as she pedaled through the grasslands, the breeze teasing her hair in a way that was almost calming. Pidgeys darted overhead, and unseen critters rustled in the tall grass, but none of it really held her attention. She had other things on her mind.

  She pulled up beside a river and checked her Pokétch, its dot-matrix screen blinking as it confirmed her location. This was the spot. Out here in the wide-open Kanto region, she was on her own quest—proving herself worthy of taking over the Cerulean Gym.

  Of course, League missions kept getting in the way. Today's task? Deal with some annoying Spearow. Necessary? Sure. Annoying? Absolutely.

  Misty sighed, muttering under her breath, "I'll deal with those pesky flying types later." Right now, she had something better in mind. Fishing. Adding a new water-type to her team sounded like a much better use of her time.

  She reached for her fishing rod, her mood brightening at the thought of snagging a new catch, but just as she was about to cast her line, she heard a distant squawk. It was deep, loud, and definitely not the peaceful sound of a nearby river. She turned, eyes narrowing, and that's when she saw him.

  A boy. Sprinting toward her like his life depended on it, his backpack thrown haphazardly over his head for protection while he clutched a violently shaking Pokéball in his hands. She blinked, staring in disbelief as he ran, panic written all over his face. He was in trouble, that much was obvious. But then their eyes met, and there was something in his gaze—recognition. Like he knew her. What the hell? She'd never seen this guy before in her life, yet he looked at her like she was some long-lost friend. Or maybe a lifeline.

  Before she could even process it, he shouted, "I have an electric type! Can you release your water type?!"

  Wait, what?

  Misty blinked, confused, but instinct kicked in. She didn't have time to ask questions. Her hand flew to her Pokéball, and with a swift motion, she released Starmie. Her trusted partner appeared, its red jewel core gleaming, spinning in readiness for battle. Starmie and Misty were always in sync—no words needed.

  The boy stumbled to her side, gasping for breath. He released his Pikachu, who looked absolutely furious. The situation was bad. She could tell from the swarm of Spearow in the distance, diving like little demons. This wasn't just a few peckish birds; this was an all-out attack.

  "Wide Water Pulse!" she commanded. Starmie spun in the air, sending out a massive spray of water. The Spearow, mid-flight, were drenched, their wings suddenly too heavy to stay airborne. As they plummeted to the ground, squawking in confusion, she couldn't help the rush of adrenaline that surged through her. Gotcha.

  "Now, Pikachu!"

  Pikachu didn't need to be told twice. With a fierce spark, it unleashed a Thundershock on the soaked Spearow, and Misty watched as the entire flock was incapacitated in seconds. The battle was over before she even had time to really take it in.

  For a moment, everything was still. Her heart pounded, the rush of the fight still buzzing in her veins. Then she turned to look at the boy and his Pikachu, expecting some sort of triumphant reunion.

  Instead, Pikachu was glaring at him, growling low. There was no happiness, no pride. Just… anger.

  The boy sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Hey! Don't give me that look. I returned you to your Pokéball for your safety."

  Pikachu huffed, turning away, clearly not having any of it. Misty raised an eyebrow, watching the exchange, her curiosity piqued. What's their deal?

  And then the boy muttered under his breath, "Stupid fat rat."

  It was in the heat of the moment, but the damage was done.

  "Oh no," Misty muttered to herself, wincing before she even saw Pikachu's reaction. Sparks crackled dangerously on its cheeks, tiny bolts snapping in the air like a mini lightning storm ready to fry the boy where he stood. Typical electric type—short fuse, especially when insulted. This was about to go from bad to worse.

  She saw the fear in his eyes as he glanced at Pikachu, clearly realizing the depth of his mistake. He looked desperate, almost like he was silently begging her for help.

  "Excuse me," Misty said firmly, stepping in to break the tense silence. She kept her voice calm, hoping to defuse the situation before Pikachu decided to roast him alive. "Can you tell me what happened here?"

  The boy turned to her, half-relieved, half-defeated. "I… yeah, I guess," he said, glancing nervously at Pikachu as he started explaining the whole ordeal—the chase, the swarm of Spearow, his panicked sprint through the fields. Misty listened, nodding along, eyebrows raising at certain details. He looked worn out, like he'd been running for his life.

  When he finally finished, she gave a slow nod. "Sounds like you've had a rough day."

  "That's… putting it mildly," he muttered, scratching the back of his neck.

  Misty extended a hand. "My name's Misty, by the way."

  "Austin," he replied reflexively, shaking her hand.

  Misty blinked, eyebrows lifting. "Austin?"

  He froze. Oh, crap, what did I just say? Panic hit him. I was supposed to be Ash. Not Austin! He swallowed hard, trying to recover.

  "Uh… yeah," he stammered, keeping his face neutral. Smooth. Real smooth, genius.

  Misty tilted her head, her gaze curious. "So… how do you know me?"

  Austin's heart skipped a beat. He tried to look casual, shrugging as he forced himself to hold her gaze. "Well, I recognized someone who could save my life," he replied with a lopsided grin.

  Misty squinted, suspicion flickering in her eyes, but she gave a small nod. "Fair enough," she muttered. But she wasn't done with her questions. "And how'd you know I had water types?"

  Austin opened his mouth, realizing he didn't have a good excuse. His gaze drifted, looking for anything that might help him. "Uh… the fishing rod," he blurted, pointing at it.

  Misty arched an eyebrow, a half-smile forming. "Because I'm fishing, you assumed I had water types?"

  He tried to play it cool, grinning sheepishly. "I mean, wouldn't you? Besides, who wouldn't keep a water type near rivers?"

  She chuckled. "Alright, good save." Her gaze lingered on him, something familiar but strange. "You're… interesting, kid."

  "Interesting?" he feigned offense. "I'm interesting enough to attract a whole flock of angry Spearow. I'll take that as a compliment."

  She shook her head, smirking. "Sure, let's call it that."

  Pikachu, still glaring, let out an exasperated huff, the sparks on its cheeks dimming.

  Misty crossed her arms, studying the boy. "So, Austin… what are you planning next? Because, by the look of things, it doesn't seem like you're prepared for temperamental Pokémon."

  He gave a wry smile, scratching his head. "Well, since you saved me, maybe I'll consider some… backup. Got any tips?"

  "Plenty," Misty said with a grin. "And the first one? Keep your Pokémon happy." She glanced at Pikachu. "Next time, try skipping the insults."

  Austin chuckled nervously. "Yeah… noted." He looked at Pikachu, offering a tentative smile. "Sorry, buddy."

  Pikachu huffed again, but its gaze softened slightly.

  Misty punched him lightly on the shoulder. "You'll learn. Just don't get yourself fried before you do."

  "Don't worry," he replied, smirking. "I'm not tender enough to get fried just yet."

  Misty snorted, rolling her eyes. She tapped a few buttons on her Pokétch, and he raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

  "Pretty sweet gadget," he said, trying to get a better look. "What is it?"

  "This?" Misty's voice took on a proud edge. "It's a Pokétch. Sinnoh tech. Cost me a small fortune."

  Nice going, Austin, he thought, cringing. Way to pop her bubble.

  "What's with the call?"

  "League's got a relocation team," she said, glancing at him. "They'll move the Spearow flock somewhere safe."

  "Good idea. They were out for blood."

  Misty raised an eyebrow. "Not the first time I've dealt with angry flying types. People throw Pokéballs at anything."

  He chuckled, rubbing his neck. "Yeah…"

  She finished the call, glancing at him. "So, anything else I can help you with? Or are you just going to keep running headfirst into trouble?"

  "Actually," he said, trying to sound casual, "which way to Viridian City?"

  Misty pointed. "Just follow this road. Can't miss it."

  "Thanks." He hesitated, feeling awkward. "And… thanks for saving me and Pikachu. Couldn't have handled those Spearow without you."

  "No problem." She smiled. "Don't beat yourself up. It's your first day. You and Pikachu just need time to figure each other out."

  Austin blinked, surprised by the warmth in her tone. This Misty was… different. Sweeter than he remembered.

  "Thanks."

  Austin glanced at Pikachu, who was glaring at a bush as if daring it to move. "Yeah, I'll work on that," he muttered. "Hey, Pikachu—you ready to go?"

  "Pika," Pikachu replied flatly, but willing to move on.

  Austin let out a breath. "Alright. Let's go."

  As he passed Misty's bike leaning against a tree, something clicked. Wait… I didn't fry her bike. In the anime, Ash had barbecued her bike, which led to her tagging along. But here? The bike was untouched. Misty had no reason to stick around.

  It felt strange, like he'd dodged some important moment. Guess it's just me and Pikachu, he thought, a pang of uncertainty hitting him as he turned to keep walking.

  Behind him, he could still feel Misty's presence, like a shadow lingering just out of reach, the ghost of something that should have been. This world was familiar, yet off-kilter in a way that set him on edge. Every step felt like a new direction, like he was rewriting a journey that was supposed to be set in stone.

  And he had no idea where it was going to lead.

  Ho-Oh soared gracefully through the skies, its feathers shimmering in a breathtaking array of colors. The predominant gold and red hues of its body gleamed under the sunlight, complemented by the vibrant yellow of its tail feathers and the stark white of its underside. At the tips of its wings, green feathers added a striking contrast, while a green stripe adorned its neck, enhancing its regal appearance.

  The legendary Pokémon's piercing red eyes, encircled by black rings, reflected a wise and ancient soul. Atop its head, a feathered yellow crest waved like a flag as it glided through the sky. Ho-Oh glanced downward, its gaze falling on a human and a Pikachu watching in awe from the ground below. For a moment, a thought crossed its mind: Something has happened to your chosen, Arceus. Is this according to your will?

  Down below, Austin's gaze lifted as the golden bird soared across the sky, its feathers gleaming with every color of the spectrum, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the landscape. The memory of that iconic first encounter hit Austin like a wave—Ash had seen Ho-Oh on his first day too. But here, experiencing it firsthand, the reality of it was… overwhelming. It felt like something out of a legend made real, its beauty almost too much to take in.

  For a long moment, he just stood there, watching the Legendary Pokémon vanish beyond the horizon, his heart pounding. When he finally tore his eyes away, he looked down at Pikachu, who was still staring up, visibly shaken by the sight.

  Austin took a deep breath and knelt in front of Pikachu, holding his Pokéball in one hand, his gaze cast down. The weight of everything—the uncertainty, the fear, the responsibility—settled heavily on his shoulders, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the little yellow Pokémon watching him intently.

  "So, Pikachu," he began softly, looking up at his partner. "A deal's a deal. Do you want to keep going with me, or… do you want to go your own way?" He hadn't meant for his voice to sound so vulnerable, but it was there, raw and open. The question hung in the air, and he could feel his heart pounding as he waited.

  Pikachu's eyes widened slightly, like he couldn't quite believe what he was hearing. "Pika?" He tilted his head, ears twitching as if trying to understand.

  Austin forced himself to keep his voice steady. "I mean it. I don't want you to feel like you're stuck with me if you don't want to be." His words were quiet, almost lost in the stillness of the forest around them. He tried to offer Pikachu a small, reassuring smile, but he could feel the uncertainty beneath it. If you want to go… I'll let you.

  Pikachu stared at him, his expression unreadable, his dark eyes thoughtful. There was something there—an interest, a curiosity that Austin hadn't seen before. Like Pikachu was sizing him up, weighing his words, deciding if this strange new trainer was worth sticking around for.

  After a moment, Pikachu gave a small, firm nod. Not a full, enthusiastic commitment, but a cautious willingness to stay, for now. To see what might come next.

  Austin felt a wave of relief wash over him, mixed with a strange, fierce gratitude. He knelt a little lower, gripping the Pokéball tightly as he looked Pikachu in the eyes. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice thick. "I… I don't know what I'm doing, honestly. I don't know what it really means to be a Pokémon Trainer, and I don't know what the future looks like for us."

  He swallowed, feeling his throat tighten. "But I promise… I'll give it everything I've got. I don't know much, but I'm not going to quit on you, Pikachu."

  Pikachu's gaze softened, just a bit. He wasn't giving Austin blind loyalty, and Austin could see that clearly. But there was an understanding between them now, a quiet acceptance. Pikachu nodded again, and Austin could feel the beginnings of trust, fragile but real.

  They stayed there for a moment, just looking at each other, and Austin felt something shift. Something he hadn't expected. This wasn't just a trainer and his Pokémon; this was a partnership, a connection he hadn't thought he'd feel so soon.

  "Alright," Austin said softly, pushing himself back up to his feet. He slipped the Pokéball back into his bag and gave Pikachu a small, determined smile. "Let's see where this goes. Together."

  "Wow," Austin murmured, taking in his first real look at Viridian City from a high point on the hill.

  It was nothing like he'd imagined from watching the anime. The city sprawled out before him, far larger and more alive than the simple depiction he remembered. Low-rise buildings in soft pastel colors dotted the landscape, blending naturally into the lush green forests that surrounded the city on all sides. The buildings seemed to rise out of the trees themselves, like the city had grown with the forest rather than in place of it.

  Far below, winding streets twisted and curved, following the natural shape of the land instead of cutting through it. Towering trees shaded the roads, their roots pushing up from the earth, forming gentle, rolling mounds along the sidewalks. It gave the whole place a layered, organic feel, as if the city had been molded to fit within nature's boundaries rather than bulldozed into it.

  Great, my first butterfly—ahem, Butterfree effect, Austin thought as he entered Viridian City. I wasn't stopped by Officer Jenny. He wasn't sure whether to be relieved or nervous. All he wanted right now was a quiet place to let the weight of the day slip off his shoulders.

  Still… where was Officer Jenny? In the anime, she'd stopped Ash around here. Maybe it's because I caught that Rattata and Spearow, he mused. Maybe that small change threw off the sequence of events just enough to keep Team Rocket away. He snorted to himself. Fine by me. I'd love to avoid Team Rocket altogether.

  But a nagging unease lingered. What if dodging this encounter had changed things in a way he couldn't predict? What if, by avoiding one trap, he'd set himself up for something worse down the line?

  Austin shook his head, forcing himself to focus on the present. No point worrying about hypothetical disasters. He needed to take things one step at a time.

  He spotted an older man walking by, a kind-looking gentleman with a Pidgey perched on his shoulder.

  "Excuse me, sir—could you point me to the Pokémon Center?"

  The man smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Of course, son. Just up the road there, then take a left. You can't miss it."

  "Thanks."

  Fifteen minutes later, he found it. The Pokémon Center stood at the end of the street, a sleek, modern building that looked completely out of place among Viridian's quaint, forest-blended architecture. It was larger than he'd expected, the facade gleaming in the late afternoon light. The place was a fortress of glass and steel, with a distinct red roof and a glowing Pokéball symbol above the entrance.

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  To quote Ash… it's gigantic.

  The moment he stepped inside, a wave of calm washed over him. The air was cool, faintly scented with antiseptic, but something warm and welcoming filled the space. Trainers of all ages milled about, some chatting quietly, others waiting with their Pokémon at their side.

  Behind the counter stood Nurse Joy, with her signature pink hair and gentle smile, exactly as he remembered. Just seeing her made his shoulders relax, even if only a little.

  "Welcome to the Pokémon Center," she greeted, her voice soft and almost motherly. She looked at him with a slight tilt of her head, as if she could see the weariness he was trying to hide. "How can I help you?"

  "I recently caught these two Pokémon." Austin placed the Pokéballs on the counter.

  Nurse Joy picked them up, examining the Pokéballs thoughtfully. "How recent are we talking?" she asked, looking up at him with curiosity.

  Austin blinked, a little thrown. "Uh… a few hours ago?"

  She gave a small nod. "Then they'll need a standard health assessment for newly caught Pokémon. We'll check for any underlying injuries, illnesses, and administer basic vaccines. Wild Pokémon can carry all sorts of things, and we want to make sure they're in good shape before they get too integrated into training."

  Austin nodded, absorbing this. "Right. Vaccines. Makes sense that they'd need that."

  Next to him, Pikachu shivered at the mention of "vaccines," and Austin had to bite back a smile. He wouldn't have guessed Pikachu would understand that word, but apparently, Pikachu knew enough to look wary.

  "Is this… free?" he asked, feeling a little silly. It was a new world for him, in more ways than one.

  "Of course," Nurse Joy said with a reassuring smile. "Basic healthcare is provided for all trainers at Pokémon Centers. It's covered by the League."

  "Well, that's a relief," Austin said, exhaling. "How long will it take?"

  "A few minutes to an hour, depending on their condition," Nurse Joy replied. "Sometimes wild Pokémon need deworming or hydration therapy, or we'll find small injuries that need treatment."

  Austin nodded again, slightly overwhelmed by the reminder of just how real all this was. "Well, you're the professional, so I'll leave it in your hands."

  Nurse Joy smiled as she turned to Pikachu, still perched tensely on Austin's shoulder. She motioned gently toward him. "And how about you, Pikachu? Would you like a check-up too?"

  Pikachu narrowed his eyes suspiciously, glancing from her to Austin like he was considering making a break for it.

  Austin sighed, giving Pikachu a patient look. "Come on, buddy. We've been through a lot today—fighting Spearow, running halfway across the forest. Wouldn't it be a good idea to make sure you're healthy?"

  Pikachu's expression was clear: Absolutely not.

  Austin tried not to laugh. "I'll give you a ketchup packet if you let Nurse Joy check you out."

  At that, Pikachu's ears perked up, and he hopped onto the counter, landing right in front of Nurse Joy with a determined squeak. She chuckled, placing him on a rolling examination cart. A Chansey came over, smiling warmly as it began to push the cart toward the examination room.

  Nurse Joy chuckled, glancing at Austin. "You've got an interesting relationship with your Pokémon. He seems pretty attached to you… as long as there's ketchup involved."

  Austin grinned, scratching his head. "Yeah, it's a work in progress. But we're getting there."

  Nurse Joy gave him an approving nod. "Why don't you take a break, maybe grab something to eat? You can come back in an hour or so to check on them."

  Austin hesitated, unsure what to do with himself. "Actually… while I'm here, is there, like, a bookstore nearby? Somewhere I could find books on… I don't know, how to make Pokémon food? Or grooming, training techniques… that kind of thing?"

  He realized he was rambling a little and scratched the back of his neck, feeling awkward. But then he noticed Nurse Joy's expression—she was smiling at him with a kind of surprised delight, like he'd just asked the best question in the world.

  He shifted on his feet, a bit embarrassed. "Uh… did I say something weird?"

  "Oh, no!" she said, looking slightly flustered herself. "It's just… most new trainers don't think about things like that until they're a year or two into their journey. Usually, they're more focused on battling than learning how to take care of their Pokémon."

  Austin chuckled, his awkwardness melting. "Well, I've got a lot to catch up on. If I'm going to be a decent trainer, I figured I should start with the basics."

  Nurse Joy's smile softened, her eyes warm with something like pride. "That's a wonderful mindset to have. Trainers who take the time to understand their Pokémon's needs usually end up building the strongest bonds. There's a bookstore just a few blocks from here—Greenleaf Books. They have a good section on Pokémon care."

  The bell jingled softly as Austin pushed open the door to the bookstore, the chime echoing in the quiet, cozy space. Shelves lined every inch of the walls, stretching up to the ceiling, crammed with books that looked like they'd been there for decades. The air smelled faintly of paper and something herbal—maybe from the dried plants hanging from the shelves.

  Austin was about to start browsing when his attention was drawn to the shopkeeper behind the counter. The man was… something else. He had a long white beard that reached down to his chest, a dark green beanie perched on his head, and a black bathrobe draped over cargo shorts. A curved pipe was clenched between his teeth, from which he blew slow, perfect smoke rings, each one rising lazily toward the ceiling before vanishing.

  "That's bad for you, you know," Austin muttered, wrinkling his nose at the smell.

  The old man chuckled, a raspy sound that rolled out of him like stones tumbling down a hill. "Kid, at my age, I think I've earned the right to a few bad habits."

  Austin didn't know how to respond to that, so he just shrugged and started pulling books off the shelves, hoping he wasn't making a fool of himself. Before long, he had a solid stack:

  Grooming the Kanto Way: 101 Tips for Pokémon Care by Suzie Yuki

  Inside Kanto: A Political Analysis by Martin Greene

  Culinary Companions: Over 100 Recipes for Your Pokémon by Emily Turner and James Ford

  The Physics of Pokémon: Understanding Their Moves by Professor Magnolia

  He brought the pile to the counter, feeling the weight of the books in his arms. The shopkeeper eyed the stack, blowing a smoke ring through it as he raised an eyebrow.

  "That'll be 2000 Pokédollars," the old man said, his tone casual.

  Austin reached into his pocket, only to come up empty. His heart sank. Right. I'm not on Earth anymore, he reminded himself with a pang of frustration. Of course, I don't have any money here.

  Back home, he'd been saving every bit of his pocket money to buy a rare Pokémon card from a friend. He'd nearly had enough, too. But here? None of that mattered. No pocket money, no stash of coins. Just him, empty pockets, and a pile of books he suddenly couldn't afford.

  He hesitated, glancing back at the shopkeeper, and a wild idea popped into his head.

  "Is… uh, is it possible to barter? I mean, instead of paying with cash?"

  The shopkeeper's eyebrow shot up, and he let out another smoke ring, watching Austin with an amused glint in his eye. "Barter, huh? Depends on what you got, kid."

  Austin fumbled through his bag and pulled out a Pokéball, placing it on the counter. The shopkeeper's eyes narrowed, his gaze sharpening.

  "You know selling Pokémon is illegal, right?" the old man said, his voice suddenly cold.

  Austin's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly shook his head. "No, no! I'm not selling a Pokémon—I swear! Look." He popped the Pokéball open to show it was empty, then looked up at the man, cheeks burning. "It's just an extra Pokéball. I thought… I don't know, maybe you could use it?"

  The shopkeeper's hard gaze softened a bit, and he studied the empty Pokéball, tapping it thoughtfully with one long, bony finger. After a pause, he gave a slow nod. "Hmm. Pokéballs aren't cheap, y'know. And they're always handy to have around…"

  Without another word, the shopkeeper slid a few crisp bills across the counter. Austin blinked, picking them up carefully. Each bill had an intricate design—a mural of Mew, detailed and elegant, almost mystical. The artwork reminded him of the ancient Mew mural from the first Pokémon movie.

  The shopkeeper took another drag from his pipe, blowing a perfect ring as he watched Austin count. "That's 3,000 Pokédollars for the Pokéball. Guess that covers your books with a bit of change left over."

  Austin stared at the bills, his mind racing. Wait… 3,000 Pokédollars? That means a single Pokéball costs 5,000?! The realization hit him like a Thunder Shock. Holy crap, being a trainer is expensive.

  The shopkeeper chuckled, clearly enjoying the shock on Austin's face. "Noticed, did ya?" he said, sounding amused. "Ain't cheap, the trainer life. Food, medicine, Pokéballs… it all adds up."

  Austin looked up, feeling a reality check settle in. "How do trainers usually… I mean, how do they make money? How much do they actually earn?"

  "Depends." The shopkeeper shrugged. "A simple match might net you 100 to 200 Pokédollars. Gym battles? 500 to 2,000, depending on the place. League's a bit different—there are prizes, but only if you're good enough to make it up the ranks. Most rookies don't make it past the first round, though."

  Austin felt like he'd been slapped with reality.

  How had Ash even survived? he wondered. If Brock hadn't been there to help him with food and supplies, Ash would've been in serious trouble. No way he could manage without being more careful.

  The shopkeeper reached over and placed two more books on Austin's pile:

  Pokémon Training for Dummies by Jane Peters

  Wealthy Trainer, Wise Trainer: Financial Strategies for Beginners by David Clarkson

  Austin swallowed, eyeing the books. They were exactly what he needed. He braced himself, dreading the price. "How much for these two?"

  The shopkeeper gave him a long look, then leaned back in his chair, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Free."

  "Wait… seriously?"

  The old man nodded, his smile deepening as he tapped the books with one finger. "The only good is knowledge, kid. The only evil is ignorance. And you look like you're actually willing to learn—can't say that about most new trainers. So yeah, take 'em. On the house."

  Austin stared at him, not sure what to say. "Thank you."

  The old man nodded, his eyes twinkling with a wry wisdom. "Don't thank me yet, kid. Just promise me you'll actually read them."

  Austin grinned, tucking the books under his arm. "Deal."

  Austin walked out of the convenience store with a small bag of chips, a candy bar, and some other snacks, barely able to contain his excitement. Trying out snacks in another world—it was the kind of thing he'd never even dared to imagine. Who gets to experience something like this? he thought, grinning as he opened the bag of chips and popped one in his mouth. The flavor was unfamiliar, a mix of spicy and sweet he'd never tasted before, and it was surprisingly good.

  This is the life, he thought. Here he was, bag of snacks in hand, exploring the world of Pokémon. Sure, there had been a few close calls today, but right now? Right now, he could just enjoy himself, snack on alien junk food, and take in the sights. He took another chip and savored the taste, feeling almost giddy.

  And then, just like that, the universe decided to rain on his parade.

  A loudspeaker crackled to life nearby, and a repeating announcement echoed through the streets: "Attention, citizens of Viridian City. Attention, citizens of Viridian City. There have been reports of possible Pokémon thieves in the area. Please be on the lookout for suspicious-looking individuals."

  Austin froze, chip halfway to his mouth, as the message continued to blare. The voice was familiar—Officer Jenny. His stomach did a flip as he connected the dots.

  Wait… I got here before Ash would have. That means…

  A cold wave of realization hit him.

  Oh no. That means Team Rocket is probably going to hit the Pokémon Center tonight.

  His excitement fizzled out in an instant, replaced by a creeping sense of dread. He stuffed the snacks back into his bag, his heart pounding as he sprinted toward the Pokémon Center.

  I'm not ready for this, he thought, trying to keep his breathing steady as the Center came into view.

  Nurse Joy was at the counter, greeting him with a calm, reassuring smile that felt so out of place compared to the urgency pounding in his chest. He forced himself to take a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady.

  "Nurse Joy, are my Pokémon ready yet?" he asked, struggling to sound casual, though he could feel his nerves fraying. Please just say they're fine so I can grab them and get out of here.

  "Actually, I was just about to update you. We found a few issues with your Rattata."

  Austin's heart sank. "Is she… is she going to be okay?"

  "She's stable, but… she was in worse shape than we expected. Severe dehydration, signs of malnutrition, and a couple of infected wounds. We're treating her with antibiotics and fluids."

  "I… I didn't know. I mean, she looked rough, but…"

  Nurse Joy placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, her touch gentle. "There's no way you could have known," she said softly. "From what we can tell, this happened long before you caught her. If anything, you saved her by bringing her in when you did. If she'd been left out in the wild…" She paused. "Let's just say she wouldn't have made it through the night."

  Austin felt the words hit like a punch to the gut. He'd known this world could be dangerous, but he hadn't really known. Not like this. It was one thing to watch Pokémon battle on a screen, to see them faint and bounce back like it was nothing. But to hear Nurse Joy calmly explain that Rattata might not have survived the night? That was something else entirely. This isn't a game, he reminded himself, the weight of it settling heavily in his mind.

  For a split second, the thought flickered through his head: Maybe I should let Rattata go. Maybe I'm in over my head. But the idea made his stomach twist, and he immediately wanted to slap himself. No. Come on, Austin. Get it together.

  He took a deep breath, forcing himself to think clearly. You caught her. She's yours now, and she's depending on you. Running wasn't an option.

  He nodded, trying to keep his voice steady. "Thanks for looking out for her, Nurse Joy. I… I didn't realize how serious it was."

  Nurse Joy offered him a warm, understanding smile. "Of course. Rattata just needs some rest and proper care, and she'll be back to her old self. With a little patience, you'll see her personality come out."

  Austin managed a small smile, feeling a flicker of relief. But then his mind snapped back to the announcement he'd heard outside. Team Rocket.

  "Good, good," Austin mumbled, nodding. "And… is there somewhere I can stay tonight?"

  "Certainly," Nurse Joy said, though she tilted her head slightly, as if noticing his distracted air. "We have rooms for trainers—500 Pokédollars per night, which includes access to the cafeteria."

  Austin forced a smile, already mentally tallying his expenses. Great. I need to find a way to make money fast. But he filed that thought away for later, knowing he had bigger concerns right now.

  "Nurse Joy, uh…" He hesitated, glancing around the Pokémon Center. "Do you… have any kind of security here? I heard that announcement about Pokémon thieves, and, well… I was just wondering."

  Nurse Joy's expression turned serious, her warm demeanor shifting to something more professional. "We do. Officer Jenny is patrolling the area, and the Center has a few security protocols in place. But unfortunately, these kinds of thieves are tricky. They often wait for things to quiet down before they make their move."

  "Right. And, uh, what does 'quiet' look like around here?"

  She looked at him, perhaps sensing his unease. "Usually, most trainers head to bed around ten or eleven. There's a night shift Chansey who stays up front with me, and Officer Jenny checks in periodically." She gave him a reassuring smile. "But don't worry. We haven't had a real incident in quite some time."

  "Right," Austin said, nodding too quickly. "Yeah. I'm sure it'll be fine."

  Nurse Joy studied him for a moment, her gaze softening. "You're worried about something, aren't you?"

  Austin rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a bit exposed. "Well… yeah. I mean, I'm new to all of this. And hearing about Pokémon thieves… I just don't want anything bad to happen."

  Nurse Joy's expression turned gentle. "It's good that you're cautious. Pokémon Centers are safe places, and we take every precaution. But… if it makes you feel better, you're welcome to keep an eye on things too."

  Austin managed a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Nurse Joy. I might… stay up a little tonight. Just in case."

  She nodded, understanding in her eyes. "And remember, kid—you're doing a good job. It's rare to see a trainer as thoughtful as you so early in their journey. Your Pokémon are lucky to have you."

  "Thank you," he said quietly. "That… actually means a lot."

  Nurse Joy gave him one last warm smile before turning back to her duties. Austin took a deep breath and started walking down the hallway, his mind already racing. He glanced up at the clock on the wall: seven hours until things would likely go down.

  Alright, Jessie and James, he thought, determination hardening his gaze. You're not getting my Pokémon.

  Jessie leaned over the wicker basket of their hot air balloon, her magenta hair fluttering wildly in the night breeze. "Go a little to the right," she directed, turning to her partners with a smirk.

  James, his periwinkle hair framing his face, adjusted the controls beside Meowth, who looked up with anticipation, his wide eyes gleaming. As their balloon hovered directly over the Pokémon Center, Jessie checked their position and nodded.

  "You two ready?"

  Meowth grinned, and James paused to inhale the scent of his rose before pulling out a Pokéball. "Make your entrance, Koffing!"

  Koffing emerged in a burst of light, his spherical form hovering as he grinned with a mouth full of pointed teeth. Wasting no time, he descended toward the Pokémon Center, expelling a thick, noxious gas that cloaked him like a smoggy veil.

  With a shared look of triumph, Jessie, James, and Meowth prepared their own descent. "Let's go," Jessie said. They each grabbed a rope and leaped from the balloon, heading toward the chaos below.

  An urgent alarm blared throughout the Pokémon Center. "Attention! Our Viridian City radar has detected a suspicious aircraft. If you have a Pokémon in your possession, exercise extreme caution."

  In the confusion, a young trainer managed to choke out, "What's going on?"

  Jessie's mocking laughter cut through the smoky air. "We'll answer your question, little girl."

  James nodded, and together, they recited their creed:

  "To protect the world from devastation."

  "To unite all peoples within our nation."

  "To denounce the evils of truth and love."

  "To extend our reach to the stars above."

  "Jessie!"

  "James!"

  "Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!"

  "Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

  "Meowth, that's right!" Meowth finished with a pose.

  They grinned, basking in the shock of Nurse Joy and the trainers, only to be interrupted by a piercing fire alarm. Sprinklers embedded in the ceiling activated, drenching everyone and everything below. The water quickly combined with Koffing's gas, creating heavy soot particles that sank to the floor, dissipating the toxic cloud.

  Scowling, Jessie released her Ekans. The purple serpent hissed, its eyes glinting with menace.

  "I-I didn't do anything," Nurse Joy stammered, visibly shaken.

  "Why don't you leave the beautiful nurse alone?" called a voice from the back of the room. Austin stood there, his voice lowered awkwardly as he tried to sound bold. Every head turned to the sight of a kid with a paper bag over his head, layered in three jackets and two pairs of pants—a strange, low-budget hero.

  Austin dropped two fire extinguishers onto the floor with a loud thud, the room falling silent as everyone tried to figure out his purpose.

  Meowth tilted his head. "And who're you supposed to be, kid?"

  "Bag Boy!"

  James sniffed his rose with a raised eyebrow. "Kid, don't play hero. You'll only get hurt."

  Ignoring his own terror, Austin channeled his best Bane impression. "Oh, you think darkness is your ally? You merely adopted the dark. I was born in it, molded by it. I didn't see the light until I was already a man, and by then, it was blinding."

  Silence.

  The room stared in confusion. Jessie looked annoyed, James bewildered, and Nurse Joy faintly supportive. But Austin spotted her slight nod—she'd realized he was stalling for time.

  The sprinklers finally shut off. Austin seized his moment, grabbing a fire extinguisher and aiming it at Koffing. Thick foam burst forth, coating the gas Pokémon and smothering its smoky body.

  "Ekans, get him!" Jessie shrieked as Koffing faltered.

  Ekans lunged, and Austin's heart leaped in fear. But before Ekans could strike, Pikachu darted forward, cheeks sparking. "Pika-CHUU!" He unleashed a Thundershock that arced through the damp room, striking Ekans and sending it convulsing across the floor.

  Austin's eyes widened, realization hitting him—his plan was working.

  First, neutralize Koffing's gas. In the show, the gas had caused the Pokémon Center explosion. No gas, no explosion. Second, create as much chaos as possible, disrupt Team Rocket, and he'd stand a chance. He wasn't Ash Ketchum; he didn't have plot armor to rely on.

  Jessie gaped as Ekans lay twitching. She noticed Austin's rubber gloves and boots, dawning realization on her face. "Poison Sting!" she ordered, but Ekans was too paralyzed to respond.

  "Again," Austin said, voice calm despite the pounding in his chest. Pikachu nodded, charging another Thundershock. The electricity struck Ekans, knocking it out cold.

  "Now?!" James called, wide-eyed. Meowth nodded, rushing forward.

  "Thundershock on Koffing?!" Austin shouted in panic. Pikachu gave a wary "Pika?" but complied, another burst of electricity slamming into Koffing just as it spewed smog. The force knocked Koffing back, straight into James, who staggered under the impact.

  Then Austin felt a searing pain across his back—Meowth had clawed him, his makeshift armor doing little to protect him. He gritted his teeth, refusing to cry out.

  "Crying won't save ya," Meowth sneered, leaping for another strike.

  Austin reacted on instinct, opening a Pokéball. Spearow emerged in a flash, his angry squawk echoing through the room. Meowth backed off for a moment, then scoffed. "Birds are Meowth's prey, capisce?"

  Austin, struggling through the pain, muttered, "Let's show them the true strength of a Great Spearow."

  Spearow's eyes flared with determination. With a fierce cry, he launched at Meowth, his beak striking hard and sending the feline Pokémon tumbling.

  "Thundershock," Austin ordered, voice shaky. Pikachu's cheeks sparked, and another surge of electricity coursed through Meowth, leaving him convulsing.

  Jessie and James scrambled to grab Meowth, faces pale with defeat. "You haven't seen the last of us, kid!" they shouted, retreating hastily as the room echoed with the sounds of their hasty exit.

  Nurse Joy pressed her face against the window, curiosity overtaking her as she watched the debacle unfolding outside. James, in a frenzy, scrambled onto a bicycle, his movements clumsy and rushed. Jessie followed, leaping onto the back with the grace of a sack of potatoes hitting the ground.

  "Pedal, James, pedal!" she shrieked, punctuating her words with sharp pats on James's back, much like a jockey urging a reluctant racehorse.

  Driven more by Jessie's urgency than by the actual need for speed, James began pedaling with wild fervor. His legs moved in a blur as the bike wobbled dangerously, struggling under the mismatched weight and lack of coordination between the two.

  Meanwhile, a paralyzed Meowth dangled limply from Jessie's grip, like a ragdoll swinging haphazardly as they made their escape.

  Nurse Joy turned, ready to thank the young man who had saved the center—only to find him gone. Nearby, a busted fire extinguisher lay on the floor, foam still gushing out, clearly left behind as a distraction.

  "Isn't this really supposed to be a kid-friendly anime?" Austin muttered, peeling off his outer layers. His t-shirt and one of his jackets were shredded across the back, three jagged slashes running through the fabric. He shuddered, realizing how close Meowth's claws had come. The only reason he wasn't bleeding out was the makeshift "armor" of clothes Delia had stuffed in his bag.

  His hands trembled slightly as he inspected the ruined fabric. He'd jumped into this world thinking it would be just like the show—safe, colorful, where things always turned out okay. But it wasn't like that, was it? These Pokémon had claws, teeth, and raw power, and they could hurt him. Badly. He forced the thought down, trying to steady his breathing. He couldn't fall apart now.

  The whole night had left him shaken, more than he wanted to admit. For the first time, the cheerful, kid-friendly image he'd had of this world felt like it was slipping, replaced by something darker, something real. He tried to shake it off, to push away the creeping disillusionment.

  But as he sat there, glancing around the small room, he couldn't help but feel trapped. Running wasn't an option—not with Rattata still in the Pokémon Center recovering. And if he did, wouldn't that just scream that he was the so-called "Bag Boy"? What was he supposed to do? Pretend to be asleep and hope Nurse Joy didn't come looking for him?

  As if on cue, a soft knock sounded at the door. Austin's heart leapt into his throat, and he froze, glancing at Pikachu and Spearow. Both went still, sensing his tension.

  "Bag Boy?" came Nurse Joy's gentle voice from the other side.

  Great, he thought, cringing. She figured it out fast. He stared at the door as if he could somehow will her away. Did she really have to use that name?

  Taking a deep breath, he stood up and cracked the door open just enough to see her standing there, a small medical kit in her hands.

  "I don't know what you're talking about."

  "Of course," Nurse Joy replied, her smile unwavering. "Mind if I come in? I brought a first-aid kit. Let me help you, for helping us."

  Austin hesitated, looking at her face, really looking. Worry and gratitude shone in her eyes. She didn't seem angry or suspicious—just concerned.

  He sighed, his shoulders slumping a little as he stepped back and opened the door wider. "Alright. But… don't tell anyone, okay? I don't want Team Rocket coming after me."

  Nurse Joy nodded, stepping into the room and closing the door softly behind her. "Your secret's safe with me," she said, setting the kit on the table. She motioned for him to sit, and when he did, she carefully examined the red marks on his back.

  Her hands were gentle and practiced, and he felt a strange warmth, despite the sting of antiseptic on his skin. He clenched his jaw, trying not to wince, but Nurse Joy caught his reaction and gave him a soft, understanding look.

  "You did really well tonight," she said quietly, focusing on his wounds. "It takes a lot of courage to stand up to people like that, especially when you don't have much Pokémon battle experience."

  Austin tried to shrug, though it just made his shoulder throb. "Yeah, well… someone had to do something. I couldn't just sit back and let them take all the Pokémon."

  Nurse Joy gave him a gentle smile as she wrapped a bandage. "You don't have to pretend it didn't scare you, you know. You did something really brave. But that doesn't mean it wasn't hard."

  Austin looked down, his fingers twisting together in his lap. He hadn't let himself think too hard about how scared he'd been. How close it had felt. He swallowed, trying to brush it off. "I'm fine."

  They sat in silence as Nurse Joy finished bandaging his scrapes, her hands gentle and practiced. When she was done, she took a moment to gather her supplies, pausing as if thinking something over. Then, with a small, thoughtful smile, she looked at him.

  "One last thing," she said softly. "Why did you help us?"

  The question hung in the air, and Austin found himself at a loss for words. Why did I help? He knew the answer he'd told himself—because he knew what would happen if he didn't, because he couldn't just stand by and let his Pokémon, or anyone else's, get taken. But it felt incomplete somehow, like there was something deeper he didn't want to acknowledge.

  Finally, he shrugged, looking down. "Do I… do I need a reason to help?"

  Nurse Joy's eyes softened, and she gave him a small, warm smile. "No," she replied quietly, and there was an understanding in her gaze that made him feel she truly meant it.

  Austin managed a faint smile in return, feeling a sense of relief he hadn't expected. Just knowing that she didn't need an explanation—didn't need him to be anything more than he was—helped ease the weight in his chest.

  Nurse Joy glanced at Pikachu, who had been sitting quietly by Austin's side, watching him with concern. "Your Pokémon think a lot of you, you know," she said gently. "Sometimes, being a hero isn't about feeling brave. It's just about showing up… even when it's hard."

  Austin looked down at Pikachu, who gave him an encouraging "Pika!" Spearow, perched on the windowsill, looked away with an indifferent squawk.

  "Yeah," Austin murmured. "I guess I just… didn't expect it to feel so real."

  Nurse Joy nodded, her expression softening. "It's different when you're in the middle of it, isn't it? From the outside, it seems clear-cut. But in the moment… it's messier. Harder." She met his gaze, her eyes filled with gentle understanding. "But that's also what makes it matter."

  Austin felt something settle inside him at her words, a quiet reassurance he couldn't quite explain. "You think so?"

  She smiled. "I do. Being scared just means you understand the risks. And you still did what you thought was right. That's what matters."

  He swallowed, feeling a tightness in his throat. "I guess… I'll just have to get used to being scared, huh?"

  Nurse Joy chuckled, patting his shoulder. "Probably. But remember, you're not alone. You've got a team now." She glanced at Spearow, who ruffled his feathers and looked away, feigning disinterest. "Even if some of them are a little… prickly."

  Austin laughed, the tension in his chest finally starting to ease. "Yeah… I guess I do."

  As she finished packing up, Nurse Joy reached into her kit and pulled out a small glass bottle with a spray cap, the liquid inside shimmering a soft, vibrant blue. She held it out to him. "I know this isn't much, but… this is a Max Potion. A thank-you for everything you did tonight."