As Austin zipped up his well-packed backpack, he took a step back to assess the weight on his shoulders—both literal and metaphorical. Inside the bag was everything he thought he might need for the road ahead: extra clothing, a lightweight tent, a sleeping bag and pad, several bottles of Pokémon Repel, and a lighter tucked safely in a side pocket. Practical tools for someone heading into the unknown. Yet, as he added Pikachu's special battery and neatly stacked Tupperwares filled with dehydrated and freeze-dried food, his thoughts lingered on a question that had been nagging at him since waking up in this world.

  Did he have to follow Ash's path exactly? Did he need to collect every single Pokémon that Ash had captured over his journey? The sheer thought of it felt daunting. It wasn't just the logistics—it was the idea of living someone else's life, following their footsteps so closely he couldn't see where his own journey might lead. Wouldn't that defeat the whole point of being here? Or was there some unseen force pushing him to stay on that path, whether he liked it or not?

  "You ready to say goodbye to Viridian City?"

  Pikachu's ears perked up, and he hopped onto Austin's shoulder, nodding with a confident, "Pika!" The little Electric-type had been through a lot in the past few days, but if anything, his bond with Austin seemed to be growing stronger. Pikachu wasn't afraid of what lay ahead. Maybe Austin shouldn't be either.

  Slinging the backpack over his shoulder, Austin made his way toward the Pokémon Center lobby. As he walked through the familiar space one last time, he glanced around at the other trainers—some waiting in line at the counter, others tending to their Pokémon or chatting excitedly about their plans. The air buzzed with the kind of energy only a place like this could have: the promise of endless adventure, tempered by the comforting presence of Nurse Joy and her team of Chansey.

  Speaking of which.

  "Heading out?"

  "Yeah," Austin replied, stopping a few feet from the counter. "Just wanted to say thanks. For… you know, everything." He rubbed the back of his neck, unsure how to phrase what he was feeling. "Especially after the, uh, window incident."

  "Don't worry about it. Honestly, I've seen worse. You're not the first new trainer to leave a bit of a mess behind. I'd say you're doing alright."

  Austin laughed lightly. "Yeah, well, the 'alright' bar isn't exactly set that high right now."

  Joy tilted her head slightly, studying him. Her smile softened, but she didn't lose the gentle confidence that seemed to follow her everywhere. "You're nervous," she said simply. It wasn't a question, just an observation.

  "I guess. I mean… yeah." He glanced down at the Pokéballs on his belt. "It's just… a lot, you know? Feels like there's this mountain ahead of me, and I'm not sure I've got the right shoes for the climb."

  "You've got more than you think," she said. "Most trainers starting out don't even realize what they already have."

  "Like… what? A bunch of questions I don't know the answers to?"

  She smiled again, smaller this time, but no less warm. "Like a team that trusts you. Like instincts that'll kick in when you need them to. Like the fact that you're still here, still trying, even when you're not sure of yourself."

  He blinked, caught off guard by the simplicity of her words.

  "You'll figure it out," she continued. "One step at a time. That's how it works."

  Austin nodded, her words settling somewhere deep in his chest. "I'll try."

  "Good. And remember—there's always a Pokémon Center wherever you're going next. You've got more support out there than you think."

  Austin managed a small, lopsided grin. "You're just saying that so I don't break another window."

  She snorted. "That too. But mostly because it's true."

  With that, Austin turned toward the sliding doors, his backpack snug against his shoulders and Pikachu's tail swishing gently beside his cheek. As the doors hissed open, letting the bright sunlight of Viridian City spill into the lobby, he glanced back over his shoulder.

  "Thanks, Nurse Joy. For everything."

  "Take care," she said simply. "And take care of them."

  Austin nodded, stepping out into the morning light. The city stretched out before him, full of possibilities he couldn't yet see. Adjusting the strap of his bag, he glanced at Pikachu. "Well, partner, I guess we'll figure this out as we go."

  The transition from Viridian City to the dense embrace of Viridian Forest felt almost seamless. As the paved roads gave way to dirt paths lined with towering trees, the air itself seemed to change, growing heavier with the scent of pine and earth. It wasn't long before the urban sprawl disappeared entirely, swallowed by the endless expanse of green.

  Austin paused in front of a wooden sign at the forest's edge, its faded lettering welcoming travelers to the wilderness ahead. For a moment, he stood still, lost in his thoughts.

  Okay, so let's set some ground rules for myself. I'm not going to be Season 1 Ash, he decided. That means no aimless running into every Pokémon battle, no careless captures, and definitely no catching 30 Tauros. He snorted at the mental image of herding all those Tauros. Maybe I'll catch one—or none.

  He shifted his stance, glancing down at Pikachu, who stood beside him, tilting his head curiously. And who knows if I'll even have the chance to catch the same Pokémon Ash did, Austin thought. I've already changed things. I've got Rattata and Spearow. For all I know, someone else might've caught Caterpie or Pidgeotto by now.

  Pikachu tapped his trainer's leg with a small paw, jolting him from his thoughts.

  Austin blinked, then smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, buddy. Just lost in thought." He gestured forward. "Let's get going."

  The two set off, weaving their way into the forest. As they walked deeper into the shaded expanse, Austin made a silent vow to himself: This is my journey. I'm not just going to copy Ash's path—I'm going to make my own decisions, forge my own bonds with my Pokémon. The thought gave him a surge of determination, even as his mind began drifting toward the future.

  What kind of team would I want? He began mentally listing possibilities. An Eevee could be fun—so many options for evolution. Or maybe a Scyther? Scyther's cool. And a Ninetales? Definitely on the wishlist.

  After hours of trekking, the initial enthusiasm began to wear off. His boots dragged a little more with each step, the forest canopy filtering the sunlight into patches of gold and shadow on the dirt path. The Pokémon Repel he'd applied earlier worked like a charm—too well, in fact. The lack of wild Pokémon encounters meant a peaceful, uneventful journey, but it also made the trek duller than he'd expected.

  Eventually, Austin spotted a large tree with a thick trunk and plenty of shade. Gratefully, he dropped his pack and slumped against the rough bark, sighing in relief as he let himself rest. His legs ached, his shirt clung to his back, and his spirits had dipped significantly from when he first set out.

  "Pika pi!" Pikachu chirped, pumping his tiny arms like a coach trying to rally his trainee.

  Austin gave a tired laugh, shaking his head. "Let's not overdo it, alright?" He pulled a freeze-dried lemon slice from his pack and bit into it, the sharp tartness snapping his senses awake momentarily. "I'm just going to take a rest. You can explore if you want."

  Pikachu gave an approving "Chu!" before scampering off, his yellow tail flicking behind him as he poked around nearby bushes and tree roots. Austin leaned back and let his head rest against the bark, watching his partner with a faint smile.

  But sitting still only made him more aware of how dull the day had been so far. With a sigh, he rummaged through his backpack and pulled out a worn book—Pokémon Training for Dummies. Flipping it open to his bookmarked page, he started to read.

  Before he could get far, a handful of loose papers fluttered out from between the pages. "Huh?" he muttered, picking them up and smoothing them out.

  "Pokémon Tech Academy," Austin read aloud, spotting the label scrawled at the top of one page. He frowned, the name tugging at a faint memory. I've heard of that… somewhere. Shrugging, he turned his attention to the content, his curiosity piqued.

  The notes were surprisingly detailed, written in neat but hurried handwriting. The section that caught his eye was titled Why Do Pokémon Need Humans?

  According to the notes, Pokémon formed bonds with humans because they craved companionship—much like humans did. The theory, dubbed the Companionship Bond, suggested that Pokémon had a level of sentience comparable to humans. They experienced social needs, sought safety, and desired guidance.

  Most Pokémon parents only care for their young for about a month before letting them go off into the world on their own, one paragraph read. This leaves many young Pokémon searching for companionship and guidance, which humans provide.

  Austin's eyebrows furrowed as he absorbed the information. He'd always known Pokémon were loyal, but the idea that they sought out humans for emotional and social fulfillment gave him a new perspective. He leaned back against the tree, the notes still in hand.

  "Is that why, in the games, wild Pokémon always pop out when you step into tall grass?" he mused aloud, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Maybe they just want to be your friend…"

  The thought was oddly comforting. He liked it.

  Before he could dwell on it further, a rustling sound nearby pulled his attention. His body tensed instinctively, and he lowered the notes, scanning the area. A small pressure against his leg made him freeze. Slowly, he glanced down.

  A Caterpie.

  It was small and green, with a segmented body and a yellow underside. Its bright red antenna twitched as it stared up at him with wide, shiny eyes. For a moment, Austin just stared back, the absurdity of the situation hitting him all at once.

  His mind raced. Is this… Ash's Caterpie? Or just a Caterpie? The idea made him laugh nervously. There was no way to know. It didn't really matter, did it?

  The Caterpie, seemingly undeterred by his inner turmoil, began to climb up his leg. Its soft, squishy body pressed against his jeans as it pulled itself forward with surprising determination.

  "Okay, little guy, easy," Austin said, gently placing his hands on the Caterpie to ease it back onto the ground. "No," he added softly, pointing at the Pokémon like he was trying to teach it boundaries.

  "Pika!" Pikachu's sharp cry shattered the moment. Austin jumped just in time as a crackling Thundershock lit up the area. The air buzzed with electricity, the sharp scent of ozone filling his nose.

  When the light faded, Caterpie lay motionless on the ground.

  Austin's jaw dropped. "Sweet mother of goose, Pikachu, you're a monster. An irredeemable monster."

  Pikachu crossed his arms and gave him a mock-innocent look, his tail flicking smugly.

  "Alright, fine. Guess this means we're setting up camp."

  Pikachu tilted his head, clearly confused.

  Austin gestured at the unconscious Caterpie. "We've got a patient to take care of now, don't we?"

  Pikachu perked up at that, his sulk vanishing in an instant. Austin chuckled as the Electric-type began rubbing against his leg, seeking forgiveness—or perhaps just confirmation that he'd be getting a snack out of this.

  "Help me out, and I'll give you two snacks," Austin said, earning a cheerful "Pika!" in response.

  As Pikachu darted off to fetch supplies, Austin glanced back at the Caterpie and sighed.

  "What am I going to do with you now?"

  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 softly, keeping his voice low to avoid startling the small Pokémon. The Caterpie stirred weakly, wiggling its stubby feet—nubs, really—like it was trying to reacquaint itself with the world after being unconscious for so long. Austin chuckled quietly, reaching into his pack and pulling out a piece of freeze-dried candy. He held it out, and the Caterpie cautiously nibbled at the treat before eating more eagerly.

  Austin watched it closely, his smile fading into thoughtfulness. For a fleeting moment, the idea crossed his mind—maybe Caterpie was waiting for something. An invitation, perhaps? To join him?

  The thought lingered in his chest, but the boy stayed silent. A tightness built in his throat, a familiar unease rising. He wanted to ask, wanted to offer… but something held him back. It felt wrong, like he should have offered more, but the words wouldn't come. Couldn't. He watched, frozen, as the Caterpie lingered for another heartbeat, then turned and crawled back into the undergrowth, vanishing into the sea of green.

  Austin let out a slow breath, realizing only then that he'd been holding it. His heart raced, a strange mix of guilt and relief twisting in his chest. He pressed his palms against the rough bark of the log, grounding himself. What am I doing? he wondered. Could this one decision mess things up down the line? Will this come back to haunt me?

  He shook his head, trying to shove the thought away, but it gnawed at him, stubborn and relentless. Before his spiraling thoughts could drag him down further, Pikachu returned, dragging a large branch toward the campsite with an exaggerated effort. The sight was so absurd that it snapped Austin out of his daze.

  "Alright, alright," Austin muttered, standing up to help, brushing the dirt off his pants. The tightness in his chest hardened into resolve, like a knot pulling tighter. I will not emulate Ash Ketchum.

  This wasn't Ash's journey—it was his. Ash had taken in a Caterpie and watched it evolve into a 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? The memory of Ash releasing Butterfree floated to the surface, and Austin's stomach churned. He couldn't afford to make decisions based on nostalgia.

  He had to be practical. Every choice mattered, and taking in another Pokémon just because it felt right? That wasn't smart. It wasn't realistic.

  Ash's Butterfree might've been special to him, but I'm not Ash, Austin thought firmly. And this isn't the same world.

  The warmth of the fire wrapped around him like a blanket as he stirred the pot of tomato berry soup, its tangy scent mingling with the earthy aroma of dried berries, sweet potato chunks, and tofu bobbing in the bubbling broth. The flickering firelight cast soft, shifting shadows against the trees.

  Austin ladled out bowls for Rattata and Spearow, who had just stretched their wings and legs after being released from their Pokéballs. The two eagerly dug into their meals, their tiny faces focused on the simple task of eating. Austin watched them quietly as he ate his own portion, sitting cross-legged beside the fire. The rhythm of their chewing and the crackling flames were oddly soothing, a small reprieve from the weight pressing on his mind.

  But his thoughts wouldn't rest. To distract himself, he pulled out his Pokédex and flipped open Caterpie's entry—not because he particularly cared, but because he needed something to keep his hands busy, something to fill the silence in his mind.

  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 scarce resources. 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.

  Austin froze mid-bite, his spoon hovering over his bowl. Japanese continent?

  His brain scrambled to make sense of the words. What did that even mean—Japanese continent? Was it a mistake? A relic from the human world he'd come from? Or was this world closer to his own than he'd thought?

  He set the Pokédex down, staring into the fire. How many continents are there in this world? He'd always assumed it was just the regions he knew from the anime—Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh and Unova. But what if there were more? Places the anime never showed? Pokémon he'd never even heard of? The thought sent his mind spinning with equal parts excitement and unease.

  He glanced up at the sky. The stars twinkled like countless diamonds scattered across an infinite expanse of darkness, their light cold and distant. For the first time since he'd arrived here, the sheer scale of this world hit him. The night was vast, so vast that it made him feel small. Insignificant, even.

  This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.

  But when he looked back at his Pokémon—Rattata slurping her soup with gusto, Spearow carefully dipping his beak into the bowl—he felt a different kind of smallness. Not bad. Not empty. Small like a single thread in a sprawling tapestry, part of something so much bigger than himself.

  Austin let out a quiet chuckle, leaning back against the log. "This is so much better than boring school," he said, mostly to himself. No walls. No droning teachers. No rigid schedules. Just him, his Pokémon, and a future that was his to shape.

  This was freedom. 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.

  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, staring at the small Rattata in disbelief. She was fast—faster than he'd ever thought possible. And clever, too. There was something sharp in the way she moved, the way she read her opponent and adapted. This wasn't just a scrappy little Rattata scraping by; she was a fighter.

  But before Austin could fully process what he'd just witnessed, distant voices reached his ears. They were faint at first, but unmistakably getting closer.

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

  Jessie's voice, dripping with sharp confidence. And where Jessie was, James and Meowth wouldn't be far behind. Austin's heart sank like a stone in water. Team Rocket. Of course, they were here. Of course, they were after Vee.

  His stomach twisted as the pieces clicked into place. He'd thought—hoped—that coming through Viridian Forest a couple of days later might help him avoid this exact situation.

  His eyes darted to Pikachu, panic rising in his chest like a tidal wave. If they saw him—if they recognized him as Bag Boy…

  "Pikachu," Austin whispered sharply, "hide in the tent. Don't let Team Rocket see you."

  Pikachu's ears twitched, his eyes flicking between Austin and the forest. For a moment, he hesitated, but then he nodded, scampering off toward the tent. Austin exhaled in relief, his mind racing as he fumbled with his backpack. His fingers closed around the Max Potion Nurse Joy had given him, and without wasting a second, he splashed it over the injured Eevee.

  The blue liquid hissed and crackled as it made contact with Vee's body, releasing a sharp, almost metallic smell that was both sterile and faintly sweet. The sound of sizzling filled the air as the Pokémon's wounds began to heal, vanishing before Austin's eyes. Vee blinked in confusion, his body stiffening as the pain faded. He looked up at Austin with wide, uncertain eyes.

  "Vee," Austin whispered, crouching down slowly, trying to seem as unthreatening as possible, "come with me. I can keep you safe."

  The Eevee didn't move. Why would he trust him? Austin could practically see the doubt written all over the Pokémon's face.

  "Listen," Austin said softly, glancing over his shoulder. He could hear the crunch of footsteps growing louder. "Team Rocket's closing in. You've got two choices: You can run and hide, but how long do you think that's going to last? Or you can trust me, and I'll get you out of this forest. No one will even know you're here."

  Vee's ears twitched, his expression unreadable. He didn't run, but he didn't step closer either. Austin's heart pounded in his chest. He didn't have time for this.

  He reached into his backpack again, this time pulling out his thermos. His fingers were trembling as he unscrewed the lid. "Look," he said, "just… do the Vaporeon water thing, okay?"

  For a moment, Vee just stared at him, his large eyes searching Austin's face for something—what, Austin didn't know. He tried to hold his gaze, to keep his expression calm. Please trust me. I'm not like them. I'll keep you safe.

  And then, something shifted. Vee's cautious stance softened, his eyes narrowing with a hint of determination. Maybe he remembered the berry Austin had offered Pidgeotto, or the way Austin had helped Spearow without hesitation. Or maybe it was the Max Potion, the undeniable proof that Austin wasn't here to hurt him. Whatever it was, Vee made his decision.

  The Eevee's body shimmered for a moment, his form shifting as he transformed into water. Austin watched, holding his breath, as the liquid form slipped effortlessly into the thermos. He screwed the lid on tightly, his hands shaking. "I've got you," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

  His grip on the thermos tightened as he crouched lower, whispering to the Pokémon inside. "If things go south, I want you to run. I'll hold them off."

  Vee's watery form swirled slightly, his wide eyes visible through the container.

  "Alright, here's the plan," Austin muttered, snatching a scarf and a pair of glasses from his bag, hurriedly pulling together a makeshift disguise.

  "Hey, you!"

  Jessie, James, and Meowth stumbling out from the undergrowth, tangled up in Misty's bike. 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.

  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 as he 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.

  Jessie's patience was wearing thin. "Tell us!"

  "What do I get in return?"

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

  "What do you want?"

  Meowth, 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, "the Eevee I fought was doing something weird… evolving and devolving into Flareon, Jolteon, and Vaporeon." He waved his arms dramatically, really selling it while 'accidentally' knocking 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. Austin pointed off into the trees to the right. "That way."

  "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. 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 finally slowed to a halt, parking the bike near a fallen log and slumping down onto it. His legs ached from the relentless pedaling, and his breath came in uneven bursts. He reached into his bag, pulling out a bottle of water and a small pack of dehydrated lemons. The forest around him was tranquil, the faint rustling of leaves and distant chirping of bird Pokémon providing a serene backdrop to his rest.

  Vee leapt gracefully out of the bike's basket, his light steps barely making a sound on the forest floor. He paused, his wide, dark eyes fixed on Austin as he sniffed the air cautiously. Austin popped a piece of lemon into his mouth, the tangy taste drawing his attention back to Vee. The Eevee tilted his head, curiosity glimmering beneath his wariness.

  Austin chuckled softly, holding out a piece of the dried fruit. "Here," he said, his voice calm. "Try it."

  Vee approached slowly, his body low to the ground, each step hesitant and deliberate. He snatched the lemon with a quick motion, retreating a few paces before biting into it. His eyes widened immediately, his ears flicking back as his tongue darted out to combat the sharp sourness. Austin couldn't help but laugh at the reaction.

  Pikachu, perched nearby, crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at the exchange. Noticing the jealous look, Austin grinned and tossed him a slice as well. "Don't worry, I didn't forget you."

  Pikachu sniffed it, took a tentative bite, and instantly scrunched his face in exaggerated disgust. His ears shot upright, and his tail twitched wildly as if the lemon had personally insulted him. Austin burst into laughter, his worries momentarily forgotten in the humor of the moment.

  The lightheartedness faded as Austin turned his attention back to Vee, his expression softening. "Vee," he began, his voice steady but gentle. The Eevee's ears perked, his muscles tensing as he looked up at Austin warily. "Can I ask you something?"

  Vee didn't move, but his watchful gaze told Austin he was listening.

  "Do you want to join us?" Austin asked, leaning forward slightly. "Not just for today, not just until the forest is behind us. I mean… really join us. As part of the team."

  The question hung in the air, heavy and unspoken. Vee's body stiffened, his ears pinning back as a flicker of doubt flashed through his wide, dark eyes. Then, in an instant, he bolted. His small frame darted through the underbrush, leaves scattering in his wake. He couldn't trust this human—he couldn't trust anyone. They were all the same. They wanted his power, and they would hurt him to take it. His heart twisted painfully at the thought, but it only fueled his determination to run.

  "I can permanently fix you!"

  Vee skidded to a halt, his claws digging into the dirt as he froze mid-stride. His breath came in shallow pants, and he turned his head slowly, cautiously, to look back. Austin hadn't moved from his spot on the log. He was sitting there calmly, his expression unreadable, but his tone carried a strange weight—one that cut through the noise of Vee's panic.

  "I can make it so you never have to experience that pain again."

  Vee's ears twitched, and he turned fully now, his gaze locked onto the human. There was no greed in Austin's eyes, no hunger for power, no cold calculation like the scientists who had poked and prodded him.

  Austin raised his hands slowly, palms open in a gesture of peace. "I know you've been through a lot. I don't know the full story, but I can tell you're hurting. That instability in your body—what they did to you—it's not fair. And it doesn't have to be permanent. I can help you."

  Vee stayed rooted in place, his chest rising and falling as he processed Austin's words. His body trembled with the urge to run, but something in the boy's tone made him pause. For the first time in a long while, it felt like someone was offering more than just promises. It felt like hope.

  "Your body—this thing you can do, evolving and devolving—I can tell it's not natural. It's unstable, and I bet it hurts like hell. But I can help you fix it." His eyes locked onto Vee's. "I don't have all the answers yet, but I know where to start. I just need you to trust me."

  Vee's tail stopped flicking, and his ears flattened as he stared at Austin. Something about the boy's words seemed to chip away at his defenses, but doubt lingered in his wide, dark eyes.

  Austin placed a Pokéball and a thermos gently on the ground between them.

  "It's your choice. ome with me, I promise I'll do everything I can to make things better."

  Pikachu, sitting nearby, gave Vee a small, reassuring nod, his eyes full of quiet understanding.

  Vee hesitated, glancing at the Pokéball, then back to Austin, then to Pikachu. His claws dug slightly into the dirt as he stood motionless, his body caught between the instinct to flee and the desire to believe. Slowly, cautiously, he stepped forward.

  Finally, Vee lowered his head and touched the Pokéball with his nose. A soft click echoed through the quiet forest as he was pulled inside.

  Austin stared at the Pokéball in his hand, feeling its faint weight and the enormity of what had just happened. He let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "Welcome to the team, Vee."

  Inside the Pokéball, Vee's mind swirled with uncertainty and a fragile hope. The pain he had carried for so long felt distant for the first time, like a storm finally breaking. Maybe this human really could help him. Maybe this time, he had made the right choice.

  Author's Note:

  1— I originally thought about having Austin catch both Caterpie and Pidgeotto, like how Ash did in the anime. You know, keeping it nostalgic, staying true to the roots and all that. But then I realized… nah. This isn't Ash's story; it's Austin's. The whole point is for Austin to forge his own unique path—not just copy-paste Ash's journey with minor tweaks. Sure, he'll have some advantages from knowing the anime's events, but this dude's carving out his own story.

  Pokémon Adventures manga. In the manga, Red helps his Eevee evolve into an Espeon. Cool, right? But there's a catch—once it evolves permanently, it loses that whole evolving/devolving ability.

  So here's the question for you guys: Should I follow the manga's route? Like, have Austin help Vee evolve into a permanent Espeon, Umbreon, or even Sylveon, which would mean it loses its ability to evolve and devolve? Or… do I keep that unique ability intact and let Vee switch between all the Eeveelutions—from Flareon to Sylveon?

  you guys think? Drop your opinions in the comments; I'm really curious to hear your thoughts.

  Anyway, thanks for sticking around and for all the support. Seriously, it means the world to me. Can't wait to see what you guys decide. Stay awesome and have a great day!