The Spearow was just minding its own business, pecking at the ground for food when Ash and Pikachu stumbled onto it.
Ash recognized it immediately. That Spearow. The one from the anime that was extremely annoying to Ash and his Pidgeot, the same Pokémon that could take down a Rhydon with a type-disadvantaged move. Yeah, and this bird matched it with no training it just got stronger out of spite and hating on Ash.
Ash had always wondered, why didn't he just catch it back then? Well that's the thing, in the manga, he had. It had even become one of his heaviest hitters until Charizard showed up.
Ash shook his head, snapping out of the memory. No point thinking about that now. He glanced at Pikachu, who was already sparking with electricity.
"Pikachu, we've got to take this one down before it calls the whole flock," Ash said smirking, "You think you can do it~"
Pikachu nodded with a grin, sparks dancing across his cheeks. "Pika!"
Then the Spearow noticed them and lunged forward, wings tucked tight, going for an Assurance. But Ash was quicker.
"Quick Thunder Shock," he shouted.
Pikachu didn't hesitate. With a burst of yellow light, he shot out a small bolt of electricity hitting Spearow square in the chest. The bird squawked in pain, wings flailing as it struggled to stay upright. It looked like it was about to screech for backup,
"Pikachu Quick attack and hit it to the ground," Ash commanded as he grabbed a Pokeball
Pikachu nodded and dashed up jumping into the air and slapping the bird with the back of his tail into the dirt, making his beak get stuck, so he couldn't scratch for help
Ash hurled a Pokéball. As the ball hit Spearow, making the bird go in The ball wobbled 1 roll, 2 roll and it clicked shut with the 3rd
Ash smiled and walked up to pick up the Pokéball, turning it over in his hands. His first real catch, well not counting Pikachu since he let himself be caught,
Pikachu walked up and smirked as he jumped up and Ash gave him a hi-five
Green gave him a teasing smirk, "Look at you, catching a Spearow like a pro. Who knew you had it in you, Ash?"
Gary crossed his arms but grinned too. "Yeah, yeah. You caught a Spearow. Don't let it go to your head or anything."
Ash rolled his eyes, grinning back. "Hey, it's not nothing. At least I've got something to work with, besides not like he's gonna be much help at the first Gym." he held the Pokeball and was secretly sending some Aura in it to start bonding with this overly aggressive bird
Just then, a girl on a bike skidded onto the path, kicking up dust. She had bright orange hair tied into a side ponytail, green eyes, and a tank top that showed her midriff. And she looked concerned.
"Hey! I heard a commotion back there, Spearow cries and all. You guys okay?" she asked, hopping off her bike.
Green waved her off with a grin. "We're good. My friend here just caught a Spearow before it could call the whole gang. Even if it did, I'm sure the 3 of us could take a flock,"
Ash raised a hand in a half-wave, as Green pointed at him
The girl was Misty, she let out a relieved sigh. "Good. Those Spearow have been giving people a hard time around here. But you guys should get moving before more show up. Come on, I know the fastest way to Viridian City. Follow me!"
Gary threw a wink at Ash. "Look at you, man. First a catch, now getting saved by a girl on a bike."
Ash shot him a playful glare. "Shut up, Gary. your not doing much better, if anything your the one getting saved,"
They all laughed, and with Misty leading the way, they took off down the path toward Viridian City,
Just like that, the group walked alongside Misty as she pedaled slowly on her bike. Ash, hands in his pockets, glanced over at her and thought, 'Well, I guess since I didn't completely wreck her bike, so she's not following me around yet. Maybe I'll figure out how to fix that later... maybe not, i don't know, wouldn't mind having a solo adventure'
As they kept moving, Ash's gaze drifted upward, and that's when he saw it.
A red and gold bird, majestic, gleaming in the sunlight, soared high above the trees, gliding effortlessly across the sky, 'Ho-Oh…' He turned to the others, about to say something, but they were busy chatting, none of them even glancing up.
'Seriously?' Ash thought, exasperated. 'How do they not see a giant golden bird flying right over us?' He glanced down at Pikachu, who had also stopped in his tracks, staring wide-eyed at the sky. Ash bent down and scooped him up.
"Let's keep that one to ourselves for now, buddy," he whispered, placing Pikachu on his shoulder.
Pikachu gave a small nod, his tail swishing quietly.
'Well,' Ash mused, 'I'm coming out of Route 1 better than the old Ash did. Me and Pikachu aren't nearly dead, I caught the leader of the Spearows, and I'm not in debt over a bike. Those things cost over a million Pokédollars, and somehow people still buy them, no wonder they keep selling at that price.'
He shook his head, amused at the absurdity, when a sudden voice echoed over the loudspeakers in the distance.
"Attention, people of Viridian City. Attention, people of Viridian City. We have reports of Pokémon thieves in the area. Be on the lookout for suspicious-looking strangers. Repeat, be on the lookout for suspicious-looking stra—"
The message cut off abruptly as they approached the outskirts of Viridian City, where a woman in uniform stood by the entrance. Dark teal hair, purple cap, red trim on her shirt, a gold star on her chest, and a no-nonsense look in her eyes, it was Officer Jenny, flanked by a Growlithe.
She held up a hand to stop them, her gaze locking on Pikachu perched on Ash's shoulder.
"Hold it right there! We've had reports of Pokémon thieves in the area," she said firmly, pointing to a nearby wanted poster. The poster showed two familiar faces: a man with blue hair and a woman with pink hair.
"I'm going to need to see your IDs, or you'll be coming down to the station with me," she added, though her eyes seemed locked on Ash the whole time.
Misty casually pulled out her ID and gave it to her. And then Ash, Green, and Gary gave her their Pokédex, Officer Jenny studied it, her Growlithe sniffing at Pikachu but not growling.
After a moment, she handed their IDs back with a quick apology. "Sorry for the trouble. Stay safe, and be careful. Those thieves are still at large."
The group walked away in silence for a moment. When they were out of earshot, Ash finally spoke up, "What was that about? Did she think I was a thief because Pikachu wasn't in his Pokéball? Her Growlithe wasn't in one, and I didn't call her a thief."
Misty glanced over, raising an eyebrow. "Well, why don't you just keep Pikachu in his Pokéball, then? Wouldn't it make more sense to let him rest after a battle?"
Ash shrugged, "Pikachu doesn't really like being in his Pokéball. I mean i have it, it's right here in my pocket, but he just prefers being out with me,"
Pikachu just nodded, crossing his arms, "Pika!"
Ash shook off the moment. "Anyway, did you guys see that wanted poster? The one with the blue-haired guy and the pink-haired girl?"
Gary sighed putting his arms behind his head, "Yeah, I saw it. They're probably just grunts, rookies who haven't even stolen anything yet. The fact that the only cop out here is Officer Jenny kind of says it all."
Ash nodded, then he got a smirk on his face as he looked over to Gary. "I'll bet you a 1000 Pokédollars they try to rob the Pokémon Center."
Gary laughed, shaking Ash's hand, "Easiest money of my life. No way anyone's that dumb."
Misty leaned toward Green, lowering her voice, "Are they always like this?"
Green smirked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, "No. Sometimes they're even worse."
As they finally arrived at the Pokémon Center, the automatic doors slid open with a gentle whoosh. The group stepped inside, taking in the familiar, welcoming sight—bright lights, clean counters, and a soft warmth that promised safety after a long day.
Behind the front desk stood a woman with bright pink hair tucked under a nurse's cap, her fair skin glowing under the lights. She wore a Mexican-pink dress with a crisp white apron and flat Mary Janes, her expression gentle yet efficient. A Chansey beside her, wearing a matching nurse hat, beamed at the group.
"Hello!" Nurse Joy greeted cheerfully, her voice warm and practiced. "How can I help you today?"
"Chansey!" the pink Pokémon added with a happy little dance.
Misty stepped forward, a hint of relief in her voice. "Do you have any rooms available for the night?"
Nurse Joy smiled. "Of course! We have plenty of rooms open tonight."
Misty let out a visible sigh of relief. "Thank Arceus…"
Gary smirked but didn't comment, while Green gave a small chuckle at her friend's expense.
Ash stepped up to the counter, holding out Spearow's Pokéball. "I'll wait down here, my Pokémon need some treatment after today."
He gently lifted Pikachu from his shoulder, setting him down carefully in front of Chansey. "They'll make sure you're all good, buddy."
Pikachu blinked up at him, then nodded slightly as Chansey scooped him up with a cheerful, "Chansey!"
Ash turned back to Nurse Joy, tapping the Pokéball lightly. "Just a heads-up, this is Spearow. I haven't opened his ball since I caught him. He's... a little aggressive. And Pikachu doesn't really like going into his Pokeball."
Nurse Joy nodded, a practiced smile on her face. "Understood. We'll handle them with care." She motioned to a pair of Chansey, and they disappeared into the back.
With that done, Ash took a seat in the lobby, letting out a long breath. Gary, Green, and Misty headed off to sort out their rooms, leaving Ash alone for a moment.
He leaned back in the chair, stretching his arms behind his head. Okay, so if I remember right, Jessie and James will probably show up in... what, an hour? Maybe less. Until then... He glanced at the computer station. Might as well call Mom and Professor Oak.
He stood up and moved to the video phone, tapping in the number for the Ketchum household. It rang a few times before he heard a familiar voice.
"Ketchum residence!"
"Hey Mom, it's Ash."
There was a sudden crash and the sound of something falling over, followed by frantic shuffling. A second later, the video feed clicked on, there was Delia, still in her bathrobe, towel around her neck, her hair damp. She looked a little frazzled, but her eyes lit up the second she saw him.
"Oh, hi honey! Is everything okay?" she asked, leaning in close like she could reach through the screen. "Where are you right now?"
Ash smiled a little. "I'm at the Pokémon Center in Viridian City."
Delia's eyes widened in surprise, a bright smile spreading across her face. "Viridian City already?! Oh, Ash, that's wonderful! It took your father four days to get there when he started his journey. He'll be so proud, you really are the apple of his eye."
Ash felt his cheeks flush, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks, Mom. Uh... yeah, it's been a day, though. We had a run-in with a Spearow, it attacked Pikachu before it could call for backup."
Delia's face softened. "Oh, sweetie, I'm so glad you're safe. But make sure you rest, okay? You'll need your energy if you're heading through Viridian Forest tomorrow."
"I know, Mom. I will."
"I love you, Ash."
"I love you too, Mom."
He hung up the call, letting out a breath. He leaned back in the chair, staring at the ceiling for a moment before a familiar voice broke through his thoughts.
"Hey, Ash. That your mom you were talking to?" Ash looked up to see Gary strolling over, hands in his pockets,
"Yeah," Ash said, sitting up a bit straighter. "She was probably freaking out all day. You know how she is."
Gary smirked. "Yeah, Kanto Mom™ levels of worry. So, what, you're just chilling down here while I'm up there snagging the best room?"
Ash rolled his eyes. "I figured you'd race Green for the best bed. I could sleep on the floor if i had to, i have remember our sleepovers,"
"Ah, good times, too bad we could never decide whose house to hang out in," Gary chuckled, "I mean i had the bigger TV, but your mom makes way better food than Daisy, don't tell her i said that,"
"I won't, its fine," Ash shook his head, "But what about Green's place, she has … 2 parents," that made both of them laugh,
Gary shook his head calming down, he went over and grabbed a chair by Ash, "Well, Green and that girl Misty are actually in the shower now, so I thought I'd come down and call Gramps. Let him know I'm still alive and all."
Before Ash could reply, the computer chimed with an incoming call, loud and clear.
-Ring, ring, ring. Phone call, phone call…-
Gary arched an eyebrow. "Speak of the devil."
Ash pressed the answer button, and the screen flickered to life, revealing Professor Oak, though he was staring into the wrong camera, giving them a great view of the back of his head.
"Hello, Ash! Oh, and hello to you too, Gary! I see you both made it safely to Viridian City."
Gary immediately cut in, smirking. "Gramps, you're looking into the wrong camera. All we can see is the back of your head."
Oak blinked in confusion, turning this way and that, before the screen went black. A few clattering sounds later, the camera feed returned, and Oak's face finally appeared, though a little off-center. He tried to play it off like nothing had happened.
"Ahem! Well, Ash, your mother informed me you all made it to the Pokémon Center safely. So, tell me, who caught the first Pokémon?"
Before Ash could say anything, Gary leaned forward with a grin. "Gramps, we're not acting like that didn't just happen."
Ash snorted, but before they could keep teasing the Professor, a doorbell rang in the background on Oak's end.
"Oh! That must be my pizza, terribly sorry to cut this short. It was nice chatting with you two. Please send Green my regards. Good luck!" And just like that, the call disconnected before Gary could get another word in.
Gary let out a long, exasperated sigh, hands on his hips. "Figures. Can't even get a full conversation with the old man."
Before Ash could respond, Nurse Joy approached, holding out Pikachu, who looked nice and healthy, and handing over Spearow's Pokéball.
"They're both in good condition. Here you go!" she said with a warm smile.
"Thanks a lot," Ash said, taking Pikachu in his arms. The moment Pikachu touched down, a zap of static electricity coursed through Ash, making him yelp and drop to a knee. Pikachu giggled, cheeks sparking mischievously. "Pika-Pika pi!"
Gary nearly doubled over laughing, barely keeping it together. "Looks like someone's still got a bit of an attitude."
Ash gave Pikachu a tired look, rubbing his arm where the static bit him. "Well, guess I don't have your trust just yet. We've still got some work to do, huh?"
Pikachu, in an unexpected moment of honesty, shook his head and muttered, "Chu Pika-pi, Pikachu."
Nurse Joy tilted her head, concerned. "Are you okay?"
Ash nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just a little static shock. Nothing too bad."
"Well, you should head upstairs and settle in. Get some rest for tomorrow."
Gary, stretching his arms above his head, added, "Yeah, I should—"
But he was cut off by the sudden blare of alarms, flashing red lights washing over the lobby.
"Attention!" Nurse Joy's voice crackled over the intercom. "Our radars have detected a large aircraft belonging to a gang of Pokémon thieves. If you have a Pokémon in your possession, exercise extreme caution!"
Before the message even ended, the lights dimmed, and a thick smokescreen erupted from the center of the lobby. A gust of wind swept through the room as the smoke cleared, revealing two figures striking a dramatic pose, their Pokémon by their side.
A woman with long, magenta hair, curled into a comet-tail, and large green orb earrings stepped forward. Beside her, a tall man with shoulder-length periwinkle hair and a single fringe falling between his green eyes. Between them, a Meowth stood proudly, arms crossed and grinning smugly.
Ash's eye twitched. 'Oh, here we go…'
The trio began their routine in perfect, synchronized rhythm:
♪ Jessie: Prepare for trouble!
James: Make it double!
Jessie: To protect the world from devastation!
James: To unite all peoples within our nation!
Jessie: To denounce the evils of truth and love!
James: To extend our reach to the stars above!
Jessie: Jessie!
James: James!
Jessie: Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!
James: Surrender now or prepare to fight!
Meowth: Meowth! That's right! ♪
Ash and Gary stood there in stunned silence, the overly dramatic performance catching them off guard.
Finally, Gary groaned, reaching into his pocket. He fished out a 1000 Pokédollar bill and handed it over to Ash without a word.