Pokemon : Rewind

Taking the Poké Ball from Professor Oak, Ash took a deep breath. With excitement in his voice, he tapped the button to zoom in and threw it, shouting,

"Come out, my buddy!"

The Poké Ball spun in mid-air before opening, releasing a beam of white light.

The light condensed on the ground before him, slowly forming the shape of a small Pokémon.

As the light faded, a familiar, cute Pokémon appeared before Ash and Professor Oak.

"P...Pika?" The Pokémon sounded a bit confused as it looked around.

First at Professor Oak, then at Ash, finally realizing its Poké Ball was now in the hands of this new human.

It had yellow fur, long ears tipped with black, and red circles on its cheeks — its electrical sacs.

Its back bore two brown stripes, and a lightning bolt-shaped tail extended from it. It was unmistakably Pikachu, the iconic electric mouse!

Pikachu 

Type: Electric 

Category: Mouse Pokémon 

Ability: Static (Hidden Ability: Lightning Rod)

Static: Contact moves used on this Pokémon may cause paralysis.

Strength: Starter level

Just as Ash was processing Pikachu's appearance, a sudden voice rang in his mind.

[Achievement unlocked: Acquired a starter Pokémon].

[Reward: 1 Lucky Draw. 

[New Features Unlocked: Achievements, Target Tasks]."

Ash blinked in surprise but quickly realized it was the system speaking to him.

Despite the unexpected notification, Ash knew he had more pressing matters — introducing himself to Pikachu, his new partner.

"Hello, Pikachu,"

Ash said, squatting down with a warm smile, extending his hand.

"My name's Ash. From now on, I'll be your friend. Let's take care of each other, okay?"

Ash knew this Pikachu wouldn't easily trust him. It wasn't particularly friendly to strangers and might even shock him in defense.

But Ash wanted to show Pikachu he meant no harm.

"Wait, don't…" Professor Oak started to warn Ash, fearing Pikachu's wild nature might cause it to lash out with an electric attack.

But to the professor's surprise, Pikachu merely tilted its head and studied Ash's extended hand.

After a moment of hesitation, Pikachu reached out with its tail and touched Ash's hand.

Ash's smile brightened. Pikachu's gesture wasn't out of disdain or reluctance. It was a genuine attempt to communicate.

They weren't familiar with each other yet, but this was a start.

"We might not know each other well now," Ash said seriously,

"but I believe we'll become great friends soon." He let Pikachu's tail go and looked the Pokémon in the eyes, showing his sincerity.

"Pika…" Pikachu responded softly, nodding slightly before turning its head, a little shy but not rejecting Ash's kindness.

It sensed something in Ash — a genuine bond waiting to be formed.

"Professor, Pikachu seems to have accepted me. Does that mean I'm officially a trainer?" Ash asked, looking up at Professor Oak.

"Well… yes, I suppose so,"

Professor Oak replied, still in disbelief.

He'd introduced Pikachu to many trainers before, but never had the Pokémon connected so quickly with someone, not even with him, and he had cared for Pikachu for quite some time.

Ash looked up at the professor again.

"Professor, wasn't there something else you were supposed to give me?" 

"Oh! Yes, of course!" Professor Oak snapped back to reality and hurriedly grabbed a red device and six blank Poké Balls from a nearby table.

"This is a Pokédex," he explained, handing the red mechanical booklet to Ash.

"It identifies Pokémon, and also acts as your Trainer ID. You'll need this for gym challenges, Pokémon Center stays, and other official tasks. Keep it safe, and if it gets damaged, contact me immediately."

Ash nodded, accepting both the Pokédex and Poké Balls from the professor.

"Got it!"

Professor Oak then continued,

"Additionally, the Alliance has already deposited your compensation. You'll receive 3,000 pokes per month for a year as compensation for the delay in receiving your Pokémon."

"Really?!" Ash's eyes lit up.

Thirty-six thousand pokes a year was a lot, especially compared to the meager earnings his mother made working at the ranch, which was barely in the early 20,000s annually.

This compensation would help immensely with Ash's journey, covering basic expenses and Pokémon care.

While it wasn't enough to fully cover his needs, it would certainly ease the financial burden.

Professor Oak smiled.

"Now, with Pikachu by your side, it's time to begin your journey. You're planning to challenge the Indigo Plateau Conference, right?"

Ash beamed, thanking the professor with a bow. He then turned to Pikachu, holding out the Poké Ball.

"Pikachu, would you like to return to your Poké Ball?"

"Pika-…" Pikachu looked at the Poké Ball and shook its head.

It didn't want to go inside, preferring to stay out. If it had the strength, it would've already broken out on its own.

"That's fine," Ash said, smiling as he put the Poké Ball away.

"Come up here, then."

Without hesitation, Pikachu leaped onto Ash's outstretched arm, climbed up, and settled on his shoulder.

It was a moment of connection that felt natural, as if the two had been destined to travel together from the start.

Ash gave Pikachu a fond smile and waved goodbye to Professor Oak.

"We're off, Professor!" he called out, already feeling the thrill of adventure bubbling up inside him. With Pikachu by his side, he knew this journey was going to be unforgettable.

____________

Adios