POKEMON : THE WAY OF PERCEPTION

The next morning, Ash woke up early, feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep. Looking around, he noticed that Misty and his three Pokémon were still fast asleep. Quietly, he slipped out of the tent to prepare breakfast without disturbing them.

The fire from the night before had burned down to embers, but Ash had grown adept at rekindling it. Gathering dry grass and sticks, he soon had a small fire blazing again. Their water supply was running low, just enough to last until they reached Pewter City, so Ash worked efficiently to prepare a simple breakfast of porridge.

As the aroma filled the air, Pikachu emerged from the tent, rubbing its eyes sleepily. When it saw Ash, it perked up and leapt onto his shoulder with a delighted "Pika pika!"

"Good morning, Pikachu," Ash greeted, patting his partner on the head. He handed Pikachu some Pokémon food he'd prepared earlier. Pikachu eagerly began munching, its tail wagging happily.

Ash then returned to the tent to wake the others. "Misty, it's time for breakfast. Go wash up," he called, gently rousing her. Kakuna and Pidgeotto were also stirred from their slumber.

Misty yawned as she sat up, still wrapped in her sleeping bag. "Good morning, Ash," she mumbled groggily, making her way out of the tent.

After everyone had eaten, the group set off again. Their goal was to reach Pewter City by afternoon, and Ash was determined not to waste any time. The route ahead led them through the outskirts of Viridian Forest and across a wide grassland. This area, part of Route 2, was a haven for beginner Trainers and Pokémon.

As they walked, the Pokémon living in the grassland caught Ash's attention. None of them appeared particularly strong, but a few Trainers nearby had rare species like Scyther and Electabuzz. These Pokémon drew admiration—and envy—from other Trainers resting in the area.

By midday, Misty started to tire. Used to traveling by bicycle, she was unaccustomed to long hikes. "Ash, can we take a break?" she asked, looking visibly worn out.

"Sure," Ash agreed, checking the time. They found a shady spot to sit and enjoy the bento meals they had prepared earlier.

While they ate, Ash observed the other Trainers around them. Most seemed to have relatively low-level Pokémon, with a few exceptions. As he finished his meal and prepared to move on, a tall boy approached them.

"Hi there, I'm Asen, from Pewter City," the boy introduced himself. He looked to be around 12 years old and carried himself with a confident—almost smug—air.

"Hello," Ash and Misty replied politely.

"Are you heading to Pewter City to challenge the gym?" Asen asked, glancing at Pikachu on Ash's shoulder with a smirk.

"That's right," Ash confirmed, though he was puzzled by the question.

Asen chuckled. "I couldn't help but notice the Pokémon you've got—Pikachu, Pidgeotto, and Kakuna. None of them are suited for a gym challenge, especially not Brock's Rock-type gym."

"So what?" Misty shot back, frowning. She didn't like Asen's tone. She also recognized him as the Trainer with an Electabuzz from earlier.

"You're not qualified to challenge the Pewter Gym," Asen sneered. His words drew the attention of other Trainers nearby, who watched with a mix of curiosity and unease. "No, let me rephrase—you're not qualified to challenge the Pokémon League at all! They'll let just any cat or dog in these days."

Ash's expression hardened, though he remained calm. Misty, however, was visibly furious and opened her mouth to retort, but Ash held up a hand to stop her.

"Are you trying to stop me from challenging the gym?" Ash asked, his voice steady but cold.

"Stop you?" Asen laughed mockingly. "You're not even worth the effort. If you're a real Trainer, then prove it—battle me!"

"Gladly," Ash replied, his lips curling into a slight smirk. "But let me return the favor—everything you just said about me? I'll show you it's all wrong."

The crowd murmured as Ash stepped forward, Pikachu leaping off his shoulder and landing on the ground with a determined spark in its eyes. Misty watched from the sidelines, her anger giving way to anticipation. She had full confidence in Ash.

Asen smirked and sent out his Electabuzz, its muscular form crackling with electricity. "Let's see what you've got, rookie!"

Ash remained unfazed. "Pikachu, you're up!"

The battle began with Electabuzz launching a Thunderbolt, its power lighting up the field. Pikachu narrowly dodged, using its agility to close the gap. Ash called for a Quick Attack, and Pikachu dashed forward, landing a solid hit.

"Not bad," Asen admitted grudgingly. "But it'll take more than that to beat me. Electabuzz, use Thunder Punch!"

Electabuzz's fist glowed with electricity as it charged at Pikachu. "Dodge and counter with Iron Tail!" Ash commanded.

Pikachu leapt into the air, its tail shimmering like steel. It spun mid-air, striking Electabuzz squarely on the shoulder. The impact sent Electabuzz stumbling backward.

The battle raged on, with both Pokémon giving it their all. The crowd watched in awe as Ash demonstrated not only his skill but also his bond with Pikachu. Every move was executed with precision, and Pikachu fought with unwavering determination.

Finally, as Electabuzz prepared a final Thunder Punch, Ash called out, "Pikachu, finish it with Thunderbolt!"

Pikachu unleashed a powerful bolt of electricity that struck Electabuzz head-on, knocking it out. The crowd erupted in cheers, and Asen stared in disbelief.

"Looks like you underestimated me," Ash said, walking over to Pikachu and scooping it up. "Everyone has the right to chase their dreams, Asen. Remember that."

Asen muttered something under his breath before recalling his Electabuzz and walking away, his pride clearly wounded.

Misty clapped Ash on the back. "You showed him! That was amazing."

Ash smiled. "Thanks, Misty. Now, let's get to Pewter City—I've got a badge to win."

With their spirits high, the group continued their journey, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

----------------------------------------

Visit our Patreon for more:

patreon.com/Johnwick007

Extra Content Already Available