Chapter Two: Who Are You?
“Who’s there?!”
Ash was startled by the sudden voice, but looking around, he found he was alone.
A ghost?
Oh, there was a bicycle beside him, completely burnt to a crisp, resembling a dried fish.
“Right, whose bike is this?”
He only remembered grabbing a random bike in a rush, but as for its original owner—
No impression.
He recalled being by the river, seeing a dazzling blue dragon—perhaps he should turn back and take another look?
...
Meanwhile, Red found himself in a mysterious space.
Gray mist surrounded him, yet he could sense the thoughts of this peculiar youth, as if seamlessly linked.
The constant leaps in imagination made Red’s scalp tingle; do ordinary humans really think this much?
If he didn’t interrupt, who knows where this person’s thoughts would wander. At last, Red couldn’t help but remind him:
“Pokémon Center...”
The voice startled Ash again.
He finally came to his senses. Ho-Oh’s healing wasn’t omnipotent; right now, the most important thing was to head to the Pokémon Center.
If Pikachu suffered lingering complications like rheumatism, it would be a serious issue.
Regardless of whether he was possessed, Ash tucked the Rainbow Feather into his pocket, scooped up Pikachu, and ran off in the direction Ho-Oh had left.
As for his destination—
He had no idea, but following Ho-Oh’s path felt right...
...
...
Viridian City, Pokémon Center.
Ash handed Pikachu to Nurse Joy.
He hadn’t expected, after running blindly, to emerge from the forest and reach a bustling city.
Under Nurse Joy’s guidance, Ash registered as a Trainer with his Pokédex, enabling him to enjoy the many benefits the Pokémon League provided—free use of Pokémon Center facilities, free treatment, free lodging, and more...
It’s worth noting Pokémon Centers are chain establishments across the country and even the world.
...
“Ding~ ding~ ding ding ding~”
Soon after, Pikachu emerged, bandaged but otherwise unharmed.
According to Nurse Joy, the situation had been critical; any later and Pikachu’s wounds might have healed improperly.
“Pika!”
Seeing Ash again, Pikachu’s eyes lit up and he leapt onto Ash’s shoulder, affectionately.
Ash’s pride soared; he felt like a real Trainer at last. Smiling, he couldn’t help but rub Pikachu’s head.
Covered in mud, Ash decided to head to the lodging rooms behind the Pokémon Center for a thorough bath.
But spotting the public phone nearby, curiosity got the better of him.
...
“Hello, this is Ash’s mother.”
The call connected, and Delia’s voice came through.
Ash’s mother was even more carefree than Ash himself.
Ash couldn’t resist boasting, “Mom, I made it to Viridian City.”
“Oh Ash, why are you covered in mud?”
Delia noticed something else.
“Oh, there was a heavy rain in Viridian earlier, and a passing car splashed me.”
Ash didn’t dare tell the truth, hastily pressing Pikachu’s bandaged body to his side lest Delia see and start nagging.
“You’re so reckless! Boys need to stay safe outside, remember to wear—”
Despite his efforts, Delia still began her endless reminders.
As she spoke, her face took on a hint of pride.
“But it’s amazing you made it to Viridian in just one day! Your father took several days when he first traveled there.”
Ash was bewildered; memories of his father hadn’t surfaced in his mind for ages.
“In any case, you must become a Trainer stronger than your father and grandfather. Go for it, Ash!”
Delia hung up.
Ash set down the phone, finally heading back to bathe.
He turned and saw a wallpaper in the Pokémon Center, depicting four Pokémon totems.
Three were bird-like, and one bore a striking resemblance to the colorful bird he’d encountered earlier.
So Fearow is so famous...?
He scratched his head, puzzled.
...
“Beep beep beep...”
At that moment, the phone rang.
Ash looked around—no one else was there, so he cautiously answered.
On the screen appeared an elderly man with gray hair, a white lab coat, and a stern yet slightly eccentric expression.
This was Professor Oak, who had given Pikachu to Ash as his starter Pokémon.
“Oh Ash, I heard from your mother you arrived in Viridian, so I called.”
Ash grinned and nodded.
“Well, to be honest, I didn’t have much hope for you, but casting a wide net sometimes catches a big fish. The better you perform, the more glory I get...”
Professor Oak rambled on.
Ash frowned, tempted to hang up.
“So, how many Pokémon have you caught?”
Ash jolted, backing away, reluctant to face him directly.
But in the end, he braced himself and replied:
“Uh... at the moment... less than thirty...?”
Professor Oak’s expression changed instantly, disappointment written all over his face.
“You never fail to disappoint me in terms of disappointment...”
Ash hurried to defend himself:
“But I saw an amazing Fearow, just like the one in the totem!”
“Just a common Fearow... The ones on the wallpaper are extremely special Pokémon, there’s no way a beginner like you could—”
Professor Oak abruptly gaped, eyes wide and bulging so much they seemed about to burst through the screen.
Ash had pulled out the Rainbow Feather, trying to prove himself:
“It really was a super cool Fearow—even a bit bald. This is one of its feathers.”
Professor Oak: “!!!”
Even through the screen, he could sense a mysterious, sacred glow.
The Rainbow Feather radiated vibrant colors, a haze of light that surpassed any ordinary Pokémon’s feather.
This kid really lucked out and encountered a legendary Pokémon?!
Professor Oak’s demeanor changed again, even faster than before.
“Ash, you’re a good kid. Why don’t you mail me the feather so I can have a look...”
“Hey, the signal’s bad here, I’ll hang up first!”
Ash rolled his eyes, feigned some static, and quickly hung up.
I’m not so easily bullied!
He tucked away the Rainbow Feather, turning to finally bathe...
...
...
Not long after Ash left.
A girl with orange short hair, tied in pigtails, entered, sweating and carrying a burnt bike.
She scanned the area—no sign of her target—so she dropped the ruined bike on the floor.
Then she strode toward the inner door, cheeks puffed in frustration.
Having her bike stolen and wrecked was enough to inflame even a Slowpoke.
“The Trainer with Pikachu—I won’t let you get away!”
This girl, Misty, swore silently.
...
Night fell. Ash and Pikachu slept soundly.
It was Ash’s first night as a Trainer—he fell asleep the moment his head hit the pillow.
He slept sweetly, though his posture was ungraceful.
Beside him, Pikachu was the same; having just formed a bond, their movements were already synchronized.
Suddenly—
Ash shot upright, zombie-like.
He stared blankly at his hands.
“Pika?!”
Pikachu raised its head, alertly watching its Trainer, yellow sparks flickering on its cheeks.
Pokémon possess senses beyond humans; although Ash looked unchanged, Pikachu sensed it immediately—
This wasn’t his reckless Trainer!
Red: “...”
At that moment, it was Red, inexplicably absorbed into Ash’s body, who controlled him.
He closed his eyes, feeling the world around him, the air brushing past his skin—a sensation unlike any before, confirming he’d once been nothing but a fictional digital character.
“How ridiculous...”
But perhaps this boy named Ash was fictional too, and he had merely entered a higher level of the fictional world?
“Pika!”
Pikachu’s cry pulled Red from his thoughts.
He opened his eyes to see Pikachu baring its teeth at him.
Red also owned a Pikachu, and knew this gesture meant an imminent attack.
“I mean no harm...”
No problem. Red smiled, gently reached out, and touched Pikachu’s cheek.
Pikachu gradually relaxed under his hand, even began licking Red’s palm.
Pokémon sense human goodness and evil.
Red was a veteran at handling Electric Mice, but the feeling of touching a real Pokémon was entirely new.
“So this is what a real Pokémon is like?”
He gathered Pikachu into his arms.
If Ash suddenly woke and saw this, he’d cough blood.
He’d risked his life to earn Pikachu’s trust, and now a stranger won it so easily?
“Let’s go for a walk.”
Red hooked Pikachu’s chin, and Pikachu hopped onto his shoulder. Together, they walked out the door.
Red didn’t know how long this state would last, but wanted to make the most of it—to truly see this world.
As soon as he stepped outside—
Bang!
The door opposite opened, and the orange-haired girl appeared.
They locked eyes.
“!”
Misty exploded, eyes blazing, and shouted:
“You bike thief, I’ve finally caught you!”
Yet Red simply strode toward the Pokémon Center entrance, not even glancing at her.
“Unbelievable?!”
What was more infuriating than having your bike stolen was the thief ignoring you completely!
Is this the river?!
Misty rushed after him, ready to grab his sleeve.
But before she could touch Red, he moved first, grabbing her wrist.
Red turned his head, his eyes cold, devoid of emotion, radiating a chilling aura.
“Who are you?”
Misty: “???”
Less than twenty-four hours and he’s already wiped the slate clean?!
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(New author, please support!)