Ashen stared at the three Pokéballs, heart pounding in his chest. Each one shone in the morning light, their stickers symbolizing the type of Pokémon inside.
His hand hovered over them, trembling.
'I never envisioned my life going this way… but my life has already changed too much. Maybe it's time for my dreams to change too.'
Ashen finally lowered his hand to the Pokéball with the water sticker on it.
"You want the Squirtle… It's a good choice," Professor Oak said, nodding thoughtfully. "But don't be hasty. You should see all of them first before deciding."
Without waiting for a reply, Oak picked up the three Pokéballs and released them.
In flashes of red light, the Pokémon materialized before Ashen.
Standing on the left side was a frog-like Pokémon with a bulb on its back. Ashen recognized it immediately.
"That's a Bulbasaur. I read about those… When they evolve, the plant on their back matures," Ashen said, leaning forward on the bed to take a good look.
"Correct," Professor Oak said, cheering him up, making sure the excitement stayed alive.
Then in the middle was Squirtle, jumping up and down, looking very energetic.
Ashen just laughed at the sight of the Pokémon.
Tilting his head to the right, he saw Charmander. Ashen was fascinated by its bright colors. Its tail flicked softly behind it, almost hypnotizing. Ashen followed the movement, fixated on the tip of its tail where the flame danced.
Ashen stared at it, his mind going blank for a moment. The room fell completely silent.
Then the memories of the incident resurfaced—
Charizard.
His home.
His mother's voice.
"NO!" Ashen yelled, jerking backward in the bed. His bandaged arm ached from the sudden movement, and he nearly fell over the side.
Professor Oak, a bit worried and confused, called out his name. "Ashen!"
Ashen didn't hear him. His eyes were wild, locked on the flame.
The little Fire-type looked startled, backing away with wide eyes. Its flame dimmed slightly as it grew scared.
Ashen stumbled to his feet, heart hammering in his chest. He knocked over a shelf, sending books crashing to the ground.
"PUT IT BACK!" he screamed, backing into the wall. "GET IT AWAY FROM ME!"
Oak followed Ashen's gaze—his eyes landing on Charmander's tail.
He moved swiftly, pulling out the Pokéball and recalling Charmander in a flash of red light.
Silence fell as Ashen stood there, breathing heavily.
Professor Oak waited a moment before stepping closer—slowly, carefully.
"It's okay," he said softly. "You're safe. It's gone."
Ashen slid down the wall and sank to the floor, hands shaking. His eyes were distant, but slowly returning to the present.
"I'm sorry, Professor. I don't know what happened… but as soon as I saw the flames, it was… it was like I was reliving that moment again."
"You don't have to explain," Oak interrupted gently. "What happened to you… leaves marks. Not just on the body."
Oak offered him his hand, helping him up.
Ashen gripped it firmly, pulling himself back to his feet.
"You know, if you need more time—"
"No, Professor. You were right. I really do need to sort myself out before I can settle."
"I'll choose Squirtle," Ashen said. "Not because I'm running from fire... but because I need to move forward."
Oak smiled. "That's the spirit."
Ashen bent down, carefully reaching out his hand. Squirtle didn't hesitate—it stepped forward and pressed its tiny blue head into Ashen's palm.
A small, unexpected smile tugged at the corner of Ashen's lips.
"Looks like it chose you back," Oak said.
Professor Oak walked over to a nearby cabinet, rummaging through a drawer until he pulled out a sleek red device. He turned and placed it into Ashen's hands.
"This is a Pokédex," he explained. "It'll automatically record data on any Pokémon you see or catch.I think you'll put it to good use."
Ashen looked down at the Pokédex, then at Squirtle, who beamed up at him with eager eyes. He clenched his jaw and gave a firm nod.
'This is it, huh? It'll be the beginning of my journey. Even though it started with tears and destruction… I'll make something beautiful out of this.'
Oak wasn't done yet. He opened another drawer and handed Ashen a small pouch containing a few Pokéballs and a stack of bills.
"Here's some money to get you started. And—ah, yes—something else." Oak moved to the wardrobe near the wall and retrieved a neatly folded set of clothes. A travel jacket with a high collar, a pair of sturdy boots, and fingerless gloves.
Ashen blinked. "You didn't have to do all this…"
"I wanted to," Oak said, placing a gentle hand on Ashen's shoulder. "If you want to repay me… just be the best version of yourself. That's more than enough."
Ashen was mentally prepared now.
"When should I start?" he asked.
Oak smiled. "Why not now? The sun's still up, the road is clear, and your journey's waiting."
Ashen looked at his body. He was covered in burn marks, bruises, and scars—but if he didn't leave now, he'd be too scared to ever leave again.
Ashen turned toward the door.
'I don't know where I'll go, but taking the first step is important.
Just as he reached the door, Oak called out, "One more thing!"
Ashen turned back.
"Where do you plan to head to?" Oak asked—the very question that Ashen had been thinking about.
Ashen shook his head in embarrassment.
Professor Oak let out a sigh. "You know you could just ask me."
Ashen scratched his head, laughing. "I didn't wanna look stupid."
"You're not the only one from Pallet Town to leave on a journey. Red, Ash, and even my grandson Gary… they've all set out to become Pokémon Masters. Maybe… you can too."
Ashen raised an eyebrow, curious. "Pokémon Master?"
Oak chuckled. "To become one, you'll need to take the Gym Challenge. There are eight official Gyms across the Kanto region. Beat the Gym Leaders, collect their badges, and once you have all eight—you can enter the Pokémon League. Win there, and you'll be crowned the Regional Champion."
Ashen's eyes widened slightly. "So… it's like proving you're the best?"
"It's more than that," Oak said. "It's about growth. Bonding with your Pokémon. Learning to lead—and to trust."
Ashen nodded, slowly digesting the words.
"I think I'll do that… How do I start?"
"Head north from Pallet Town. Route 1 will take you straight to Viridian City. There, you should find your first Gym."
Ashen bowed to him before finally heading outside. The sun was shining bright. He was covered in injuries—both physical and mental—but he was determined.
Squirtle hopped onto his shoulder. Ashen felt a sharp pain as the little guy landed, but he didn't react. He just gently patted Squirtle.
He set his eyes on the town's exit, walking in that direction all the while.
There was a slight sadness in his heart. He had lost his mom… his house… and now he was about to leave the town he grew up in behind.
But he knew—that's how life worked.
Always moving forward.
And so, the journey had begun.