Pokemon : Rewind

After spending two peaceful days marveling at the Pokémon Performance Conference in Cherrygrove City, Ash, Misty, and Brock were back on the road. 

Their next destination was Violet City, where Ash was eager to face his first Johto Gym Challenge. 

The trio trudged through the winding paths of Route 30, flanked by towering trees and the sounds of rustling foliage. 

As they progressed, they noticed a crisp breeze cutting through the air, making Misty shiver slightly. 

"Is it just me, or is it getting colder?" Misty asked, rummaging through her backpack to pull on a long-sleeved shirt. 

"It's because we're climbing higher," Brock replied knowingly, pointing off into the distance. "See those mountains? The peaks are covered in snow already." 

Ash and Misty looked ahead, their eyes widening at the sight of the towering peaks layered with glistening white caps. 

"No wonder the air feels chilly," Ash noted, pulling his jacket tighter as the wind rustled the surrounding trees. 

Misty's grin returned as she saw the scenic beauty. "You know, we could take a detour and check out the ski resort on the mountain. I've heard it's gorgeous!" 

Brock's face lit up at the idea. "A vacation in the snow sounds perfect—beautiful views, hot cocoa, and maybe meeting some new friends!" At the mention of friends he looked lost in his fantasy. 

But Ash waved them off. "We'll do that later. For now, look over there!" 

He pointed toward a sunny grassy slope just ahead. Sprawled lazily in the sunlight was a Chikorita, its vibrant green body glinting in the afternoon rays. 

The large, leaf-like crest on its head waved in the gentle breeze as it basked, utterly relaxed and at peace. 

"Isn't it adorable?" Misty cooed, clutching Togepi close with wide eyes. 

As if sensing the attention, the Chikorita's crimson eyes opened and scanned the newcomers. 

Its peaceful demeanor instantly shifted to one of defiance. It stood confidently, its small legs firmly planted as it flicked the leaf on its head in a warning gesture. 

"Chiko!" it exclaimed, stamping its foot and puffing out its chest as though challenging the group for invading its space. 

Ash's eyes lit up in excitement. "I've gotta catch that Chikorita!" 

Misty smirked, crossing her arms. "So much for puzzle pieces and strategy. Are we back to catching anything that moves now, Ash?" 

Ash cleared his throat awkwardly. "W-well, uh… it's different now! I've realized that catching new Pokémon in every region is part of becoming stronger! Besides," he added, scratching the back of his head, "training new Pokémon is a great learning experience for both us and them." 

Misty rolled her eyes playfully. "Sure, Ash, whatever helps you sleep at night." 

"Pikachu," Ash said, looking down at his partner, "you ready?" 

"Pika!" Pikachu leapt off Ash's shoulder, sparks already flickering from its red cheeks as it prepared for the upcoming battle. 

Chikorita snorted, her leaf fluttering as she took the challenge head-on. Without hesitation, she attacked first, whipping her leaf forward to unleash Razor Leaf. 

"Pikachu, dodge it, then use Quick Attack!" Ash called out. 

Pikachu dashed to the side, narrowly avoiding the spinning leaves that sliced through a nearby bush. It then hurtled forward in a white blur, making a beeline for Chikorita. 

But Chikorita was no pushover. Anticipating the move, the clever Grass-type whipped out her Vine Whip, the green tendrils extending toward Pikachu. They lashed forward like coiled snakes, forcing Pikachu to leap into the air to avoid them. 

"Alright, Pikachu, let's try Thunder Shock—but aim low this time!" Ash commanded. 

The electric mouse landed gracefully, then sent a small jolt of electricity coursing toward Chikorita's feet. The faint charge grounded into the earth as Chikorita stumbled, momentarily slowed. 

"Chiko!" she cried, shaking herself off before glaring determinedly at Pikachu. Despite the soft hit, she wasn't about to give up. 

Instead, Chikorita spun around, using her vines to pull herself toward Pikachu with sudden speed. 

Ash grinned. "You've got to move quicker, Pikachu! Dodge again!" 

Pikachu crouched and attempted another Quick Attack, this time taking a wide arc around Chikorita to outmaneuver her. 

Chikorita, breathing heavily but holding her ground, watched carefully as Pikachu rushed straight toward her. But then—without any warning—Ash called out: 

"Pikachu! Stop and make a mistake—make her think you're vulnerable!" 

Pikachu skidded to a halt directly in front of Chikorita, feigning an opening. Chikorita's eyes gleamed at the apparent opportunity and swiftly flicked her Vine Whip. 

But as she lashed out, she narrowly missed—Pikachu darted backward at the last second. 

"Now, Iron Tail!" Ash shouted. 

Pikachu's glowing tail swung like a hammer toward Chikorita, hitting her squarely in the chest and sending her tumbling. A cloud of dust rose where she fell. 

"Chiko…" Chikorita groaned as she struggled to her feet, shaking dirt off with every movement. 

Her glossy green body showed signs of the battle's exhaustion, but her fiery spirit burned bright. 

"She doesn't want to give up," Brock said in admiration, watching Chikorita's resolve. 

"It's tough, that's for sure," Misty murmured, impressed by the Grass-type's persistence. Even Togepi clapped its stubby hands cheerfully. 

Ash's eyes softened as he saw the determination in Chikorita's eyes. "You've got so much spirit," he said gently, a note of respect in his voice. 

"Alright, Chikorita, let's give this one more shot. Pikachu, use Electro Ball—but keep it low-powered!" 

Pikachu summoned a crackling orb of electricity, hurling it toward Chikorita. The attack wasn't strong enough to knock her out, but it sent her skidding backward as small arcs of electricity danced across her body. 

"We'll give you a chance to shine, Chikorita," Ash said softly. He pulled an empty Poké Ball from his belt. "Ready to join us?" 

With a flick of his wrist, Ash tossed the Poké Ball. The red-and-white sphere struck Chikorita lightly on her leaf, opening to consume her in a red light. 

The ball dropped to the ground with a light clink, wobbling as it began its pattern of rhythmic shakes. 

"One shake…" 

Ash held his breath. 

"Two shakes…" 

Misty clutched Togepi tightly, her eyes glued to the Poké Ball. 

"…Two…" 

The ball suddenly stopped mid-wobble, its red button flashing as if Chikorita were resisting. 

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