Morning came with golden light filtering through the Pokémon Center's blinds. I didn't need an alarm. I was already awake heart thudding with quiet excitement.
No distortion. No false sunrise.
Just a real morning in a real world.
[COBBLEMON SYSTEM: Passive Mode Active]Region Sync: Complete – Local Wild Pokémon Patterns Available
I stepped outside with Charmegabyte, his wings stretching wide as he inhaled the crisp Viridian air. Around us, trainers were already moving some heading toward the Gym, others toward the forest.
I wasn't in a rush for badges.
Today, I wanted my first real catch.
Into the Forest
Viridian Forest. Dense, alive. The trees here held generations of battles, captures, and stories.
Charmegabyte stayed airborne but close. The wild Pokémon watched us Metapod clinging to bark, Pidgey fluttering between branches, a lone Weedle retreating into the tall grass.
Then I saw it.
Perched atop a moss-covered log, munching berries with calm precision…
Bulbasaur.
Not a rare sight but something about it clicked. It looked strong. Independent. Not part of a herd.
[COBBLEMON SYSTEM SCAN]Bulbasaur – Wild – Cautious, Slightly CuriousLevel Estimate: 14Status: Solo Roamer – Not claimed by any TrainerDisposition: Defends itself when challenged. Not hostile.
I reached for a Pokéball. The first real throw.
Charmegabyte growled softly.
"I know. I'll go alone."
I stepped forward slowly. "Hey there. Want to travel together?"
Bulbasaur looked up.
We locked eyes.
And then
"HEY! That's MY find!"
A voice snapped through the woods.
I turned.
A boy about my age pushed through the trees tall, lean, with windswept green hair and a sleek jacket. His belt had two Pokéballs already clipped.
He had a strange confidence not arrogant, but sharp.
"You gonna steal someone else's challenge?" he asked, arms crossed. "Kinda lame for a first-timer."
I tilted my head. "Didn't see your name on it."
He smirked. "Didn't need to. He responds to me."
Bulbasaur looked between us then deliberately turned its back to the new guy and faced me.
"…Huh," the boy muttered. "So he chose you. Fine. Then you and I fight for it."
[BATTLE INITIATED – Trainer Challenge]Opponent: ??? – Name UnknownTeam: 2 Pokémon
He threw out a Pokéball Elekid emerged, electricity sparking from its horns.
I smiled.
"Charmegabyte your turn."
My Charizard landed like thunder, eyes blazing. Elekid's trainer actually flinched.
"You're using a Charizard already?"
I shrugged. "He's been with me a while."
He scowled. "Elekid Thunder Wave!"
"Dodge and close in."
Charmegabyte blurred forward, faster than he should be for his size. The electricity missed by inches. Then his claws slammed into the ground in front of Elekid—not hurting it, but kicking up a shockwave of dust and dominance.
Elekid stumbled, wide-eyed.
[Opponent Elekid – Flinched – Unable to Move Next Turn]
"End it. Ember nonlethal."
The flame hit square in the chest, knocking Elekid back without burning. The trainer's eyes widened in stunned defeat.
"…He's out," he admitted, returning Elekid.
A long silence.
Then he stepped forward.
"…Name's Kael," he said, brushing leaves off his shoulder. "You're not like the other rookies."
I smiled. "Not a rookie."
Kael looked at me a moment longer, then turned and walked off into the forest.
"Keep that Bulbasaur safe," he called back. "Next time we meet, I'm taking it."
Bulbasaur's Decision
I turned back to the mossy log. Bulbasaur stepped down slowly and approached.
No battle. No show of force.
He simply touched his forehead to my knee, then looked up expectantly.
[Bulbasaur has chosen to join you willingly.]Pokéball Ready: Yes / No?
I tapped the ball and held it out.
Bulbasaur tapped the center himself.
Click.
Back at the Pokémon Center
That night, I sat by the window, the Pokéball warm in my hand.
Bulbasaur. Charmegabyte. Butterfree's blessing. A rival named Kael.
This wasn't a game.
This was a beginning.