Rewriting History | Kanto Day 1

After waking up late, Ash has no starter choices left and is given Pikachu instead. Ash leaves the lab with Pikachu, who refuses to go in a Poké Ball and clearly dislikes him. They argue the whole way to Route 1. Then a wild Spearow attacks. Ash tries to protect Pikachu, and Pikachu realizes that Ash actually cares. That’s when Pikachu blasts the whole flock to save him. It’s their first real bonding moment, not a battle with another person.

Exhausted and singed, Ash collapses beside Pikachu as the storm clears. For the first time, Pikachu doesn’t pull away when Ash reaches out. He lets Ash carry him toward Viridian City, too weak to shock anyone.

At the Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy heals Pikachu, but their peace doesn’t last. Team Rocket bursts in and demands Pikachu. Still shaky from the Spearow fight, Ash steps in front of him. “You’re not taking him,” he says.

Pikachu, seeing Ash defend him again, climbs onto his shoulder. With a single, charged glare, Pikachu unleashes a Thunderbolt that sends Team Rocket blasting off.

That night, Ash stares at his red, white, and green hat. His dad’s words echo: “Meet me at the Pokemon League.” He looks down at Pikachu, who’s finally sleeping in his lap.

“Guess it’s just you and me now,” Ash whispers. “We’ll make it there. Together.”