1. Ash's Story (Part 0: Prologue)

Chapter 4

With a resigned nod from the group, they gather their belongings and prepare to embark on their journey, leaving behind the mystery of the missing camper from the Kalos Region for another day.

As they venture deeper into the forest, Professor Oak announces, "All right, it's time to explore the forest and observe the Pokémon living here!"

The children erupt into cheers of excitement as they eagerly scan their surroundings. Ash's attention is drawn to a lively scene unfolding before them – a Squirtle engaged in battle with a Caterpie. "A real live Caterpie!" Ash exclaims, his eyes wide with wonder.

They watch intently as the Squirtle's trainer skillfully throws a Poké Ball, successfully capturing the Caterpie.

"As you just witnessed, you can catch wild Pokémon by throwing Poké Balls at them," Professor Oak explains. "When you turn ten, you can become Pokémon Trainers, receive your own starter Pokémon, and embark on an adventure with Pokémon!"

The children cheer in anticipation, eager to one day begin their own Pokémon journey. Professor Oak continues, "But before that, it's important to acquire plenty of Pokémon knowledge."

"We got it!" the children chime in unison.

Ash, ever the confident one, can't resist boasting, "I've already got more Pokémon knowledge than I'll ever need, though!"

"Ash?!" Alice interjects, trying to quiet him down, but Professor Oak simply chuckles. "That's great to hear, Ash!"

Gary, always up for a challenge, retorts, "Oh yeah? You think you know more than the great Gary Oak?"

The exchange quickly escalates into a friendly argument between Ash and Gary, until they're interrupted by Professor Oak's stern voice. "Enough, you two. No more fighting."

Alice steps forward, her tone firm. "Professor Oak's right. Let's focus on learning and exploring, not arguing."

Just as tensions seem to simmer down, Goh decides to join in the fray. "If you think you two have more knowledge than me, then you're wrong!"

Chloe, ever the peacemaker, tries to diffuse the situation. "Come on, let's all calm down and enjoy the adventure together."

As the group encounters a Kakuna, Professor Oak prompts them, "Can anyone tell me what Pokémon this is?"

Quick to respond, Ash eagerly chimes in, "It's Kakuna, the Cocoon Pokémon."

Not to be outdone, Gary interjects confidently, "That's a Farfetch'd. The plant stalk it carries in its mouth is used as a sword to cut various things."

The others marvel at Gary's knowledge, but Ash can't help but feel a competitive fire ignite within him as he notices the attention his rival is receiving. Meanwhile, Alice simply sighs, accustomed to the dynamic between Ash and Gary. Goh, sensing the rivalry brewing, decides to join the fray.

"I won't lose to Ash or Gary," Goh declares, his determination evident. Spotting a Diglett nearby, he identifies it with gusto. "That's Diglett! A Pokémon that feeds on plant roots!"

The group cheers for Goh's impressive knowledge, but Ash and Gary refuse to be outshone. Gary spots a Dugtrio and enthusiastically announces, "That's Diglett's evolved form, Dugtrio!"

Not one to back down, Ash counters, "It's incredibly strong! It can dig to depths of up to 100 kilometers!"

Goh, determined not to let Ash and Gary steal the spotlight, continues to share his Pokémon knowledge, igniting a back-and-forth exchange between the three boys that leaves the other children in awe.