Third Person POV

It was a new day in Viridian City, and the sun was high in the sky, shining its warm rays upon the town below. At the Viridian City Pokémon Center, both Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny were standing behind a counter as the nurse was on the computer.

She was talking to the owner of another Pokémon Center, where she sent all the Pokéballs during Team Rocket's attack. They were lucky that they had all those Pikachu to use for power because if they didn't, all of those Pokémon would be in the grubby hands of Team Rocket. The owner of the Pokémon Center in the next town was Nurse Joy's sister.

Nurse Joy 2: "Your Viridian City Pokémon have been transported safely"

The first Nurse Joy smiled at the one on the computer.

Nurse Joy: "Thanks sis, Issei and Misty are heading your way to Pewter City. That is... if they can get through the Viridian Forest"

Officer Jenny placed a hand on Nurse Joy's shoulder, getting her attention as she smiled.

Officer Jenny: "Those two will be alright, besides, he is Isabella's kid"

Nurse Joy: "That is true"

The Nurse Joy on the computer giggled.

Nurse Joy 2: "If he is Isabella's kid, then I better prepare for his arrival. I'll start sending all the Pokéballs you transferred over as soon as I can"

The first Nurse Joy nodded her head, but then she remembered something.

Nurse Joy: "Wait, how many are there? There should be at least 50"

This confused the second Nurse Joy, 50 Pokéballs? She didn't remember there being that many.

Nurse Joy 2: "Sorry, Sis. I've only received 49 from you. So there's still one missing"

Officer Jenny: "Well, that's not good"

Nurse Joy nodded in agreement.

Officer Jenny: "What Pokémon's missing?"

Nurse Joy: "It's a... Nidoran"

Meanwhile, in the Viridian Forest, named after the town close by to it, the Viridian is known to be a hot spot for all sorts of Pokémon, mainly bug types though. It was a large cluster of dense trees and bushes that seemed to stretch for miles and miles. However, there was a pathway made for travelers to follow, but the problem was that no one knew what kind of Pokémon was hiding within the forest.

This wasn't going to stop a certain brown-haired boy because following the path would lead Issei to his next destination, Pewter City. From what he knows, it's where he shall face his first Gym. The boy didn't know much about the Gym except that it was a must-visit so he can get some battle experience for his Fennekin.

Speaking of which, Issei was currently walking down the pathway with Fennekin walking next to him. She was a lot better now and even got a little experience from her battle with Team Rocket, with the help of that Nidoran.

It sucked that he had to give that Pokémon back, he kinda liked it, but he was sure that at some point he'll find one of his own to use. He's gonna have to since he figures that Team Rocket will be a recurring problem for him in the near future.

Ddraig: ['Hey, Partner. You seem to be deep in thought?']

Issei: 'Yeah, just thinking about all that has happened the last two days...'

Issei was soon cut off as he heard a scream, causing both him and Fennekin to stop walking and turn to see Misty running over to him.

Misty: "Ahhhh!!!"

She ran up to Issei, grabbing onto his arm much to the boy's confusion. Why was Misty still following him? She has her bike, she didn't need to follow him.

Unknown to Issei, Fennekin stared at the orange-haired girl and grew a jealous expression.

Issei: "Um, Misty. What's wrong and why are you following me?"

Misty: "Get it away from me, get it away from me!"

Issei raised an eyebrow.

Issei: "What?"

She then pointed at something as Issei looked and saw some bushes moving, putting him on guard as he was prepared to give Fennekin an order. But his worry soon faded as he saw that from the bushes came a small worm-like Pokémon that is mainly green in color with a tan underside. Just below its head were four, tiny legs, and on top of its head was a red, "y-shaped" antenna.

Issei raised an eyebrow at the Pokémon, confused on why Misty was so afraid of it as he took out his Pokédex.

Pokedex: {"Caterpie, the Bug Pokémon. Its short feet are tipped with suction pads that enable it to tirelessly climb slopes and walls"}

Issei: "Ooh, a Bug type Pokémon"

Misty: "Keep it away, keep it away!"

Issei turned his head toward Misty. Was she afraid of the Caterpie? The Pokedex said that it was harmless to humans. Why was she so afraid of it?

Unless....

Issei: "Misty, are you afraid of bugs?"

Misty glared at Issei.

Misty: "So what if I am!? Bugs are one of the three most disgusting things in the world!"

Hearing this caused Issei to roll his eyes. Now she was being overdramatic.

Issei: "Besides your attitude, what's the other disgusting thing?"

Misty got offended by the boy's words as he walked over to Caterpie, who looked up at the human in front of it.

Issei gave it a gentle smile as he kneeled down to the Bug Pokémon, who tilted its head.

Issei: "Hello, Caterpie. I'm Issei, it's nice to meet you"

Caterpie: "Pie?"

Issei slowly lifted his hand to the Pokémon, startling it at first, but it soon calmed down as Issei slowly began to pet Caterpie on the head, going slowly and gently so he wouldn't harm it.

Caterpie closed its eyes as it nuzzled its face into the boy's hands, making him chuckle in amazement. He fully expected the Caterpie to get scared of him and run off back to the forest. However, he was glad that he proved to the worm Pokémon that he meant no harm.

Fennekin watched her master give the wild Pokémon affection, which made her happy that she got such a kind person as a trainer. But it also made her a little jealous because Fennekin feels like she should be the one getting all her master's affection. But she knew that at some point Issei will add more Pokémon to his team, and she will have to learn to be nice with them when that happens since they will technically be family.

Misty was also surprised. Sure, she was still grossed out by Caterpie and thought that it was the most disgusting thing she had ever seen. She couldn't help but stare at Issei with a look of amazement. He was being so kind and gentle with the Pokémon. Usually when someone sees a Caterpie, they just ignore it because they believe they are worthless, but Issri was actually giving it attention.

She still hasn't fully forgiven Issei for taking her bike, but she'll have a talk with him about it when they arrive at her hometown. For now, Misty just wants to keep watching the beautiful sight in front of her.

A small smile grew on her face.

Misty: "I gotta say, Issei. I've never met anyone as kind as you. Usually people ignore Caterpie"

Kind?

That word didn't sit right with Issei. He feels like he shouldn't be called kind, especially after what he used to do in his previous life.

Ddraig: ['Partner...']

Issei: 'Huh? Yeah, Ddraig?'

Ddraig: ['Your no longer your old self, your new life is here now. No need to worry']

Issei sighed.

Issei: 'I guess your right....'

Issei soon stood up.

Issei: "Well, it was nice meeting you Caterpie. But I think we should get going"

Caterpie: "Pie!"

Caterpie crawled to Issei's feet and began to climb up his left, until it reached the brown-haired boy shoulder.

Caterpie: "Pie, Caterpie"

Issei raised an eyebrow.

Issei: "You wanna come with us?"

Caterpie: "Pie! Caterpie!"

Issei grew a small smile as he pet the bug Pokémon on the head.

Issei: "Alright then, welcome to the group"

Issei turned his attention to Fennekin.

Issei: "Hey, Tana. We got a new member of our little group"

Fennekin: "Fen!"

Misty wasn't happy, there is no way that Issei wws serious about letting a gross bug like Caterpie come with them to Pewter city. He didnt even catch it, he was just letting it come with them like it wsd his friend or something.

While, she was grossed out. Misty also couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in confusion by what Issei had just called Fennekin.

Misty: "Tana? you named Fennekin?"

Issei nodded.

Issei: "Yeah, just now I did. I was originally gonna call her Ember or Cinder, but that sounds lazy. So I decided on Tana"

Misty: "Why's that?"

Issei smiled.

Issei: "Because Tana means Little Fire, something that fits Fennekin perfectly"

(Tana doesn't actually mean that, just something I made up)

Fennekin or rather "Tana" as she was now called couldn't help but blush at the name she was just given to her by her trainer, she didn't expect to get such a wonderful name but it made her very happy.

Misty: "Tana looks like she likes her new name"

Issei chuckled in amusement.

Issei: "Well, we should be heading off before night decides to roll in."

Misty nodded in agreement as they continued down the path. The orange-haired girl kept her distance from Issei, or rather from the Caterpie resting on his shoulder. Issei noticed her caution and couldn't help but roll his eyes. He figured that Misty's fear of bugs would likely become a recurring theme on their journey.

He wasn't even sure why she was still following him, considering she had her bike. He wondered where it was, as he had expected her to be riding it. Nonetheless, he didn't mind her company; she seemed like a good person, despite her aversion to Caterpie. He could understand her fear, as everyone has something they're afraid of.

Issei had developed a fear of falling in love after enduring great pain and agony in his previous life. He cherished this second chance that Arceus had granted him, even though it was because of a favor he owed Ddraig.

Thinking of Ddraig, he realized he needed to ask the dragon about his connection with Arceus. They claimed to be friends, but Issei was curious about how they had met, considering they were from different worlds.

As they continued walking, a noise from the bushes put them all on guard. Tana prepared to face whatever emerged, but after a few seconds, they were met by a Pokémon that stirred up memories.

In front of them stood a raptor-like avian Pokémon. It was covered with brown feathers, had a cream-colored face, underside, and flight feathers. A crest of pinkish-red feathers adorned its head, and it had black, angular markings behind its eyes. Its tail plumage consisted of alternating red and yellow feathers with ragged tips. The beak and legs were pink, and two of its toes pointed forward, while one pointed backward. Additionally, it possessed powerful, sharp talons.

Issei: "No way..."

Issei's eyes widened at the sight as he immediately took out his Pokédex.

Pokédex: {"Pidgeotto, an evolved form of the Pidgey. It is armed with sharp claws and dives from the sky to capture its prey. Unlike the more gentle Pidgey, Pidgeotto can be dangerous. Approach with extreme caution"}

Issei: "Well, this brings back memories..."

He looked keenly at Tana.

Issei: "So, girl, you think you can take this one? It's tougher than that coward of a Pidgey we fought."

Fennekin gazed at the Pidgeotto with a serious expression.

Tana: "Fen! Fennekin!"

Issei smiled.

Issei: "Alright, Tana. Let's take this bird down!"

Fennekin roared as she charged towards the Pidgeotto, which immediately took to the air. Issei had expected this, knowing that as the evolved form of Pidgey, it likely had its own swooping tactics.

The Pidgeotto dove down toward Fennekin, moving swiftly as Issei narrowed his eyes.

Issei: "Tana, dodge and use Ember!"

At the last moment, Fennekin dodged the Pidgeotto's attack, taking the Pokémon by surprise. It turned its head toward the starter, who smirked.

Tana: "Fen.... Fennekin!"

Fennekin unleashed a small fireball at the avian Pokémon, knocking it back as it crashed to the ground.

Issei: "Tana, use Scratch now!"

Fennekin charged toward the Pidgeotto, attempting to Scratch it with her claws. However, the bird had recovered and soared back into the sky, narrowly avoiding the attack with the tip of its tail feathers.

Issei knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was glad Fennekin had managed to land a hit. If memory served him correctly, he hadn't been able to land a hit on the Pidgey due to an intervening Spearow.

The Pidgeotto circled above Tana, likely attempting to confuse her before striking, or perhaps calling for backup. Issei doubted the latter; the Pokédex had stated that Pidgeotto defended its territory, so unless this one had a mate nearby, he wouldn't need to return to the Viridian City Pokémon Center.

He needed to find a way to take down the Pidgeotto. Attacking blindly would tire out Tana, and waiting for it to attack wouldn't help either. Pokémon are smart, and the Pidgeotto wouldn't fall for the same trick twice.

Issei gritted his teeth.

Issei: 'Damn it, this is just like before... Why am I so useless?'

Ddraig: ['Partner, calm yourself. Anger will only worry Tana and distract her']

Issei: "Well, what can I do, Ddraig?"

Before Issei could finish, Caterpie leaped off his shoulder, surprising both him and Misty. They watched as the Bug Pokémon fired some sort of string at the Pidgeotto, tangling it up and causing it to crash to the ground.

Tana perked up and looked back at Caterpie, now sitting next to her trainer's feet. She was surprised but grateful for the wild Pokémon's help.

Issei couldn't help but chuckle in amazement as he looked down at Caterpie.

Issei: "Wow, thanks Caterpie."

He gave the Pokémon a scratch on the head and then turned back to the Pidgeotto with a determined expression.

The Avian Pokémon struggled to free itself from Caterpie's string, using its beak and sharp claws. It had freed one wing and was close to freeing the other.

Issei: "Oh, no you don't!"

He knew that if he didn't act now, he'd have to start the whole process again. He wasn't going to waste his time fighting this bird forever.

Issei: "Tana, use Heat Wave!"

Tana: "Fennekin!"

She unleashed a wave of heat toward the Pidgeotto, which stared in shock before being engulfed in flames. The wild Pokémon was sent flying through the air before crashing into a tree, slightly damaged with a few scratches and bruises, but surprisingly none of its feathers were burnt.

Heat Wave was powerful, but Issei knew it wouldn't always be useful against certain Pokémon, like the ones he'd have to face in the Pewter City Gym. However, that was a concern for later. For now...

He should be happy because he had just taken down his first wild Pokémon. A wave of happiness filled Issei as Tana looked back at him with a smile.

Tana: "Fen! Fen!"

Issei chuckled, nodding to Fennekin as she walked back to him.

Issei: "You did great, Tana. I'm so proud of you."

Issei gently gave the fox Pokémon some head and ear scratches, causing her tail to wag crazily from side to side. A small blush grew on her face in response to her trainer's kind words.

Issei turned back to the Pidgeotto, a victorious smirk on his face as he grabbed a Pokéball from his belt. He felt like he had earned a reward for defeating the avian Pokémon.

Issei: "Pokéball go!"

He threw the ball, and it bounced off the Pidgeotto's head, causing it to look up. In that moment, it was sucked inside the Pokéball, which then landed on the ground.

Issei, Misty, Caterpie, and Tana all stared at the Pokéball as it began to shake. The orange-haired girl knew that there wasn't a 100% chance of catching a Pokémon, but she hoped that Issei would succeed.

The Pokéball shook once.

Misty: 'Come on....'

It shook twice.

Issei: 'Come on...'

It shook three times.

Tana: "Fen...."

Caterpie: "Pie..."

As silence began to fill the air, the group watched as the Pokéball stopped shaking and made a noise that filled everyone's ears. Both Issei and Misty gasped in anticipation.

Issei: "I did it..."

Misty: "You did it..."

They looked at each other, both with expressions of shock and awe, until Issei was filled with complete and utter joy. He ran toward the Pokéball and grabbed it, lifting it up.

Issei: "I did it! I caught Pidgeotto!!"

Tana: "Fen! Fen!"

Fennekin ran over to Issei, running around her trainer, which made him laugh as a smile grew on his face. Misty watched this, and Caterpie soon joined in the celebration. She didn't go over for obvious reasons, but the orange-haired girl couldn't help but smile at Issei's success.

Misty: "He did it, he actually caught it..."

A small blush grew on her face as she gazed at Issei, moving her hair a little bit.

Misty: 'Maybe traveling with him... won't be so bad after all'

Unknown to any of them, the large mysterious dragon Pokémon had watched the whole thing from a distance and it titled its hesd in confusion because it could feel the familiar aura coming from the brown-haired boy.

It didnt know why, it didn't know how but what it did know is that it was gonna get to the bottom of this mystery one way or another.

Dragon: 'I'll find out why that human has my Beloved's aura...'

The dragon narrowed its eyes, growling slightly.

Dragon: 'Ddraig, my Beloved.... I'll find out the truth, even if I have to threaten my own father for the answers'

....

....

....

END OF CHAPTER