1 Into the Pokémon world

**Chapter 1: Into the Pokémon World**

In the quiet bedroom in Pallet Town, the boy who had woken up with a start and was addressed as Ash was not actually Ash Ketchum. He was a 16-year-old boy named Marcus. Who had an extensive knowledge of the Pokémon world, thanks to years of watching the Pokémon anime and playing the video games.

*What's happening? Where am I?* Marcus thought as he sat up on the unfamiliar bunk bed, confused by the vivid Pokémon posters and merchandise that surrounded him. It was as if he'd stepped into a real-life Pokémon Center.

"Where am I?" Marcus muttered to himself as he tried to stand. He suddenly fell face down, yelping in pain as he hit the floor. His nose throbbed, but to his astonishment, there was no blood, and his nose appeared undamaged. It was as if the world itself had its own set of rules.

*This doesn't make any sense. I must be dreaming,* Marcus thought, attempting to understand the inexplicable situation. Yet, it felt more real than any dream he'd ever had.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps drew closer, and the creaking of a door announced the entrance of a beautiful woman. She appeared unfazed by Marcus's fall and spoke with a gentle smile, "Ash, don't cause trouble in the middle of the night. Just sleep, or you'll miss your starter Pokémon."

*Did she just call me Ash? This is surreal,* Marcus thought, his heart racing. It was as though he were living inside a Pokémon episode. He couldn't help but wonder if there were real Pokémon out there.

The woman left the room, leaving Marcus to ponder his strange circumstances. He had to be dreaming, right? But it all felt so vivid, so real.

With the minutes ticking by, Marcus decided to explore this unusual world. He found Pallet Town to be different from the anime's depiction, with a lurking sense of mystery. Stories of people going missing without explanation took on a whole new significance. He recalled a few episodes where Team Rocket often caused trouble in this seemingly peaceful town.

*This isn't the Pokémon world I thought I knew. It's more complex, more mysterious,* he considered as he journeyed through the eerily transformed Pallet Town.

His knowledge of Pokémon, gained from years of watching the anime and playing the games, proved to be his guiding light in this new, enigmatic world. As he encountered wild Pokémon and peculiar occurrences, he relied on his understanding of type matchups and abilities to navigate this alternate reality. When he encountered a wild Rattata, he knew that it was a Normal-type Pokémon, vulnerable to Fighting-type moves. He wished he had some Poké Balls to try and catch it.

The journey led him to Professor Oak's lab, where he found a crowd of eager Trainers, each selecting their starter Pokémon. He had overslept, and his heart sank. It seemed he had missed his chance.

*But I can't give up now,* he decided, as he watched Gary, a familiar rival from the anime, exit the lab, boasting about his choice of starter Pokémon. Marcus remained resolute, focused on the memories and knowledge of Ash Ketchum that resided within him.

Inside the lab, Professor Oak's expression held a mix of sternness and understanding as he addressed Marcus, "You are late, Ash. All the starter Pokémon have already been chosen."

*This is my chance,* Marcus thought, determined not to let this opportunity slip through his fingers. He couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement similar to when Ash had first seen the three Poké Balls in the anime.

Professor Oak continued, "But I have another Pokémon available, although I must warn you, it may be hard to tame. Are you up for the challenge?"

*This is it. A chance to have my own adventure,* Marcus thought, nodding with determination. He was ready to experience what Ash had gone through to become a Pokémon Master.

Professor Oak reached for a mysterious Poké Ball in the center of three empty ones displayed on a futuristic circular table. He released the Pokémon inside, and out emerged Pikachu, the iconic Pokémon from the anime. The sight of Pikachu, with its bright yellow color and lightning bolt-shaped tail, brought back memories of countless episodes.

*Pikachu! I've seen you so many times on TV,* Marcus thought, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He knew that Pikachu was an Electric-type Pokémon and could unleash powerful Electric-type moves.

However, Marcus had forgotten one crucial detail. In the early episodes of the anime, Pikachu had been a spirited and headstrong Pokémon who didn't readily listen to Ash.

*This might be a challenge,* Marcus realized as he extended his hand towards Pikachu. But he was ready for it, ready to build the unique bond he had admired in the animated world.

Pikachu, with a scowl on its face and crackling electricity around its cheeks, regarded Marcus with suspicion. Then, without warning, it released a powerful jolt of electricity, zapping both Marcus and Professor Oak. The room filled with sparks, and Marcus, having been jolted, now had his very own Pikachu.

*Ouch! So, you really are as spirited as you were in the anime,* Marcus thought, rubbing his singed hand. It was as if he'd been hit by Pikachu's Thunderbolt move.

With a grin on his face, Marcus knew that he had accepted a formidable challenge. He had always admired Ash's bond with Pikachu in the anime, and now he had a chance to build that connection for himself. He was determined to create the kind of friendship and teamwork he'd seen Ash and Pikachu share