Pokémon : The Perfect Path

The wind howled through the storm as Velkris sprinted, his heart hammering in his chest. Rain pelted down in sharp, stinging droplets, soaking his clothes as he ran alongside Ash. The angry cries of Spearows filled the air, their shadows flickering across the sky with each flash of lightning.

Velkris' mind raced, and with it came a creeping sense of frustration.

I knew this was going to happen.

He had seen Ash provoke the Spearows, had watched this scene unfold in the original story. And yet, despite knowing, despite having the power to prepare, he had hesitated.

And now, they were running for their lives.

Velkris gritted his teeth. This was his mistake.

His first mistake was assuming that he could change things just by being here. He had thought that as long as he was cautious, as long as he played it smart, the Spearow attack could be avoided. But Ash's reckless nature was a fixed point. He had thrown a rock at one, and now the entire flock was after them.

His second mistake was underestimating the danger. This wasn't just a game anymore. Every choice had real consequences. If he wasn't careful, someone could actually die.

"Velkris!" Ash's voice snapped him back to the present. "They're getting closer!"

Velkris turned sharply—his breath caught.

The lead Fearow had emerged from the chaos of the flock, its massive wings slicing through the rain as it locked onto them with sharp, predatory eyes. It was bigger than he had expected.

And it was fast.

They needed a plan. Now.

The dirt road ahead split into two—a shallow river to the right and a thick patch of trees to the left.

"Ash, take the river!" Velkris shouted.

"What?! But—"

"Trust me!"

Ash hesitated for only a moment before following his command, splashing into the water while carrying Pikachu. Velkris, meanwhile, sprinted left, diving into the cover of the trees.

Fearow screeched in fury, its hunting instincts kicking in. It saw the split—but Velkris' movement into the trees confused it for just a second.

That second was all he needed.

"Ralts, Shadow Sneak!"

A dark, ghostly shape flickered beneath the trees. From the depths of the shadows, Ralts' attack lashed out, striking directly at Fearow's exposed side.

The bird Pokémon shrieked, flapping wildly to regain its balance.

"Double Team!"

Ralts split into multiple copies, flickering across the wet forest floor. Fearow whipped its head back and forth, unable to tell which one was real.

"Disarming Voice!"

A mystical, pink shockwave erupted from Ralts' tiny frame, striking Fearow square in the chest. The Fairy-type energy sent a deep tremor through the bird's body, forcing it backward.

Ash, standing on the riverbank, saw his chance.

"Pikachu, Thundershock!"

Electricity crackled through the rain, the bolts latching onto Fearow's wet feathers.

The massive bird screeched as it was sent crashing into Misty's bike, which had been parked nearby. The impact sent the machine skidding across the mud, sparks flying.

Misty, who had just arrived, let out a strangled scream.

"MY BIKE!"

Velkris and Ash both flinched.

The remaining Spearows, their leader defeated, hesitated mid-air before retreating back into the storm.

The battle was over.

Velkris stood still, his heart pounding as the adrenaline faded.

He had won.

And yet—it felt hollow.

He had known what was coming. He should have been stronger. He should have anticipated Fearow, should have had a counter ready. But instead, he had barely managed.

He clenched his fists. What if next time, he wasn't lucky?

But before he could fall deeper into his thoughts, a golden light pierced through the clouds.

Ash, Misty, and Velkris all looked up, their breath catching.

There, soaring through the broken storm clouds, was Ho-Oh.

The Legendary Pokémon's golden-red wings shimmered, glowing against the fading storm.

But Velkris—he suddenly felt his heart clench.

A sharp pain shot through his skull, forcing him to stumble.

And for just a second—he saw something else.

A dark shape, lurking at the edge of his vision.

He whipped his head around—but it was gone.

Ho-Oh gave one final cry before vanishing into the sky, leaving behind a single, drifting feather.

It landed right in front of Ash.

Ash bent down, picking it up carefully. His hands trembled.

"That was… a Legendary Pokémon…" Misty whispered.

Velkris, however, said nothing.

His mind was elsewhere.

After a while, As they searched for a place to rest, they finally learned the girl's name—Misty. While Velkris and Ash apologized for the mistake that led to her bike being destroyed, Misty, much like she was in the anime, was surprisingly understanding.

She acknowledged that, in a situation where someone or a Pokémon could have been seriously injured, a bike was a small price to pay. Her frustration was still there, but she wasn't unreasonable. She knew that if Ash and Velkris hadn't been the ones to draw the Spearow flock's aggression, she likely would have been the one to be attacked instead. After all, this particular route was infamous for its hostile Spearow, and with their powerful Fearow leader, they had no hesitation in chasing down any perceived threat.

With that in mind, Misty let out an exasperated sigh but didn't press the issue further—at least for now.

By the time they reached a clearing in the forest, exhaustion weighed down on them.

Velkris, having planned ahead, took charge of setting up the camp.

"Ash, help me with the tent."

"On it!"

"Misty, can you handle the food?" Velkris asked gently.

Misty huffed, arms crossed. "Fine. But you two owe me. Big time."

The fire crackled, spreading warmth through the clearing. Velkris sat back, his mind drifting.

If he had an Anomaly Pokémon, he wouldn't have needed to run.

He pulled out the Anomaly Ticket from his inventory.

As if responding to his thoughts, a blue screen appeared.

___ _________________________________

[System Notification]

Before engaging in the Anomaly Pokémon encounter, would you like to fully heal all of your Pokémon?

____________________________________

Velkris' breath caught.

This was it.

Taking a deep breath, he selected: Yes.

_____________________________________

[Healing Complete]

Would you like to use the Anomaly Encounter Ticket now?

____________________________________

Velkris didn't hesitate.

Yes.

A bright light engulfed him.

Route 1 » The Dragon's Den

When Velkris' vision cleared, he found himself in a rocky, cavernous land.

The air was thick with Dragon energy, and the ground was uneven, covered in jagged stones.

Then—a deep growl.

Velkris turned—a Gible emerged from the shadows.

But it wasn't normal.

[System Notification]

Anomaly Pokémon Encounter: Detected!

Analyzing…

A blue status screen flickered into existence.

_______________________________________

Pokémon: Gible – The Land Shark Pokémon

Ability : Primeval Hunger ( Anomaly Exclusive)

• Gible's attacks deal increased damage when facing stronger opponents or under harsh conditions like Sandstorm.

Moveset:

Standard Moves:

•Dragon Rush – A high-speed tackle cloaked in draconic energy that may cause flinching.

• Earthquake – A devastating ground-shaking attack that hits all surrounding targets.

•Crunch – A powerful bite that may lower the opponent's Defense.

•Sandstorm – Summons a sandstorm that boosts its evasion due to Gible's typing.

• Dragon Breath – A blast of draconic energy that may paralyze the opponent.

Egg Moves:

• Iron Head – A strong, metallic headbutt that may flinch the target.

• Outrage – A rampaging dragon attack that lasts multiple turns but leaves Gible confused.

• Double-Edge – A reckless charge that deals heavy damage but also hurts Gible.

Tutor Moves:

• Dragon Dance – Increases both Attack and Speed, allowing for explosive power.

• Stone Edge – A highly critical rock-type move that deals massive damage.

• Fire Fang – A fiery bite that may burn or flinch the target.

• Earth Power – Calls upon the earth's energy to strike foes with a powerful shockwave.

• Draco Meteor – Summons a storm of meteors, but harshly lowers Special Attack.

________________________________________

Velkris tensed.

This Gible was strong.

And judging by the way it crouched, baring its fangs—

It was ready to fight.

The cavernous terrain stretched endlessly, jagged rocks protruding from the ground like silent sentinels. Velkris carefully stepped forward, his boots crunching against the dirt as he assessed the Pokémon before him.

A Gible—but not an ordinary one.

The Anomaly Gible stood its ground, its body subtly different from a normal member of its species. Its scales were rougher, its claws sharper, and most of all, its red eyes gleamed with an almost unnatural intelligence. It wasn't just staring at Velkris.

It was analyzing him.

Velkris' grip tightened around Ralts' Poké Ball. He had been through tough fights, but this felt different. This Gible wasn't just a wild Pokémon acting on instinct. It was thinking. Adapting.

Taking a deep breath, Velkris reached into his bag. If he was going to fight something like this, he needed Ralts fully equipped.

He retrieved the pendant from his Starter Pack and carefully fastened it around Ralts' neck. The moment it clicked into place, it pulsed faintly, sending a warm energy through her small body. She let out a soft trill, her red eyes glowing momentarily as the power settled within her.

Next, he pulled out the light arm weights meant to help Pokémon develop endurance. But after a moment of thought, he put them back. This wasn't the time for training. They needed full mobility.

"Alright, Ralts. We're as ready as we'll ever be."

Ralts floated beside him, small but determined.

Gible growled. Then—without warning—

It attacked.

The Anomaly Gible lunged forward, its body engulfed in a violent blue aura—Dragon Rush.

Velkris reacted instantly. "Ralts, dodge!"

Ralts flickered, moving just in time as Gible crashed into the spot where she had been. However, something strange happened—the Dragon-type energy surrounding Gible fizzled out completely upon nearing Ralts.

Velkris smirked. "Fairy-type immunity. Bad luck, Gible."

But Gible wasn't frustrated—it was intrigued.

It growled, taking a step back. Instead of recklessly attacking again, it watched Ralts. Then, without warning, it swung its head low and slammed its claws into the ground.

The earth trembled.

"Wait—Sandstorm!"

A raging whirlwind of sand erupted, engulfing the battlefield.

Velkris instinctively shielded his eyes as the system flashed an alert:

[Anomaly Gible's Primeval Hunger has activated!]

[Under harsh conditions, Gible's attacks gain increased power.]

Velkris cursed under his breath. It was adapting.

"Ralts, counter it!"

Ralts, struggling against the storm, suddenly glowed with a soft pink aura. The ground beneath her shimmered, waves of Fairy energy expanding outward.

The system flashed again.

[Misty Terrain activated! The battlefield is now covered in Fairy energy.]

Velkris grinned. That's my girl.

The swirling Misty Terrain and Sandstorm clashed, momentarily disrupting visibility, but it was enough—Gible hesitated, its enhanced evasion from Sandstorm suddenly weaker due to the conflicting energies.

"Double Team!"

Ralts flickered, creating multiple afterimages that spread across the battlefield.

Gible snarled.

It had learned from before.

Instead of attacking randomly, it slammed its tail into the ground—Stone Edge.

Velkris' eyes widened as jagged rocks burst from below, ripping through Ralts' illusions and striking her true form.

Ralts cried out, tumbling back.

"Ralts, get up!" Velkris shouted.

She struggled but floated back into position, determined.

But Gible wasn't waiting.

It roared—then the ground shook violently.

Velkris' blood ran cold. "Earthquake!"

He had no time to think.

"Ralts, up! Float as high as you can!"

Ralts' body shimmered, and she rose into the air, just as the ground beneath her split apart, jagged cracks snaking across the battlefield.

Gible growled in frustration. It had missed again.

Velkris knew this was his opening.

"Disarming Voice!"

Ralts inhaled, then let out a resonating Fairy-type cry. The moment the sound waves struck Gible, its body stiffened—it staggered, clearly affected by the super-effective hit.

And then—

Something unexpected happened.

The air around Ralts shifted.

Without warning, a burst of pink, shimmering wind erupted from her, cutting through the battlefield like a storm.

Velkris' system flashed rapidly.

[New Move Detected: Fairy Wind]

Velkris' eyes widened. "She… she learned a new move mid-battle!?"

The Fairy Wind surged forward, smashing into Gible and sending it tumbling backward.

The dragon Pokémon coughed, its small body covered in cuts and bruises. It pushed itself up, wobbling—but still, it refused to fall.

Even now, it wouldn't surrender.

With one last, desperate attempt, Gible charged, Fire Fang igniting its teeth.

Velkris exhaled. "This is it. Ralts, one more Disarming Voice!"

Ralts unleashed another powerful Fairy cry.

The energy crashed into Gible, knocking it clean off its feet. The land shark rolled across the dirt, coming to a stop—unmoving.

The battlefield fell silent.

Velkris let out a deep breath.

He had won.

Velkris hadn't expected the battle to be easy, but he also hadn't expected a wild Pokémon—especially a Gible, weak to Fairy-types—to put up such a fight. Most wild Pokémon relied on raw power or basic instinct, but this one was different. It didn't just attack blindly; it adapted.

At first, Gible had fought aggressively, using its powerful jaws and relentless Sandstorm to overwhelm Ralts. But the moment Ralts unleashed Misty Terrain and unknowingly tapped into a Fairy-type move, something shifted. Instead of recklessly charging in, Gible had started testing its options, circling carefully, observing, and adjusting its approach.

Velkris had seen plenty of wild Pokémon battles before, but this wasn't just instinct—it was battle sense. Gible recognized threats, changed tactics mid-fight, and even accounted for its weaknesses. That level of awareness in a wild Pokémon was rare.

As the battle had raged on, Velkris found himself more and more impressed. Gible had a natural fighting spirit, one that refused to back down even when the odds were against it. It wasn't just strong; it was smart.

He approached the unconscious Gible carefully, retrieving a Poké Ball.

"You're strong. I guess now I know why you're an anomaly, Gible. You never backed down, even when faced with a Fairy-type Pokémon. You'll make a strong addition to my team."

He tossed the ball.

The red beam engulfed Gible.

The ball shook violently.

Once.

Twice.

Three times—

Then—

Click.

The system chimed.

[Congratulations! You have captured an Anomaly Pokémon: Gible.]

Velkris looked at the Poké Ball in his hand. A slow grin spread across his face.

This wasn't just a capture. This was the first step toward becoming the best.

Ralts, exhausted but victorious, floated closer.

Velkris gently placed a hand on her head. "You were amazing out there."

She let out a soft, happy trill, pressing into his touch.

As the thrill of the battle faded, Velkris let out a long breath he hadn't realized he was holding. The Anomaly Gible was his now. The system chimed in confirmation, but before he could check its details, the ground beneath him glowed.

A familiar pull—weightless yet firm—tugged at his body. The world blurred into streaks of light, and in the next instant, he felt solid ground beneath his feet again. The rush of wind was gone, replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves.

He was back.

The resting area looked the same as before he had left—his sleeping bag laid out near the dying embers of their campfire, Misty curled up with her back to Ash, who snored lightly. Velkris sighed in relief. No time had passed for them. Good. He didn't want to explain disappearing in the middle of the night.

Shaking his head, he made his way toward his sleeping bag. The system flashed a new notification, but he ignored it for now. He could check his team's details later. For now, he needed rest.

The first light of dawn crept through the trees, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold. Velkris woke up early, stretching as he took in the peaceful atmosphere. He glanced at Ash and Misty, still asleep, before noticing Pikachu stirring.

The electric mouse blinked up at him, rubbing its eyes with tiny paws. "Pika?"

Velkris smiled. "Morning, Pikachu. Feeling sore from yesterday?"

"Pika..." Pikachu nodded, twitching its ears.

It had taken some hits during the battle with Fearow, and Velkris figured Ash probably didn't think much about post-battle recovery beyond letting them rest. He moved over to Ash's bag, rummaging through the pockets until he found some Potions. Ash muttered something in his sleep but didn't wake up.

"Here, buddy," Velkris said, spraying the Potion over Pikachu's body. The little Pokémon shivered at first, then relaxed as the cooling sensation took effect.

As Velkris tended to pikachu by using Potions, he began checking it over for any lingering injuries. It was a simple task, but one that gave him some insight into Ash's Pokémon. It was strong but still rough around the edges—much like their trainer.

By the time Ash and Misty woke up, Pikachu was back to full energy, tail wagging as it nibbled on breakfast.

The trio packed up and set out toward Viridian City. The dirt path stretched ahead, the morning air crisp and refreshing.

"So, Misty," Ash said between bites of a sandwich, "you never really said why you're traveling. Just following us around?"

Misty huffed, crossing her arms. "For your information, I have my own goal! I plan to travel the world and catch the strongest Water-type Pokémon I can find. One day, I'll be the best Water-type Trainer out there!"

Velkris raised a brow. "Sounds like you're aiming for something big."

Misty nodded eagerly. "Of course! I need to get stronger if I want to take over the Cerulean Gym someday."

Ash perked up at that. "Wait, you're a Gym Leader?"

"Not yet!" Misty corrected, sighing. "The Gym's technically mine and my sisters', but those three are completely useless! They only care about performing and showing off instead of actual battles. Ugh, they even hand out Badges without making challengers fight! Can you believe that?"

Ash blinked. "Wait… so I can just—"

Misty glared. "No, you can't just walk in and take a Badge, you moron!"

Ash laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "I was just asking!"

Velkris chuckled at their bickering but kept his thoughts focused elsewhere. His mind was already running through battle strategies.

The Cerulean Gym would specialize in Water-types. With Gible's Dragon-typing, it wouldn't be ideal against them, but that didn't mean he couldn't make it work.With Gible's Dragon-typing, it wasn't the best matchup, but depending on its move set, he could still make it work. If Gible learned moves like Thunder Fang , it could turn the tide in his favor.

Then there was Ralts. Its Psychic-typing wouldn't be much help against Water-types, but its growing versatility could give him options. And if it learned more Fairy-type moves, he'd have an edge in later battles against tough opponents like Brawly's Fighting-types or even Sabrina's Psychic team.

As they walked, Velkris smirked to himself. He had a solid foundation. Now, he just needed to sharpen their strengths and cover their weaknesses. Viridian City was only the beginning.