Chapter 218: Return to Normal Pan

Since Brock had no intention of returning to Pewter City, Ash didn't try to convince him otherwise. After some discussion, the group decided to camp outdoors for the night and then enter Viridian Forest the next morning.

As the stars twinkled above them, the three friends sat around a small campfire, chatting about their journey so far. Misty cradled Togepi in her arms while Brock stirred a pot of stew over the fire.

"It's been a long time since we last camped out like this," Misty said, gazing at the crackling flames.

"Yeah, it feels nostalgic," Ash agreed. "But this time, we're not just some rookies starting out. We've come a long way."

Brock nodded. "And tomorrow, we'll see just how much stronger we've gotten."

With that, the group finished their meal, set up their sleeping bags, and drifted off under the night sky.

---

Re-entering Viridian Forest

After a peaceful night's rest, the group packed up their things and stepped into Viridian Forest once again.

Compared to their first time here, Ash was no longer the same inexperienced trainer—his skills and strength had grown tremendously.

As they walked through the dense greenery, Ash couldn't help but sigh. "It feels like we were just here yesterday..."

Misty, holding Togepi close, nodded. "I feel the same way. Last time, I was terrified whenever I saw a Bug-type Pokémon. But now… well, I still don't like them, but at least I don't scream anymore."

Brock chuckled. "That's progress, Misty."

Unlike Ash and Misty, Brock wasn't sentimental about returning to Viridian Forest. He had traveled through it many times before and hadn't been part of the team the first time Ash and Misty came through.

Despite their increased strength, their pace through the forest remained the same. They spent half the day traveling and half the day training, which extended their journey through the forest to five days before they finally reached the outskirts of Viridian City.

Along the way, Ash hoped to run into the samurai boy he had battled last time, eager to show him how much he had improved. But, to his disappointment, they never crossed paths.

Still, Ash was sure that the samurai boy had grown stronger too. Maybe not as much as Ash himself, but he certainly wouldn't be as naïve as before.

---

Arrival in Viridian City

After finally emerging from the dense forest, the group didn't stop to rest—they continued toward Viridian City.

As the sun began to set, they walked through the city gates, greeted by the familiar sight of bustling streets and glowing lamplights.

Ash took a deep breath. "Tomorrow… is my final Gym battle."

That night, in the Pokémon Center dormitory, Ash lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. A feeling of anticipation and uncertainty filled his mind.

This wasn't just any Gym battle—this was Viridian Gym, the last step before the Indigo Plateau Conference.

But what troubled him was who he would face. Would it be Giovanni, the true Gym Leader? Or, like in the original story, would it be Team Rocket's bumbling trio taking his place?

And beyond that… Ash couldn't shake the feeling that something huge was about to happen.

---

The Storm Before the Battle

One particular event stood out in Ash's mind—an event that would change the Pokémon world forever.

The birth of Mewtwo.

Ash clearly remembered the general story, though some details were hazy.

Mewtwo was an artificial Pokémon, created by Team Rocket's scientists using Mew's DNA. Through advanced cloning technology, they extracted Mew's genetic material, possibly combined it with human DNA, and gave birth to a legendary being—one that even surpassed its original form.

It was the ultimate man-made Pokémon.

Mewtwo eventually escaped Team Rocket's grasp, reclaiming its freedom and retreating to the place where it was created—a mysterious island that it later named New Island.

Ash's memories of the details were fuzzy, but he knew one thing for sure:

The events that were about to unfold would be unlike anything they had ever faced before.

---

A Conversation with Brock

As Ash was lost in thought, Brock emerged from the bathroom, drying his hair with a towel. He glanced at Ash, who was still staring at the ceiling in a daze.

"What's on your mind?" Brock asked.

Ash quickly snapped out of his thoughts and forced a smile. "Oh, it's nothing. I was just thinking about tomorrow's Gym battle. I guess I'm a little excited."

Brock raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. Instead, he sat on his bed and said, "It's going to be a tough one. This is the last Gym battle—after this, you'll have all eight badges."

Ash nodded. "Yeah… and after that, it's the Indigo Plateau Conference."

Brock leaned back against the wall. "Have you thought about what to do after the Gym battle? There are still nearly two months before the conference begins. That's a lot of time for training."

Ash smirked. "That's exactly what I plan to do. But I'll figure out the details after the battle tomorrow. I don't want to waste a single second—I'm aiming for a top ranking in the Indigo League!"

His determination was clear in his eyes.

Brock grinned. "Sounds like a solid plan."

Misty, who had just entered the room, overheard their conversation and smiled. "Well, then… you better win tomorrow. Otherwise, all this planning will be pointless!"

Ash clenched his fist, filled with confidence. "I won't lose. Not now. Not when I'm this close to my dream."

With the weight of tomorrow's challenge in his mind, Ash finally closed his eyes, allowing sleep to take him.

Tomorrow, he would face his final Gym battle.

And beyond that, a storm was coming.