Chapter 3: A step into the Unknown.

Holly Ketchum had always been an observer first and a participant second. It wasn't hesitation that held her back, but rather a quiet understanding that not all adventures needed to be rushed. She had spent years preparing for this moment—not just through study, but through the choices she had made since the day she realized she was reborn into this world.

She wasn't worried about altering the story. Ash would get Pikachu, just as she remembered. She had made sure of it.

Professor Oak had caught the little electric mouse only a week ago, and Ash had been one of the first to meet him. The wild Pikachu had been feisty, stubborn, and completely unwilling to listen to commands—until Ash, determined as ever, spent three days bonding with him. By the end of it, Pikachu had chosen Ash just as much as Ash had chosen him.

So whether or not Ash had slept in on the day of his journey didn't matter. He was getting Pikachu either way.

What did matter was the fourth starter.

Holly glanced toward the lab's entrance, where a lone figure stood, slightly apart from the rest of them. The sponsored student. She didn't recognize them, which wasn't too surprising. Pallet Town had grown in recent years, its population swelling as researchers, trainers, and aspiring scientists flocked to study under Professor Oak.

The boy—maybe a year older than her—stood with his hands in his pockets, shifting on his feet as if uncomfortable under the weight of expectation. He had a lean frame, dark brown hair that curled at the ends, and sharp, intelligent eyes that darted around the lab, taking everything in. He hadn't spoken much since arriving, only nodding when Professor Oak introduced him.

"Alright," Oak's voice broke the silence, his usual warm yet commanding presence settling over the room. "Now that everyone is here, let's get started."

He turned toward the sponsored student first. "Since you are new to our program, I'll offer you the first selection. We have three Pokémon available—Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and Charmander."

The boy's gaze flickered toward the Poké Balls on the table, then toward Holly, Gary, Olive, and Ash. Holly could see him calculating, trying to decide what would give him the best advantage.

"I'll take Charmander," he finally said, voice steady.

Professor Oak nodded and handed over the Poké Ball. "A fine choice. Charmander is a strong and loyal partner when treated well."

Gary smirked, stepping forward. "Guess that leaves me with Squirtle. Not that I mind." He tossed the Poké Ball in his hand, confidence radiating from him. "Water beats fire, after all."

Olive smiled as she picked up her own Poké Ball. "Bulbasaur is perfect for me."

Professor Oak turned to Ash. "And as we discussed, I have Pikachu for you."

Ash grinned as he accepted the Poké Ball, but Holly knew it was just for show. Pikachu wouldn't stay in his Poké Ball for long.

Finally, Professor Oak turned to her. "And of course, Holly, I believe we already know your choice."

Holly knelt down, where Growlithe sat obediently at her side. She scratched behind his ears, earning a happy bark. "We were already a team before today."

Oak smiled warmly. "Then I am officially recognizing you as Growlithe's trainer."

Holly's fingers curled around Growlithe's Poké Ball. She had made her choice long ago, but somehow, hearing it out loud made it real.

She glanced at Ash, who was practically vibrating with excitement, and then at Gary and Olive, who were each sizing up their new Pokémon with confidence. And finally, at the boy who had taken Charmander.

For the first time, he met her eyes. There was something unreadable in his expression—curiosity, maybe, or recognition.

Holly didn't know his story, and for the first time in a long time, she didn't know what would happen next.

But that was okay.

Her journey wasn't about following a story she already knew.

It was about making her own.