Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon, Nintendo, Game Freak or any other subsidiaries affiliated with them. I merely enjoy their work and am using their creations to tell a story of my own.

Kanto (Route One)

Route One is known to be one of the most beginner-friendly trails throughout the Kanto region. Barring the occasional Spearow flock, which, contrary to what most believe, do not commonly attack trainers unless provoked, there is little to no risk of danger.

That is why it was a surprise when Ash encountered a Gyarados in the river that ran alongside the route's edge.

The young trainer had been battling a few Rattata and Pidgey as he worked his way through the path, fully intending to make the most of his trek to Viridian City. He had even encountered the odd youngster as he walked, easily incinerating them with his Charmander's ember.

Then, it all went downhill when Ash and Sozin decided to take a break near the riverbank.

"Phew, we've made some good progress so far, buddy. I think we should take a little reprieve and just chill—maybe we can catch a new teammate while we're at it!"

"Char!"

Ash took out his collapsible fishing pole from his backpack, setting the rest of his gear aside as he added bait to the rod. He smiled at his partner, who was currently laying on his stomach in the sunlight, curiously looking at what his trainer was planning on doing.

"Here we go!" Ash exclaimed as he threw the line into the water.

Then, came the wait.

All things considered; it did not take too long for it to catch onto a Pokémon. After all, it only took the lad a couple minutes before he found something. The average wait time to catch something on a normal fishing pole was generally much longer, closer to double the amount of time it took Ash.

However, once he reeled it in, the boy noticed a slight issue.

Maybe slight isn't the best word to use, he thought, staring at the line in shock, this seems like a much BIGGER issue than I could've imagined.

"Charmander?"

Rising slowly in front of the chewed-up string, a large sea serpent roared. This, Ash frantically panicked, does not look good.

Gyarados, the Atrocious Pokémon. Once Gyarados goes on a rampage, its ferociously violent blood doesn't calm until it has burned everything down. There are records of this Pokémon's rampages lasting a whole month. This Pokémon is male. NOTE: This wild Pokémon is on the League's Blacklist. At your current trainer level, do not aggravate it and run away, slowly. Do not attempt to engage until you are an Experienced Trainer (six-plus badges) or greater.

The trainee swiftly returned his starter and began backing away as the Pokédex had instructed. Although the Gyarados looked like a runt and still had a few red scales, a signifier that it had only just recently evolved, there was no possible way Ash could battle it and come away unscathed.

However, before he could put at least ten paces in between him and the goliath, the creature roared once more and began charging a suspiciously orange beam.

Oh no, it can't be… how rotten is my luck? First, I encounter a rampaging Gyarados and now it just so happens to also know Hyper Beam?! Ash thought with a mixture of exasperation and fear.

As the beam approached him, the young boy closed his eyes, accepting the fact that his journey was ending before he had even reached Viridian.

Yet, right before it reached the child, a flash of bright, pink energy caused him to open his eyes.

When Ash opened his eyes, he saw the remains of what was a Light Screen. He also noticed the outline of a small being before it was surrounded in a white light and disappeared just as quickly as the Light Screen had.

"Lapras, use Thunder!"

"Hey, thanks again for saving me. I would've been toast if it hadn't been for you."

"No problem! After all, what kind of trainer would I be if I left a newbie out to die? Plus, I did get another Pokémon out of it."

Shortly after Ash was saved by a mysterious light, another person arrived at the scene in the nick of time. Once the rogue Gyarados was caught by the more experienced trainer, they took the young boy away from the bank and offered to take him to their camp, which Ash graciously accepted.

On their way towards the camp, Ash struck up a conversation with his companion.

"I just realized something—I never did find out your name! My name's Ash, and I just started out on my journey today."

"Well Ash, it's been a pleasure to meet you! My name's Misty Waterflower and I'm from Cerulean City." The girl with red hair responded.

"Waterflower? I swear I've heard that name before… wait! Are you by any chance related to the gym leaders there?"

"Unfortunately, yes I am related to the 'Sensational Sisters'. I've been traveling for the past two years to become the best water type master I can be… although I still have a long way to go since I only placed in the Top Sixteen."

"Wow! I thought I recognized that Lapras from somewhere—you were an amazing competitor. Her surprise thunderbolt sure shocked the competition, no pun intended. Do you plan on entering this year? Maybe we'll be able to battle each other!"

"Thank you for the compliments! And yes, I am planning to compete in this upcoming League. Oh look—we're here! Welcome to my campsite, nothing special but it gets the job done.

As the duo entered the clearing, Ash took note of his surroundings. There was a tent off to the side, presumably Misty's, with a small pile of firewood at the center. The location was decently secure, with trees surrounding the campsite, and having easy access to water, being close to the river. Although simple, the choice of setting was testament to the experience Misty had as a trainer.

"Since it's starting to get late and I'm worried about the what the wildlife will do to you, you can camp with me for the night. Go ahead and pitch up your tent while I get the fire roaring." The red head told Ash while she prepared to light the firewood.

"Thanks, Misty! But wait—I can light that fire easily for you! Sozin, come on out and light up that wood with an Ember attack!"

As soon as the fire lizard materialized from his Luxury Ball, he blew a few hot embers at the pile in front of him. As soon as the fire was big enough, the Charmander ceased his efforts and curled up near the flames.

"Thanks, Ash! There sure are a lot of pros to not being a specialized water trainer, fire lighting is one of them. Come on out, guys! Let's get ready for some dinner," Misty thanked before throwing five Pokéballs in the air, refraining from releasing Gyarados for the time being.

The first Pokémon to materialize was one Ash had already met. Lapras was a serene, blue plesiosaurus with a tough shell encasing its backside. Noticing Ash, the creature cooed kindly and ducked its head to be pet by him.

The next three Pokémon to spawn were beings Ash was already familiar with in his studies of the Kanto region. The first had webbed feet, a slicked body, and fins it had the appearance of a fish but with its quadruped structure and easy breathing of air, the creature seemed to be a cross between an aquatic and land animal. This was Vaporeon. The second also had webbed features and displayed the appearance of a bipedal, blue duck. This being is known as the Duck Pokémon Golduck. The final easily recognizable creature was a large, white seal with a long tail and beady black eyes. Its dopey smile and waving of its flippers contradicted its intimidating presence, however. This Pokémon was known as Dewgong.

Once Misty's final capture had appeared, Ash gasped in surprise.

"You have an Azumarill? I don't remember you battling with one in the League videos!"

Misty laughed, "well, that's because I'm still training Azumarill. She's still a bit far behind the rest of my team, but she's definitely getting there."

Hurriedly taking out his Pokédex to scan the foreign blue, ovoid rabbit, Ash eagerly read the being's entry.

Azumarill, the Aqua Rabbit Pokémon. Azumarill's long ears are indispensable sensors. By focusing its hearing, this Pokémon can identify what kinds of prey are around, even in rough and fast-running rivers. This Pokémon is female and belongs to Experienced Trainer Misty Waterflower.

"Alright, Ash; let's feed our Pokémon and then get to bed. I'm assuming you're headed to Virdian? If so, we can travel together until then." Misty questioned as she busied herself with making a stew over the fire.

"Yeah, I am! That sounds great, maybe you can teach me some tips about training on the way there?" Ash timidly asked while he pitched his tent and laid his things out.

"Of course, I'd love to help you out! But just remember that my expertise is mainly limited to water Pokémon and the training of them."

"That's fine since I plan to eventually add a water-type to my team! Thanks again for the save and for all the quick help, Misty!"

Ash fell asleep with Sozin curled up next to him, his flaming tail on an anti-flammable blanket that the trainee had brought with him, knowing that the Charmander would be his starter. He dreamed peacefully, certain that he could trust his new friend to battle any of the Route One threats and win.

Viridian City

Although not the largest city, Virdian was a major commercial center and was the place where Pallet Town receives and exports most of its goods. It was also a place frequented by many trainers looking to receive their eighth gym badge from Leader Giovanni.

Like most central trade hubs, the city was also known for having an expansive black market and high crime rates, only second to Saffron. And although there have been many League investigations throughout the recent years, little to no headway has been made.

Strangely enough, Virdian's crime had only spiked in recent years, after the deaths of Red and Blue, to be precise. After Red had taken down the organized crime group known as Team Rocket, the Kanto region had gone from the most dangerous, next to Orre, to one of the safest.

"Hey, Ash! Look, the Pokémon Center is right over there!"

Ash turned his head in the direction that Misty had pointed. As the duo walked towards the building, Ash sent a quick message to his mother, updating her about him reaching the city.

On the way to Virdian, Misty had taught the raven-haired boy a lot of general training and survival tips. She complimented him on his use of weights to increase Sozin's durability and recommended learning about the different berries and medicines available to help supplement and enhance the training process.

Once they had dropped their Pokémon off with Nurse Joy, the young trainers went to grab dinner. As they were eating, Ash remembered something critical.

"Hey Misty, I noticed that you didn't feed your Gyarados last night. I know Nurse Joy feeds all of the Pokémon she takes care of during the evening or overnight, but wouldn't he be starved by now?"

"Nice perception, that'll serve you well on your journey and during future Pokémon battles. I actually fed him before you woke up this morning. The best way to meet an untamed Pokémon that is likely to rampage is to keep the number of people around it to the minimum. I had Lapras and Vaporeon to keep me safe and once Gyarados settled down, it was all too easy to feed him."

"Huh, I guess it also wouldn't have helped if he saw me around while you were feeding him, especially since I was the one to trigger his ire," Ash said, thoughtfully. "I know Gyarados generally have a wicked temper, but I felt like he went berserk a lot easier than most would…"

"Once he grows a bit more, he'll become a bit tamer. I bet the reason he rampaged so easily, besides the fact that he was wild, is that he underwent an early evolution. Since his brain wasn't fully developed, the control most Gyarados have on their anger wasn't there."

The trainers continued their conversation as they finished up their meals.

Will Ash Ketchum and Misty Waterflower please come to the front desk to pick up their Pokémon? Thank you!

Ash cringed. Immediately, chatter rose from all around them.

I knew this was bound to happen, Ash thought. Next time, I should be more careful and ask the Nurse to forgo using my last name. He turned to Misty, resigned to the impending bombardment of questions, excitement, and eventually, pity.

Misty, for her part, hid her shock well. She had known that Ash looked familiar, but she could not place it before then. The last thing he needs is for me to ask him questions and make him more uncomfortable than he already is.

"Hey, Ash. I'll go pick up our Pokémon for us, I'm sure the Nurse remembers that we entered together since there aren't many others here. Go outside and I'll meet you there in a couple of minutes." Misty told him, kindly.

Ash was shocked, this was not the response he was expecting. "W-well… if you say so, Misty. Thank you!

The red head smiled as the trainee turned around and walked out of the Pokémon Center as fast as he could without seeming suspicious.

Although Red had not been the Champion for over eight years, his fame had not decreased in the slightest even in death. Kanto respected his legacy and all that he did for the region during his lifetime.

So, when it came to his ten-year-old son, the citizens acted no different. Ash, in their eyes, was just as much as a celebrity as his late father, the next best thing.

Ash sighed as he watched Sozin scorch yet another wild Pidgey. It wouldn't do him well to simply stew in slef-pity, he knew this would happen at some point in his journey. Misty had left him to visit the Pokémart to collect some items for the rest of her journey.

Sozin also sighed, if for a different reason. Ash knew that the wild Pokémon around here would not do the fire lizard any good. After all, even though Ash could not officially train or battle with him during the years before he became a trainer, he did help him improve his moves with Professor Oak as a supervisor. The trainee had even taught the Charmander one of his egg moves- Metal Claw.

Suddenly, the sound of someone clapping echoed throughout the training field.

"That is one strong Charmander you have there. I have never seen another with blue embers before, it must be very special."

Ash turned towards the voice. He recognized the person immediately. After all, the eighth gym leader of the Kanto region was easily distinguishable by anyone who did not live under a rock. Giovanni's tough, intimidating frame and clean-cut appearance in a three-piece black suit stood out in a crowd of people easily.

"Leader Giovanni! Thank you for your kind words—that's high praise coming from a powerful trainer like you!" Ash excitedly, if not a bit nervously, said.

"Hmph. I do not give praise where it is not due. Be proud of that Pokémon, I have not seen such spirit in a long time."

The trainee glanced at Sozin. It was true that the Charmander was growing more powerful at a rapid rate, but he had attributed it to the fact that he was bound to evolve soon. Ash could already see that his orange scales were becoming darker and tougher, with his flames growing larger.

"Well, it still means a lot to me to hear some validation. Do you have any training tips or anything that you recommend will help me on my journey to become the best?"

"The best, hm? Where have I heard that before…" Giovanni murmured, exasperated. Speaking up, he began, "as long as you continue the way you are training that Charmander, you will find great success." Now, as to how I can make his journey easier… The Gym Leader grinned maliciously.

Missing the facial expression, Ash recalled Sozin and prepared to make his exit. "Thank you again, Leader Giovanni for both your praise and advice. I can't wait to battle you once I collect seven badges!"

As the young trainer began to leave, he heard a shout.

"Wait! Before you go, take this. It will ensure that you don't fail at the Pewter Gym, which, as you're bound to know, is full of rock-types that are super effective against your little fire lizard."

The man handed Ash a Pokéball before nodding to himself and leaving.

"W-wait what?!"

"Good luck, child. I anticipate our impending battle."

By the time Ash had regained his senses, the Leader was gone. Still confused, he looked at the ball in his hand. Looking up at the sky, however, he noticed how dark it had gotten.

"Well, I guess I'll meet whoever you are later, buddy. I have to get back to the Pokémon Center and check in with Misty before heading off to sleep." Ash whispered to the Pokéball in his hand.

It was the middle of the night when the alarms began blaring throughout the center. Blearily, Ash quickly felt for Charmander's Pokéball and grabbed it before running out of his room.

In the hallway, he met up with his current traveling companion.

"Misty! What's going on?!" Ash said tiredly.

"No clue, Ash. Let's head downstairs, maybe it's just a false alarm." Misty replied, just as exhausted.

Once the duo made their way downstairs, they instantly noticed the altercation occurring in front of them.

"If you know what's best for you Nurse, you better shut off those alarms!"

"Yeah, and while you're at it, you better hand over all of the Pokémon you have in the back room!"

Abruptly, the power went out. The alarms ceased and it was difficult to see the others in the room, even with the emergency lighting that dimly lit the room.

"Oh no," Nurse Joy gasped, "the Pokémon in intensive care won't last for much longer without the power on!" She reached for a phone before she was cut off by a pale-yellow cat with its claws withdrawn from their sheaths and pointed at her throat.

"If ya know what's best for ya, better think twice about callin' the police."

"Please! You don't understand!" Joy frantically said.

"Did that Meowth just talk?!" Misty exclaimed, shocked. "In my years of travel, this is definitely a first."

Ash silently agreed, but was personally more worried about the fact that the cat looked like it was about to murder the good nurse right in front of their faces.

"Oh-ho! Look, Jessie! Two hot-shot trainers who think they can stop the big bad Team Rocket at what they do best!" The male teenager with blue hair exclaimed femininely.

"I guess we'll just have to crush their sorry dreams then, don't we James? Meowth, get over here now! There's no power anyway so she won't be able to call the authorities." The other adolescent, a teen girl with long fuschia hair snapped.

"Aw, ruinin' all my fun. Well, twerps, time to learn why you never mess with Team Rocket!" The cat smiled threatingly.

"Golduck, come on out and protect Nurse Joy while she tends to the Pokémon in emergency care! Vaporeon, let's teach these losers a lesson!"

"Losers?! Who are you calling losers, you red headed freak? Ekans, time to teach this girl a lesson!" The fuschia-haired girl shouted.

"Don't leave me behind! Koffing, you're up!" The blue-haired boy smiled competitively.

Shortly following the appearances of Misty's water-types, a long, purple snake with a yellow tail and stomach materialized with a floating, purple sphere exuding poisonous gases.

"Sozin! Come on out and help Vaporeon!"

However, to Ash and his companion's surprise, it was not Sozin that appeared. Instead, a stout rhinoceros with tough plates surrounding its body and a short horn extending out from its nose appeared. The mysterious Pokémon opened its eyes, which were red and glaring at the enemies in front of it.

"Ha! What kind of name is Sozin for a Rhyhorn? How ridiculous!" James laughed.

"Ash, I'm not even going to ask you about where you even got a Rhyhorn of all Pokémon right now, but you need to figure out what you're doing and quick—Vaporeon, open this fight with a Water Pulse!" Misty called.

"Ekans, dodge. Use Wrap on that slimy little fish!" Jessie ordered.

"Uh, right… let's just check what moves you know, I guess."

Rhyhorn, the Spikes Pokémon. Rhyhorn runs in a straight line, smashing everything in its path. It is not bothered even if it rushes headlong into a block of steel. This Pokémon may feel some pain from the collision the next day, however. This Pokémon is female, has the Rock Head ability, and is Brave nature. It knows the moves Tackle, Tail Whip, Smack Down, Bulldoze, and Horn Attack. Egg moves: Curse [unlocked] and Skull Bash [locked].

"Wow… I mean, I expected you to have good moves, Rhyhorn, because of who your previous owner was, but that doesn't make me any less impressed."

"Let's shut this twerp up, Koffing! Use your Smog attack!"

"Uh, let's see… Rhyhorn, take the Smog attack and once it clears up, use Smack Down into Bulldoze!"

Koffing cackled and let its toxic gases loose. Surprisingly, the Rhyhorn nodded at Ash's command and stayed put. Although, their species were not as disobedient as Gyarados or some others, they were notorious for not being as clever as most and are used to rushing head-first into battle.

Maybe it has something to do with her nature, Ash mused. Even still, I'm surprised she's listening to me. She must be young if she's not showing even the slightest bit of aggression towards me…

The plated rhinoceros snorted in derision, tanking the Smog attack with little difficulty. Focusing hard, a piece of the ground lifted into the air and nailed the Koffing in the, er, head. This caused the previously floating Pokémon to be laying on the ground, struggling to rise.

Rhyhorn glared down at her target, before stomping her heavy feet and sending a few tremors and cracks in the earth towards the downed Pokémon.

"Ash! Try not to take out the entire Center while we're protecting it!" Misty admonished, finishing up her battle with a well-timed Quick Attack from Vaporeon.

"Oops. Sorry!" Ash grinned, abashed.

Suddenly, the sound of sirens filled the air, slowly getting louder. The Viridian City Police Department had finally arrived.

Glancing nervously at each other, Jessie and James recalled their fainted Pokémon and ran out with Meowth, all yelling back at the trainers.

"This isn't the end of us! Ya hear tha' twerps?!"

"Meowth's right! You better be prepared to face us again!"

"But for now—"

"Team Rocket's blasting off again!"

Ash and Misty blinked at each other before recalling their partners. Ash resolved to properly introduce himself to his new Pokémon later and treat her to a nice meal. Then, he realized something.

For a young Pokémon, she sure is strong… Although Smack Down was a bit unrefined and will definitely need some work, she took down Koffing like it was no big deal at all. I mean, it probably wasn't too difficult seeing how poorly those buffoons battled.

The door to the Pokémon Center banged open, interrupting Ash's train of thought.

"Viridian City Police Department! I'm Officer Jenny!" A young woman with long, frizzy, blue hair announced her entrance. Looking around, she noticed that the Center was a complete mess. Directing the mechanic with her towards Nurse Joy, she rounded on Ash and Misty.

"Were you the cause of this disturbance? I was informed by a trainer staying here that it was Team Rocket. I can't believe young trainers such as yourselves are involved with them… what has the world come to?" Jenny shook her head.

"Wait, I was the one who dialed the station!" Misty exclaimed.

"Misty? When did you even have time to call them?"

"As soon as I heard the alarms, I made sure I called the local precinct. But maybe now's not the best time for these questions—I'm trying to make sure we don't get arrested here!"

Nurse Joy cut in. "Wait, Jenny! These children helped save the Center. Without them, I doubt I would have been able to hold those crooks off. We should be thanking them, not arresting them!"

Officer Jenny had the decency to blush in embarrassment. "I'm sorry, I guess I'm a bit high-strung. Especially with all the robberies happening by the organized crime group recently… I hope you can forgive me and thank you for holding them off before the authorities got here."

"No problem. We're happy to help!" Ash smiled kindly.

"Even still—if something like this happens again, which, for your sakes I hope it doesn't, do not engage next time. What you both did was incredibly dangerous and the last thing us officers need is to collect your dead bodies and send them to your families."

"We understand. Thank you, Officer." Misty responded, humbled.

Jenny nodded and looked towards the mechanic who had successfully gotten the electricity back online with the help of his Pikachu.

"The power lines were cut right through; kind of looks like they were sliced right through with claws…" The repairman wondered as Nurse Joy excused herself and headed into the back room to tend for her charges.

"That was probably Team Rocket's Meowth. After all, we didn't see him until after the lights were cut out." Ash said, thoughtfully.

"Whatever it was, it's over now. Come on Rodney, let's head back now. It's late at night and I need to get back to the station." The blue-haired police officer told the mechanic.

After they both had left, Misty turned to Ash.

"I would interrogate you right about now, but I'm bushed. Let's head back to our rooms and get at least a few more hours of sleep. We need to wake up early tomorrow to get at least somewhat of a headway into Viridian Forest."

Too out of it to realize that Misty had implied she was continuing to travel with him, at least until Cerulean City, Ash just nodded.

The two began making their way back to their rooms as the sun began to rise on a new day.

Location Unknown

"I'm telling you, boss. If those meddling trainers hadn't gotten in our way, we would've definitely raided that Center!"

"Yeah, I certainly didn't expect that kid with dark hair and a Rhyhorn named Sozin of all things to win against me…"

A kid with dark hair and a Rhyhorn, huh? Oh-ho, I had hoped you wouldn't get in my way. It's no matter, either he will join Team Rocket or be crushed by my hand.

"Well, clearly, they did get in your way. We do not tolerate defeat in Team Rocket. However, maybe there is a way you three idiots can make yourselves useful…"

"What can we do? We'll do anything to prove our worth to you, leader!"

"I order you three to follow that dark-haired boy you mentioned. I want you to keep track of his progress and growth as a trainer and ensure that he does not become a threat."

"A kid? Becoming a threat? There's no way that will happen… especially with how great you are, boss."

The shadowed man glared at the teenagers and talking cat in front of him.

"B-but, of course! Anything for you! At your leave, leader."

The ominous figure curtly nodded, and the three hurried to leave his office.

Stroking the large feline that rested on his lap, he pondered the current circumstances.

Smirking, he looked down at it. Oh, Red. If you could only be here to experience what's happening now. I bet you're rolling around in your grave, watching as I corrupt your pride and joy.

Once I turn your son, nobody, not even the 'Monster of Cerulean Cave', can stop me.

Hi guys, hope you enjoyed this entry of Legacy!

I'd like to address two things here, the first being what I see as a slight plot-hole, but as I was writing the chapter, I figured I would address it here.

Firstly: Some of you may be wondering where the other trainers were during the Team Rocket scene. My theory is that while there were many people frequenting the Center during the day, generally not many stay overnight. Especially in a smaller town like Viridian and a town whose gym is the eighth and final one. Thus, my reasoning is that there were only around two to five other people staying at the Center that night and we can assume some of them are deep sleepers and did not wake up. And those that did either did not want to get involved, did not have the Pokémon necessary to do so (again, the more experienced trainers who fought Giovanni probably had their partners in intensive care while the younger ones figured they couldn't do much), or simply thought it was nothing and the alarms were a drill. Anyways, this kind of sounds like an excuse, but there you go.

Secondly: I want to address Trainer Classes. This may be updated in the future, but this is my current ranking of the classes I have in mind:

Trainee (0-2 badges)

Rookie (2-4 badges)

Novice (4-6 badges)

Experienced (6-8 badges)

Advanced (Top 8 League placement)

League Champion (Winner of a League)

Gym Leader (Being a Gym Leader)

Elite (Defeating a region's Elite 4)

Champion (Defeating a region's Elite 4 and current reigning Champion)

Master (Winning the Master's Cup or Pokémon League in four regions)

I'd like to take a moment and thank you guys—all of my avid readers! It really means a lot that so many of you are showing support, it really helps motivate me to continue writing. And, as always, a very special thank you to my reviewers!

Galaxydragon101/Guest (1): Your nicknames for Charmanders are great! I just might have to steal some the next time I play through Kanto :)

Guest (2): Thank you for your suggestions! I have thought of ways to incorporate at least one into his team, but you will have to wait some time before they appear!

Connor: Thank you for the compliment! And I see you're another A:TLA lover as well, woo! I hope you enjoyed this chapter :)

QOTC (Question of this chapter): Since Ash just got a Rhyhorn to his team, what are your guys' favorite rock and/or ground type Pokémon? I personally like Tyrantrum (rock) and Krookodile (ground).

Thank you all once again for your support, I cannot express how much it means to me!

-Azolara