The heart of the Okoya Forest, late afternoon. Sunlight filters through dense emerald leaves. The distant sound of waterfalls echoes beyond the canopy. Wild Pokémon chatter and rustle through the undergrowth.
Ash pushed aside a curtain of vines, brushing sweat from his brow as Pikachu clung lightly to his shoulder. The jungle was alive — not just with sound, but with presence. Every bush felt like it was watching. Every gust of wind carried the scent of something… ancient.
“Whoa…” he breathed, gazing at the massive tree rising ahead — its roots twisting like sleeping serpents, its trunk wide enough to house a whole Pokémon Center.
“Pika…” Pikachu murmured, its ears twitching. It wasn’t fear — more like awe. Suddenly, the leaves ahead rustled, and a blur darted between the trees — fast, barefoot, wild.
“Wait — who’s there?” Ash called, stepping forward.
From behind a curtain of vines emerged a boy — tan skin, wild brown hair braided with vines, green markings across his arms and face. He crouched instinctively, his amber eyes flicking between Ash and Pikachu.
Koko.
The boy sniffed the air like a Pokémon would. Then, in a low voice, half-growl, half-question: “You… human?”
Ash blinked. “Uh… yeah? I mean, I’m Ash. I’m from Pallet Town. I’m just exploring. You live out here?”
Koko didn’t answer at first. He tilted his head — not suspicious, just curious. Then, like a signal, a small troop of Pokémon began to emerge from the underbrush.
A Passimian leapt into view, tilting its head at Ash. A Cinderace perched on a mossy ledge, eyes narrowed but not aggressive. A pair of Hoothoot fluttered into nearby branches, blinking in sync.
None of them spoke. But their body language said everything: Who are you? Why are you here? Are you a threat?
Pikachu dropped from Ash’s shoulder, stepping forward and waving its tail calmly, chirping a friendly “Pika-chu!” The Passimian tilted its head the other way. Still curious, but no longer hostile.
Koko stepped forward, slowly — catlike — sniffing the air again.
“Not enemy,” he finally said. “Maybe… friend?”
Ash grinned. “Heh, yeah. I think so.”