"Wow! So this is Hollywood! Mom, let's go check out those theaters!"
Arriving in Hollywood, Ash was genuinely excited. It was a new environment with sights far different from the quiet life in Pallet Town.
With Pichu in his arms and Delia by his side, Ash happily began his Hollywood tour. What neither of them knew was that a squad of Team Rocket operatives was tailing them, providing covert protection.
"Boss, Ash and Ms. Delia have arrived safely. They are currently shopping."
"Good. Ensure their safety. If any local thugs try to cause trouble, drag them into an alley, give them a thrashing, and turn them over to the police."
"Understood!"
Ash had no idea he was being guarded by the villains of this world. If he knew, he'd be stunned. For some reason, Ash felt like he had forgotten many of the so-called plot details of this world, though small fragments remained. It felt as if someone had tampered with his memory—but he didn't care much. Right now, he just wanted to sightsee and buy souvenirs; it was a rare chance to travel with his mother.
However, Ash was about to have a fateful encounter with the most powerful cheat code of his life: a very unique Pokémon.
The next day, while wandering the streets with Delia and Pichu, Ash spotted a Meowth being brutally beaten. Even while covered in bruises and scars, the Meowth refused to let go of a fish it had scavenged. Ash sighed and stepped forward, addressing the shopkeeper.
"Mister, I'll pay for the fish."
The man looked at Ash and said, "Kid, you don't understand. These wild Meowth only know how to steal. They're just like wild animals; there's no need to pity them."
"I understand, sir. But sometimes, they're just trying to survive. This Meowth is still holding onto that food even now. Here, this should cover the cost."
"Sigh, I hope your kindness isn't misplaced, kid." The man took the money and left. Ash looked at the Meowth and shook his head. "That's pretty rough... but shouldn't a Meowth be fast enough to outrun a human?"
Ash reached out his hand toward the creature.
*
I am a Meowth. I can speak the human tongue. I learned to speak and walk like a human because I wanted to survive better, to be more like them. But I didn't expect that walking on two legs would make me slower. I couldn't run away, I was caught, and then I was beaten.
Just when I thought I was going to die, I heard a voice like an angel.
"Mister, I'll pay for the fish."
I was let go, but my eyelids grew heavy. I didn't know what would happen to me, but... I really wanted to see that person. I wanted to see the owner of that voice...
When Meowth woke up, he found himself lying inside a building. Then, a voice drifted over.
"You're awake?"
Meowth would never forget that voice—the angel from the street. He looked up and saw Ash sitting by his bed.
"Was it you who saved me, meow?"
"???"
Ash froze for a second, then stared at Meowth. "Was that you talking?"
Meowth nodded. "That's right, meow."
"Hold on... let me process this..."
Ash took a deep breath to steady his emotions as memories of the Pokémon world finally surged back into his mind.
A talking Meowth? That's the Meowth from the Team Rocket trio! That cat is a walking glitch!
In Ash's eyes, while his future Pikachu was a power level bug, this Meowth was a utility bug. What is the biggest hurdle between a Trainer and their Pokémon? Communication! This Meowth solved that perfectly; if there was a problem, you could just ask him! Furthermore, Meowth's handicraft skills were insane! He could build any machine from scratch. Staying with the Team Rocket trio in the original series was a complete waste of his talent!
Looking at Meowth, a firm conviction took root in Ash's heart: I have to recruit him! He's the ultimate support system!
Ash looked at Meowth and said earnestly, "Meowth, would you like to become my Pokémon?"
Happiness came so suddenly that Meowth was stunned. His savior wanted him as a partner? What did that mean? It meant no more sleeping on the streets. It meant no more risking his life to steal a scrap of food.
Tears welled up as Meowth lunged into Ash's arms, sobbing.
"I'm willing, meow! I want to be your Pokémon, meow!"
Holding Meowth, Ash gave a gentle smile and rubbed the cat's back. "Then, Meowth... I've caught you."