Ash: A Pokémon Tale

Ash sprinted toward Route 24, urgency propelling his every step. As he reached the rocky terrain, he skidded to a halt and released Butterfree and Beedrill from their Poké Balls.

"Survey the area. Look for a Charmander," Ash instructed, his voice steady but urgent.

The two Pokémon nodded and immediately flew off in different directions. Ash's eyes scanned the horizon as he anxiously waited. Within minutes, Butterfree returned, flapping frantically, and gestured with its wing toward a specific direction.

"Good work, Butterfree," Ash praised, recalling both Pokémon. Without hesitation, he sprinted in the indicated direction.

As he approached a large rock, he spotted the small, orange figure of Charmander perched on top. Its tail flame flickered weakly, barely holding on. The sight made Ash's heart clench. He took a deep breath and slowed his pace, signaling to Pikachu on his shoulder.

"Okay, buddy, this is your moment," Ash said softly.

Pikachu nodded with determination, leaping from Ash's shoulder and landing lightly on the rock near Charmander. The little lizard Pokémon turned its head, its weary gaze meeting Pikachu's bright eyes.

"Pika pika pi?" Pikachu began gently. (Your trainer's name is Damien, right?)

Charmander's eyes brightened with a flicker of hope. "Char char?" (You know him? Do you know where he is?)

Pikachu hesitated, his ears drooping slightly as he prepared to break the news. "Pika pika pi pikachu." (We do, but you're not going to like what I have to say.)

Charmander tilted its head, confusion evident. "Char?" (What do you mean?)

Pikachu took a deep breath before explaining: Damien had abandoned Charmander, left it behind intentionally, and had no plans to return. He recounted how Damien had bragged about his actions, showing no remorse.

As Pikachu spoke, Ash's Arc Dex buzzed in his pocket. He glanced at it briefly.

"Warning: Heavy rainstorm expected soon. Seek shelter immediately," the device announced in its robotic tone.

"Thanks for the heads-up," Ash replied, tucking the Arc Dex away.

Before Ash could refocus, Charmander let out a defiant growl. A burst of Ember erupted toward Pikachu, forcing the electric mouse to leap back onto Ash's shoulder just in time.

"Charmander char charmander!" (You're lying! I don't believe you!) Charmander shouted, its voice trembling with both anger and desperation. It turned away, curling up tighter on the rock, its tail flame dangerously faint.

Ash let out a soft sigh. He could see the emotional turmoil in Charmander's eyes—hope clashing with betrayal. Silently, he shrugged off his backpack and sat down under the rock, just out of the drizzle that had begun to fall.

Pikachu perched on his lap, his gaze never leaving the distressed Charmander. Ash leaned back, pulling out a snack bar from his bag.

"We're not leaving, Charmander," Ash said gently, his voice carrying over the soft patter of rain. "We're here for you, no matter how long it takes."

Charmander's body tensed at his words but didn't turn to face him. Ash unwrapped the snack and broke off a piece, handing it to Pikachu, who held it up for Charmander.

"Pi pika," Pikachu said softly. (You don't have to trust us right now, but we're not giving up on you.)

For now, Ash decided to wait, knowing that actions often spoke louder than words. The rain began to fall harder, but neither Ash nor Pikachu moved, silently showing the little Charmander that they weren't going anywhere.

He glanced at the sleeping Charmander, its small body curled up atop the rock as its tail flame flickered softly. Deciding he had some time, he pulled out his Arc Dex and began reviewing the status of his newly caught Pokémon.

The screen lit up, displaying detailed stats:

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Bulbasaur 

Level: 20

Gender: Male

Type: Grass/Poison

Nature: Modest (Boosts Special Attack, reduces Attack)Ability: Overgrow (Boosts Grass-type moves when HP is low)

Hidden Ability: Chlorophyll (Doubles Speed in sunny weather)

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Moves:

Vine Whip (Grass)

Leech Seed (Grass)

Poison Powder (Poison)

Razor Leaf (Grass)

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Machop 

Level: 19

Gender: Male

Type: Fighting

Nature: Adamant (Boosts Attack, reduces Special Attack)

Ability: Guts (Boosts Attack if affected by a status condition)

Hidden Ability: Steadfast (Increases Speed when flinching)

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Moves:

Karate Chop (Fighting)

Low Kick (Fighting)

Rock Tomb (Rock)

Focus Energy (Normal)

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Ash smiled as he read through the stats. "They're both solid picks. Great natures, too," he murmured. His gaze lingered on Bulbasaur's level. "Past evolution level already, huh? Guess you'll evolve when you're ready. No pressure."

Satisfied, he scrolled to check on the rest of his team. Their levels ranged between 20 and 26. "Not bad," he thought, "but still not strong enough. We need to push harder before reaching Celadon City."

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then asked, "Hey, Arc Dex, got any tips on leveling up quickly?"

"Buzz! Searching for answers," the Arc Dex responded. After a brief pause, it continued, "Buzz! Simulated battles can accelerate Pokémon experience gain."

"Simulated battles?" Ash repeated, intrigued. "How does that work?"

Before the Arc Dex could respond, a familiar voice rang out from behind him.

"Ash! Ash!"

Ash turned to see Misty running toward him, with Brock close behind.

Misty's eyes landed on Charmander. "Is this the Charmander? Is he okay?"

"Yeah, this is him," Ash confirmed, glancing at the sleeping Pokémon. "I think he'll be alright, but he needs time."

Brock knelt to get a better look at Charmander. "Poor thing must've gone through a lot. It's good you found him in time."

Misty crossed her arms. "And you're just sitting here? What's the plan?"

Ash leaned back against the rock, exhaling calmly. "The plan is to wait. Charmander needs space, and pushing him now would only make things worse."

Brock nodded in understanding, but Misty frowned. "You're just going to sit out here in the rain?"

Ash shrugged. "I'll manage. You guys should head to the Pokémon Center and get some rest. I'll catch up later."

Brock hesitated. "You sure? It's not far from here, and we could carry Charmander if you want."

Ash shook his head firmly. "I appreciate it, Brock, but he's not ready for that yet. I'll bring him once he's ready to trust me."

Misty sighed, looking unconvinced. "Fine. But if you take too long, we're coming back for you."

Ash smirked slightly. "Noted."

As Brock and Misty headed off toward the Pokémon Center, Ash settled back against the rock, pulling his jacket tighter to shield himself from the drizzle.

He glanced at the little Charmander again, its body still tense even in sleep. "Take your time," he said softly. "I'm not going anywhere."

With Pikachu curled up by his side, Ash prepared for a long wait, letting his quiet presence do the talking for now.

As Ash settled under the rock again, Charmander, still perched above, shifted uncomfortably. After a moment, he turned to Pikachu and mumbled softly, "Char... Charmander?" ("Did my trainer really abandon me?")

Pikachu glanced up, his usual cheer replaced with a somber expression. "Pika..." ("Yes.")

Charmander's gaze dropped to the ground, his tail flame flickering weaker than before. "Charmander... char." ("But he said he would come... he promised.")

Pikachu hesitated, searching for the right words. "Pikachu pika pi." ("Sometimes, people don't keep their promises. But that doesn't mean everyone's like that.")

Before Charmander could respond, Ash's Arc Dex buzzed to life, floating out of his hand and projecting a holographic screen into the air.

"Buzz! Evidence retrieved," it announced, startling both Pokémon.

The screen displayed a vivid clip of Ash's confrontation with Damien. The footage revealed Damien's callous admission of abandoning Charmander and his heartless dismissal of the little Pokémon as "weak and useless." It ended with Damien getting punched by ash 

Charmander watched the clip in silence, his wide eyes filling with tears. As the screen vanished, he began to tremble, and soft sobs escaped him.

Ash sat quietly, Pikachu by his side, letting Charmander grieve in peace. The gentle rain continued to patter around them, a soothing backdrop to the little Pokémon's sorrow.

After a long while, Charmander's sobs subsided. He wiped his eyes with his tiny claws, sniffling as he turned to face Ash.

Ash stood and approached slowly, kneeling to meet Charmander at eye level. His voice was calm and kind. "I know you're hurting right now. What Damien did to you was wrong, and you didn't deserve that."

Charmander stared at him, his red-rimmed eyes filled with uncertainty.

Ash continued, "Not all trainers are like Damien. I want you to join me on my journey—to become stronger, to find a team that feels like family. I promise you, I'll never abandon you." He smiled softly. "Right, Pikachu?"

Pikachu gave a determined nod, leaping forward. "Pika pika!" ("You can count on us!")

Charmander hesitated, glancing between Ash and Pikachu. Finally, after a long pause, he nodded hesitantly and let out a quiet, "Char..."

Ash's smile widened. "Thank you for trusting us." He pulled out a Poké Ball and held it out. "Let's get you healed up first, okay?"

Charmander leaned forward and tapped the Poké Ball with his claw. The ball opened, enveloping him in a red light before clicking shut.

Ash clipped the Poké Ball to his belt and stood, glancing toward the distant Pokémon Center. "Let's go, buddy." and began walking. Upon arriving, he handed Charmander over to Nurse Joy, who reassured him that she'd take good care of the Pokémon.

With that settled, Ash made his way to the lobby, where Misty and Brock were waiting.

"There you are," Misty said as Ash approached.

"How's Charmander?" Brock asked, concerned.

"He's in good hands," Ash replied. "Nurse Joy is checking on him now."

Hearing that, Brock and Misty nodded, relieved.

"Great," Misty said. "Let's grab something to eat while we wait."

The trio headed to the cafeteria, their spirits lighter as they prepared for the next part of their journey.

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"Give me a power stone; I am trying to write and update the chapter for the previous month, which I was not able to.

I got this simulated battles idea from the manhwa (Nano Machine). Have you guys read it? I was trying to implement it from that. You guys can suggest if I should add it or not. Also, feel free to suggest any ideas regarding simulated battles."