POKEMON : THE WAY OF PERCEPTION

"I told you already, I'm not Charmander's Trainer! I don't even know a Charmander!" The man shouted, his voice echoing in the quiet hall of the Pokémon Center. Only four patrol officers in Alliance uniforms, a staff member, and the alleged Trainer remained. The other trainers who had gathered earlier had been asked to return to their dorms to avoid interference. The results of the investigation would be announced later.

"It doesn't matter what you say. If Charmander truly doesn't know you, then you'll be fine, and we'll compensate you," one of the patrol officers said calmly.

"But you'd better hope Charmander doesn't recognize you," another officer, a woman with a stern expression, added. "If it does, you'll face punishment from the Alliance. People like you don't deserve to be Trainers."

The patrol officers had already reported the situation to their superiors. Preliminary investigations confirmed that the man had once owned a Charmander, but that wasn't enough to prove he had abandoned it. The final proof would have to come from Charmander itself.

The accused Trainer's face twisted with unease. He had tried sabotaging the power at the Pokémon Center earlier but had been subdued and restrained by the patrol team. Now, knowing that Charmander had regained consciousness, he was filled with dread.

If Charmander identified him, the consequences would be dire.

Sweat dripped down his brow as he scanned the room, looking for an escape route. The patrol team noticed his nervous glances and exchanged knowing looks.

"You're thinking of running, aren't you?" the leader of the patrol team sneered, narrowing his eyes. The officers subtly shifted their positions, leaving what appeared to be a gap in their formation. It was deliberate—if the Trainer attempted to escape, it would only add resisting arrest to his charges.

Suddenly, a shout echoed through the hall.

"Charmander!"

The small orange Pokémon came running from the direction of the nursing room. Its eyes lit up with joy when it saw its Trainer, and it dashed toward him with an excited cry.

But the man's expression darkened. His jaw clenched, and his eyes burned with frustration as he hissed under his breath, "Why couldn't you just stay unconscious?"

Charmander slowed down, confused by the harsh look on its Trainer's face.

"I don't know you! Stay away from me!" the Trainer barked, his voice filled with venom.

Charmander froze in its tracks, staring at him in disbelief.

"Charmander, is this your Trainer?" the patrol leader asked.

Charmander hesitated. It looked at the man, its tail flame flickering as it struggled to process the situation. Finally, it nodded, its body trembling slightly.

The Trainer cursed under his breath. Realizing his time was running out, he made a break for the door.

"I've been waiting for this," the patrol leader muttered.

"Primeape, stop him!"

In an instant, the leader's Primeape, a powerful Pokémon with an intense aura, leapt forward and blocked the Trainer's path.

The man panicked, fumbling for a Poké Ball on his belt. He threw it, releasing a Raticate to cover his escape.

"Cover the Primeape! Don't let him escape!" the patrol leader shouted.

The other officers released their Pokémon, quickly engaging the Raticate and neutralizing it. Meanwhile, Primeape moved in and grabbed the fleeing Trainer by the ankle, dragging him back effortlessly.

Charmander watched the scene, its expression blank. It didn't react when its Trainer glared at it.

"You're the reason I'm in this mess!" the man snapped, kicking at the small Pokémon. But Primeape intercepted the blow, standing protectively in front of Charmander.

"Enough!" the patrol leader barked, stepping forward. "You've already confessed through your actions. Abandonment, resisting arrest, and endangering a Pokémon. The evidence speaks for itself."

The man was restrained, his struggles futile against Primeape's strength. He screamed profanities as he was escorted out of the Pokémon Center.

Before leaving, the patrol leader turned to Ash, Misty, and Brock.

"You three did well. It's good to see Trainers willing to stand up for what's right. I hope you'll continue to protect Pokémon in the future."

"Of course!" Misty said firmly. Brock nodded in agreement, his expression serious.

Ash, however, was focused on Charmander. The little Fire-type stood silently, staring at the ground. Its flame had dimmed, reflecting its devastated emotional state.

Ash knelt down beside Charmander, gently placing a hand on its head.

"You don't have to feel this way anymore," he said softly. "You've been hurt, but you can start over. We'll take care of you."

Charmander looked up at Ash, its eyes filled with a mix of confusion and hope. Slowly, its tail flame began to burn brighter, a sign that its spirit was rekindling.

Brock smiled at the sight, while Misty wiped away a tear.

Ash stood up, determination in his eyes. "Charmander, will you come with me? I promise you'll never have to feel abandoned again."

Charmander hesitated for a moment before nodding. It climbed into Ash's arms, finally allowing itself to trust again.

As they left the Pokémon Center together, the rain outside began to lighten, as if mirroring the new hope that had been kindled.

-----------------------------------------

Visit our Patreon for more:

patreon.com/Johnwick007