Chapter 95: Chapter 96: Charmander’s Choice
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"I planned to snatch that kid's Pikachu, but I didn't expect this kind of drama..." Jessie muttered under her breath. The Rocket trio stood outside the Pokémon Center, silently watching the aftermath of the incident.
Jessie's usual fiery demeanor was subdued. Despite her brash attitude, she harbored a deep love for Pokémon. As someone who once dreamed of becoming a Pokémon doctor but fell short academically, she couldn't help but feel disgusted by the arrested Trainer's behavior.
"Yeah, let's let the twerp go this time," James agreed, sighing. Like Jessie, James loved Pokémon and couldn't bear to see them mistreated.
"Even though we're Team Rocket, who's known for evil deeds, Meowth still has morals, ya know!" Meowth declared, crossing his arms. As a Pokémon itself, it understood Charmander's pain.
In the shadows nearby, a pair of glowing eyes watched silently. This mysterious presence, often protecting Ash and his friends from harm, decided not to intervene this time. With the trio turning away, the figure faded back into the darkness, leaving the Rockets to their musings.
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In the Pokémon Center's dormitory, Pikachu tried its best to console Charmander. But the little Fire-type sat motionless, staring blankly ahead. Its flame flickered dimly, a reflection of its despair.
"Pika... Pika..." Pikachu called softly, but Charmander remained unresponsive. Pikachu turned back toward Ash, Misty, and Brock, shaking its head helplessly. Nearly half an hour had passed, yet Charmander showed no signs of improvement.
"This is heartbreaking..." Misty whispered, her voice tinged with sadness.
Brock nodded solemnly. Though he aspired to become a top Pokémon breeder, he had never encountered a situation like this. He glanced at Ash, hoping his friend had a solution.
Ash remained silent, his eyes fixed on Charmander. He knew this wasn't an ordinary case of a sad Pokémon. Charmander had suffered an emotional blow that wouldn't be easy to heal.
Suddenly, Ash stood up. "Charmander, battle with me!"
"What?!" Misty and Brock exclaimed, startled by the abrupt challenge.
"Trust me," Ash said firmly, nodding toward his friends.
His plan was unconventional. He hoped that battling might stir Charmander's emotions and help it confront its pain.
"Your former Trainer called you weak, but are you really weak? Don't you want to show him your true strength?"
Charmander didn't respond, but Ash noticed its tail flame flicker slightly.
"If you join me, I'll train you to be strong. Someday, we'll stand on the Indigo Plateau stage, and he'll see the Pokémon he gave up on. He'll regret ever abandoning you."
Charmander's eyes flickered, considering Ash's words.
Taking a step forward, Ash gently scooped Charmander into his arms. The little Pokémon flinched but didn't resist. It sensed no malice from Ash—only kindness and determination.
"Let's go outside," Ash said, carrying Charmander toward the exit.
Misty, Brock, and Pikachu followed closely. As they passed through the hall, a few Trainers who had learned of Charmander's story trailed behind, curious to see what would happen.
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Under the starlit sky, Ash set Charmander down in a clearing. The bright moonlight bathed the scene, making the wilderness feel serene.
"Come on, Charmander! Show everyone how strong you are!" Ash called, stepping back with Pikachu.
Charmander glanced at the gathered Trainers, then at Pikachu, and finally at Ash. After a moment's hesitation, its eyes burned with newfound resolve.
The flame on its tail flared brightly as Charmander opened its mouth, releasing a powerful Flamethrower toward Pikachu.
Ash's eyes widened. "Flamethrower?! That's incredible! Charmander, you're amazing!"
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" Ash commanded.
Pikachu unleashed a surge of electricity, the Thunderbolt colliding with Flamethrower in midair. The two attacks held each other in a brief stalemate before Pikachu's Thunderbolt overpowered the flame.
The remaining electricity surged toward Charmander, but the Fire-type quickly rolled out of the way, avoiding the attack.
Ash grinned. "Charmander, you're not weak at all. You're incredible!"
Charmander, driven by Ash's encouragement, launched a series of fierce attacks at Pikachu. Though none of its moves landed, its determination was evident.
The onlooking Trainers murmured in awe.
"That Charmander is so strong," one whispered.
"I can't believe someone abandoned it," another said, shaking their head.
As Charmander's attacks slowed, it paused to catch its breath. Its fiery gaze shifted from Pikachu to Ash. This Pikachu was the strongest Pokémon it had ever faced. If Ash could train Pikachu to be this powerful, then perhaps he could help it become stronger too.
Taking a deep breath, Charmander stepped forward. It stared at Ash, its eyes filled with determination.
"You've made your choice, haven't you?" Ash asked, smiling warmly.
"Char!" Charmander nodded firmly.
"Then welcome to the team!" Ash knelt down and extended his hand.
Charmander placed its small paw in Ash's hand, sealing the bond. Pikachu cheered, hopping happily around its new teammate.
The gathered Trainers looked on, some disappointed they hadn't earned Charmander's trust but all understanding why it chose Ash.
Brock smiled. "This is why Ash is special. Pokémon can sense his sincerity."
Misty didn't say anything, but her gaze softened as she watched Ash and Charmander.
Under the moonlight, the bond between Trainer and Pokémon began to flourish, signaling the start of a new journey filled with hope and strength.
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