Pokemon: A different Ash

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The moment Charmeleon turned around, the Devileon released a strange light. Although the strange light has a miraculous effect in battle, its hit rate is not high.

However, with Charmeleon's brute style of play, it is easy to find flaws. The moment the strange light hit, Charmeleon's eyes turned red instantly, and his head became dizzy. Feeling unwell, Charmeleon gritted his teeth to fight against the chaotic feeling.

"Char! Roar!!!"

Recklessly opening his mouth to release Flamethrower, this was also a normal occurrence under a chaotic condition. He didn't know what he was doing, and his attacks could even hurt himself.

Under Charmeleon's chaotic attack, the Pokémon nearby hurriedly dodged, not wanting to be affected by the uncontrolled flames.

"Devileon, use Iron Tail!" Confusion could eventually be lifted, so Ash didn't waste time and immediately called for an attack.

Hearing Ash's command, the Devileon rushed towards Charmeleon, skillfully avoiding the chaotic Flamethrower attack. Its tail gleamed with a metallic luster as it struck forward mercilessly.

Boom!!

A heavy blow landed directly on Charmeleon's face. Charmeleon let out a painful growl and was knocked into the air by the force of the impact.

Boom!!!

Charmeleon, propelled by the blow, crashed into the rock behind him, leaving his body momentarily sprawled against the stone before he slid down, slumping onto the ground.

"What's going on?" Brock asked as he approached. He had intended to invite Ash and Misty to dinner, but the commotion drew his attention, leaving him puzzled.

"I'm not too sure; it's just that Ash's Charmeleon suddenly became disobedient," Misty explained, shaking her head slightly, still confused by the situation.

"Huh?" Brock frowned slightly at her response.

"Brock, what's happening here? Charmeleon was fine before!" Misty pressed, concern evident in his tone.

"Pokémon sometimes change their behavior during evolution," Brock explained thoughtfully. "Some remain obedient and close to their Trainers, while others undergo significant personality shifts. I've even seen cases where evolved Pokémon attacked their Trainers."

Brock pinched his chin, his brows furrowed in thought. As a breeder, he knew how crucial it was to understand a Pokémon's personality and habits. He had encountered similar cases where Trainers either succeeded in re-establishing a bond or parted ways with their Pokémon due to disobedience. "I wonder how Ash plans to handle this," he concluded.

"How could this happen? Ash really cared for Charmeleon," Misty said, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Memories of Charmander's abandonment and Ash's determination to stand up for it replayed in her mind. She couldn't reconcile the current situation with the bond Ash and Charmander had shared before its evolution.

Charmeleon stirred, slowly pressing his hands to the ground to support himself. He didn't fully rise but glared at the grass, his wide eyes reflecting frustration and disbelief as he seemed to struggle with the reality of the moment.

With difficulty, Charmeleon raised his head and looked at Ash. The moment he met Ash's cold gaze, Charmeleon's spirit trembled. For the first time, he felt the terrifying aura of the Trainer who usually cared for him so much that anger was never part of their dynamic.

"The outcome is decided—you lose," Ash said coldly. Every word struck Charmeleon's heart like a hammer, reverberating through his core.

"At first, I thought Damian abandoned you because he thought you were too weak. But now, it seems that wasn't the reason. It's no wonder that an arrogant Pokémon like you would be abandoned!" 

Ash continued forward, his tone cutting deeper with each step. His words unearthed memories Charmeleon desperately wanted to bury. 

"You're weak and arrogant—just like Damian! I told you before: if you win, it's up to you. But now, you've lost."

Stopping in front of Charmeleon, Ash reached for a Poké Ball on his belt. Without hesitation, he placed it on the rock behind Charmeleon. Brock, Misty, and Pikachu all wore expressions of shock as they watched.

Brock and Pikachu had initially thought Ash was simply giving Charmeleon a stern lesson, but this act suggested something far worse. Even Charmeleon, now understanding Ash's intent, felt an ache of disbelief in his chest.

Turning his head, Charmeleon saw the Poké Ball resting on the rock behind him—it was his Poké Ball.

"If you feel you no longer need a Trainer, then...you're free. Go wherever you want. No one will care about you anymore." 

Ash's voice was icy and resolute. Leaving the Poké Ball behind, Ash turned and began walking away, tilting his hat downward to shield his eyes.

"Pika, pika!" 

Pikachu cried out in alarm, glancing between the stunned Charmeleon and Ash's retreating figure. Though Pikachu had been angry with Charmeleon's earlier behavior, it couldn't bear to see things escalate like this. After all, it knew Ash had never abandoned any of his Pokémon, no matter how much trouble they caused.

"Leave it alone. Let's go," Ash said firmly, without turning back. He walked steadily towards the camp, his words brooking no argument.

The rest of the Pokémon exchanged uncertain glances. Despite Charmeleon's recent disobedience, they still saw him as a companion. Everyone made mistakes, after all. But Ash was their Trainer, and his decision was final. In the end, they could only follow his lead.

Brock remained silent, his expression unreadable, while Misty called out desperately, "Ash, wait a minute!" She hurried after him, hoping to reason with him. 

Meanwhile, Charmeleon remained motionless, staring at the Poké Ball. His mind raced with conflicting emotions—pride, shame, and an unfamiliar sting of regret.