Pokemon: A different Ash

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At this time, the heavy rain was still pouring down from the sky, and in the mountains not far from the camp, a determined figure stood resolutely in the downpour.

The rain fell relentlessly, with roaring thunder echoing intermittently. Despite the intense weather, the figure in the rain remained unmoved. Around him, countless blackened craters filled with rainwater, forming puddles under the stormy skies.

That figure was none other than Charmeleon. As Misty had feared, Charmeleon was braving the rain—not because he lacked shelter but because he chose to face the challenge.

The flame on his tail sizzled audibly as the rain struck it, but it refused to be extinguished, much like the fighting spirit in his eyes that burned fiercely, undeterred.

Charmeleon stood with his claws clenched, his eyes tightly shut, letting the rain drench him. He wasn't giving up; instead, he was confronting his own weakness head-on.

Though Charmeleon had always disliked the rain, this time, he resolved to overcome it. With unwavering determination, he stood his ground, embracing the downpour.

As the rain persisted, Charmeleon's body began to glow faintly with a fiery red light. This light spread over him, emanating heat that created steam as raindrops met his skin. The intense heat around him caused the falling rain to evaporate on contact, protecting him within its fiery glow.

The flames on his tail grew stronger, illuminating the dark mountains. Charmeleon stood like a beacon of light in the storm, the only brightness in the shadowy wilderness.

Late that night, the rain continued. Inside the camp tent, Misty had fallen into a deep sleep, and Pikachu rested peacefully next to Ash's hat. The rain pattered rhythmically against the tent.

Brock awoke to the sound of the rain. Glancing around, he noticed Misty sleeping soundly, but Ash, who usually slept early, was lying awake, staring silently at the top of the tent, his hands behind his head.

Surprised, Brock thought about speaking but decided against it. Watching Ash's expression, Brock understood that Ash was still worried about Charmeleon. Eventually, drowsiness overcame him again, and he drifted back to sleep.

By the next morning, the rain had ceased, and the sun rose brightly, casting warm light across the refreshed forest. Droplets glistened on leaves, and the forest teemed with the calls of Flying-type Pokémon.

Brock was the first to wake. He noticed Misty still asleep but realized that Ash and Pikachu were already gone.

Stepping outside the tent, Brock found Ash in the clearing with his Pokémon. They were warming up together, their spirits seemingly renewed after the storm.

"You're up early, Ash!" Brock called, walking over to greet him.

"Morning!" Ash replied cheerfully, signaling his Pokémon to take a break.

Brock smiled. "I'll fetch some water while Misty's still sleeping."

"I'll go with you!" Ash offered. Grateful for Brock's constant care, he was eager to help however he could.

Brock nodded, leaving the Pokémon to guard the camp as the two set off into the forest. Taking a different path to the river, Brock led the way, with Ash following closely.

They eventually reached a rocky clearing near the river, where Charmeleon's Poké Ball still rested securely in the crevice of a rock.

After being cleansed by the rainwater, the surface of the Poké Ball glistened like crystal, reflecting the soft, nascent sunlight.

"The Poké Ball is still here! Ash, what on earth are you thinking?" Brock finally voiced the question he had been holding back for days. He always believed in Ash's dedication to his Pokémon, but observing Ash's behavior recently had left him feeling conflicted.

Brock asked as he dipped his bottle into the river to fill it. Ash, similarly, filled another bottle with water, his expression unreadable.

"Charmeleon...needs training," Ash responded flatly.

Whether it was the unruly Charmeleon of now or the eventual mighty Charizard of the future, Ash believed it was better for it to face challenges now and grow stronger than to face them unprepared later. He thought back to the harsh lessons Charizard would one day endure—like its devastating loss in the Orange Islands or in the Charicific Valley. These were inevitable, but if Charmeleon could develop now, such difficulties would no longer seem insurmountable.

Brock listened, slowly grasping Ash's perspective, though he still voiced his concerns. "But what if Charmeleon really leaves?"

"Then it only means the bond between us isn't strong enough. Why should I force it?" Ash replied calmly.

If Charmeleon were to leave, it would signify that the bond between them wasn't deep enough—despite Ash rescuing it from Damian and dedicating himself to its growth. Forcing Charmeleon to stay would accomplish nothing, as it would only mirror its prior lack of trust and loyalty.

Brock absorbed Ash's reasoning and chose not to press further. He understood that Ash had carefully considered his approach and decided to trust his judgment.

BOOM! BOOM!

Suddenly, a loud noise erupted from the direction of the camp, startling Misty awake. Rubbing her eyes, she unzipped the tent and stepped outside to investigate. To her shock, an enormous figure loomed over their campsite.

"What...what is this?" she gasped, staring at the giant robot. It stood upright on two legs, its large hands equipped with massive claws, and a head shaped like a giant cat.

Before she could process what was happening, a voice rang out.

"Hahaha! Since you asked the question sincerely..."

"We'll answer with great mercy!"

The robot's cat head flipped backward, revealing three figures standing proudly in its neck.

"Prepare for trouble!" Jessie began.

"And make it double!" James continued.

"To protect the world from devastation!" Jessie declared.

"To unite all peoples within our nation!" James added.

"To denounce the evils of truth and love!" Jessie exclaimed.

"To extend our reach to the stars above!" James finished.

"Jessie!"

"James!"

"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!" Jessie declared.

"Give up now or prepare to fight!" James concluded.

"Meowth, that's right!" Meowth chimed in.

Misty looked around nervously. Ash and Brock were still at the river, leaving her alone with Pikachu and the other Pokémon. Pikachu, recognizing Team Rocket, immediately braced itself, sparks crackling on its cheeks as the Pokémon prepared for battle.