Want to read ahead. You know where
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Freeing Pokémon in the real world is allowed.
But only under certain conditions.
Sometimes, a Trainer might fall gravely ill and can no longer care for their Pokémon.
Other times, a Pokémon grows stronger too quickly, far surpassing its Trainer's ability to guide it.
And sometimes, no matter how hard they try, the bond just isn't there.
In those cases, the Pokémon League permits Trainers to release their Pokémon.
But what Paul did wasn't releasing a partner.
That was abandonment.
He didn't let Chimchar go because he had no choice.
He didn't part ways with sorrow or regret.
He threw Chimchar aside simply because it wasn't strong enough.
Because in his eyes, it was weak.
That… that's different.
In the eyes of the League, it may not be as severe as selling a Pokémon, but it's still considered a serious violation.
Trainers who abandon their Pokémon like that don't just face disciplinary action.
They're shunned.
The community turns its back on them.
Sure, in the Pokémon games, things work differently.
Players catch dozens of Pokémon, only keeping the ones with perfect stats, ideal abilities, or preferred natures.
The rest? Released without a second thought.
But that's just data on a screen.
This world is different.
Here, those are real partners.
Creatures who eat, breathe, feel, who walk beside you day and night.
They're not numbers.
They're not disposable.
Paul would face consequences.
So when Paul heard Sam praising Chimchar, saying it had real potential, that it would shine someday, his expression darkened.
He didn't say much during the Contest in Hearthome, but he'd seen the viral clips.
Sam's Lugia had drawn the attention of Trainers across every region.
And then there was the other rumor, Sam riding a Rayquaza, one of Hoenn's most powerful legendaries.
Paul knew what that meant.
Sam's strength wasn't just hype.
He had experience, vision, and power that Paul couldn't match, not yet.
And now, the Chimchar Paul had discarded… was with Ash.
It gnawed at him.
To think such a Pokémon, with that kind of hidden potential, was now in the hands of someone like Ash.
Paul clenched his teeth.
The words slipped out before he could stop them.
"Hmph. That Chimchar? Trash. Saying it has potential is a joke."
"What do you know?!" Dawn snapped, her usual cheerful demeanor gone in an instant.
Her voice cut through the air like a whip.
"Sam is the one who can control a Rayquaza! He doesn't lie! You don't even have the right to question him."
Brock nodded in agreement, his tone calm but firm.
"Dawn's right. Sam's abilities speak for themselves. Everyone's seen what he's capable of."
Paul scoffed, refusing to back down.
"If he's that powerful, why not prove it with a battle?"
He turned to Ash, the challenge clear.
Ash looked down at Chimchar, still resting in his arms.
The little Fire-type was battered and exhausted, its fur matted and its body trembling slightly from the earlier ordeal.
Ash hesitated.
He didn't know that Sam had already helped Chimchar, had drawn out and neutralized the lingering toxins in its system.
He only saw a Pokémon that looked too tired to fight.
A Pokémon that had already been through too much.
So he said nothing.
Dawn stepped forward again, unable to hold back.
"Chimchar just fought its heart out! You think it's fair to challenge it now?"
Her eyes flashed with anger.
"You abandoned it, and now you want to prove something by battling it? That's low, even for you."
Paul narrowed his gaze but didn't respond.
Ash looked down again, his grip on Chimchar tightening just a bit.
He could feel the small, warm body breathing softly against his chest.
Even now… Chimchar was trying not to show weakness.
A part of him wanted to take the battle.
To prove Paul wrong.
But another part… just wanted to let Chimchar rest.
Sam, standing nearby, said nothing.
He watched quietly, arms folded, eyes unreadable.
He already knew.
Chimchar would shine.
Just not yet.
Paul didn't reply. His lips tightened, but he said nothing.
Before the tension could grow thicker, Sam stepped forward and placed a hand on Ash's shoulder.
His tone was calm but reassuring.
"I think Chimchar's ready."
At those words, Chimchar perked up.
The little Fire-type jumped to its feet, eyes burning with energy.
It raised its fists and gave a determined cry, as if to say, I'm good to go!
Ash blinked, then smiled.
That fire in Chimchar's eyes, that was all the answer he needed.
With new confidence, he spun his cap backwards and stood tall.
"Alright then!"
He pointed straight at Paul, fire in his voice to match his partner.
"Let's do this, Paul!"
"I'll beat you with Chimchar, and prove once and for all that it's not trash!"
"Flame!"Chimchar echoed with a shout, fists clenched tight.
Paul let out a dismissive breath and reached for his Poké Ball.
He wasn't moved.
"Elekid, let's go."
With a flash of light, Elekid appeared on the battlefield, sparking with electricity.
No words of encouragement.
No hesitation.
Paul didn't wait.
"Elekid, Thunder Punch!"
Electricity crackled violently across Elekid's arms as it surged forward, sparks dancing off its fists.
The electric energy lit up the field.
Ash didn't flinch.
"Chimchar, don't be scared!" he called out.
"Use Flamethrower!"
"Flame!"
Chimchar's eyes locked onto the incoming Elekid.
It took a step back, planted its feet, and leaned its head up.
With a deep breath, its chest swelled, glowing with internal fire.
Then, WHOOSH!
A powerful stream of flames burst from Chimchar's mouth, thicker and hotter than anything Ash had seen from it before.
The fiery blast met Elekid's Thunder Punch head-on.
The battlefield lit up in a clash of red-orange fire and bright yellow sparks.
But in seconds, the flames overpowered the electricity, forcing Elekid back step by step.
"Elekid!" Paul shouted.
But it was no use.
The blaze overwhelmed Elekid, slamming into it full-force.
The electricity flickered out.
Elekid skidded backwards across the field, burn marks smoking on its arms and chest.
Ash stood stunned.
That power...
Even Paul's confident expression faltered for a moment.
Dawn and Brock exchanged wide-eyed glances, equally speechless.
"That Flamethrower…" Brock murmured.
"That wasn't normal."
"It's way stronger than before!" Dawn whispered.
Chimchar stood there panting slightly, but still full of fire.
There was no sign of strain. No sign of collapsing.
This wasn't the same Chimchar they knew.
It had transformed.
Ash turned to Sam, eyes wide.
"Sam… was that… magic or something?"