Inside the medical room of the Celadon Gym.
The faint scent of disinfectant permeated the air.
...However, this smell is inevitable in any medical industry.
A member of the Celadon Gym's medical team flashed a reassuring smile at Ash, Brock, and Misty, who were gathered around.
"Rest assured, it's just physical exhaustion, combined with some superficial wounds and weakness caused by severe mental fluctuations."
"There are no signs of damage to the bones or internal organs. It will recover after resting quietly for a period of time."
On the sickbed, Charmander was curled up. The flame on its tail was still as weak as a candle in the wind, flickering dimly.
Its large eyes were half-open, empty and listless within. Even after hearing the conclusion regarding its injuries, it showed no reaction whatsoever.
That heartless kick from Cross had shattered not only its body but also the trust and dependence on a Trainer that had just begun to sprout.
"...Miss Erika held back with her strikes," Brock said, crossing his arms. Looking at Charmander's condition, his furrowed brows did not relax.
Physical wounds are easy to cure, but trauma to the heart is hard to heal.
Misty squatted by the bedside, carefully extending her hand, wanting to touch Charmander's head, but she stopped just before making contact.
She was afraid of startling this little one who looked as if it would shatter at the slightest touch.
"It looks so sad."
Charmander looked as if its heart had died, a sorrow greater than death itself.
Moreover, the Gym's medical team had limited equipment after all, focusing more on emergency treatment—it wasn't like they could call in Erika's professional team for such a small matter, right?
To ensure nothing went wrong, the three decided to take Charmander to the Pokémon Center in Celadon City immediately.
The highest level of medical care in every city is generally found with Nurse Joy at the Pokémon Center.
Ash silently stepped forward, wrapped Charmander gently in a soft blanket, and held it in his arms.
Pikachu quietly followed at his feet, looking up at its partner.
Misdreavus floated on Ash's shoulder, watching this unlucky fellow who had been hurt by humans with a mix of curiosity and sympathy.
The group arrived at the Pokémon Center.
It was as busy and orderly as ever here.
After listening to Ash's brief explanation of the situation, Nurse Joy's expression immediately turned serious.
She took Charmander into the consultation room and conducted a detailed examination lasting half an hour.
When the door to the consultation room opened again, Nurse Joy walked out.
There was professional gentleness on her face, but her eyes revealed a trace of understanding and regret.
"It's about the same as you predicted. There are indeed no major physical issues—just fatigue and mild contusions. Supplements and a few days of rest will fix that."
Nurse Joy's voice was very soft.
"The real problem is here."
She pointed to the location of her own heart, then gently tapped her temple.
"Being abandoned by a Trainer, especially in such a brutal manner, is a massive mental blow to a Pokémon."
"They will fall into deep self-doubt, fear, and even seal off their own hearts."
"This Charmander is currently showing typical symptoms of 'Abandonment Syndrome.' It has lost its goal and meaning to strive for, and even its life fire has become dim."
Nurse Joy sighed.
"In this situation, the effect of medicine is limited. What is needed more is time, patience, and... a new bond that is truly worthy of its trust."
She looked at Ash and the other two, her gaze carrying a question: "How do you intend to settle it?"
Ash did not speak; he just lowered his head to look into those amber eyes that remained empty.
Cross's hysterical appearance flashed through his mind, the short wail Charmander made when it was kicked away, and its purity in wanting to comfort its Trainer even while heavily injured... A nameless fire burned in his chest.
Ash gently placed Charmander on the soft sofa in the reception room, then knelt on one knee in front of it, looking directly into its eyes.
The surrounding sounds seemed to fade away. Ash's gaze became incomparably focused, even carrying a magical power that could pierce through the human heart.
His voice was not loud, yet it was abnormally clear:
"Are you confused? Charmander."
"Because of that man's denial, have you started to doubt the value of your own existence?"
"Truly... stupid."
Charmander's body trembled almost imperceptibly, and a trace of faint focus seemed to appear in its empty eyes.
It didn't understand why it was being scolded again?
Charmander felt very aggrieved; it didn't know why it was wrong again.
And this was exactly what Ash wanted to see.
Sometimes, the more you comfort someone, the more counterproductive it is. Appropriately scolding them might actually have a better effect.
After all, having been comforted for so long with no positive reaction... one needs some harsh medicine to stimulate a response.
"The evaluations of others, especially the conclusions drawn by that kind of trash who can't even recognize himself, are nothing but dust blinding your eyes, insignificant stumbling blocks hindering your progress."
"Cross is wrong... I can guarantee you that."
"The end of his path holds only the abyss."
Ash continued to whisper:
"Do you desire to become strong?"
"Do you desire to prove to that man who abandoned you, and to all existences that look down on you, just how shallow and wrong their vision is?"
"To prove that you are absolutely not the 'trash' he spoke of, and to prove just how precious the potential he lost is?"
"Power... True power is never bestowed by others, nor can it be obtained by wagging your tail and begging."
"It stems from the heart, from an unyielding will, from the desire to break shackles and step to a higher level!"
If this were a materialistic world, it would be hard to say.
But in this extraordinary world of Pokémon, a sincere heart and a firm will truly possess power.
For example—Mega Evolution.
Ash's voice gradually rose, carrying a provocative quality:
"See clearly, feel clearly the unwillingness and anger in your heart at this moment!"
"Do not escape, do not suppress it. Grasp them tightly in your hand, turn them into fuel, and ignite that raging fire that should be burning fiercely on your tail!"
"Follow me. I will point out the path for you, take you to see a broader sky, and challenge stronger opponents!"
"I will make you be reborn, giving you power sufficient to make that man, on some day in the future, only able to kneel on the ground and regret the dignity of yours he trampled on today!"
"This is the revenge you should have, the posture your life should have!"
Ash extended his index and middle fingers, gently touching Charmander's forehead, as if to carve these words directly into its soul:
"Tell me!!!"
"Are you willing to sink right here, letting that weak flame extinguish completely, and be forgotten as a 'piece of trash' just as that man expects?"
"Or... grab the hand I am extending, break free from these boring shackles, and climb with me to that peak no one else can reach?!"
"Choose!"
Ash wasn't sure if this Charmander's aptitude was good or what its personality was like.
But an abandoned Charmander appearing in front of him... this gave Ash the feeling of a fated encounter.
He had watched that movie too.
Although it seems now that the plot experience has undergone a massive change, a difference so large it is hard to imagine.
But so what if he believes in it once?
Having heroic courage means daring to make a bet!
As long as Charmander is willing, then Ash will absolutely make it happen.
These words exploded like thunder in Charmander's bewildered mind.
Although it didn't understand the full meaning, it was greatly shaken.
In Charmander's originally dead eyes, a cluster of weak but truly existing flames suddenly burst forth!
"Char... Char-wooo—!!!"
Charmander suddenly raised its head and used all its strength to let out a hoarse roar!
The originally dying flame on its tail, as if injected with a shot of cardiotonic, flared up with a "boom."
Although it was far from reaching a vigorous level, it had already broken free from the danger of extinguishing, burning stably and firmly.
Ash's 'talk therapy,' as always, had excellent effects.
So it is said that language has power.
Language is the sharpest weapon, and language is also the warmest medicine.
Charmander looked at Ash with eyes full of rekindled fighting spirit, as well as a reliance that came from finding a new direction.
Most Pokémon are just this simple.
"..." Brock felt that perhaps he should practice his eloquence more?
"..." Misty felt that Ash's talent points were definitely added a bit askew.
"Pika!" Pikachu watched from the side, dumbfounded.
Although it wasn't the first time seeing Ash smooth-talking with such sass, Pikachu still wanted to retort: [You abducted him just like that?]
"!!!" Misdreavus, however, had her mouth formed into an 'O', her eyes sparkling, thinking her Trainer was simply absolutely cool at this moment.
^o^ Misdreavus: As expected of my Trainer~~
Nurse Joy covered her mouth in surprise, her eyes full of admiration: "That was truly amazing... Ash, perhaps you could go study psychology~~"
"I have a cousin in the Johto region. She obtained a diploma in 'Pokémon Psychology' at Celadon University... She could probably only achieve the same level as you."
Nurse Joy genuinely felt that Ash was naturally gifted.
Regarding the treatment of Pokémon psychological issues, the best plan is talk therapy and guidance.
Medical instruments are a backup.
Changing memories through psychic powers is an absolute last resort.
After all, humanitarianism and aftereffects must be considered.
Ash smiled faintly, returning to his usual appearance.
He took out an empty Poké Ball, gently pressed the switch in front of Charmander, and enlarged it.
"Then, welcome to the team, partner."
Charmander did not hesitate at all; it actively touched the button in the center of the Poké Ball with its forehead.
Red light flashed, and it was taken inside.
The Poké Ball didn't even shake before making a soft "ding" sound, locking in.
[Charmander]
[Level: 15]
[Nature: Adamant]
[Ability: Blaze]
[Individual Values: Decent]
[Moves: Scratch LV4, Growl LV3, Ember LV2, Smokescreen LV1, Dragon Breath LV1]
"..." Looking at the System interface, Ash was now certain that this Charmander's innate aptitude was indeed not outstanding.
Its various Individual Values hovered around the lower-middle standard.
However—talent determines the starting point, but will can determine the end point.
As the saying goes, if the road is blocked, use your fists to open it.
Do not turn back until you hit the southern wall; knocking the wall down also counts as clearing the road.
And an Adamant nature is indeed not bad.
For a Trainer, a stubborn and warlike Pokémon can be considered a small gem.
If the Nature were: Rash, Quirky, Lax, Timid, Hasty... then even if the aptitude were very good, it would be quite difficult to cultivate.
It's just that Ash still wanted to roast—was all his luck sucked away by encountering that Golden Supreme Magikarp back then?
____
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