The road out of Pallet Town stretched wide and empty, bordered by tall grass that whispered in the morning breeze.
Ash adjusted the straps of his backpack for the third time in as many minutes. The Pokédex felt heavier than it should have at his side, not from its weight but from what it meant. Every few steps, he glanced ahead.
The Charizard was already far in front.
It walked with long, steady strides, tail flame burning low and controlled. Its injured wing was tucked tightly against its body, bandages visible beneath its scales. It didn't look back. It didn't slow down.
Ash jogged to catch up. "Hey—um—wait up!"
The Charizard's ear flicked. Nothing else.
Maya walked beside Ash, notebook in hand. "This is typical," she said calmly. "Fully evolved Fire-types value autonomy. Especially ones that have been treated like tools."
Ash frowned. "I don't want him to think I'm like that."
"Then don't act like you own him," Maya replied. "Walk with him. Not behind him. Not in front."
They continued along Route 1. Wild Pokémon rustled in the grass, but none stepped onto the path. Smaller creatures scattered at the sight of Charizard's silhouette. Fear traveled faster than fire.
Ash noticed it. "They're all running away."
"Predators don't get challenged often," Maya said. "Even injured ones."
Ash slowed, looking at the tall grass. "But… I still need to catch Pokémon."
The Charizard stopped.
Ash nearly ran into its tail.
It turned its head slightly, just enough for one eye to fix on him. The look wasn't angry. It was assessing.
Ash swallowed and took a step forward. "I won't make you help. I just… I want to learn."
The Charizard huffed and turned away again, continuing down the road.
Maya watched carefully. "That wasn't dismissal," she said. "That was permission."
Ash stepped into the tall grass alone.
Something small moved between the leaves. Ash froze, heart pounding. He reached for the Pokédex, hesitated, then remembered Oak's words.
Learn. Don't judge.
The leaves parted.
A small green caterpillar Pokémon crawled forward, antenna twitching.
Ash raised the Pokédex.
"Caterpie, the Worm Pokémon. Bug type. This Pokémon releases a strong odor from its antenna to repel enemies."
Ash smiled despite himself. "You're… kinda cute."
Caterpie stiffened, then sprayed a thin string of silk instinctively.
"Whoa—!" Ash stepped back, then steadied himself. "Okay. No sudden moves."
He reached for a Poké Ball, fingers trembling.
"I don't know if I'm doing this right," he said softly. "But if you want to come with me… I'll try my best."
He threw.
The Poké Ball opened, light pulling Caterpie inside. It shook once. Twice.
Click.
Ash stared at the ball in his hand.
"I caught it," he whispered. Then louder, "I caught my first Pokémon!"
Maya smiled and wrote something down.
The Charizard watched from the road. Its expression didn't change, but it didn't walk away either.
Ash knelt and released Caterpie.
"Hi," he said. "I'm Ash."
Caterpie chirped softly.
Ash looked up at the Charizard. "You don't have to fight for me," he said. "But… I hope you'll stay."
The Charizard turned its head away again.
But it waited.
The three of them continued down Route 1 together.
Not as a team.
Not yet.
But as something that might become one.
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T/N:
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