Morning light spilled across Pewter City as Ash stepped out of the Pokémon Center and adjusted the straps of his backpack. The Boulder Badge rested safely in its case at his belt. He touched it once, then let his hand fall.
Maya finished checking the bandages. Rattata slept curled near the wall, breathing steady. Metapod rested quietly, its shell unmarked. Pidgey tested its wing with a cautious flap, then settled again. Not ready yet.
Charizard waited a short distance away. It didn't rush ahead like before. It didn't leave either. Its tail flame burned calm and steady.
They left the city on the narrow forest road. The air changed quickly, cooler and damp, trees closing in overhead. Ash walked slower now, watching his Pokémon more than the path. Training today was light. Footwork. Distance. Timing.
A sudden rustle broke the quiet.
A wild Pokémon burst from the bushes. Ash reached for a Poké Ball, then stopped. He watched first. Learned the movement.
"Rattata," he said evenly, "go."
Rattata sprang forward with Quick Attack, struck once, then retreated on its own. The wild Pokémon fled into the trees. No capture. No chase. Ash nodded.
They reached a clearing by midday. Ash shared food, breaking portions carefully. When Pidgey hopped down, eager, Ash gently blocked it with his arm.
"Not yet," he said. "Soon."
Pidgey chirped in protest but stayed put.
Charizard observed from the edge of the clearing. Its eyes followed every choice. Every restraint. When Ash practiced throws with empty Poké Balls, Charizard stepped closer once, then stopped. Ash noticed but said nothing.
By evening, they made camp. Ash checked bandages, thanked his Pokémon quietly, apologized when he thought he'd pushed too far. He didn't look toward Charizard when he spoke.
The fire crackled. The forest breathed.
Charizard lowered itself near the edge of the light. Not close. Not far. Close enough.
Ash stared into the flames, the badge warm at his side.
One victory behind him.
Many lessons still ahead.
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T/N:
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