Mizuro: Trix did the freaking Levi wheel and those fusion obsessed rock people said NOTHING?!

Ohirume: They had no idea what it was.

Nuevo: Who's Levi?

Mizuro: You uncultured swi-

Illavera: Calm down, Gary. You know how Paul is. Just drop it.

Mizuro: *sigh* Right, sorry May.

Ohirume: And there goes that 'mystery.'

I don't own Pokémon or Ben 10.

.

.

To Yvel With Damien

*Bit of a warning: I might have gone overboard with Damien in this one*

.

Misty was livid, "How are we not there yet?!"

Soot grumbled, "This is what happens when we take directions from pretty girls who don't travel." She glared at Brock.

The guys holding the map chuckled nervously, "The map says we should be their soon."

Ash raised an eyebrow, "What are you talking about? We're heading towards the Pokémon center just off route 24."

Everyone stopped and looked at him.

Brock looked at the map again, rotated it, and flinched, "Y-your right!" he turned to face Ash, "How did you know that?!"

Ash shrugged, "I have a good memory. I actually memorized the route last time I looked at the map."

"What?!" Misty cried out, "Ash, why didn't you say anything before?!"

Ash smirked, "Because, 'getting lost is just a-'"

Soot's eye twitched, "That isn't going to work twice!"

Ash chuckled, "Sorry. Come on, let's hurry before the storm hits."

He continued walking towards the center. The others stared.

Misty blinked, "Storm?" she looked up, "But there isn't a cloud in the sky."

Soot looked at her, "Trust me, dad isn't wrong about these things." She followed Ash.

Brock and Misty looked at each other before following the pair.

After a few minutes, they came across a large rock with something laying on top.

Brock put a hand over his eyes, "Is that a Charmander?"

"Yeah" Ash responded as he frowned, "but something isn't right. Its flame is too dim."

Soot frowned too, "I'll see what's going on."

She climbed up on to the rock. Charmander backed away and glared at her.

Soot sat down, "It's okay. I'm just here to talk."

Charmander calmed some, but kept glaring, "What do you want?"

Soot frowned, "I wanted to know why you're up here. It looks like you haven't eaten in a while."

"I'm fine." Charmander responded, "I'm waiting for my master. He told me to wait here for him."

Soot frowned softened, 'some kind of endurance training, I guess' "Even so, you need to eat." She turned to look at Ash, "Dad, we still have some berries, right?"

Ash nodded and put down his bag, "Yeah, what does he want?"

Charmander blinked, "Your master understands you?"

Soot frowned, "He's my da- my meema, not my master. Also, I can speak human."

Charmander was surprised but shook it off, "I-I'm fine. I don't need anything. My master will be back soon."

Soot's frown deepened and she jumped off the rock.

She looked up at the group, "He said he doesn't want anything. He's waiting for his trainer."

"Well, it is probably better if his trainer comes and gets him." Brock responded, "We should get going."

Ash nodded, "Alright. Just one thing."

Ash grabbed his backpack and jumped up onto the rock. Charmander flinched at the action.

Ash raised a hand, "I'm not here to hurt you." He reached into his bag, "I know you're waiting for your trainer, but here."

He put a few apples and a bowl of water in front of the Fire-type. Charmander looked at the food hungrily but shook his head and turned away.

Ash smiled sadly, "I'll leave it here if you change your mind."

He jumped back down and looked up, "Take care, Charmander. And, be careful, there's a storm rolling in."

The group continued towards the center.

Soot looked up at Ash; concern on her face, "Dad, are you sure about this?"

Ash shook his head, "No. But we don't have the right to take Charmander without informing his trainer. We can check on him tomorrow. Hopefully, his trainer will have gotten him by then"

"Alright." Soot nodded. She was still unsure about this.

.

*Not long after

The group ran through the door to the Pokémon center. It was pouring outside.

Soot shook herself dry and smiled slyly, "Told ya so."

Misty was already drying herself off with a towel, "Alright, I'm sorry for doubting you." She looked Ash, "How did you know the storm was coming, anyway?"

Soot smirked, "Dad has a sixth sense for these things."

Brock, Misty, Pikachu, and Clefairy all looked at him in surprise.

Ash smiled and raised an eyebrow, "Seriously? Guys, she's kidding. I just have a strong sense of smell."

Misty deadpanned, "Could blame us for thinking otherwise? You're you."

Ash considered that and shrugged, "Fair point."

.

*Meanwhile, in a library in … I don't actually know. They never showed a public library in Kanto.

Celadon, I guess.

"I thought we were being cut out of this chapter." James said. He wore a blue, long sleeved, zipper jacket over his uniform and wasn't wearing his gloves.

Jessie glared at him, "We're not in the Charmander story! Big difference!" She was wearing a red, short sleeve hoodie; also, sans gloves.

James sweat dropped, "But this is the Charmander-"

"Drop it, bud. Ya know ya not winnin'." Meowth responded. Meowth didn't have a disguise. Because, why would he?

James sighed, "Fine. But why are we in a library?"

Jessie looked at the cat, "Yeah, I was wondering that too."

"Have yous guys not hoid a woid I've said?!" Meowth shouted, "We're here ta find out what's up wit' da twoip and his dog!"

James spoke up, "You mean his Mightyena?"

His teammates gave him a disappointed look.

James flinched, "Oh, right. His, uh, Righty-leg-a."

Jessie nodded, "Better." She turned toward Meowth again, "And, I still don't know what you mean by that. Isn't he just some kid with an overpowered Pokémon?"

Meowth shook his head, "You guys didn't hear dat Braviary talkin'."

James blinked, "I thought we were talking about the twerp."

Meowth pinched the bridge of his … he pinched between his eyes, "Jus' help me look. His name's gotta show up in one a dese tings."

"Is there something I can help you with?"

The trio flinched and turned to see an elderly librarian smiling at them.

James cleared his throat and walked up to her, "Thank you, madam. My associate and I were perusing your fine collection in hopes of researching an individual we have found an interest in."

Jessie and Meowth blinked in surprise, looked at each other, then looked back at their teammate.

"Allow me to help, then." the librarian said with a smile, "Who might this person be?"

James flinched, "I believe his name was … Ash Ketch-"

The librarian started laughing, "My apologies. It has simply been a few years since someone asked about the young Ketchum boy." She turned around, "Please, follow me."

The sort-of disguised Team Rocket followed.

"James, where did all of that classy talk come from?" Jessie whispered to him.

James whispered back, "My parents forced me to take vocational classes. I thought it might help with this."

The librarian stopped in front of one of the shelves, "Here we are." She turned back to the trio, "I wish you luck in researching the Phantom Child."

She walked away, but not without petting Meowth first. He hated it but knew he couldn't retaliate.

James frowned and turned to Jessie, "Phantom Child?"

Jessie shrugged, "How should I know? Let's just start looking. It can't be that hard to find."

They looked for two hours. Brock was right, there were tons of articles about failed attempts at inheritance. All of them were useless.

Meowth opened a thin book written by Samuel Oak and his eyes widened, "Guys, look at dis!"

The two humans crouched down next to him.

"What did you find?" James asked.

"Look!" he held up the book. It had a picture of a 6-year-old Ash, holding a Poochyena.

Jessie sweat dropped, "A picture of the twerp?"

Meowth shoved the book into her hands, "Read it!"

Jessie skimmed over the pages and her eyes widened, "That's what a Phantom Child is?!"

James took the book, "Let me see." He read over it and mimicked Jessie, "Wait, the Phantom Pokémon?! As in-"

Jessie smiled at him, "The rarest, hardest to find, most valuable Pokémon in the world! If we brought a Pokémon like that to the boss-"

James smiled back, "Promotion wouldn't even begin to describe the rewards!"

Jessie stood proud, "Then it's settled! We'll take the twerp's mutt and use her to find the real Phantom!"

Meowth chuckled, "So naïve."

Jessie glared at him, "What was that?"

Meowth pointed at his teammates, "We already know where da Phantom Pokémon is."

"Meowth, what do you mean?" James asked.

Meowth smirked, "You guys didn't here dat Braviary talkin' right 'cause ya humans. It had da exact same voice as da twoip." Their eyes widened, "The twoip's dog ain't da key to da Phantom Pokémon. Da twoip is da Phantom Pokémon."

James dropped the book in shock, "Meowth, are you sure about this?!"

Jessie snarled, "If your making this up, then I swear I'll-"

Meowth nodded, "I'm sure. Da Phantom's said ta be like a ditto; it can turn inta anyting. And afta all dis time, dat voice ain't one I'd forget. No matta da species."

James's face lit up, "That's perfect! If tell the boss about this, we'll-"

"How stupid are you?!" Jessie shouted at him, "If we tell the boss, then all of Team Rocket will be after that brat! Telling the boss about the twerp may help our image." She grinned maliciously, "But hand delivering him to the boss will put us right on top!"

James looked at her in shock, "You're right!"

"Dat's right!" Meowth said with a grin, "We'll hand da twoip over to da boss ourselves."

He shifted to a glare, "But we gotta keep quiet about da twoip. If any anyone else gets woid of dis, den our promotions will be kaput!"

The trio nodded and started plotting.

.

*Back with our heroes

Ash and the others sat at a table near the window; eating dinner. Ash and Soot brought over some bowls of soup a while ago. It was raining Meowths and Growlithes outside.

Brock looked out the window in concern, "I hope Charmander's doing okay."

Ash looked out the window, "His trainer had to have picked him up by now."

Misty frowned, "I hope you're right."

"Wow! Look at them all!"

The group turned to see a group of trainers sitting around a blue haired pre-teen. Several pokéballs sat on the table I front of them.

Blue boy smirked, "Yeah, it's pretty impressive. Only the best for the best."

Misty frowned, "Kind of obnoxious."

Soot sighed, "It's just how some people are."

Ash chuckled, "Just ignore them." He went back to eating.

One of the boy's fans spoke up, "Hey Damien, didn't you have a Charmander?"

The group froze.

Damien smirked, "Yeah, I used too. But the puny thing so was pathetic that it couldn't even beat a Grass-type."

"What did you do with it?" Another boy asked.

"I left it on some rock in the woods." Damien said with a smirk, "I promised I would come back for it, and stupid thing actually believed me." He started laughing, "It's probably still waiting there for me."

Ash dropped his spoon. Damien and others didn't notice and started laughing.

"I bet it's still up there, wagging its tail."

"It'll probably wag it until it's flame goes-" he stopped talking.

Brock and Misty froze and looked at Ash. They started trembling; feeling the same as they did at Mount Moon.

Soot's eyes widened and she turned to face her teammates, "Pikachu! Clefairy! Cover their eyes!"

The two ran onto the human's shoulders and got in front of their faces. Brock and Misty snapped out of it and used their hands to obscure their visual of Ash.

Ash got up and slowly walked over to the group. They turned to look at him and tried to back away.

The trainer glared at Damien; pupils constricted, "What the Yvel is wrong with you?!"

Damien didn't respond.

Ash picked him up by the collar of his shirt with one hand, "Do you actually think this funny?! Charmander trusted you! If his flame goes out, then it's all over!"

"I-it's m-m-my Poké-" Damien managed to stutter.

Ash tightened his grip on Damien's collar. The shirt started smoking, "You left Charmander to d-"

He was cut off by a flash of light filling the center. His pupils returned to normal as he looked out the window in shock.

"Charmander." Ash muttered.

He dropped the trainer and bolted out the front door.

The center literally felt the tension leave the room when Ash did. Brock and Misty stopped covering their eyes when they stopped feeling scared. Damien was staring at his shirt in horror. The collar was charred black and still smoking.

Soot sweat dropped, "Yeah … dad's intimidate doesn't work as well if you cover your eyes. I probably should have told you guys, earlier."

Misty looked at her, dumbfound, "Ya think?!"

Nurse Joy walked out from the back, carrying a tray of pokéballs, "Ash Ketchum, your Pokémon-"

"Move!" Damien's crowd ran past her. They didn't want to be there when Ash got back.

The nurse starred in confusion as the trainer's ran.

Damien ran up to her, "Nurse Joy! You have to help me! Th-there's some freak who's going to kill me!"

"Care to repeat that?!"

Damien turned around to see Brock, Misty, and Soot glaring at him. Damien blinked, "What?"

Misty's glare intensified, "You know what! You abandoned Charmander in the woods and told it to stay on that rock! He's out there in this storm because of you!"

Nurse Joy's eye widened.

Damien glared, "So what?! It's not my fault the stupid thing was so useless! That freak is the real issue!"

"Stop calling Ash a freak!" Brock argued, "He's out there right now, saving Charmander, because of you!"

Damien's eye widened, "You know that monster?!" he turned to face Nurse Joy, "You need to-"

Nurse Joy snapped her fingers, "Chansey, Light Screen!"

The chansey next to her raised it arms as its eyes glowed. Five thin energy walls appeared around Damien; boxing him in.

He started banging on them, "What are you doing?! Let me out of here!"

Nurse Joy glared, "Oh, I will. Once Officer Jenny arrives for you."

Damien's eyes widened, "What?! But I didn't do anything wrong!"

Soot growled and walked up to him, "You're attempting to kill an innocent Pokémon!"

Damien didn't seem shock by the talking Pokémon, "What I do with my Pokémon is my business! There no laws against releasing a Pokémon!"

"Correct" Nurse Joy responded, "Licensed trainers have the full liberty to decide their Pokémon's training and to decide whether or not to release a Pokémon back into the wild, no matter the reason."

Damien glared at her, "See?! Now let me-"

The nurse interrupted and started shouting, "But that liberty is instantly revoked if the Pokémon's life or well-being are threatened! By abandoning a Fire-type in this weather and forcing it to remain there, you have broken one of the League's most important laws!" she took a breath to compose herself but kept glaring, "It's very likely that your trainer license will be suspended."

Damien stared in shock, "Y-you can't do this. You have no proof!"

Nurse Joy's eye twitched, "You admitted to abandoning your Pokémon to me, personally, and we have security cameras." She turned towards Chansey, "Take him to the back until Jenny arrives."

Chansey nodded and motioned towards the doors behind her. The Light Screen cage started moving.

Damien tried to fight back but failed, "What?! Hey! Stop it! LET ME OUT OF HERE!" the doors closed as he passed through them.

Soot looked up at the nurse, "I always forgot how awesome you nurses can be."

Nurse Joy looked at her, "Thank you, but we need to act fast! Charmander is still out there! Someone needs to go and get it!"

Soot looked back at the door, "I don't think that'll be necessary."

Nurse Joy looked at her in surprise and looked the door. Brock and Misty turned around too. Ash was standing at there, holding a barely conscious Charmander. The lizard was clinging to his arm.

.

*Ash; immediately after leaving the center

Ash burst through the doors and ran as fast as he could in the harsh rain. The falling water evaporated on contact with him. After about a minute, Charmander came into view. He was being attacked by three spearow and was shivering.

"Get away from him!" Ash shouted as he threw a punch at one of the spearow. He grabbed the other two and bashed them into each other. All three were knocked out.

Ash grabbed Charmander and ran back towards the center. Charmander clutched Ash's left arm.

He made it to the center and burst back through the doors. Damien and his group were gone, and Soot, Misty, and Brock were standing in front of Nurse Joy.

"I don't think that'll be necessary." Soot said as she looked at him. The others followed her gaze.

"Ash, you're back!" Misty called out.

Nurse Joy ran over to him, "I'll take care of Charmander." She held out her hands.

Ash tried to pull the Lizard Pokémon off his arm. The Fire-type just clung tighter.

Nurse Joy frowned, "Charmander, please. I promise I can help you." She put a hand on him.

Charmander pushed at the hand, "warm." He said weakly, still clinging to Ash.

Soot's eye widened, 'Of course!' "Nurse Joy, wait! Charmander needs warm up; let him stay with dad for a bit."

Nurse Joy frowned, "If he's cold, then he needs to come with me."

Soot sighed, "Nurse Joy, feel dad's forehead."

Nurse Joy raised a brow but did it anyway, "I don't see what that will- OW!" she pulled her hand away.

Soot looked up her, "See what I mean? Charmander is holding onto him because he's warm." She turned to face Ash, "Dad, take of your shirt."

Misty looked at her, "Wait, what?"

Ash complied. Charmander pulled himself closer to Ash, "warm." His tail started to brighten.

Ash smiled and moved to sit down next in a nearby chair.

Soot panicked, "Dad, wait! Don't you remember what happened last time?!"

Ash immediately stood back up, "Oh, right." He looked at the nurse, "You wouldn't happen to have any fire-proof chairs or towels, would you?"

.

**Time Skip: very short**

Ash sat down with Charmander still clinging to him. After the episode earlier, Nurse Joy took Ash's temperature and appropriately freaked out.

"220 Fahrenheit?! How are you even conscious?!" Nurse Joy said in a harsh whisper, wary of Charmander.

Brock and Misty stared at him in shock.

Ash frowned, "My temperature is unnaturally high. On average, it's around 120 and increases when I get angry."

Soot smirked, "His blood boils, literally."

Ash rolled his eyes, "It happened at Mount Moon too. You guys just didn't notice, because none of you touched me. It's also the reason all of my clothes are fireproof."

Misty deadpanned, "It's always something with you isn't it?"

Brock rubbed the back of his head, "I'd hate know how high it gets when you get sick."

Soot looked up at him, "Actually, his temperature decreases. He had a cold once and it dropped all the way to 70."

Nurse Joy stared at her, dumbfound, "B-but that doesn't make any sense! A person's temperature rises to help fight off disease! That goes for both humans and Pokémon!"

Soot grinned, "Weird, right?!"

Ash chuckled and shook his head. He felt himself cooling down and flinched, "Crag!"

Misty looked at him, "Ash, what's wrong?!"

"My temperature's decreasing!" Ash started panicking, "You guys need to make me angry again!"

The nurse blinked in surprise, "Um, pardon?"

"Angry, annoyed, peeved, something that'll bring my temperature back up!" Ash replied, "Please! Charmander needs this right now!"

Misty glared, "Y-you're a lousy trainer and uh." She scratched her head in annoyance, "Augh, I can't do this under pressure!"

Brock put a hand on her shoulder, "I'll handle this. Don't forget, I have nine younger brothers and sisters" He pulled up a chair next to the boy, "Ash, I feel I should ask now, are you willing to let me do whatever it takes?"

Ash was barely listening, "Yes! Just hurry!"

Brock nodded, "Very well. Just know that I warned you." The older trainer raised a hand and started poking Ash in the cheek.

Ash flinched, "What the? Brock, this is serious!"

"Ash, this is serious." Brock responded in mocking tone.

Ash glared, "Brock, I mean it!"

Brock smirked, "Ash, I mean it."

Ash's glare intensified and then disappeared completely. He looked down at his hand, "It's working!" he smiled at his friend, "Brock you're a genius!"

"Thank you." The Rock-type trainer responded; still poking Ash.

Soot put a paw on Brock's leg, "That's enough for now, Brock. If he concentrates, he can keep his temperature like this for a while. Even if he calms down."

Brock looked at her, "Oh." He stood back up, "Sorry, Ash."

Ash shook his head and smiled, "It's okay. That really was smart." He took a breath to calm his nerves, "Just be ready for when I cool down again."

Nurse Joy continued staring, "I-I just- I don't even-" she took a deep breath, "I'll be in the back. Come and get me when Charmander is warm enough for treatment." She walked out of the room.

Soot snickered, "That never gets old."

Over the next 2 hours, Brock, Misty, Soot, and the other Pokémon took turns in getting on Ash's nerves. They had switch off a lot because Ash's burn-ups only lasted around 10 minutes. Charmander had stopped shivering by this point and fell asleep. His tail flame had re-ignited.

Ash sighed and leaned his head back, "Oh, thank Arceus, it's finally over!"

Misty chuckled, "I'll go get Nurse Joy."

Brock sat down next to Ash, "How are you felling?"

Ash glared at him.

Brock chuckled, "Hey, you asked for it, remember?"

Ash sighed, "Doesn't mean I liked it."

Nurse Joy walked out of the back room with Misty next to her, "Your friend said Charmander was feeling better?"

Ash smiled and handed the Lizard to her. Nurse Joy took him and smiled, "He already seems to be doing better." She looked up at Ash and nodded, "Well done."

She hurried towards the E.R. with Charmander in her arms.

Ash pulled his shirt back on and looked at his friends, "So, I guess you guys want an explanation for the heating up thing, huh?"

Misty and Brock looked at each other and nodded. They looked back at Ash.

Misty spoke up, "How about, instead, you tell us what else is 'weird' about you."

Ash became nervous, "Um, what do you mean?"

Brock deadpanned, "Ash, I'm pretty sure this is the third time we've learned something like this about you. We won't ask how if just tell us the rest."

"Ooo, right to the chase." Soot commented, "I say we take it."

Ash rubbed the back of his head, "Alright, fine. Just, promise you'll keep an open mind about all of this."

Brock sat down again, and Misty pulled up another chair. Soot sat down next to Ash. Pikachu and Clefairy, took back their places on Ash's shoulders.

"Alright, shoot." Misty said.

"Okay, I guess this is happening." Ash took a deep breath, "My claws can actually shoot from my fingertips. If I do this, they grow back after no longer than two weeks. The red gloves draw out my blood -which is flammable- and then ignites it. That's why I never let you guys use them. I can run up to 40 miles per hour for half an hour, without getting tired. And I can hold my breath for as long as ten minutes."

Misty started coughing, "Woah, hold on! What was that last one?!"

Ash chuckled, "I thought that one would get your attention. I can hold my breath for ten straight minutes. That's actually how I outlasted Bulbasaur in his own Sleep Powder."

Brock frowned, "I'm more concerned about that one with your gloves. They actually use your blood as … fuel?"

Soot pouted, "That's why I don't like him using them."

Brock continued, "And, that's all of it?"

"Well…" Ash frowned and glanced down at his watch.

Misty glared, "Ash, you said you would tell us everything."

Ash started sweating, "Right." He took a deep breath, "I-I can- I can-" he glanced at Pikachu and Clefairy. He gulped and blurted out, "I can understand what some Pokémon are saying!"

Brock and Misty stared at him.

Misty blinked, "You- what?"

Ash took a breath, "I can understand what some Pokémon are saying, but not every species. It's mostly pikachu, clefairy, and mightyena. Them and their evolutionary lines."

Misty looked at Pikachu, "Prove it. I'll whisper something to Pikachu, and you have to tell me what I said."

Ash chuckled and looked at Pikachu, "You heard her buddy."

Pikachu saluted, "Sir, yes sir." ran over to Misty, and jumped up on to her shoulder. Misty put a hand to her mouth and whispered to the mouse.

Pikachu blinked in surprise and shrugged, "She said that's she's jealous of her sister's."

Ash's eyes widened, "She's-."

"She also said that it was a lie." Pikachu finished.

Ash sighed in relief, "Oh, thank goodness! Pikachu said that you were lying about being jealous of your sisters."

Misty's jaw dropped. She turned to face Pikachu. He smiled and flashed her a peace sign.

Brock stared in shock, "That's incredible!"

Soot smiled brightly, "That also means I don't need to be your main translator anymore! Woo-hoo!"

.

*The following morning; early

Charmander started waking up. He jumped when he noticed he wasn't it the woods anymore, 'I need to get back, before master-"

"Hah! Guess we didn't need your Wake-Up Slap, Clefairy."

"I never said I was going to use that!"

Charmander looked and found Ash and all of his Pokémon in the room with him.

"W-what going on?! Where am I?!" Charmander demanded while glaring.

Pikachu jumped up to the bed, "Easy, you're in a Pokémon center. You were in really bad shape."

Charmander's glare softened, "Thanks, but I need to leave. I have to get back before master does."

He started to get up but was stopped by the human in the room.

"Charmander, you need to rest." Ash said, concerned, "Moving isn't going to help."

Charmander blinked and cocked his head, "You're that human from before. The one who left me the food."

Soot walked up, "Yes, he is. He's also the one who saved your life out there." She turned to face Pikachu, "Show him."

Pikachu smirked and ran up to Ash's shoulder. He stuck his paw in his mouth.

Ash became concerned, "Wait, what do you mean show- Gah!"

Ash was cut off by the wet paw being shoved into his ear. Ash started heating up.

He shoved the Electric-type onto the bed, "What the heck, Pikachu?!"

The Pokémon in the room all started laughing.

Charmander stared in horror, "Why are you laughing?! Are you guys trying to get punished?!"

Pikachu chuckled, "Punished? It was a harmless prank."

"Yeah, 'harmless'." Ash said sarcastically. He stuck his finger into his ear to evaporate the liquid.

"Oh, please. You know that's nothing compared to everything last night." Pikachu stated before sticking his tongue out.

Soot continued laughing, "And besides, it wasn't without reason."

Ash sighed, "Yeah, yeah. Just give me a warning, next time." He removed the glove from his left hand reached out for Charmander.

Charmander flinched, "W-what are you do-" he stopped when Ash put the hand on his head. Charmander immediately recognized the warm feeling.

The Lizard Pokémon's eyes widened, "It was … you?"

Clefairy jumped onto the bed, "Yeah! Ash can get really hot when someone makes him mad. He had us and all of his friends annoy him for a really long-time last night to keep you warm."

Ash smiled and started to pull his hand back.

Charmander flinched and grabbed the hand, "NO!" he held onto it tight, "Don't stop!"

Ash smiled sadly and pet him with his free hand, "I won't. Just promise me you'll rest if I stay."

Charmander responded by clutching the hand tighter, "warm."

Soot grinned and turned to face the others, "You heard him, guys! Round 2!"

Ash flinched, "Oh, boy."

.

*The same morning; noonish(?)

Charmander stirred awake and looked around the room. He found himself still clinging to Ash's hand. The boy and his Pokémon were still asleep.

The Fire-type let go and looked at Ash, 'Why would he go through all of that?'

He thought back to the team's little game of 'mess with Ash.' The trainer had been put through countless annoyances and even attacks throughout the morning. But, no matter what they did, Ash just took it and told them when to start again. He may have glared or spoken to them harshly, but he never yelled or retaliated. Aside from a light shove.

Charmander looked at him sadly but shook it off, 'I need to get back to master.'

Charmander crawled out of bed and made his way to the window.

"Let go of me!"

Charmander's eyes widened as he looked at the door to the room, "Master?" he smiled brightly and ran towards the door. He managed to open it and ran towards the lobby.

He didn't notice Ash stirring, "Charmander?"

.

*Charmander

The small Pokémon ran towards the lobby as fast as he could, 'Master is here! Master knew I was here, and he came to get me!'

Charmander turned the corner, "Master!"

He saw Damien standing there with his hands behind his back. A tall woman with cerulean hair was holding his arm and a growlithe stood next to him. The blue haired trainer turned around and stared at the Charmander in shock.

Charmander smiled and ran towards Damien, "You came back for m-"

"You!" Damien growled as he glared at Charmander. The lizard stopped smiling as Damien continued, "It's your fault I'm in this mess!"

Charmander's frowned and took a step back, "M-master?"

Damien's glare intensified, "I'm about to go to lose my license because you were too stupid to leave me alone! Because you were so pathetic and useless! I should have just finished you off when I had the chance!"

Charmander stared in horror and tripped backwards.

Jenny pulled his arm, "That's enough out of you! Your career as a trainer is-" she was cut-off when Damien bashed skulls with her. He shook her arm off his and ran over to Charmander.

Damien raised foot, "I'll squash you ya useless beast!"

Charmander stared in shock as the foot dropped towards him. His eyes widened when Ash appeared next to him and threw a punch at Damien; nailing him in the gut.

"Augh!" Damien was flung back into one of the chairs. His shirt was burned from where Ash struck.

Ash stood in front of Charmander defensively. He had to use all of his willpower to keep from using intimidate. He wanted to refrain from scaring the cop.

Damien struggled to get up but was jumped by Growlithe. The Puppy Pokémon growled at him; its glare showed nothing but rage.

Jenny held her head and looked towards the growling Growlithe.

She ran next to Growlithe and put a hand on their back, "Good girl." Growlithe moved to let Jenny pick up Damien.

The officer glared at him, "You just added assaulting an officer, resisting arrest, and attempted murder to your list! You are going to jail for a long time!"

Damien just coughed and glared at Ash as he was escorted out of the center.

Charmander started tearing up and trembling. Ash turned around, picked up the small lizard, and pulled him into a hug.

Charmander started crying and held on to Ash, "W-why?! W-what d-did I-"

"Ssh. It's okay. You're safe now." Ash responded softly as he rubbed the Fire-types back, "You didn't do anything wrong. None of this is your fault."

Charmander cried as he held on to Ash. Nurse Joy ran out of the back and stopped to stare at the scene.

"Mr. Ke-" she stopped when Ash held up a hand and shook his head.

Ash looked at her sadly, "I'll take him back to his room."

Ash made his way back center room. Brock and Misty emerged. "Ash what's going on?!" Brock asked.

The trainer didn't respond and continued walking towards the back with the crying Fire-type starter.

Nurse Joy walked up to them, "Give him some time. Jenny came by and took Damien away. I think Charmander saw."

Misty frowned, "But then, why is Ash so upset?"

"I can probably tell you." Everyone jumped when Soot appeared out of thin air in front of them.

Misty blinked, "Soot? Where did you come from?"

"I was here the whole time." Soot chucked nervously, "I can turn invisible, remember?"

"Well, what happened, then?" Brock asked.

Soot frowned, "Something that added a prison sentence to Damien's punishment."

Nurse stared at shock, "But, for that to happen, a trainer would have to-"

"Directly threaten a being's life." Soot finished. She took a deep breath, "I showed up right as that psycho tried to stomp on Charmander. Dad rushed past me and nailed Damien in the gut. If he didn't show up when he did-" she started growling; not wanting to finish.

The humans present all looked at her in horror.

.

*Evening; the same day

Charmander stopped crying a while ago. Now, he was just holding on to Ash. Ash's Pokémon -including Soot who came back a while ago- crowded around him to try and cheer him up. Eventually, Clefairy talked the others into doing this:

Pikachu and Clefairy were currently holding paws and trying to balance themselves on Bulbasaur's vines while Butterfree stood on top of them. They were wobbling frantically.

"Steady. Steady!" Pikachu shouted.

Bulbasaur glared at him, "You try balancing almost 100 pounds on a Vine Whip!"

Ash sweat dropped, "This really won't end well."

Charmander watched with them and cocked his head, "Should we stop them?"

Soot shrugged, "Probably." She grinned, "But I wanna see where this goes."

Ash glared, "Soot, that's not funny." He looked at the group, "Guys, seriously, stop before someone gets hurt."

Clefairy spoke up, "D-don't worry. We almost got-AHH!"

Her foot slipped and the whole thing came down. Pikachu flopped on to the floor and landed on his face. Clefairy landed on top of Bulbasaur; much to his dismay. Butterfree fluttered down to the ground gently, despite being the heaviest.

Soot laughed hysterically and was soon joined by Pidgeotto. Ash tried to resist but fell victim to the laughing as well. Charmander even joined in.

Clefairy smiled at him, "Yeah, it worked!"

Bulbasaur grumbled, "Great. Now get off me!"

Ash petted the Lizard and smiled down at him. Charmander looked up at the human and smiled back. The Fire-type jumped when he heard a knock on the door.

Ash raised a brow, "Who is it?"

"Nurse Joy. I brought you all dinner." Joy's voice responded from the other side.

"We're here, too." Misty said.

"We wanted to see how Charmander was doing." Brock followed.

Ash chuckled, "Come on in."

Brock, Misty, Nurse Joy, and her chansey walked into the room. Joy was pushing a cart covered in bowls of Pokémon food and Chansey was carrying a bowl of soup on a serving platter. They took note of the Mouse laying on the floor and the Fairy struggling to get her foot out of the Seed Pokémon's bulb.

Brock looked at Ash, "What happened in here?"

Ash chuckled, "A really bad idea."

Clefairy pouted, "Hey, it worked!"

Ash glared, "It only worked because you guys messed up."

Misty sighed, "Right. Still gotta get used to that." She walked over and knelt down in front of Charmander, "How's it going, little guy?"

Charmander held on to Ash's arm tighter and glared at her.

Ash chuckled, "Charmander, it's okay. This is Misty. She's a good friend of mine. I promise she won't hurt you."

Charmander looked up at Ash then back at Misty. "Hi." He said; still nervous.

He turned his attention towards Brock and Nurse Joy, "What about them?"

Most of the Pokémon looked at him in concern.

Pikachu recovered and rubbed his head, "The male is named Brock and he's a friend, like Misty. But you don't recognize Nurse Joy?"

Clefairy managed to get unstuck, "Why is that weird? I didn't know her until yesterday."

Ash looked at her and frowned, "Its different. You grew up in an area that was mostly cut off to the outside. Starter Pokémon, like Charmander and Bulbasaur, are mostly raised in captivity and given to a trainer when said trainer reaches a certain age. They usually have a better understanding of human society."

Charmander looked down in shame.

Ash noticed and flinched, "No, Charmander. I didn't mean it like that. It's just-" he frowned when something occurred to him, "Did Damien ever take you to a Pokémon center?"

The Fire-type looked up at him, "Mas- D-Damien said that I had to remain in my ball while we were in one of these places. He only let the people put me in the healing things."

Soot frowned, "I guess that's better than never having been to one."

Misty's eye twitched, "Hey! We don't speak Pokémon here! What are you talking about?!"

Soot chuckled, "Charmander was wary about you guys. Even you, Nurse Joy. Turns out he's never seen the inside of a center before. Damien forced him to stay in his pokéball."

Nurse Joy frowned but shook it off and gave a sad smile. She walked over and crouched down in front of Charmander, "Well then, welcome to my Pokémon center." She held out a hand to the lizard.

Charmander looked at the hand in confusion, "what are you doing?"

Ash smiled sadly and pet him again, "It's nothing." He looked up at the nurse, "You said you had dinner, right?"

The nurse chuckled nervously, "Oh, right." She walked back to the cart and started divvying out the bowls of Pokémon food.

Chansey handed Joy the tray, "Thank you, Chansey" the nurse handed it to Ash, "Careful, it's hot."

Ash shrugged and took the bowl. He noticed the nurses look, "I have a high tolerance to heat." He started eating. The other Pokémon followed soon after. Most of them, anyway.

Charmander stared at the bowl in shock, "W-what the?"

Soot looked at him; concerned, "You have seen Pokémon food before, right?"

Charmander nodded, "Well, yeah. But why is there so much?"

Soot blinked and looked at the bowl; it was filled to the brim, "That's the normal serving size."

Charmander blinked and looked back at the bowl. He took a piece and ate it. His eyes lit up and he started eating ravenously. He wound up eating too fast and started choking. Ash grimaced and started patting him on the back. Charmander spat out the piece of food and started breathing heavily.

"Don't eat too fast." Ash warned, "Take your time; we're not in any rush."

Charmander nodded and went back to eating.

Ash frowned, 'When was the last time he ate?'

Charmander finished first and frowned at the empty bowl. He jumped when Nurse Joy filled it back up for him. He looked at her; wide eyed.

Joy smiled, "Go ahead. We have enough for seconds."

Charmander smiled brightly and went back to eating. The Fire-type went through two more bowls and ended up putting himself into a food coma. He was currently laying on the bed with a goofy smile on his face.

Ash chuckled, "He sure looks happy."

Soot frowned, "Yeah, but-" She looked at the sleeping lizard, "I can't help but feel sorry for him."

Brock nodded, "I know what you mean."

The sleeping lizard frowned and started feeling around for something. Unfortunately for Ash, Pikachu noticed and jumped on to his shoulder.

Ash grimaced and looked over, "Pikachu, you'd better not- AHH!" he rubbed his ear again, "Seriously, why?!"

Pikachu chuckled, "Did you really expect otherwise?"

Ash glared, shoved the mouse of his shoulder, and put a hand on Charmander. The Fire-type smiled and grabbed the warm hand.

Nurse Joy smiled, "It's really kind of you to do this for Charmander."

Ash sighed, "Thanks, but I really wish I didn't have to be harassed in order to help." Charmander yawned and snuggled the trainer. Ash smiled, "At least it makes him happy."

Nurse Joy kept smiling, "I know that this is out of the blue, but I think Charmander should go with you."

Ash looked at the nurse in surprise, "What?"

Clefairy looked around the room, "Blue?"

The nurse smiled sadly, "With everything Charmander's been through, he needs a trainer he can trust. After seeing you do all this for him, I can't think of anyone better for the job. If you feel like you need it, you have my full permission to catch Charmander."

Ash looked down at Charmander. The little lizard yawned again. Ash smiled, "Thank you, Nurse Joy. I'll ask Charmander when he wakes up."

Nurse Joy blinked in surprise at his response but shook it off and smiled, "Alright, then. Be sure to tell me if he agrees." She gathered up the empty bowls and left the room with the cart.

Ash looked down at Charmander; he was still sleeping soundly. He looked at his friends, "So, what now?"

.

**Time Skip**

Charmander woke up to the last thing expected.

"Gotcha! Wha- hey! Get back here!"

Clefairy was running around the room trying to catch a glowing red dot. Charmander looked over and saw Ash holding a metal stick that was glowing at the tip. The humans and other Pokémon present laughed at the crazy Fairy-type. Butterfree, Pidgeotto, and Bulbasaur had already been returned to their pokéballs.

Charmander blinked, "What's going on?"

Ash looked down at him and smiled, "Hey, nice to see you awake." He turned off the laser pointer and handed it to Brock, "Here. Could you guys take her outside for a bit"

Brock nodded, "Sure."

Clefairy looked around with a sad look on her face, "Where did the spot go?" Brock turned on the laser pointer and Clefairy perked up, "There you are!" Clefairy ran after the light as it left the room. Brock and Misty followed her.

Soot ran after them, "Hey, wait up! I don't wanna miss anything!"

Ash chuckled and looked back down at the lizard, "Charmander, there's something I wanted to ask you."

Charmander looked up at him, "What is it?"

Pikachu looked up at Ash too, "He asked what it is."

Ash chuckled and pet the mouse, "Thanks buddy." He looked back at the Fire-type, "Charmander, Nurse Joy gave me permission to let me catch you."

Charmander's eyes widened.

Ash continued, "So, I wanted to ask if you were okay with that."

Charmander stared at him in shock, "You- you're asking what I want?"

Pikachu smiled, "He asked everyone else on our team. Ash isn't like most other trainers and he's nothing like your old one."

Ash smiled sadly and petted Charmander, "I'd really like it if you joined us." He pulled out a pokéball, enlarged it, and placed it on the bed, "But I also want it to be your choice."

Charmander stared at the ball in shock. He started tearing up and jumped at the sphere with a smile on his face. He was immediately captured.

Ash picked up the ball and smiled, "Welcome to the family, Charmander."

.

.

Nuevo: How the h- Yvel can someone be so heartless as to throw away a living creature like that?!

Gem: *glaring* You'd be surprised at how often it happens.

Mizuro: If I ever meet someone like that, I'll bash their head in with my bass!

Illavera: I feel bad for Charmander too, but I'm kind of concerned about those Team Rocket people.

Omega: What are you guys doing here?

Illavera: Ash! You're back!

Omega: *chuckles* It's good to see you too, Illavera.

Mizuro: Where have you been?

Omega: An Attack on Titan world where Zeke was an idiot. It only took the scouts and I two days to find him after the Shiganshina attack and we ended him without losing a single soldier. Over the next two weeks, we eradicated the remaining titans. All-in-all it was pretty boring.

Nuevo: I have no idea what any of that means.

Ohirume: *sigh* Every time with you guys…

Mizuro: CHANCE!

*screen smash*