*Updated December 2021*

Chapter 8

Forever

"…What?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Davis, but what the Professor says is correct. Your Charmander will never be able to evolve. There is no possible way we can remove the stone from her arm, without permanently damaging her arm, thus keeping her from evolving anyway," Nurse Joy confirmed. He couldn't believe it. He simply couldn't.

"But wouldn't her arm heal upon evolution?" Chris pondered hopefully, tears now swelling at the corners of his chocolate brown eyes.

"Chris, Charmander's don't have that ability. She is not a Pokémon like a Staryu; she cannot repair or regrow limbs like that. I'm sorry, Chris, but this is how it is going to have to be," Professor Oak comforted, but it was feeble. Defeated, Chris slumped down onto the waiting bench. Instinctively, Melanie dropped down with him, and slung her arm around his shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Davis, but I must attend to my other patients. Your Charmander is really quite resilient, she should be battle ready in about a week, but she has to keep her sling on for now. We have to keep the arm as steady as possible, for the natural healing process to take place. If you wish to visit her, she will be in room #004."

With a little bow, the nurse turned and hurried down the hall, presumably to her other patients. Chris wasn't really paying attention, though. She's going to be crushed. It was her dream. She dreamt of becoming a Charizard. Hell, I'm crushed. I wanted a powerful Charizard too. She might never be able to fulfill her potential.

"I have to return to the gym too, Chris, but please come and see me before you hop town. I have a special gift for you; for one of the most resilient young trainers I've ever seen. That Pokémon in there will be fine. A little spitfire that one," Teren chuckled, but it fell on deaf ears. Giving her regards to Melanie and the Professor, she slowly slinked off towards the exit, turning back to give Chris one last, solemn look. A look at her once mighty, but now utterly defeated former challenger.

"It'll be okay, Chris. She'll be okay," Melanie reassured him, but still, he could barely acknowledge her words. It's my fault. I should have recalled her. I should have been quicker to notice she wasn't there. I should have reacted faster.

"Chris, I know this must be hard for you. After all this is your Pokémon we are talking about here, your precious friend. However, you must know that this is not the end. If the Pokémon television show has taught me nothing, which it mostly has, it's that you can win without evolving all of your Pokémon. That Ass Ketchum guy seems to do pretty well. I still find myself a little uneasy seeing myself portrayed on television like that, but it's for children's entertainment I suppose," Oak rambled.

"Professor, your point?" Melanie pointedly asked, snickering quietly at his butchering of Ash's name.

"Oh yes, my point! I guess I caught myself rambling. My point is, that this is not the end of your road. There are still ways to make Charmander into the strongest Pokémon she can be. This is probably not a good time to talk about your abilities. I'll be heading to Greenburg tonight. I'll be there until the end of the month. If you are in before then, which I'm sure you will be, then please seek me out. I wish you and Charmander well. I'm expecting big things from you. Good evening to you as well, Ms. Emerald," he remarked, before heading towards the exit himself.

Chris still had barely taken in any of that, only really passing by on his understanding of the situation. He had felt Melanie flinch at the mention of Greenburg, but he was too preoccupied to worry about it. The tears were finally streaming. I failed her. I failed her. I failed her. I failed her. I failed her. I'm a horrible trainer. I'm a horrible trainer. I'm a horrible trainer.

"...ris! Chris!"

"Huh?" he remarked, broken from his sub-conscious whipping of himself.

"Are you okay? I know this must be hard for you, but you have to understand, no matter how much this hurts, Charmander will need you to be strong for her. In the end, you aren't the one that got hurt. You really shouldn't bet yourself up so much," Melanie soothed, trying her best to cheer him up, with little apparent instant results.

"It should have been me. She doesn't deserve that. I should have recalled her. If I wasn't so busy celebrating the victory, I could have recalled her and we would have gotten out in time and no one would have been hurt. It's entirely my freaking fault, and mine alone. And now the dream has been crushed."

"What dream?" Melanie demanded, now beginning to become thoroughly confused.

"The Dream of Charizard; my powerful Charizard. She might never reach her full potential anymore. She was destined for greatness. We were destined for greatness. And now it's ove-"

THWACK!

Raising his hand to his rapidly reddening cheek, which was still damp from the cascades of tears that caressed it, Chris turned to face his assailant.

"Is that what this is about? That you're not getting a friggin Charizard? You mean this isn't about one of your best friends, and closest companions, being gravely injured in a horrible accident. She is in there fighting, and you are sitting here, worrying about yourself? You need to be in there, comforting her. Telling her it will be okay. Telling her you aren't giving up on her, because if you are giving up on her, than I am giving up on you. I thought you were better than that. I thought you wouldn't let anything stop you from your dream. Prove me wrong, Chris. Prove me wrong."

With a huff, she turned and stomped off towards the exit, only turning around once more to face him. "I'll be back in about half an hour. If you aren't in there comforting her, and telling her that you'll be there for her, I'll go in there and tell her the news myself. Consider that your one and only warning."

"Guess I should go find her…" Chris decided. Melanie was right; he owed this to his starter Pokémon.

Moments later, Chris found himself standing outside of room #004, still holding his crimson cheek in his palm. Melanie's words had struck a cord, not to mention her palm, finally reaching him from deep inside his internal prison of self-pity.

"Be brave, Christopher, be brave. She needs you to be brave for her."

With all of his willpower, he slung the door wide open. The room was dim, lit only by a small window that led to the outside, which of course produced less light than usual, because they were in the middle of a dark cave. The decorations were plain; the usual white wall paper so trademarked to hospitals of any kind was plastered around him, with little red trims lining the walls about a third of the way up. The room was otherwise unfurnished, save for a small leather red chair in the corner, and a small hospital bed. The only occupation of the room, a small orange lizard, was sprawled out on her back, tail pushed to the side. She had a small sling over her left arm, but thankfully, seemed otherwise unhurt. If only her mental state will be like that.

He slowly crept towards the red chair, and planted himself into it. Shockingly, the chair was one of the most comfortable things he ever sat in. Probably to keep the distressed trainers comfortable, but in my opinion it is fairly redundant. No one should be comfortable in this situation. Ever.

Chris turned his gaze to his fallen partner. Almost shockingly, she seemed comfortable, almost content even. She was so blissfully unaware that her life had been turned upside down; changed perpetually due to circumstances completely beyond her control.

Only then, did Chris start to truly wonder why. Why did the earthquake happen then? Were earthquakes common here? Why was it my Pokémon that got hit? Why Charmander?

(Chris? Is that you?)

Broken suddenly from his thoughts, Chris turned towards the bed. The little orange lizard with the deep blue eyes was starting at him, a small, curious smile plastered to her face. Oh how he loved that smile. She was so innocent. How could he ruin that?

"Yeah, it's me, Charm. I figured I'd pop in to see how you were holding up."

(Meh could be better. I over heard the Nurse talking. Apparently this will be off in a week. Than I'll start training hardcore again, and we'll make it to the next gym in no time flat. The fact that I technically evolved in that gym proves that I'm ready!) She cheered, her cute little smile firmly plastered on her face.

"Well, you see Charmander," Chris began, "there has been a bit of a complication."

(What do you mean?)

"Well the rock that fell on you was Everstone."

(So? What does that have to do with anything?)

"Um… well…" Chris stumbled, before grabbing at his belt and throwing his two other Poké balls, hoping having two of her friends around might be good for support. Going on his brief knowledge of Poké balls, he knew that the two of them would have heard everything that was going on, should they have chosen to listen.

(What are you trying to say, Chris?) Charmander asked cautiously, quickly picking up on the tension in the room.

(SQUAWK! He means you're never going to evolve, Dumb Ass!) Chatot squawked, obviously exasperated by the tension that had seeped into his Pokéball. In a panic, Chris quickly grabbed Chatot's ball, and swiftly recalled him, wondering exactly why he had chosen to send him out. Chatot gave a relieved sigh, and disappeared into the light.

"Damn his lack of tact…" Chris muttered.

Almost soon as he turned back to Charmander, he had noticed Snorunt had hopped up to comfort her. Chris could see the pools of tears caressing her eyes. He could have sworn she'd actually evolve into a water Pokémon at any minute now.

(I-i-i-s he right? Will I never evolve?) Charmander demanded, her fiery demeanour flaring up in a defiant-like state.

"I'm sorry, Charmander, but it's the truth. They cannot remove all traces of Everstone from your arm, without permanently damaging it. It's forever, Charmander."

(B-b-b-b-b-ut that m-m-m-m-eans no Charizard? Or even Charmeleon,) Charmander stuttered, cheeks now covered by the waterfall of liquid flowing down them.

(Pardner, I know y'all must be hurt, but it's the darn hard truth. I reckon you'll manage though; you're a spunky young lass, ya hear?) Snorunt soothed, having a lot more tact than his fellow teammate, who has probably started snoozing in his Pokéball as we speak.

(It's not fair, Snorunt! I was going to be a Charizard! Remember, Chris? Remember before we left on our journey?)

Flashback…

Chris awoke suddenly.

The moon was bright, glistening in the midnight hour. The cries of the Nocturnal Pokémon, the likes of Noctowl and Hoothoot, filled the air. The cool, crisp night breeze that entered from his window softly rubbed itself against his skin, causing tingles to run up and down his body.

Wait a second, why should I be cold? I'm sleeping next to a fire type.

However, his new partner, was not in the spot she occupied next to him, instead there only lay a fire proof blanket, that seemed to have long since cooled off.

"Charmander?" Chris cried, hoping his companion had just gotten up or something.

(I'm on the roof. Check out from the window!) Charmander cried.

Sure enough, as Chris peaked his head out of the gapping window, he noticed his lizard companion sitting there, tail swayed to one side, gazing up at the moon.

"What are you doing?" Chris asked.

(Eating a bagel. What the hell does it look like I'm doing?) She remarked, sticking her tongue out at him as she spoke.

"Sorry, I suppose I should say, why are you doing that?"

(It's something my mother always did, before I left with Hemlock. She told me that if I wished really hard at the moon, my wish would always come true.)

"And what is it that you wish for?"

(Well, I already got my wish to have a friend, and my wish to get a trainer, so now I'm wishing to become a Charizard. The most powerful Charizard in existence!)

"But what if you never achieve that?"

(I will, because I know you will help me get there. And the moon has never let me down yet!)

"Okay, Charmander, I promise you. I will make you the most powerful Charizard you can be!"

End Flashback…

(You promised me! You promised you'd help me the best Charizard I can be! You lied to me! You lied!) Charmander screamed, and threw her arm in an embrace, around Snorunt, shocking the former Sheriff. He blushed a little, and looked up to Chris for support.

"I'm sorry, Charmander. I could never have foreseen this happening," Chris remarked, hoping to get her back to rational thinking.

(He's right, Charmander. Y'all can't s'ppose Chris knew this'd happen, do ya?) Snorunt added.

(I know, but he should never promise something he can't keep!) she screamed, turning on Chris to give him a glare, before burying her face back into the frozen body of the Sheriff. Chris could see that this wasn't really working for her, her hot body was making Snorunt uncomfortable, and her tears were freezing faster than they could melt.

"Snorunt, may we have a few? Track down Melanie, if she's not already out there. If she is, just wait with her."

(Sure thing, Pardner. Don't worry yer pretty lil' head, Charm, y'all will get through this. Still the toughest lass I've ever met.) With a nod at Chris, and a last comforting contact with Charmander, he hopped off the table, and headed for the exit.

(Why did you send him away? He was helping, unlike you!) she pointedly remarked, frozen tears finally starting to evaporate off her orange cheeks.

"Charmander, attack me," Chris said.

(What?)

"Attack me!"

(No! You're my trainer!)

"I said attack me! Are you going to disobey an order from your trainer?"

(I can't…)

"ATTACK ME! USE IRON TAIL NOW!" he yelled.

(FINE!) With a loud scream, she swung her tail, now glistening silver, at her trainer. With a thud, it connected with his gut. With a shrill, 'ugh,' Chris slumped to the floor, holding his stomach in pain.

(Chris!)

"See… you are… still… strong. You… pack a hell… of a punch. You are just too… stubborn to see… you're potential as a Charmander. I promise you… for the rest of our… adventures, that I will make you the strongest… Pokémon you can… be." At the concluding of his last sentence, Chris coughed, a mixture of bile, blood and last nights salad clumped together on the floor.

(Chris, I'm so sorry! I shouldn't be taking my anger out on you! It's my fault. I was careless. Oh Chris, I'm so sorry!"

"It's… okay. Don't... worry… about it. I'll make it… through. I'm pretty strong… for a guy."

(I'm sorry, Chris. I just, don't know if I can do it. The moon lied to me. Hell, you technically even lied to me.)

"Did… you want me to say… that you would never be a Charizard? That would have… broken your spirits from the get-go. I never foresaw this… in fact, I was out there… moping about it… before Melanie… set me straight. That's why… I'm here… with you."

(But the moon!)

"Can't… fight… all your battles for you… Charmander. You got a trainer… you got a friend… on your own, not with… help… from the moon. You… are my friend, Charmander." With a last gasp, he collapsed on the floor.

(Chris! Chris, wake up! Chris! Chris!) With a panicked glance, she noticed the door was still open. Melanie!With the speed of a Ninjask or two, she dashed out the door, down the hall and into the main lobby. Sure enough, Melanie and Snorunt were sitting there, just as Chris had said.

"Charmander!" Melanie cried, a mix of delight and shock, etched on her features.

(Charm, where's Chris at?) Snorunt asked.

(He's passed out! Quick, follow me?) Knowing Melanie couldn't understand her, she started making pointing gestures towards the patient rooms with her good arm. She ran off towards, and beckoned Melanie to follow her.

"Did something happen to Chris? Do you want me to follow you?" Melanie asked, trying to figure out the gist of what was happening? After a nod from Charmander, Melanie got up to follow.

"Not so fast, girlie," remarked a voice. Melanie was sure she had heard that voice before.

Flashback…

"Hold it, Galiano! You're coming with us!" shouted a masculine voice. Chris inspected the man, and realized his voice matched his outer appearance. He had long scruffy black hair, and blue eyes. He had a rather muscular build, and looked like he hadn't shaved in weeks.

"Hello Biff. Hello Morgan," Steven muttered. Chris guessed the buff guy must be Biff, and the other one was Morgan. He had long, purple hair and violet eyes to match. He wasn't overly tall, and had a slender figure.

"You heard him, Galiano! Your coming with us!" replied the one Chris guessed was Morgan.

"No I'm not, Morgan. Now leave or I shall make you.

End Flashback…

"You're Morgan! What are you even doing in a Pokémon Center?" she remarked, finally placing the face to the voice. Sure enough, the slender man with the purple hair and eyes indeed matched her memory.

"Good memory, Sweetheart, now where is your boyfriend? I heard he was around here. I was making trouble in the neighbourhood, so I figured I'd stop by and pay him a little visit. The boss talks about him like he's something special," Morgan remarked, his slender face twisted into a sadistic smile.

"Unfortunately for you then, he isn't around to take your call. Please leave him a message, and I'm sure he'll be back to you as soon as he can. And just where is your crony?"

"Oh, Biff? He had some rock tumble on his head. Lying it off somewhere. And don't play dumb with me, I see his gimpy little Charmander over there. Where is he?"

"I told you, he can't take your call right now. Get back to him later. And do not insult Charmander, she had an accident recently!"

"Interesting, an accident? Pray tell, how exactly did said accident take place?"

"Um… there was an earthquake, and some rock fell from the roof of the gym."

At first Morgan said nothing, than he smiled, than he chuckled a little. Finally, he broke out into a maniacal laughter.

"Just what exactly is so funny?" Melanie demanded.

"My partner also had rocks fall on him. Can you not make the connection?" Morgan taunted.

"What are you implying?"

"Naïve little girl. We caused the earthquake. We were here to harvest everstone for some unknown reason. We bombed the crap out of parts of this cave. It caused a few minor tremors. Nothing major. Nothing that won't heal," he laughed, acting as if this was some comedy act, and that he was the main attraction.

(What?)Charmander demanded, (you did this to me?)

"Why, look at the ferocious little gimp. What are you going to do, sling me to death?" Morgan laughed, again acting as if he was the funniest thing alive.

Charmander didn't give him the satisfaction of adding another joke. Opening her mouth wide, she launched a fantastic green fireball towards her opponent, in this case a human. Morgan yelped in pain as it connected, and ran screaming for the exit. As if on cue, Nurse Joy took this as her opportunity to come out and tell everyone to quiet down, before returning to her work.

(Now that is how you rage!) Charmander cheered, chuckling at her own pun. If Snorunt had hands, he would have face-palmed, and Melanie was just blissfully unaware of the awful pun Charmander had just made.

"Charmander are you going to show me where Chris is?" Melanie reminded.

Oh no, Chris! Charmander realized, before dashing off back to room #004, with Melanie and Snorunt in hot pursuit.

"Wake up, sleepy head."

With a grumbled moan, Christopher Davis opened his eyes. Standing over him, were Melanie, as well as Charmander and Snorunt.

"Where am I?" he muttered, completely confused as to his surroundings.

"You are lying in a bed at the nearby hospital, seems someone took a bit of a beating," she chuckled, before looking at Charmander, who was blushing sheepishly.

"So what happened?" Chris wondered, still thoroughly confused as to where they were, and what had happened.

"Morgan showed up, you remember him, right? Well it turns out he was the cause of the explosion, and Charmander sent him packing with what I believe was dragon rage. That was three days ago. You've been out ever since."

"Well… that's a wee bit anticlimactic. I missed all the fun?"

"Not only that, but you missed Teren. She dropped an envelope off with me, and left. I put it in your bag. I'm assuming it's personal, so I left it for you to read. I'm going to go get some rest myself. You better damn well be out of this place in a week. This whole town has just been a bad experience for me," she mentioned, and slowly headed for the door.

"Melanie, wait!"

"What is it, Chris?" she asked, tilting her head out of curiosity.

"Thanks, for what you did for me. You helped me see sense."

"It was my pleasure, Chris." With a large smile, and the smallest tinge of a blush, she exited the room.

With a nod to Chris, Snorunt moved towards his ball that had been lying at the foot of his bed, and quickly recalled himself. With a smile, Charmander approached him, and gave him a hug on his arm.

"How are you feeling, Charm?"

(Honestly, I'm doing as well as could be expected. Nurse Joy told me this cast should be able to be removed in the next few days,) Charmander responded happily. (And Chris, I'm really sorry for hurting you. You were just trying to help and I took it too far. I'm so grateful that you are my trainer and I hope that I can make you proud in battle even if I won't ever be able to evolve.)

"Charmander, I thank whatever deity that exists that I got over myself that day and asked you to be my partner. We will be friends forever, and if and when we become the Anotica champion, the whole world will know just how powerful you really are!"

(Me too. Maybe the Moon didn't lead me wrong after all. I'm going to return myself now, and you better get some rest!) Charmander declared, before making like Snorunt before her and returning herself with her own Poké ball.

Remembering what Melanie had said about Teren, Chris reached inside his bag that had been conveniently placed on the side table, and grabbed the letter that just happened to be sitting there. He inserted his finger under the flap, and slowly tore off the top. When it was open, he noticed a small necklace was situated inside the envelope.

Dear Chris,

I'm sorry I had to send this as a letter. I was called out on Gym Leader business. The necklace I included is attached to a stone, known as Eviolite. It was a stone I found on a trip to the far off Unova Region. It is supposed to bring out the best in unevolved Pokémon. With the power of your Charmander, she should become even stronger with this stone helping her. Treat this as a gift from me, and make that Charmander the strongest Pokémon she can be!

Sincerely,

Teren

Eviolite, eh? Seems like a useful item. Charmander should enjoy this.

Reaching back into his bag to place the letter and necklace back inside, he happened to notice a glowing light coming from it: a glowing silver light. Reaching into his bag, he pulled out what he assumed to be the item.

"Well hello there."