By the way, the names for Brock and Misty's Pokemon, along with Ash's Kanto starter are property of Dragonsrule18. I legit tried to come up with new names, but I couldn't think of squat.
Pokemon is owned by Gamefreak and all Pokédex entries are from Bulbapedia.
"Butts"- Humans speaking
"Butts"- Pokemon speaking
'Butts'- thoughts
"Butts"-Pokedex entries/TV commentary
How Charmander Got His Blaze Back
An hour or so later after their adventure at the sanctuary, they had stopped to camp and eventually, dinner was served. Brock was extremely happy to know that Bulbasaur loved his food as much as everyone else did and Psi loved their new custom mix with Nanab Berry extract. Misty stroked Butterfree, who was eating next to her.
Misty: Do you like the new recipe Brock made, Alex?
The Butterfree thrilled in agreement, but became confused at being called a name instead of his species classification.
Brock: "Alex"? You named your Butterfree? I thought you didn't nickname your Pokemon?
Misty: Well I've decided to try giving my Pokemon cute nicknames like Ash does with his Pokémon. I thought it might make us closer.
Brock: Cool, maybe I should start nicknaming mine too. What do you think, Ash?
Ash: Uh…. Oh. This is kinda awkward…
Brock: Why?
Ash: I didn't nickname my Pokémon. They had names when I first met them.
Misty: *punches Ash in shoulder* Why didn't you tell us before?! Brock and I have been calling our Pokémon by their species names! They might have had real names and we never knew!
Ash: Ow! You never asked, and they never mentioned any names, even when they were talking to each other!
Misty calmed down at this, but she and Brock both asked Ash to ask their Pokémon for their names. Ash started with Brock's Pokémon as he let out Onix, Geodude, and Zubat since Bulbasaur was already out.
Onix: Onix IS my name. I was bred in captivity, so I didn't get a name from my parents and Brock didn't nickname me.
Brock frowned when Ash translated Onix's words to him.
Brock: I'm sorry, Onix. Would you like me to give you a nickname?"
Onix: *with a laugh* No, being called Onix doesn't bother me. And it's been my name for so long that if you call me by something else, I'll probably look at you blankly and wonder who the heck you're talking to.
Brock nodded after Ash told him Onix's answer.
Brock: What about you, Geodude? I caught you as a wild Pokémon.
Geodude: My real name is ridiculous and I hate it.
Green: Oh come on, my parents named me after my skin color, for Mew's sake. How bad could your's be?
Geodude: Fine, I'll tell you. It's…
A dirt bike zoomed past, its loud motor cutting off whatever Geodude was saying.
Geodude: So just call me Geodude.
Zubat: The name my flock gave me is Nightwing, but I don't care what you call me as long as it's not "late for dinner". *chuckles* That's a joke.
Bulbasaur: Same story with me as with Onix. My former trainer never gave me a nickname.
When Brock asked if he wanted one, Bulbasaur shook his head.
Bulbasaur: No offense, but trainers can give out some very ridiculous nicknames. I don't want one.
Yami: Tell me about it. Once while I was back at the gym, I saw a trainer that challenged AJ that called his Pokémon "Fluffy".
Cobalt: Ooof… Yeah, that's pretty bad.
Yami: Oh, it gets worse. That trainer's Pokémon was an Arbok. A MALE Arbok.
Bulbasaur: *horrified* Please, for the love of Arceus, just call me Bulbasaur. PLEASE!
It took five minutes for Ash to compose himself enough to tell Brock and Misty what Yami and Bulbasaur had said. Misty and Brock started laughing, and Brock promised not to attempt to nickname Bulbasaur. Now with Brock's Pokémon done, Ash turned to Misty's.
Butterfree: I actually never knew my family, so I never had a name.
After Ash translated for her, Misty hugged her Butterfree tightly.
Misty: I'm sorry, Butterfree.
Butterfree: It's okay. I have all of you as my family now. And before you ask, I'm fine with being called Alex.
Misty dragged Ash over to the pond where Staryu, Starmie and Goldeen were playing and had him ask them for their names. Goldeen's real name was Bella, and Staryu and Starmie informed Ash that their species did not use names, instead relying on psychic signals to differentiate one another.
Ash, Misty, and Brock spent the rest of the afternoon simply relaxing and playing with their Pokémon, then went to bed early that evening. Ash curled up next to Green's side, and his other Pokémon cuddled up next to him, except for Yami since he had decided to appoint himself as night watch due to him not needing to sleep.
Ash was happy that both his friend got a new Pokémon, but hoped he would soon get another teammate as well. Little did he know that he wouldn't have to search for his next Pokémon. Sometimes, you can only find what you're looking for when you're not actually looking for it.
—-
The next day, the group is seen walking down a dirt path as Misty read the map, since Ash was forced to relinquish navigation to her.
Misty: According to the map, there should be a Pokémon Center around here somewhere and this trail will take us right to it. About time too. We've been looking for Vermillion City for 10 whole days, and I could really use a hot shower and a warm bed. I'm beat.
Ash: Same here.
They decided to stop for a minute as Misty plopped down onto a stump and Ash sat down next to her and watched a flock of Spearow. Cobalt hopped onto his lap and Green sat beside them. It had been worth it, though. The extra training Ash and his team had been doing during the last ten days had really paid off. Cobalt had finally perfected his dual wield Bone Rush and during a battle with Alex, he had suddenly learned Reversal. He was more surprised than Butterfree when he was low on energy and punched the butterfly with an amazing amount of force.
Green's Leaf Blade was still very much a work in progress and Yami not only grew stronger, but he had also picked up some new moves; That being replacing Night Shade for Shadow Ball, along with learning Screech, which Psi had decided to dub "The most annoying move in existence".
Speaking of the Kadabra, they had actually learned that they didn't need to know the move Teleport to…. Well, teleport. So after finding this out, Psi had trained hard to replace Teleport for Dark Pulse, which would really help against any Ghost types. Brock showed Ash some techniques to build up endurance, as well as ways a Pokémon could cover itself if struck by an attack so the attack did the least possible damage. Though Ash's Pokémon were tired and sore after those lessons and Ash hated putting them through it, the lessons paid off, as their Defense was now stronger than ever.
After the group rested for a few minutes, they were on their way again. Suddenly, Misty stopped short.
Misty: What's that?
She shakily pointed to a big hulking shape a few feet away with what looked like a tiny little fire on it and squinting in the morning sun to see what it was.
Misty: Hey, Ash, Brock, take a look at this…
Ash approached cautiously, Cobalt beside him. Once they got a better look, they discovered it was a tiny Charmander lying down on a huge rock as Ash scanned it.
Pokedex: Charmander, the Lizard Pokemon. A Fire type. The flame that burns at the tip of its tail is an indication of its emotions. It is said that a Charmander dies if its flame ever goes out.
Ash noticed the Charmander's condition and was worried. It looked dehydrated and exhausted and the flame on its tail was very small.
Ash: Are you okay, little guy? Do you need some help?
Cobalt: He can understand Pokémon.
Charmander: ….I'm waiting for my master.
From the voice, Ash could tell by the voice that it was male. Something about the way Charmander said it made Ash worry more. He translated Charmander's words to the others, then turned back to him.
Ash: How long have you been waiting?
Charmander: I dunno….. A while.
It was obvious to Ash that he was hiding something. All of Ash's Pokemon looked at each other, worry in their eyes. Ash was starting to get a bad feeling about this situation.
Ash: Are you hungry?
The Charmander nodded, and Ash poured a bowl of Poké Chow for it, as well as a large bowl of water. Immediately, the fire lizard devoured the bowl of food and drank some water.
Charmander: Thanks.
Ash: Do you have a name?
The Charmander shook his head, only making Ash much more worried.
Brock: Maybe we should take Charmander back to the Pokémon Center. Charmander's tail flame was dangerously low.
Charmander: *panicking* No! Master told me to wait right here and not to leave!
Ash translated his words to Brock and Misty, who became extremely concerned.
Ash: Charmander, please come to the Pokémon Center with us. You'll be safer in there and I'll help you find your trainer.
Charmander violently shook his head.
Charmander: He said I had to stay here!
Despite the fact that he really wanted to get Charmander safe, Ash knew Charmander would just go running back. He couldn't force the Pokémon to go with him and he couldn't capture him due to the fact that he belonged to another trainer.
Green: This is getting us nowhere.
Psi: If we drag him to the Center, he will simply walk all the way back here.
Cobalt: So, what's our plan, dear Trainer?
Finally, after some thinking, Ash nodded.
Ash: Alright. Just let me at least give you a Super Potion.
Charmander consented to this and Ash sprayed a Super Potion on him before refilling both the food and water bowls.
Ash: I'll keep an eye out for your trainer, okay?
Charmander thanked him, and the group reluctantly left the little lizard, heading for the Pokémon Center. As they made it to the center, Ash recalled both Psi and Yami before they went inside, knowing Psi would be uncomfortable and Yami might cause a panic.
Ash sat at one of the tables absently petting Cobalt, who was sitting next to him, and staring out the window. Storm clouds were rolling in and he hoped Charmander's trainer had come and got him. The bad feeling that Charmander had been abandoned had not left him, and he prayed that it was wrong. Green, who was sitting next to Ash, looked at him with a worried expression on his face. Brock was unfortunately no better than Ash as he sat with his chin in his hands, staring out the window with the same fear on his mind as Misty approached from the cafeteria with three steaming bowls and two drink cups with straws, one cup pink and the other yellow, on a tray.
Misty: Here's some nice hot soup for us. Adn I got some very smoothies for the Pokemon. Pecha for Cobalt, Sitrus for Green; their favorites.
Brock barely noticed as she set his bowl down next to him. Ash quietly thanked her as she handed his Pokemon the smoothies, but then he began picking at the soup, unusual for Ash, for he had as big of an appetite as a Snorlax.
Misty: You guys are worried about Charmander, aren't you?... So am I.
Ash: Do you think anyone picked him up yet? What-What if his trainer just left him there?
Brock: I hope not. Maybe we should-
Laughter from another table interrupted them. A group of kids hovered around a smug looking blue-haired boy and on the table was a small mountain of PokeBalls.
Boy 1: Wow, you sure got a lot of them.
Boy 2: That's for sure!
Blue Haired Boy: *arroganlly* Just look at them! It's a pretty cool collection, I know!
Boy 3: Way cool!
Boy 1: You're the man, Damien!
Ash disliked him the moment he set eyes on him. He could tell this kid cared for no one but himself.
Green: I'm no mathematologist, but I'm pretty sure that's more than 6 balls in his party.
Cobalt: That's because it is.
Boy 2: Yo, didn't you have a Charmander too?
Ash had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.
Ash: 'Please tell me this isn't Charmander's trainer….'
Damian: *smirks* Yeah, I had one, but the puny thing couldn't defeat the weakest of opponents.
Brock: *angered *Charmander may be weak against water types, but if their trainers work hard, they can become strong.
Misty: I don't like that guy's attitude one bit!
Cobalt: *growls* Me neither. I really hope that he's not…
Boy 1: So, what did you do with that Charmander anyway?
Damian: Oh, I left it on some rock in the woods. That thing is so Arceus-damn stupid! No matter what I do to it, it keeps on following me. I finally got rid of it by promising I'd come back for it. It's probably still there, wagging its tail.
Boy 3: It'll probably wag it until the flame goes out!
As the small gang laughed, Cobalt frowned as Green's older sibling instinctskicked in, making him out for blood. Ash was up and moving at this, seeing nothing but red as the others rushed after him.
Ash: Go and get your Charmander.
Damian: What?
Ash: He's still out there waiting for you! Go and get him! NOW!
Damian: Who's going to make me, you little nerd? You?
He and the other boys surrounded Ash menacingly, making his two starters postion themselves protectively between the bullies and their trainer, ready to beat the crap out of those jerks if they made one wrong move. Brock and Misty stood on either side of Ash, glaring at Damien and his thugs and ready to back Ash up if it came down to a fight. Nurse Joy, sensing the impending fight, rushed over to stop it.
Nurse Joy: Break it up! You know the rules! No fighting in the Pokémon Center!
A burst of thunder and the sound of pouring rain caught Ash's attention. And that's when he remembered what the Pokedex told him…
Pokedex: *in Ash's mind* 'It is said that a Charmander dies if its tail flame ever goes out.'
Ash: Oh no….. Charmander!
He grabbed his backpack and ran outside without even stopping to put on a raincoat, with Cobalt and Green rushing after him.
Damian: That little creep! He can have that pathetic Charmander. They deserve one another!
Misty: You're the little creep, you sicko!
She gave him a swift kick in the place no man wants to be kicked, then gave him an uppercut to the jaw. He fell to the floor, groaning and seeing stars and Pidgies. Quickly throwing on her raincoat, she ran into the storm after Ash.
Brock: ….You all fucking disgust me.
Brock growled at Damien and his gang as Damien lay groaning on the floor. He grabbed his backpack and raincoat and followed Misty outside.
—-
Ash rushed towards the rock, guided by the tiny light on Charmander's tail. The fire lizard was barely conscious, desperately holding a leaf over his tail in the hopes of keeping it dry. Grabbing a blanket from his backpack, Ash covered the shivering Pokémon, trying to keep the tiny flame from going out as Cobalt and Green stood over Charmander, trying to shield him as best they could from the rain while Cobalt put a hand out, assessing the fire lizard's aura.
Ash: *worried* He feels cold….
Cobalt: He's conscious, but he's fading fast.
Green: We gotta get him to the Center, pronto!
Brock and Misty rushed over to help, Brock scooping up Charmander. Ash grabbed his raincoat from the bag, covering Charmander's tail flame and preventing it from going out as they ran to the Pokémon Center. Charmander opened his eyes and looked at them weakly before losing consciousness.
Green: Come on come on, little guy! You can pull though!
Cobalt: You're gonna be okay! I promise, you'll be okay!
Brock: Hang in there, Charmander. You can make it.
They ran inside the Pokémon Center as Nurse Joy was about to close up. Ash ran to the front desk, gasping for breath.
Ash: Nurse Joy, please help us!
Nurse Joy: What is it? What's wrong?
Brock: This Charmander, the flame on his tail is almost out!
Nurse Joy gasped as she saw Charmander's condition.
Nurse Joy: There's not much time! *to backroom* Chancey!
With the assistance of a Chancey wearing a nurse's cap, Joy rushed Charmander to the back room, hooking him up to a heart rate monitor and putting a heating pad under his tail.
Ash: Will Charmander survive?
Nurse Joy: It's very weak…. What happened?
Ash: Damien, that kid with the blue hair, abandoned him in the woods. He promised to come back for him, and Charmander's loyal to Damien, so he believed him. We saw Charmander on the rock earlier, and when we heard Damien bragging about abandoning him there, we confronted him and then ran out to get Charmander.
Nurse Joy: Poor little thing. And that Damien just left with the rest of them.
Ash: Please, save him.
Nurse Joy: ….*nods* I'll do whatever I can.
Chansey led them out to the waiting room as Ash sat down, shivering. He was soaked to the bone since he had neglected to put on a raincoat before running out to get Charmander. Cobalt and Green cuddled against him, trying to use their body heat to warm him up, but they were just as soaked as he was.
Cobalt: So…. So cold…..
Green: Oh yeah?... Well, I don't remember you being cold-blooded….
Chancey: You poor dears. I'll get you some towels and some nice warm blankets.
She left the room, then returned with enough towels for everyone. Ash went into the restroom with Cobalt and Green, drying them and himself off, then stepping into one of the stalls to change into a spare set of clothing. When they walked back out, they found Chansey had brought out several thick blankets as well as a pot of hot tea and three cups.
Brock: Thank you, Chansey.
Ash: Chansey, will Charmander be alright?
She looked confused that he'd be asking her.
Green: Ash can understand Pokémon.
The Grovyle helped guide Ash to one of the cots. Cobalt jumped on Ash's lap, and Green grabbed a blanket, sitting next to Ash and wrapping the blanket around them all. Chansey looked at Ash in surprise, then answered.
Chancet: I'm sorry, but it's too soon to say for certain, dear. But I think he should be.
She left the room, going back to help Nurse Joy. Misty and Brock paced around, occasionally sitting down, but unable to remain still for long. Ash clung to Cobalt and Green, beginning to cry softly.
Green: Hey, pal, you heard Chancey. He'll be okay, I'm sure of it.
Ash: I-I should have known that he'd been abandoned! *sobs* All the signs were there, if I had done a better job of convincing him to come to the Pokémon Center, maybe he wouldn't-
Cobalt gently placed a paw over his mouth, cutting him off.
Cobalt: Ash, you have to stop blaming yourself for things. You've done everything you could for Charmander. This is Damien's fault, not yours.
Brock sat next to Ash, putting his arm around his little friend.
Brock: Ash, this isn't your fault. You helped Charmander in every way you could, unlike his trainer. Sometimes, doing your best is all you can do.
Ash: I know. I-I just want Charmander to be okay.
Misty: *sits by Ash* We all do, Ash. He's in really good hands and I think we got to him in time. I'm sure he'll be fine; he's got to be.
For a few hours, they waited anxiously, pacing around the room, all thinking the same thing. As Cobalt made an internal prayer
Cobalt: 'Lord Arceus and all the legends watching us… If you can hear me, please… You ahev to let Charmander live. He needs a second chance. He doesn't deserve if he dies… Damian wins. You can't let him get away with this. I'm not asking for you to kill Damian, just… Please… Let Charmander live another day.'
The light signal went out, grabbing everyone's attention. Nurse Joy came out with a frown, and their hearts dropped. But she looked at them, smiled, and nodded, signaling that Charmander would be alright.
Nurse Joy: Charmander's recovering. He'll be fine by morning.
Nurse Joy let them peek at the little fire lizard through the door. Charmander was asleep on the bed, the flame on his tail burning much stronger. Ash grinned with relief and Cobalt smiled at him, tears welling up in his eyes.
Cobalt: *softly* Thank you, Arceus…. Thank you…
—-
Early in the morning, Charmander awoke, finding himself in the Pokémon Center. Memories came flashing back to him of last night; being caught in the rain, the young black-haired trainer and his friends coming to rescue him, and being wrapped in a warm blanket and carried to the Pokémon Center. He was grateful to them for having saved him from death, but he needed to go back to the rock and wait for Damien.
He opened the window and was about to leap out when more memories flashed through his mind. He remembered hearing, while drifting in and out of consciousness, the raven-haired trainer telling the nurse that he had heard Damien bragging about abandoning Charmander on the rock. And though he didn't want it to be true, Charmander knew the black haired trainer was right.
Damien had never loved him.
How many times had Damien called him "worthless" and "pathetic", "a sorry excuse for a Pokémon"? No matter how hard Charmander tried, he had never been able to please him, only getting harsh words for all his effort. Charmander sat back down on the bed, tears in his eyes. Was he not worthy of being cared for by anyone?
But then the face of the boy who saved him flashed through his mind. Despite not even being Charmander's trainer, the boy had taken care of him, gave him food, water, and medicine, then rushed out later in the middle of the freezing rainstorm with no raincoat just to bring Charmander to safety. He remembered the kindness in those brown eyes, and what he said while he was fading in and out of consciousness.
Ash in Charmander's mind: "Please save him!"
That trainer had cared whether he lived or died, unlike Damien. Charmander wished he could join him. But that trainer was probably long gone. Charmander shut the window and lay back in the bed with a sigh. And then his door opened.
After spending the night in the Pokémon Center, the first thing Ash and his group did in the morning was go visit Charmander. Nurse Joy led them into the room, then had to step out as there was a patient that needed her attention. The little fire lizard had been lying on the bed looking sad, but the second he saw them, he sat up, eyes brightening.
Charmander: *whispers* You stayed.
Ash: We had to make sure you were okay.
Charmander: Why?
Cobalt: What do you mean?
Charmander: Why do you care so much? I'm not even your Pokémon. Why did you help me?
Ash: We helped you because you needed us to. We couldn't just walk by and let you die when we could do something to help you.
Charmander: Damian did…. I heard you talking to the nurse last night. I know Damien abandoned me.
There were tears in his eyes at this. Ash gently wrapped his arms around Charmander, who hugged him tightly as Green placed a hand on the boy's shoulder while Cobalt hugged the lizard from behind.
Charmander: I tried to be a good Pokémon. I tried my best, but I just couldn't…
Cobalt: Charmander, listen to me. Whatever that…. THING did to you was NOT your fault.
Green: Damien is an asshole, Charmander. You're a great Pokémon, and someone like Damien doesn't deserve you.
Brock: I'm not sure what Green said. But he's right. *pets Charmander* You're a good Pokémon, but Damien was a horrible trainer. You deserve a trainer that will love you and protect you.
Misty nodded, rubbing Charmander's head. Charmander looked up at Ash and was about to ask if he could join him when Nurse Joy walked in. Nurse Joy smiled at the scene in front of her. It was obvious that these trainers cared deeply for the little Charmander they had helped to rescue.
Nurse Hoy: I hate to break this sweet moment up, but I need to give Charmander one last check-up to make sure he's fully recovered.
The group moved to the side as she examined the little fire lizard. And a few minutes later, she looked up and smiled.
Nurse Joy: Charmander's doing just fine.
Ash: That's great… But, what's gonna happen to him?
Nurse Joy: I'll send Charmander to Professor Oak in Pallet Town. He'll make sure he gets a good trainer.
At this, Charmander's eyes widened and he violently shook his head. He jumped off the bed and into Ash's arms, nearly bowling him over. Ash caught Charmander, hugging the little fire lizard.
Ash: Does this mean you want to come with us?
Charmander nodded eagerly. Ash smiled, then turned to Nurse Joy with pleading eyesm who simply smiled.
Nurse Joy: Of course. I can see he's very attached to you already. I know you'll take great care of him.
Shifting Charmander to one arm, Ash took out an empty Poké Ball. Charmander tapped the center button, and was sucked inside without a struggle. Ash let him out immediately after the capture was complete and Charmander looked up at him in confusion.
Cobalt: Ash keeps us out of our Poké Balls as much as possible, space and weather permitting, of course.
Charmander smiled at this. Damien had never let him out of his Poké Ball unless there was a battle or they were training. He was going to enjoy this extra freedom of his.
—-
They bid goodbye to Nurse Joy, then left the Pokémon Center. Once outside, Ash released Psi and Yami, where Ash pulled them aside and gave them a quick explanation of the events of last night, then introduced Charmander to all of his Pokémon officially, making sure he knew everyone's name. Luckily, all of them were glad to welcome their newest teammate. Especially Yami, since the little guy laughed at all of his jokes as Ash then scans him again to get a rundown of his abilities.
Pokedex: Charmander, the Lizard Pokemon. A Fire type. The flame that burns at the tip of its tail is an indication of its emotions. It is said that a Charmander dies if its flame ever goes out. This Charmander is level 13, Male, and has the ability, Blaze. It knows the moves Ember, Bite, and Dragon Rage.
Ash: Huh, I didn't expect you to know a Dragon type move.
Charmander: I'm…. not really good at it.
Ash: Well, we can work on it. But first, would you like a nickname of your own, Charmander? *Charmander nods* Hmm, what would be a good nickname? Blaze? No, that's your ability…Torch? Nah…Flare?…Ugh! I'm horrible with nicknames!
Brock: I've got an idea. You want a name that means "fire," right?
Ash nods as he reached into his backpack and took out his laptop, typing "Boys' names that mean fire" into the search engine. Misty leaned over to look.
Misty: I see a cute one! How about Aidan? It means "little fire".
Ash: Aidan, huh?... I like it. *to Charmander* What do you think, Charmander? You're the one who's getting a name and I don't want you to be stuck with a name you don't like.
Charmander thought about it for a few minutes, before smiling.
Charmander: I like it too.
Aidan was a nice name, and it definitely fit him.
Cobalt: Well then, Aidan it is.
The newly named Aidan grinned up at Ash as Green decided to play around with the little Charmander, bringing him onto his shoulder to give him a piggyback ride, but being careful that his tail flame didn;t scorch his leaf, as the group headed down Route 24 on their way to Vermillion City ad eventually, Ash's 3rd gym badge.
TO BE CONTINUED…..