Hello, it's Mgunnels3, and welcome back to A Promise Kept Ash's Johto Journey. I'll be portraying Damien negatively in this chapter. I'm not great at this writing, so I apologize if it comes off poorly. Let's get started with the chapter!
Chapter 24: A Pokemon's Confidence and a Trainer's Responsibility
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech"
We see Ash running towards the Pokemon center carrying what looks like a scared Growlithe pup in his arms, shaking and stirring. The joy of Pokemon Center nurse didn't need to say anything and took the young pup from Ash's arms.
Nurse Joy tended to the young Growlithe pup sitting down as Misty, Brock, Slowbro, and Casey were now more worried about whether she would be okay.
"Man, how low can the guy be? First Charizard, now this?" Ash said to himself as he was concerned about what had happened earlier.
"When you guys said he was known for treating his Pokemon badly and not caring about them, you weren't kidding?" Casey said to Misty and Brock, who nodded as Nurse Joy came out, interrupting Casey.
"This isn't the first time we had run-ins with Damian's Pokemon or himself. This is by far the worst I've seen," Nurse Joy said. "Physically, she is fine, but mentally, it's to the point that it will take time for her to recover. What happened this time?" Nurse Joy asked the group, who turned to Ash.
Earlier that night.
Ash and the others were already setting camp and ready to have dinner for the night as Ash discussed his adventures with Casey, who was already interested in it, given that she saw him as a rival.
"Man, Ash. From the looks of your team, I would've thought you've been through more than two regions, no offense, especially with those two Eevees, Pidgeot, and your Charizard there?" Casey asked Ash, who nodded in understanding by this.
"None was taken, Casey. But you are right to say that just by looking at my team. I may not have been the best in battles back then, but I care more for my Pokemon than ever," Ash said to Casey.
"Have you run into a few that aren't like that?" Casey asked. Ash sighed and looked down once she asked him, making Casey more curious and worried.
"Aside from Team Rocket and a few poachers. One is still at large and is here in Johto, Damian. Charizard's and the older brother of the two Eevee's over there's the former trainer, that is," Ash said to Casey.
"Woah, Ash, how bad are we talking about?" Casey asked as Ash sighed at this and remembered what he was told.
"Damian is the type of trainer who refuses to raise his Pokemon at all, calling it the boring part as a trainer," Ash said to Casey, who was taken aback by this. Ash explained when he first met Damian and treated Charizard as a Charmander. "The worst thing is that, as of late, Damian has been releasing his Pokemon left and right and in terrible states. Those who have gotten away have found trainers like Eevee, Pineco, and Charizard. Or is too afraid to even be with a trainer or can't be rehabilitated," Ash said to Casey.
"This is bad, and how is he still a trainer? I mean, the league must have something on the guy?" Casey asked Ash and the others.
"Oh, they are aware of him, alright," Brock said to Casey, who turned her attention to him. "One of many things keeps him from being captured or losing his trainer's license. The first is that he's never in one place when the league officials appear. Two, even if we could get him down, we need to beat him in an official battle, and it has to be either with an official or at the league."
"Three is no matter how much many trainers have seen him done, it either pits the blame on them or makes up some excuse to justify his reasons right now. From what I've heard, he has only eight Pokemon left as Professor Oak, and the league has cut off his rights to catch more Pokemon after Pineco was released," Ash said to Casey, who was hurt hearing this.
"Yet he is here in Johto causing more harm to Pokemon; what an ingrate," Casey said aloud as Charizard and Eevee heard the group talking about their former trainer. Casey was given a temporary translation from Slowbro while she was with the group and overheard them.
"You're not wrong, Casey. As far as I can recall, the other members of his group are experienced fighters who don't necessarily care about how their methods are perceived," Eevee said to Casey, to which Charizard nodded at this Eevee turned to Charizard. "If I recall correctly, isn't Charizard one of his Pokemon and the one who protected you from Damian in the past, as it relates to you?" Eevee said to Charizard, nodded at this.
"I rather not talk about it, but yes, my older brother is one of his Pokemon, along with my childhood rival and bully," Charizard said to Eevee and the group. Ash would say something as he heard some commotion nearby and some crying sounds.
"Hey, you hear that," Ash said as the group nodded at this and decided to see what it was. When the group arrived, they saw two enormous Pokemon, a Charizard and a Dragonite of all Pokemon, standing beside what looked to be a scared Growlithe and a Gengar and a very familiar face right next to them. It was indeed Damian.
"Humph, such a waste of a Pokemon. Why can't you get it through your skull that you are not worth my time to train when you couldn't even act as strong as your evolution line is? No, I'm sure that Gengar here will have to suck out more of your confidence and happy-go-lucky personality," Damian was interrupted by a Shadow Ball and a Flamethrower coming the Gengar's way. "Who's there?"
"Damian, leave that Growlithe alone," Casey said as the group ran over to the side, only to be stopped by both Dragonite and the Charizard Damian recognized Ash and the group as well as Charizard and Eevee.
"Well, if it isn't my two traitorous Pokemon back to get revenge on me, I see. And the so-called "you call yourself a Pokemon trainer" group, hah," Damian laughed at the group. "To think that the league is targeting me via these weaklings who think raising Pokemon will do any good," Damian returned Dragonite to his ball.
"If you want this Growlithe so badly, you'll have to beat me. I'm sure that you've gotten stronger the last time we saw you," Damian said to Ash, who stood his ground as both Eevee and Charizard stood in front of him as Gengar and Scar stood in front of Damian. "Need I remind you that this won't count toward me losing my trainer's license, so it's up to you kids," Ash interrupted Damian.
"Will you shut it, Damian," Ash said to Damian. "We know that and don't think we will forgive this either. Charizard Eevee, you two sure you can handle this?" Ash asked. Charizard nodded, as did Eevee.
"Humph fine by me, but Charizard here that his brother that I returned isn't battling or he would mop the floor with," Damian was interrupted again, this time by Ash's Charizard, who was impatient with all this.
"Will you speak or engage in combat?" Ash's Charizard said to him, shutting Damian up.
"Humph, fine by me. Charizard Dragons breath and Gengar use Shadow Ball," Damian commanded his Pokemon as the two Pokemon attacked both of Ash's Pokemon.
"Charizard, use Flamethrower on the Shadow ball. Eevee, use Shadow ball on the Flamethrower," Ash commanded his two Pokemon, who launched their attacks. Fast enough to cause an explosion, but Damian is no longer there as the smoke clears. The battle served as a distraction to escape. "He's gone no way, Damian. You tricked us into battling so you could see how weak we were or not," Ash said, running towards the Growlithe, who was shaking, as did Charizard and Eevee. "Hey, hey, Damian is gone. He won't hurt you any longer," Ash said to the Growlithe, who smiled slightly but still hurt mentally.
Forward to now.
"The story ends here. Unfortunately, we are unsure of the exact reason behind Damian's actions. We do know that he appears to prioritize his own interests over the well-being of his trained Pokemon. He doesn't seem to care if they are confident or if they can make friends." Ash explains to Nurse Joy as Eevee is by Ash's side, nuzzling him.
"I agree with Ash's assessment that the treatment of his Pokemon is concerning. Although I can provide some mental healing, it would be best for the Pokemon to be relocated to a different region with better facilities to take care of it and avoid any potential triggers that may bring back bad memories." Nurse Joy said to Ash. "There is a location on the route from here where the Pokemon rangers care for abused and abandoned Pokemon," Nurse Joy explained to the gang. Ash thought long and hard about this.
Ash suggested to Nurse Joy that it would be better for the girl to spend time with Pokemon other than Damian. He also mentioned that he would be willing to take her in once she is ready and would speak with Professor Oak beforehand to arrange this.
"It's a better idea to go there since most Pokemon have a long history with Damian. Although there's a risk of her getting more scars, you own two of his previous Pokemon who have improved since being with you," Nurse Joy said, turning to Charizard and Eevee next to Ash. "You were lucky to find Ash quickly. It's hard to say what might have happened if you hadn't," Nurse Joy said. Charizard and Eevee nodded as Nurse Joy checked on the Growlithe and the other Pokemon.
Meanwhile, Ash contacted Professor Oak and explained the situation with the Growlithe, to which the Professor agreed. "Ash, I must commend you. Your decision to let the Growlithe stay in my care while still being her owner is a significant step in your training abilities. I fully support your choice." Professor Oak said to Ash. "Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of Pokemon available that could assist with therapy treatments. However, I will do my best, and introducing Growlithe to some of your Pokemon may boost her confidence. Based on your information, she seems to be a young pup, no more than a year old." Oak said to Ash, who was taken aback by that age. "I have heard rumors about one of Ash's Pokemon who only began training after losing all its privileges. It is worth noting that I gave Ash the remaining Pokemon before he left, including the Charizard you currently own.."
"Hold on, that's the same Charmander I would have received when I became a trainer," Ash asked Oak, who nodded as Ash looked down at this.
"As Professor Ash, there are certain limitations to what I can and cannot do. However, if you wish to defeat Damian, you will need to improve your training and hone your skills as a trainer." Oak said to Ash, who looked up at Oak bewildered. "Ash, please understand that I am not questioning your training methods. However, relying on things being handed to you, like when you started with Charizard at the league, is not the best approach." Oak said to Ash. "As a trainer, it's crucial to prioritize your shared goals with your Pokemon. Remember that they didn't join you just because you wanted them to but because they also wanted to. Stay focused on what truly matters." Oak said, reminding Ash of what Prima had said back then. Damian almost caused Ash to forget his strategy by challenging him to a head-on battle earlier.
"I will do my best, Professor. You can expect to receive Growlithe's ball tomorrow if she agrees to join." Ash said to Oak, who nodded as the two ended their phone call.
"He ain't wrong, Ash?" Eevee said to Ash walking towards Ash.
"Hello there! How are you doing? How have you been holding up lately?" Ash said, figuring out that Eevee was listening to the entire thing.
"I'm doing okay, but I'm concerned about Growithe. She joined the team simultaneously as me, but we didn't see each other much. She was always the happiest and most carefree Pokemon you could meet. She had always dreamed of being with a trainer, and now I'm worried about her situation," Eevee said as Ash petted the back of his ear, who gave a purr when Ash did that.
"If she becomes part of the team, would you like to go to Oak's lab to ensure she is cared for?" Ash asked Eevee, whose eyes widened at this.
"I'd like to help, but what about my sister and your reliability? Would it be a breach of trust on my part?" Eevee asked Ash, who shook his head as Eevee's ears perked up.
"Declining the offer would benefit the team, but I will keep you in mind for future assistance. Please note that your previous association with Damian did not influence my decision." Ash said to Eevee, who looked at Ash. "I brought you into my life to form a meaningful friendship and support each other. You are not just a friend, Eevee, but a cherished best friend alongside your sister and other companions." Ash said to Eevee, who was tearing up and nuzzling Ash.
"I understand how you feel, Ash. You are not just a friend to me, but my best friend. I want to be there for you and keep you safe," Eevee said before Ash could say anything. Ash was surprised when Eevee began to glow since he didn't expect this evolution. Eevee grew taller and had darker fur with yellow rings in certain areas. Curious about this new evolution, Ash looked it up and discovered that it was called an Umbreon. Interestingly, Umbreon didn't notice the change.
Ash was surprised to see Umbreon's evolved form and pointed it out to him. Umbreon was taken aback as he was not aware of his new appearance. Ash then informed him that according to the Pokedex, he was now a Dark-type.
"All because of your friendship with him, Ash," Nurse Joy said to Ash as the two turned to her. Did you know that Eevee can evolve into two different Eeveelutions depending on the time of day and how strong the bond is between the trainer and the Pokemon? This information can help you become a better trainer, Ash. However, improving your Pokemon's moves is essential if you want to succeed even further." Nurse Joy told Ash, who now understood what this all meant, as did Umbreon and the rest of Ash's Team.
The next day, Nurse Joy brought a Growlithe to Ash. Although happy to receive it, he was not as thrilled as when Umbreon recognized him. However, the Growlithe did recognize Ash but got scared around Charizard.
"Don't worry. The Charizard on your team now is not the same as before. However, it used to be a member of your team." Ash said to Growlithe, who peeked out behind Umbren's legs and paced toward Ash.
"R-really, he's friendly?" Growlithe asked as Charizard nodded at this, which calmed her down.
"Hello, Growlithe. I wanted to ask if you would like to join my team while staying at Professor Oak's ranch. You won't be alone, as Umbreon will also provide mental support and attention to ensure you receive all the help you need." Ash said to Growlithe, whose tail started to wag slowly. "I vow never to leave you stranded or put you in challenging circumstances that you can't handle. As your trainer and Pokemon companion, I pledge to give me all if you do the same. Unlike Damian, I believe this is the appropriate way to treat one another. Are you in agreement with this?" Ash asked Growlithe, who smiled at Ash and nuzzled Ash but tears down her face.
"I only wanted to befriend him and work together, but he completely ignored me and disregarded my inherent loyalty to our trainer as a member of my evolutionary line. He made the Pokemon around me act aggressively, which also influenced me to become ruthless. However, that is not the kind of behavior I desire," Growlithe looked at Ash with puppy-dog eyes. "Please, if it means to rid me of him and all this, I'll do anything as long as it's the right way," Growlithe pleaded with Ash.
"Okay, welcome aboard, Growlithe," Ash said as he pulled out a friend ball, hoping this would work in his favor to help speed up that process, while at Oaks lab, she ran towards it and tapped her head at it. Growlithe was caught without hassle as her ball was sent back to the Oaks lab. Ash also sent Umbreon's ball back to Oak's lab shortly after to ensure she wouldn't be safe and well cared for. The group leaves the Pokemon center waving goodbye as they head to their next stop.
Ash has set a new personal goal for himself and his team. They aim to beat Damian and overcome any challenges that may arise on their journey.
Stay tuned.
Phew, I finally finished this chapter, but it wasn't easy. However, it was necessary for the story. I don't want it to be classified as a hurt genre, as that's not my intention. I want this story to stand out from the rest. Before we wrap up this chapter, I'd like to address the Battle Tower in Olivine City. Unfortunately, I won't be including it as I didn't enjoy it in Crystal, but don't worry; we'll have the Battle Frontier soon. This story will feature several tournaments, especially the Whirl Cup. I apologize to the person who suggested the Battle Tower. I hope you'll enjoy the rest of the story. In the next chapter, we'll see which Pokemon the antagonist abandoned and that the Pokemon Rangers have picked up. See you next time!