Hey readers - Here we are with the next new chapter : )
I can't believe we're already halfway through this episode, but I'm really excited as this is where the real deviations from canon start coming into effect. I hope you guys will like what the ultimate resolution for this episode will be in a couple of chapters' time ; )
But enough about that for now. Instead, let's talk about the results of last week's Evolution Vote, and I have to admit, I was a little surprised by it. Nevertheless, I'm still very happy to announce that the winner was... Chinchou! I think I've seriously being underestimating just how popular this little guy is. I never realised Chinchou and Lanturn could be considered fan-favourites, but you guys seem to be proving me wrong ; )
And beyond that, I just want to say an ENORMOUS thank you to everyone that has reviewed, favourited, and followed this story. The support that has been shown to the story is amazing, and it means so much to me, so thank you : )
Please remember that Pokemon is not mine, only my OC's are : )
I hope you enjoy this chapter : )
Charmander, The Stray Pokemon - Part 4
As thunder rumbled ominously in the distance, the storm outside seemed determined to engulf the world in its fury. Within the warm, flickering glow of the Pokemon Centre's lobby, however, Nolan felt a tempest of his own brewing deep inside. Rain lashed against the windows, mimicking the storm of emotions swirling within him as he clenched his fists, fingers digging into the soft fabric of the chair. He could hardly recall the last time he had felt such an all-consuming rage - a mix of helplessness and fury directed at the person who had betrayed the very essence of what it meant to be a Pokemon trainer. The gentle hum of the video phone was a stark contrast to the chaos outside, yet it felt like a lifeline tethering him to justice. Nolan's heart raced as he stared into the screen, the representative from the Kanto League appearing as a little more than a silhouette against the harsh backlight. The man's expression was unreadable, but Nolan could sense the tension crackling in the air between them like electricity. He kept going over the horrifying details of his confrontation with Damian in his mind, each memory a tool he was willing to use to back up his accusation. Neglect. Abuse. Abandonment. Recklessly endangering a Pokemon's life. Each term was a strike against the very foundation of their world, where trainers were supposed to be companions and guardians, not tormentors. As the representative slowly processed the information, a silence enveloped the lobby, punctuated only by the relentless patter of rain. Nolan's chest tightened as he watched the man's face darken, a storm of realization beginning to brew in his eyes. This was not just a complaint; it was a call to arms - an urgent plea for action against a trainer who wore the badge of responsibility like a mask, hiding the cruelty beneath.
Nolan leaned forward, adrenaline pumping through his veins.
"You have to do something!" the golden haired boy urged when the man on the other end of the phone call didn't immediately respond, his voice firm but laced with desperation, "This... thug can't be allowed to get away with this. Not when his Pokemon are suffering!"
Those words echoed in his mind, a promise to himself and to the creature who he'd helped in its desperate hour of need.
Outside, the rain continued to pelt the windows, but inside the Pokemon Centre, a different storm was brewing - a fierce determination to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. And as thunder rumbled once more, Nolan knew that he'd fight until the very end to make things right.
Charmander deserved nothing less.
The representative on the other end of the line seemed to snap out of his stupor, his face falling into a frown that spoke volumes. The man's expression darkened, shadows creeping across his brow as he absorbed the weight of Nolan's allegations. It wasn't every day that a trainer accused another of such grave misconduct after all, and the gravity of the situation hung heavily in the air like the storm clouds outside.
Needless to say, the tension was already running high.
"...So, if I understand correctly, Nolan..." the League Representative began slowly, his echoing slightly due to the video call, "You are making an official allegation of severe Pokemon mistreatment against another trainer. Is that correct?"
Nolan, his expression and body posture tight with anger, solemnly nodded his head.
"That's correct" the golden haired boy replied softly. His face turned a little green as he listed the offensives, reluctant to think about it, "Neglect. Suspected abuse. Abandonment. And recklessly endangering a Pokemon's life. All committed by a trainer I encountered earlier today".
The Representative stared at the screen, his expression unreadable for a long moment. The only sound was the relentless drumming of rain. Finally, his face darkened, a hard edge appearing in his eyes.
"These are very serious allegations, Nolan" the man eventually replied carefully, clearly trying to impress upon the boy the weight that these words of accusation carried, "Abandonment and recklessly endangering a Pokemon's life carry significant penalties under the Trainer's Code. Suspected abuse… that would trigger a full disciplinary hearing".
Nolan nodded sharply, his jaw clenched. He was fully aware of just how serious this way.
"I need you to tell me everything" the League Representative pressed on when Nolan showed no sign of taking back his word, "From the very beginning. Leave nothing out".
Nolan took a deep, shaky breath, clearly steeling himself for the story he was about to recount. He glanced towards the lobby entrance, a nervous tic.
"It started a few hours ago" the golden haired boy decided that if he was really going to do this, report another trainer for such despicable offences, he needed to present every fact as accurately as possible, "Me and my friends, Ash, Misty, and Brock, we're on our way to Vermillion City. We were traveling through a forested area, trying to find our way, when we saw it".
"Saw what, Nolan?" the man asked.
"A Charmander" the golden haired boy responded softly, before he quickly elaborated as to why that was so strange, "All by itself".
The Representative arched an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise flashing across his face.
"A Charmander? In the wild? That's… unusual" the man frowned, a slightly perplexed glint appearing in his calculating eyes, "Charmander are incredibly rare to find naturally occurring outside of specific habitats".
It took all of Nolan's self-restraint to refrain from rolling his eyes. Talk about stating the obvious.
"Yeah, that's what caught our attention too" the golden haired boy was careful to keep his tone polite and respectful, void of any of the sarcasm currently clouding his thought. He quickly pressed on before he accidentally let something slip out by mistake, "Anyway, Ash, being Ash, immediately tried to catch it".
"And?" the League Representative queried, obviously curious as to where this story was heading.
Nolan took a moment to gather his thoughts. He wanted to communicate this next part as clearly as possible, considering that that was really where this whole sequence of events had initially started.
"It put up a fight. A real fight. Even though it was obviously… weak. Underfed, maybe" the golden haired boy shook his head as he remembered the Fire Type Pokemon's pure and unadulterated resilience, "Ash threw a pokeball, and the Charmander was pulled inside. The red light started to flash… but then it burst right back out again".
The Pokemon League Representative frowned, confused by what the boy before him was trying to say.
"The pokeball broke?" the man repeatedly, obviously not quite following what Nolan was trying to relay to him, "That can happen if…"
Nolan was quick to interrupt him.
"No, no, the pokeball itself was fine. I mean the Charmander broke free before it was captured" the golden haired boy quickly clarified before there could be any misunderstanding. The consequences of this conversation were too severe to allow for any mistakes after all, "But, it was successfully pulled inside for a moment. Meaning… it didn't belong to anyone. The security system prevents a Pokemon from being pulled into another pokeball if it already has a registered trainer. Unless…"
It was the League Representative who interrupted this time around.
"Unless it has been deliberately released" the man frowned, slowly beginning to see the point that Nolan had been driving at now. The whole situation was odd. Something was clearly amiss, and the League Representative needed to know what, "Please, continue, Nolan".
Nolan took another deep breath as he dutifully continued with his story.
"We were confused" the golden haired Pokemon trainer admitted as he thought but to that back, only that morning but only feeling like a lifetime ago, "Why fight so hard if it was wild? And why was it so weak? So, I let Fang, my Growlithe, talk to it".
The Pokemon League Representative gaped at him incredulously.
"You can understand Pokemon?!" the man demanded, his tone and expression both containing a healthy dose of sheer disbelief.
Nolan didn't even attempt to hold back an eye-roll this time around.
"No. But since Fang is one, he obviously can. I just… interpreted his meaning through trial and error" the golden haired boy told the man on the other end of the phone call in as simple terms as he could put it, "Anyway, we managed to figure out that the Charmander was there specifically waiting for someone. A human".
The Pokemon League Representative looked confused again.
"Waiting?" the man repeatedly with a raised eyebrow, is tone and expression both utterly bewildered, "But you just said it didn't belong to anyone".
Nolan's brow furrowed, a deep crease forming between his eyes as he tried to convey the unusual circumstances he had encountered.
"Exactly!" he emphasised, his voice carrying a note of frustration, "That's precisely what didn't make sense. We knew right then that it was impossible for that particular Pokemon to be legally registered to a trainer. It was all incredibly confusing, like a piece that just wouldn't fit into the puzzle. Ultimately, we decided it was probably best to just step away and let it be, let nature take its course, you know? We didn't want to interfere where we shouldn't, not without a clear understanding of the situation".
His gaze remained fixed on the screen, trying to ensure that the League Representative fully grasped the initial peculiarity of the events that had unfolded earlier that day, wanting him to get to the root of the matter.
The Representative leaned closer to his own screen, his expression shifting from mild interest to focused concentration.
"I can certainly understand why you found the situation odd, Nolan. It's definitely not the norm, but I must admit, I'm struggling to comprehend how this ties in with the accusations of neglect and abuse that you have been levied against this individual" the man admitted.
His tone was measured and serious, indicating he recognised the gravity of the situation, but also sought clarity as to how this seemingly unrelated oddity connected to the present allegations.
Nolan's grip on the table tightened, his knuckles turning white as he subconsciously clenched his fist, trying to keep his emotions in check. He took a moment, closing his eyes, as he gathered his scattered thoughts, his memories turning darker as he recounted the sequence of events that followed.
"That part came soon enough," the golden haired boy began slowly, "We arrived here at the Pokemon Center just as the storm was breaking. That torrential rain you can hear? It all started then, that downpour, like a dark cloud had descended on us".
Nolan paused, his expression clouded with the weight of his memory, before continuing.
"We were in the cafeteria, trying to get ourselves dry, when we overheard a group of teenagers close by" Nolan scowled just thinking about Damian and his gang of thuggish cronies, "Loud, obnoxious types, the kind who think their opinions are the gold standard to everyone else".
He saw the League Representative arch an eyebrow, a silent question hanging in the air, prompting him to proceed with the story.
"They were all fawning over this one guy in particular, the obvious ringleader, the one calling all the shots" Nolan took a moment to gather himself before he quickly resumed his tale, 'He was bragging, showing off all the Pokemon he had. He had... dozens of pokeballs on his person. They were all in a disorganized pile on the table, like he'd just poured them out of a bag. He had so many it was almost obscene".
A new look of seriousness settled on the League Representative's face as he sat up straighter, his eyes locking onto Nolan's with unwavering attention.
"Dozens?" the man repeated, "Are you saying the individual in question was carrying more than the legally permitted six Pokemon?"
Nolan's response was a solemn nod, the weight of the revelation heavy on his young shoulders. His voice was low and serious as he continued his report.
"Way more than six," he stated, his tone carrying a hint of disbelief, "I'd say at least fifteen, maybe more. We didn't count exactly, but it was a ridiculous amount. Honestly, it felt overwhelming and intimidating to see so many of them gathered together like that, and it just didn't feel right that one trainer could have so much power".
He watched as the Representative's brow furrowed at the mention of such a large group, a silent acknowledgment of the potential violation being discussed.
"That in itself is a potential infraction, Nolan" the Representative's frown deepened, his voice taking on a sharper edge as he addressed Nolan, "The regulations regarding team size are very clear. Please, continue".
In response to the man's demand for further explanation, Nolan swallowed hard, steeling himself for the rest of the story.
"One of the other guys in his little gang mentioned something about a Charmander," Nolan began, his voice laced with disgust and pain in equal measure, "He asked the ringleader if he still had his Charmander. And the guy... this... jerk... he smirked. He bragged that he did have one, but he got rid of it. Tricked it, he said".
The memory of the moment seemed to fuel Nolan's anger, his hand clenching into a fist at his side. This was the crux of the issue, and it was clear that the true problem went beyond the number of Pokemon being carried by the gang. Nolan's voice grew tighter, his frustration bubbling to the surface.
"The guy explained how he'd lied to the Charmander, promised he'd come back for it, told it to wait in a specific spot in the forest" the golden haired boy shook his head, "Then, as soon as he left it on its own... he claimed he snapped the pokeball. Released the Charmander into the wild without it even knowing what was happening!"
Nolan could barely contain the anger he felt towards the man in question. He could only imagine how terrified and confused the poor Charmander must have been when it was suddenly abandoned. He had to remind himself to breath, to not get lost in the emotion of it all.
The Representative's lips thinned into a grim line, a sign of his growing concern about what Nolan was recounting. The tone of the conversation was shifting noticeably, and Nolan knew that the League Representative was not going to take this news lightly at all.
Continuing his report, Nolan's voice was tight with suppressed anger.
"It didn't take long for the pieces to fall into place after hearing all that" the golden haired boy acknowledged, his icy blue eyes practically on fire by this point in the story, "The abandoned Charmander. Waiting in the forest. Waiting for him. It all just clicked into place, and the full extent of the man's cruelness became clear to me, and I felt ill just thinking about it."
He knew there was a bigger picture here, something more than just a simple abandonment. The sheer disregard for the well being of the Charmander was shocking, and he wanted answers. He wanted someone to do something about this, to give this guy what he deserved.
The Pokemon League Representative looked grim, the implications of Nolan's words weighing heavily on him.
"Releasing a Pokemon in such a manner… while certainly malicious and unkind, Nolan, is not strictly illegal" the League Representative eventually replied to Nolan, his tone heavy, "Trainers have the right to release their Pokemon. It's a grey area, but technically permissible".
His tone was apologetic, his words seemingly acknowledging the frustrating limitations of the law. While he understood Nolan's anger, his hands seemed to be tied when it came to the actual legality of the situation.
This explanation felt like a punch in the gut to Nolan, and his anger flared at the thought of such a despicable act being permissible. He knew what he had witnessed was wrong, regardless of what the technicalities implied. Nolan scowled, his anger now boiling over with a bitter edge.
"I know," he spat out, his voice filled with disdain, "But I'm pretty sure what happened next was definitely illegal."
He knew this wasn't over. He had to make sure that this guy paid for what he did, one way or another. The Representative's concerned voice prompted him to continue.
"Explain" he said simply.
Nolan took yet another deep breath, trying to regulate his emotions as he continued his story. The anger was still there, simmering beneath the surface, but he had to speak clearly if this guy was to be brought to account for his behavior. Nolan knew that he couldn't fall apart, or else the real issue would go ignored.
"He started joking about how stupid the Charmander was," Nolan recounted, his voice cracking with anger as he relived the horrible memory, "How it was probably still waiting there, even though the storm was coming. He kept laughing and saying things like, 'Hope its tail flame doesn't go out in the rain! Wouldn't that be a shame?'. It was... disgusting to watch, to be honest."
The golden haired boy paused to take a breath, trying to find some way to articulate the sheer depravity of the other trainer's actions.
"We confronted him, right there in the cafeteria. We told him he had to go back. He had to find that Charmander and bring it to safety" Nolan didn't care about the man anymore, he only cared about the Charmander, "We explained how dangerous it was, especially for a Fire Type in a downpour like this. But he just laughed in our faces, said it wasn't his problem anymore, and that we should mind our own business".
The Representative's shock was palpable which did give Nolan some small amount of satisfaction.
The golden haired boy's gaze then dropped to his hands, a deep flush of shame creeping up his neck and colouring his cheeks as he recounted the next events to the Pokemon League representative on the video call. His voice, thick with a mix of anger and self-reproach, spilled out onto the line
"I… I almost got into a fistfight with him, right there in the middle of the Pokemon Center" Nolan admitted, the shame he felt blatantly obvious in his expression of self-recrimination, "I probably would have, if Nurse Joy hadn't stepped in and broken it all up just in time. I was just... so angry! And then, you know what? He just… strutted off, all smug, with his cronies, completely unbothered by what he'd just done. It was infuriating, the sheer lack of remorse on his face."
The representative's brow furrowed further at Nolan's description, the man's face a mask of serious concern.
"And then?" he gently prompted, "What happened after he left?"
Nolan took a shaky, deliberate breath, his shoulders rising and falling as he tried to centre himself.
"Then… we couldn't just stand there" the golden haired boy swallowed hard, "We went back out looking for it ourselves. We went back out into that awful storm. It took us ages, it felt like, searching through the downpour, the wind practically ripping at us, but we eventually found it."
His voice trembled slightly, a raw vulnerability sneaking into his tone as he continued.
"It was… barely alive" the words came out choked, a wave of remembered distress washing over Nolan, his icy blue eyes sparkling with unshed tears just thinking about it, "Huddled on a tree stump, soaked to the bone, utterly miserable. Its tail flame… it was so weak, just flickering pathetically, like it was about to go out completely. The poor thing was shivering uncontrollably from the cold and the rain. It was practically at death's door, on the very edge, and no one else seemed to care."
Nolan's words were laced with the pain and helplessness he had felt seeing the small Pokemon like that, so vulnerable and alone in the harsh elements.
The representative's face was now etched with a deep concern, the wrinkles around his eyes deepening with the weight of Nolan's words.
"We brought it back here to the Pokémon Center, of course. Nurse Joy is doing everything she can to save it and get it back to full health" Nolan continued, his voice heavy with accusation, "But that guy... he knew exactly what he was doing when he left that poor Charmander outside in the storm. He knowingly, and deliberately, left his Pokemon out there to suffer. He knew the consequences could be fatal. Surely that's got to be a breach of the trainer's license, right? All trainers are required to ensure the well-being of their Pokémon, even if they have released them!"
The Pokemon League representative nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on the screen, absorbing the gravity of Nolan's report.
"You're absolutely correct, Nolan. The reckless endangerment of a Pokémon's life is a serious infraction, a flagrant violation of our ethical guidelines" the Pokemon League Representative agreed, his tone and expression both incredibly stern now, "That would definitely warrant immediate suspension of his training license, pending a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident. The lack of care is simply unacceptable."
He clearly understood the magnitude of the situation, allowing Nolan a small measure of relief that his concerns weren't falling on deaf ears.
"Now, you mentioned suspicions of abuse and neglect, even before the abandonment" the representative leaned forward slightly, his focus sharpening, "Can you elaborate on that? What made you suspect those things?"
Nolan took another deep breath to try and steady himself, the memory of the weakened Charmander stirring up all the anger and protective instincts that had fuelled his near-fight.
"Even before the storm, the Charmander was incredibly weak. Visibly weak, gasping for each breath like every one was a struggle. It looked thinner than it should've been, almost emaciated" Nolan grimaced just thinking about what the poor creature had probably endured at Damian's hand, "And... it had scratches, various marks. Not fresh battle wounds. They were older, some scabbed over, some just raw. If the League asks Nurse Joy, once she's finished treating it, I'd bet money that she'll find evidence of other, pre-existing injuries. Signs of long-term neglect".
The League Representative nodded gravely at this, the implications clear in his eyes.
"That certainly warrants further investigation, Nolan. All of this is incredibly concerning. This is certainly not someone with any sense of ethical or moral value when it comes to their Pokemon. This is simply not acceptable" the man shook his head, his own disgust at the situation evident, "Nolan, did you happen to catch this individual's full name? Even first name is crucial for finding him and taking appropriate action against him".
Nolan's expression darkened as he nodded, the name causing his face to twitch.
"Damian. He's called Damian" the golden haired boy ground out through clenched teeth, "I don't know his last name. I don't know anything else about him other than that he's a horrible, cruel, vile person".
The Pokemon League Representative's face, previously calm and professional, suddenly darkened, a visible shift in his demeanour that sent a cold shiver down Nolan's spine. A flicker of something, perhaps recognition or even dread, briefly danced in his eyes before he quickly masked it with a more serious expression.
This sudden transformation didn't go unnoticed, and Nolan, who had been on the verge of relaxing after recounting his initial encounter with Damian, instantly became alert, his own casual posture stiffening with concern as he leaned forward slightly to better assess the change.
"What's wrong?" Nolan asked, his voice laced with a touch of apprehension as he awaited an explanation for the man's sudden change of heart.
The usually composed man looked urgent now, his gaze intensely focused, as if a vital piece of the puzzle had finally fallen into place, and he was struggling to grasp the full implications of it. The representative leaned forward, his voice tight with a seriousness that heightened the tension in the room.
"Nolan, this is very important," he stated, his tone leaving no room for misunderstanding, "Can you describe this... Damian? Tell me everything you remember about him, every detail, no matter how small or insignificant it seems."
Nolan, slightly confused by this abrupt shift in tone and the gravity with which the question was delivered, couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease. He hesitated for only a moment, trying to organize the memory in his mind, before nodding in agreement. It was a reasonable request, after all, considering that what he thought was an already-important report, appeared to be significantly more serious than even he had first realised, so he began to gather his thoughts, and relay everything from memory.
"Err... sure," Nolan answered, his initial confusion slowly giving way to a more attentive focus, "He's got… blue hair. Dyed, probably, it looked too vibrant to be natural."
He proceeded, recalling the distinct image of the man's appearance with a growing sense of unease, considering how important the representative appeared to be taking the information.
"Speaks with a thick accent… kind of rough, almost like he's constantly shouting at you, even when he isn't. And…", Nolan trailed off and a smirk slowly crept onto his face, mirroring a sudden surge of anger, stemming from his unpleasant memories of Damian's arrogant attitude and behavior, "He's got the type of face you just want to punch. Arrogant smirk plastered all over it. Cocky. As if he's better than everyone else".
The image of Damian, with his irritating smirk, flooded Nolan's mind, and he couldn't help but feel his anger rise at the very thought of him.
The Representative's eyes widened slightly at Nolan's description, a look of grim understanding settling upon his features, as if Nolan had just confirmed a very serious suspicion. The man leaned back in his chair, the weight of the situation seemingly settling upon his shoulders as he let out a long, drawn-out sigh, like a heavy burden that had been carried for some time. It was a sigh that spoke volumes, a mixture of relief, concern, and a deep-seated anxiety that seemed to hang in the air, creating a palpable tension that Nolan could feel through the screen. The representative's reaction confirmed that Nolan's report had indeed struck a nerve, and that the implications of it were far more significant than he initially anticipated, making his heart beat faster in nervous anticipation.
"Thank you, Nolan," the representative eventually stated, his tone now laced with a professional seriousness, "You've provided us with valuable information. We will be launching a full investigation into this matter immediately."
He paused, his gaze momentarily flicking down to a document on his desk, before looking back up at Nolan, his expression still grim.
"I've got your next of kin listed here as a 'Nathaniel Locke', is that right?" he asked.
Nolan frowned slightly at the sudden mention of his father, but he nodded nevertheless.
"That's right, he's my Dad" the golden haired boy stared at the video screen in obvious puzzlement, "But what's he got to do with this?"
The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications, and Nolan couldn't shake off the feeling that he had just stumbled into something far bigger than he had envisioned, now even more worried about the situation at hand.
The League Representative frowned, clearly uncertain what to reveal, as if he was wrestling with the decision of how much information to disclose without causing further alarm.
"This individual you've told me about… this Damian… if he's who I think he might be… well, let's just say you might have just given the League some very important information. More important than you realise" the man paused, his gaze becoming even more intense, and his words carefully chosen, "We may need to speak with you further, in which case we might have to contact your father, in order to get a message to you whilst you're on the road".
Nolan, despite the rising feeling of anxiety, took the time to process the information, the weight of the man's words settling over him like a heavy cloak.
"I see" he finally replied calmly, trying to appear collected, despite his inner turmoil.
The tension in the room lessened slightly, and the Pokemon League Representative then offered the golden haired boy a warm smile, a gesture that seemed to be an attempt to reassure Nolan, but also felt somewhat insincere considering his reaction to Damian's description.
"Thank you very much for reporting all of this to the Pokemon League, Nolan. You've definitely done the right thing" the Representative kindly assured him, "I only wish other young trainers like yourself were more willing to come forward about this kind of abuse. If they were, a lot of Pokemon could be spared for a lot of suffering and pain" the Representative concluded, his brow furrowed in clear disappointment.
Nolan smiled sadly in return.
"It's no problem" the golden haired boy said with convinced, always willing to do what was right, even if it wasn't always easy, "I just hope it helps get Damian away from Pokemon. He doesn't deserve to call himself a trainer"
His words were laced with a sense of genuine frustration and righteousness.
Finally, the Pokemon League Representative nodded his thanks at Nolan one more time, before he abruptly ended the video call and the screen went blank, leaving Nolan alone with his thoughts.
The golden haired boy sighed and sunk back in his chair. He knew that he did the right thing by coming forward, but the Representative's reaction to hearing Damian's name, made Nolan think that he was missing something important, a piece of the puzzle that would help him understand the full scope of the situation.
Whatever it was, Nolan sincerely hoped that he'd helped in the long run.
The air in the sterile corridor hung thick and heavy, mirroring the oppressive storm that raged outside, its thunderous roars occasionally punctuating the tense silence within the Pokemon Centre. Brock, a steadfast pillar of resolve, stood unmoving before the closed door of the treatment room, his gaze fixed on the cold, unyielding metal as if willing it to reveal the fate of the small Charmander they had fought so desperately to save. His normally jovial demeanour was replaced with a granite-like seriousness, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the vulnerability of life hanging in the balance behind that door. The weight of responsibility sat heavily upon his young shoulders, a stark contrast to the usual light-heartedness that defined their adventures.
Ash, unable to contain his restless energy, paced the length of the hallway, his sneakers squeaking softly against the polished floor, a counterpoint to the rhythmic thumping of his heart. Each step he took seemed propelled by an invisible force, a nervous energy that refused to be quelled. He'd stop momentarily, peering anxiously at the closed door then continuing his agitated trek, his brow furrowed in a deep concentration, as if the very act of walking could somehow influence the outcome. Pikachu, perched on Ash's shoulder, mirrored his trainer's unease, the small yellow creature's ears twitching nervously, occasionally letting out a soft, whimpering whine. Their bond was palpable, a shared anxiety that transcended simple companionship and delved into the depths of mutual concern for the little fire type Pokemon.
Misty, her usual fiery spirit subdued, fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, her eyes darting between the closed door and the anxious Ash. A soft tenderness had replaced her usual sass, as her thoughts were consumed by the image of the frail Charmander, its small body battered and weakened, yet clinging on to life with a fierce determination. The steady rhythm of the storm outside only seemed to amplify the deafening silence of the corridor, a stark reminder of the turbulent forces that had brought the Charmander so close to death's grasp. The orange haired girl worried over the unknown, fearing the worst, and desperately needing a sign, any sign, that their efforts weren't for naught.
The minutes stretched into what felt like an eternity, each tick of the clock echoing in the silent space, adding to the growing tension within the group. The waiting had become excruciating, a test of their resolve and patience. The door remained obstinately closed, guarding its secrets. They all yearned for a glimpse of Nurse Joy, a simple nod, any indication that their hopes were not in vain, that their intervention really had made a difference, that the tiny Charmander was safe and on the mend and would pull through this life threatening situation. They held their breaths, united in their shared concern, waiting anxiously for the moment when either joy or sorrow would finally grace their hearts.
Finally, Ash could stand the oppressive silence no longer. He had to break it.
"How long has it been now?" the raven haired boy muttered, his voice laced with a worry that was almost palpable, "It feels like forever, an eternity".
His russet orbs, usually so bright and full of boundless energy, were now dimmed by a deep concern, reflecting the mounting minutes that had ticked by with excruciating slowness.
Still perched upon his shoulder, Pikachu, ever attuned to Ash's emotions, looked up at his trainer with wide, worried eyes, mirroring his friend's distress.
"Chu…" a sad sigh escaped the Electric Type Pokemon's lips, carrying the same sombre feeling in its tone.
The air was thick with a tension that seemed to amplify every tick of the clock, each second feeling like a cruel reminder of the agonising wait.
Misty's gaze flickered towards the wall clock positioned down the hall, the cold, hard numbers a stark contrast to the warm concern in her own eyes.
"It's been well over an hour, Ash," she announced, her voice gentle but firm, trying to inject a shred of rationality into the palpable anxiety, "Nurse Joy's been in there a long time."
Ash halted his frantic movements, his hand running roughly through his already tousled hair, a gesture that betrayed his internal turmoil, the worry now etched deeper into his face.
"This is awful," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper, "Imagine poor Charmander… what it must be going through…"
The thought of the little Fire Type Pokemon, likely scared out of its mind and in terrible pain, seemed to send a fresh wave of unease through Ash, his concern shifting from his own anxiety to the suffering of the fragile creature they had happened across. Misty, her own brow furrowed with worry, shared in Ash's concern, her empathy resonating with his and creating a silent understanding between them regarding Charmander's dire situation.
Ash's gaze, previously fixated on the steadfast closed door, now shifted back to Misty, his brow furrowed with a tangible worry that etched deep lines around his eyes.
"Where did Nolan get to, anyway?" the raven haired boy asked, his voice laced with a hint of anxiety, "He just disappeared, like he vanished into thin air. One minute he was here, helping us get Charmander settled, and the next he's gone."
It was unsettling, this sudden absence, and the lack of explanation sat heavy with him. Ash's mind was running through a litany of possible calamities, half-formed scenarios of why Nolan might suddenly abandon them hanging in the air between them, making this tense moment even more difficult to deal with, especially with Charmander still in such a fragile state, his worries only seeming to get worse.
Misty sighed, her arms crossing tightly across her chest, as if trying to contain her own unease, her eyes reflecting the same concern Ash was feeling.
"I wish I knew, Ash," the Water Type Pokemon Specialist admitted, her voice softer than usual, "He just said he had something important to take care of, and that he'd be back".
The vague nature of Nolan's departure only served to amplify the mystery and left them both feeling adrift in a sea of unanswered questions.
Ash frowned, a mixture of confusion and irritation flitting across his face.
"Important?" he couldn't help but scoff, a small hint of bitterness creeping into his tone at the word, "What could possibly be more important than waiting with us, right now? He knew how worried we are about Charmander. I thought Nolan would feel that way too, but instead he just leaves."
Misty sighed again, trying to be the voice of reason.
"He is worried, Ash, you know he is" the orange haired girl retorted, not liking the way that Ash seemed to be doubting their friend, "Still… it must be really important. Nolan wouldn't just up and leave like that unless he had a very good reason".
Though she tried to sound confident, the slight furrow in her brow showed her own curiosity, and perhaps worry, about their friend's unexplained absence.
Ash just scowled and resumed pacing, muttering to himself about what the possible importance of this could be, as Misty watched on, her own thoughts swirling with the same mystery.
The sudden, jarring sound of the door slamming open sent a jolt through both Ash and Misty, their heads snapping towards the corridor's end. A wave of relief washed over them as they recognised the figure stumbling in: Nolan, their friend, looking utterly drained and pale, as if he'd just run a marathon through a blizzard. His own face mirrored their relief, though it was tinged with something else - a weight they couldn't immediately decipher. Ash, forgetting his earlier frustration over Nolan's unexplained absence, greeted him with genuine warmth.
"Nolan! You're back!" the raven haired boy smiled, before tilting his head to one side in a curious fashion, "Did you get it done? Whatever it was that was so important?"
"Yeah, are you okay?" Misty, equally relieved, chimed in, a hint of concern lacing her voice, "You look like you've seen a Ghost Type Pokemon, or worse... a Bug Type...eek!"
Nolan didn't immediately respond, his silence drawing out the tension in the corridor.
Instead, the golden haired boy moved slowly, almost mechanically, towards the nearest chair, collapsing into it with a weary sigh. He seemed to be gathering his thoughts, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. After a long, agonising moment, he finally spoke, his voice hoarse and filled with apology.
"Sorry, guys" Nolan looked up at them, his posture exhausted but his eyes sincere, "Sorry I was gone so long".
Ash, despite the worry that had been gnawing at him, waved the apology aside, the focus immediately shifting back to the mystery of Nolan's disappearance, and the reason for his absence at such a tense, crucial time when all of their focus should have been on the injured Charmander they were trying to help.
"It's fine" the raven haired boy assured his best friend, "Just tell us, what was so important?"
Misty's gaze was equally curious as she looked toward him, her brows furrowed with a silent question.
Nolan looked up at both of them, his face taking on a serious, almost grim expression, a stark contrast to the exhaustion that had previously dominated his features. He was clearly choosing his words carefully, bracing himself for their reaction to whatever it was he was about to reveal. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke again, his voice low and steady.
"I had to… make a phone call" the golden haired boy began slowly.
"A phone call?" Misty's eyebrows shot up, her surprise palpable, "A phone call was so important that you had to leave at a time like this?"
From his spot by her side, Ash nodded, his expression mirroring Misty's disbelief.
"Yeah, what was so important about that phone call?" the raven haired boy demanded to know, incredulous that Nolan would leave at a time like this just for a chat. It was very out of character for the golden haired boy after all.
Nolan took a deep breath, visibly bracing himself for what was to come. He sighed deeply, the sound heavy and loaded with a significance that hung in the air. The golden haired boy finally looked directly at both Ash and Misty, his expression more serious than they had ever seen it before.
"I called the Kanto branch of the Pokemon League" he admitted in a whisper.
The silence that followed was thick and heavy, the air suddenly charged with an unspoken tension. Ash and Misty exchanged a stunned, wide-eyed glance, their faces mirroring the shock that had hit them each simultaneously. Ash, his voice barely above a whisper, finally broke the silence.
"The Pokémon League?!" the raven haired boy all-but squeaked in astonishment, "Why would you do that?"
Misty, equally as shaken, echoed his question, the concern etched clearly across her features.
"Yeah, Nolan, what's going on?" the Water Type Pokemon Specialist wanted to know.
Nolan looked between both of them, his expression grim and unwavering, before he delivered his next stunning sentence, the weight of the situation suddenly becoming incredibly clear.
"I reported Damian".
A stunned, heavy silence descended, filling the corridor with the aftermath of his revelation. Ash's entire being seemed to freeze, his eyes wide with a mixture of disbelief and alarm, as he stared at Nolan, his closest friend, the brother he never had by blood but embraced with all his heart. The words that had just escaped Nolan's lips echoed in his mind, each syllable a punch to the gut.
"You reported Damian?!" Ash's voice was barely above a whisper, laced with an incredulous horror, "Are you crazy?!"
The gravity of the situation, the sheer audacity and potential danger of Nolan's actions, hit him like a tidal wave, making him feel almost lightheaded. A cold dread began to creep in, clawing at the edges of his usually optimistic heart, and he knew, deep down, that this decision of Nolan's had far-reaching consequences that they might all have to face.
Misty, usually the voice of reason and calm in their group, looked as stunned as Ash, her usual fiery spirit momentarily subdued by the shock of Nolan's revelation. Nervously, she wrung her hands together, her eyes darting between Ash and Nolan, her voice a low, tremulous murmur.
"Nolan..." she began, the worry evident in every syllable, "We were warned about getting involved with those thugs. Remember what Nurse Joy said? She told us to leave it alone, to not get mixed up with them".
Her words were filled with genuine concern, a sincere plea for Nolan to understand the danger they might all find themselves in now that Damian had been reported to the authorities. Her hope was that Nolan would take a step back, and see the dangers, the risks that he is putting himself and them into, just to make a point.
Ash nodded in fervent agreement with Misty, his brow furrowing with growing concern.
"Yeah, reporting Damian is a sure way to get on his bad side!" he interjected, his voice slightly raised with a desperate urgency.
The thought of Damian's wrath, his potential for retribution, coming down on Nolan sent shivers down his spine. He had seen Damian's cruel and vindictive nature first hand today, and he couldn't shake the feeling that Nolan had just painted a huge target on his back.
Nolan's immediate exhaustion was replaced with a flicker of anger, his usual calm demeanour shattered by the injustice he'd witnessed.
"I don't care about his 'bad side', Ash!" the golden haired boy angrily retorted, his voice sharp and edged with a fierce protectiveness, "Because of that jerk, Charmander was left to die out there in the storm! Damian could have killed him!"
He gestured towards the treatment room of the Pokemon Center they were all anxiously waiting outside of, his gaze softening for a moment into a tender concern for the tiny Fire Type being attended to by Nurse Joy.
"Has there been any news yet?" Nolan asked, his voice taking on yet another, different, softer, tone, the anxiousness clear in his tone.
After both Ash and Misty shook their heads sadly, Nolan's expression twisted back into a scowl, his voice laced with bitterness.
"So, he has almost gotten away with it!" the up-and-coming Pokemon Master spat, his icy blue eyes practically burning with a righteous fury, "He will keep doing it if no one does anything to stop him!"
Nolan could barely stomach the thought of Damian getting off scot-free, his actions unpunished. Misty, trying to understand the situation, pressed further, her voice laced with worry.
"What happened when you called?" she asked softly, her eyes searching Nolan's face for any sign of regret.
Nolan took a deep breath, visibly attempting to regain control of his emotions.
"I told them everything," the golden haired boy began, his voice low and filled with a quiet intensity, "Everything I saw, everything I suspect."
His fist clenched involuntarily.
"That Damian abused, neglected, and then abandoned Charmander to die. That he broke rules, a lot of them, codes that his trainer's license can and should be revoked for" he declared with finality.
The weight of what he had done, of the potential consequences, seemed to settle heavily on him, but he remained firm in his resolve. He had acted, compelled by the injustice of what he had witnessed and could not simply stand idly by. The image of the tiny Charmander fighting for its life in the next room fuelled his resolve, pushing him past his own fears.
Ash and Misty exchanged worried glances.
They knew Nolan, his heart big and his sense of justice unwavering, but they also knew the kind of person Damian was - someone who wouldn't hesitate to seek revenge. Their concern for Nolan deepened, a knot of anxiety forming in their stomachs.
The repercussions of his actions were unpredictable, and they knew they had to be prepared. The waiting room felt heavier now, the air thick with unspoken fears and the weight of the uncertain future. The silence that permeated the room felt less like a pause and more like the breathless calm before a gathering storm. They understood Nolan's motivations, but they also understood the very real danger he had willingly put himself in by reporting Damian.
Their worry for him was palpable, and they knew that whatever came next, they would face it together.
Misty's brow furrowed with concern, her gaze fixed on Nolan, a knot of unease tightening within her chest.
"Do you think that was the right thing to do, Nolan?" she asked, her voice laced with a worry she couldn't quite suppress.
Ash, standing beside her, mirrored her apprehension, a troubled expression etched on his face as he nodded in agreement.
"It feels like a huge step to take," the raven haired boy added, his tone reflecting the weight of their decision, the ramifications of which were still unfolding in their minds.
The thought that Damian, a person clearly capable of cruelty, might seek retribution gnawed at the edges of their thoughts, casting a pall over the righteous anger they had felt earlier. They knew that reporting him to the authorities was the right thing to do, but the potential fallout made their hearts pound with trepidation.
Nolan shook his head firmly, his eyes blazing with conviction, the severity of his tone cutting through their apprehension.
"It was necessary!" the golden haired boy insisted, his voice ringing with certainty, dispelling any notion of regret, "It wasn't out of anger or spite. We have to think of all the Pokemon in his possession! The sheer number of pokeballs he seemed to have and how he was treating Charmander, I'm sure it is not an isolated accident. Damian is more than capable of harming all those Pokemon too".
He continued, trying to make them see the bigger picture, his words carefully chosen to convey the severity of the situation, emphasizing the potential harm that any inaction would enable. It was an obligation, he thought, something he felt responsible for, not just because of Damian's brutality, but also for all of the other poor Pokemon who might suffer the same fate.
Misty and Ash exchanged confused glances, neither of them having considered the broader implications of Damian's actions.
"What do you mean?" Ash asked, his voice a mixture of curiosity and concern, his mind racing to catch up with Nolan's train of thought.
Nolan sighed, a hint of exasperation in his voice, but he patiently began to explain, his words deliberately chosen to guide them towards the same realisation he had come to.
"Remember all those pokeballs Damian was showing off earlier today? There was well over a dozen!" Nolan exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief that they hadn't noticed, "What if he treats all of them as badly as he treated Charmander? If he treated Charmander like that, who knows what has been done to all the others? Or what might happen if someone doesn't intervene?"
Nolan's voice trembled with emotion, his heart aching for the suffering of the unseen Pokémon. He knew, if he stood by and allowed it, he'd be just as bad as Damian.
Ash's eyes widened in realisation, Nolan's words abruptly painting a horrific picture he had failed to recognize.
"I… I hadn't thought of that," the raven haired boy admitted, his voice barely above a whisper, the weight of the truth settling upon him.
Misty's face paled dramatically, her hand flying up to cover her mouth in shock.
"Oh my goodness, you're right, Nolan!" she gasped, her voice laced with a mixture of horror and understanding, "He can't be allowed to continue treating Pokemon like that. He's a danger to them!"
Nolan nodded in solemn agreement, his gaze hardening as the reality of the situation solidified in his mind.
"Hopefully, they'll do something. The person I spoke to at the League said they'd launch a full investigation into everything I've informed them of," Nolan said, his voice calm but firm.
Brock finally spoke, his tone low and threatening,
"Good" the aspiring Pokemon breeder spat darkly, "That thug deserves to rot for what he's done here".
A tense silence fell over the group again, the only sounds the howling wind and the rain hitting the windows.
Before any more words could be spoken, the red light above the treatment room door, a beacon of both anxiety and hope, flickered erratically for what felt like an eternity before finally dimming, the change sending a jolt of nervous energy through the four anxious friends who were eagerly waiting in the hallway. Nolan, Ash, Misty, and Brock all reacted to the visual cue, their hearts leaping in their chests with a mixture of trepidation and anticipation, the silence thick and heavy with unspoken worry.
Ash, his voice trembling slightly with the weight of the moment, voiced the obvious.
"It's... it's dimming," his uttered, his gaze locked on the now darkened indicator.
Misty, nervously tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, offered a shaky explanation.
"Nurse Joy must be finished," the orange haired girl's were words laced with a fragile hope that seemed to barely mask the underlying fear, their collective tense anticipation culminating as they all held their breaths, their fates seemingly tied to that now silent door.
The door swung open with a soft whoosh, and there stood Nurse Joy, her usual vibrant glow diminished, her face showing the weariness of her work, but her eyes still held a warm, exhausted kindness as she offered them a faint, strained smile, a small gesture of reassurance. She quickly flashed a peace sign at the four of them, a silent acknowledgement, and with that seemingly simple gesture, a wave of relief washed over the group, their bodies visibly relaxing as the tension began to dissipate.
"It's okay!" Ash exclaimed, his voice filled with a palpable joy that contrasted sharply with the anxiety they had just suffered.
"Charmander's going to be okay!" Misty cheered, her exuberance bubbling over,
Nolan breathed a profound sigh of relief.
"Thank goodness" the golden haired boy whispered to himself, his whole body practically sagging with the almost overwhelming sense of relief that had suddenly washed over him.
Brock couldn't help but smile widely in approval, his relief evident in his expression.
The four young Pokemon trainers all craned their necks, peeking through the doorway into the treatment room. There, on one of the beds, was the Charmander they had rescued from the storm, its tail flame burning much stronger now, a testament to Nurse Joy's skill and their shared concern.
"Charmander's recovering well now" Nurse Joy, with a tired but happy smile on her face, happily informed them, "It should be fine by morning".
As her words filled the air, a collective beam of relief washed over the four youngsters, finally putting their fears to rest. They really had done it. Against all the odds, they really had done it. Charmander would live.
It was nothing short of a miracle.
And that marks the end of another chapter : )
Yeah. Nolan isn't playing around. Not when there's an innocent Pokemon at stake. I really feel like having Nolan report Damian to the Pokemon League was perhaps a bold step for him to take and direction for this story to go in, but I promise you there is going to be a payoff and it isn't just for the drama, although I'm being honest, I do kind of enjoy that too XD
But enough about the contents of this chapter for now. Instead, let's move on to this week's Voting Topic. And since we're still playing catch up as far as the Evolutions go in this Pokemon Nuzlocke, this is going to be another Evolution Vote, this time for the winning against Chuck : )
I have to admit that in comparison to when I was about to face Morty, I wasn't really that worried about Chuck, and therefore I did minimum preparation work for this battle. In the end, I was proved right, as the match wasn't really difficult, except for a couple of twists and turns along the way. Chuck opened with Primeape and I decided to use Mareep. Primeape began by using Double Team to increase evasiveness, but thankfully Mareep was still able to hit it with a Thunder Wave attack, successfully paralysing Primeape. Mareep then used Discharge and got a critical hit, bringing Primeape down to the red. Primeape then used Double Team to increase evasiveness. Sadly, Chuck then used a Hyper Potion, bringing Primeape back to full health. I had Mareep use Discharge again, which did half damage this time. On the next turn, Primeape tightened it's focus, in the hopes of using its Focus Punch attack. Thankfully Mareep's next attack landed, and she brought Primeape back down to the red with Discharge. This in turn caused Primeape to lose focus, meaning its Focus Punch attack failed. Chuck then tried the same strategy again, and Primeape tightened it's focus once more. Mareep used Discharge but this time missed. I was worried for a second but thankfully luck with on my side as Primeape's paralysis kicked in, meaning he couldn't attack. Going for a third try, Primeape tightened it's focus once again. Mareep used Discharge one more time, which thankfully landed and knocked Primeape out, meaning she won that round without taking a single point of damage. Next up was Chuck's Poliwrath. Since at that time Mareep was my best counter for it, I decided to stick with her. Poliwrath began by using its Body Slam attack, which did roughly a third of damage, and it got paralysed due to Mareep's Static Ability. Mareep was already set to use Thunder Wave, which obviously failed due Static already taking effect and paralysing Poliwrath. Mareep then used Discharge, which did just under half damage. Poliwrath countered by using its Surf attack, which got Mareep down to the red. Unwilling to risk Mareep as she is such a good Pokemon, not to mention I wanted to keep my deathless streak going, I used a Hyper Potion to restore Mareep back to full health. This left her open to another attack, but miraculously Poliwrath got paralysed on this turn and therefore couldn't attack. Chuck then returned to his original tactic, and Poliwrath tightened it's focus. Using Discharge again, Mareep brought Poliwrath down to the red. Poliwrath's Sitrus Berry activated at that point, which brought Poliwrath's health back up to the yellow. Thankfully this didn't really matter, as Poliwrath lost focus and its Focus Punch attack failed again. This left Mareep free to use Discharge one final time, successfully knocking Poliwrath out, winning the match single-handedly. Badge number five is in the bag : D
And with that victory secured, it means it's time to evolve another Pokemon. Here are the options for you guys to choose between this week: - Togepi, Mareep, Slugma, Wooper, Zubat, Ekans, Murkrow, Magby, Misdreavus, Larvitar, Lickitung, Goldeen or Porygon2. Still no Quilava in the mix for this vote, but I can't wait to see who you guys will pick to evolve this time around : )
And I think that's just about everything from me for this time. Thank you so much for reading this chapter and my story in general. I hope you are enjoying it all so far, and please consider leaving a review because I'd love to hear your comments and feedback : )
Until the next time, keep on reading : )
Nolan's Pokemon Family Review
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Kanto Nuzlocke Pokemon: -
Venusaur, Pidgeot, Graveler, Gyarados, Alakazam, Voltorb, Jolteon, Arcanine, Wigglytuff, Poliwhirl, Meowth, Snorlax, Weezing, Hitmonchan, Electabuzz, Venomoth, Tauros, Aerodactyl, Jynx, Scizor, Lapras
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Orange Islands Nuzlocke Pokemon: -
Tentacruel, Ninetales, Lickitung, Goldeen, Kangaskhan, Seel, Porygon2, Gastly
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Johto Nuzlocke Pokemon: -
Quilava, Togepi, Mareep, Slugma, Wooper, Ariados, Dudunsparce, Zubat, Ekans, Flareon, Butterfree, Miltank, Murkrow, Lanturn, Magby, Misdreavus, Larvitar
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Currently Obtained in this Story: -
Meadow the Bulbasaur, Welkin the Pidgey, Iris the Venonat, Xanthite the Geodude, Fang the Growlithe and Lyric the Jigglypuff
