Ash's Pokémon Travel Has Big Problems

Its large eyes were half-open, empty and lifeless, and it showed no reaction even after hearing the conclusion about its injuries.

Cross's cruel kick not only shattered its body, but also destroyed its budding trust and dependence on its trainer.

"...Miss Rika knows how to control herself." Xiao Gang crossed his arms and looked at the little fire dragon, but his brows did not relax.

Physical injuries are easy to heal, but emotional wounds are hard to heal.

Xiaoxia squatted by the bed, carefully reaching out to touch the little dragon's head, but stopped before she could touch it.

She was afraid of disturbing the little creature that seemed fragile: "It looks so sad."

The little dragon looked utterly devastated and heartbroken.

Besides, the dojo's medical team has limited equipment and focuses on emergency treatment—it's not like they would go to Rika's professional team for such a small matter, is it?

To ensure everything went smoothly, the three decided to immediately take Charmander to the Pokémon Center in Celadon City.

The highest level of medical care in each city is usually found at Nurse Joy's Pokémon Center.

Ash quietly stepped forward and gently wrapped Charmander in a soft blanket, holding it close to his chest.

Pikachu quietly followed at his feet, looking up at its companion.

Misdreavus floated on Ash's shoulder, looking at the unfortunate soul who had been hurt by humans with curiosity and a touch of sympathy.

The group arrived at the Pokémon Center.

It's as busy and orderly as ever here.

After listening to Ash's brief explanation of the situation, Miss Joy's expression immediately turned serious.

She brought the little dragon into the examination room and conducted a thorough examination that lasted half an hour.

When the door to the examination room opened again, Miss Joey came out.

Her face held a professional gentleness, but her eyes revealed a hint of understanding and regret.

"Just as you expected, there's really nothing seriously wrong with my body. It's just fatigue and a minor bruise. I just need to replenish my nutrition and rest for a few days."

Miss Joey's voice was very soft.

"The real problem is here."

She pointed to her heart and then gently tapped her temple.

"Being abandoned by a trainer, especially in such a brutal way, is a huge blow to a Pokémon's mental health."

"They will fall into deep self-doubt, fear, and even close themselves off."

"This little dragon is now exhibiting typical symptoms of 'abandonment syndrome.' It has lost its goals and meaning in life, and even its flame of life has dimmed."

Miss Joey sighed.

“In this situation, the effects of medication are limited; what is needed is time, patience, and… a new, truly trustworthy bond.”

She looked at Xiaozhi and the other two, her gaze questioning, "What are your plans for it?"

Xiao Zhi didn't speak; he just looked down at those still empty amber eyes.

The image of Cross's hysteria flashed through his mind, as did Charmander's short, mournful cry when it was kicked away, and its pure desire to comfort its trainer even when it was seriously injured... An unnamed fire burned in his chest.

Ash gently placed Charmander on the soft sofa in the reception room, then knelt on one knee in front of it, looking it straight in the eyes.

The surrounding sounds seemed to gradually fade away, and Xiao Zhi's eyes became incredibly focused, even possessing a kind of piercing magic.

His voice was not loud, but exceptionally clear:

Are you confused, little dragon?

"Because of that man's rejection, you begin to doubt your own worth?"

"How...stupid."

Charmander's body trembled almost imperceptibly, and his empty eyes seemed to regain a faint focus.

It doesn't understand why it was being scolded again?

The little dragon felt wronged; it didn't understand why it had made a mistake again.

And that's exactly what Ash wanted to see.

Sometimes, the more you comfort someone, the more counterproductive it becomes. A little scolding can actually be more effective.

After all this comforting, there hasn't been any positive response... I need to give them a little push to really get them going.

"The opinions of others, especially the conclusions drawn by worthless people who cannot even recognize their own worth, are nothing but dust that obscures your vision and insignificant stumbling blocks that prevent you from moving forward."

“Cross is wrong... I can assure you.”

"His path leads only to an abyss."

Xiao Zhi continued whispering:

Do you yearn to become stronger?

"Do you yearn to prove to the man who abandoned you, and to all those who belittled your existence, how shallow and wrong their judgment was?"

"Prove that you are not the 'useless' he claims to be, and prove what precious potential he has lost?"

“Power… true power is never bestowed by others, nor can it be obtained by groveling.”

"It originates from within, from an indomitable will, from a desire to break free of shackles and reach a higher level!"

In a materialistic world, anything is hard to say.

However, in the extraordinary world of Pokémon, a sincere heart and unwavering will truly have power.

For example—Mega Evolution

Xiao Zhi's voice gradually rose in pitch, carrying a inflammatory quality:

"Look clearly, feel clearly the resentment and anger in your heart right now!"

"Don't run away, don't suppress them, hold them tightly in your hands, turn them into fuel, and ignite the raging fire that should be burning brightly in your tail flame!"

"Follow me, and I will show you the way, take you to see a wider sky, and let you face even stronger opponents!"

"I will transform you completely, giving you power that will make that man kneel on the ground one day, regretting the loss of your dignity that he has trampled on!"

"This is the revenge you deserve, this is the attitude your life should have!"

Ash extended his index and middle fingers and gently touched Charmander's forehead, as if to etch these words directly into its soul:

"tell me!!!"

"Are you willing to sink into oblivion, to let that faint flame be extinguished completely, and to be forgotten as a 'waste' just as that man hoped?"

"Or... grab my outstretched hand, break free from these tedious shackles, and climb with me to that unparalleled summit?!"

"Choose!"

Ash wasn't sure if this Charmander had good aptitude or what its personality was like.

But then the abandoned Charmander appeared before him... This gave Ash a sense of destiny in their encounter.

He had also seen this theatrical version.

Although the plot and events have changed drastically now, the differences are unimaginable.

But what's wrong with believing just once?

If you have the courage to take a gamble, then you must dare to do it!

Ash will definitely do it if Charmander is willing.

These words struck the little dragon's bewildered mind like a thunderclap.

Although I didn't understand everything, I was deeply moved.

A tiny but real flame suddenly burst forth in the previously lifeless eyes of the little dragon!

"Fire...fire! Whoosh—!!!"

Charmander suddenly raised its head and let out a hoarse roar with all its might!

The flames on its tail, which had been dying, suddenly shot up with a "boom," as if injected with a powerful stimulant.

Although it is far from reaching its peak, it has already escaped the danger of being extinguished and is burning steadily and firmly.

Xiao Zhi's talk therapy was as effective as ever.

Therefore, language has power.

Language is the sharpest weapon, and language is also the warmest medicine.

Charmander's gaze towards Ash was filled with rekindled fighting spirit and a sense of dependence on having found a new direction.

Most Pokémon are just that simple.

"..." Xiao Gang felt that he might need to practice his speaking skills more?

"..." Xiaoxia felt that Xiaozhi's talent points were definitely misplaced.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu stared in disbelief.

Although it wasn't the first time Pikachu had seen Ash spouting off in such a cheeky and witty manner, it still wanted to retort, "You just let him steal you away like that?"

"!!!" Misdreavus exclaimed, her mouth agape and her eyes sparkling. She thought her trainer looked incredibly cool at that moment.

^o^ Misdreavus: As expected of my trainer~~?

Miss Joy gasped in surprise, her eyes filled with admiration: "That's amazing... Ash, maybe you should study psychology!"

“I have a cousin in Chengdu who got a degree in Pokémon Psychology from Rainbow University… She can probably only reach your level.”

Miss Joy genuinely believes that Ash is exceptionally talented.

The best approach to treating psychological issues related to Pokémon is through talk therapy and guidance.

Drug and instrument-based treatments are alternatives.

Using superpowers to alter memories is a last resort.

After all, we have to consider humanitarian issues and long-term consequences.

Ash smiled slightly and returned to his usual appearance.

He took out an empty Poké Ball, gently pressed the switch in front of Charmander, and enlarged it.

"Well then, welcome to the team, partner."

Without any hesitation, Charmander touched the button in the center of the Poké Ball with its forehead.

A flash of red light, and it was absorbed.

Without even a slight tremor, the Poké Ball clicked and locked on.

[Little Dragon]

[Level: 15]

[Personality: Stubborn]

[Characteristic: Blazing Fire]

[Individual Values: Good]

[技能：抓LV4、叫声LV3、火花LV2、烟幕LV1、龙息LV1］

Looking at the system interface, Ash now confirmed that this Charmander's innate aptitude was indeed not outstanding, with all its individual values ​​hovering at a below-average level.

However—talent determines the starting point, but willpower can determine the ending point.

As the saying goes, if a road is impassable, use your fists to open it.

They won't turn back until they hit a wall; if they manage to knock the wall down, then the road is open.

And a stubborn personality is certainly not a bad thing.

Stubborn and warlike Pokémon are considered rare gems for trainers.

If someone's personality is careless, impetuous, arrogant, timid, or impatient, then even if they have excellent aptitude, they will be quite difficult to cultivate.

Ash still wanted to complain – did all his luck get taken away when he encountered that golden Magikarp?

Chapter 123 Xiaoxia, open your eyes wide!

Just then, Nurse Joy seemed to remember something and clapped her hands gently: "Ah, speaking of Pokémon placement, we actually have a 'problem child' here at our center who we haven't been able to find a suitable trainer for yet."