After Ash and the others learned about Damian's fate,
the breath that had been pent up in their hearts finally came out.
Afterwards, Ash and the others went into a room inside the Pokémon Center to change their clothes.
Even with raincoats on, the heavy downpour had drenched them completely.
After changing into dry clothes, the three sat down in their seats.
Misty and Serena sipped the ginger tea that Ash had poured for them,
their worried eyes glancing toward the treatment room inside the Pokémon Center.
"Don't worry, Charmander is fine. I've been using the power of Viridian to help him recover along the way,"
Ash said softly, trying to calm the two women. "Plus, since you both protected Charmander's flame, he shouldn't have any lasting illness once he's fully treated."
The situation was just as he said.
Although Ash wasn't fully proficient with the power of Viridian, he could still protect Charmander's core vitality,
keeping the damage caused by the rain from worsening.
Combined with Misty and Serena's protection of his flame,
and with the advanced healing technology of the Pokémon Center,
Charmander would have no lasting problems.
After hearing Ash's words, both girls finally relaxed.
If Ash said it would be fine, then it would be fine.
Now, Misty had started to trust Ash completely, just like Serena.
After all, Ash's actions always deserved that trust.
Not long after, Nurse Joy came out of the treatment room.
Ash and the others hurried forward to ask about the situation.
When they heard that Charmander was completely safe and would recover by tomorrow,
they finally breathed a full sigh of relief.
"By the way, Nurse Joy, I…" Ash began.
"Don't worry," Nurse Joy smiled. "I've already reported Damian's actions to the Alliance.
Your beating of Damian was seen as just punishment. You won't face any disciplinary action."
Then she looked at him more closely, suddenly realizing something.
"Come to think of it, I didn't recognize you at first—Ash, the savior of the Viridian Pokémon Center!"
Ash blinked. "Savior is too much… I just helped recharge the Pokémon Center!"
"Pika pika!!" Pikachu puffed out his chest proudly and patted Ash's shoulder,
insisting that he also played a part in saving the Pokémon Center and deserved the title of savior too.
The mood in the room instantly brightened with laughter.
…
The next morning, Ash sat up sleepily on the bed—
only to see an orange-red Pokémon standing right in front of him.
It took a few blinks before he realized who it was.
Who else could it be but Charmander?
"Charmander? What are you doing here? Are you feeling better?"
"His injury has completely healed," came Nurse Joy's voice.
Ash turned around to see her standing at the door with a warm smile.
The noise also woke Misty and Serena, who were sleeping in the other bunk.
"Charmander? Nurse Joy? Why are you both here?" Misty asked.
"Has Charmander fully recovered?" Serena added quickly.
Nurse Joy nodded. "Yes, Charmander is completely healed now.
As for why he came here… that's something you should ask him."
Ash looked into Charmander's bright eyes and instantly understood.
"Charmander, you want to come with me, right?"
"Char!" Charmander nodded firmly.
He knew he'd been abandoned by his trainer, and though it left deep sorrow in his heart, another light now shone inside him—
the memory of the boy who gave him food when he was starving,
and who risked the storm to rescue him.
"In that case," Ash said with a smile, "I'll be happy to train you from now on!"
He took out a Poké Ball and tapped it gently on Charmander's head.
Charmander entered the Poké Ball without resistance, and the ball clicked shut with a crisp sound.
The Pokémon Ash had dreamed of was finally his.
Good deeds truly bring good rewards.
"Congratulations, Ash!" Serena cheered.
"What kind of luck is this?" Misty groaned in mock jealousy. "I want to capture a starter Pokémon too!"
It had only been a month since their journey began, and Ash had already caught two of the three starter Pokémon.
His luck was ridiculous!
Even though neither of them were Water types, Misty couldn't help but feel envious.
Honestly, if someone gave her a Bulbasaur or Charmander for free, she'd take it in a heartbeat.
Who said a Water-type master couldn't use other types?
That rule made no sense!
Unfortunately, starter Pokémon were creatures of pure chance.
Ash's success was simply fate.
It wasn't like she'd randomly stumble upon a Squirtle next… right?
Haha, impossible—completely unrealistic.
…
After capturing Charmander, the three resumed their journey.
Once they left the Pokémon Center, Ash looked around carefully.
After confirming no one was nearby, he released Charmander from his Poké Ball.
"Here, Charmander, take this with you," Ash said, reaching into the inner pocket of his blue jacket.
From it, he pulled out a feather that shimmered with every color of the rainbow.
"What a beautiful feather! Ash, what is that? Some kind of Pokémon item?"
Misty gasped, her eyes wide with wonder as she saw the Rainbow Wing for the first time.
Ever since Ash obtained it, he had kept it close, tucked safely inside his jacket.
Sometimes he'd take it out to study, but Misty had never actually seen it until now.
"This is the Rainbow Wing," Serena explained before Ash could answer.
"It's a feather that fell from Ho-Oh. When Ash and I first left Pallet Town, we met Ho-Oh in the sky, and this was the gift it left behind."
Then she turned to Ash. "But have you figured out what it does yet?"
Misty stood beside them, lips parted in disbelief.
Ho-Oh…
That was Ho-Oh!
One of the legendary Pokémon said not to have appeared for hundreds of years!
They said that seeing Ho-Oh meant you were recognized by it—
and would gain eternal happiness.
Even if it wasn't literally true, Misty believed Ash and Serena's encounter couldn't have been coincidence.
Otherwise, how could Ash be holding a real Rainbow Wing?
It wasn't something anyone had ever heard of, let alone owned.
It must be a treasure beyond imagination.
Ash nodded to Serena. "I haven't figured out everything yet, but I've learned a few things.
This feather strengthens the energy of whoever carries it.
From my observations, the Rainbow Wing amplifies the holder's life force—
it greatly enhances endurance and recovery.
And when carried by a Fire-type Pokémon, it seems to have even more powerful effects."
He smiled and held it out to Charmander.
"So, Charmander—take it. I'm looking forward to the day you become the strongest Charizard!"
Charmander blinked, clearly understanding.
From the conversation alone, he knew how valuable that feather was.
Yet Ash gave it to him without hesitation.
Charmander felt the weight of that kindness deep in his heart.
(End of the chapter)