Pokemon: A different Ash

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No matter what anime it is, all the anime Ash has watched remind the audience that they shouldn't act too hastily, as it can lead to mistakes.

So, even though he didn't succeed, Ash remained patient, knowing he would always gain something by taking his time. For instance, while he couldn't re-enter the Condition, at least Pikachu learned a new move—a silver lining to the situation.

"Pika-pi!" 

Reassured by Ash, Pikachu regained its energy and leaped onto Ash's shoulder with a cheerful cry.

"By the way, let's ask someone about this!" Ash suddenly stood up as an idea struck him, and he quickly turned toward the Pokémon Center.

"Hey, Ash, what are you up to now?" Misty asked, exasperated as she watched Ash dart away. "You just woke up; can't you rest for a moment?"

But Ash didn't hear Misty's call. When it came to Pokémon, his determination was unwavering. Reaching the Pokémon Center, he headed straight for the call station and placed a video call.

"Hello, this is Professor Sycamore's Laboratory. How can I assist you?" A woman in a white lab coat appeared on the screen, greeting Ash with a polite smile.

"Hi, sorry to interrupt. I'm Ash, and I'd like to speak with Professor Sycamore. Is he available right now?" Ash asked, recognizing her as the assistant who had answered before.

"It's Ash! The Professor is currently busy with his research, but I'll inform him right away. Please hold on for a moment."

"Thank you, and sorry for the trouble!"

As Ash waited, Misty and Brock walked over, standing quietly behind him to avoid interrupting. They exchanged curious glances, wondering what Ash was up to this time.

Soon, Professor Sycamore appeared on the screen, greeting Ash with a warm smile. 

"Ash! It's been a while," the Professor said enthusiastically. Their last interaction had been highly productive, giving Professor Sycamore fresh ideas about MEGA Evolution.

The new data Ash had shared sparked a theory: could a strong enough bond between Trainer and Pokémon allow for MEGA Evolution without the use of a Mega Stone or Key Stone? This concept had become a significant focus of Sycamore's research, potentially benefiting Trainers regardless of their access to Mega Stones.

"Long time no see, Professor! Sorry for disturbing you again," Ash replied with a smile. Misty and Brock, watching from behind, exchanged puzzled looks. They hadn't been present during Ash's previous call with Sycamore and were intrigued by the Professor's youthful demeanor and apparent expertise.

"Haha! No need to apologize, Ash. If you're calling, I'm happy to help anytime," Sycamore replied. "Have you made any new discoveries?"

"Yes, it's about me and Pikachu. Yesterday..." Ash began.

Ash recounted the entire process of his recent Gym challenge to Professor Sycamore. As Ash spoke, Sycamore's expression shifted from initial curiosity to surprise, and finally to amazement.

"Can you describe in detail how you felt at the time?" Sycamore asked eagerly, his excitement growing. Though he wasn't entirely certain of the phenomenon, it far exceeded his expectations, and he was eager to understand more.

"It was a very special feeling," Ash began thoughtfully. "At that moment, it didn't feel like I was just sensing Pikachu's emotions. It felt as if I was Pikachu, and Pikachu was me."

"Pika-pika!"

Pikachu, perched on Ash's shoulder, placed its paw on its chest and nodded with its eyes closed, affirming Ash's description. It was the same feeling Pikachu had experienced during the battle.

"At that time, I could feel everything Pikachu was going through. When Pikachu was under attack, it was as if I was being attacked too," Ash explained. The memory of the pain was vivid, as though he and Pikachu had truly merged during the fight.

Misty and Brock exchanged bewildered glances. The idea of Ash feeling Pikachu's pain sounded far-fetched, almost unreal to them. Yet, upon reflection, they realized it wasn't entirely a good thing—if this strange connection occurred again in future battles, wouldn't Ash also be injured?

"This is incredible!" Sycamore exclaimed, struggling to find words to describe the phenomenon. "It's somewhat akin to MEGA Evolution, but there are distinct differences."

"Professor, could this have something to do with MEGA Evolution?" Ash asked, curious about the connection.

"I can't say for certain," Sycamore admitted. "In theory, MEGA Evolution is a mechanism that allows certain Pokémon, which cannot normally evolve further, to temporarily achieve a higher form. Pikachu, however, is capable of evolving further into Raichu, so MEGA Evolution shouldn't be possible in its case."

He paused, deep in thought. "However, the temporary transformation during battle and the reversion afterward does resemble characteristics of MEGA Evolution. I believe there must be some connection between the two."

While the verbal description was compelling, Sycamore felt the need to witness the phenomenon firsthand to form a clearer conclusion. "By the way, Ash, could you try demonstrating this again?" he asked after a moment of consideration.

Ash frowned slightly and shook his head. "I've tried to replicate it since I woke up, but it didn't work."

"Hmm, I see," Sycamore said, stroking his chin in thought. "If that's the case, it's possible that the bond you and Pikachu share creates this effect under certain conditions. However, it might also mean that the strain affects you both physically, limiting how often you can use it, or that it's not yet fully developed."

Although he felt a pang of disappointment at not being able to witness the phenomenon, Sycamore was not discouraged. For now, he resolved to continue studying the implications of Ash and Pikachu's remarkable bond.