Pokemon : Rewind

"Relax, it's okay. It won't harm me," Ash reassured his companions with a calm voice. He gently patted Pikachu on the head, then placed a hand on Charizard's back before stepping out from behind it.

His eyes locked with Richardon, the towering Charizard standing nearly twice the size of Ash's own. 

Despite Ash's assurance, Pikachu and Charizard remained on edge, their postures guarded. Misty and Brock mirrored their concern, while Liza let out a small sigh of relief.

Thankfully, Ash wasn't the type to let power go to his head. If he had been arrogant or domineering, Liza shuddered to think what might have unfolded in this tense atmosphere.

"Roar..." Richardon growled softly, not in aggression, but with respect. The trainer standing before it wasn't just the human companion of a strong Pikachu or an exceptional Charizard—he was someone extraordinary. 

Ash's Pokémon weren't just powerful; their loyalty and synergy with their trainer suggested something far beyond ordinary bonds.

Ash tilted his head, curious. "You... want to ask me for something?" The idea caught him off guard, but he quickly nodded. "Alright, let's hear it. If it's something I can do, I'll consider it."

Richardon growled again, its tone deliberate and earnest, then sat down as though to signal its sincerity. Through these gestures and expressions, Ash gradually pieced together the request.

Richardon wanted to stay with Ash, not to replace Charizard, but to train alongside it. The battle it had just lost had been an eye-opener, exposing Richardon to a level of power it had never imagined. 

That godlike presence from Ash's Charizard was something Richardon yearned to understand. 

Through constant battles with Charizard, it hoped to grasp the laws of power and discover the key to its own growth.

As the strongest Pokémon in the Charicific Valley, Richardon had no peers capable of pushing it further. 

Its ancestors, at best, had reached the gym leader level, and it was only through a rare genetic mutation that Richardon had achieved champion-level strength, becoming the valley's undisputed leader.

But this was its limit—until now. The encounter with Ash's Charizard had illuminated a new path, albeit one shrouded in challenges. 

Following Ash and battling Charizard would give Richardon the opportunity to pursue this elusive breakthrough.

Ash fell silent, pondering the request. On one hand, having Richardon join his team would undoubtedly bolster its strength. 

But on the other hand, Ash's team was already tightly packed. He had to consider the future, where he would likely encounter and catch other Pokémon. If Richardon joined, it would occupy a valuable slot.

"Did Richardon say something?" Misty asked, noticing Ash's thoughtful expression. Brock, too, looked curious.

Ash nodded, then explained Richardon's request to the group. Though Liza wasn't part of the conversation, the room was small, and Ash didn't lower his voice. She overheard everything.

Liza's eyes widened in disbelief. For Richardon, the king of Charicific Valley, to ask to follow a trainer—this was unheard of! Over the years, many trainers had visited the valley, hoping to catch a Charizard. 

Yet even among those who succeeded, none had ever earned Richardon's approval. Most weren't even deemed worthy to meet it, often sent away by the other Charizards without a second glance.

Now, Richardon had willingly offered its loyalty, and Ash looked hesitant. Liza couldn't help but feel envious. 

To have such a powerful Charizard seek him out, and for Ash to act as though it were just another decision to weigh—it was a position most trainers could only dream of.

Finally, Ash broke the silence. "I'm sorry," he said, his tone firm yet gentle. "My team is already full."

Richardon's head drooped, its disappointment palpable. Its fiery confidence dimmed, replaced by a quiet resignation.

Liza, while somewhat prepared for Ash's rejection, still felt stunned seeing Richardon's rare display of vulnerability. She'd never imagined the proud king of the Charicific Valley could look so crestfallen.

"But," Ash continued, his words sparking hope in Richardon's eyes, "I have another idea."

Everyone, including Charizard, turned to Ash in surprise. "I'm thinking of leaving Charizard here for a while," Ash said, his tone measured but resolute.

"What?!" The room erupted in shock. Even Charizard stared at Ash, wide-eyed and baffled by his suggestion.

Ash raised a hand to calm his Pokémon. "Hear me out," he said, patting Charizard's shoulder reassuringly.

"Charizard is already on the right track," Ash began, his voice steady. "With proper training, its strength will continue to grow. But regular battles aren't enough anymore. Charizard needs to face stronger opponents to reach its full potential."

Ash explained his reasoning. Among his team, only Pikachu and Snorlax could provide a real challenge for Charizard. 

But in the Charicific Valley, powerful rivals abounded. Richardon wasn't the only strong Charizard—there were others just a step below its level, and frequent battles with them would push Charizard to new heights.

"Richardon and the other Charizards here have the battle experience Charizard can learn from," Ash continued. 

"And with the teleportation system in place, I can always call Charizard back when I need it, just like at Professor Oak's lab."

Ash's words sank in, and the room grew quiet as everyone processed his plan.

Charizard seemed conflicted but thoughtful, while Richardon and Charla stared at Charizard with hope and admiration, clearly eager for it to stay.

"Ultimately, it's your choice, Charizard," Ash said softly, placing a hand on his Pokémon's arm. "I'll respect whatever you decide."

Charizard looked at Ash, then at Richardon and the other Charizards outside. The choice it faced wasn't an easy one, but the determination in its eyes suggested it was ready to take the next step, whatever that might be.

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