EP011: Difference between revisions

{{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} apparently lose their way en route to [[Vermilion City]], frustrating {{an|Misty}}. The group stops to consult {{an|Brock}}'s map, and Ash determines that the trail they are following intersects {{rt|24|Kanto}}, which in turn leads straight to Vermilion City. Brock is satisfied and puts the map away. But, as they move, a large shadow suddenly falls across their path. Soon, the sunlight's intensity dims, revealing a {{AP|Charmander}} sitting upon a rock. After checking his [[Pokédex]], Ash is happy that he has a chance to catch a Charmander. Brock points out how weak his tail flame is, and that he probably needs help. However, Charmander resists Ash's attempt to {{pkmn2|caught|catch}} him. Brock suggests that Ash try again, but Ash's second attempt also fails. Pikachu then climbs up onto the rock and talks to the Charmander. He then comes back down and manages to communicate to Ash that Charmander is waiting for someone to come by and pick him up. Brock decides that if he belongs to someone else, it is best to leave him, and they leave.

Farther down the trail, Ash and his friends discover the [[Pokémon Center]] that is on their map, and they enter just as it begins to rain. Despite Brock's concerns, Ash reassures him and points out that there is no way Charmander would have waited around that long. However, they overhear laughter nearby, and look over to see a Trainer named [[Damian]] surrounded by a group of friends. They listen in on his conversation, Damian reveals that he had a Charmander, but since he was so weak, he left him on a rock out in the middle of the woods promising to return for him, though he admits he has no intention of doing so. Ash and his friends conclude that the Charmander they saw and that based on Damian's description are one and the same. This pushes the normally calm Brock over the edge, and he confronts Damian, demanding he retrieves his Charmander. Damian pushes him off, but Ash and Misty soon arrive to back up Brock. After Damian and his crew leave, Ash, Misty, and Brock hurry back to find Charmander.

The three of them race back through the pouring rain towards the rock where the Charmander is and find him under attack from a gang of {{p|Spearow}}. Ash tries to drive them off by throwing a rock at them, but the Spearow turn their attention to him and his friends. Ash orders a {{m|Thunder Shock}} from Pikachu, and he obeys, scaring off the Spearow (although he accidentally shocked the three due to the inclement weather and their wearing raincoats). The group quickly wrap Charmander up in their raincoats and race back to the Pokémon Center, begging Nurse Joy to help. Initially, Nurse Joy is angry at Ash and his friends, but Ash explains that it was Damian that left the Charmander there, taking advantage of Charmander's loyalty. Brock pleads with Nurse Joy to save the Charmander, and she promises to do whatever she can. After an intense and distressing wait, Nurse Joy finally comes out of the operating room and reports that Charmander has pulled through, and it will be fine by morning.

Morning arrives, and Brock's shout causes Ash to fall off the couch. It turns out Charmander has disappeared from the emergency room. Ash is certain that the Charmander has simply gone back to the rock. Brock wants to go after it again, but Misty points out that it is no use. Even though Damian does not care about it, the Charmander is still stubbornly loyal to him. Although Brock is still disappointed, Ash and his friends leave the Pokémon Center. Meanwhile, up ahead, Team Rocket has just finished digging another pitfall trap for the [[twerp]]s. However, Pikachu is too light to activate the trap. Jessie and James argue over who is responsible for this failure until Meowth silences them with {{m|Fury Swipes|scratches}} to the face. Ash, Brock, and Misty, all of them being a lot heavier, end up triggering the trap and falling into the hole. Team Rocket then appears, laughing at the fact that their trap worked. Pikachu tries to shock them, but Team Rocket's rubber uniforms insulate them against electricity. Pikachu tries to run, but they release a special ball that swallows Pikachu and also insulates his electricity.

Team Rocket prepares to leave with Pikachu in tow, though Charmander confronts them. Charmander, as translated by Meowth, orders them to give Pikachu back to Ash and the others. Team Rocket refuses and warns Charmander to beat it or else. Charmander responds by closing his eyes, focusing hard, and unleashing a massive {{m|Flamethrower}}, which roasts Team Rocket. They drop Pikachu and flee, all the while ranting about how Charmander roasted them. They pass Damian in the process, causing him to express shock that Charmander had managed to beat them. Ash and his friends, having gotten out of the pit, thank Charmander for his help, and Ash asks Charmander if he wants to come along with them. However, Damian arrives and claims that he has come back for Charmander, just as he promised. Damian goes on to say that abandoning Charmander had made the {{pkmn|category|Lizard Pokémon}} stronger. Despite retorts from Ash and his friends, Damian brags about his methods of treating and training Pokémon. When he tries to recall Charmander by throwing his Poké Ball, it rejects him as its trainer by throwing the ball back at him with its tail. Enraged, Damian attempts to attack Charmander with all his Poké Balls. Charmander responds with a Flamethrower, followed by Pikachu's Thunder Shock, both of which are aimed at Damian and prompt him to flee. After some negotiation, Brock insists Ash should have Charmander, and the {{type|Fire}} Pokémon happily jumps into Ash's Poke Ball.