Pokemon Indigo League Stories Part 2

Philosophical the Pokemon

" Ah, I see. Are ya looking for something a bit more... philosophical?"

" Ash, wait! Where are you going?"

Ash turned, and to the surprise of Gary, he was smiling.

" Thanks for the help, Gary!"

" Wh- what help?"

" You told me a new Pokemon even before it was put in the Pokedex!"

" And what's that?"

Ash turned. " I'm gonna go look for a Philosphical!"

Gary blinked. " Ash....."

But Ash had already disappeared. Confused, Gary turned and ran up the hill and over the fence and into the backdoor.

" Hey grandpa?"

" I'm in the kitchen!"

Gary walked to the kitchen. " Hey, grandpa? Is there a new Pokemon named Philosophical?"

" Not that I know of. Why?"

" Because Ash thinks there's a new Pokemon called Philosophical!"

Gary raced through the forest, his heart pounding as he followed the trail Ash had taken. The vibrant greens of the trees blurred together as he pushed through the underbrush, calling out, "Ash! Where are you?"

He finally spotted Ash standing in a small clearing, his brow furrowed in concentration. The sun filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows across his face. He seemed lost in thought, his eyes fixed on the horizon as if searching for answers in the clouds.

"Ash!" Gary shouted, skidding to a stop beside him. "What are you doing out here? You can't just run off like that!"

Ash turned slowly, a wide grin stretching across his face. "Gary! I'm contemplating the essence of life and the universe! It's all so fascinating!"

Gary blinked, utterly confused. "Uh... what?"

"It's about existence! I've realized that everything is connected! Like, the trees... they're alive, Gary! And we're part of that!" Ash continued, his enthusiasm bubbling over. "What do you think?"

Gary scratched his head. "I think... that sounds heavy. You sure you're okay?"

"Of course!" Ash replied, waving his arms animatedly. "And did you know that if you really listen, you can hear the trees whispering their secrets?"

Gary opened his mouth to respond, but nothing coherent came out. Instead, he just stood there, speechless. This was not the Ash he was used to, who usually focused on Pokémon battles and adventures. This Ash was in a philosophical rabbit hole, and Gary felt like he'd stumbled into a bizarre dream.

"Pika pi!" Pikachu exclaimed, darting forward and standing between them, eyes sparkling. "Pikachu!"

Ash nodded vigorously. "Exactly, Pikachu! We're all just energy in this vast cosmos!"

"Right..." Gary muttered, glancing at Pikachu for help. "Can you, uh, translate that for me?"

Pikachu hopped up and down, clearly eager to assist. "Pika-pika! Pika chu pika!"

Gary furrowed his brow, trying to process Pikachu's words. "So, what you're saying is that the trees like... raisins?"

Ash nodded earnestly. "Yes! Wait, what? No, no! That's not what I meant!" he exclaimed, a look of utter confusion crossing his face.

Gary chuckled, a laugh escaping him despite the ridiculousness of the situation. "How do you even come to that conclusion?" he asked, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Pika!" Pikachu sighed dramatically, translating again. "Pika, pika. Pika chu!"

Ash's face brightened. "Exactly! The trees and us—like a circle of life! We nourish each other!"

Gary's mind was spinning. "So... you think the trees are actually like Pokémon? Do they evolve into... raisin trees?"

"No, Gary! You're missing the point!" Ash said, exasperated, throwing his hands in the air. "It's not about that! It's about... the connection! The feelings!"

"Feelings? About trees?" Gary raised an eyebrow, trying to stifle a laugh. This was far from the Pokémon battles or research he was used to discussing with Ash.

"Yes!" Ash insisted, undeterred. "What if the trees have dreams? What if they want to be more than just... trees?"

Gary crossed his arms, leaning against a nearby tree, which felt increasingly surreal. "Okay, then what do you think they dream about?"

"Maybe they dream about flying!" Ash said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Or becoming giant Pokémon! Or helping trainers!"

Gary couldn't help but laugh at the image of a giant tree Pokémon soaring through the sky. "Right, so like... the trees could evolve into a new Pokémon? Maybe a Flying-type called Raisintree?"

"Exactly!" Ash replied, his face lighting up as he nodded enthusiastically. "Or Philosopher!"

"Philosopher? Like what we're talking about?" Gary smirked. "You're on a roll, Ash!"

Suddenly, Pikachu perked up, his ears twitching. "Pika! Pika chu!"

"What is it, buddy?" Gary asked, his playful banter taking a backseat to curiosity.

Pikachu's eyes widened, and he gestured dramatically toward the forest. "Pika pika! Pika!"

Ash gasped. "A wild Pokémon? Maybe it's a Philosopher Pokémon!"

"Or a Raisintree!" Gary added with a grin as he took off running into the clearing, Ash following.