Out Of The Ashes (A Pokémon Fanfiction) ~on Hold

Chapter 9: The First Pokémon Battle

Chapter 9: The First Pokémon Battle

He woke up the next morning to soft morning light creeping across his covers as the sun climbed higher in the sky. He shifted, intending to rise, and then groaned theatrically. Every muscle in his body screamed with soreness, especially his feet and calves.

Ash heard sheets rustling on the floor as Tank stirred. Clicking sounds, softened by the nest of blankets, popped methodically as the Aron stretched as well.

Ash sleepily rolled over. Tank peered upwards blearily. At that moment, both trainer and Pokemon looked similarly disgruntled. Raking a hand through his wild morning hair, Ash forced himself out of his comfortable bed and slumped into a sitting position.

"Good morning, Tank," he muttered, grinding the heel of his palm into his blurry eyes. The rock/steel type chirped in greeting, climbing to all fours and giving himself a brisk shake.

Ash took his morning shower quickly, ruefully realizing that this would be the last time he would have access to hot water for a while. He dressed himself in a new outfit and withdrew Tank, going downstairs for breakfast.

The mess hall was small, but cozy, with cheery wallpaper and little flairs of a personal touch gracing the hung pictures and furniture. A low chatter permeated the room. Not many people were up yet, which Ash was grateful for, as the breakfast line wasn't terribly long.

After he had finished eating a second helping, he signed out of the Pokemon Center and released Tank. The Aron didn't seem interested in eating, which was a relief. The last thing Ash wanted was to explain to a police officer exactly why his Pokemon had eaten a park bench.

Pokemon being outside their Pokeballs inside city limits was generally permitted, with exceptions in cases where the Pokemon was large enough to cause a disturbance, not properly tamed, or naturally presented hazards, like a Rapidash's mane of fire. Usually it was up to the trainer's discretion, but there had been cases where police officers had been forced to intervene.

Ash performed a check on his supplies before setting out on Viridian City's main exit. He hadn't yet used any of his potions, as Tank had not been in any battles, and Oak had practically spoiled him with antidotes and paralyze heals. He still had a set of spare Pokeballs for when he decided to catch another Pokemon. His clothes had been cleaned of dirt and re-packed, and he had his flint and striker for campfires, as well as a long-lasting supply of food. The pocket dimensions of the bag allowed him to minimize the net weight of all the items. Without the bag, it would have likely taken a few hefty containers to carry all of his necessary things, including his sleeping bag and towels.

Satisfied, Ash began a slow walk, wincing as his muscles accustomed themselves to a fresh round of exercise. Tank seemed unaffected by their long trek the day before. He made a game of headbutting large pebbles in his path and bouncing them again when they passed them once more.

Meanwhile, Ash was consumed in thought. He knew that they would be encountering trainers today who would be eager for a battle. Tank was still considerably young, but he had been given enough time to become familiar with the basic mechanics of his environment and fully explore his body and abilities. Besides, Aron tended to grow slowly anyway, then entered a short period as a Lairon before quickly taking on their final evolution into Aggron. Tank would be stuck as an Aron for a while, so he had plenty of time to become accustomed to his body.

"Tank," Ash asked, bending down. "Would you be comfortable battling other Pokemon today?"

Too many trainers tended to view their Pokemon as tools, or dumb pets. Ash swore to himself he would never be like that. If any decision he made impact his friend in some way, then he would surely require their input on the matter.