Chapter 24: Meeting Satoshi Again

Chapter 24: Meeting Ash Again

Dragging his exhausted body, Xia You arrived at the Pokémon Center in Vermilion City.

After entrusting his Pokémon to Nurse Joy, he finally returned to the Oak Research Institute once the treatment was complete.

On the way, scenes of chaos were everywhere.

Due to the explosion at the power plant, just as Professor Oak had mentioned over the phone, there was a large-scale power outage around the Oak Research Institute. Everything from transportation and dining to work was severely affected.

He even saw Officer Jenny standing in the middle of the road, directing traffic with her Growlithe.

Fortunately, key buildings like the Oak Research Institute and the Pokémon Center had their own backup power supplies and would not shut down for the time being.

Upon meeting Professor Oak, Xia You briefly recounted the events. When the Professor heard that he had encountered Zapdos, he stood up in shock.

"You actually encountered the legendary Pokémon, Zapdos!?"

Seeing Xia You nod, Professor Oak quickly calmed down and continued, "So it was that thing causing the frequent power outages at the institute. But since there was an explosion, I imagine that Zapdos won't show up again. As for the power room, I'll call the electric company right now and have them send someone to repair it and replace the units."

"Actually..." Xia You scratched his head, "I also happened to catch Zapdos."

"What!?" Professor Oak nearly choked on his own saliva. He coughed twice, his face filled with extreme shock. "You caught it!?"

"Yes." Xia You took out the Poké Ball containing Zapdos and waved it in front of Professor Oak to prove he wasn't lying. "But to avoid unnecessary trouble, please keep this a secret, Professor."

After taking a deep breath, Professor Oak adjusted his mindset and nodded; he knew well that this matter should not be publicized: "Don't worry. I will keep my lips sealed until you choose to make it public."

At that moment, Xia You asked tentatively, "Professor, when a trainer carries more than six Pokémon, any newly caught Pokémon are automatically teleported to the institute. I wonder if there is a way to change this setting?"

Hearing Xia You's question, Professor Oak smiled. "Why? Are six Pokémon not enough for you to use?"

"Under normal circumstances, they would be sufficient." As Xia You spoke, he gestured for Professor Oak to look at the Poké Ball in his hand. "But in situations like this, it's inconvenient to leave it stored elsewhere; I need to keep it by my side. Because it takes up an extra slot, it would impose great restrictions on normal battles."

Professor Oak realized instantly, "You don't want to use Zapdos as a regular battle Pokémon, do you?"

"Exactly," Xia You explained. "To me, Kirlia and Bulbasaur are my 'open cards,' while a legendary Pokémon like Zapdos is too conspicuous—it's an 'ace in the hole.' Only by alternating between open and hidden cards can I truly achieve the element of surprise and remain invincible."

"I see, I understand your thinking now. That is a very prudent idea." Professor Oak said, extending his hand to Xia You. "Come, give me your Pokédex."

Xia You handed the Pokédex to Professor Oak. The Professor connected it to a computer, performed some operations, and then returned it to Xia You.

"Alright, I've adjusted the permissions for you. I've increased the Poké Ball carrying limit from 6 to 12. This way, in addition to your regular six Poké Balls, you won't have to worry about any rare Pokémon being suddenly teleported away if you catch them in the future."

***

In the afternoon, at Oak Park.

Xia You opened a Poké Ball and released Zapdos.

Since the park was not yet open to the public, he didn't have to worry about anyone seeing Zapdos and causing a commotion.

Zapdos flapped its wings, staring down at Xia You from above.

Xia You smiled. "I know you're dissatisfied with being defeated by Pokémon weaker than yourself, especially when you were outnumbered. But it's alright. As time passes, I think you'll accept me soon!"

Zapdos raised its head, appearing quite disdainful.

Xia You didn't mind its attitude at all. "It's fine if you don't want to acknowledge me, but as my Pokémon, you need to be prepared. Since you are so powerful, you can serve as their sparring partner!"

Having said that, without waiting for Zapdos's consent, Xia You shouted to his Pokémon, "Now, everyone together! All-out attack!"

With a furious cry, intense electrical light suddenly flashed throughout Oak Park.

...

After resting for a day, Xia You set off from the Oak Research Institute with his backpack and several Pokémon. Just as he was about to head toward the next Gym city, he suddenly heard someone calling his name from behind.

He turned around to see Ash, Misty, and Brock!

Was it truly fate? That the three of them would, just like in the anime, come together to travel as companions!

"You guys actually reached Vermilion City so quickly?" Xia You smiled as they approached. "Are you heading to challenge the Vermilion Gym next?"

Ash rubbed his nose and, with a look of pride, unzipped his jacket to show Xia You the three badges hanging inside.

"The Cascade Badge, the Boulder Badge, and the Marsh Badge?" Xia You said in surprise. "You managed to get three badges in just a few days? That's an incredible speed!"

"It's nothing!" Ash laughed heartily. "My goal is to become a Pokémon Master. Getting three badges isn't that hard."

"I really can't stand you," Misty said from the side, frowning. "That's only because we felt sorry for you and went easy on you during your battles, which is how you got those badges."

Brock also nodded in agreement. "Exactly. It's better to stay humble."

Having just finished boasting only to have his truth exposed by his two companions, Ash's face turned a bit embarrassed, but he laughed it off, not taking it to heart at all.

Misty then approached Xia You with her hands behind her back to greet him.

Perhaps even she hadn't realized it, but her tone was slightly less willful and a bit more shy and excited than usual.

Xia You smiled brightly. "It's been two days, Misty, and you seem to have become even more beautiful."

Beside her, Brock also extended his right hand to Xia You.

"We haven't formally introduced ourselves. I'm Brock. A few days ago, I resigned from my position as a Gym Leader to travel with Ash and Misty. Currently, I am working hard to become a Pokémon Breeder."

"That's a wonderful ambition. However, I think becoming a Pokémon Doctor would also be a great choice," Xia You said, shaking his hand. Then, his tone shifted as he asked, "But if you'll excuse my rudeness, Brock, are you really only fifteen? You look older than me."

(End of Chapter)