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"Is it really okay?" Misty asked, eyeing the Poké Ball in Ash's hand with concern. The memory of what had happened with the Primeape still lingered in her mind.
"Don't worry; you'll see when we start training," Ash assured her but refrained from releasing Primeape immediately. Just then, Rebecca arrived to inform them that their registration was complete. The competition was in two days, leaving them with ample preparation time. Ash decided to spend the afternoon evaluating Primeape's condition.
For the next two days, Ash and his friends stayed at Rebecca's house. To avoid any potential mischief from Primeape, Ash and Brock opted to train outside. Along the way, Ash released his other Pokémon before finally addressing the Poké Ball containing Primeape.
"Come out, Primeape!" Ash called, throwing the Poké Ball. Misty had already taken cover, anticipating chaos. From within the light, Primeape's energetic figure appeared, buzzing with excitement even before fully materializing.
"Primeaape!" it cried enthusiastically.
The moment Primeape saw Ash, it bolted toward him. Whether it was excitement or lingering frustration from past encounters was unclear, but its determination to reach him was undeniable. Ash knew that its feisty personality hadn't wavered, even after the training and battles at Professor Oak's lab. Its spirit was exactly what Ash admired.
However, Charmeleon stepped forward, positioning itself between Ash and the charging Primeape. With a growl, Charmeleon issued a clear warning.
"Char-meleon!"
Recognizing Charmeleon as the evolved form of its old rival, Charmander, Primeape's fiery eyes blazed with renewed intensity. It clenched its fists tightly, then lunged at Charmeleon without hesitation, rekindling their familiar rivalry.
Primeape's fist shimmered with orange light as it swung forward, meeting Charmeleon's counterattack head-on with a thunderous Mega Punch.
"Char!" Charmeleon bellowed, standing firm.
Charmeleon's loyalty to Ash had grown significantly. Once known for its rebellious attitude as a Charmander, it had undergone a change, becoming one of Ash's most steadfast Pokémon. Perhaps this transformation made Charmeleon more critical of those who didn't obey Ash's commands. Watching Primeape now, Charmeleon was reminded of its own past—though Primeape's defiance stemmed from its uncontrollable emotions rather than arrogance.
Charmeleon, however, misunderstood. Primeape wasn't disobedient out of spite or pride; it was simply overwhelmed by its unrestrained energy. Unlike Pokémon who became unruly after gaining power through evolution, Primeape's wildness was instinctual and difficult to contain.
As Primeape's glowing fist swung closer, Charmeleon responded, raising its clawed hand. Sparks of electricity coursed through its claws as it used Thunder Punch, surging forward to meet Primeape's attack.
Boom!
The clash of their punches unleashed a powerful shockwave, a testament to the strength of both Pokémon. Primeape's training at Professor Oak's lab had honed its skills, but Charmeleon had been with Ash, enduring rigorous gym battles and pushing itself further. The electricity from Charmeleon's fists began to overpower the fiery glow of Primeape's attack.
Boom!
The energy from their collision erupted, forcing Primeape to skid backward several feet across the ground. Charmeleon, however, only took two small steps back, demonstrating its superior control and strength.
"Ouch!" Primeape roared defiantly, steadying itself and glaring at Charmeleon with unyielding determination. Its cry seemed to challenge Charmeleon to continue the fight.
Charmeleon's eyes narrowed. It raised a clawed hand, its sharp nails glinting menacingly in the light, signaling its readiness to engage once more. Both Pokémon stared each other down, the tension palpable.
Just as the two were about to clash again, Ash stepped between them. "That's enough!" he commanded, his voice firm yet calm.
Primeape hesitated, its wild energy tempered momentarily by Ash's presence. Charmeleon, seeing Ash intervene, crossed its arms and turned its head aside with a huff, standing with a proud and arrogant demeanor.
Ash knelt down in front of Primeape, meeting its fiery gaze head-on. He spoke with a steady voice. "I know how much you love to fight. That's why I've signed you up for the competition. There will be plenty of strong Fighting-type Pokémon there, and I want you to participate."
Primeape blinked, its intense expression softening slightly as it listened to Ash's words, the promise of battle stirring its fighting spirit in a different way.
"But there's one condition," Ash said firmly, looking into Primeape's fiery eyes. "You must follow my instructions and act as a team. No making decisions on your own. That's the only way I can let you compete."
Pokémon can understand their Trainers' intentions. Primeape's initial excitement at the mention of a fight simmered down as Ash's words sank in. If it didn't agree to the condition, there would be no competition.
"Prim!" Primeape cried after a brief pause, nodding in agreement. Its fiery spirit remained, but it acknowledged Ash's leadership.
"Alright, it's settled then. No backing out now—you gave your word," Ash said with a smile. He slowly raised his fist toward Primeape.
Primeape stared at Ash's outstretched fist. Touched by the gesture, it saw Ash's fist-bump as a sign of trust and camaraderie—something it deeply valued. With a determined cry, Primeape extended its fist and gently bumped it against Ash's. Though the sheer strength behind its action was evident, it was clear that Primeape was making a genuine effort to restrain itself.
Ash smiled warmly. He knew that Primeape's fiery personality was part of its essence. While there was no need to change its core nature, he hoped it could channel its fierce energy into battles and exercise restraint outside of them. This balance would not only benefit others but also help Primeape grow stronger and more composed.
Misty let out a relieved sigh at the sight of Primeape's cooperation. Meanwhile, Rebecca brought over a stack of Fighting-type competition recordings. "Here, these might help," she offered.
Ash and Brock, experienced in regular battles, were stepping into unfamiliar territory with the Fighting competition. The videos were essential to learning the rules, strategies, and nuances of this new format. They eagerly began studying, absorbing knowledge and discussing tactics.
As the group watched the footage of Pokémon clashing on the screen, Primeape couldn't sit still. Its fists twitched, and it started shadowboxing in front of the television. Taking small, energetic steps forward, it mimicked the moves with uncontainable excitement, ready to prove itself in the arena.