Chapter 15: An Agreement

"Yes," Kalia nodded.

"What's your name? You seem familiar," Aaron asked curiously.

"I'm Kalia," she replied softly.

"Kalia! Now I remember, you're the youngest Gym Leader ever from Rhine City!" Aaron exclaimed, looking at her with surprise.

Kalia smiled wryly, "I am no longer a Gym Leader, and please don't mention that in the future. I am now just a beginner Trainer, Kalia."

"You... alright." Aaron hesitated, sensing it was not due to pleasant reasons, refraining from asking further.

"You're right; the bond between Trainers and Pokemon should extend beyond Poké Balls. But since this Charmander hasn't been captured yet, do you plan to capture him next?" Aaron inquired.

"Of course."

"I've battled this Charmander before; he is quite strong. With only your Grass-type Treecko, might you not stand a chance?" Aaron glanced at Kalia's Treecko, noticing she didn't seem to have any other Pokémon with her.

Grass-types inherently disadvantage against Fire-types, and despite Kalia being a former Gym Leader, such a gap cannot be easily overcome solely by a Trainer's tactics.

"I understand that, but overcoming stronger opponents proves my capabilities and earns their respect, doesn't it?" Kalia countered confidently.

Aaron fell silent, realizing perhaps only someone like Kalia could possess such self-assurance; even he wouldn't dare consider it.

***

The treatment lasted for quite some time, as these were not minor injuries. Finally, around noon, the nurse emerged from behind the curtain.

"All set now. Please ensure your Pokemon don't sustain such severe injuries again. You may take them with you."

"Thank you, Nurse!" Aaron expressed his gratitude and approached the medical bed where Pidgey and Electrike had fully recovered, their fur back to normal.

"Pidgey, Electrike." He recalled both Pokemon into their Poké Balls, then glanced at the peacefully sleeping Charmander nearby, a hint of indecision flickering in his eyes.

Never mind.

Aaron felt that perhaps he was destined not to connect with this Charmander, but he wanted to witness Kalia truly capturing it before letting go completely.

"This Charmander seems particularly fond of sleeping," Kalia remarked as she entered and gently picked up the snoozing Charmander.

"Do you plan to stay here?" Aaron asked.

"N-no, I've booked a room at the Pokemon Hotel," Kalia shook her head. Although the Pokemon Center offered free accommodation, it was often overcrowded; staying there wasn't appealing to her.

"Pokemon...Pokemon Hotel? You must be really well-off," Aaron's voice faltered, feeling envious. As a common Trainer, he couldn't afford lodging at the Pokemon Hotel.

"I'll be leaving now." Kalia prepared to depart, intending first to settle Charmander at the hotel, retrieve her bicycle, and then wait for Charmander to wake up.

***

Upon waking up, Lian felt a warm and comfortable sensation throughout his body. The injuries seemed to have vanished, with no trace of pain remaining.

"Where am I?"

Lian sat up, looking around bewilderedly. He found himself lying on a soft bed, surrounded by a sweet aroma in the air, and the room's temperature was pleasantly cozy.

It appeared to be a luxurious-looking suite, with an open space nearby that resembled a battle arena.

However, what caught his attention most were the enticing fruits and food placed on a table not far away.

Swallowing nervously, Lian noticed there was nobody else in the room, suggesting that the young girl must have brought him here earlier.

"While she's gone, eating a bit shouldn't be discovered, right?" he thought, deciding to indulge just a little.

Unbeknownst to Lian, the food on the table was prepared for Pokemon, catering to their tastes. After taking a small bite, he simply couldn't stop.

A while later...

Oh no! I've finished everything.

Lian rubbed his now bulging stomach, realizing it might be quite challenging to avoid getting caught now.

With a troubled expression, he lamented his lack of self-control. What should he do? If discovered, it could spell disaster; the girl might even angrily capture him in a Poké Ball out of frustration.

Time to make a run for it.

Lian cautiously opened the room's door, only to find himself under the shadow of a massive Machoke guarding the entrance.

Machoke rumbled a series of words, essentially conveying that the Trainer had instructed him not to let Lian leave until she returned.

Eyeing Machoke's imposing stature, Lian knew his small frame stood no chance against it. Reluctantly, he stepped back inside and closed the door.

He sprawled on the bed, rolling back and forth, enjoying its comfort while pondering what to do when the young female Trainer returns.

As he was deep in thought, the door creaked open. Kalia entered, surprised to see a Charmander wildly rolling around on the bed.

Hearing the door, Lian immediately turned and locked eyes with Kalia, causing the air to seem momentarily frozen.

Kalia couldn't help but giggle, finding this little Charmander utterly adorable, especially with its playful rolling antics.

Caught red-handed! Lian felt like crying, as if his secret had been exposed.

Kalia approached and said, "Charmander, you must be hungry. Here is some..."

She paused, noticing the empty plate nearby and glancing at the Charmander's noticeably full belly.

It was evident that the Charmander had devoured all the food, leaving not even a crumb behind.

The Treecko became visibly upset and started calling out to Lian. This little Charmander was truly despicable; it had its eyes on the fruit platter earlier, intending to enjoy them upon returning, only to find everything consumed without any leftovers.

"So what if I ate it? Can you beat me?" Lian retorted angrily. It's just some food, why make such a fuss? Your owner can easily get more for you.

If pushed too far, he'd unleash an Ember blast - believe it or not?

Seeing the heated argument between Treecko and Charmander, Kalia quickly intervened, "Treecko, Charmander was simply hungry. If you want more, I'll ask the server to bring additional fruits."

Her priority now was to build a good rapport with Charmander, but she also didn't want to disappoint Treecko. The Pokemon-friendly fruits, although not free, were reasonably priced for her.

Kalia made a call, and promptly, a server from the Pokemon Hotel arrived with another portion of fruits. Treecko, relieved, decided against fighting with Lian and shifted its attention elsewhere.

Kalia sat at the edge of the bed, gazing at the Charmander before her, softly asking, "Charmander, would you like to be my Pokemon?"

Lian felt helpless; this moment had finally arrived.

From what Lian could observe, Kalia appeared to be exceptionally outstanding. Instead of taking advantage by throwing a Poké Ball while he was incapacitated, she treated his injuries and clearly had wealth, evident from the luxurious room decor and amenities, which were beyond the means of most people.

However, Lian shook his head, declining her offer.

Firstly, he was originally human, just unfortunate enough to transmigrate into a Charmander. The idea of being captured by a Trainer felt unacceptable.

Despite Kalia's qualities - intelligent, beautiful, adorable, and wealthy - the thought of residing inside a Poké Ball made him feel like merely becoming a pet.

"You don't want to become my Pokemon because you dislike being bound, right?" Kalia didn't give up, sensing that this Charmander was the smartest among all the Pokemon she had encountered.

Typically, other Pokemon might have tried various ways to escape, but this Charmander calmly engaged with her in conversation.

Lian pondered for a moment, then nodded, indicating it was close to the truth. He indeed did not wish to enter a Poké Ball, fearing the loss of freedom once trapped within.

"Actually, even without entering a Poké Ball, you can still be my Pokemon. My father said that a truly exceptional Trainer is one who can keep a Pokemon by their side without relying on the confinement of a Poké Ball." Kalia's eyes sparkled; the Charmander's intelligence amazed her, comprehending her words effortlessly.

Kalia had an idea; since Charmander didn't want to be restrained, why insist on capturing him with a Poké Ball? If she could earn his trust, she believed Charmander would willingly stay by her side and accompany her on her journey.

Is this even possible?

Lian was taken aback, realizing it might be a good approach. Staying with Kalia ensured food and care, and if ever dissatisfied, he could always leave later.

He felt intrigued.

"Are you willing to become my Pokemon without needing a Poké Ball? Together, we'll travel, grow, challenge gyms, and participate in League tournaments. If one day you feel I'm no longer worthy as your Trainer, you have the freedom to depart." Kalia looked earnestly into Charmander's eyes, speaking solemnly.

Kalia knew her plan was naive; without using a Poké Ball, Pokemon could easily escape at any time. After investing hard work to train a Pokémon only for it to run away is something nobody could bear.

However, Kalia wanted to give it a try. She truly desired this Charmander, but forcing capture seemed likely to evoke its disdain and resistance.

Lian nodded slightly.

"Fantastic!" Kalia's excitement knew no bounds; she had finally convinced the Charmander.

"Now, you'll be my partner from here on out. My name is Kalia. Let's see your current abilities, shall we?" she asked. With Charmander's agreement, it was time to understand his capabilities better and develop a training plan for nurturing him diligently.

"Treecko, join us too. Starting today, we need to prepare for challenging Kana City's Ground-type gym. It might be quite demanding for a while," Kalia said to Treecko, who was enjoying some fruit.

Lian, feeling full, thought digestion wouldn't hurt, but he had no interest in rigorous training. Why bother with training when there's the system? For now, he'd just go through the motions today.

Without the constraint of a Poké Ball, he could do as he pleased, free to leave if discontented at any moment.