Chapter 61: Charmander's Escape and Damian's Downfall

I sat on the worn, leather couch in the Pokémon Center, my legs hanging over the edge, still a bit short for the furniture despite the months of transmigrated experience in my mind. The familiar bustle of the Center hummed around me—trainers checking in, nurses rushing by, the occasional Pokémon letting out an anxious cry as it received treatment.

The morning sun glowed outside the window, filtering in with a soft warmth that contrasted sharply with the cold tiles beneath my feet. I stood and crossed to the glass, staring at the rising sun. The air smelled like new beginnings and burned leaves—perfect for a day of challenges.

"Looks like we're ready to go," I said, turning back to Ash, Misty, Brock, and Erin. Pikachu sat on Ash's shoulder, its yellow fur shimmering faintly in the light.

A jolt of excitement buzzed through me. I couldn't hold it in. "I don't know how to say this, but... I'm enjoying this. Traveling with you guys, it's different. It's not fun going alone. When we're together, it feels like... family."

Everyone smiled. Even Erin, though hers was softer, quieter, more like a flicker than a flame. She hugged her arms, standing slightly apart, as if she needed the extra space to breathe.

Before the warm moment could stretch any further, Nurse Joy came rushing into the room, her face pale with concern. "That Charmander escaped!"

Ash tensed immediately, springing to his feet, eyes wide. "We've gotta go get it back!"

Brock sighed, leaning back, hands behind his head. "Let him be, Ash. We can't force it to come with us. If its trainer abandoned it, that's on him."

Ash's fists tightened, frustration flashing in his eyes, but I grabbed my bag, slinging it over my shoulder. "Let's just head for Route 24," I said, my voice steady, calm. "Ash, we've got to win that badge, man. Focus."

He blinked at me for a second, then grinned, snapping back to his usual determined self. "Yeah! Let's go!"

The five of us set out, Pikachu leading the way with quick steps, its tail twitching. Ash, Misty, and Brock trailed behind him, their chatter light and casual, but I hung back with Erin. She walked silently beside me, her face turned down slightly, that oversized green hoodie of hers making her look like she was swimming in fabric.

"Punit," Erin said, her voice soft, a strange calmness blending with her usual awkward honesty. I turned to her, curious.

But before she could speak another word, her eyes flickered behind me, widening. Then, without a sound, she bolted like a startled Starly, running straight for the nearest trees, leaving me standing there like a fool.

What the—

"Erin!" I yelled, heart pounding as I sprinted after her. What was that? I hadn't seen anything, but clearly, something had triggered her fear. I knew she was scared of Pokémon, but this?

Branches scratched at my arms as I pushed through the dense forest, eyes scanning wildly. "Erin! Where are you?"

Muttering under my breath, I shook my head. "Now I know what Alisha felt that time... what a mess."

Finally, I spotted footsteps on the ground, small and fresh. Following them, I came across a hollow tree. There, inside the hollow, was Erin—curled up, shaking.

I crouched down slowly, trying to keep my voice gentle. "Hey, Erin. Let's go. Everyone's waiting for us."

Her eyes were wide and glossy, but as she saw me, she calmed down, inch by inch. She reached out, wrapping her arms around me, holding on tight. I let her. For a while, we just stayed there, her breathing slowing, mine staying steady.

When she finally pulled away, I looked at her with a small smile. "I've got Pidgeot. If You'll get used to him. we can travel faster, we won't have to stay in the wilderness too much."

She nodded, still silent, but her fingers gripped my sleeve as if afraid to let go completely. I took her hand and led her back through the woods, careful to avoid any more bug Pokémon.

When we finally emerged from the trees, Ash, Misty, Brock, and Pikachu were up ahead—and so was Damian. The same Damian who'd abandoned that Charmander. My gut twisted in disgust.

"Charmander, return!" Damian barked, throwing a Pokéball. Charmander whipped its tail, knocking the ball back into Damian's face. A flicker of satisfaction sparked in my chest, but it quickly faded into something darker as Damian's face contorted in rage.

"That's it!" he snarled. "I'll crush you with everything I've got!"

I felt Erin freeze behind me, and without thinking, I motioned for her to stay put. My feet moved on their own, crossing the ground in long, determined strides until I was standing behind Damian.

"Hey," I said quietly.

He spun around just in time for my fist to connect with his face, a sickening crunch following the impact. Damian dropped like a rock, clutching his nose as he groaned on the ground.

I wasn't done. Kicking him once, twice, ten times, I muttered under my breath, counting each hit, anger boiling over. "One... two... three..."

Damian whimpered, "Ooh, mommy, ooh!" between gasps, curled up like a coward.

Before I could land another hit, Erin's arms wrapped around me, pulling me back. "Punit, stop," she whispered, though there wasn't fear in her voice—just calm, the same eerie calm that always unnerved me.

Ash stepped in, and to my surprise, joined me. He kicked Damian, muttering, "One, two, three..." as if we were in sync. Misty dragged him off, glaring daggers.

Brock hauled Damian to his feet, shaking his head in disgust. "Get out of here. Before they really kill you."

Damian didn't wait for another chance. He bolted, stumbling and muttering as he ran. "Ooh, mommy!"

I took a deep breath, watching as Ash caught the Charmander, who finally accepted his care. A sigh of relief left me.

Then, Erin tugged at my sleeve again. I looked down at her, teasing grin slipping onto my face. "You really like me, huh? Always hugging me."

She blinked, completely unfazed by my sarcasm. "Yes," she said, utterly calm.

Ash approached, still grinning from the beatdown. "We should have a competition next time, Punit. See who kicks harder."

I was dumbfounded for a second, then laughed. Misty smacked him on the back of the head. "You two are insane."

Brock shook his head. "We're late. Let's move."

I shot one last look at Erin, her quiet presence somehow anchoring me. Then, together, we headed toward Route 24, ready for whatever came next.