After finishing their training for the day, Ash and his group returned to the Pokémon Center to get their Pokémon checked out.
May had made great strides recently—thanks to Ash's help, her Torchic had reached the peak of Normal rank, and Beautifly had broken into the early Superior tier.
After lunch, May went off to continue training with Beautifly, leaving her Torchic behind with Ash and the others.
Just then, Nurse Joy walked by and noticed the group of Pokémon gathered around—two Mudkip, Torchic, and Grovyle among them. Her eyes lit up with interest.
"Excuse me," she said kindly, "are the Mudkip, Torchic, and Grovyle yours?"
"Yes, Nurse Joy!" Max replied quickly with a big smile.
"You've raised them wonderfully!" Nurse Joy praised.
Brock, already in full lovestruck mode, immediately stepped forward. "Yes! That Mudkip is mine! And their Pokémon food is all handcrafted by yours truly~ It's an honor to be praised by someone as lovely as you, Nurse Joy!"
Max sighed, jumped up, and dragged Brock away by the ear.
Nurse Joy chuckled, then turned back to the group. "Actually, the reason I asked is because we're expecting a new Trainer to arrive today to choose their starter Pokémon. I was just about to run a health check on our prepared Torchic, Treecko, and Mudkip. It would be wonderful if they could grow up to be as healthy as yours!"
Not every new Trainer receives their first Pokémon from a regional professor—especially those without a Pokédex. Without it, most new Trainers couldn't even identify Pokémon properly. Some had to rely on printed pictures like James does, others used guesswork, or just ran into battle blindly.
In cities like Slateport, Nurse Joy herself often took the responsibility of distributing starter Pokémon.
Ash listened quietly and couldn't help but feel a lingering regret.
In his past life, he had overslept on the day he was supposed to choose his first Pokémon—and though he ended up with Pikachu, who became his lifelong partner, he never actually got to make that choice himself.
Now, even after reincarnating into this world, he still hadn't had a chance to formally pick his own starter. It was a once-in-a-lifetime rite of passage, and that sense of incompleteness remained deep in his heart.
After finishing the check-up, Nurse Joy smiled warmly. "They're all in perfect health. Let's let them out of their Poké Balls for some fresh air and exercise!"
She turned to Max, who looked like he was bouncing with excitement. "Max, would you like to do the honors?"
"Really?! Thank you so much, Nurse Joy!" Max shouted, thrilled. He quickly examined the Poké Balls, then released them in order based on their type symbols: "Come on out, Torchic! Treecko! Mudkip!"
Each of the three Pokémon emerged, full of life and personality.
Torchic was brimming with fighting spirit.
Treecko, a shy girl, hung back quietly.
Mudkip… immediately started to cry, acting so pitiful it could've been mistaken for a Sobble!
Suddenly, May's voice echoed from outside: "Nurse Joy! Emergency! I found a Wailord washed ashore—it's weak and can't move!"
Nurse Joy's expression grew serious. As a Nurse Joy stationed in a coastal city, she was trained for such emergencies.
"Ash," she turned to him urgently, "could you help me look after these three while I go help Wailord? I'm counting on you!"
Brock, of course, declared, "Nurse Joy! I will accompany you without hesitation!"So, Brock and Nurse Joy left immediately, leaving Ash and Max in charge.
Max's eyes sparkled with excitement as he looked at the three starter Pokémon. "Wow… I can't believe I get to take care of starters just like a real Trainer!"
Under the watchful eyes of veterans like Ash and Pikachu, everything seemed fine at first. Treecko and Mudkip were getting along well—Ash's own Mudkip was especially happy, playing enthusiastically with the new one.
But then… Torchic happened.
If May's Torchic hadn't already been strengthened through training with Ash, it might have been completely overpowered. The new Torchic grew bolder the longer they sparred—and suddenly, right before their eyes, it began trying to force itself to evolve.
"No—wait!" Ash dashed over. Torchic was already starting to glow. But evolving now would be a huge mistake.
Forced evolution consumed valuable potential and would take a long time to recover—just like what happened with Charizard back then.
Ash quickly intervened and interrupted the evolution. He picked Torchic up with a sigh. "You're one stubborn little guy, aren't you?"
"Pikapi~" Pikachu narrowed his eyes. He'd only looked away for a moment, and already this little troublemaker was acting out.
"Chamo~" May's Torchic let out a sigh. Its would-be rival had guts, sure—but it was way too reckless.
The new Torchic started to sniffle, eyes welling up with tears as it acted pitiful.
…It was very good at being cute.
Bonk! Ash gave it a firm flick to the head.
Nice try, but Pikachu's cuteness privilege didn't extend to just anyone.
After that small lesson, Torchic finally behaved itself. It rubbed affectionately against Ash's leg, clearly happy to have earned some attention.
Soon, Nurse Joy returned with Brock and May, having successfully treated and released Wailord back into the sea.
As they arrived, the new Trainer—a young girl—entered the Pokémon Center as well.
Ash approached Nurse Joy and quietly explained that Torchic had gained a level and tried to evolve during their absence.
The girl, however, had already begun looking at the Pokémon, eyes wide with wonder.
Nurse Joy crouched down and smiled gently. "Take your time and choose the one you like best, sweetheart! But just so you know—Torchic is a bit feisty, and Treecko is a little—"
Before Nurse Joy could finish explaining their personalities, the girl exclaimed, "Wow! Which one should I choose?!"
Her father, who was accompanying her, chuckled. "Take your time, sweetie."
After some thought, the girl pointed happily. "I've decided! I choose Mudkip!"
And just like that, the crybaby Mudkip found a home.
But unexpectedly, Treecko looked devastated—its eyes watering as it watched the girl walk away.
Just as everyone moved to comfort it, the girl's father stepped forward and declared, "Then I'll choose Treecko!"
"…Huh?" Everyone blinked in confusion.
"Wait, Nurse Joy," he asked, "there's no age limit to becoming a Trainer, right?"
"Of course not," Nurse Joy smiled.
He continued, "I've always wanted to be a Trainer… just decades too late. But now, I think it's time."
And so, father and daughter both became Trainers together. Sometimes, fate works in unexpected ways.
That left only one Pokémon: the bold and slightly mischievous Torchic.
Torchic looked up at Ash with a spark of eagerness in its eyes.
Ash turned to Nurse Joy. "Um… Nurse Joy, about this Torchic—could I…"
"Yes," Nurse Joy smiled, already understanding what Ash wanted to say. "This Torchic's strength has already surpassed beginner level, and since I'm in charge of its placement, I can make the decision. Think of it as a thank-you for your help."
"Thank you, Nurse Joy!" Ash bowed gratefully.
He knelt beside Torchic. "Hey, little guy. Want to come with me and get stronger together?"
"Hamo!" Torchic looked up into Ash's eyes and nodded with fierce determination.
"Alright then… I choose you, Torchic!"
"Great choice, Ash!" May cheered.
"Pikapi~" Pikachu happily welcomed his new little brother.
And so, Ash finally fulfilled a long-held wish—choosing a starter Pokémon of his own.
[Torchic]
Gender: Male
Type: Fire
Ability:Speed Boost (Increases Speed one stage per turn)
Rank: Normal (Mid-tier)
Moves: Peck, Spark, Growl, Quick Attack, Double Team
Terastallization Type: Fire
To be continued...