Chapter 026: The Choice Is Piplup

"Finally found you. What were you doing up there, anyway?"

After walking for a few minutes, Ash spotted Aipom hiding in a tree. As he asked, Aipom suddenly turned around, and when Ash saw the berry in its hands, he roughly figured out why it had wandered off.

Probably, after seeing the situation was under control, it caught the scent of a berry, right? But hadn't this guy already eaten its fill? Why was it still so greedy?

Ash, a bit exasperated, recalled Aipom into its Poké Ball before heading back with Pikachu toward where they'd come from.

"By the way, I wonder if Brock's found any of the other missing Pokémon. If he hasn't, we probably won't be able to set off until tonight."

"Pika"

Pikachu's ears drooped helplessly. They'd thought finding the Pokémon would be quick, but the only one they'd found, Piplup, had shown up on its own—and at the cost of a wild battle.

Thinking about it this way, Ash could kind of understand why Aipom might've felt hungry again. For such an active Pokémon, after a battle and without a snack, it had probably burned through its lunch already.

…

"Is Piplup fed? If it's full, let's get going… We should meet up with Brock first. It's been a while…"

Ash returned to their starting point, intending to call Dawn to leave, but he noticed something odd about her state.

"Dawn?"

He called her name again, and only then did Dawn snap out of it. She pointed toward the lakeshore ahead and said, "In the lake… I think I just saw a Pokémon…"

"A Pokémon?"

Ash was puzzled at first, but a second later, he realized this was Lake Verity, meaning the Pokémon Dawn saw was likely Mesprit.

"For real! I'm not lying! I don't know where the Pokémon in the lake went, but it definitely appeared just now! Right, Piplup?!"

"Piplup-pip!"

Piplup nodded vigorously in agreement. Seeing their reactions, Ash's thoughts drifted elsewhere.

Mesprit, huh… he mused. Does that mean we'll have to go through the Team Galactic incident again? Could I stop it early this time? If I told Cynthia that Cyrus is Team Galactic's leader… But I don't have any proof. What a hassle.

Ash sighed inwardly. If he could just tell Cynthia the truth and resolve it, things would be simple. Back then, Team Galactic succeeded because their leader had been hiding in plain sight. Even though Ash, with his second chance, knew the truth, without evidence, Cynthia would likely trust Cyrus over him. After all, Cyrus had been in the League's view for far longer.

But if Professor Oak vouched for me, maybe… No, even with Professor Oak, it probably wouldn't work without proof.

Carrying these dejected thoughts, Ash and Dawn returned to the fork in the road. Seeing Brock with Chimchar and Staraptor by his side, they both let out a sigh of relief. At least today's mission seemed to be wrapping up.

…

"What were you all doing? Not only did you let the starter Pokémon and Staraptor escape, but you had to rely on others to clean up your mess? Does that seem acceptable to you?!"

"Sorry, sorry!" ×N

Back at the lab, Professor Rowan had finally returned. While Ash and the others were gone, he'd learned about the lab's fiasco and didn't hold back, chewing out his subordinates in front of Ash and the group.

It had to be said that Dawn's earlier worries weren't unfounded. When scolding, Professor Rowan was indeed a bit intimidating… especially with that thick, bushy beard that made him seem even more authoritative.

"It's, it's fine… It didn't waste that much time…"

Since Professor Rowan's apology was mainly directed at Dawn, the rookie Trainer who'd just started her journey, she was the one who could offer forgiveness. But that was also because the researchers kept shooting her pleading looks, begging her to bail them out.

"Sigh… I'm truly sorry. I never expected something like this to happen. As compensation, I can give you some extra Poké Balls. By the way, have you decided which starter Pokémon you want?"

Professor Rowan said this and stepped aside, letting Dawn clearly see Piplup, Chimchar, and Turtwig standing in a row behind him.

If this had been earlier, Dawn might've hesitated and mulled it over. But after the Ariados incident, she didn't waver. She walked straight to Piplup, crouched down, and said firmly, "I choose Piplup!"

"Pip~!"

The moment Dawn chose it, Ash clearly saw Piplup's body quiver. It must've been thrilled to be picked, but Piplup deliberately acted nonchalant, turning its head away haughtily, almost as if rejecting her.

"Come on, don't be difficult~ I know what you're thinking. It's decided!"

"Pip~Piplup?!"

Before Piplup could fully express itself, Dawn scooped it into her arms. Watching the two, who'd only just met but were already so close, Professor Rowan nodded with satisfaction.

To him, nothing was more gratifying than seeing a rookie Trainer and their starter Pokémon get along so well. Judging by Dawn and Piplup's bond and their personalities, they'd likely have no trouble on their journey ahead.

"Since you've made your choice, that's great. Here are some Poké Balls and a Pokédex. With the Pokédex, you're now an officially recognized Pokémon Trainer. Whatever your dreams may be, always keep Pokémon at the center. That's how you'll go far."

"Yes, I understand! Thank you, Professor Rowan!"

Dawn bowed slightly to Professor Rowan with gratitude and respect. Only after receiving these rewards did she truly feel the weight and responsibility of being a Pokémon Trainer.

---

🤦 : Oops! You've reached the limit for today. But just for your power stone and recommendation I might— no I would add additional Chapter.

20PS — 1 additional Chapter

40PS — 2 additional Chapter and special mention if you've contributed 3 or more PS.

That's all. Enjoy Reading!