Pokemon : Rewind

"I understand that this is a sudden and difficult request," Nurse Joy said earnestly, her gaze steady on Ash. "But I truly don't want Gyarados's talent to be wasted here."

She had been contemplating this ever since their return. Gyarados's potential was undeniable. Its massive size provided unparalleled strength, making it an exceptional candidate for further growth and development. 

Such a Pokémon deserved to showcase its abilities on a grand stage, not be confined to this small, remote island.

"Actually, I had thought about capturing Gyarados myself," Ash admitted, glancing between Nurse Joy and the towering Pokémon. 

"But there's a big problem. My financial situation isn't enough to support raising a Pokémon like Gyarados right now."

The reality of being a Pokémon Trainer wasn't as simple as it was in games, where Pokémon didn't need food and resources beyond levels and move sets. 

In the real world, trainers had to account for countless factors—food being one of the most significant.

Ash sighed. "Just one meal for Gyarados could cost several hundred yen. If we're talking high-quality food, it could easily go up to thousands. Over the course of a few days, the costs would skyrocket."

To put it in perspective, Ash's current team's food expenses for three days averaged between two to three thousand yen. 

With his current resources, adding Gyarados to the mix was simply impossible. Perhaps in a few years, after winning championships and securing sponsorships, he could afford to care for such a Pokémon. But right now, it was out of reach.

Nurse Joy fell silent, realizing the gravity of her request. She had been so focused on Gyarados's future that she overlooked the practical challenges. Her heart sank, and she found herself at a loss for words.

Gyarados, sensing the tension, let out a low growl and nuzzled Nurse Joy gently. Though its gaze dimmed with disappointment, it forced a reassuring smile. Staying here with Nurse Joy wasn't the worst outcome—it would continue to protect her and the island.

"Wait…" Tracey suddenly stepped forward, drawing everyone's attention.

"If the issue is Gyarados's appetite, I might have a solution," he said, his tone confident.

"What?!" Ash, Misty, and Nurse Joy exclaimed in unison, their surprise evident.

Tracey cleared his throat. "I recently came across something in the Hoenn Region that might help. It hasn't become widespread yet, but it's gaining popularity. They're called Pokéblocks."

"Pokéblocks?" Misty and Nurse Joy exchanged confused looks.

"I've heard of them," Ash said, furrowing his brow as he tried to recall more details.

Tracey continued, "Pokéblocks are highly compressed food cubes made using specialized machines and formulas. They're rich in nutrients, and most Pokémon only need two or three cubes per meal to feel satisfied."

Nurse Joy's eyes widened. "That sounds like it could work. But… is it really enough to meet a Pokémon's nutritional needs?"

"Absolutely," Tracey replied. "Take Snorlax, for example. We all know how much it eats—at least 400 kilograms of food daily to maintain its energy. But with the right Pokéblocks, even Snorlax can be fully fed and nourished with just a few cubes."

"That sounds like… black magic," Ash muttered, incredulous. But given the advanced technology in the Pokémon world, he knew better than to dismiss it outright. After all, Poké Balls and teleportation devices existed.

"There's just one problem," Tracey admitted, scratching the back of his head. "I don't think Pokéblocks are available in the Orange Islands yet. They're primarily being developed and distributed in the Hoenn Region by Devon Corporation."

Nurse Joy frowned. "If we can't get them here, then it's not much help…"

"Let me call Professor Oak," Ash said, pulling out his communicator. "He might know how to get some Pokéblocks."

After a few moments, Professor Oak's face appeared on the screen. "Ash! What a surprise to hear from you so late. What's going on?"

Ash quickly explained the situation, detailing Gyarados's immense size, potential, and the challenges of providing for it.

"Fascinating!" Professor Oak exclaimed, his eyes lighting up. "A Gyarados of that size? I'd love to study it. Such unique Pokémon are incredibly rare!"

"Professor, do you think you could help us get Pokéblocks from Hoenn?" Ash asked, cutting to the chase.

"Hmm… That shouldn't be a problem," Oak replied after a moment of thought. "I can contact my colleagues in Hoenn and have some shipped over. It might take some time, though."

"That's fantastic news!" Ash said, relief evident in his voice.

The group discussed the logistics further, eventually deciding that Gyarados would stay temporarily at Professor Oak's lab. 

This arrangement would allow Oak to study the Pokémon while covering its food expenses with the lab's resources. Once Ash was better prepared, he could retrieve Gyarados and integrate it into his team.

But before finalizing the plan, there was one more matter to address.

Ash turned to Gyarados, his expression serious. "Gyarados, are you willing to come with me? I can't take you to every corner of the world just yet, but once I finish in the Orange League, I plan to travel to Johto. When I do, I'll take you along and help you grow stronger."

Gyarados looked at Ash, then turned to Nurse Joy. Its eyes reflected a mix of hesitation and hope. Nurse Joy gave it an encouraging nod, her warm smile reassuring it.

With a deep roar, Gyarados lowered its massive head and nodded firmly.

"Alright then," Ash said, holding up a Poké Ball. "Let's do this. Go, Poké Ball!"

The ball flew through the air, striking Gyarados. In a flash of light, the enormous Pokémon was encapsulated, and after a few tense moments, the ball clicked shut.

Ash picked up the Poké Ball, holding it tightly. "Thank you, Gyarados. I promise I won't let you down."

Nurse Joy watched the scene with a bittersweet smile. Though parting with Gyarados was difficult, she knew it was the right decision for both of them. 

Gyarados had a bright future ahead, and under Ash's care, it would undoubtedly achieve greatness.

____________________

Join my Patreon for more advance chapters