Squirtle had finally evolved, and both its Compatibility and Bond with Ash had seen a massive jump. It had made its choice: having decided to follow Ash, it would see that path through to the end. After a final farewell to its old squad, it officially became Ash's Wartortle.
Ash looked over his current lineup:
Pikachu: 220 / 255
Snorlax: 200 / 255
Bayleef: 200 / 215
Quilava: 130 / 200
Slowpoke: 135 / 185
Wartortle: 190 / 215
Pikachu and Snorlax already had maxed compatibility, and their bonds were growing steadily. Bayleef and Quilava, both Johto starters, had already reached their first evolutions. As for Slowpoke, Ash had special plans for it. Given its high intelligence, he wanted to eventually evolve it into a Slowking using a high-compatibility Shellder, aiming for a unique Ash-style Slowking.
"Ash, lunch is ready!"
It was noon. While Ash had been out training, Misty and Brock had set up camp. Having Brock along certainly made the journey easier, allowing Ash to focus entirely on his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master.
"Sorry to keep you waiting!" Ash arrived just as the scent of food filled the air.
"By the way, Ash, grab the bread from your bag," Brock called out.
The bread they had bought was inside Ash's backpack, which he had left in their care during training. But when they went to look for it, the bag was gone.
"Stolen?"
"But we were right here," Misty said, feeling responsible. "We didn't see anyone come near us!"
"Was there anything valuable inside?" Brock asked.
"My badges, Poké Balls, and Pokédex are all on me," Ash replied, shaking his head. "But that bag has been with me from the start. I have to find it."
Ash's eyes flashed with a blue light as his Aura rippled outward. He quickly found a trail of footprints belonging to a canine Pokémon.
"Maybe they didn't want the gear, just the bread?" Misty hypothesized.
"The tracks lead deeper into the forest," Ash noted. "Let's go."
They tracked the prints into the thick woods until the trail abruptly stopped in a patch of dense grass. As they stood there, their stomachs began to growl.
"Ash, I'm so hungry," Misty complained.
Ash's eyes lit up. "Brock, let's start cooking! Use the most fragrant ingredients we have, especially the meat!"
Brock understood immediately. They set up camp again and began grilling ham, letting the savory scent drift through the trees. As the sun set and a full moon rose, a shadow finally leaped out, unable to resist the smell.
"Got you!"
Ash's eyes glowed blue as he tried to pin the target down with Psychic energy. However, the blue light suddenly shattered. His telekinesis had no effect.
"How is that possible?"
In his moment of shock, the ham disappeared. Ash realized his mistake: Psychic-type moves are completely ineffective against Dark-types.
Low growls echoed from the shadows. Multiple pairs of scarlet eyes lit up in the grass. In the Johto region, a Dark-type canine could only be one thing: Houndour.
"Brock, protect Misty," Ash whispered. He could feel the aggression surrounding them.
"Ash!" Misty grabbed his sleeve, hiding behind him.
"Don't worry. They won't beat me that easily."
Four Houndour stepped into the moonlight, surrounding the trio. Then, on a nearby hill, a much larger and more powerful-looking Houndour appeared, looking down at them with a terrifying presence. It was the alpha.
Ash gripped a Poké Ball and stared back. "If you want to fight, then let's make it a Capture Battle!"
The alpha leaped from the slope and landed right in front of Ash, accepting the challenge.
"I won't take advantage of you. Quilava, I choose you!"