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The trio pushed through the tall grass, but the "green turtle" Ash had predicted wasn't there. Instead, they found a Geodude and a Mankey locked in a vicious, dusty brawl over a single, bruised berry.
"What gives? It's just these two fighting," Dawn said, her shoulders slumping in disappointment. "No Turtwig in sight."
"Be patient," Ash said, his eyes scanning the perimeter. "Here he comes."
As if on cue, the brush parted. A Turtwig emerged, the small seedling atop its head quivering with authority. It didn't look aggressive; it approached the brawlers with a gentle, mediating posture, let out a few soft chirps as if trying to talk sense into them.
Man!Geod!
The Mankey and Geodude weren't interested in a lecture. They swung simultaneously, their fists connecting with the Turtwig's shell and knocking it backward.
The atmosphere shifted instantly. The Turtwig's eyes narrowed, its "gentle" demeanor evaporating into cold pragmatism. It lunged forward, using its sheer weight to Body Slam both Pokémon, pinning them to the dirt until they stopped struggling.
Then, it took the contested berry, split it perfectly in half with a sharp snap of its jaw, and shoved a piece into each of their faces. It was a "reconcile or else" ultimatum.
"That's... one way to settle a dispute," Brock said, blinking in surprise.
Ash burst into a loud, genuine laugh. "Reason first, physical force second. I like his style. It's hardcore, and it's effective."
"He's definitely not like the Turtwig at the lab," Dawn noted, watching the little turtle go off to gather a pile of extra fruit for the two stunned Pokémon. "I thought they were all suppose to be shy and sweet."
"Every Pokémon is an individual, Dawn," Ash said, his gaze fixed on the turtle. "Just like people. This one isn't just a starter; he's a leader."
"He certainly has character," Brock agreed, watching the Geodude and Mankey happily eating the peace offering.
"Pika-pi!" Pikachu nodded emphatically, a spark of respect in his eyes.
"So, Ash," Dawn said, turning to him. "Is this the one? Are you going to catch him?"
Ash looked at her, noting the way she was already warming up to the creature. "Why? Do you want him, Dawn?"
Dawn hesitated, then shook her head with a smile. "I do like him, but you saw him first. Besides, I think his 'act first, talk later' attitude is a much better fit for your team."
Ash appreciated her sensibility. He stepped forward, a standard Poké Ball in hand. "Hey! Over here!"
The Turtwig immediately tensed, moving to shield the Mankey and Geodude behind its brown shell. It was a protective instinct that spoke volumes about its quality.
"Relax. I'm not here for them," Ash said, crouching down to meet its eye level. "I'm here for you. You've got spirit, and I've got a goal that needs a Pokémon like you. How about it? A battle. If I win, you come with me."
Turtwig paused, assessing the human. It saw the confidence in Ash's eyes and the battle-hardened Pikachu on his shoulder. It gave a sharp, determined nod.
"Starly, let's go!"
Ash chose the gray bird, wanting to test the speed Pidgeot had been drilling into it. Starly dived into the clearing, wings beating with a rhythmic intensity.
Turtwig opened with a Razor Leaf, five sharp blades of foliage whistling through the air.
"Dodge and Quick Attack!"
Starly blurred, weaving through the leaves with a precision that left Dawn breathless. It slammed into Turtwig with the force of a small projectile. Turtwig retreated into its shell to absorb the impact, a veteran move that limited the damage, but the kinetic force still sent the turtle skidding back.
"Now—Wing Attack!"
Starly's wings took on a brilliant white glow. Turtwig responded by bursting out of its shell and unleashing a massive, ten-leaf barrage. It was a gamble for mutual destruction.
"Double Team!"
Starly split into six identical afterimages. The leaves tore through the shadows, leaving the real Starly to swoop in from the flank. The Wing Attack landed flush against Turtwig's side, the super-effective blow sending the turtle tumbling. When the dust settled, Turtwig was out cold.
"Clean finish," Ash noted, letting Starly perch on his arm. "Great job, buddy."
He didn't just throw the ball. He approached the fallen turtle, administered a Potion, and offered a Sitrus Berry. As Turtwig's eyes flickered open, Ash asked again, "Still want to join?"
Turtwig looked at Ash, then at the Starly that had bested it. It didn't look resentful; it looked impressed. It gave a slow, solemn nod.
Ash tapped the Poké Ball against the seedling on its head. The red light drew it in, the ball clicked once, and the deal was sealed.
"I caught a Turtwig!" Ash held the ball high, flanked by Pikachu and Starly.
"Pikapi-chu!"
"Starly!"
Brock and Dawn joined the celebration, their smiles mirroring the clear, open sky of the Sinnoh region. The veteran roster was growing, and its newest member was a tank with the heart of a warrior.
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