After leaving the Pokémon Technical Institute, Ash and his group continued on toward Vermilion City.
While passing through a picturesque stretch of open plains, they encountered a gentle young girl who was tending to wild Pokémon—Melanie.
"Hello, I'm Melanie. I'm responsible for looking after the Pokémon in this area," she introduced herself with a warm smile.
Many mild-mannered Pokémon followed at her side, especially several Oddish, which seemed particularly close to her.
Just as Ash and the others were chatting with Melanie, one of the Oddish accidentally tumbled down a slope, twisting its foot and crying out in pain.
"Ah! Oddish!" Melanie rushed over anxiously.
Ash immediately stepped forward as well. "Don't worry—we have Potion!" He skillfully took out the medicine and carefully treated Oddish's injury. At the same time, his wave-guiding aura flowed gently, conveying soothing emotions. Before long, Oddish calmed down.
Melanie looked at Ash gratefully. "Thank you! You're truly a kind Trainer."
At that moment, a stubborn and wary figure emerged from the tall grass—it was a Bulbasaur.
Seeing Ash and Melanie caring for Oddish, the caution in its eyes eased slightly, though it still kept its distance. It seemed to be the de facto guardian of the Pokémon living on this plain.
Melanie explained, "This Bulbasaur has lived here for a very long time. It's very strong and always protects everyone, but… it seems it was once hurt by a Trainer, so it doesn't trust humans."
Ash nodded in understanding. Through his aura, he could sense Bulbasaur's inner resilience—and a trace of loneliness hidden deep within. He didn't rush to approach, instead respecting the space Bulbasaur chose to keep.
This Bulbasaur had its own pride. After being hurt by a Trainer, its wariness toward humans was only natural.
Moreover, judging from what would later happen, this Bulbasaur held great disdain for evolution. Its belief was simple: even without evolving, it could still grow stronger.
In its early days, Bulbasaur truly lived up to that belief as one of the team's mainstays. But after the Johto arc, once it was appointed as the guardian of Professor Oak's backyard, its appearances became fewer and farther between.
Coincidentally, Ash had just bought an Everstone back at the Pewter Gym. If Bulbasaur truly didn't wish to evolve, Ash would respect its choice and let it hold onto the Everstone.
However, just as Ash was lost in thought, an arrogant voice shattered the peaceful moment.
"Since you're asking so sincerely!"
"We'll kindly tell you!"
...
Team Rocket made their dramatic entrance once again! Driving a bizarre machine, they set their sights on capturing the gentle Pokémon of the plains!
"Wahaha! So many rare Pokémon—let's catch them and offer them to the Boss!" Jessie laughed loudly.
"Especially that Bulbasaur, it looks really good, meow!" Meowth stared greedily at it.
"Not a chance!" Ash stepped forward at once. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
"Bulbasaur, quickly—lead everyone into hiding!" Melanie shouted.
Bulbasaur reacted instantly, using Vine Whip to drive the surrounding Pokémon away to safety, then angrily unleashed Razor Leaf at Team Rocket's machine! Unfortunately, the armor was thick, and the attack had little effect.
The machine fired out a massive capture net, about to ensnare several Oddish—and Bulbasaur as well!
"Pikachu, take down that net! Electro Ball!"
"Butterfree, use Confusion to control the net's direction!"
"Scyther, use Slash on the machine's legs!"
Ash commanded his current partners, fighting back with everything they had.
Pikachu's Electro Ball precisely shattered one of the capture nets, Butterfree's Confusion cleverly deflected another, and Scyther's swift assault made the machine rock violently.
Bulbasaur watched as Ash and his Pokémon fought with everything they had to protect the others—especially Ash's decisive, crystal-clear command style. A flicker of surprise and recognition flashed through its eyes.
It realized that this human Trainer was different from those it had known before.
"Damn it, you little brat! Ekans, Koffing—full attack!" Team Rocket released their Pokémon and launched an all-out assault.
"Bulbasaur!" Ash looked straight at Bulbasaur and extended his hand, his gaze sincere. "Let's fight together! Protect your home!"
Bulbasaur locked eyes with Ash for a moment. Then, at last, it nodded and stepped to Ash's side, taking a stance to fight shoulder to shoulder with him!
"That's it!" Ash called out. "Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip on Arbok! Pikachu, Thunderbolt to clear Koffing's attacks! Butterfree, use Sleep Powder on the machine! Scyther, keep attacking the machine!"
With Ash's superb coordination and Bulbasaur's formidable strength added to the fray, Team Rocket was once again utterly routed, their machine smashed to pieces by the combined assault.
"What a terrible feeling—!"
Silence returned, and the plains were peaceful once more.
After the battle, Bulbasaur walked up to Ash. Gone was its earlier wariness and distance; instead, it affectionately rubbed its head against Ash's hand.
Melanie said happily, "Bulbasaur has acknowledged you!"
Ash crouched down and spoke earnestly to Bulbasaur. "Bulbasaur, you're strong—and kind. Would you be willing to travel with me? We can see a wider world together and help even more Pokémon in need."
Bulbasaur cried out softly and nodded—but then it took a step back, assuming a battle stance, its eyes brimming with fighting spirit.
Melanie explained, "It wants to become your partner through a battle! This is how it shows its recognition and respect."
Ash understood. He stood up and smiled. "Alright! Then we'll decide it with a battle! Pikachu, you're up again!"
"Pikachu!" Pikachu leaped into the field.
An intense battle began.
Bulbasaur's Vine Whip and Razor Leaf were sharp and relentless, while Pikachu relied on speed and electricity to maneuver around them.
In the end, Pikachu secured victory with a clever Quick Attack followed by Iron Tail.
Though Bulbasaur lost, it accepted the result wholeheartedly.
It walked up to Ash on its own and touched the Poké Ball.
[Ding! Host has captured Bulbasaur. Reward: 100 World Points]
[Current World Points: 6700]
"Miss Melanie," Ash said, turning to her, "this area ultimately limits your potential. If possible, once my journey is over, come to Pallet Town. The people are kind and the environment is beautiful—you can open a larger, more formal sanctuary there. If you run into any problems, just go to Professor Oak."
Melanie was stunned by Ash's invitation, momentarily speechless. Then she nodded.
Her subconscious told her that the boy wasn't lying.
Of course, Ash wasn't saying this because he was lusting after her beauty!
A/N: The Three-Starters Trilogy was moving forward at full speed!