Charcadet still remembered how dangerous the wilderness was, even after being caught.

Its head swivelled at every snap of a twig, every crunch of a leaf. It could see faint figures watching it and its trainer from the bushes. When a Pokémon was brave enough to actually face it, Charcadet kicked them away before fighting them off.

Wild Pokémon didn't follow any battle rules. It wasn't the only one in danger. Its chest burned, nervous as it progressed, but it held your hand as if nothing was wrong. It was here to get stronger by your side. For that, it had to keep you safe.

Night cloaked the forest with a new unfamiliarity. The air was dense with cold; paths were no longer distinguishable from the forest floor.

It could tell you were lost, it saw you checking the map over and over again hoping something would change. Charcadet patted your leg to get your attention.

Its flame flickered on its head, illuminating the dark as it guided you through the woods. It had to be the strong one; that was the only thought that kept it going. It didn't think about the chance a powerful Pokémon was lurking around, that it might not be strong enough to protect its trainer.

It couldn't find the end of the forest, but it found you a small tree by a rock to sleep under. Charcadet ran around, grabbing leaves and sticks to make a shabby tent. It'll be okay. Morning would come, and you could go home.

Once you had settled down, it scouted the area for dangers before running off to find food. It was hungry, you were probably hungry too, and it knew its way around the wild.

But it hadn't been fast enough. When Charcadet found its way back to you, it dropped all the berries it collected, springing into action. It knocked the Pokémon off you in the blink of an eye with a burst of flames, scaring it off for good.

It nudged your shoulder, hands shaking. You were fine, right? Hey, why aren't you talking to it?