Pikachu's defeat had been well deserved.
Applin also ate the dried Oran Berry hidden beforehand inside its apple host, recovering a little stamina. Ash had specially prepared it, since stuffing a whole Oran Berry into an apple clearly wasn't practical.
Of course, if the battle had called for it, Ash could also have had it use Recycle to keep going.
Losing his very first battle left the young Lu Ming looking a little dejected. He recalled Pikachu with a helpless sigh. "You did great. Get some rest. I'll take you to the Pokémon Center for treatment in a bit."
Although Ash had won his first battle, he wasn't as excited as he had expected to be. Maybe it was because he had been stomping a newbie? The whole match had been pretty much stress-free.
"Gooo!" Applin, on the other hand, was thrilled about its first victory. It bounced over to Ash, seeking praise, and actually looked rather cute.
Ash was generous with his praise for his Pokémon. "Nice work. I'll make you something tasty when we get home tonight."
Then he recalled Applin into its Poké Ball.
Afterward, everyone headed to the Pokémon Center together to get their Pokémon treated and have their health checked while they were there.
"You're seriously good, bro, but why don't you seem like a beginner at all? Come on, have you been practicing somewhere in secret?" Lu Ming demanded.
"Maybe it's just talent?" Ash replied with a humblebrag.
Lu Ming silently flipped him the bird.
"Ash, the way you give commands really doesn't seem like a beginner's. I've only seen that level of skill when my brother holds Gym battles against challengers." Xiao Ke's eyes sparkled, showing a hint of admiration.
"Not at all. It was just luck." Ash remained very modest with Xiao