In Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You, Pikachu refuses to battle a Spearow for Ash, whom Pikachu hasn't yet seen as a fit trainer. In cases like Ash and Pikachu, Ash must learn to understand Pikachu before it is willing to battle with him. The consent involved in these bonds is often shown right from the start of a relationship, when the trainer captures a new Pokémon. The Pokémon animated series shows many examples of how trainer and Pokémon relationships should and shouldn't work.
