DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN POKEMON
Chapter 8: A Demonstration of Power
It had almost been a day since Ash, Professor Sycamore, Pikachu and Talonflame had left the Indigo Plateau back for Pallet Town and the crew were walking through Viridian Forest. Talonflame is currently resting in her pokeball while Pikachu was riding on Ash's shoulder.
"So how far is Pallet Town from here, Ash?", asked Professor Sycamore.
"Once we get out of the forest, it should be ahead of us. And we should be out of the forest soon judging from how long we've been walking in here.", said Ash, "I forgot to ask you. What did you need to see professor Oak for?"
"Ash, what if I told you that there was another evolutionary stage that only certain fully evolved pokemon can go under?", asked Professor Sycamore.
Ash's eyes lit up at this statement. "Really? That's awesome!"
"It is. It is what myself and other scientists call Mega Evolution. Although it it still a total mystery on how it truly works and what kinds of powers they hide, some research has already determined the identities of some pokemon that are capable of Mega Evolving and what kinds of powers they exhibit.", said Professor Sycamore.
"Sounds amazing. Is it like normal evolution?", asked Ash.
"I'm afraid not, Ash. There are several requirements to accomplish this. There is a stone that is called a Mega Stone that a pokemon needs while there is another special stone that the trainer needs called a Key Stone. If both are present, then Mega Evolution is possible. But the most important factor that is required is that the pokemon and trainer need an extremely close and near-unbreakable bond of friendship and trust in order for it to succeed.", explained Professor Sycamore.
"Is it permanent?", asked Ash.
"I'm sorry, but it isn't permanent. Once a battle is over, the pokemon revert to their previous stages, win or lose.", said Professor Sycamore, "But that is only the furthest our research has taken us. There are many other secrets still in hiding and perhaps there is a way to make it permanent."
"Oh, okay.", said Ash.
This really got him wondering if he currently had any pokemon that could Mega Evolve. If he did, then in would be a great factor that can help him win tough battles.
"Professor do you think that any of my pokemon can Mega Evolve?", asked Ash.
"Well, that depends of what pokemon you have in your team at the moment. I already know that you have Pidgeot, Gengar, Butterfree, Primeape, Pikachu and Talonflame. Do you have any others?", asked Professor Sycamore.
"Well, back at Professor Oak's, I have a Bulbasuar, Kingler, Squirtle, Muk, and thirty Tauros.", said Ash.
"Well, that's quite a good set you got there. As far as research on Kanto pokemon that are capable of Mega Evolving, the current pokemon that can Mega Evolve in your arsenal are Pidgeot and Gengar. But also Venusaur and Blastoise, if you can evolve Bulbasaur and Squirtle.", said Professor Sycamore.
"Wow. That's awesome. I'll make sure that my pokemon can master Mega Evolution as well.", said Ash.
"And before I forget, finding the correct Mega Stone for your pokemon can be tricky as they are hidden all over the land. They can be found in ruins, caves, forests and other hidden places.", said Professor Sycamore.
A sudden explosion went off through the trees ahead of them. This shook the ground a little bit, shocking Ash and Professor Sycamore.
"What was that?", said Professor Sycamore in sudden surprise.
"I don't know, but it doesn't sound like it was good. I think we'd better check it out.", said Ash.
"Right.", replied Professor Sycamore.
Ash and Professor Sycamore ran to the source of the explosion, with Pikachu holding on tight. They could suddenly hear two different voiced that sounded like pokemon. And by their sounds they were in a struggle.
"FEEAAAR FEARRR OOWWW!"
"BEEE BEEE!"
"We're getting close. The two voices are getting louder.", said Professor Sycamore.
They ran through some bushes to find the source of the explosion. There as a large bird-like pokemon wit ha red crest on its head fighting a Beedrill. The Beedrill looked ready to drop at any moment from the looks of its injuries. And it looked like it was holding an object on one of its stingers.
"It's a Fearow attacking that Beedrill. And it looks like the Beedrill is in big trouble.", said Professor Sycamore.
"Fearow? What pokemon is that?", said Ash, taking out his first Pokedex, Dexter.
"Fearow, The Beak Pokemon. The evolved form of Spearow. It's large, powerful wings allow it to fly for an entire day. The crushing power of its beak is tremendous.
"Professor, we need to help that Beedrill! It looks like it can't take another hit from the Fearow.", said Ash.
"Right. Why don't you give Talonflame a try? Lets see what she can do in battle with you.", suggested Sycamore.
"Okay. Talonflame, I choose you!", said Ash as he threw out Talonflame's pokeball and summoning her.
"We need to save that Beedrill from Fearow. Wanna help out?", asked Ash.
"Talon.", replied Talonflame with a nod.
"Okay then. Start thing off with a Flamethrower attack at the that Fearow.", said Ash.
Talonflame released a gush of flames from her mouth at the Fearow, hitting it square at the chest and dealing pain along with damage. Fearow looked for the source of the attack, finally landing eyes on Talonflame. But what surprised more was who commanded her to attack him. It was the same kid who threw that little rock at him when he was still a Spearow. Anger and revenge flooded his mind and he gave out a screech.
'Why would it be that angry if- Wait a minute, is that the same Spearow I accidentally threw the rock at? Oh man, talk about an ugly reunion.', thought Ash.
Suddenly, Fearow charged in with an attack that encloaked it with a white aura.
"Ash, that's Sky Attack! Tell Talonflame to dodge quickly!", said Professor Sycamore.
"Talonflame, fly up to dodge that attack.", said Ash.
Talonflame quickly flew out of the way, making Fearow miss his attack. But Fearow suddenly flew upwards after Talonflame and began to pick up some speed.
"It looks like Fear is using Agility to catch up to Talonflame. Tell her to use Flame Charge.", said Professor Sycamore.
"Talonflame, use Flame Charge.", said Ash.
Talonflame suddenly was encloaked in flames, but she looked like she was also picking up speed, also gaining some distance from Fearow.
"Flame Charge increases the speed of its user. It's very useful when trying to out run their opponents.", said Sycamore.
"Talonflame, keep using Flame Charge until you outrun Fearow and then use Fire Blast.", said Ash.
Talonflame's boy continuously was covered in flames, constantly picking up speed and further distancing Fearow away from her. She then turned around and began flying back at her opponent, setting a collision course between the two, but she released a star shaped fire shot from her mouth at Fearow. It was a direct hit, causing major damage on Fearow. But it remained in the air, using every last bit of energy it had left to keep itself in the air.
"Ash, I suggest you guys finish it. Tell Talonflame to use Quick Attack and then Steel Wing.", said Professor Sycamore.
"Tlaonflame, lets end it. Use Quick Attack to get in close and then use Steel Wing.", said Ash.
Talonflame's eyes sharpened as it sped off at lightning fast speed while coated in a white light. Fearow was barely focusing when he suddenly got hit by a pair of silver glowing wings. That caused him to tumble down to the ground, unconscious.
"Now that's done with, lets check up on Beedrill.", said Professor Sycamore.
The foursome rushed over to examine the fallen poison bee pokemon. It was covered in scratches and bruises. It was also unconscious, but still breathing. The little object was still in its needle.
"Ash, how far is Pallet Town from here?", asked Professor Sycamore.
"Not far now. In fact, we should be near the end of the forest and near the town's outskirts.", said Ash.
"We'll need to get to Professor Oak's laboratory so Beedrill can get treated. It on't survive long if we hestitate.", said Professor Sycamore.
Ash picked up the fallen Beedrill in his arms and the group wasted no time running to Pallet Town. They soon arrived at the exit of the forest and they found themselves standing at the edge of a hill. A small town was standing in the fields in front of them.
"There's Pallet Town. We'd better hurry.", said Ash.
Unknown to them, Beedrill was starting to slightly regain consciousness from his earlier fight. Although his vision was blurry, he felt his body being carried by someone. He looked up and saw what looked like a boy with black hair.
'Wh-wh-who is th-this? Where did that Fearow go? Did he s-save me? Is he here to steal my treasure too?', thought Beedrill in weakness and worry.
Unfortunately, the last things he felt and heard was being put on a flat surface and several voices of humans before falling into a deep sleep from a sedative that Professor Oak injected into him.
Can anybody guess what was the object that Beedrill was holding in his stinger?