Welcome back to A Promise Kept, Ash's Johto Journey. This is Mgunnels3 So, let's start with a promise that Ash should have made.
Chapter 1: A promise Kept the battle for a returning friend.
"Human Speach"
"Pokemon Speach"
Our heroes journeyed to the forest between Pallet Town and Viridian City to help Ash retrieve the Pokemon he promised to return for after his adventures in the Orange Islands.
Misty voiced her concern to Ash, asking if it was safe to return to the area given his experience with the Spearow flock and its leader. Ash acknowledged her concern with a nod.
"I understand your concern, Misty. However, I cannot break any promises as we are already on our way to Johto. It would be best to pick her up," Ash said to Misty. As he searched the forest, he hoped to find the spot where his Pokemon used to gather. The group eventually reached where Ash had last seen his Pokemon, and he noticed a larger group of Pidgey and Pidgeotto.
"I am surprised to see that the flock had grown since the last time I saw them almost a year ago before I left for the Orange Islands," Ash said while looking for a particular Pokemon. As the group looked up, they saw a giant bird-like Pokemon approaching them. "Hey, Pidgeot, I'm back like I promised," Ash said to his former teammate. Pidgeot nodded to him but still appeared worried about the Fearow flock.
"I understand your concern, and I share it too. Perhaps we can find a way to compromise or make a deal to resolve this situation. I admit that I made a mistake by throwing a rock at the leader, but as an inexperienced trainer, mistakes are bound to happen. Let's work towards ending this whole thing." Ash says to which Pidgeot nods at this. Unbeknownst to them, a Pidgeotto from the flock was eavesdropping and flew away. This particular Pidgeotto belonged to both flocks but had some issues with Pidgeot being in charge.
"Hey, Pidgeot, is it safe for one of your flock members to leave with everything currently happening between your flocks?" Pikachu asked, and Pidgeot noticed this and sighed.
"I am familiar with him. He was previously the son of the original leader of the flock and a family friend of mine. However, he has been distant and unhappy since I took over as the leader. His father allowed me to take charge after learning about the situation from the rest of the flock," Pidgeot explained that Pikachu had a suspicious look at the Pidgeotto flying off.
Meanwhile, back at the Fearow flock as the young Pidgeotto reported everything to the flock leader.
"So the trainer of the new leader has returned as they promised, right?" Fearow asked the young Pidgetto, who nodded.
"Her trainer is challenging you to a battle to ensure the flock's safety," Pidgeotto said to Fearow, which raised the Fearow's eyes.
"I'm curious about the human's intentions. Does he still want to catch me, or does he want to end this?"Fearow says to himself to the Pidgeotto.
"Do you have doubts about trusting the person based on your past experiences with them? Are you concerned that they may be planning something?" The Pidgeotto attempts to manipulate the Fearow by stirring up its disdain for Ash, although this hatred has lessened since Pidgeot defeated Pidgeotto in battle.
"Pidgeotto, I'm not sure. While I understand your desire to reunite with your group, I don't believe he will be a threat," Fearow questioned Pidgeotto and was shocked that Fearow was willing to listen to what Pidgeot's trainer was going to say, and his manipulation tactic wasn't working.
"Fearow, can we work together to help my flock? It would give us both a sense of closure," Pidgeotto advised Fearow that the flock had experienced problems with humans before, which made Fearow sigh in agreement and suspected that Pidgeotto had a reason for bringing it up.
"Alright, Pidgeotto, I would like to work towards reconciling with your group, as we had a falling out when Pidgeot assumed leadership,'' Fearow spoke to Pidgeotto and then redirected his attention to his group of birds.
"I will address the issue with the human that previously caused problems with our flock. I want to handle this on my own without involving the flock, regardless of the severity of the situation," Fearow said as the flock was interested in what he said. "I am willing to listen to his offer and the terms of the agreement, even if I lose. If it seems fair and reasonable, I will accept it. However, if it doesn't meet our expectations, our problems with him will persist." Fearow readies himself to fly off, "Now let's move!" he says as the flock flies off. The Pidgeottto shook his head.
"It's frustrating dealing with that stubborn person. I want to get back what's rightfully mine - the flock - and continue leading it, just like my father did in the past," Pidgeotto says. "Doesn't he realize that people are only interested in collecting Pokemon and don't care about their Pokemon's family, history, or aspirations outside the human world?" Pidgeotto takes off. Ash noticed that something was coming their way.
"I see Fearow approaching," Ash observes. Fearow isn't there to cause trouble but to listen to what Ash says. The rest of the flock is perched in the nearby trees alongside Pidgeotto, who has caught Pidgeot's attention.
"Figured that he was with you, Fearow," Pidgeot says to Fearow, acknowledging the young Pidgeotto as Fearow nods as she growls at him.
"Please don't worry, Pidgeot. I come in peace, intending to have a conversation and potentially find a peaceful resolution, depending on your trainer's offer," reassures Fearow. Pidgeot nods in agreement. Fearow clarifies, "Pidgeotto has been a member of both flocks before your leadership. This is a matter between Ash and myself, not involving any members of your flock," as Pidgeot calms down and Pidgeotto glares at them. While Ash couldn't understand the Pokemon language, Ash got the gist of what was said.
Ash addressed Fearow and the entire Spearow flock, assuring them he meant no harm and only wanted to find a peaceful solution. He was careful with his words, avoiding anything that might provoke an attack, and was willing to negotiate through either battle or a mutually-beneficial agreement.
"Please tell me, what conditions do you have for a battle if you win?" Fearow inquires, sensing that Ash wants to reconcile.
Ash proposed a fair deal - if he wins, the herd will be left alone, and the past incident on his first day as a trainer will be forgiven and forgotten. This was reasonable, considering that Fearow and the flock were unaware of the events leading up to the current situation.
"And if you lose?" Fearow asked to which Ash could tell he asked him that.
"I will give up my trainer's license in return, but please leave them alone. They did nothing to your flock other than they are in the same forest," Ash offers and pleads to Fearow. Fearow thinks about what had just been said to him and offers.
Fearow was surprised to see Ash go to such lengths to help a Pokemon. He was even more impressed by Ash's dedication, as he knew the risk involved in putting his trainer license on the line. "Honestly, I was willing to accept an apology or a different solution rather than risking his trainers," Fearow stated that the license was a first for anyone he had encountered before and then glanced over at Pidgeot. "Do you want to risk your trainer's career? From what I recall, he was after you that day, not me," Fearow inquired Pidgeot, who affirmed with a nod.
"I support Ash's decision. Although he tried to catch me when I was a young Pidgey, I can see that he has learned from his mistakes," states Pidgeot while her flock perches in the trees behind her.
"Okay, it's a deal," Fearow agreed with Pidgeot. Ash, Pidgeot, and Fearow all prepared for the upcoming battle. Meanwhile, Misty ran over to Ash, concerned about his decision.
"Ash, are you sure this isn't usually what trainers do to solve an issue like this?" Misty says to Ash, who looks down.
"I appreciate your concern, Misty, but I need to take responsibility for my mistake and resolve it right now," Ash explains to Misty and Brock, who both acknowledge and understand his decision.
"Ash, be careful. Okay, you haven't used Pidgeot since she evolved," Misty explains with concern.
"I will, Misty," Ash addressed Misty and then turned his attention to Fearow while Pidgeot stood before him. "Fearow, we're prepared to battle," Ash informed Fearow, who acknowledged with a nod. As Fearow and Pidgeot took to the sky, the trio assumed their battle stances. Ash displayed good sportsmanship by allowing Fearow to go first, but Fearow declined.
"Ladies first this time," Fearow suggested, pointing his wing at Pidgeot. Ash and Pidgeot nod.
"Let's go, Pidgeot! Use Wing Attack!" Ash instructs as Pidgeot's wings start to glow. Pidgeot successfully hits Fearow, but then Fearow retaliates with Drill Peck. "Quick, use Agility to dodge!" Ash commands and Pidgeot narrowly avoids the attack. However, during the dodge, Fearow clips Pidgeot's wing with a Wing Attack. Pidgeot recovers and charges with a Quick Attack, landing a brutal hit on Fearow.
"Impressive! I was worried you had given up after that attack," Fearow remarked. Its beak began to glow with energy, and Ash and Pidgeot observed as it unleashed a powerful hyper beam.
"Use Quick Attack to dodge," Ash orders. Pidgeot's wings glow steel-like as she rushes towards Fearow, successfully striking and sending him crashing. Ash is impressed by this move, as he has never seen it before. Fearow was struggling to get up. Impressed by this. Ash expresses concern to Fearow and advises against continuing, as it's not worth risking further injury. Fearow agrees, acknowledging that there's no point in causing more harm to itself when it's already been defeated.
"I know when I am beaten. It's not worth risking a damaged wing or worse," Fearow concedes.
"Keep going! You can defeat Fearow. Don't give up so easily," Pidgeotto urges, frustrated that Fearow surrendered after only a few attacks. Fearow shakes its head in response and glares at Pidgeotto.
Fearow responded to Pidgeotto, disagreeing with their statement that the win was unfair and stating that the victory was earned through fair means.
"No, you're wrong. Pidgeot used a move that isn't known here, and," Fearow interrupted him.
Fearow growled at the young Pidgeotto, questioning the importance of what happened there. Fearow emphasized the value of skill and understanding when someone is physically hurt and encouraged the pursuit of victory despite any obstacles.
Pidgeotto expressed disbelief when interrupted by Fearow, who charged up a powerful Hyper Beam. Pidgeotto quickly flew away, vowing to return and retrieve his family's flock. Fearow coughed, suggesting that the Hyper Beam was more of a warning than an actual attack.
Ash apologized to Fearow for his behavior on the day they first met. He expressed his regret and acknowledged that while it improved his relationship with Pikachu, it did not excuse his actions. Fearow listened attentively, understanding and accepting Ash's apology.
"As a trainer, I recognize that I have a lot of room for improvement. I realize that I have made some foolish mistakes that may have caused harm to others. So, I offer you my sincere apology for what occurred between us. Would you be willing to start anew and move forward, Fearow?" Ash inquired. After some contemplation, Fearow gave a nod of agreement.
"Once my Journey with Ash is complete, Fearow, I think it would be good to address the issues within our flocks. This area does not provide a suitable living environment for them. Perhaps the laboratory back in Pallet Town, protected by the league, would be a better option," Pidgeot says to Fearow, who nods.
"I understand that the situation is concerning, especially if it were to happen again. Don't worry, Pidgeot and I will care for the flock and ensure their safety. You can trust me to keep them out of harm's way," Fearow said to Pidgeot, who nodded in agreement. Fearow noticed that his flock was eager to bring back the peaceful times they had before. Although some members of Pidgeot's flock were initially hesitant, they eventually agreed to the idea of peace.
"Deal, if something does happen, one of my scouts is available. I am familiar with the region my trainer is going to," Pidgeot explained to Fearow, who nodded.
"Do you mean the region where your father came from? He was a highly respected Pidgeot. I'll stop there for the moment. It would be best if you started moving now," Fearow says as Pidgeot nods but is curious as to how he knew her father, but lets it go for now, turns to Ash, and nods.
"I'm ready to rejoin the team, Ash, without hesitation. I'm excited to embark on this Journey with you again," expressed Pidgeot. Ash acknowledged her readiness and retrieved her Pokeball.
"Welcome back to the team, Pidgeot! I'm thrilled to have you back," Ash returned her to her Pokeball, which made a sound indicating that a Pokemon had returned to its trainer after being released or abandoned.
Ash and his friends have settled the flock and promised to return. Now they can continue their Journey to Johto.
Stay Tuned.
Done. This took longer than I'd thought. Yes, I got rid of the awkward hug in the previous version. The heart was in the right place there, but man, was it cringy. The first episode of the Johto Journeys begins next chapter. See you all then.