Chapter 7: A Date to Remember

The next day, once they were back in Kanto, Goh showed Professor Cerise and Chloe his new Pokemon.

"Woah, he's so cool!"

"Congratulations, Goh. Now you're a Pokemon trainer!"

Yamper approached cautiously, sniffing the new Pokemon suspiciously. Once he had determined Scorbunny wasn't a threat, he licked him right on the face, making Scorbunny giggle as he chased the electric canine around the table, making Lillie giggle.

"He sure is an energetic sort, isn't he?"

"Ah, I wouldn't worry about it. Come on, Scorbunny! Let's go catch some more Pokemon!"

"Huh? But you just got back!"

"Sorry, but the call of adventure awaits!"

Ash, Lillie, and Chloe shook their heads.

"He sure is a loose canon."

"Tell me about it. Just once I wish he'd slow down. Anyway, I have to get to school. See ya!"

Chloe took her leave as well, leaving the two lovebirds alone.

"Now what shall we do?"

"Have about a walk through the woods? Its been a while since we've had some alone time."

"Sure! Let me go get my bag!"

A while later, the lovebirds were taking a stroll outside the city, hand in hand.

"Ah, this is nice! No assignments, no Pokemon growing giant, just the two of us and fresh air!"

"I agree! It hasn't been this quiet since Alola."

Their peace was short lived, sadly, as a large shape swooped down to attack them, the two of them just barely dodging in time. The large shape turned out to be a Fearow, making Ash groan.

"Oh man, not this again..."

"Wait, do you know this Pokemon?"

"Let's just say we have a history."

Indeed, this was the same Fearow that had attacked him and Pikachu at the beginning of his journey. 6 years later, and it still held that grudge, but this time Ash wasn't going to let it get away.

"Pikachu, use Electro Web!"

Pikachu jumped up, launching his electric net to ensnare Fearow, trapping him against a tree.

"Now get in close and hit him with Electro Ball!"

Pikachu jumped into the air, ready to deal the final blow, only for the whole flock of Spearow to swoop in and attack. Pikachu managed to ward off a few, but they were relentless, and he was starting to falter.

"Snowy, get in there and help!"

"Vul!"

Snowy jumped into the fray, releasing an Icy Wind that knocked a few out. But this just made her a target too, and half of the flock turned their attention to Snowy. All seemed lost, until...

"Pidgeot!"

A huge swarm of Pidgeotto and Pidgeot swooped in, knocking the invaders away. The lead Fearow finally managed to break free, only for the head Pidgeot to engage in battle. The two were neck in neck, but a timely placed Steel Wing from Pidgeot sent the Fearow crashing into a tree, knocking it out. Seeing his chance, Ash took out his Pokeball and threw it, finally capturing the menace. Seeing their leader captured, the Spearow flew away, never to be seen again.

"Phew, that was a close one! Good thing those Pidgeotto and Pidgeot came in."

"No doubt. And I have the feeling I know our saviors very well..."

The main Pidgeot flapped down, staring Ash down intently. Ash just smiled warmly, and held out his hand.

"Hello, old friend. Its been a while, hasn't it?"

Pidgeot smiled, and rubbed her head against Ash's chest. Pikachu joined in on the hug, happy to see his old friend again as well.

"Ash, you know her?"

"Of course, she used to be mine! She wasn't the second Pokemon I ever caught, and was one of my most loyal. But those Spearow and Fearow were causing trouble for a flock of Pidgey, so I left her to protect them."

Ash's face fell, remembering the promise he had failed to keep.

"I'm sorry I never came back. But I was worried if I took you, they'd come back, and..."

Pidgeot shook her head, rubbing Ash's chest in a sign of forgiveness. Ash smiled, and took out an empty Pokeball.

"But I don't think that's a problem now. So..."

Pidgeot turned to her flock, who gave their approval. Smiling, she tapped the Pokeball with a beak, returning to Ash's team once more. Ash was so happy, he almost cried.

"Welcome back, old friend. Just like old times..."

Ash wiped a few tears of joy out of his face, remembering the good old days back when he was just a rookie. Lillie placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Come on, let's get back."

"Yeah, you're right."

Later that night, after sending Fearow to a preserve that would take good care of it, the two of them said their goodbyes as they went off to bed. Ash couldn't help but smile, still happy to have his trusted Pidgeot back.

"First Ivysaur, now Pidgeot. Who will join our team next?"

"Pika!"

"Yeah, I can't wait to find out either."

Ash opened the door to his room, ready for a good night's sleep...

Only to find the most bizarre sight he had ever seen. Every Bug Type native to Kanto was in the room, having a party of some sort. And Goh was hanging from his bunk, wrapped in a thick cocoon of silk.

"Um, a little help please?"

Ash chuckled, and helped Goh out of his shell.

"Heh, thanks."

"Got a little carried away today, huh?"

"Yeah, I guess you could say that. So, how was your date?"

Ash chuckled, the good memories still fresh in his mind.

"Well, its a bit of a long story. Let's just say I met an old friend..."