Chapter 4: On Friendly Wings
With a new region calling him Ash set off from Pallet Town, his faithful Pokémon Pikachu and close friend Misty by his side. Though it had only been about 10 minutes since they left Pallet Town things were going very smoothly, giving Ash and Misty a chance to reminisce about their early days.
"Remember when we first got to Viridian City?" Misty asked.
Yeah. We ended up battling Team Rocket inside the Pokémon Center and Pikachu's Thundershock ignited Koffing's poison gas and caused an explosion that destroyed the Center," Ash said. "That seems like it happened a lifetime ago."
"It does, but it's only been a few years," Misty commented. "I wonder what all's changed."
"The only thing I know that's changed is the Gym Leader," Ash commented. "The last time I visited the Viridian Gym Agatha of the Elite 4 was standing in until the new Gym Leader arrived."
"That was back before you challenged the Battle Frontier, right?" Misty inquired. The two of them carried on without a care in the world, all the while not noticing three pairs of eyes watching them from the shadows.
"Well what do you know? Red's back," Meowth pointed out.
"I have a feeling she was the one who caused our most recent blast off," James suspected.
"If you're right then she has a lot to answer to!" Jessie fumed. "So hurry up and get us our giant robot, Meowth!"
"And how do you suppose I do that?! In case you haven't realized yet we're running low in the cash department!" Meowth complained.
"Wh-What are you saying?!" Jessie asked.
"Thanks to your coordinator expenses our wallets are just about empty!" Meowth told her. "In fact if you'd put as much effort into catching Pikachu as you do in being a coordinator we'd have him by now!" This earned the Scratch Cat Pokémon a sharp stomp on the head courtesy of Jessie.
"I don't want excuses! I want a giant robot!" she shrieked. Before any more harm could come to the Pokémon member of the trio James spoke up.
"P-Perhaps there's another way," he suggested. Jessie stopped her assault on Meowth to listen to what James had to say.
"Go on," she urged.
"Well, that redhead is the Cerulean City Gym Leader, right? If she's here then there's no one at her Gym," James pointed out.
"So?" Jessie questioned.
"Why don't we steal the Pokémon from the Gym before she gets back," James suggested.
"That sounds like a good plan to me," Meowth said. Unfortunately Jessie didn't agree.
"I didn't chase this twerp around for all those years just to take the easy way out! I want Pikachu and I'm going to get Pikachu!" she declared.
"But Jessie…"
"No buts! Now hurry up and come up with a plan to snatch that Pikachu!" she demanded. The two of them each let out a defeated sigh as Jessie stormed off.
"Sometimes I wonder if this is all worth it," James mumbled.
"You're not the only one," Meowth added. They decided to do as Jessie had asked and come up with a plan, if only to avoid her wrath later.
Close to an hour had passed before Ash and Misty decided to stop for a short break. They found a small field to stop and have lunch. The mid-day sun blanketed everyone with its warming rays, giving the two of them a positive outlook on the road ahead.
"Today is just so perfect I can't think of anything that can ruin it," Ash commented.
"I know. I don't even think Team Rocket can ruin this day," Misty agreed.
"Better not speak too loud. They may be listening," Ash joked. While the two of them joked about Team Rocket Pikachu and Marill were running about chasing each other. Their game, and the peaceful day, was interrupted by a violent tremor that shook the ground.
"W-What's g-going o-on?!" Ash shouted. He got his answer when the ground exploded upwards, revealing a massive robot that looked a lot like a Golem with a red "R" on its stomach.
"What is that thing?!" Misty asked. Before she could get her answer the air was filled with evil laughter.
"Oh no… not them again," Ash whined.
"Listen! Is that a distressed twerp I hear?!
He whines to me loud and clear!
On the winds!
Past the stars!
In your ears!
We bring chaos at a break-neck pace!
Dashing all hope, putting fear in its place!
A rose by any other name's just as sweet!
When everything's worse our work is complete!
Jessie!
James!
Meowth's the name!
Putting you do-gooders in your place!
Team Rocket!
In your face!
Wobbuffet!
Mime Mime Mime!"
"Team Rocket!" everyone shouted.
"You were expecting someone else?" Jessie asked.
"What do you want this time?!" Ash yelled.
"What we want every time… Pikachu!" Jessie responded.
"Not a chance!" Ash declared.
"You don't have a choice in the matter!" Jessie countered. "Explain, Meowth."
"Our Go-Go Golem can take whatever Pikachu can throw at us without flinching!" Meowth bragged.
"Really?! I'd like to test that!" Ash declared. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" With a loud battle cry Pikachu unleashed a Thunderbolt on Team Rocket's machine, but just as Meowth had said the attack did nothing.
"What did we tell you! Pikachu's attacks are useless against us!" Jessie gloated. While she bragged Misty stepped up.
"You may be protected from Pikachu's attacks but not my Marill's! Water Gun!"
"(One Water Gun, coming up!)" the Aquamouse Pokémon shouted. She inhaled deeply and spewed a powerful stream of water at Team Rocket's machine.
"Oh no you don't! Wobbuffet, Mirror Coat!" On her command the Patient Pokémon in front of the incoming attack, his body giving off a white glow. The Water Gun struck him and bounced right back at Marill.
"Marill, look out!" Misty shouted. She tried to dodge, but there was no way she would get out of the way in time. Just as the reflected attack was about to hit Pikachu jumped in the way and hit it with an Iron Tail, effectively destroying the attack.
"(Thanks, Pikachu,)" Marill said. The Mouse Pokémon smiled and gave her a thumbs up.
"You may have saved your friend, but who's going to save you?!" Jessie yelled. "Do it, Meowth!"
"Activating grabber arm!" With a push of a button the robot's mouth opened and a rubber hand shot out, heading right for Pikachu. Fortunately Ash was one step ahead, grabbing a Poké Ball and throwing it out.
"Gible, Dragon Pulse!" The Poké Ball opened and Ash's Dragon type appeared, blasting the hand with Dragon Pulse. The light blue orb shattered the hand, infuriating Team Rocket.
"Hey! This thing ain't cheap, you know!" Meowth griped.
"Like I care!" Ash replied. "Gible, use Dig!" The Land Shark Pokémon ran towards the machine, diving into the ground a few feet in front of it.
"Where did he go?" James asked. Then, as if to answer his question, Gible popped out of the ground.
"(Here I am!)" he called.
"There he is! Grab him!" Jessie yelled. The massive robot reached for him, but Gible was much too fast and dug back underground.
"Now where did he go?!" Meowth yelled. Seconds later Gible appeared from a different spot.
"(Over here!)" he taunted.
"There!" Jessie shouted. Once again they tried to grab him and once again Gible dug back underground before they could.
"(This way!)" Miss.
"(Haha! Too slow!)" Miss.
"(Can't catch me!)" Miss. This went on for a few minutes, Gible constantly taunting Team Rocket before retreating underground.
"Would you hold still, you little runt!" Jessie shrieked. Meanwhile Misty was wondering if Ash had a plan.
"While I enjoy seeing Team Rocket get made fools of just what are you trying to do?" she asked.
"Just wait. You'll see," Ash replied. Gible popped out of the ground one last time and landed in front of Team Rocket's robot. Jessie glared down at the Land Shark Pokémon.
"I've had just about enough of your games!" she roared. "Now you're going to pay for making us look like fools!" She took control of the machine and took a step forward. As soon as the robot's foot hit the ground it fell through, the rest of the robot following soon after.
"Hey, what happened?!" Jessie yelled.
"I don't know!" James replied.
"Yes, it worked!" Ash cheered.
"What worked?" Misty asked, slightly confused.
"By having Gible constantly using Dig to tunnel underneath the robot the ground was weakened enough to cause it to cave-in under the robot's weight," Ash explained. To say Misty was impressed would have been an understatement.
"Amazing. Where did you…"
"Something I learned in my Gym battle against Byron," Ash said, knowing exactly what she was going to ask.
"Hurry up and get us out of this hole!" Jessie demanded.
"I'm trying but I can't get the controls to work right!" James whined.
"Why don't we let Gible help you out!" Ash suggested. "Draco Meteor!" The Land Shark Pokémon opened his mouth wide, an orange sphere the size of his mouth beginning to form.
"I think this is going to hurt!" Meowth screamed. Seconds later Gible spat out the orange sphere, sending it right at Team Rocket. The Draco Meteor struck the robot, detonating it instantly.
"I told you we should have went after the Gym's Pokémon!" James yelled.
"So I made a mistake! Sue me!" Jessie griped.
"I'll see you in court then!" Meowth chimed in. "As for now…"
"Team Rocket's blasting off again!" they cried, vanishing in the distance.
"There they go again," Misty commented.
"Yup," Ash agreed. "Good job, Gible."
"(Thanks!)" the Land Shark Pokémon said. With a smile Ash returned him to his Poké Ball. With Team Rocket gone the group prepared to head out again, but before they could Pikachu and Marill's ears perked up.
"What is it?" Ash asked.
"(There's someone else here,)" Pikachu warned. Ash and Misty began looking around, trying to see who, or what else was there with them.
"Can you see anything?" Misty asked.
"No," Ash said. "Where are they, Pikachu?" A few more twitches of his ears gave Pikachu the answer to Ash's question. He turned and looked back at Ash, a nervous look on his face.
"(… we're surrounded,)" he gulped.
"S-Surrounded?!" Ash stuttered. As soon as the word left his mouth the sky became filled with a flock of angry Pokémon.
"T-Those look like…"
"Spearow!" Ash shouted.
"(You think they're from the same flock from the day we first started off?)" Pikachu questioned.
"I don't know, but right now we have to find a way out of here!" Ash said.
"That's easier said than done!" Misty shrieked. Looking around they saw the Spearow had them completely surrounded, leaving them with no possible escape option.
"What do we do now?!" Misty asked.
"There's not much we can do outside of battling our way through them!" Ash answered. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
"(You got it, Ash!)" Pikachu quickly unleashed a massive Thunderbolt, striking many of the Spearow. Unfortunately for every one he brought down two more took its place.
"Pikachu's going to need some help with this," Misty commented. "Marill, Ice Beam!" The small Water type added her Ice Beam to Pikachu's Thunderbolt in an attempt to take down as many Spearow as they could, but even with their combined attacks the Spearow still greatly outnumbered them. Within minutes both Pokémon were worn out.
"This isn't getting us anywhere. All we're doing is wiping our Pokémon out," Misty pointed out.
"I know, but right now we don't have any other options," Ash said. "We have to break through them somehow." Before they could come up with an alternative strategy one of the Spearow let out an angry squawk. At that moment the entire flock dove at them.
"Ash, use one of your other Pokémon!" Misty shouted. Realizing he had no other choice Ash reached for a Poké Ball.
"Okay, let's go…" Before he could throw the ball a second flock appeared, this one consisting of Pidgey and Pidgeotto.
"Oh man, now what?!" Misty groaned. It looked like they'd have to battle against two flocks of Pokémon, but to their surprise the Spearow flock stopped their attack and grouped together, glaring at the Pidgey and Pidgeotto.
"I don't think these guys like each other," Misty observed.
"You may be right," Ash agreed. While they watched the standoff between the two flocks a Pidgeot flew to the front of the Pidgey and Pidgeotto flock.
"(I thought I ordered you to cease your attacks on travelers!)" Pidgeot chirped.
"(You have no authority in our flock! You are not our leader!)" one of the Spearow squawked.
"(I have authority over this entire area! If I tell you to stop your attacks then you are to obey!)" the Bird Pokémon angrily said.
"(Your authority is only temporary! Our leader is the rightful ruler of these skies!)" the Spearow declared.
"(If he wishes to challenge me for that title then I shall gladly face him,)" Pidgeot responded. "(Tell him I will battle him whenever he wishes.)"
"(Then you will come to the clearing in the center of the forest in one hours time,)" the Spearow instructed. "(There, our leader will defeat you once and for all, and then we shall rule the skies once again!)" Then, with a chorus of loud squawks the Spearow all retreated. With the tense stand-off now over the Pidgey, Pidgeotto and Pidgeot landed. Ash, Misty and their Pokémon looked around in awe of the flock.
"Wow… to think they drove those Spearow off just by showing up," Misty said.
"I know," Ash agreed. "Thanks for helping us back there." The Pidgeot looked at them with a smile.
"(You're welcome… Ash.)" Ash was shocked to hear the Pidgeot speak his name.
"H-How do you know my name?" he gasped. The Bird Pokémon chuckled.
"(Come now. It may have been a few years but I doubt if you've forgotten me already,)" he chirped. It took a while for Ash to figure out what he was saying, but when he did a huge smile broke out on his face.
"No way! Pidgeot! It's you!" Overjoyed Ash ran up and hugged his old friend.
"It's been too long! How have you been?!" he exclaimed.
"(I've been very well, and it appears as though you have been doing well for yourself as well,)" Pidgeot observed.
"(Good to see you again, Pidgeot!)" Pikachu greeted.
"Hi, Pidgeot," Misty said.
"(Misty, Pikachu. I am glad to see you are well,)" Pidgeot said.
"So, what was with those Spearow? It seems like you've got a history with them," Ash commented.
"(That I do,)" Pidgeot sighed. "(You see, they belong to the flock that you helped me battle all those years ago.)"
"You mean the one lead by that Fearow?" Misty inquired.
"(I do,)" Pidgeot answered. "(When I defeated him he went into seclusion for a while. Lately though his flock have been attacking random travelers who wander into this area of the forest. I've tried to stop them but not even I can patrol the entire forest by myself.)"
"What about having your own flock go on patrol," Misty suggested.
"(Believe me, they help as much as they can, but even with my entire flock helping me his Spearow still manage to launch a few successful attacks,)" Pidgeot said. "(It's gotten to the point where I feel the only way to make him stop is to defeat him in battle once and for all.)"
"Like what that Spearow suggested?" Ash asked. "Is there anything we can do to help?"
"(I appreciate the offer, but this is something I must do myself,)" he told them.
"Oh," Ash said, slightly disappointed. "Well, at least let us be there to give you some moral support."
"(I would appreciate that greatly,)" Pidgeot chirped.
"Alright then! Let's go!" Ash shouted as he began to walk off.
"Just a minute, Ash. Do you even know where the clearing is?" Misty questioned. That stopped Ash in his tracks, for he didn't know. He looked back towards them ,nervously laughing while scratching the back of his head.
"Oops… guess I got a bit carried away," he admitted.
"You tend to do that a lot," Misty sighed.
"(The more things change the more they stay the same, I supposed,)" Pidgeot sighed.
With Pidgeot guiding them they arrived at the clearing within the hour. It was quite a large clearing with many boulders dotting the landscape. Pidgeot landed on one of the boulders while Ash, Misty and their Pokémon stood nearby. The Pidgey and Pidgeotto took residence in the trees behind them. They all looked around for either the Fearow or Spearow, but there was no sign of them.
"You think we got here too soon?" Ash asked.
"(No. He's here,)" Pidgeot said.
"Are you sure?" Misty questioned.
"(Positive,)" Pidgeot replied.
"Okay. So then, where is he?" Ash wondered.
"(Right here!)" A massive shadow passed over head, and seconds later the Fearow Pidgeot was waiting for landed on the boulder in front of them.
"(I was wondering when you'd show your face,)" Pidgeot spat.
"(You doubted me? I have more honor than that,)" the Fearow countered.
"(Don't you dare speak of honor!)" Pidgeot demanded. "(How can you speak of having honor when you deliberately disobey my order to cease your attacks in this area?!)"
"(When I defeat you here and reclaim my position as ruler of these skies that will no longer be an issue,)" Fearow declared.
"(For once we agree on something. After today it will no longer be an issue, but not because you will defeat me, but because should you lose you and your flock must leave the forest,)" Pidgeot announced. Ash and Misty both gasped, neither of them expecting things to get this serious.
"This is getting real intense real fast," Misty commented.
"No kidding," Ash agreed. "Both sides have a lot to lose in this one."
"(Well, do you accept these conditions?)" Pidgeot asked.
"(Let me get this straight… if I win I rule the skies once again, but if I lose my flock and I must leave the forest. Am I understanding these terms correctly?)" the Fearow questioned.
"(You are,)" Pidgeot answered. "(Well, what is your answer?)"
"(Seems like if I do accept I'll have much more to lose than you,)" Fearow complained. "(Give me one good reason why I should accept?)"
"(Like you would pass up an opportunity to face me in battle,)" Pidgeot countered. "(Besides, you were the one who wanted to face me. I'm just upping the stakes.)" The Fearow smirked.
"(You are right about that. I wouldn't pass up a chance to fight you… and neither would my flock!)" He let out a loud squawk, and seconds later the Spearow flock from before appeared.
"What the?!" Ash shouted.
"He had this planned!" Misty yelled.
"(I should have known you'd pull something like this!)" Pidgeot accused.
"(Yes, you should have,)" Fearow taunted.
"(Good thing we did!)" From behind them the flock of Pidgey and Pidgeotto appeared, evening the sides. Looking back and forth between the two flocks Ash and Misty had a feeling this could get ugly in a hurry.
"Pikachu, Marill, stay ready. We don't know what could happen here," Ash instructed.
"(Right,)" Pikachu said. Both he and the Aquamouse Pokémon huddled in front of their trainers.
"(Do you still wish to fight me now that the sides are even, or will you turn tail and flee now that you no longer have the unfair advantage?)" Pidgeot asked. While it was true that he wanted to come into this battle with some kind of advantage he wasn't about to back off and let Pidgeot win that easily.
"(I'll defeat you, advantage or no!)" With a angry squawk the Fearow took flight and charged Pidgeot, his wings taking on a silver glow.
"He's using Steel Wing!" Ash pointed out. As Fearow close din Pidgeot remained motionless, almost as if he were waiting for something.
"What's Pidgeot waiting for?! If he doesn't attack Fearow's going to win!" Misty shouted. Despite her concerns Pidgeot still sat there waiting.
"(Don't plan on moving, do you?! You're making this too easy!)" Fearow squawked. Shortly after his attack hit, destroying the boulder Pidgeot was on and kicking up a thick dust cloud.
"No, Pidgeot!" Ash screamed. Misty gasped in shock while Pikachu and Marill stared in disbelief.
"(Haha, that was too easy!)" Fearow gloated. "(And to think I was actually expecting a… what?!)" Instead of seeing a defeated Pidgeot all that remained from Fearow's attack was a shattered boulder.
"(Where is he?!)" he squawked angrily.
"(Right here!)" Fearow turned to his left and Saw Pidgeot hovering a few feet away.
"(Why you…)"
"(Or am I here?!)" Turning around he saw yet another Pidgeot.
"(Or perhaps here?!)" Pretty soon Fearow found himself surrounded by countless Pidgeot.
"Is he using Double Team?" Misty asked.
"Yeah. I wonder when he learned that?" Ash questioned.
"(Come out of hiding, coward!)" Fearow demanded.
"(Coward?! Hah! That's a joke coming from someone who didn't even have the integrity to face me one on one!)" Pidgeot retorted.
"(Get out here and fight me! Then we'll see who the real joke is!)" Fearow squawked.
"(Very well!)" All the copies vanished, leaving the real Pidgeot. The two Flying types glared at each other, each waiting for the other to make the first move.
"Whoever makes the first move is either going to win or be at a huge disadvantage," Misty commented. Ash was too focused on the two Flying types to really pay attention to what Misty was saying at the time. The stand-off went on e for a few more minutes before the Fearow grew tired of waiting.
"(If you're not going to attack then I will!)" he squawked. With a flap of his wings he charged towards Pidgeot, his beak spinning rapidly.
"That's Drill Peck!" Ash shouted.
"If that hits Pidgeot's going to get hurt!" Misty warned. Despite the danger involved Pidgeot remained calm. Just when it looked like Fearow would make contact Pidgeot seemed to vanish in mid-air. Then, a split-second later, he slammed into Fearow with Quick Attack.
"Whoa! How did Pidgeot move so fast?!" Misty asked.
"I think he used Agility to dodge and then attacked with Quick Attack," Ash explained. "Man, Pidgeot's gotten good over the years." Pikachu glanced back at Ash, noticing a particular look in his eyes. It was also one Pikachu recognized immediately.
"(Looks like we'll be heading to Legenda with one more ally.)"
"(You think one little sneak attack is going to be enough to stop me?!)" Fearow squawked.
"(No… but this will!)" Pidgeot showed off his speed by rapidly charging Fearow, his wings giving off a white glow.
"Looks like Pidgeot wants to end this with Wing Attack," Misty remarked. Unfortunately Fearow realized this and showed off his remarkable speed, easily dodging Pidgeot's Wing Attack and retaliating with his own. Pidgeot hit the ground hard, leaving him stunned for a bit.
"Look out, Pidgeot!" Ash warned. The Bird Pokémon looked up to see Fearow diving down at him with Drill Peck.
"(I've got you now!)" the Beak Pokémon shrieked.
"(Not this time!)" Pidgeot countered. Before Fearow's Drill Peck made contact he folded his wing in front of him, the appendage glowing a bright silver. When Fearow's attack hit it bounced right off, causing a bit of damage to Fearow in the process.
"What happened?" Misty asked.
"I think Pidgeot protected himself with Steel Wing," Ash guessed.
"I never remember Pidgeot ever learning Steel Wing," Misty commented.
"I don't either. He must have learned it since we parted," Ash said. As they continued to watch Pidgeot's body took on a slight shine. Seconds later his beak began to spin as he pecked Fearow, earning a squawk of pain from his adversary.
"How did Pidgeot use Drill Peck? He can't learn that, can he?" Ash asked.
"No. He must have used Mirror Move," Misty explained. While Fearow was still stunned Pidgeot took to the skies again, flying in a big loop before charging Fearow once again. Streaks of white flowed from his beak, giving away his next attack.
"He's using Aerial Ace!" Ash shouted, being very familiar with the attack. Fearow recovered and looked up just in time to have Pidgeot strike him with the attack, knocking him to the ground hard. Fearow glared up ad Pidgeot, a pained look on his face. Moments later he collapsed in defeat.
"He won!" Ash cheered.
"Way to go, Pidgeot!" Misty shouted. Pikachu, Marill and Pidgeot's flock also cheered for his hard fought victory. The only ones not happy were Fearow and his flock.
"(You may have won the battle… but I shall win the war! Attack!)" On his command the entire Spearow flock charged Pidgeot, intent on succeeding where their leader did not.
"Hey! The battle's over!" Ash yelled.
"Talk about a sore loser," Misty commented. "Alright, Marill! Stop them with Ice Beam!" The Aquamouse Pokémon ran forward and fired off an Ice beam, freezing many of the Spearow. Unfortunately there were more than she could handle alone.
"Pikachu, help out with Thunderbolt!" Ash yelled. Pikachu ran up next to Marill and unleashed a Thunderbolt, the two attacks dropping Spearow left and right. When they were done much of the flock had been taken out, but many still remained.
"There's too many!" Ash shouted. "Pikachu and Marill can't take them all on their own!" Just when it looked like they would be overwhelmed the Pidgey and Pidgeotto took flight, intercepting the Spearow with Quick Attack. Fearow looked on in disbelief as his flock was dropped one by one. As he looked at his defeated flock Pidgeot had one last message for him.
"(Because you refuse to obey me you and your flock are hereby banished from this forest!)" he declared. "(Neither you or your flock are to ever return!)" Fearow glared at Pidgeot. He wanted nothing more than to take him down right then and there, but he wasn't about to attempt it with all the back-up Pidgeot had at the moment. Thoroughly defeated Fearow called his flock to him as they flew away and out of the forest.
"(Hopefully this will be the last time they cause anyone any problems,)" Pidgeot said. "(Thank you for your help.)"
"I'm just glad things didn't get too bad," Ash said.
"(As am I,)" Pidgeot agreed. With the situation involving Fearow and the Spearow flock now resolved Ash decided to ask a very important question.
"Pidgeot… do you remember what I told you before I headed to Johto?" he asked.
"(Of course. You said that one day you'd come back for me,)" the Bird Pokémon said, remembering that day as if it were just yesterday. Ash then looked at him and smiled.
"Well, today is that day," he announced. "I'm heading to the Legenda region and I'd really like to have you there with me. What do you say?" To say Pidgeot was surprised by Ash's offer would be an understatement.
"(I… wow… this was unexpected,)" Pidgeot stuttered.
"I can imagine," Ash admitted. "Still, I really want you back on the team."
"(Believe me, Ash, I want nothing more than to travel with you once again,)" Pidgeot said. "(The thing is…)"
"(You… can't come, can you,)" Ash sighed.
"(It's not that I don't want to. It's just… the flock needs me,)" Pidgeot replied. "(They rely on me for protection and I can't just abandon them like that. You understand, right?)"
"Well, when you put it that way I can see why you need to stay," Ash said. "Still, I really wish you could have come along."
"(I know. I'm sorry to have disappointed you,)" Pidgeot said. "(I wish you well in Legenda, Ash.)"
"Thanks. Good luck with you and your flock," Ash said. With that said he, Misty and their Pokémon started to leave the forest. Pidgeot could only watch sadly as they left.
"(Well, there they go,)" he sighed.
"(If you want to go with him that badly then go.)" Pidgeot spun around and saw that one of the Pidgeotto had spoken up. This one was a bit larger than the rest, indicating that he was also a bit older.
"(Are you sure? You don't need me here?)" Pidgeot asked, secretly hoping they didn't.
"(If anything we need to learn to be self-reliant,)" the Pidgeotto admitted. "(For too long we've relied on you to fight our battles. It's kept us from being as strong as we should be.)"
"(We have to learn to stand on our own two talons, to fight our own battles,)" a young Pidgey added. It filled Pidgeot with a sense of pride to hear them saying this.
"(If this is truly what you want,)" he questioned.
"(It is,)" the Pidgeotto said. "(Go be with your trainer. We'll be fine.)" Looking over the flock Pidgeot could tell they all felt the same way. With a nod of approval he took flight to go catch up with Ash and Misty.
"(Good luck, Pidgeot… and thank you for everything you've done for us,)" the Pidgeotto silently said.
Ash and Misty made good time, exiting the forest to the north shortly after leaving Pidgeot and his flock. Both of them and their Pokémon still had the memory of what happened running through their heads.
"You think Pidgeot and his flock will be okay?" Misty asked.
"I'm sure they will," Ash told her. "Though I would have liked to have Pidgeot with me right now."
"He had to stay behind to protect his flock," Misty reminded him.
"I know," Ash replied. "I hope they'll all be okay." The group continued on for a bit when…
"(Ash! Wait up!)" They stopped and looked towards the voice. To their surprise Pidgeot landed in front of them.
"What are you doing here, Pidgeot? I thought you'd be with your flock," Ash remarked.
"(They… won't be needing me,)" Pidgeot told him.
"They won't? Why not?" Misty asked.
"(They've convinced me that they'll be fine on their own, so I'm now free to go with you to Legenda, Ash,)" he explained. This filled Ash with great joy. He ran to his old friend and threw his arms around him.
"That's great, Pidgeot!" he cheered. "It'll be just like old times!"
"(That it will, Ash,)" Pidgeot agreed. Reaching for his belt Ash grabbed an empty Poké Ball and enlarged it. He then tapped Pidgeot on his head, transforming the Bird Pokémon into red energy. He was then drawn inside the ball. No attempts to escape were made as the indicator on the front of the ball flashed three times before the familiar 'ping' of a successful capture rang out.
"Welcome back, old friend," Ash said with a smile, looking down at Pidgeot's Poké Ball.
"(Alright! We got Pidgeot back!)" Pikachu cheered.
"Looks like you'll be going with five instead of four," Misty commented.
"Yeah," Ash agreed. Now with one more Pokémon on the team the group continued on their way towards Cerulean City.
Weeks later the group arrived in Cerulean City. With ticket in hand Ash and Misty headed for the docks so Ash could board the ship headed for Legenda. After showing his ticket to eh harbormaster Ash was allowed on the ship, and not a moment too soon. Right after he boarded the whistle sounded, signaling the last call for anyone who was to board.
"Looks like we got here just in time," Ash remarked.
"(Yeah,)" Pikachu agreed. Minutes later the gangplank was drawn in and the ship set sail. As they sailed away from the docks Ash could see Misty waving to him.
"So long, Ash! Good luck in Legenda!" she called.
"Goodbye, Misty! Keep up the work at the Gym!" Ash replied.
"(Bye, Misty!)" Pikachu called. Ash and Pikachu continued to wave until the docks were out of sight. Their thoughts then turned to the adventure that awaited them.
"Legenda region… here we come!" Ash announced. The two of them were so excited that neither of them noticed a periscope appearing above the waves. Down below Team Rocket's Magikarp sub followed closely behind the ship.
"It doesn't matter where you go to," Jessie said.
"We'll follow right behind you," James added.
"And we'll eventually capture Pikachu," Meowth finished.
"Wobbuffet."
And thus Ash and Pikachu's trip to Legenda officially begins. With Pidgeot back on the team and the ever persistent Team Rocket still on their tails things are sure to stay exciting. What new adventures await them? Find out in the next chapter of Search for Power!
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