The next day Ash found a nice secluded bit of grassland and let Pidgeotto out.
So, I don't know if you were listening… You know, I've never asked, but when you're in your pokéball how do you hear? Ash scratched at his head. Are you always listening?
Nah, Pidgeotto shook her head. It's more like a nice, light nap where you're sort of awake, but not really? So, the sounds are there, but unless it's something big, or interesting, or you feel like waking up, you don't really notice them.
Oh, alright, Ash nodded. Anyway-
This idiot has decided to enter a race that he isn't qualified for, Pikachu interrupted, leaning between the other two. And now he wants to see if you want to try to evolve in the next week so he can join the race and ride you.
Hey!
Was anything I said incorrect? Pikachu asked, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow.
Yeah, I'm not an idiot! Ash protested.
Really? You're going to say that after you pulled this stunt? Pikachu's expression didn't change.
Yes, because we can make it work! Ash exclaimed, turning back to Pidgeotto. Do you want to give it a shot?
Evolution, huh….. Pidgeotto looked off into the distance. I haven't thought about that in a while. Not since, well, I evolved.
Why didn't you? Ash asked.
No idea, I just didn't, Pidgeotto shrugged her wings. I guess I was more worried about making sure that I didn't starve….. though now that I think back, it was nice not having to worry about predators.
You couldn't have been that carefree! Pikachu exclaimed, crossing his arms. I know pidgeottos still have predators.
There aren't many in the Viridian Forest, Pidgeotto replied. Not in the areas I lived. I was more concerned with getting enough food. Evolving meant I had to eat so much more.
Yeah, stuff like pichus, Pikachu muttered. Flying menace.
Anyway, Ash said loudly, stepping between Pikachu and Pidgeotto. What do you think about trying to evolve this week? Do you want to do it? Do you think you can do it?
I…. I think I would like to, Pidgeotto admitted. I don't know if I can, but I want to try.
Great! Ash exclaimed with a smile. Then let's do our best this week!
Well, this should be entertaining, Pikachu sighed.
Intense training began that very day. Ash came up with a series of drills for Pidgeotto, involving flying obstacle courses, practicing attacks, and maneuvering with weights. He had asked some of the people around the ranch for tips on how the weights should be used, so he could be reasonably certain that it was safe for Pidgeotto.
After the drills it was time for lunch and then an intense series of practice battles. Pidgeotto ended up battling Bulbasaur, Charmander, Butterfree, and finally Pikachu multiple times before dinner.
Why did I agree to this? Pidgeotto asked as she dragged herself off of the ground, the occasional spark jumping off of her feathers.
Yeah, I'm sort of confused why you would listen to this idiot myself, Pikachu said. But then again, I guess I'm just that smart. Ready for the next round?
Oh, like you can talk, Bulbasaur rolled his eyes at Pikachu. You're the one that he actually asked to come with him.
And you volunteered to come with, so I don't see your point.
He listened to me when I asked to join his team. You listened to him when he asked you to join his team. Bulbasaur smirked. So, by your own logic…
Do you feel up for another round? Ash asked Pidgeotto while Pikachu and Bulbasaur bickered.
I could use a break actually, Pidgeotto confessed. And a potion.
Sure, Ash held out an arm for Pidgeotto to perch on and then went off to find a place to rest. He sat down on a large rock, treated Pidgeotto with a potion, and then sat back to enjoy the view of the sun setting over the snow.
We'll probably need to head back soon, Ash commented as the light changed color.
Good, Pidgeotto groaned. I don't know how much more of this I can take.
You do remember that we've got a week of this to go, right?
Oh, no, Pidgeotto moaned, slumping against the rock. Why did I agree to this again?
Because you want to evolve?
I knew it had to be something, Pidgeotto sighed.
If you don't want to do this, we can quit, Ash reassured the flying type, stroking the top of her head. I won't mind.
No, Pidgeotto shook her head. I want to at least try to do this.
Thanks then, Ash said. There was a lull and then Ash asked, Do you have any idea what it's going to be like to be a pidgeot? Were any of your folks pidgeots?
No, Pidgeotto answered, raising her head from the stone. My father was a fearow and my mother was a pidgeotto.
Oh. Did you have any siblings?
Four. I was the middle chick, Pidgeotto answered, staring at the sunset drenched snow.
What was it like?
Annoying, Pidgeotto grunted, standing back up. I got pushed around by the older chicks, who hatched a few days earlier, and most of my parent's attention was given to my younger siblings, who hatched late.
That…. that doesn't seem…. I mean that was… that was something they did wrong, Ash finally said.
I don't hold it against them, Pidgeotto replied. It was a tough job raising us all until we were ready to leave the nest and they did the best that they could. If they had paid more attention to me then maybe Little Swooper would've died sooner.
One of your siblings didn't make it?
Three didn't actually, Pidgeotto answered. Starvation got them. Little Swooper died the first winter after he left the nest, Talons that Strike died two years later, and then Midday Wings died last year.
I'm sorry, Ash said, putting a hand on Pidgeotto's back.
It's okay, we weren't close, Pidgeotto said, staring at the sunset. I left the nest as soon as I could. I only heard about their deaths because I liked to gossip with some of the spearows who passed through the forest.
Do you still talk to anyone from your family?
I've run into my parents a few times, Pidgeotto said. They've raised a few more clutches since mine. Nobody in their latest one's died yet. I've run into Swift Striking Wings a few times. We chat.
You don't consider the other clutches your siblings?
Not really? Pidgeotto shrugged. I've never shared a nest with them. I've never even met them. I don't want to meet them either. I liked living alone.
Do you not like being on the team then?
No, actually it's been good, Pidgeotto said, turning to look at Ash. I can't say that I ever thought of how it might have been to live like this, but I think it's better than I would have expected.
That's great! Ash said, smiling.
I never would have expected to get along with an arrogant pikachu or a grumpy bulbasaur, Pidgeotto went on. I think it's thanks to you.
Me?
Well, you keep the peace, you keep us well fed, and you stop us from eating each other.
Well, I mean, that's just how we met, Ash said, grinning and rubbing the back of his head. But thanks for saying that.
The two were quiet for a minute as they enjoyed the sunset.
You ready for a few more rounds? Ash asked.
I guess, Pidgeotto sighed, getting up. Just make sure you've got another potion ready.
The routine of drills, exercises, and practice battles continued on into the next day. Ash had someone check up on Pidgeotto, to make sure the exercises were being done correctly, and chatted a bit more with Lara while Pidgeotto flew an obstacle course.
"How are you going to see how high we are?" Ash asked.
"We've got spotters," Lara explained. "If ya go to high, they'll holler at you ta get down."
"And then we've got to fly under the banners at the checkpoints?"
"Actually, ya got ta have your pokémon touch the ground underneath them."
"Okay," Ash nodded.
"Oh, and ya'll will need to go into the caves in the water part and stay below the treetops in the forested part," Lara informed him. "That's what usually gets fliers, but they're also the best parts of the course."
"Got it," Ash nodded. "I'm looking forward to this! Once Pidgeotto evolves that is."
"I'm lookin' forward ta seeing ya'll race too!" Lara said, smiling and patting him on the shoulder. "Good luck! I'll be rootin' for you and Misty!"
Misty had made sure to tell Ash that she had registered the previous day and that he was doomed to lose. Ash had made sure to tell Misty that he would win and then eat big lunches in Fuchsia.
Their conversation devolved rapidly after that.
After Lara left, Ash continued drilling Pidgeotto for a bit, before stopping for lunch. While he and his team were eating who should decide to stop by but Misty.
"Enjoying lunch?" She asked with a smirk. "I know I'll be enjoying the lunches I'll be eating on your dime in Fuchsia."
"No, 'cause I'm going to win!" Ash protested, putting aside his sandwich.
"Oh, I can't wait to show you otherwise on race day, shrimp!" Misty declared, sticking her tongue out at Ash.
"Bring it Bossypants!" Ash shouted back, sticking his own tongue out.
"Oh, I will midget!"
"Jerkface!"
"Tiny!"
"Grouchy!"
The two bickered while Pidgeotto and Pikachu watched on in amusement, splitting the remnants of Ash's sandwich between them. The fight only started dying down by the time the two pokémon had finished eating.
"Good luck getting Pidgeotto to evolve because if you aren't in the race, I can't laugh as you eat my dust!" Misty shouted as she strode off.
"Thank you! I'll be sure to laugh when you lose!" Ash shouted back.
Alright, now that you two are done fighting, can I start fighting? Pidgeotto asked.
No, I still need to- Hey, where'd my sandwich go?
After another two days of intense training, Ash and Pidgeotto found themselves relaxing as they watched the winter sun set again.
Feeling any closer to evolving? Ash asked, leaning back against a large rock.
I think so? Pidgeotto replied, looking down at herself. But it's been a while since I evolved, so I can't be sure.
Well, we've still got three more days before the race, so there's still time, Ash reassured her.
I'll do my best, Pidgeotto chirped back.
They enjoyed the sunset in silence for a few minutes before Ash spoke up again.
So, what was it like after you left the nest? Ash asked, still looking at the colors of the sky. Was it anything like my journey's turning out?
Let's see… you've nearly died multiple times and you've been chased by things that wanted to kill you, so that's pretty similar to my first year, Pidgeotto said, but you haven't nearly starved to death, which was an essential part of my experience.
Was it really that bad? Ash asked.
I starved many times during my first winter, Pidgeotto told him, looking away. I managed to find some roots or berries to keep me going another few days each time and then I found a nice juicy caterpie that tided me over until spring.
Ash looked away from Pidgeotto at that moment, his head filling with memories.
Little Swooper died that winter and ever since I heard that I sometimes wonder why I didn't, what I did different to survive, Pidgeotto went on without noticing her trainer's behavior. I think I just got lucky, but sometimes it's hard to accept that.
I think a lot of us are alive only because we got lucky, Ash said, thinking about his own past.
Maybe, but accepting it's a tough nut to crack, Pidgeotto shrugged. I know a lot of predators starved that winter. It made the next year easier at least.
Less competition?
Yeah, Pidgeotto sighed and then snorted. It's funny hearing that word now. Competition since I joined the team has almost been a good thing. I'm mean, we're about to race for the fun of it. Even if we lose, we won't starve.
The nice thing about us humans is that we've made it much harder to starve in our world, Ash smiled.
It is great, Pidgeotto agreed. But I'm surprised that even with all that food you humans still fight.
One of these days I'll understand why, Ash sighed. But at least you don't have to worry about starving as long as you're with me.
I'll hold you to that, Pidgeotto replied, her beak open in an equivalent of a grin. After all, you stole my lunch when we met.
Pidgeotto started showing improvement. During her drills on the next day, she was able to beat her records. She mentioned that the exercises were getting easier, prompting Ash to increase her weights. Her mock battles also went better; she was able to eke out a tie with Bulbasaur and managed to double her time when fighting Pikachu.
You're getting hard to pin down, Pikachu panted after nailing Pidgeotto with a Thunderbolt.
Thanks, Pidgeotto gasped, picking herself up. You're still a pain to fight.
Thank you, Pikachu smirked.
And you're a pain the rest of the time too.
It's part of my electrifying talent, Pikachu replied, still smirking, and my shocking personality.
Well, that's one way to put it, Ash said. I personally prefer to say that it's shocking that you've lasted this long without offending something that can beat you up.
Psh, nothing can beat me! Pikachu exclaimed. I'm one of the most amazing electric types in Kanto!
Want to say that to Onix? Ash asked, raising an eyebrow.
I'm good, Pikachu said quickly. Isn't it time for a break? I'm going to go get a snack, you two have fun! And then Pikachu shot off towards the ger where Ash kept the supplies.
Was he that bad when you met him? Pidgeotto asked watching Pikachu recede into the distance.
Honestly, I think he's gotten a little worse, Ash answered, watching Pikachu go with a fond smile. But it's okay, I know he's being affectionate in his own way.
Yeah, he's annoying but loyal, Pidgeotto sighed. I've never spent so much time around someone I found annoying before. If I was bothered by someone in the wild I either avoided them or tried to eat them.
Let's try to not do those things here, okay? Ash said.
Yeah, I know, Pidgeotto shot Ash a glare. I wouldn't eat a comrade. It's evil and counterproductive.
Good to hear, Ash said. Let's take a break while Pikachu's getting food.
Sure, Pidgeotto said and then they went off to their usual spot.
So, what's it like to evolve? Ash asked once he had sat down.
It's…. well it's hard to describe, Pidgeotto answered. It was like something was burning inside me and then…. I can't really describe it, but I did something and then I felt strong and weak at the same time, I guess? Everything was light, I don't mean like weight, but the entire world was just light. And then it was over and I was Pidgeotto instead of Pidgey.
How was it right after you evolved? Ash asked, looking over at the flying type curiously.
Well, weird again, Pidgeotto shrugged her wings. It took me a little while to adjust to the new body. I had trouble hunting and I kept crashing. But I got the hang of moving quick enough. It was how much more I needed to eat that tripped me up. Trying to stick to the routine I had as a pidgey nearly killed me. I had to start hunting more and going after bigger prey.
Well, at least you won't need to worry about hunting more after you evolve, Ash said, a mite too quickly.
They were quiet for a moment before Pidgeotto spoke again.
You're really bothered by the fact that I used to hunt, aren't you? Pidgeotto said, looking Ash straight in the eye. I know you were hunted by humans, but-
No, Ash shook his head. That's not it. He sighed. Do you want to hear a story about my first three pokémon friends?
Ash told Pidgeotto the story of his friendship with the vulpix siblings in Viridian Forest, his meeting with Tail in the Grass, and the sorry ending to the whole affair.
I'm sorry that you had to go through that, Pidgeotto said when Ash was done. But, that's just what happens when you're friends with both the predators and the prey.
I get that now, Ash muttered, looking down between his feet. But I didn't at the time. It's why I didn't make too many new friends until I went back to school.
And that's why you're bothered that I used to eat other pokémon?
I'd like to think I'd still be bothered even if that hadn't happened to me, Ash replied, still looking at the ground. Besides, I met you when you tried to have Caterpie for lunch, remember?
Good point.
And I'm not mad at you for eating other pokémon, Ash said, looking at Pidgeotto. You did what you had to. I'm more bothered that you had to.
Pidgeotto shifted uncomfortably.
There were times where I could have had berries or even fish and I went after pokémon instead, she confessed.
Well, I'm not thrilled, but I understand, Ash reassured her. Don't worry about it. It's in the past now. And I think I see Pikachu coming back, so let's get back to work.
It happened the next day.
Pidgeotto was in the middle of a particularly difficult drill, weaving around a series of posts while carrying weights. She had begun to flag during the final stretch, the weights starting to slip out of her talons, her turns starting to get loose and sloppy, her wings were trembling, and it looked like she was about to crash.
But instead she growled and rallied herself; she threw back her head and crowed as she forced herself to complete the turn. She started to glow as she swung around the post. She blazed, white light engulfing her, and then Pidgeotto was no more.
Pidgeot finished the turn with ease and flew over to where Ash was standing. She landed, standing taller than her trainer. A swath of yellow crowned the center of her crest, while her tail feathers had become a uniform reddish brown.
You did it! Ash exclaimed, hugging her around the neck. You evolved!
The flying type looked down at herself.
I did! She said and then looked at Ash. You're so much smaller now! She puffed up, seemingly elated, and then cocked her head to the side. I'm not going to be able to perch on you anymore, she said, slowly deflating.
Yeah, now it's going to be my turn to sit on you, Ash said, grinning.
See, this is another excellent argument against evolution, Pikachu said from his spot-on Ash's shoulder. You get too big to sit in your favorite places.
Oh, my shoulder is your favorite place? Ash turned his grin on Pikachu.
Yes, you make a great- ack! Pikachu squawked as Ash tipped him off his shoulder and into a hug.
I like having you there too, buddy, Ash said.
Hey! Don't go- Don't- Pikachu squirmed and blushed. Look, just put me back already.
Okay! Ash said cheerily, putting Pikachu back on his shoulder and then turned back to the flying type. Pidgeot, want to take me flying?
Of course, Pidgeot said, turning around, spreading her wings, and dipping forward. But you sure you want to do it bareback?
I don't have any riding gear, Ash said, climbing on. Just get ready to catch me if I fall off.
Ash slid onto Pidgeot's back, gripping her center with his knees, and weaving his hands into the feathers on either side of her back. Pikachu hung his forelimbs around Ash's neck and dug his feet into his jacket.
Are you ready? Pidgeot looked over her shoulder.
Yes! Ash grinned again, excitement, anticipation, and fear mixing together in his belly to form an intoxicating brew. His body quivered and he gripped Pidgeot tighter.
Pidgeot's wings flapped, blowing swathes of snow away, bending the grass underneath, and then she was airborne.
Don't look down, don't look down, don't look down, Ash heard Pikachu chant behind him as Pidgeot shot up and forward. Wind ruffled his hair and whipped his jacket. The ground became a receding blur beneath them.
Ash let out a whoop and Pidgeot cawed in joyous agreement.
Want to see what you can do? Ash shouted over the rush of the wind as they rose higher and higher. Loop de loops, barrel rolls, fancy turns, and all those crazy maneuvers!
Sure! Pidgeotto replied.
No! Pikachu shouted, pressing his face into Ash's back. Not while you're this high up! You don't know how to ride yet!
Uugh…. I guess you're right, Ash groaned. Let's just go buzz Misty.
Sure thing, Pidgeot said, gently banking and heading back towards the ranch.
I hate this, I hate this, I hate this, Ash heard Pikachu mutter.
Why did you come then? Ash asked. It's not like I wouldn't have come back to pick you up.
Someone had to be the voice of reason to stop you from doing something stupid! Like doing crazy stunts high up in the air while riding bareback on your first flight! Pikachu was nearly screaming.
Ash was silent for a moment.
I guess you're right. Thank you for keeping an eye on me, Pikachu.
You can thank me by landing soon!
They couldn't find Misty during their initial pass over the ranch, so Ash had Pidgeot land by their ger. Pikachu stumbled inside to sleep off the effects of the flight, while Ash and Pidgeot did some low altitude training.
By the time Brock and Misty returned to the ger, they found the snow around it covered with impressions of Ash's falling body. The boy in question was lying in snow on his back, groaning, next to a concerned looking Pidgeot.
"Good," Misty walked over to his head, put her fists on her hips, and leaned over to look the prone boy in the eye. "You got her to evolve. Now I can have the pleasure of crushing you in the race."
"That's what you think," Ash said, feebly stirring.
"One more day of training and then it's on!" Misty smirked. "You can eat my dust on race day."
"Actually, what with the snow and all, there won't actually be any dust on the route-"
"Shut up Brock."
Another painful day of training passed, though this time it was Ash who was suffering. He eventually broke down and bought some basic riding equipment from the ranch and spent half an hour getting it on Pidgeot.
Huh, I can barely feel it, Pidgeot commented, twisting and flexing after the straps were fastened.
That means we put it on right, Ash said, wiping his brow.
By the end of the day, Ash was able to stay on Pidgeot through all sorts of maneuvers. Pikachu still warned him against doing anything risky at higher altitudes and Ash, looking at all the imprints his body had left in the snow, agreed with his starter for once.
When he went back to the tent to rest for the night, he found Misty waiting at the entrance.
"Look, I just wanted to say good luck and make sure to stay safe tomorrow," she said to him before he could ask what she was doing.
"Thanks," Ash said, rubbing the back of his head. "Same to you?"
"Thank you," Misty replied and then she smirked. "Not that I'm going to need it. I'm going to beat you tomorrow!"
"No, you won't," Ash declared.
"Face it shrimp, you're a decade too young to beat me!"
"You're only a year older than me!"
"You need a decade to make up for your natural handicap!"
"What?"
"Nevermind," Misty shook her head. "Let's get some sleep. I want you at your best tomorrow when I win."
AN: I'd like to thank Amationary for beta reading.
These chapters are a chance for Pidgetto to take the spot light and to show how both Ash and Misty are competitive little shits at times.
Anyway, don't forget to review/comment!