Chapter 87: Return of an Old Friend

It was a bright, sunny day in the Kanto region. Our heroes were making their way to the edge of Saffron City, on a mission from Professor Cerise. It was the end of the Butterfree mating season, and Professor Cerise had sent them to track their numbers. Goh groaned, none too happy with the assignment.

"Who cares about how many more Butterfree there are? I was hoping to catch some new Pokemon!"

Chloe sighed, frustrated with her boyfriend's complaining.

"My dad does, and he's paying you to do it, so stop whining!"

"I can't help it! I've got an itch for adventure!"

Lillie couldn't help but laugh at Goh's eagerness. Ash, however, remained completely silent, something she took notice of.

"Ash, are you okay?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah, sorry. Just thinking."

Lillie was about to say something when Goh interrupted their conversation.

"Hey, you two! Hurry up, or we'll leave you behind!"

Liliie sighed, and picked up the pace. Ash stayed behind, still deep in thought.

"It's been six years, buddy. Do you think he remembers me?"

Pikachu could only shrug and give a sympathetic "Pika" in response.

"Do you think I made the right choice? He was my first capture as a trainer, and I let him go without much thought. I…I just hope he's happy."

Pikachu rubbed his head against Ash's neck, making the trainer smile.

"Thanks, buddy. Come on, last one there's a rotten egg!"

"Pika!"

When the gang arrived arrived at the preserved site, they found it teeming with Butterfree, Caterpie, and even a few Metapod.

"Wow! I've never seen so many Bug types before!"

"See, aren't you glad you came?"

"Totally!"

Suddenly, Goh saw a different colored Butterfree flying past, and took off.

"Goh, come back! We can't capture any, remember?"

"I know, and I won't! I just want to get a closer look!"

"Why? You've seen plenty of them!"

"Not one like this! This one is pink!"

This made Ash perk up, and he immediately took off after him.

"Ash, wait up!"
But Ash didn't hear her. Even though he knew it wasn't likely, he had to check it out. He had to know.

Goh and Ash followed the Pink Butterfree all the way to the far end of the preserve, where her nest was. Her mate was there, guarding their eggs. After she placed the twigs she brought into place, she fluttered close to her mate, who nuzzled her gently. Goh took out a sketchpad and began drawing.

"So beautiful."

Ash arrived shortly after, and gasped. The male Butterfree was a very familiar orange scarf around his neck, and the Pink Butterfree…

"B-Butterfree? Is that you?"

Hearing his familiar voice, the male glanced up and immediately flew down to him, nuzzling Ash with tears in his eyes. With tears of joy running down his face, Ash happily embraced his old friend, with Pikachu happily jumping onto Butterfree as well.

"Butterfree, it is you! It's been so long, and just look at you! You've come a long way, buddy. I couldn't be prouder."

"Free!"

Even Goh struggled to hold back tears as he watched the reunion. Chloe and Lillie, who had missed everything by the time that they caught up, were incredibly confused.

"Why is Ash hugging a Butterfree?"

Ash laughed, letting go of Butterfree and directing his attention to his new friends.

"Guys, this is my old buddy Butterfree!"

"This is your Pokemon?"

"Well, he was. But he fell in love with this pink Butterfree, so I let him go so he could be happy. I haven't seen him in six years!"

He turned to Butterfree, gesturing towards his friends.

"Butterfree, these are my friends Goh and Chloe, and my girlfriend Lillie."

"Hello!"

Butterfree trilled happily, flying over to Lillie and settling into her hair, making her giggle.

"I think he likes me."

"Free! Butterfree!"

The Pink Butterfree's cries got everyone's attention, making them rush over to see the eggs begin to hatch. In seconds, two orange Caterpie were lying in the nest, making everyone gasp in awe.

"Aw, they're so cute!"

"I'm going to catch one!"

"Goh!"

"What? I'm just joking!"

Ash turned to his old friend with a big smile.

"I'm so proud of you, Butterfree."

"Free!"

Unbeknownst to any of them, the terrible trio were watching from the bushes, ready to strike.

"This is our lucky day! Not only do we get to nab Pikachu, but a whole family of Butterfree and Caterpie!"

"Indeed! And three of them are shiny!"

This got Jessie's attention, and she immediately swiped the binoculars from James's hands.

"Hey!"

"Pipe down or they'll hear you!"

When Jessie got a closer look at the assembled group, she tossed the binoculars aside and got up.

"Boring. Come on, let's go!"

"But Jessie, that Butterfree is shiny! Do you know how much people will pay for one?"

"Not when it's a Butterfree."

"What about Pikachu?"

"Get up or I'm leaving you behind. And I'm taking the balloon."

Seeing that she meant business, her companions gave up and followed. Unbeknownst to them, a small smile crept up on Jessie's face.

Now we're even, twerp.

At sunset, it was time for Butterfree and his family to leave. He and Ash had a very long and heartfelt goodbye.

"Take care, old buddy. And the Cerise Lab is always open for you guys to visit!"

Butterfree nuzzled Ash once more before taking off, one of his children on his back and the other on his mate's. Ash waved goodbye until they disappeared over the horizon. As they turned to head back home, Lillie noticed Ash was crying.

"Ash? You okay?"

Ash sniffed, wiping the tears from his face before smiling.

"I'm better than okay, I'm fantastic! Seeing my old buddy again just makes me want to achieve my dream even more!"