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.
"You think this is okay, that you should return and get her. I'm sure things have worsened since you've been gone and left it in her care, Ash?" Misty said to Ash, who nodded as they continued to venture through the Pallet Town side of the Viridian Forest.
"I understand your concern, Misty. However, we cannot break any promises since we are already going to Johto. It would be best to pick her up," Ash said to Misty.
The group searched through the forest, hoping to find where Ash's Pokemon was last seen. Eventually, they reached the location where Ash had last encountered his Pokemon. He noticed a large group of Pidgey and Pidgeotto in the area.
"I'm surprised that the flock had grown since I last saw them almost a year ago before I went to 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 regarding the ongoing situation, and I share it too. Finding a way to compromise or make a deal can go a long way in resolving this issue. However, I want to take accountability for my actions and admit that I made a mistake by throwing a rock at the leader. As a new trainer, I am still learning, and errors are bound to happen. Nonetheless, I am willing to work towards ending this conflict and finding a peaceful solution. Let's put our heads together and devise a plan that works for everyone involved." 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 know him. He used to be the son of the previous leader of our group and a friend of my family. However, he has been distant and unhappy since I became the new leader. His father allowed me to take charge after hearing about the situation from the rest of the group," Pidgeot explained that Pikachu had a suspicious look at the Pidgeotto flying off.
Meanwhile, at the Fearow flock, 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, raising 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 be flock leader of your flock again, 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.
"Look, Fearow, you agreed to help me be a leader of the flock one day, and I've been loyal to both mine and your flocks. Before she became flock leader, need I remind you that we were at peace with each other's flocks? Don't you think that you want closure from this human given that this caused you issues in the past," Pidgeotto said to Fearow as he knew Fearow for a long time and knew that Ash was the one human that he had issues with more than most Poachers and other humans in the past.
However, Ferow was suspicious about why Pidgeotto would bring this up, though he wanted to resolve the issues with Ash and the Pidgeot's flock as he sighed.
"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.
"What a stubborn fool Fearow is?" 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. Fearow nodded but shook his head at her.
"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," Fearow said. Pidgeot nods in agreement. "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.
"Look, Feaow, I know what happened on my first day as a trainer is still an issue between you and me. But leave the flock out of this. I do admit what I did was a mistake, and I am willing to battle with you to settle this issue between you and me," Ash said to Fearow, who was listening. He agreed that this whole mess is between the two of them and was planning on leaving things be between the flocks, but was
willing to let things be.
"I'm listening, human. You already have earned attention, so what do you propose for a wager if you lose this battle?" Fearow said to Ash, who could tell he was listening and wanting to know what Ash would bet if he lost. Ash sighed.
"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 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.
"I was willing to accept an apology or a different solution rather than risking his trainer's license," Fearow said. The trainer's license was the first for anyone he had encountered before, and then he glanced over at Pidgeot. "Are you sure that you are okay with this? You are willing to risk your trainer's career for this battle, Pidgeot? 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 that you are okay with this? This isn't what most trainers are willing to do to help solve this issue," 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.
The trio assumed their battle stances as Fearow and Pidgeot took to the sky. 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, Fearow clips Pidgeot's wing with a Wing Attack during the dodge. 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 to the ground.
Ash was surprised by Pidgeot's growth since she'd been gone, and she used a move he hadn't heard of. Fearow gets up from the fall and is impressed by how far Pidgeot has grown since their last battle, though he struggled to get up.
"You want to stop Fearow? I would rather not continue this fight if it means someone gets injured badly cause of this; it's not worth it?" Ash suggested to Fearow, sighed as he got up, and nodded.
"I know when I am beaten. It's not worth risking a damaged wing or worse," Fearow concedes as everyone else is surprised that Fearow gave up like that, though most knew it wasn't worth risking any more damage. Pidgeotto, on the other hand, wasn't having it.
"Keep going, Fearow. Don't give up so easily; you are stronger than that," Pidgeotto urges, frustrated that Fearow had surrendered after only a few attacks. Fearow shakes its head in response and glares at Pidgeotto.
"No, she won, fair and square, and you of all mons should know that there are battles you can't win or risk injury," Fearow said to Pidgeotto as he was mad by this.
"No, you're wrong. Pidgeot used a move that isn't known here, and," Fearow interrupted him.
"That's enough, Pidgeotto. You should stop and listen to me, and you know that it's not wise to argue with me, given how long I've known you, and I suggest that you stop trying to make things worse for both flocks," Fearow said to Pidgeotto.
"But, Fearow?" Pidgeotto said he was willing to go further in this argument only because Fearow was about to use Hyper Beam, as Pidgeotto was scared and started to fly off. "This isn't over. I'll be back. I can guarantee that" Pidgeotto said as he flew, as if his life depended on it.
Fearow coughs as that Hyper Beam is to shut Pidgeotto up so as not to be launched at him as Ash walks over to Fearow.
"Look, Fearow, I want to let you know that I'm sorry for my actions back then. I was a rookie trainer, and I know that I have a long way to go still as one, but I want to end this whole thing on good terms with each other," Ash apologized to Fearow, who nodded, accepting it as he could tell that Ash was sincere with his words. "Are you willing to start anew between you and me and the flock?"
"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 in the next chapter. See you all then.