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.
Ash and his friends have settled the flock and promised to return. Now, they can continue their Journey to Johto.
"Are you sure this is okay? I know you promised that when you return, we would get her, but there is a chance things have worsened since you've been gone and left it in her care. Wouldn't you just showing up be an issue, 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 made. Our word is worth following through, and since we are already going to Johto. It would be best to pick her up," Ash said to Misty. She had to agree. What good was making a promise if you don't intend to keep it?
The group of Ash, Misty, and Tracey 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. He approached the flock, all the while not trying to startle them.
"I'm surprised that the flock has 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 at the inbound stranger coming towards them, they saw a giant bird-like Pokemon swoop in from above. Their leader was there as usual to protect them. However, this stranger didn't cower in fear. In fact, it was the opposite. His smile upon seeing their leader was that of glee. This confused them even more as their leader tackles the stranger and nuzzled against him. After a bit of laughter, the stranger spoke.
"Hey, Pidgeot, I'm so happy to see you. I'm back like I promised." Ash said to his former teammate. Pidgeot was excited to see him return but that moment vanished quickly as he still appeared worried about the Fearow flock. If the Fearow knew Ash was back…
"I understand your concern regarding the ongoing situation, and I share it too. I am hoping there's a way of finding a way to compromise or make a deal that 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. 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 stated with confidence, to which Pidgeot nodded at this. This was a fine idea.
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. 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. He did not appreciate the change in command. He thought the leadership would fall to him. He's probably looking to stir trouble." 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. The Fearow whose wrath Ash ignited with a throw of a rock as a Spearow long ago.
"So the trainer of the new leader has returned as promised. Interesting…" Fearow asked the young Pidgetto, who nodded. Feeling that this relay on information can help his plea to take over the flock once Pidgeot becomes a reality.
"Her trainer is thinking of challenging you to a battle to ensure the flock's safety," Pidgeotto said to Fearow, raising concern in Fearow's eyes.
"I'm curious about the human's intentions. Does he still want to catch me, or does he truly want to end this?" Fearow says to himself while looking at the Pidgeotto. He knew of the desire he had. Could he trust him not to seek more power than he could handle if he were to follow through on defeating Pidgeot once and for all?
"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 Fearow in battle. There was no shame in that. Much as the Fearow species was formidable, the added advantages of a third stage of evolution and one more beyond that just put Pidgeot in a place of power that few Fearow would dare push themselves to strive to match and succeed in doing so.
"Pidgeotto, I'm not sure. While I understand your desire to be the leader of your flock again, I don't believe he will be a threat, and I trust in myself to find a way to end this." Fearow directed that speech to Pidgeotto, who was shocked that Fearow was willing to underestimate the return of this stranger.
Would he listen to what Pidgeot's trainer was going to say? His lie of the stranger seeking to challenge Fearow outright would be exposed. He had hoped the threat of an attack would force Fearow's wing, so to speak, and start the fight he wanted, but his manipulation tactics weren't working. He had to pivot and do it fast.
"Look, Fearow. I joined your side. Became a spy because you agreed to help me be a leader of the flock one day, and I've been loyal to both mine and your flocks. I'm due my prize.
Before she became flock leader, things were golden. Need I remind you that we were at peace with each other's flocks? Neither side at unease. Wouldn't you fight to have that again?
Don't you think that you want closure from this human, given that he has caused you issues in the past? Wouldn't knowing thus human would face justice when so many that ravage out flocks don't?" Pidgeotto said to Fearow as he had known 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. Many Trainers raised their homes to build up their teams. Some by means that we're less than lawful.
However, Ferow was suspicious about why Pidgeotto would bring this up. He hated to admit that although he wanted to resolve the issues with Ash and the Pidgeot's flock, he wasn't going to be reckless in doing so as he sighed. He had to find a way to appease Pidgeotto.
"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. They were in the area nearby.
"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 to the flock that he was interested in what he said.
"I am willing to go see how serious he is in challenging me, but I am also going to be willing to listen to him. Perhaps his attitude has changed, and we can agree on an offer and discuss 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 finished and soon readied himself to fly off.
"Now let's move!" he says as the flock flies off. The Pidgeottto shook his head. His plan was crumbling but it mattered not. Fearow was only a pawn in his game of gaining power. If this is how he wished to resolve things, let him. So long as he follows through on his word. He would reclaim what should be his flock. One way or another.
'What a stubborn fool Fearow is.' Pidgeotto thinks. '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? Perhaps my flock isn't the only one that needs a change of leadership.'
With that final thought, Pidgeotto took off. Shortly after, Ash would be with Pidgeot when he noticed that something was coming their way. A massive gathering of Spearow trailed behind Fearow with a Pidgeotto nearby.
"I see Fearow approaching." Pidgeot declared. The rest of the flock is perched in the nearby trees. The Fearow flock landed nearby alongside Pidgeotto, who caught Pidgeot's attention.
"Figured that he was with you." Pidgeot says to Fearow, acknowledging the young Pidgeotto, who shamelessly fluttered its wings in absolute defiance. She scowls at him. Fearow notices this but lifts his wing as a means to grab Pidgeot's attention.
"Please don't worry, Pidgeot. I come in peace, intending to find out why your human has returned. Is he here looking for a fight or to have a conversation and potentially find a peaceful resolution? I will consider the latter depending on your trainer's offer." Fearow said. Pidgeot was surprised to see Fearow be so fair, where he would normally be looking to battle.
"This is a matter between Ash, Fearow, and myself, not involving any members of your flock, especially cowards." as Pidgeot directs this to Pidgeotto, who glares at them.
While Ash couldn't understand the Pokemon language, Ash got the gist of what was said. He figured it was as good as time as any to make his case.
"Look, Feaow, I know what happened on my first day as a trainer is still an issue between you and me. I only ask you to leave the flock out of this.
I do admit what I did was a mistake, and I am willing to battle you to settle this issue between us. This isn't a plot to capture you. I can assure you, win or lose, you'll remain free.
This battle is more to show a sense of honor and show you I am sorry things took such a drastic turn when I got you with a rock. I was younger, foolish, and out of my own element. I had just started my journey. Pikachu and I weren't on the best of terms, and after I failed to catch a Pidgey in the area, I was simply frustrated and grabbed a rock. Threw with cause or concern. You were the victim of that. I realized it was too late, and rather than apologize when I should've, I only saw the consequences of my actions when you evolved and led the flock my way in retaliation.
I would like to show you I'm not that trainer anymore. One thing I've learned is that respect for a Pokemon is often earned through battle. Will you allow me to face your to earn not only your forgiveness but your respect as well?"
Ash said to Fearow, who was listening. He agreed that this whole mess was between the two of them and was planning on leaving things be between the flocks, but this proposal was intriguing.
"I'm listening, human. You have already earned my attention, but I don't know yet if I can trust your word. Humans lie too often to take your word so easily. How can I be assured you won't catch me or any of my flock should the battle not go your way?" Fearow said to Ash, who could tell he was listening, and though Ash could speak Pokemon, something inside him always made it so the intent of what was said could be understood.
"I will give up my trainer's license in return."
Pidgeot and Pikachu were as stunned as his Pokemon. Not to mention Misty and Tracey. Would he really go that far to prove a point?
"I wouldn't be able to capture any of you if I tried without it. The League has strict rules on this and would activate a feature that renders Pokeballs of any sort useless, but please leave them alone.
They did nothing to your flock other than they are in the same forest. Surely there can be peace between everyone if we settle our affairs, don't you agree?" Ash pleads to Fearow. This would be the ultimate gamble. He would bring peace or lose his Trainer license in trying.
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, knowing that the trainer's license was sacred to any Trainer and to bet it all would mean losing everything, 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 despite her initial shock. She knew Ash's heart and determination. If he was willing to do this, it meant he would find a way to win. She would be his Champion.
"I support Ash's decision. Although he does not know he tried to catch me when I was a young Pidgey on that fateful day, I can see that he has learned from his mistakes. Who knows how things would've turned if I had been caught that day? I never thought I'd see him again, but again, fate brought us together, and we have been through many adventures. I will it let his adventures end here today." states Pidgeot while her flock perches in the trees behind her. Fearow respected that.
"Okay, it's a deal!" Fearow agreed with Pidgeot. The terms are now set. It was time to settle their affairs.
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. You could lose everything." Misty finished, worried for her friend. Hoping sense would come and a better decision would come to Ash. It did not. Ash got up took a heavy sigh, and raised his head with fire in his eyes.
"I appreciate your concern, Misty, but I need to take responsibility for my mistake and resolve it right now. I trust in Pidgeot. She trusts me. So trust in us. We won't lose." Ash explained to Misty and Tracey, who both acknowledged and understood his decision.
"Ash, be careful. Okay, you haven't used Pidgeot since she evolved." Misty explained, hoping he would know to be ready for anything.
"I will, Misty," Ash addressed Misty and then turned his attention to Fearow while Pidgeot stood before him.
"Fearow, we're prepared to battle, are you?" 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 would not waste that opportunity. The flocks watched on from below. A lot of their futures, including that of Pidgeotto, were on the line.
"Let's go, Pidgeot! Use Wing Attack!" Ash instructs as Pidgeot's wings start to glow. Pidgeot's speed allowed her to close the gap between avians and successfully hit Fearow, pushing Fearow back in the air, but then Fearow gathered himself and retaliated, flying with a rotation to his actions, indicating he would strike with Drill Peck.
"Quick, use Agility to dodge!" Ash commanded. Pidgeot used the boost in speed to narrowly avoided the attack.
However, Fearow did manage to clip one of Pidgeot's wings. With her ability to use Wing Attack out of commission for a bit, she had to think. She was careless during the dodge, hoping the speed boast would clear her from the Drill Peck. Pidgeot knew she had to recover but couldn't let up. She looked at Ash. Ash knew to trust and let her fight on her own for now. She now charged in with a Quick Attack, landing a brutal hit on Fearow. Her body became a full weapon and paid off.
"Impressive! I was worried you had given up after that attack." Fearow remarked. "Let's see how you handle this."
His beak began to glow with energy as Ash and Pidgeot observed as it unleashed a powerful Hyper Beam near point blank.
'Crap,' Both Ash and Pidgeot thought.
"Use Quick Attack to dodge!" Ash instructed as Pidgeot got out of dodge. With Fearow exhausted after that Hyper Beam attempt, Pidgeot used Roost and healed her wing. Ready to end it all with a move she learned while Ash was away.
Pidgeot's wings glow with steel-like sheen as she rushed towards Fearow. Knowing he couldn't avoid it, Fearow accepted the successful strike that sent him crashing to the ground.
The battle was over.
Ash was surprised by Pidgeot's growth since she'd been gone, as she used a move he hadn't heard of prior to his time in the Orange Archipelago. Maybe he'll need to research what it was and see how this new move would change the tide of battles moving forward.
The Pidgeot flock celebrated. Pidgeotto, on the other hand, curses under his breath. His plans were ruined.
Fearow slowly gained consciousness from the fall and was impressed by how far Pidgeot had grown since their last battle, though he struggled to get up. Only to be surprised by Ash helping him get to his feet. Was this truly the same boy that fueled his rage for so long?
"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 as he got up and nodded.
"I know when I am beaten. It's not worth risking a damaged wing or worse." Fearow conceded as everyone else was taken aback by the virtue of Fearow's acceptance of defeat. Pidgeotto, on the other hand, wasn't having it. Not one bit.
"Are you kidding me, Fearow?!. Don't give up so easily; you are stronger than that. There are higher stakes in this than issues with this human…" the venom in the way he said so was potent enough to rival even the move Toxic. "...being resolved. I was set to rule when that bitch fell. I am due my prize!" Pidgeotto raged, frustrated that Fearow had surrendered after only a few attacks.
"No. She won, fair and square, and you of all mons should know that there are battles you can't win or risk injury from." Fearow said to Pidgeotto as he was mad by this statement. Knowing it revived the first time, it tried to challenge Pidgeot for the leadership role, but an injury to his talon left him immobile for weeks. Miserable weeks.
"No, you're wrong. Pidgeot used a move that isn't known here, and don't you dare make relive that injury. You don't des…" Fearow interrupted him with a booming cry.
"That's enough, Pidgeotto!
You should stop and listen to me. You know that it's not wise to argue this loss. Know your place. Leader of this flock is not it. I suggest that you stop trying to make things worse for both flocks." Fearow said to Pidgeotto. Steam could escape Pidgeotto's ears if it could.
"Screw you, Fearow. You all deserve a worthless leader like her." Pidgeotto said he was willing to go further in this argument, but a powerful Thunderbolt struck near him. The flocks scattered at the sight. Scared, a storm was inbound, only to see the real source of this incident.
Sparks radiated from Pikachu's cheeks. Its demeanor changing completely as it spoke.
"Go on. Dare to insult my friend one more time. I've never been a carnivore, but I will try your butt and enjoy the feast that is Pidgeotto tonight with great delight. Go ahead. Do it. I dare you!"
Power gathered inside Pikachu, ready to strike with the force of a Thunder. He was that angry. Ash, Pidgeot, and the rest were waiting to see what would happen next.
Pidgeotto was scared. No flock was worth this crap.
"I hope Giratina curses you all!" He stated as he started to fly off. "This isn't over. I'll prove you all nothing without me." Pidgeotto said as he flew as if his life depended on it.
Pikachu eased off and soon perched up on Ash's shoulder. This whole ordeal was to shut Pidgeotto up. Mission accomplished. Ash turned to Fearow.
"Look, Fearow, I want to let you know, one last time, that I'm sorry for my actions back then. I hope you know that I truly mean that, and our battle put us in a good place." Ash apologized to Fearow, who accepted it as he could tell that Ash was sincere in his words. He was right. He had earned not only his forgiveness but his respect.
"Are you willing to start a new partnership between the flocks?"
Fearow replied. "I think I have a better idea. A full merger."
Pidgeot was speechless. She never thought of that possibility. Though was that possible even now? Just as she was set to go see the world with Ash?
"I'm not against it. Though I know it will take time. So let's do this. If you wish to start the merger, you can do so. I will come in periodically and help when I can so that once my journey with Ash is complete, we can decide who will be the unanimous leader. Would that work for you, Fearow?"
Fearow understanding why this idea was proposed, accepts those terms.
"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 once the merger is complete, we can make the Laboratory back in Pallet Town our home. It's owned by a renowned Professor, who is a trusted to Ash and many of my friends. It's protected by The League and would ensure no one that doesn't want to, gets captured.
I think that would be a better option. Something to discuss as the merger becomes more of a reality." Pidgeot and Fearow shake wings to symbolize that this would be the start of a new era.
"I understand that the situation where you would want to travel. Leaving your flock behind should be the least of your worries. I will care for the flocks and ensure their safety.
You can trust me to keep them out of harm's way." Fearow said to Pidgeot, who nodded in agreement. Appreciating the freedom this allows to venture out into the world with Ash.
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.
"I presume you will travel to Johto?" Pidgeot confirmed this was the case, despite some reservations to do so.
"If something does happen, one of my scouts will find you. I am familiar with the region. If I recall it is the land your father came from.
He was a highly respected Pidgeot. I'll stop there for the moment." Sensing the subject was not welcome.
"It would be best if we started moving now. I'll keep you posted. Farewells." Fearow said as Pidgeot nodded but was curious as to how he knew her father, but lets it go for now, turning to Ash, pressing her head against his.
"I'm ready to rejoin the team, Ash, without hesitation. I'm excited to embark on this journey with you again."
Ash acknowledged her readiness and retrieved her Pokeball. In the blink of an eye, she was recaptured.
"Welcome back to the team, Pidgeot! I'm thrilled to have you back. Now let's go conquer Johto together."
The gang would return to Ash's home in Kanto. They are ready to do a few things, including keep their promise to Tracey. Introducing him to Professor Oak who would offer him to become his aide as the daunting mountain of paperwork and studies kept him too busy from properly taking care of not only himself but the many Pokemon under his protection. It would be a welcome change of pace.
Soon after, Ash knew something felt off. If he was gonna go to Johto, he wanted to do so the right way. He knew what he had to do. Using the video phones in Oak's Lab, he contacted Brock.
Surprised he wasn't with Prof. Ivy any longer. He contacted the Pewter City Gym.
"Hey! Don't make me regret polishing you earlier. I swear, Geodude…"
Brock sighed before he composed himself.
"Pewter City Gym. This is Brock speaking."
"Hello, Brock. How's my best friend doing?" Ash replied, trying not to be brash and ask what that beginning of the call was about.
"Ash! So good to see you. I'm doing well. How are you doing? Also…how'd you know to reach me here…"
Brock started asking when it was him like a raging Tauros.
"...she told you, didn't she?"
"Yeah…sorry things didn't go the way you had envisioned, but hey, that's why I'm sure you're gonna be happy as to why I'm calling."
This piqued Brock's interest.
"I'm back in Kanto. Pidgeot is back after a whole nother story I'll tell you soon, but it got me thinking that since I'm going to Johto with Misty, if you wouldn't want to get the gang back together again?"
"Say no more. I'll let everyone know I'm heading and will meet you in Pallet Town soon."
The screen went blank before Ash could even react. He was happy to have his best friend back. As if knowing what he was thinking, Pikachu smacked his head.
"Human best friend. Human. Don't you forget that?" Pikachu squeaked out in Pokespeech.
Ash could only laugh while rubbing the back of his head.
"I won't. Now, let's take Johto by storm!"
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.