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A deep growl came from behind, causing Pikachu to turn around instinctively. As he spun, he found himself face-to-face with an enormous figure.
A massive paw gently enveloped him, but Pikachu made no attempt to dodge when he recognized who it belonged to. The large Kangaskhan lifted Pikachu carefully, bringing him close to sniff with her nose.
"Kanga! Kanga!"
With tears welling in her eyes, the Kangaskhan pressed Pikachu against her cheek in an affectionate nuzzle. Pikachu seemed to share the same memory that had surfaced in the Kangaskhan's mind.
Back then, they had both been small—a young Pichu and baby Kangaskhan sharing fruit within the same pouch under the protection of the mother Kangaskhan.
Though they had grown considerably since those days, they recognized each other instantly.
"Pika-pi!"
Tears streamed from Pikachu's eyes as well. The Kangaskhan before him wasn't the mother who had cared for him years ago, but rather the baby that had been nurtured alongside him. Now fully grown, this Kangaskhan had a baby of her own—the very one that Ash and his friends had rescued.
Years ago, the mother Kangaskhan and her child had protected a young Pichu. Now, Pikachu and Ash were protecting her offspring. It seemed as though fate had brought their paths together once more.
Pikachu hadn't expected to encounter the Kangaskhan again. He had been determined to protect the herd simply because of the kindness shown to him in the past, never imagining that his former playmate would be among them.
"What's happening?" Misty and Brock asked, confused by the emotional reunion.
Only Ash understood that this Kangaskhan must be connected to Pikachu's past—either the one who had cared for him or its offspring.
"Waaaaaah! It's so touching, meow!"
Inside Team Rocket's mechanical Kangaskhan, Meowth was wiping away tears while attempting to maintain control of the machine. Being a Pokemon, he naturally understood the conversation between Pikachu and Kangaskhan. After learning their history, even a villain like him couldn't help but be moved to tears.
"What's going on?" James and Jessie asked simultaneously.
"This Pikachu was once cared for by this Kangaskhan and its mother. Since Pikachu didn't want to be a burden to them, it evolved and reluctantly left their care. I never expected they'd reunite like this, nya!" Meowth explained while dabbing his eyes. Although they were adversaries, that didn't prevent him from finding the reunion touching.
"Now is not the time to get emotional," Jessie snapped. "Since they're all conveniently gathered, we'll capture everyone and give them a proper reunion in captivity! Launch the rocket fists!!"
After pressing a red button on the control panel, the mechanical Kangaskhan raised both arms, which suddenly burst into flames.
BANG! BANG!
With explosive force, two massive mechanical fists shot forward. One targeted Ash and his friends, while the other flew directly toward Pikachu and the Kangaskhan.
"Look out!!" Misty shouted frantically from behind.
"Squirtle, use Ice Beam combined with Hydro Pump!!" Ash commanded.
Squirtle sprang into action, releasing a powerful stream of water from its body that formed a swirling column around it. Simultaneously, Squirtle opened its mouth and released a beam of freezing energy. The Ice Beam rapidly crystallized the surrounding water column, creating a massive icy spear.
BOOM!!!
The frozen projectile collided head-on with the approaching mechanical fist, resulting in a tremendous explosion. Though cracks appeared along the icy spear, its sharp point penetrated the mechanical appendage. Squirtle maintained the Ice Beam, gradually repairing the fractures in the ice while continuing to advance. Like a massive lance, the frozen water jet completely tore through the mechanical arm.
CRASH!!!
Meanwhile, the Kangaskhan sensed the danger from the other approaching fist. Quickly tucking Pikachu into her pouch, her body suddenly glowed with orange energy.
WHAM!!!
She thrust her arms forward, releasing the orange energy. The impact forced her body backward, but she successfully blocked the mechanical fist with Counter.
"That's Counter! Pikachu, now's your chance!! Use Zippy Zap!" Ash called out, immediately recognizing the defensive move.
"Pika! PIKACHUUU!"
Heeding Ash's command, Pikachu leapt from the Kangaskhan's pouch and bounded onto her shoulder. From there, he launched himself onto the mechanical arm that the Kangaskhan had caught, then raced upward along its length.
Electric arcs formed around Pikachu's body as his yellow figure transformed into a golden blur, charging forward with incredible speed. He sprang from the mechanical arm, hurtling directly toward Team Rocket's robot.
BOOM!!!
Pikachu's Zippy Zap struck the mechanical Kangaskhan with tremendous force. However, the impact created a rebound that sent Pikachu flying backward. The Kangaskhan tried desperately to catch him but was still struggling with the mechanical arm.
At that moment, Ash rushed forward and leapt into the air. He caught Pikachu mid-flight, but the rebounding force knocked him off balance, sending both of them tumbling to the ground.
"Ash!!" Misty and Brock cried out in alarm, running toward their fallen friend. Pikachu quickly regained his senses and jumped off Ash, his expression filled with guilt and concern.
"Pika-pi!!"
"I'm fine, don't worry," Ash reassured him, sitting up and rubbing his stomach. "Pikachu, you need to protect the Kangaskhan, but remember—I'll always be here to protect you too!" He gently patted Pikachu's head.
"Pika..."
Pikachu was deeply moved by Ash's words. From behind them, the Kangaskhan watched the scene unfold, reminded of similar moments from the past. She felt a sense of relief knowing that Pikachu not only protected others but also had someone protecting him.
CRASH!!!!