After crossing the canyon, Ash and his group soon arrived at the domain of the Heracross.
Much like the territory of the pinsir, this area was marked by a massive, thick tree towering into the sky.
And just like before, they spotted a Heracross resting atop the tree's expansive crown.
But something was off. This Heracross wasn't just bigger—at least twice the size of a normal one—but also had some kind of strange barrel strapped to its back!
A flash of blue light shimmered around Ash.
He swept the area with his Aura powers.
"Team Rocket, it's you again!"
Ash's voice turned cold as he shouted. Right on cue, the trio from Team Rocket appeared before them.
Turns out, they were trying to harvest sap from the tree and sell it as a product to make money!
"Whether it's stealing Pokémon or destroying the natural ecosystem—Team Rocket, I can't let you do either!"
Ash took a step forward, facing off against the mechanical Heracross that was crafted from a special alloy, showing not even a hint of fear.
"Ash, that barrel on Heracross's back must be filled with sap. We need to get it back!" Brock noticed the load and quickly pieced together what was going on.
Ash nodded. That meant he couldn't send out Snorlax or Charizard.
Snorlax was a bottomless pit when it came to food, especially sweets.
If Ash let it out now, it might defeat the mechanical Heracross with ease, but those barrels of sap would probably be devoured in seconds.
As for Charizard, its flames would more than likely burn everything—including the sap—into a crisp.
"Then it's decided—Pikachu, I choose you!"
Ash chose the partner with the strongest bond, Pikachu.
Facing the intimidating mechanical Heracross with its large twitching horns, Pikachu stood firm, unshaken.
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"
Crackling electricity surged out, wrapping around the mechanical Heracross. The whole thing lit up like a giant lightbulb—yet it didn't seem to do anything.
Team Rocket smirked.
They had long prepared for Pikachu's powerful electric attacks. This mechanical Heracross wasn't just immune to electricity—it could store it and fire it back!
Meowth slammed a button. Sparks exploded outward, surging toward Ash and the others!
"Hmph!"
A blue aura shield materialized just in time, protecting the group.
"What did you just do, twerp?!"
The sight of it left Team Rocket dumbfounded.
Ash didn't bother replying. He just let out a quiet chuckle, his mind already made up.
Right now, Pikachu only had Electric-type and Normal-type moves—he was at a clear disadvantage against a foe like this.
If only Pikachu had mastered his signature move—Iron Tail—then the outcome would be very different.
Still, there was no rush. Ash had already decided—before reaching Violet City, he was going to train hard with Pikachu and the others.
"Hera!"
Just then, the heroic Heracross stepped up.
With the monstrous strength of a bug-type Pokémon, it locked horns with the mechanical Heracross, pinning it down!
"What?!"
Team Rocket scrambled to regain control, but the mechanical Heracross was completely paralyzed and unresponsive!
Brock and Misty took their chance and rushed in, successfully reclaiming the barrel of sap from the stunned mech-Heracross.
"Nice one! Heracross, use Megahorn!"
A top-tier Bug-type move—devastating in the hands of a Heracross with massive horns like this one!
Earthy golden Bug-type energy coated Heracross's horn. Following its instinctive battle style, it aimed right for the underbelly of the mechanical Heracross.
"Go for it!"
With Ash's command, Heracross exploded with power. With a mighty heave, it sent the mech flying!
Then, with wings buzzing, it launched into the air.
That horn, charged with Bug-type energy, slammed full force into the falling mechanical Heracross!
BOOM!
The mechanical Heracross crashed hard in front of Team Rocket, sparks flying.
Then—an explosion erupted!
"What a blast-off bummer!"
You guessed it—they were sent flying again.
With Team Rocket gone, the other Heracross quickly returned.
"There's no place like home," Misty murmured with a small smile. Even though she was still creeped out by Bug-types, she couldn't help feeling happy for them.
"Hera!"
The heroic Heracross gently placed the barrel of sap in front of the group. The other Heracross swarmed around it, welcoming him like a hero.
He had earned their respect—both from his kind and the Pinsir tribe.
But surprisingly, Heracross showed no desire to stay.
Instead, he walked up to Ash and stood tall before him.
"Huh? What's it doing?" Misty tilted her head, puzzled.
"I think it wants to battle Ash!" Brock laughed.
Ash smiled gently. He had already been issuing commands to Heracross back during the fight. Their chemistry—off the charts!
"Alright then, Pikachu—it's your turn again!"
"Pika!"
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack!"
Pikachu's speed shot through the roof as he launched himself at Heracross like a blur of yellow light.
But Heracross didn't flinch. With a twist of his horn, he blocked Pikachu's Quick Attack head-on.
Yet the moment they made contact—zap!—a burst of static electricity shot through Heracross's body!
Pikachu's Static ability!
Sometimes, it causes paralysis when the opponent makes direct contact!
Now paralyzed, Heracross's speed dropped. Worse, there was a chance he couldn't even move!
"Nice, Pikachu! Now—Thunderbolt!"
Ash had to admit—ever since arriving in this new world, his luck had been unbelievably good.
Static's paralysis effect didn't always trigger—but when it did, it was golden.
Pikachu's Thunderbolt struck Heracross at point-blank range!
"This is our chance—Poké Ball, go!"
Ash threw the Poké Ball straight at the immobilized Heracross!
Ding!
Ding!
Just two shakes—and it clicked shut.
"I caught Heracross!"
This Heracross had a gentle spirit, unshakable will, and the heart of a warrior—his compatibility with Ash was sky-high.
"System, check Heracross's bond level with me!"
Name: Heracross (♂)
Type: Bug/Fighting
Ability: Moxie (Boosts Attack after knocking out an opponent)
Bond Level: 90 / 250
Moves: Horn Attack, Tackle, Fury Attack, Megahorn, Focus Blast, Aerial Ace, Counter, Brick Break
Seeing the bond level, Ash couldn't help but let out a wry smile.
Just five more points, and they'd hit peak compatibility. With time and trust, that number would rise—and once it did, Heracross would be able to undergo Bond Evolution.
But there was no rush. Bond levels weren't fixed—they evolved, just like Pokémon.
And the best part?
This Heracross had a hidden ability—Moxie.
No wonder it had overwhelmed the invading Pinsir—its attack power had been rising with every victory!
Pikachu Bond Level: 190 / 255