Crossing the gorge, Ash and his friends soon arrived in Pinsir's territory.
Just like the Heracross's home, this place had a massive tree at its center.
But high up in the branches, they spotted something strange—a Pinsir far larger than normal, with an odd barrel strapped to its back!
A flash of blue light gleamed in Ash's eyes. His Aura swept outward.
"Team Rocket—it's you again!" Ash barked coldly.
Sure enough, Jessie, James, and Meowth revealed themselves. Their scheme this time was to harvest the tree sap and sell it for profit.
"Team Rocket, whether it's stealing Pokémon or wrecking the environment, I'll never forgive you!"
Ash stepped forward, showing not a shred of fear before the specially-built, alloy-plated mecha Pinsir.
"Ash, that barrel on its back is full of sap—we have to get it back!" Brock quickly pointed out.
Ash nodded. That meant Snorlax and Charizard were out of the question.
Snorlax, the glutton, would demolish the barrel's contents as soon as it won. As for Charizard, its flames would destroy the sap outright.
"It's up to you, Pikachu!"
"Pika!" Pikachu glared at the mecha Pinsir, its massive horns twitching, but showed no fear.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
Electricity engulfed the machine, lighting it up like a giant bulb—but with no effect.
Team Rocket had clearly prepared for Pikachu this time. Not only could the machine store power, it could discharge it back!
Meowth pressed a button, sending the electricity surging toward Ash and his friends.
"Hmph!"
Blue light flared, forming a protective barrier that shielded everyone.
"You little brat—what did you just do?!" Jessie cried in shock.
Ash only sneered. He already had his answer.
For now, Pikachu only knew Electric- and Normal-type moves. Against this mecha, it didn't stand much chance.
If only Pikachu had mastered its signature move—Iron Tail—things would be different. But training still lay ahead. Before reaching Violet City, Ash resolved to put Pikachu and the others through special drills.
"Heracross!"
The hero Heracross stepped forward. With its insect-born might, it clamped onto the mecha and pinned it down.
"What?!"
Team Rocket panicked—their controls failed, and the giant Pinsir mech was immobilized!
Brock and Misty seized the chance to snatch away the barrel of sap.
"Good! Heracross, use Megahorn!"
The Bug-type's ultimate move—especially devastating when wielded by a Pokémon with such a massive horn.
Golden Bug-type energy surged around Heracross's horn. As was its nature, it drove the horn into the mech's underbelly.
"Now—up!"
At Ash's command, Heracross erupted with monstrous strength, flipping the mecha into the air.
Then, wings buzzing, it took flight, ramming straight into the alloy construct horn-first.
CRASH!
The machine shattered, tumbling to the ground before Team Rocket.
And then—BOOM!
"We're blasting off agaaaaain!"
With that familiar cry, the trio vanished into the sky once more.
With Team Rocket gone, the Pinsir returned.
"Nothing beats being home," Misty said with relief, even if bugs still made her uneasy.
"Heracro!"
The heroic Heracross set the barrel before the Pinsir, quickly winning their admiration. It had become a hero to both tribes.
But instead of staying, Heracross turned and stood before Ash.
"Huh? What's it doing?" Misty asked curiously.
"Looks like it wants a battle with Ash," Brock chuckled.
Ash smiled. In truth, from the moment he had commanded it against Team Rocket, he could already sense the deep connection forming.
"Let's go, Pikachu—it's your turn!"
"Pika!"
"Quick Attack!"
Pikachu darted forward, slamming into Heracross.
The beetle took the hit head-on, its horn clashing with Pikachu's charge.
But in that instant, sparks leapt across its body—Static!
Pikachu's hidden ability sometimes paralyzed any foe it touched.
Heracross's speed faltered, its movements sluggish.
"Great job, Pikachu! Now—Thunderbolt!"
Ever since arriving in this world, Ash felt his luck had soared. Static's paralysis wasn't common—but it had triggered at just the right time.
At point-blank range, Pikachu's Thunderbolt struck home.
"Now—Pokéball, go!"
Ash seized the chance, throwing a Pokéball that swallowed the paralyzed Heracross.
Ding!
Ding!
After just two shakes, the ball clicked shut.
"I caught Heracross!" Ash cheered.
This Heracross was gentle, steadfast, and brave—perfectly in sync with him.
"System, show me its bond stats!"
Name: Heracross (♂)
Type: Bug / Fighting
Ability:Moxie (Attack rises after knocking out an opponent)
Bond Level: 90 / 250
Moves: Tackle, Push, Fury Attack, Megahorn, Focus Blast, Aerial Ace, Counter, Brick Break
Ash chuckled wryly at the results.
Only five points away from peak compatibility—close enough that bond evolution was only a matter of time. With training and companionship, their synergy would grow naturally.
But what thrilled him most was its hidden ability—Moxie.
No wonder it had stood firm against the invading Pinsir. Its Attack had been snowballing with every foe it defeated.
Pikachu: 190 / 255