Viridian Forest is vast. Even during his previous Kanto journey, the original Ash only explored the outskirts, never venturing deep into the core.
It was here that Ash caught his first two Pokémon, Caterpie and Pidgeotto.
Caterpie evolved into Butterfree and, with its pink soulmate, left Ash to live a life of eternal companionship. Pidgeotto evolved into Pidgeot and stayed behind in Viridian Forest to protect the flocks of Pidgey and Pidgeotto, with a promise to return. Now, it was time to fulfill that promise and bring Pidgeot back.
The trees in the forest are so lush and dense that the interior is quite dark, making it a paradise for Bug- and Flying-type Pokémon.
Looking at the scenery before him, Ash felt a surge of excitement. "Alright, Pikachu, let's go for it!"
"Pika~" Pikachu thumped its chest, signaling that he had things under control. They battled several Pokémon in the forest and earned a good number of points. Ash exchanged some points for Pokéblocks, which he gave to the Pokémon he defeated, and they continued their journey.
"Pika Pika~" Pikachu suddenly patted Ash and pointed to the side. Ash followed his gaze and saw a brown fox-like Pokémon.
"Is that... an Eevee?? Perfect!" As a Pokémon with eight potential evolutions, Eevee is incredibly rare!
[Eevee]
[Type: Normal]
[Gender: Male]
[Ability: Adaptability (When a Pokémon uses a move of the same type as itself, this ability boosts its power.)]
[Strength: Mid-Normal-Level]
[Moves: Quick Attack, Sand Attack, Swift, Agility, Dig, Shadow Ball, Double Kick]
[Terastal Type: Normal]
When Ash saw that this Eevee, despite being only mid-Normal-level, knew moves like Shadow Ball, Dig, and Double Kick, his eyes lit up. He knew this Eevee was a natural-born talent!
Eevee lifted its head proudly, looking at Ash and Pikachu. It walked slowly toward them with an arrogant gait.
"Alright! Go, Pikachu! Let's catch this Eevee!" "Pika~ Pika~"
Pikachu charged forward, static electricity sparking from its red cheeks, ready to battle.
"Bui~" Eevee, sensing Pikachu's incredible power, immediately used Dig to escape!
"Crap! Pikachu, use Thunderbolt, now!"
"Pikaaa~chuuu~" Pikachu unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt!
But it was a step too late. Fortunately, Eevee hadn't gotten far. Ash kept his eyes on the movement of the ground.
"Pikachu, quick, use Quick Attack and Agility to the right!"
"Pika Pika~" "Bui~"
Pikachu slammed into Eevee! "Yes! Now, use our new finisher, Tera Blast!"
Pikaaaa...
A flash of white light erupted from Pikachu, hitting Eevee and turning blue, causing the Eevee to faint instantly!
"That's awesome! Go, Poké Ball!" Ash flipped his hat backward and threw the Poké Ball. The ball touched Eevee, a red light appeared, and it pulled Eevee inside. The Poké Ball began to shake. Under the nervous but expectant gazes of Ash and Pikachu, it shook three times, and a three-star symbol flashed on top!
"Yes! I caught Eevee!" "Pika Pi~" ?(′?｀)人(′?｀)?
Pikachu ran over, hugged the Poké Ball, and brought it back to Ash.
"Thanks, Pikachu!" O(∩_∩)O
"Pika Pi~" Pikachu waved its paw in a dismissive gesture.
"Come on out, Eevee!" Ash then used some points from his system to get a Potion.
"Bui~" Eevee woke up and saw Ash healing its wounds.
"You're awake, Eevee. Here, have this Pokéblock!" "(???) Bui~" Eevee devoured it eagerly. After eating, it nestled its head into Ash's chest, rubbing against him affectionately.
Ash returned Eevee to its Poké Ball and continued with Pikachu toward the location of the Pidgeot flock.
—One Hour Later—
As they walked, the trees became less dense, and the forest grew much brighter. Bug-type Pokémon were now rare, a clear sign that this was the territory of a powerful Pokémon tribe. After walking for a while, they began to see Pidgey and Pidgeotto. This was clearly Pidgeot's territory!
Ash knew he couldn't go any further, or he would be seen as an invader and attacked.
Ash took a deep breath and shouted:
"Pidgeot! I've come to get you!" "Pika Pi~"
"Pidgeot! I've come to get you!" "Pika Pi~"
...
Suddenly, a gust of wind from a high-speed movement rushed past his ears. Ash and Pikachu looked up in the direction of the sound. In the sunlight, two huge Pidgeot flew toward them! The one in the lead had the majestic aura of a king!
"Pidgeot! Over here! I've come to get you! I'm sorry I'm late!" "Pika Pi~"
The lead Pidgeot swooped down and enveloped Ash and Pikachu in its broad wings.
[Pidgeot]
[Type: Normal, Flying]
[Ability: Keen Eye (The Pokémon's accuracy stat cannot be lowered by the opponent in any way and ignores the opponent's increased evasion.)]
[Strength: Peak Gym-Level]
[Moves: Hurricane, Brave Bird, Roost, Steel Wing, Hyper Beam...]
[Terastal Type: Flying]
"Pidgeot! Will you travel with me again?"
"Pi~geot~" Pidgeot flew away and looked at Ash with a fighting gleam in its eyes.
"Okay! I understand! Go, Pikachu!"
"Pika~" Pikachu looked at Pidgeot with a battle-ready expression. Clearly, he wanted to see Pidgeot's strength for himself.
Pi~ Pidgeot flapped its wings, unleashing an Air Slash.
"Pikachu, quick, dodge! Get close with Agility and use Thunderbolt!" "Pikaaa~chuuu~"
Pidgeot dodged the Thunderbolt and immediately used its most powerful Flying-type move, Brave Bird!
"Again, Pikachu! Keep using Thunderbolt!"
Boom! An explosion created a huge cloud of smoke. A moment later, Pidgeot burst out from the smoke!
Good! A wave of happiness surged through Ash's heart. He knew that Pikachu's special attack was boosted by the Light Ball!
"Go, Pikachu, use Agility!"
"Pika~" Pikachu rushed forward, but instead of just Agility, its entire body was filled with electricity!
"Is that? Pikachu's signature move, Volt Tackle!" Ash's eyes shone with excitement.
Pidgeot also used Brave Bird again and charged downward! Boom! An explosion rang out, creating a massive cloud of smoke!
Pi~ A moment later, Pidgeot emerged with Pikachu on its back. Pikachu waved its hand from Pidgeot's back. "Pika Pi~"
Pidgeot flew down next to Ash and nudged its head against his chest. Pikachu jumped from Pidgeot's back onto Ash's shoulder.
Ash took out a Poké Ball and held it up to Pidgeot. "Welcome back, Pidgeot!"
Pi~ Pidgeot pecked the Poké Ball, returning inside to once again become Ash's partner!
The Pidgey and Pidgeotto in the distance called out, bidding farewell to their king. Ash exchanged more points for Pokéblocks, which he gave to the other Pidgeot, who then led the flock away.
"Let's go, Pikachu! Our mission is a success!" "Pika Pi~" Pikachu nodded in agreement.
Ash and Pikachu left Viridian Forest as the setting sun cast long shadows of their figures.
— At Professor Oak's Lab, Backyard —
Ash's mom, Delia, Professor Oak, and Tracey had a farewell party for Ash! His Pokémon all gathered together, making it a lively scene!