"Flap—flap!!"
In the Dashiwan Valley, after Ash finished treating the other Pokémon and sent the gathered wild Pokémon away, the Pidgey that had been standing on a distant cliff finally beat its wings and flew over.
It skillfully dropped a string of sweet, ripe berries, then landed on a rock in front of Ash, looking at him with its usual cool, indifferent expression.
"Pidgey, you're here!!"
"You brought me berries again? Thank you so much."
"Don't rush off just yet—let me check your body and see whether your injuries have fully recovered."
Ash stopped the Pidgey as it was about to flap its wings and leave.
A few days ago, the Pidgey had left Professor Oak's lab before fully recovering. Ever since then, whenever it brought him berries, Ash would carefully examine its body with Viridian Blessing, worried that hidden injuries might remain.
—Buzz—
Ash activated Viridian Blessing · Healing Grace.
Emerald-green light swept over the Pidgey's body like a CT scan, thoroughly examining every inch.
…
[Pokémon:Pidgey]
Level: LV.20
Type: Normal / Flying
Nature: Lonely, Battle-Hungry
Ability: Keen Eye, Big Pecks
HP: 48
Attack: 54
Defense: 48
Sp. Atk: 42
Sp. Def: 42
Speed: 68
Overall: 302
Potential: Blue (Perfect)
Moves (Copyable):
Proficient (1/1000): Tackle, Sand-Attack, Gust, Quick Attack, Wing Attack, Agility
Skilled (1/500): Air Cutter, Razor Wind
Novice (1/100): Mimic, Roost, Whirlwind
The Pidgey's talent was exceptionally high—its system-rated potential was Blue.
During this period, Ash had treated countless wild Pokémon and checked an enormous number of status panels.
Most were White or Green, and even though sheer numbers meant he had encountered quite a few Red-potential Pokémon, a Blue Pokémon was practically unheard of.
This Pidgey was the only Pokémon Ash had treated so far whose potential had reached Blue.
Ash had always wanted to catch this Pidgey.
Even if it were only White potential, he would still want it—because he truly loved its personality.
Its unyielding will, its cold exterior and warm heart, its quiet gratitude… Ash admired all of it.
And now, it wasn't just any Pidgey—it was a Blue (Perfect) Pokémon. Among wild Pokémon, that was absurdly rare.
Not to mention, Ash had long wanted to catch a Flying-type, and this Pidgey was already LV.20.
The reason Ash hadn't proposed capturing it earlier was simple: he was worried about its injuries.
Two days ago, when its wounds had mostly healed, Ash officially made his request.
Day one: the Pidgey turned around and left.
Day two: the Pidgey turned around and left again.
And today—
This was the third day.
"Good news—your injuries have completely healed," Ash said gently.
"But in the future, when you fight other Pokémon, be careful, okay?"
The Pidgey didn't reply. It simply nodded slightly.
Seeing that the examination was over, it spread its wings, ready to leave.
Watching that familiar motion, even though he had already been rejected twice and no longer held much hope, Ash still couldn't help but speak.
"Pidgey, I believe you understand how I feel."
"Battle me. I want to catch you."
"Pichu~ Pichu…"
"Gua~ Gua…"
Pichu and Frogadier also spoke up beside him.
After spending this time together, both of them had come to respect and like this strong-willed, stubborn Pidgey.
With its back to Ash, the Pidgey—about to leave—did not fly away this time.
Instead, it stopped mid-step, as if struggling internally.
"Pidgey, I don't know what you went through in the past that made you close off your heart and stay so wary of humans and other Pokémon."
"But I can tell—you're capable, kind, and passionate."
"I really like you."
"I want to be your Trainer—your partner, your friend… even your family."
"And I can tell you crave battle and growth. That's something I can help you with."
"I'm confident I can train you into a truly powerful Flying-type Pokémon."
Feeling the hesitation, doubt, and inner struggle within the Pidgey through Aura, Ash pressed on.
"You already meet the requirements to evolve. Do you know why you still haven't?"
"Become my Pokémon, and I will help you evolve."
"Beep…?"
For the first time since meeting Ash over a week ago, the Pidgey spoke.
"Yes. Believe me."
"If you become my Pokémon, I'll do everything I can—absolutely everything—to help you evolve."
"And not just into Pidgeotto."
"Even Pidgeot—I'll make sure you reach it one day."
Ash's voice was firm, unwavering.
"Of course… if you don't want to, I won't force you."
He shook his head with a helpless smile.
"This is the last time I'll ask."
"If you're willing to become my partner, I'll welcome you with a Pokémon battle—the most respectful way I know."
"If you choose to refuse again, I won't bring this up ever again."
"But no matter what, if you're ever injured, I'll still treat you for free."
"So… make your choice."
Ash admitted he liked this Pidgey a lot—but he wasn't the type to cling if it said no.
With Source Cleansing, Blue potential honestly wasn't that big a deal to him.
Pichu and Frogadier both had far greater potential.
Even a White Pokémon—given time—Ash could raise beyond Blue.
So he wouldn't force it.
But clearly—
Ash's sincerity struck home.
"Pidgey—!!"
The Pidgey suddenly turned around, beat its wings hard, soared into the air, and cried out—its voice filled with fierce battle intent.
"Alright."
"Since you've accepted…"
"Frogadier—this welcome ceremony for our new companion will be handled by you."
Seeing the Pidgey agree to a capture battle, a smile finally spread across Ash's face as he turned to his strongest Pokémon.
"Gua—!"
The battle that would decide fate… was about to begin.
--------------
T/N:
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