On the way to Violet City, they experienced plenty of interesting events.
For example, when they passed through Cherrygrove City, they happened to arrive during the annual festival. Since the town viewed Quagsire as a symbol of clean water, the Pokémon there were specially protected. During the festival, Pryce's Quagsire accidentally snatched the GS Ball, and Ash's group had to go through quite a bit of trouble to get it back. After all, losing something like that would have caused major problems.
Still, Misty felt rather disappointed that she couldn't catch a Quagsire. The town rules prohibited battling them, which left her frustrated for quite a while.
They also met a girl named Makoto, a Spinarak trainer. With her help, Ash and the others managed to cross a river. During the trip, Team Rocket tried to steal Makoto's flute, only to get thoroughly shocked by Ash's Pikachu.
There was also a slightly awkward yet touching incident at a Pokémon Center that had a Blissey working there. Most Nurse Joys usually partnered with Chansey, after all. Because of some mistakes made by the Blissey, everyone ended up going hungry. Coincidentally, Team Rocket also passed through the same place and suffered the same fate.
However, when Jessie saw that Blissey, memories from her past surfaced in her mind, making her give up the idea of stealing food.
This was also the only time during Ash and his group's journey toward the Johto League that they did not directly clash with Team Rocket.
When Team Rocket left, they departed first, because Jessie simply could not imagine how she was supposed to face Blissey.
Perhaps the days they spent together at Pokémon Tech Academy had been the most precious memories between them.
"Jessie, we should go. We are... don't belong to the same world anymore," James said softly, unable to bear the atmosphere.
"You're right." Jessie smiled faintly. "Blissey, seeing you this happy... is enough for me."
And as they left, the only thing that remained behind was Blissey's reluctant cry of "Blissey~"
After all that, they finally arrived at Violet City.
Originally, Ash had wanted to visit Sprout Tower, but after thinking it over, he decided against it. For one thing, the so called Sprout Tower was really just a tall building with more appearance than substance. Secondly, he wanted to avoid any misunderstandings involving Pikachu being mistaken for something else.
"We're finally here! Flying type Gym, here I come!" Ash stood at the entrance of the city, staring at the uniquely designed Gym building in the distance with fiery determination burning in his eyes.
This first Johto League Gym battle was something he had been looking forward to for a long time.
To prepare for the Flying type Gym, Ash had already carefully planned his lineup.
Naturally, Pikachu's Electric type attacks would be his primary weapon due to the type advantage.
Besides that, he had specially transferred over two old partners from Professor Oak's laboratory.
A flash of red light appeared, accompanied by a crisp and beautiful cry as a majestic Pidgeot emerged before Ash.
The most eye catching feature was its feathers, which were completely different from those of ordinary Pidgeot. Under the sunlight, they shimmered with dazzling rainbow-like colors, especially the crest feathers on its head, which were exceptionally brilliant.
This was the evolved form of the shiny Pidgeotto Ash had caught shortly after beginning his journey in Viridian Forest!
"Pidgeot~!"
The shiny Pidgeot affectionately rubbed its head against Ash's cheek, clearly delighted to fight alongside its trainer once again.
Another red light appeared, this one far hotter and overflowing with power.
"ROAR!"
Accompanied by a thunderous dragon-like roar, Charizard landed heavily on the ground with the flame on its tail blazing fiercely. It raised its head proudly and exhaled a puff of black smoke, its eyes full of confidence and fighting spirit.
"Alright, lineup confirmed! Pikachu, Pidgeot, and Charizard!" Ash looked at his three main fighters with satisfaction.
However, after glancing at Charizard, Ash could not help muttering inwardly.
Its strength was unquestionable, but perhaps because of its size or for some other reason, riding on its back had always felt a little awkward. It could fly with people just fine, but it never felt particularly stable. It simply could not provide the same reassuring experience as Pidgeot.
After all, they would eventually pass through the Charicific Valley, and the training waiting for Charizard there was something it could not avoid.
"Since we're challenging a Flying type Gym, how about we first get used to flying in the air?" Ash suggested. He mainly wanted to rebuild coordination with his shiny Pidgeot while also checking Charizard's condition.
"Pidgeot~!"
The shiny Pidgeot obediently lowered its body.
Ash skillfully climbed onto Pidgeot's broad back, while Pikachu expertly jumped onto his shoulder.
Not wanting to be outdone, Charizard flapped its wings and hovered beside them.
"We'll just fly around above the city for a bit and get familiar with the surroundings."
The shiny Pidgeot let out a clear cry. With a powerful spread of its wings, it lightly carried Ash and Pikachu into the sky.
Charizard followed closely behind, its massive wings stirring strong gusts of wind.
Looking down on Violet City from above offered a completely different experience.
The ancient streets, the peaceful river, and the iconic Sprout Tower all came into view. The gentle breeze brushed against their faces, making the entire experience refreshing and exhilarating.
Just as they were flying low along the edge of the city while enjoying the scenery, several sharp bird cries and the sound of some sort of machinery suddenly came from ahead.
Ash focused his eyes and saw a powerful looking ordinary Pidgeot rapidly darting and circling through the sky while performing all sorts of difficult aerial maneuvers.
Beside that Pidgeot was a young man wearing a blue flight jacket and goggles. Carrying a sleek glider on his back, he soared freely through the air like a bird, perfectly synchronized with the Pidgeot beside him, as though the two were one.
The man also seemed to notice Ash and the others, especially the brilliantly colored shiny Pidgeot beneath Ash and the imposing Charizard nearby. Skillfully controlling his glider, he elegantly turned and flew toward Ash.
The two groups slowly approached one another in the skies above Violet City before finally stopping above a river.
The young man lifted his goggles, revealing a determined and energetic face. His sharp eyes resembled those of a soaring eagle.
His gaze first swept over Ash's shiny Pidgeot in surprise, admiration clearly visible in his eyes. He then looked toward the proud looking Charizard before finally focusing on Ash himself.
"I'm Falkner, the Gym Leader of Violet City Gym," the young man introduced himself. His voice carried the refreshing confidence unique to someone who loved flying. "Your Pidgeot... is truly special. I've never seen such beautiful colors before. It's like it's wearing a rainbow."
The praise came straight from the heart. To someone who loved the sky and Flying type Pokémon, a shiny Pokémon like this possessed irresistible appeal.
"Thank you, Mr. Falkner." Ash politely responded while gently stroking the shiny Pidgeot's neck. "I met it in Viridian Forest back in Kanto. It's been with me ever since it was still a Pidgeotto."
"A bond that began from its Pidgeotto days... no wonder your teamwork is so natural." Falkner nodded, the admiration in his eyes growing even stronger.
He could tell that this shiny Pidgeot was not only extraordinary in appearance, but its eyes were also filled with trust and dependence toward its trainer.
"So, you must be the challenger I've been waiting for." Falkner's lips curled into a battle hungry smile. "A trainer capable of commanding such outstanding Flying type Pokémon must have a unique understanding of the skies. I'm looking forward to battling you in the Gym match! Let's spread our wings to our hearts' content on the official battlefield!"
"I'm looking forward to it too, Mr. Falkner!" Ash's eyes burned with equal passion. Battling a Gym Leader who genuinely loved flying and shared such a deep connection with his Pokémon was absolutely something he could not miss. "I'll definitely give it my all!"
"Excellent! Then I'll be waiting for you at the Gym!" Falkner laughed loudly before putting his goggles back on and signaling to his Pidgeot.
The man and his Pokémon once again transformed into blue and white streaks shooting off into the distance like arrows.
...
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