The morning sun climbed steadily over Pallet Town, painting the familiar dirt roads, green fields, and wooden fences in warm golden hues. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees lining the path, carrying with it the faint scent of wildflowers and distant barbecue smoke from the previous night's victory party. Birds sang cheerfully overhead, and the occasional wild Rattata scurried through the tall grass beside the road.
Ash Ketchum walked at the front of the small group, his steps light and filled with quiet excitement for the journey ahead. The Indigo League trophy had been safely stored away at home, but the weight of his new status as Kanto Champion still lingered in his heart like a warm glow. On his left shoulder sat Pikachu, tail swishing proudly, cheeks occasionally sparking with leftover energy. Eevee trotted happily at his right side, silver fur catching the sunlight.
Misty walked close on his left, her arm looped comfortably through his, red hair swaying with each step. She was already chatting animatedly about the Orange Islands which beaches she wanted to visit first, what kind of Water-type Pokémon they might encounter, and how she couldn't wait to challenge the local Gyms.
Sabrina walked on his right, her hand gently clasped in his, her usual calm and elegant demeanor softened by a small, content smile. She didn't speak much, but her violet eyes occasionally flicked toward Ash with quiet affection.
Daisy walked just behind them, still getting used to her new place in the group. Her cheeks flushed pink every time Ash glanced back at her with that warm, reassuring smile and still thinking about their spicy night yesterday. She was carrying a small backpack and occasionally stole shy glances at him, her heart still racing from the confession and the events of the previous night.
Giselle trailed a few steps behind everyone, dressed in her black-and-white maid outfit short skirt, frilly apron, and headband. Her face was a permanent shade of embarrassed red. She kept her hands clasped tightly in front of her, eyes darting around nervously. Every so often she muttered something under her breath about "this can't be real" or "legendary Pokémon playing like pets," still clearly reeling from the revelations inside Ash's house.
The group had left Pallet Town after a heartfelt farewell. Delia had hugged each of them tightly, eyes misty but proud. Cynthia had given Ash a soft kiss on the forehead and whispered, "Come back safe, my love," while resting a hand on her small baby bump. Amber had clung to Ash's leg until the last possible moment, making him promise to bring back souvenirs.
Now, the road to Viridian City stretched ahead the first step toward Valencia Island and the mysterious GS Ball waiting with Professor Ivy.
They had been walking for nearly an hour when Ash suddenly slowed to a stop.
Up ahead, in a small clearing beside the road, a group of Pidgey and Pidgeotto were being harassed by a large, aggressive Fearow. The Fearow circled overhead with loud, mocking screeches, diving down repeatedly to peck and intimidate the smaller birds. The Pidgey scattered in panic, while the Pidgeotto tried to shield the younger ones, but they were clearly outmatched and terrified.
Ash's eyes narrowed. A powerful wave of nostalgia washed over him.
He stopped walking completely, a small, nostalgic smile forming on his lips.
Misty noticed first. "Ash? What's wrong?"
Ash didn't answer immediately. His mind had already drifted back an year ago, to the very first day of his journey.
Flashback – The Very First Day
It was the morning Ash had left Pallet Town for the first time.
He had just given Pikachu the exclusive Light Ball, boosting the little mouse's power tremendously. They were walking along Route 1 when a wild Spearow fast, angry, and territorial had suddenly attacked.
[Pokémon: Spearow, Level: lv17]
The information Ash could detect was limited since it wasn't his own Pokémon yet.
Level 17. Aggressive. And it had a whole flock behind it.
Ash knew that if he didn't end the fight quickly and decisively, the Spearow would call its friends and turn the situation into a chaotic swarm.
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"
"Pi~ka~chuuuuuu!!!!!"
The saffron-colored electricity flashed brilliantly across the sky. The Spearow let out a pained screech "Rowwwwwww~" and crashed hard into the ground.
To make sure it didn't wake up and summon its flock for revenge, Ash had stepped forward without hesitation and delivered one firm kick to the downed bird.
That Spearow had been his very first "mortal enemy" the first wild Pokémon to challenge him so aggressively on his journey.
Back in the present, Ash's smile grew wider as he watched the current Fearow bullying the weaker birds.
"Some things never change," he murmured.
Then, a familiar chime rang softly in his mind only he could hear it.
[Ding!]
New Mission Triggered: Capture Your First Mortal Enemy with Your Girl Pidgeot
Mission Details: Defeat and capture the tyrannical Fearow using your female Pidgeot. Show this bully who the real boss is.
Reward: Razor Claw (greatly increases the power of critical hits and allows certain evolutions),Pidgeotite.
Ash's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Perfect timing."
He reached for a Poké Ball on his belt and tossed it high into the air.
"Come out, Pidgeot!"
In a brilliant flash of light, Ash's female Pidgeot appeared massive, majestic, and undeniably an Alpha. Her wingspan was enormous, her feathers glossy and powerful, her eyes sharp and confident. She had grown tremendously since the early days of Ash's journey, radiating strength, grace, and quiet dominance.
The Fearow noticed the new arrival immediately. It let out a loud, challenging screech and flapped its wings aggressively, trying to intimidate the much larger bird.
Pidgeot simply hovered in the air, looking down at the Fearow with calm superiority as if the bully was nothing more than an annoying insect.
Ash's voice was steady and commanding.
"Pidgeot… show him who the boss is."
Pidgeot let out a powerful, resonant cry and dove forward with incredible speed.
The battle was completely one-sided from the very first second.
The Fearow tried to counter with Peck and Aerial Ace, diving aggressively toward Pidgeot. But Ash's Alpha Pidgeot was far too fast and powerful. She dodged every attack with graceful ease, her movements fluid and precise, barely needing to exert herself.
"Pidgeot, use Wing Attack!"
Pidgeot's wings glowed bright white as she slammed into the Fearow with brutal force. The impact sent the bully tumbling through the air like a ragdoll, crashing hard into the ground with a loud thud. Dust and feathers flew everywhere.
The Fearow struggled to get back up, screeching angrily, but Pidgeot was already circling above, ready for the next strike.
Ash didn't give it any breathing room.
"Pidgeot, finish it with Air Slash!"
A sharp, compressed blade of air sliced through the sky with a loud whooshing sound. The Fearow was blasted backward violently, slamming into a thick tree trunk and sliding down to the ground, clearly exhausted and defeated. It tried to stand once more, but its wings gave out, and it collapsed in a heap.
Pidgeot landed gracefully beside Ash, folding her massive wings and looking at him with proud, intelligent eyes.
Ash reached out and gently stroked the top of her head.
"You did great, girl. Thank you for handling our first enemy so beautifully."
Pidgeot cooed happily and nuzzled against his hand, clearly pleased with the praise.
The group of Pidgey and Pidgeotto that had been bullied earlier now chirped gratefully, circling around Pidgeot in a thankful flurry of wings, as if paying respects to their savior.
Ash took out an empty Poké Ball, aimed it at the fallen Fearow, and threw it with confidence.
The ball hit the Fearow squarely, opened with a flash of red light, and sucked the long-time tyrant inside.
One shake… two shakes… three shakes…
Click!
Congratulations! You have captured Fearow!
Ash picked up the Poké Ball, holding it up with a satisfied smile.
"Welcome to the team, old rival. Let's turn that aggression into something better this time."
He turned to Pidgeot once more and gave her a gentle pat.
"You've come such a long way since that first day. I'm proud of you."
Pidgeot let out a soft, happy cry and nuzzled him again before returning to her Poké Ball in a flash of light.
The rest of the group watched the entire scene with varying expressions.
Misty grinned widely. "That Fearow never stood a chance against your Pidgeot. She's gotten so strong!"
Sabrina nodded approvingly, a small smile on her lips. "A fitting end to an old grudge. She handled it with grace and power."
Daisy smiled softly, eyes shining with admiration. "You really have come so far since that first day… it's amazing to see."
Giselle stood a few steps behind, mouth slightly open, still trying to process how casually and effortlessly Ash had just captured a powerful wild Fearow using an Alpha Pidgeot. Her mind was still reeling from everything she had seen since becoming his maid.
Ash pocketed the new Poké Ball and looked toward the horizon with a determined expression.
"Let's keep going. Viridian City isn't far now… and the Orange Islands are waiting."
With renewed energy and one more Pokémon added to his growing team a former rival now given a chance at redemption Ash and the girls continued their journey down the road.
The path ahead was full of new adventures, old memories, and the promise of even greater challenges.
But for now, the group walked together hearts light, bonds strong, and the future shining brightly before them.