Misty's hand came down with a sharp slap, leaving Ash stunned as he staggered back, holding his cheek.
"What are you doing to this poor, injured Pikachu?!" Misty shouted, her voice filled with both anger and disbelief. Her Starmie mirrored her concern, inching closer to the battered Pikachu lying in Ash's arms.
Ash, clutching the weakened Pikachu, stammered, "It's not what it looks like! This Pikachu is my Pokémon! We were attacked by a group of Spearow, and it's hurt because of that!"
Misty faltered at his explanation, her fiery anger cooling as guilt crept over her features. She softened her tone and said, "I'm sorry. I didn't know. But you should've taken better care of your Pokémon!"
Ace, who had been quietly observing, stepped in. "Let's not argue right now. What's important is treating Pikachu and figuring out how to handle this situation."
Before anyone could respond, a distant but growing noise filled the air. It sounded like a hurricane of wings.
Misty stiffened, her eyes widening in alarm. "What is that?"
Ash's face went pale as realization struck. "It's them... the Spearow!"
Within moments, the source of the noise revealed itself. A massive swarm of Spearow—at least fifty of them—descended upon the area like a dark, menacing cloud. Their eyes glinted with fury, and their sharp beaks gleamed in the fading sunlight.
Ash, panic-stricken, turned to Misty's bike. "We have to run!" He was about to bolt when Ace grabbed his shoulder, halting him in his tracks.
"Wait," Ace said firmly, his voice steady despite the rising tension. He gestured to his team of Pokémon, all of whom stood ready for action. Nidoran growled lowly, Scyther's blades glinted in the light, and Elekid's fists crackled with electricity. Starmie spun as its gem glowed, ready to attack while Smeargle had a determined expression. Clefairy was in the rear for support and healing.Even Misty's Pokémon—her Starmie, Staryu, and Goldeen—stepped forward, sensing the seriousness of the situation.
Ash looked at Ace as if he had lost his mind. "You're not actually thinking of fighting them, are you? There are too many!"
Ace gave him a determined look. "If we don't stop them here, they'll keep chasing you all the way to Viridian City. That'll put not just you, but other people and Pokémon, in danger."
Misty, though initially shaken, clenched her fists and nodded, stepping beside Ace. "Ace is right. Running won't solve this. If we don't stop them now, they'll just cause more harm." She turned to her Pokémon. "Starmie, Staryu, Goldeen—get ready to fight!"
Ace gave a small nod of approval at her resolve, then turned to Ash. "Stay behind us and keep Pikachu safe. Let us handle this."
Ash hesitated, looking between the advancing swarm and Ace's determined expression. He swallowed hard and nodded, taking a step back. "Alright... but be careful!"
As the flock of Spearow drew nearer, their screeches becoming deafening, Ace's voice rang out with authority.
"Elekid, Smeargle, use Thunderbolt!" Ace commanded sharply.
Bright arcs of electricity erupted from Elekid and Smeargle, crackling through the air toward the advancing Spearow. The attack hit several of the birds directly, sending a few spiraling out of the sky.
"Scyther, set up with Swords Dance!" Ace continued.
Scyther's body glowed faintly as it began to move with precision and speed, its blades flashing in an intimidating display as it prepared for an all-out assault.
"Starmie, use Psybeam! Nidoran, Confusion! Clefairy, use Gravity to slow them down!"
Starmie unleashed a brilliant multicolored beam of psychic energy, striking the swarm and causing disarray. Nidoran's eyes glowed, and a wave of psychic energy rippled through the air, disorienting the Spearow and knocking several off balance. Meanwhile, Clefairy raised its tiny hands, and a gravitational force weighed down the area, forcing the Spearow to fly lower and slowing their momentum.
Misty, determined to help, called out to her Pokémon. "Staryu, Starmie, Goldeen—use Water Gun as support!"
Her Pokémon sprang into action. Streams of water shot into the air, colliding with the incoming Spearow and scattering them. The combined effort of the water-type moves, electric attacks, and psychic abilities created chaos in the swarm.
Ace glanced at Misty, impressed by her quick response. "Nice work, Misty! Keep it up!"
Misty gave a small smile, though her focus never wavered. "You too, Ace. We've got this!"
The battle was fierce. Though the Spearow were relentless, the teamwork between Ace and Misty's Pokémon began to turn the tide. Many of the Spearow hesitated, their numbers dwindling as more fell to the ground, unable to continue the fight.
Ash, standing behind them with Pikachu in his arms, watched in awe. His eyes flicked between the battle and Ace. 'He's so calm, even in a situation like this... I need to be like that someday.'
The remaining Spearow, now visibly fewer in number, regrouped and prepared for another dive. Ace saw this and quickly assessed the situation.
"Elekid, Smeargle—get ready to fire another Thunderbolt! Scyther, finish your setup and prepare to attack! Everyone else, hold your ground!"
As the remaining 15 Spearow dived toward the group, Ace called out , "Scyther, intercept them with Slash!"
The bug-type Pokémon flashed forward, its swords gleaming as it slashed through the air. With the full power of Swords Dance boosting its strength, Scyther struck three Spearow with one fluid motion, sending them crashing to the ground.
"Elekid, Smeargle—Thunderbolt, now!" Ace commanded.
The twin Thunderbolts crackled through the air, striking seven of the diving Spearow in a spectacular display of electricity. Those Spearow dropped like stones, unable to resist the powerful electric attack.
"Only five left," Ace muttered to himself, scanning the battlefield.
A sudden bright beam shot through the air, connecting with one of the remaining Spearow. Clefairy stood confidently, her tiny arms raised as she launched another Charge Beam.
"Nidoran, you're up!" Ace called.
Nidoran leapt into action, jumping onto Starmie, which used Rapid Spin to propel Nidoran into the air. With a precise Poison Tail, Nidoran struck two Spearow in rapid succession, sending them tumbling to the ground.
Misty wasn't idle either. "Staryu, Starmie, Goldeen—Water Gun, now!"
The combined Water Gun from her Pokémon shot through the air, taking out another Spearow. This left just one Spearow hovering, its body tense and its eyes filled with fury. A noticeable bump on its head suggested it had been recently struck.
Ash pointed at it, his voice shaking with excitement. "That's the one! That's the Spearow that called the whole flock!"
Ace narrowed his eyes, his mind already piecing things together. "This must be the leader of the flock," he said, his voice calm. 'From what I remember in the manga, this Spearow is incredibly strong. Even in the anime, It went toe-to-toe with Ash's Pidgeot.'
The Spearow glared at Ace, its sharp eyes daring him to challenge it.
Ace smirked. "Misty, Ash—back off. This one's mine."
Both looked at him in surprise. "Are you serious?" Misty asked, her voice incredulous.
Ace nodded. "I'm going to catch it."
The Spearow let out a furious screech, as if accepting the challenge. Its glare seemed to say, If you want me, you'll have to prove yourself.
"Smeargle, you're up!" Ace called out to his starter. "Start with Ember!"
Smeargle painted fiery streaks in the air, launching small bursts of flame at Spearow. The flames hit, but Spearow quickly retaliated by opening its beak and sending an identical Ember attack back.
"Mirror Move," Ace said, impressed. "This Spearow's no joke. Smeargle, use Quick Attack to close the distance!"
Smeargle darted forward, but Spearow anticipated the move, using its own Quick Attack to evade.
"Now, use Toxic!" Ace yelled.
Smeargle pivoted and released a toxic purple mist that enveloped Spearow. The poison seeped into its system, and the bird Pokémon screeched in pain.
"Swift!" Ace commanded without missing a beat.
Smeargle launched a flurry of star-shaped projectiles that homed in on Spearow. The poisoned bird tried to dodge, but the stars chased it relentlessly, striking it mid-flight.
Spewing rage, Spearow retaliated with an all-out attack. Its wings glowed with Wing Attack, its beak gleamed with Peck, and it rushed forward with Quick Attack all at once.
Ace's eyes widened in admiration. "It's using three moves at once. This Spearow is incredible!"
But Ace wasn't intimidated. "Smeargle, counter with Hypnosis!"
Smeargle's eyes glowed as it sent out hypnotic waves. Spearow's furious charge faltered as it became drowsy, its movements slowing visibly.
"Finish it with Charge Beam!" Ace ordered.
Smeargle fired a concentrated beam of electricity that struck Spearow head-on. The bird let out one last screech before collapsing to the ground, unconscious.
Ace threw a Pokéball and threw it as it captured the spearow. It wobbled once, twice, three times—and then clicked.
A victorious smile spread across Ace's face as he picked up the Pokéball. "Gotcha."
Misty and Ash approached him, their faces a mix of awe and amazement.
"That was amazing, Ace!" Ash said, his eyes sparkling. "You're so strong!"
Misty nodded in agreement. "Congratulations! That Spearow is really something."
Ace thanked them with a smile and turned to his Pokédex to scan his new Pokémon.
[Name: Spearow, the Tiny Bird Pokémon.
Description: Known to be reckless and aggressive. Its speed and sharp beak make it a formidable foe.
Type: Normal/Flying.
Ability: Sniper.
Gender: Male.
Moves: Wing Attack, Peck, Quick Attack, Mirror Move, Roost, Astonish (egg move), Tri Attack (egg move), Feather Dance (egg move).]
Ace's smile widened as he read the data. 'Three egg moves, nice.'
He showed Starmie its Pokéball, saying, "Time to head back to Professor Cerise's lab for now, buddy. I'll call you again soon."
Starmie spun in acknowledgment, its core gem glowing brightly as it was sent to professor Cerise's lab.
As the battle concluded and the final Spearow was safely secured in its Pokéball, the rain that had drenched the area finally stopped. The trio looked up to see the dark clouds parting, allowing sunlight to stream through. The air was fresh, filled with the faint scent of rain-soaked earth.
Misty sighed in relief, stretching her arms. "Finally, some good weather. I thought we'd be soaked forever."
Ash nodded, still clutching Pikachu protectively. "At least the Spearow are gone. That was intense!"
Ace, however, wasn't listening. He stood frozen, his gaze fixed on the sky.
"What's wrong, Ace?" Misty asked, following his line of sight.
A majestic, melodic cry echoed through the clearing, making the hairs on the back of their necks stand on end. High in the sky, a radiant red bird Pokémon soared gracefully, leaving a vibrant rainbow in its wake.
Ash and Misty gasped, their eyes wide in awe.
"What… what is that?" Misty whispered, her voice barely audible.
"It's so beautiful…" Ash added, his amber eyes reflecting the rainbow in the sky.
Ace, on the other hand, stood in stunned silence, his lips slowly curling into a disbelieving smile. 'Ho-Oh… It's really Ho-Oh…' His heart raced as he took in the sight of the legendary Pokémon. This was a moment he never thought he'd witness so soon in his journey.
'My first legendary…' Ace thought, his mind spinning with excitement and wonder.
The Ho-Oh, majestic and radiant, flew in slow, deliberate arcs. Its golden and red plumage glistened in the sunlight, a living embodiment of divinity.
Ho-oh, as if sensing the trio's awe, glanced down at them. But it lingered on Ace, its golden eyes locking onto him. The Pokémon seemed to be studying him, as if it could sense something about him—something different, something not quite belonging to this world. There was a quiet understanding in Ho-oh's gaze, as if it recognized Ace's unique essence.
With a majestic sound, Ho-oh spread its wings even wider, creating a rippling effect in the air. It gave one last glance toward Ace, as if acknowledging him before it flew higher into the sky, the rainbow behind it glowing even more brightly. The majestic bird disappeared into the horizon, leaving the trio standing there, still staring in amazement.
Unbeknownst to Ace, however, as Ho-oh soared away, a shadowy figure appeared by a tree nearby. The figure was dark and formless, barely noticeable against the surroundings. It nodded silently at Ho-oh, as if receiving a silent command. The shadow then slinked quietly toward Ace, its presence undetected by him. It moved quickly and stealthily, slipping into his shadow, blending seamlessly with the darkness. It remained there, silently observing Ace, carefully watching every move he made.
The moment was fleeting, and as quickly as it appeared, the shadow was hidden, leaving no trace behind. Ace remained unaware, lost in his thoughts, still in awe of the legendary Pokémon he had just witnessed. Ho-oh had left, but its mysterious gaze lingered, as the dark presence now secretly watched over Ace, unknown to him.
Ace took a deep breath, composing himself. He turned to the others, his expression calm despite the storm of emotions swirling within. "That," he said with a small, knowing smile, "was Ho-Oh. A legendary Pokémon."
Ash and Misty's jaws dropped simultaneously.
"Legendary?" Ash exclaimed. "You mean like super rare and powerful?"
"Not just rare," Ace explained, his voice steady. "Ho-Oh is said to appear only to those who are destined for greatness or who have a pure heart. It's an incredibly powerful Pokémon, revered by many."
Misty blinked, still staring at the sky where Ho-Oh had disappeared. "I… I can't believe we just saw something like that." She said as ace and ash nodded, still shocked by seeing ho-oh by their own eyes.
(Pls give me some power stones!)
(Find out next time on Pokemon:Ace's Adventures!)