Join my p@treon for more chapters
[email protected]/Tempest_29
Listening to Ash's voice, Zapdos frowned slightly—not because Ash let it escape, but because Ash and the others had fought to save it, making it unwilling to leave this way.
However, when Zapdos met Ash's eyes, it seemed to understand that leaving was the best choice.
Crackling!
Zapdos let out a long roar, lightning flashing from its body. Thunder and lightning scattered in all directions, bombarding the surroundings with explosive force before it rose into the air, its massive wings flapping powerfully.
Below, Team Rocket members were too busy dodging to try to stop it. Zapdos soon escaped through the damage Team Rocket had caused to the power room. Ash looked up at the sky and murmured softly.
"Before you're caught by anyone else, wait until I can subdue you myself!"
"Pika!" Pikachu, who was connected to Ash's consciousness, sensed Ash's determination. Its eyes shone with a fierce fighting spirit. After a moment, Ash lowered his gaze and turned to Archer, his expression brimming with hostility.
"It seems I've failed today. I underestimated you far too much," Archer said, narrowing his eyes. He retrieved his Poké Balls, recalling Houndoom and Golbat.
"Let's call it a day. Our target was Zapdos, and without it, there's no reason to continue this battle." The situation had turned unfavorable. Archer's Houndoom was defeated, and the rest of Team Rocket's forces were blocked by a swarm of Magnemite. With their goal gone, further fighting seemed pointless.
As Archer spoke, he clasped his hands behind his back, walking away as though there was no one to stop him. Officer Jenny clenched her teeth and rushed forward.
"Stop! You can't just leave after everything you've done!" she shouted. "Team Rocket is a criminal organization—you're not going anywhere!"
Archer smirked but said nothing. He raised his hand, signaling the surrounding Team Rocket members. Smoke bombs were thrown, filling the area with thick, choking clouds. Instinctively, everyone covered their noses and mouths as the smoke spread. Moments later, a powerful gust of wind blew the smoke away. Those nearby steadied themselves against the force.
Looking ahead, they saw a spaceship rising, its hatch still open. Archer stood at the top of the stairs, his hands behind his back, a cryptic smile on his face.
"Young man! Tell me your name!" he called out.
"Ash!" Ash replied confidently, his voice unwavering.
"Ash, is it? I'll remember that name. You've won this time, but Team Rocket is no easy foe. We'll meet again—and next time, we'll settle this properly!"
With those words, Archer disappeared into the spaceship as it ascended into the sky.
Although Archer had heard of Ash before, he had dismissed him as inconsequential and hadn't even bothered to remember his name. However, his decision to ask Ash's name now carried much more weight, signaling that he truly recognized Ash as someone significant—someone capable of disrupting Team Rocket's plans.
"If we meet again, I won't let you escape next time!" Ash declared firmly, his tone unyielding.
He knew he wasn't yet strong enough, that a gap still existed between him and the top-tier Trainers. This victory, he realized, had been largely due to luck and the element of surprise provided by bond evolution. If not for the unexpected nature of their strategy, the battle would have been far more difficult.
However, bond evolution depended heavily on the Pokémon's physical condition, and Ash understood that it couldn't yet be sustained for long periods.
"I look forward to that day!" Archer responded with a grin as the spaceship's hatch began to close, obscuring him from view. Moments later, the massive craft ascended further into the sky.
Despite their frustration, neither Ash nor the others could stop the spaceship. It was too large and well-defended, and any counterattack could endanger everyone nearby. They could only watch as it flew off into the distance.
Zapdos had also flown away at an incredible speed, making pursuit impossible. The weapons that might have helped were damaged and unusable.
"Darn it!" Officer Jenny muttered, her voice tinged with frustration. As a police officer, watching a criminal escape so openly was humiliating, even if there was nothing she could do to stop it.
Whoosh!
Pikachu's Thunder Coat finally dissipated, and Ash let out a sigh of relief. The light in his eyes dimmed, and he fell to the ground, unable to stand. Pikachu, equally drained, collapsed beside him.
Seeing this, Magnemite quickly floated over to check on Pikachu's condition, its metallic body humming with concern. Misty and Brock rushed to Ash's side.
"Ash, are you okay?" Misty asked anxiously.
Brock bent down and helped Ash to his feet. "How do you feel?"
"I'm fine… at least I didn't pass out!" Ash replied weakly, his voice slightly unsteady. His head spun a little, but he felt far better than he had after the intense battle in Saffron City.
"You're still in the mood to joke, but you look terrible!" Misty said with a worried expression. Although Ash hadn't fainted, his pale face made it clear he wasn't doing well.
"Don't worry! I'm fine!" Ash replied, shaking his head slightly to reassure her. "Where's Pikachu?"
Hearing this, Misty quickly remembered. "Right! I'll go get him!" She hurried to Pikachu, carefully picked him up, and brought him to Ash's side. Pikachu looked exhausted, barely able to lift its head. It let out a weak, "Pika…"
"Anyway, let's get to the Pokémon Center right away. I'll take you there," Officer Jenny interjected, assessing the situation. Ignoring the fleeing Archer and Team Rocket, she focused on getting Ash and Pikachu the care they needed.
As they left the power plant, they encountered staff who assisted them in exiting. The police outside had already arrived, and the group was quickly loaded into police cars and taken toward the Pokémon Center.
Elekid and Magnemite followed them to the power plant entrance. The Magnemite that Ash had saved earlier lingered, watching the group with evident concern. The other Magnemite and Magneton, seeing no further danger, dispersed into the night. Elekid stood silently for a long time, its gaze fixed on the distance before it, too, disappeared into the shadows.
Meanwhile, Ash and the others arrived at the Pokémon Center, where they finally settled down. The atmosphere felt eerily familiar, reminiscent of their previous harrowing encounters.
Though everyone was physically and mentally drained, Ash noticed a difference this time. Unlike before, he hadn't fainted. His body felt stronger, more resilient. Despite the exhaustion, he couldn't shake the sense that he was steadily becoming tougher, bit by bit.