Chikorita was the second Pokémon Ash had captured in the Johto Region.
With a brave and stubborn personality, it clearly shared a high level of compatibility with Ash. However, since Chikorita had not yet reached its final form, its friendship level could not possibly reach the maximum of 255.
By now, Ash had learned to let go; he wouldn't force any of his Pokémon to reach their final evolution. Just like his Bulbasaur and Squirtle, who had decided not to evolve, Ash was willing to respect their choices. After all, Pokémon were independent lives, not mere tools. They had their own pursuits in life and their own unique strengths.
After capturing Chikorita, the number of Pokémon Ash had on hand exceeded six. Consequently, he transferred Bulbasaur who was also a Grass type back to the lab. It just so happened that the foster Pokémon in Professor Oak's backyard were starting to cause trouble, and Bulbasaur was needed back there to settle things as soon as possible.
Ash and his group spent two days training on the mountain before crossing over and finally arriving in Violet City. Those two days also gave Ash and Chikorita time to get to know each other.
Upon arriving in Violet City, their first stop was naturally to visit Sprout Tower. This was a three-story tower that looked as though it might sway and collapse at any moment, but in reality,
this design allowed it to effectively withstand disasters like earthquakes. Legend had it that the tower was built around a central support pillar made from a single pole over thirty meters tall. It was a true testament to the wisdom of the ancestors.
For trainers on a journey, Sprout Tower held a special significance. It was said that trainers participating in the Johto League would always visit this tower to reflect on the beginning of their journey when they first left their hometown.
For Ash, his journey had begun with a Pidgey. Back then, because Pikachu was being difficult, Ash had lost his temper and tried to capture a Pidgey using nothing but his own strength. The result, of course, was an obvious tragedy.
Later, Ash had captured a Pidgeotto, but after finishing his travels in the Kanto Region, he had released the evolved Pidgeot back into Viridian Forest. He wondered if that Pidgeot was still there now.
Speaking of Pidgeot, Ash looked out from the top of the tower and saw a trainer maneuvering a glider, soaring through the sky alongside a Pidgeot.
After descending from Sprout Tower, Ash and his friends encountered that same glider trainer and his Pidgeot right at the entrance of the Violet Gym.
"Hello! Are you trainers here to challenge the Violet Gym?" The trainer asked. A Hoothoot was perched on his shoulder.
"That's right! I'm Ash from Pallet Town, and this is my first Gym challenge in the Johto Region!" Ash introduced himself.
"Hello, I'm Falkner!" Falkner replied, introducing himself in turn.
"That Pidgeot is huge!" Misty couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.
"It really is. It's even bigger than my old Pidgeot!" Ash noted with a smile.
Hearing this, Falkner immediately became interested. "You have a Pidgeot too?"
"Yeah," Ash nodded. "It was with me until not too long ago. Because of something that happened, we had to part ways in Viridian Forest near my hometown, which is where I first caught it. I wonder how that fellow is doing now."
Ash's words deeply moved Falkner. "I imagine you must have been very fond of your Pidgeot!"
"Of course!"
"Indeed, Pidgeot is the finest of all bird Pokémon!" Just as Falkner said, his Pidgeot was his ace! He patted Ash on the shoulder and laughed. "I think we'll get along just fine! To tell you the truth,
my dream is to become the greatest bird Pokémon trainer! I've always held a longing for the sky, and over time, I fell in love with the birds that fly through it. Ash, since you're here to challenge the Violet Gym, please follow me inside!"
Falkner's sudden enthusiasm left Brock and Misty a bit confused, but Ash quickly smiled. "Then I look forward to the match, Gym Leader Falkner!"
The Violet Gym was a very tall building, and the battlefield was located on a large platform on the top floor.
"Ash, welcome to the Violet Gym!"
Many people were already waiting at the rooftop battlefield, everyone holding their breath, causing the atmosphere to instantly become tense.
"Ash, are you going to be okay?" Brock asked with concern.
Ash gave a slight smile. "Leave it to me. It's exactly these kinds of tense situations that get me excited!"
"The official match between Gym Leader Falkner and the challenger, Ash from Pallet Town, will now begin with a badge on the line. Each side may use three Pokémon. Are both contenders ready?"
"Ready! Falkner, I'm definitely getting that badge!"
Seeing Ash's confidence, Falkner's blood began to boil. "I won't let you have it easily. My reputation as a Gym Leader is on the line. I'll show you the true power of bird Pokémon!"
According to the rules of the Gym challenge, the Gym Leader would send out their Pokémon first. Falkner's first choice was the very Hoothoot that had been perched on his shoulder!
"Then I choose you, Pikachu!" Since this was a Flying type Gym, it was perfectly logical to start with the Electric type Pikachu.
But in truth, Ash was thinking about much more. Squirtle was clearly not suited to face these bird Pokémon. His newly captured Chikorita was even more disadvantaged. As for Heracross,
whether considering its Bug or Fighting type, it would be utterly crushed by bird Pokémon, so it was better to leave it out. Therefore, Ash's only viable choices for this battle were Pikachu, Snorlax, and Charizard.
Fortunately, Snorlax happened to be awake.
"A wise choice. But Ash, if you think an Electric type can easily defeat my bird Pokémon, you're dead wrong!" Falkner turned serious. "Take the initiative! Hoothoot, use Tackle!"
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack!"
The startup speed of Quick Attack was clearly superior. Before Hoothoot could even make its move, Pikachu was already in front of it, slamming into it and sending it flying!
"Not good! Hoothoot, fly up!"
"Trying to run? Thunderbolt!"
Hoothoot struggled, flapping its small wings to take flight, but the Thunderbolt had already descended, leaving it completely dazed and scorched.
"Hoothoot is unable to battle! Pikachu wins!"
"Losing to an Electric type can't be helped." Falkner recalled Hoothoot and looked up at Ash. "Ash, you really are strong!"
Pikachu Friendship: 208/255
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