"Cynthia, you've changed! You're not my good sister anymore! I worked so hard to set you up with Ash for your own good, and this is how you treat me?!"
[Volkner:] "Ahem, that's Ash for you. An ordinary person wouldn't care about 'fairness' or 'guilt' in this situation—they'd just focus on bonding with their new Legendary Pokémon. The thought of releasing it wouldn't even cross their mind!"
[Leon:] "And that's exactly why Ash attracts such powerful Pokémon! That's why he forms bonds with Mythical and Legendary beings. This is Ash—the genius from Pallet Town, the future Pokémon Master!"
[Raihan:] "Why is even Leon becoming an Ash fanboy…? Don't tell me you're overhyping him just to make your eventual battle look more impressive!"
[Leon:] "Ahem, isn't it just common sense to acknowledge greatness?"
...
In the Footage—
Just as the Champions had guessed, Ash intended to release Zapdos out of a sense of honor.
After explaining his reasoning, Professor Cerise nodded in understanding. After all, Zapdos belonged to Ash.
In the backyard, Ash released Zapdos once more.
The majestic bird spread its wings and soared into the sky, its gaze sharp and imposing as it looked down from above.
Yet, the moment its eyes landed on Pikachu, a subtle flicker of unease crossed its expression. Though most of its injuries had healed, the spots struck by that electric mouse still throbbed faintly.
That Pikachu… is a monster in a mouse's skin.
Zapdos let out a questioning cry toward Ash, as if asking why it had been summoned if there was no battle.
"Zapdos… you stopped the storm last night, didn't you?"
The bird froze for a brief moment, then nodded."And you were injured because of it?"
Another nod—this time slower, more confused. That was already in the past… why bring it up now?
Ash lowered his head.
"I'm sorry, Zapdos!"
"Pikachu!!"
Ash and Pikachu bowed at the same time, explaining that they hadn't realized Zapdos had already been exhausted when they fought.
"Go back to nature! When we meet again, I'll earn your respect in a fair battle!"
Zapdos stared silently at the boy and his partner.
For a moment, an unreadable light flickered in its eyes.
Then—
It spread its wings and flew toward a nearby towering tree, landing quietly on a thick branch.
Pikachu scratched his head, confused.
"…What's it doing?"
"Wow!! Whoops!!"
Zapdos cried out again.
Pikachu listened carefully… then turned to Ash, translating.
Having reached what he proudly called Pikachu Language Level 10, Ash could finally understand.
"…Zapdos says a loss is a loss. There's no such thing as 'invincible.' Since it lost, it accepts becoming my Pokémon. Also… it says it couldn't have beaten you anyway—wait, did you just add that last part yourself, Pikachu?"
"Pi… pika~"
Pikachu awkwardly wiped imaginary sweat from his forehead.
He'd been caught. Yet surprisingly—Zapdos didn't deny it. Perhaps, deep down, that was exactly what it believed.
Injured or not… it couldn't defeat that electric mouse. And just like that—Ash's attempt to release the Legendary Pokémon failed.
Not because he couldn't let it go—
…but because Zapdos refused to leave. Professor Cerise watched the scene unfold, utterly stunned.
A trainer trying to release a god… and failing because the god chose to stay.
What kind of affinity was this?
...
[Lance:] "…A path I never imagined. Failing to release a Pokémon? That's a first."
[Volkner:] "Zapdos has acknowledged him. Even if Ash tries to let it go, the bird isn't leaving!"
[Caitlin:] "Is this Ash's charm? Men, women, children… even divine beings are drawn to him!"
[Latias (via Canon):] "Yes! Latias is fascinated by him! She's been begging to go play with Ash every day!"
[Cynthia:] "Hehe, you're welcome to visit the Cerise Laboratory anytime."
[Canon:] "It's a deal!"
...
Back at the Oak laboratory—
Misty and Brock watched with complicated emotions. This wasn't the first time Ash had released a Pokémon.
But unlike trainers who abandoned their partners, Ash always made such decisions based on the Pokémon's own wishes—
Primeape, who sought strength.
Butterfree, who longed for companionship.
Lapras and Greninja… each with their own path.
There was always meaning behind it.
And yet— Today, they witnessed something entirely different.
For the second time in history, Ash had failed to release a Pokémon.
The first time…
had been Pikachu. Coincidentally, both were Electric-types. One couldn't help but wonder—
Would these two form some special connection in the future?
Perhaps…
The beginnings of a "Release Failure Team."
...
In the Footage—
Ash shared the news of capturing Zapdos with Professor Oak and his mother, Delia. Delia was stunned at first—but soon beamed with pride.
Professor Oak, on the other hand, immediately requested a video call, urging Ash to transfer Zapdos for research purposes.
Ash scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"That… you'll have to discuss with Professor Cerise."
When Chloe returned home and heard the news, she was genuinely excited. She even asked her mother, Talio, to prepare extra dishes for dinner.
After all—Ash's greatest passion was Pokémon.
His second?
Food.
And when it came to eating, he was absolutely serious.
...
As the days passed, the storm surrounding Zapdos's capture gradually faded.
Zapdos remained at the Cerise Laboratory.
During that time, an unexpected clash occurred—
A "backyard boss battle" between Zapdos and the ancient Aerodactyl.
The result was decisive.
The so-called Overlord of the Sky… was no match for a true Legendary.
Zapdos emerged victorious.
And just like that, it gained a powerful subordinate. For a Pokémon that had always lived in solitude, this was a novel experience. Gradually, Zapdos even grew more tolerant of Professor Cerise's observations and research.
...
More than ten days passed peacefully.
Each day, Ash trained alongside his team.
One afternoon, as he watched Dragonite, Aerodactyl, and Zapdos soaring through the sky—
A thought surfaced in his mind.
Someone was missing.
Someone important.
He found Chloe, determination clear in his eyes.
"Let's go to the Viridian Forest."
Chloe blinked in surprise. "The forest? What for? Are we catching more Pokémon?"
Ash and Pikachu exchanged a knowing glance… then smiled.
"We're not catching anyone."
"We're going to find my Pokémon."
"…Find? Did you lose one there? When did that happen?" Chloe asked, puzzled. She had never heard of Ash losing a Pokémon before.
Ash shook his head. "I didn't lose him."
"He just had something he needed to do, so I left him there for a while."
His gaze turned distant—yet firm.
"But now…"
"We're going to bring him home."
I'm coming… Pidgeot.
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