Chapter 16: The Legendary Pokémon Cameraman

"What's wrong with them?" Stephanie stood frozen, staring at the Spearow flock retreating. For a moment, she couldn't believe it—they had actually survived the relentless attack.

"I guess they realized they didn't stand a chance," the boy beside her suggested, breathing heavily.

Stephanie frowned, observing the Spearows hovering nearby instead of leaving. "But if they're scared, why don't they fly away?"

The boy followed her gaze and then pointed toward the fallen Spearows scattered on the ground. "It's because of their companions," he said softly. "They won't leave them behind, even now."

Stephanie was taken aback. She studied the fierce Pokémon circling above and realized the boy was right. Spearows were known to be aggressive, but their loyalty was undeniable. Even in defeat, they refused to abandon their injured comrades.

"Let's go," the boy said, breaking her thoughts. His voice carried no anger, just quiet resolve. "This was my fault, after all. I disturbed them."

Stephanie hesitated before nodding. She recalled Staryu and Starmie into their Poké Balls, then climbed onto the bike's rear pedals. As they rode off, she glanced back one last time. The Spearows were now gathered around their fallen friends, protecting them.

The sight stirred something in her heart. They had attacked her, yes, but their unwavering unity left her in quiet admiration.

---

After they had put a safe distance between themselves and the Spearows, the boy finally stopped the bike. Stephanie hopped off as he sank onto the ground, not caring about the muddy water beneath him.

"That was close," he admitted, his voice shaky. "If it weren't for the rain, we might not have escaped."

"Pika…" Pikachu, exhausted, lay limp in his arms. It had poured all its energy into the battle and now looked completely drained.

Stephanie frowned, her frustration from earlier bubbling up. "You've got some nerve to act so relaxed after all that," she snapped. But then she noticed the boy's tired expression and softened her tone.

He looked up at her, guilt evident in his eyes. "I'm really sorry for all the trouble I caused," he said. "By the way, I haven't introduced myself. My name's Ash, from Pallet Town. And this is my partner, Pikachu."

"Pikapi!" Pikachu waved weakly, trying its best to look cheerful.

Stephanie's frown deepened at the mention of Pallet Town, but she quickly composed herself. She extended her hand. "I'm Misty, from Cerulean City," she said simply.

Ash shook her hand, his grip firm despite his weariness. "Nice to meet you, Misty. And thanks for helping me back there."

"It's not a big deal…" Misty mumbled, glancing away. She wasn't used to such genuine gratitude.

---

The rain had finally stopped, and the dark clouds began to disperse. A warm ray of sunlight broke through, casting a golden glow over the landscape.

"The rain's over!" Ash exclaimed suddenly, his eyes darting to the sky. His excitement puzzled Misty, but she followed his gaze.

"What is it? What's up there—?" Her words caught in her throat as her eyes widened in astonishment.

High in the sky, amidst the parting clouds, a radiant figure appeared. It was a bird Pokémon unlike anything Misty had ever seen, its body glowing with golden light that seemed to sparkle as it moved.

"Ho-Oh…" she whispered, barely able to believe her eyes.

The legendary Pokémon soared majestically across the sky, its massive form spanning over three meters. With every beat of its wings, a trail of shimmering light fell like magic dust.

"Pika…" Pikachu murmured, captivated by the sight. It felt a strange, deep longing—to one day reach such greatness.

Ash's eyes burned with determination as he stared at Ho-Oh. "That's my dream," he said quietly. "One day, I'll stand before Ho-Oh and challenge it."

Ho-Oh seemed to sense their presence. It turned its gaze downward, its piercing eyes locking onto the two trainers. Misty froze, her heart pounding. She knew Ho-Oh's power was unmatched—this was a creature that could destroy them in an instant if it wished.

But Ho-Oh made no threatening moves. Instead, its focus lingered on Pikachu and Ash, its expression unreadable. A moment later, it resumed its flight, heading toward the horizon.

However, as it passed, a single feather broke away from its radiant body. The feather floated gently down, carried by the breeze, until it hovered in front of Ash.

"This…" Ash's voice was barely audible as he reached out to grab the feather. He looked up again, but Ho-Oh had already disappeared into the distance.

"Ho-Oh's feather!" Misty exclaimed, her voice trembling with a mix of awe and envy. "Ash, do you realize how incredible this is? It's said that just seeing Ho-Oh brings eternal happiness. But to actually receive a gift from it? That's unheard of!"

Ash studied the feather in his hand, its vibrant colors shimmering in the sunlight. He turned to Misty, a small smile on his face. "Do you want it?" he asked, holding it out to her.

Misty's eyes widened in shock. "What? No way! That feather was meant for you, Ash. I couldn't possibly take it."

Ash shrugged. "Ho-Oh gave it to me, sure. But now it's mine, and I want to give it to you as a thank-you—for helping me back there."

Misty's cheeks flushed. "I… I can't accept something this valuable. If it were anything else, I might consider it, but this…" She shook her head firmly. "This belongs to you, Ash."

Ash chuckled softly, tucking the feather away. "Suit yourself. But the offer stands."

---

As the two resumed their journey, Misty couldn't help but steal glances at Ash. She had initially written him off as just another reckless trainer, but his kindness and determination were starting to change her opinion.

"You're a strange one, Ash," she muttered under her breath.

"Huh? Did you say something?"

"Nothing," she replied quickly, turning away to hide her smile.

For the first time, she felt a genuine curiosity about the boy from Pallet Town—and the journey they might share.

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