7
Ser Lena was not heavy. Though she was still growing, she was quite petite, making it easy for Ash to carry her.
As he walked, Ash thought to himself, If life had gone differently, I could've been a master of physical contests by now. He chuckled internally. I'm as strong as a Snorlax, as tough as a Shuckle, faster than Pikachu, and can jump like a Blaziken. Honestly, who needs Pokémon with my physical abilities?
While Ash silently teased himself, Ser Lena felt an overwhelming sense of security and warmth on his back. Her cheeks turned red without her realizing it.
"Um… my name is Ser Lena. Thank you for saving me," she said shyly.
"My name's Ash. You're welcome," Ash replied with a smile.
"I know," Ser Lena said, brightening up a little. "Professor Oak called your name earlier. You're amazing! You know so much even though you're about my age… and you're not afraid of anything!"
Feeling safer, Ser Lena started to relax. She was naturally cheerful, but the earlier chaos had scared her terribly.
"Afraid? Are you talking about Pokémon? They're not scary at all!" Ash replied. "Some can be fierce, but there are plenty of cute ones too."
"I know," Ser Lena admitted. "But I don't feel brave enough to touch wild Pokémon like this. It's easier when someone else has already tamed them."
"You just need to make friends with them. Even wild Pokémon can trust you if you treat them well," Ash said confidently, walking steadily toward the campsite.
"Really?" Ser Lena asked, her voice filled with doubt as she leaned against Ash's shoulder.
"Of course!" Ash assured her.
---
Trouble Returns
The two continued talking as Ash made his way out of the dense jungle with Ser Lena on his back. Soon, they found their way back to the main path.
Ash recognized the trail—he'd played in these areas near Pallet Town before. Although children weren't usually allowed to wander here, he was familiar with the surroundings.
"Everyone's gone!" Ser Lena exclaimed nervously, looking around. Although she felt safer with Ash, she couldn't help but worry.
"It's fine," Ash reassured her. "I know where the campsite is. We just need to follow this path. I'm sure everyone's out looking for us right now."
Hearing this, Ser Lena felt a little calmer. She didn't know why, but she found this boy her age surprisingly reliable.
---
Flap! Flap! Flap!
Cawww!
Suddenly, the sound of flapping wings and loud cries came from behind them. Ser Lena froze, trembling in fear. Ash instinctively turned his head to look.
In the sky above, dark shapes began to appear—Spearows. But what caught Ash's attention was a much larger shadow descending among them.
It was a Fearow.
The bird was significantly larger than the Spearows, with orange feathers covering its body. Its back and wingtips were marked with white, and its head was adorned with a crimson crest. Its sharp, pink beak gleamed menacingly.
"Fearow… Looks like the boss is here," Ash muttered. He recognized the Pokémon instantly. Fearow was known for its aggressive nature, and now it was clear why so many Spearows had gathered—it was leading them.
"Ash, what do we do?" Ser Lena asked, her voice trembling. If the Spearows weren't scary enough, the Fearow's fierce appearance made her heart race.
"Run!" Ash shouted. "Hold on tight!"
Without hesitation, Ash turned and began sprinting down the path with Ser Lena clinging tightly to his back.
---
Fearow Attacks
Fearow let out a piercing cry, and the Spearows immediately dived toward the fleeing pair. Fearow itself followed, swooping menacingly.
Ash could hear the wind whistling past his ears as the Pokémon approached. He glanced back briefly and saw Fearow flying higher than the others. Its long beak opened, and a ball of purple energy began forming.
"Trouble… Hold on tight!" Ash warned.
"Ahhh!" Ser Lena screamed, tightening her grip around Ash's neck.
Boom!
A powerful blast of purple light shot from Fearow's beak, tearing through the ground and leaving a trail of scorched earth.
Ash veered sharply off the path, diving into the grass to avoid the attack. He fell, rolling to the ground with Ser Lena in his arms.
---
Help Is Nearby
The loud explosion echoed through the forest, catching the attention of Professor Oak's staff.
"That sounded like an attack!" one staff member said. "It must be Ash and Ser Lena. Let's hurry!"
Without wasting a moment, they ran toward the source of the sound.
---
Back on the ground, Ash helped Ser Lena to her feet. The path behind them was a mess—burnt grass and smoldering dirt marked Fearow's earlier attack.
"Are you okay? We need to keep moving," Ash said urgently.
"I… I can't do it, Ash. Go on without me! Don't worry about me," Ser Lena said, trembling. Though she was terrified, her courage had grown slightly since earlier.
"Don't be ridiculous," Ash replied, giving her a reassuring smile. He ruffled her messy hair as if to comfort her. Her straw hat, long lost during the chase, was the least of their worries now.
"Let's go together," Ash said firmly, helping her stand.