Many photos of Ash had been circulated across the region. The Pokémon League even placed recordings of his battles in major advertisements, naturally attracting the attention of Charizard!
The deep mountain where Charizard resided was mysterious and hard to reach. Entry was nearly impossible without knowing the exact route.
After hearing about Ash's exploits, Charizard immediately began his journey to track him down. Though unable to speak, he pursued one place after another, following Ash's trail.
Meanwhile, on Ash's side, the engineering team finally broke through the ground after an hour of careful work, reaching the cavern Ash had already sensed.
"Everyone, tread lightly," Ash warned. "Even if they're in a deep sleep, ancient Pokémon are extremely sensitive. A small sound could startle them."
Inside the cavern, Ash and his group moved with caution.
"Look—Omanyte! And so many of them. Kabuto and Kabutops too!" Suzie suddenly pointed toward a pool of water in the cave.
"They're alive, not fossils!" Ash exclaimed as everyone turned toward the pool, catching sight of the long-forgotten Pokémon.
"Wait, don't move. Look over there." Ash raised his hand, halting the group.
On a rock near the pool lay a massive, stone-gray Aerodactyl, its sharp teeth glinting even in slumber. It looked almost exactly like the prehistoric pterosaurs Ash had studied in books back in Pallet Town.
"It's Aerodactyl! Be careful—according to the fossil data, this Pokémon is a top predator. It can eat anything… even carrion." At Ash's warning, the group instinctively backed away.
"Ash, do we really need to be so cautious?" Skye Draconis frowned. "Between us, we have five Champions. Even if these ancient Pokémon are strong, they can't possibly threaten us."
Ash shook his head. "Grandpa, don't underestimate them. It doesn't matter how strong we are individually. Remember—tigers can fall to wolves, and these Pokémon have been dormant for centuries. Once awakened, they won't care who we are. They'll fight with a frenzy that ignores death itself. And in these caves, our Pokémon can't fight at full strength."
Skye sighed, conceding the point. "You're right. I was too impatient. Age makes us think things are simpler than they are. You young ones see things more clearly now."
"Hah! Don't pretend you were wise when you were younger," Professor Oak chuckled. "Back in your day, you were the type to charge in headfirst without thinking!"
"You old man! Always digging up my past…" Skye's face darkened, clearly embarrassed.
Watching his grandfather and Professor Oak bicker, Ash could only sweat and twitch a wry smile.
"ROAR!!!"
The Aerodactyl suddenly stirred, unleashing a bone-shaking cry. The sound startled both Professor Oak and Skye, ending their argument instantly.
"No! They're all waking up!" Ash shouted as Kabutops, Omastar, and Omanyte began to stir around the pool.
"Everyone, retreat to higher ground!" Ash called. The group scrambled up the landing platform via the elevator, while Ash stayed near the front, buying them precious seconds.
"Just!!" A Kabutops lunged, its sickle-like arms flashing dangerously.
"Damn it, the cave is too narrow. If I use Aura too recklessly, the entire place could collapse…" Ash gritted his teeth, searching for a solution.
"Shave!"
Boom!
Before Kabutops' blades could reach anyone, Ash vanished from sight and reappeared behind it. With precise timing, he drove his elbow into its neck, knocking it off balance.
"Exactly!"
Ash's strike connected, and the Kabutops collapsed. But before he could catch his breath, a powerful jet of water shot toward him, fast and forceful—at least on par with a strong Hydro Pump!
"Tch… an Omastar this time? Damn it, this is getting troublesome." Ash grit his teeth as more Water Gun attacks came his way. He weaved through them with bursts of Shave, all the while shielding his companions whenever stray blasts veered too close.
"Gary! Get Grandpa Skye and Professor Oak out of here!" Ash barked, seeing the number of Kabutops and Omastar multiplying by the second.
"Got it!" Gary answered firmly. He quickly supported Skye Draconis and Professor Oak, leading them away. The two elders didn't argue; they understood that staying behind would only hinder Ash.
"Ash, we're all clear up here—hurry!" Cynthia called down from the surface, her voice echoing into the cavern.
"Moon Step!"
At her call, Ash sprang upward, using his Moon Step technique. To everyone's astonishment, his feet found invisible footholds in the air itself, carrying him swiftly toward the cavern's upper ledge.
...
TN:
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