[Denzi: Hahaha! Even the legendary Pikachu can be childish!]
[Wattson: You can't blame him. To Ash, Pikachu is a veteran, but Pikachu is still a Pokémon who loves his trainer's attention.]
[Elesa: It's a bit much, Ash! You're being way too biased toward the new kids!]
[Flint: I get Ash's logic—Pikachu is already a beast and doesn't need the 'Exp.' But a mouse doesn't think in terms of experience points! He thinks in terms of love!]
[Shauntal: Pokémon are creatures of emotion. Ash usually knows this better than anyone, but because it's Pikachu, he took their bond for granted. He assumed Pikachu would just 'understand.' This time, Ash, you messed up!]
In the Oak Research Institute Backyard:
Real-world Pikachu glared at Ash, his sparks flying. He was getting angry just watching his "video self" get ignored! Ash bowed his head apologetically, realizing that in the footage, he really was acting like he "disliked the old and loved the new."
Cynthia offered a gentle critique. "Ash, training is important, but never snub your partners. You want to reach the Master Eight, but the hearts of your Pokémon are the fuel for that journey. Don't let a small oversight lead to a big mistake."
Ash nodded solemnly. "I understand."
In the Footage—
Pikachu resolutely began his journey back to Pallet Town—he was running away from home! Mimey (the Magic Room puppet) tried to stop him, but Pikachu was in a "don't talk to me" mood.
Left with no choice, Mimey had to act as Pikachu's guardian, accompanying him on the long trek.
Since they were "running away," they didn't take a bus or a train; they chose to hike. The distance between Vermilion City and Pallet Town is significant.
For a human, it's a multi-day journey if you don't take shortcuts. Even for Pokémon, it's a grueling walk.
Along the way, the two encountered all sorts of ridiculous situations. Halfway through, Mimey—who was exhausted—tried to hail a taxi, but Pikachu (using his cuteness) accidentally flagged down a car going the wrong way.
By the time they reached the outskirts of Pallet Town, Pikachu had collapsed from pure exhaustion. Mimey, showing the heart of a true parent, hoisted Pikachu onto his back and carried him the rest of the way.
Viewers were starting to realize something: Mimey is the real MVP. He does the housework, cooks the meals, manages the clothing, and now he's a literal Pokémon transport. Is he Ash's Pokémon, or is he Delia's "secret weapon"?
Just as they were approaching the edge of town, Pikachu spotted some fruit on a tree. He used a small Thunderbolt to knock down a blue berry, intending to share it with Mimey as a peace offering.
But out of nowhere, a Spearow with a sharp beak and predatory eyes swooped down and snatched the fruit away!
Mimey wasn't having it. He used his Psychic powers to snatch the fruit back mid-air! This, however, provoked a massive flock of Spearow! Dozens of them swarmed down to attack the duo.
Mimey desperately stood in front of Pikachu, shielding the exhausted mouse from the pecking beaks.
Watching Mimey's back, Pikachu had a sudden, vivid trance. He remembered… Ash had done the exact same thing.
On their very first day, Ash had stood between him and a flock of Spearow, willing to give his life to protect him.
The memory surged through him. Pikachu's eyes turned from tired to fierce. His fur stood on end as he unleashed a massive discharge of electricity! He didn't need a thunderstorm this time.
He didn't need the power of the heavens. This was simply the power of a Pikachu who had faced gods and lived to tell the tale.
K-BOOM!
Half the flock was instantly charred black and fell into the grass, while the other half decided they had "kicked a steel plate" and fled in terror.
The two Pokémon finally arrived at the front door of Ash's house in Pallet Town. But just as they reached the steps, Pikachu's anger suddenly evaporated. He realized he didn't want to be away from Ash at all. He wanted to go back!
Mimey: … Are you kidding me right now? He stared at Pikachu with wide eyes. I just walked across the region for you, and now you want to turn around?
"PIKACHU!!"
A familiar, panicked voice rang out. Pikachu turned his head and saw a disheveled figure running toward him.
In the vibrant images flickering across the screen, a new narrative unfolded. Pikachu, having endured the long trek to Pallet Town, finally understood the weight of his bond with Ash.
His time with Mimey on the road had acted as a mirror; he realized that his "running away" was born from a place of deep love, not true resentment.
He couldn't stay away from the trainer who had once risked everything to shield him from a flock of Spearow.
But just as Pikachu prepared to turn back toward Vermilion City, a familiar, breathless voice called out from the doorway of the Ketchum residence.
Ash stood there, his clothes disheveled from a frantic search, looking at his partner with raw relief.
"I knew it… I knew you'd come here, Pikachu!" Ash panted, walking forward. "I'm so sorry. Chloe already gave me a piece of her mind, and she was right.
I was so caught up in the tournament that I ignored your feelings. Can you ever forgive me?"
Tears welled up in Pikachu's eyes—two clear lines of salt and emotion. With a cry, he leaped toward Ash's chest.
Ash opened his arms wide to catch him, but he underestimated the momentum of a "revenge-fueled" mouse.
Pikachu hit Ash's stomach like a cannonball, knocking the air out of him until his eyes nearly bulged.
Then, in the fading light of the evening, a brilliant golden discharge lit up the yard. 100,000 volts! This was the price for snubbing "Teacher Pikachu."
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