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Shortly afterward, the group arrived at a river. From a distance, they could see more Kangaskhan gathered by the water's edge.
Looking closer, they noticed these Kangaskhan were gently surrounding a few young ones in the middle, watching them play. Among them, Pikachu instantly recognized a familiar figure. Without hesitation, he leapt from Ash's shoulder and dashed forward.
The Kangaskhan carrying Ash, Misty, and Brock carefully set them down. The three trainers remained where they were, observing as Pikachu approached the group of Kangaskhan by the riverbank.
One Kangaskhan, having heard the commotion, turned around. While she appeared similar to the others, her hide had slightly less luster. The Kangaskhan surrounding her shared this characteristic—they were clearly older members of the herd, primarily responsible for watching over the young while the younger adults handled tasks like gathering food.
The Kangaskhan Pikachu sought turned at the sound of his approach. When she lowered her gaze and saw him, her expression transformed instantly. Pikachu's eyes were already glistening with tears.
"Pika-pi!"
This Kangaskhan was the mother of the one who had rescued Pikachu years ago—now the matriarch of the entire herd. Though not many years had passed, she had aged considerably since they last met.
The moment she saw Pikachu, she recognized him immediately. Although he was no longer the same Pichu she once knew, his voice confirmed her suspicions.
"Kanga! Kanga!"
The mother Kangaskhan stepped forward and embraced Pikachu, remembering how she had once held him the same way when he was just a tiny Pichu. Now he had evolved into a strong Pikachu.
"Pikaaaa..."
Pikachu's voice trembled with emotion as the two Pokemon embraced. Ash remained where he was, not wanting to interrupt their reunion, while Misty and Brock looked on in confusion.
"Ash, what's happening?" they asked, still unsure of the significance.
"It's a long story," Ash replied, watching the scene unfold. He proceeded to tell them about Pikachu's past, giving his partner more time with the mother Kangaskhan.
"So that's what this is about. What an incredible coincidence..." After hearing Ash's explanation, they finally understood the situation. Neither had imagined Pikachu had such a meaningful history.
Though they had been moved several times that day, learning about Pikachu's past touched them deeply once more.
"No wonder Pikachu was so determined to help the Kangaskhan," Misty observed. "His feelings toward all Kangaskhan must stem from this connection. But to think the very mother and child who saved him would be here—what an amazing twist of fate!"
"Indeed," Brock agreed with a thoughtful nod.
They fell silent after that, waiting patiently to avoid disrupting the emotional reunion. After reminiscing for some time, the mother Kangaskhan appeared to ask about Pikachu's journey since they'd parted. Eventually, Pikachu pointed toward Ash.
The mother Kangaskhan turned her gaze to Ash, paused momentarily, and then smiled warmly at Pikachu.
After Pikachu had disappeared years ago, the Kangaskhan had searched extensively, fearing he had been captured by predators or encountered danger. Now she understood that Pikachu had left to avoid burdening them, which touched her deeply. Seeing him fully evolved and with a dedicated Trainer filled her with joy rather than sadness.
Kangaskhan understood this cycle of life—though they nurture their young with gentleness, they know their children must eventually leave to forge their own paths. Pikachu, being different from them, had an especially unique destiny. With just one glance at Ash, she recognized him as a trustworthy Trainer, alleviating any concerns she might have had.
As Pikachu continued communicating with the Kangaskhan, the day gradually faded into evening. The plains of the reserve were bathed in the amber light of dusk, casting long shadows across the grass.
Noticing the time, Pikachu realized that despite his reluctance, the moment to part had arrived once more.
"Pika-chu..."
"Kanga!"
Hearing Pikachu's tone, the mother Kangaskhan shook her head gently, then lowered him to the ground. She narrowed her eyes affectionately and nuzzled his head. Pikachu couldn't hold back fresh tears.
The Kangaskhan understood that Pikachu had grown stronger and no longer needed constant protection. She also recognized that he had new goals to pursue, so she made no attempt to keep him.
Seeing Pikachu's hesitation, she gently nudged him forward. Looking into her kind eyes, Pikachu finally steeled his resolve and wiped away his tears.
"Pika!"
With a final farewell that resembled a child saying goodbye to his mother, Pikachu turned and ran toward Ash without looking back. Tears streamed behind him as he leapt onto his Trainer's shoulder.
As Pikachu landed, Ash felt moisture on his cheek—Pikachu's tears had splashed onto his face. He glanced at his partner with understanding, knowing Pikachu didn't want the mother Kangaskhan to see his vulnerability. Such a display might only cause her to worry about him. Ash smiled at this realization; it mirrored his own behavior. Even when feeling profound sadness at parting, he preferred not to show it, knowing it would only cause his loved ones additional concern.
"Let's go," Ash said gently, removing his cap and placing it over Pikachu's head. He smiled and waved farewell to the Kangaskhan herd.
"Kanga! Kanga!"
The Kangaskhan called out in unison, bidding them goodbye. Pikachu kept Ash's cap pulled low, unable to look back.
Though Pikachu didn't turn around, both mother and child Kangaskhan watched their departure with tearful eyes.
"Pikachu," Ash whispered, sensing his partner's emotions, "someday, somewhere in this world, we'll meet them again, won't we?"
"Pika!"
Pikachu responded firmly, taking comfort in Ash's words of promise.