Join my p@treon for more chapters
[email protected]/Tempest_29
As Team Rocket's helicopters gradually ascended into the sky, Charmeleon's frustration at being unable to fly and pursue them erupted into an unwilling roar that resonated with dazzling evolutionary light.
Within that brilliant illumination, Charmeleon's body began its dramatic transformation. The compact form that had barely reached Ash's height gradually expanded into something far more imposing. Simultaneously, a pair of magnificent wings unfurled visibly through the radiant glow, spreading wide with unmistakable power.
"CHAAAR!!!!!!!!"
Through the evolutionary light, crimson eyes blazed with intensity that pierced the white radiance. Then came a thunderous roar that shook the very air around them, creating powerful wind currents that completely disrupted the Zubat swarm's coordinated sonic assault.
All the Zubat were blown backward uncontrollably by the tremendous air pressure. With this earth-shaking cry, the evolutionary light dispersed in the rushing winds, revealing a magnificent and commanding figure standing before the assembled group.
"Charizard!" Ash gazed at the majestic form before him with awe and pride. Finally, after all this time, Charmeleon had achieved its destined evolution.
"ROAAAR!!!"
Charizard turned its head slightly to regard Ash, its piercing eyes meeting his trainer's gaze with unwavering determination and fierce loyalty.
Understanding the unspoken communication between them, Ash nodded immediately and ran toward his newly evolved partner with Pikachu at his side. Charizard lowered its powerful body cooperatively, allowing Ash to leap onto its back with practiced ease.
"Let's go, Charizard!" Ash called out, pointing toward the escaping helicopters above.
Charizard responded with another mighty roar, using its Flying ability for the first time since evolution. Its powerful wings beat rhythmically as it gradually lifted off from the ground, carrying its trainer skyward.
Every Charizard possesses incredible strength, but that strength truly manifests only after their evolution is complete. While Charizard can indeed fly after evolving, many newly evolved Charizard cannot immediately carry passengers during flight.
Although Charizard's body structure is perfectly designed for aerial combat and can demonstrate formidable battle prowess while airborne, adding even one passenger—let alone an additional Pokémon like Pikachu—can severely affect flight balance and stability.
Typically, extensive specialized training is required after evolution, or the Pokémon must have been exceptionally strong before evolving. Without sufficient preparation and conditioning, a newly evolved Charizard cannot achieve the stable passenger flight that Ash's partner was now demonstrating.
However, Ash's training approach differed significantly from a hands-off method. Before evolving, Charmeleon had endured intensive training and continuous improvement through countless battles.
Unlike forced evolution triggered by pure rage, this Charmeleon had accumulated sufficient evolutionary energy over time, and its physical conditioning was more than adequate to control and harness its newly evolved power.
Ash flew steadily through the air in pursuit of Team Rocket's retreating force. Archer's brow furrowed with concern as he observed this unexpected development.
At that moment, the remaining Zubat began swarming around Charizard. Ash frowned slightly, preparing to launch a counter-attack against the encroaching Poison Flying-types.
"Ivysaur, use Razor Leaf!" "Rapidash, Flamethrower!"
Sudden commands rang out from behind them. A barrage of sharp leaf projectiles came streaking from one side, while a stream of intense flames approached from the other direction. Both attacks struck the surrounding Zubat simultaneously with devastating effectiveness.
Ash turned around instinctively and spotted Blaine and Green positioned directly behind him, their Pokémon providing crucial support.
"Ash, don't worry about these obstacles! Leave the rest to us!" Green declared with determination, her fists clenched with resolve.
"Thank you!" Ash responded gratefully, then refocused his attention on directing Charizard toward Team Rocket's helicopters. Blaine and Green coordinated their attacks skillfully, creating a protective screen that prevented the remaining Zubat from interfering with Ash's pursuit.
"Charizard, use Flamethrower!" Ash commanded.
"ROAAAAR!!!!"
Using Flamethrower for the first time since evolution, Charizard unleashed brilliant orange-red flames that formed a massive pillar of fire wider and thicker than its own body.
The attack exploded with astounding power, blasting toward the helicopter that held Moltres captive. Witnessing this impressive display, Archer immediately responded by hurling a Poké Ball in the flames' path.
"Crobat, use Hyper Beam!" he commanded urgently.
The Poké Ball opened to reveal Crobat, which flew directly into Charizard's attack trajectory. Golden energy condensed rapidly in its mouth before the devastating Hyper Beam erupted forth with tremendous force.
The two powerful energies collided violently in mid-air, producing explosive impact sounds that echoed across the volcanic landscape. Both forces struggled against each other in apparent stalemate, neither giving ground initially.
Charizard's eyes blazed with intensified determination upon seeing the deadlock, as if actual flames were burning within its fierce gaze.
"ROAAAR!!!"
The flames pouring from Charizard's mouth became even more ferocious, instantly overwhelming Crobat's Hyper Beam with shocking speed and power. The superior force completely suppressed Crobat's attack, and the flames struck the Poison Flying-type directly, driving it backward through the air.
However, the helicopter used this momentary distraction to ascend to an even higher altitude. Crobat was slammed against the rocky mountain wall behind them by the overwhelming flames, but Team Rocket's aircraft managed to escape immediate danger.
Observing this outcome, Archer's frown deepened considerably. He hadn't anticipated such a dramatic power increase following the evolution. After retrieving his defeated Crobat with its Poké Ball, he spoke with cold calculation.
"Deploy explosive ordnance!" Archer commanded with a grim expression. If this pursuit continued, that troublesome trainer might interfere with their mission once again. Archer had no patience for further delays.
"Understood, sir!" his subordinate responded without question, then released their final rocket-propelled explosive device.
A bomb bearing Team Rocket's distinctive R emblem plummeted from the sky. Ash's expression changed dramatically as he approached the criminal organization's position. The explosive wasn't targeting him directly—instead, it was falling rapidly toward the ground below.
Archer sneered with malicious satisfaction at this tactical maneuver.
"So, Ash, what will your choice be now? Save Moltres, or save them?" he taunted.
Ash processed Archer's words while watching the falling explosive device. He could only choose one option between the two critical situations. If the bomb detonated, even though the volcano's crater was currently sealed, Green and the others would certainly attempt to protect themselves.
But if the explosive fell into the magma chamber's vicinity, despite its currently frozen state, the detonation could potentially trigger the molten rock below. This wouldn't only endanger Green and the others—it could threaten every person living on Cinnabar Island beyond the volcano's reach.
At this crucial moment, the mysterious figure concealed in the cave passage placed one hand on the Poké Ball attached to her walking stick, seemingly prepared to intervene. However, after hearing Archer's ultimatum, she hesitated unconsciously, apparently curious to witness how Ash would resolve this impossible dilemma.