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The Brave Bird attack from the fused legendary birds broke through the Hyper Beam and struck Dragonite with tremendous force. Dragonite's expression instantly changed to one of shock and pain.
Under the impact of the overwhelming power, Dragonite's body flew backward uncontrollably. Like a falling meteor, it was sent flying back into the city and crashed hard into the street below.
BOOM!
Dragonite slammed into the pavement, causing the ground to explode instantly. A massive cloud of dust and debris spread outward as the impact created a crater in the street.
The surrounding citizens had already fled in terror from the ongoing battle. At this moment, the fused legendary birds slowly descended and landed in front of the settling dust cloud, beginning to gather energy for another devastating Tri Attack.
The smoke below gradually cleared, revealing Dragonite's form as it slowly struggled to support its own body. Although it had suffered a heavy blow, the proud Dragon-type Pokemon still refused to fall.
However, looking at the three different types of energy flashing ominously before it, even Dragonite would be unable to withstand a direct hit from this combined assault.
"Flamethrower!"
WHOOSH! BOOM!
At that crucial moment, a voice rang out, and Lance saw blazing flames coming from the other side of the street. The attack struck the three legendary birds directly, interrupting their energy gathering.
An explosion erupted, sending large amounts of smoke in all directions and resolving Dragonite's immediate crisis. Lance's expression shifted with surprise when he witnessed this intervention, and he looked toward the other side to see a figure riding a Charizard arriving quickly from down the street.
"Ash!" Lance's voice carried both surprise and relief.
"Long time no see, Mr. Lance!" Ash called out from behind Charizard, reaching the same height as Lance on his Aerodactyl.
It had been quite some time since they'd last met, and neither had expected to encounter each other here under such dire circumstances.
"Indeed! But now isn't the time for reminiscing about old times. That creature is their real purpose for capturing the legendary birds!" Lance nodded slightly, gratitude evident in his eyes, though he knew this wasn't the moment for catching up.
"I know. Giovanni is also here in Celadon City - everything is part of their conspiracy!" Ash replied while looking grimly at the smoke ahead.
"Giovanni?!" Lance's expression changed dramatically upon hearing that name.
For years, he had been fighting against Team Rocket and had faced Giovanni multiple times. Despite all his efforts over such a long period, he had never been able to capture the elusive Team Rocket leader. Giovanni was an extremely dangerous opponent.
"Have you encountered him?"
"Yes! We just finished fighting. He invaded and took control of Silph Company to steal the Master Ball, but that was just a diversion to provide cover while they completed their research!"
Ash responded to Lance's inquiry while explaining the situation. Listening to Ash's words, Lance frowned with concern.
He felt amazement in his heart - this young Trainer who had only recently begun his journey had faced the leader of Team Rocket directly and managed to escape unharmed after battling him.
"Damn it, if only I had realized sooner..." Lance couldn't help but clench his fists, feeling somewhat guilty about the situation.
"Now isn't the time to worry about that. How do we deal with this thing in front of us?" Ash gestured toward the fused legendary birds.
Those were Zapdos and Moltres, whom he had helped save before, along with Articuno, whom he had never encountered. Although all three were innocent Pokemon being controlled against their will, there was no choice but to fight in this situation.
"I've never faced an opponent like this before. It's extremely difficult to damage with a single attack, and its offensive power is incredibly destructive. It's nearly impossible to block their combined assault."
After hearing this, Lance frowned deeply. For the first time since becoming Champion, he felt genuinely troubled by an opponent.
SCREECH!
"Here it comes! Ash, be careful!"
At that moment, a long, piercing cry echoed through the air. Upon hearing the sound, Lance quickly warned Ash, who also reacted swiftly as they saw movement in the smoke ahead.
Energy from all three types burst forth simultaneously, sweeping toward them with violent force.
Ash's eyes flashed with determination as he quickly signaled to his Pokemon. Charizard reacted instantly to avoid the attack, while Aerodactyl also dodged with Lance aboard.
At the same time, Dragonite on the ground had recovered enough strength to fly up from the street. The fused legendary birds emerged from the smoke in pursuit, launching continuous attacks with their combined elemental powers.
"It's nearly impossible to defeat this thing directly. If we could somehow get the controller from Archer's hands, we might be able to stop it!"
While flying through the air, Lance called out to Ash. When he had been beneath the Game Corner, he had seen Archer using that device to control the three legendary birds.
"I'll draw this creature's attention while you go after the controller!" Lance assessed the situation and made his decision.
Although Ash was still young, based on what he had witnessed of Ash's abilities, Lance no longer saw him as just a child. He could trust him with such a dangerous mission.
"Got it!"
Ash didn't waste time with lengthy discussions. He glanced at the helicopter in the distance, gave his acknowledgment, and then signaled Charizard to take action.
Soon, he and Lance separated. Watching Ash's retreating form, Lance's expression grew more serious.
"Please be careful, Ash!"
CRACK!
The cry of the fused legendary birds came again from behind. Lance turned his head to look, then signaled Dragonite to launch an attack. After striking the legendary birds, he directed Dragonite to move quickly away from the area.
"Come after us!" Lance followed Dragonite on Aerodactyl, successfully attracting the attention of the fused legendary birds and beginning an aerial chase to buy time for Ash.
On the other side, Ash rode Charizard and approached the helicopter where Archer was positioned, keeping his eyes focused on the aircraft.
Ash also noticed another helicopter approaching from a different direction. He knew that Giovanni was in that second aircraft, and things would become much more difficult if the two Team Rocket leaders coordinated their efforts.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
Ash wasted no time and immediately directed Pikachu to launch an attack toward the helicopter.
By directly attacking the helicopter, if the aircraft crashed, the lives of those aboard would certainly be in danger. However, Ash didn't have many other options available, and he had no reservations about using forceful methods against these criminals.
"Pika... CHUUUU!"
From Ash's shoulder, Pikachu leaped up and launched a powerful electric attack in the direction of the helicopter. The thunder and lightning energy crackled through the air, blasting toward the aircraft.
BOOM!
Ash's direct long-range attack caught the helicopter pilot completely off guard. Before he could take evasive action, the Thunderbolt struck the main rotor directly.
CRASH! WHIRR!
The entire helicopter suddenly began shaking violently. Archer, who had been standing in the cockpit, instinctively grabbed the door frame beside him to steady himself. Looking up, he spotted Ash riding Charizard as they approached rapidly through the sky.