The moment Peter saw the Pidgeotto, his heart was hooked.
Because this Pidgeotto—whether in appearance, strength, or movepool—was absolutely top-tier.
And after taking a closer look, he realized this wasn't even a normal golden shiny Pokémon.
It was silver-gray.
The feathers on its belly were a soft pale gray, while the feathers on its back gleamed with a brilliant metallic silver.
Perhaps because it had crossed an entire ocean alone, its physique was also noticeably sturdier than ordinary Pidgeotto.
Just imagining it as a future flying mount already made Peter excited.
Braviary, don't call me anymore—I'm afraid Pidgeotto might misunderstand. (doge)
…
While Peter was still thinking, Pidgeotto finally realized it had been tricked.
Just as it prepared to leave, however—
A strange fragrance suddenly caught its attention.
Turning around, it saw a peculiar candy shining in Peter's hand.
"Eat this," Peter said with a grin, "and then battle me afterward. If I win, you become my partner."
Without even waiting for an answer, he tossed out the Rare Candy.
"Pidge-ee-OTTOO~!"
Pidgeotto dove instantly and caught it with pinpoint accuracy.
The candy melted the moment it entered its mouth, making the bird unconsciously narrow its eyes in satisfaction.
Then it flapped its wings and assumed a battle stance.
Its actions had already answered the question.
"This Pidgeotto has such a nice personality," Whitney praised softly. "And it's really beautiful too~"
"Mm…" Peter smiled. "Very soon, it'll be our companion."
Then he looked up and shouted:
"Pidgeotto, wait just a moment, okay? There are still two groups over there that need dealing with first."
With that, he threw out several Poké Balls.
The battle in the distance had already reached its climax.
Thanks to its natural advantages, Totem Gumshoos currently held the upper hand.
But the Raticate group had suddenly launched a flanking ambush, heavily injuring the Totem Pokémon.
"Let's end this little farce."
"Lopunny, use Teeter Dance!"
"Indeedee, use Hyper Voice!"
"Slaking, Ursaluna—Earthquake!"
"Arboliva, use Seed Flare!"
"Milo!" "Ai~!" "Laaaay!" "Liva!"
Whitney also threw out a Poké Ball.
"Zoroark, use Night Daze!"
"Miltank, Earthquake!"
A storm of attacks exploded across the battlefield, instantly interrupting the war between the two factions.
Realizing things had turned against them, the Raticate pack immediately began retreating in panic.
Peter's eyes suddenly narrowed toward the Totem Raticate.
He had spotted something glowing in its paw.
"Lopunny! Aim for its arm—Quick Attack into High Jump Kick!"
"Miiii—LOOO!!"
Lopunny's long, powerful leg erupted with Fighting-type energy and slammed directly into Raticate's wrist.
"RATAAA!!"
With the quadruple type disadvantage, Totem Raticate screamed in agony.
Its wrist nearly dislocated, causing the black-glowing crystal in its grasp to fly loose.
"Milo!"
Lopunny snatched it midair and returned to Peter.
[Darkinium Z: A Z-Crystal containing Dark-type Z-Power. After being equipped to a Z-Ring, the Trainer and Pokémon can unleash the powerful Z-Move "Black Hole Eclipse" through their deep bond.]
"Miltank, use Life Dew to heal everyone!"
After driving away the Raticate group, Whitney immediately began helping the wounded Yungoos and Gumshoos recover.
She even left behind plenty of berries and MooMoo Milk.
After all, this entire conflict had ultimately started because of Peter and the others.
"Gumshoo…"
The Totem Gumshoos walked over to her and offered a white-glowing crystal.
"This is… Normalium Z?"
Whitney's eyes widened in surprise.
"Is this for me?"
"Gumshoo!"
Totem Gumshoos nodded.
It was expressing gratitude for Whitney's kindness.
"Thank you, Gumshoos!"
Whitney accepted the crystal happily and shot Peter an adorably sweet smile.
Peter couldn't help but laugh softly.
Being around this pure-hearted girl made happiness feel incredibly simple.
Soon afterward, Gumshoos led its underlings back into Verdant Cavern, and the forest gradually returned to peace.
But Peter's promise with Pidgeotto still remained unfinished.
Looking up at the silver-gray bird perched on a branch, he smiled.
"Come on then, Pidgeotto!"
"Bii!"
Sharp determination flashed through Pidgeotto's eyes.
Having survived violent storms and crossed the sea alone, it had never feared challenges.
"Your opponent…"
"Braviary, come on out!"
"SKREEEEE—!!"
The massive dark-blue eagle appeared high in the sky, its piercing gaze looking down upon Pidgeotto.
Though both were birds, an eagle and a smaller avian Pokémon were fundamentally different creatures.
"BIIIII—!"
Pidgeotto refused to back down.
With a clear cry, it spread its wings and unleashed countless razor-sharp wind blades.
Air Slash!
A Flying-type special move with power 60, known for its high critical-hit chance.
Braviary's eyes flashed with approval.
Once upon a time, it too had challenged enemies without fear.
"Braviary, use Sky Attack!"
Sky Attack—a high-powered Flying-type physical move with base power 140.
The user first gathers power in the sky while observing the opponent's weaknesses before launching a devastating high-speed charge.
Much like Dragon Rush, it also carried a high chance to make opponents flinch.
Hummmmm—
Braviary folded its massive wings as pale blue energy rapidly gathered around its body.
"BANG! BANG! BANG!"
Several Air Slashes struck its wings in succession, leaving visible cuts behind.
But those wounds only amplified its unstoppable momentum.
The overwhelming pressure radiating from the eagle caused nearby weaker wild Pokémon to tremble in fear.
"BIIII—!"
Yet even that terrifying aura failed to shake Pidgeotto's resolve.
Looking up at Braviary in the sky, powerful air currents began spiraling around its body.
It transformed into a streak of light shooting vertically upward.
FWOOOSH!
Red flames ignited at the tips of its wings.
Then blue energy erupted around its body.
In the next instant—
It crossed the distance like a meteor.
Brave Bird!
"Go—Sky Attack!"
Wrapped in pure white light, Braviary descended from the heavens.
"BOOOOOOM—!!!"
The two Flying-types collided violently midair.
Terrifying shockwaves sliced nearby branches and leaves into pieces.
After a brief stalemate, Braviary's eyes sharpened.
Its wing precisely sliced across the root of Pidgeotto's wing before continuing its downward dive.
"Pidge-ee-OTTOO —!!"
Pidgeotto cried out in pain as it fell straight toward the ground.
"Puff…"
But instead of smashing into cold earth—
It landed in a surprisingly warm embrace.
"Pidge-ee-OTTOO…?"
Pidgeotto slowly opened its eyes.
Peter was looking down at it with a gentle smile.
"Become my partner, Pidgeotto~"
"Pid-jit-toe…"
Temptation flickered in Pidgeotto's eyes.
But when it glanced toward Braviary circling overhead, its confidence faltered again.
Peter already had Braviary.
Did he really still need it?
As if sensing its thoughts, Peter gently stroked the silver feathers on its head.
"Your talent was never meant for reckless charges…"
"…but for commanding the skies themselves."
As he spoke, he tossed a Sitrus Berry high into the air.
"Braviary, slice it!"
"WHOOSH—POP!"
Braviary's Wing Attack swept through the berry—
And completely vaporized it.
Not even pulp remained.
"Kyuu…"
Braviary awkwardly scratched its head.
Its wings were simply too broad and powerful.
Without carefully controlling its strength, destruction was inevitable.
And because its Special Attack wasn't particularly outstanding, it hadn't even learned many ranged techniques.
Peter smiled before turning back to Pidgeotto.
"Can you do it?"
He tossed another berry into the air.
"Pidge-ee-OTTOO ~!"
Pidgeotto leapt gracefully from Peter's arms.
Several delicate wind blades flashed through the air, cleanly slicing the berry into six equal pieces.
Then, using Gust, it gently delivered the fruit portions to everyone present.
"Now do you understand?"
Peter smiled as he opened his hand.
A Luxury Ball rested quietly in his palm.
"Pidge-ee-OTTOO Pidge-ee-OTTOO~~!"
Pidgeotto chirped happily.
It pecked the button of the Poké Ball and transformed into red light.
Shake…
Shake…
Shake…
Click!
Capture successful!
Peter stared blankly for a second before slowly raising the Poké Ball high.
"Pidgeotto—I caught one!"
Whitney looked at the sincere joy on his face and unconsciously smiled sweetly as well.
The Peter she loved…
…was exactly like this.
Completely irresistible.