Pokémon: Starting with a Bound Entry System

Chapter 164: The Fearow Retreats in Fear!

Latias gazed at the defeated Ariados, her expression growing increasingly conflicted.

If what Hikaru said was true, no matter who they helped, the other party would be put in danger.

Her pure and kind nature left her at a loss. "I don't know, Hikaru, I don't know…"

It seemed she now understood why Hikaru had hesitated to help the Bulbasaur earlier.

"What about you, Lucario?" Hikaru turned to Lucario.

Though still young, Lucario's innate Aura abilities made it far more composed than its age suggested.

"Lucario!" (For these two Ariados, I think not helping either of them is the best choice. But regarding the Pidgeot and Fearow earlier…)

Lucario paused to think.

"Lucario…" (I can sense that the Fearow led its flock to invade the Pidgeot's territory.)

Even so, Lucario didn't know what to do.

No matter the choice, one side would inevitably suffer.

"Exactly. If we help one side, the other side will undoubtedly get hurt," Hikaru said.

"So in cases like this, it's best not to intervene. Nature is a place where the strong survive and the weak are eliminated."

"As long as it doesn't exceed certain limits—like destroying the ecosystem—it's better not to get involved."

Hikaru smiled at the two Pokémon, who appeared to be half-comprehending but hesitant.

"You want to help the Pidgey flock, don't you?"

Latias and Lucario exchanged glances, then hesitantly nodded.

They indeed had this thought.

Despite Hikaru's logical reasoning, Lucario still wanted to assist the Pidgey flock—not for any grand reason, but because they were the ones being invaded.

"Alright, that Master-level Fearow will be a good challenge for you to try!" Hikaru said.

"But… wouldn't that put the Fearow at a disadvantage?" Latias asked in confusion.

Hikaru didn't seem to mind.

"What did I just say? As long as we don't excessively interfere with nature or disrupt the ecosystem…"

"Defeating the Fearow—will that drastically affect the local ecosystem?"

"Lucario…" (Probably not. They're already in conflict anyway…)

Hikaru laughed. "Then it's settled. Let's go, Latias!"

The purpose of his explanations wasn't to make his Pokémon cold-hearted but to teach them discernment—what could and couldn't be helped.

That was the key.

"Hmm!" Latias transformed into her original form, carrying Hikaru and Lucario as they soared into the sky.

---

Returning to the Battlefield

When they arrived back at the site of the Pidgeot and Fearow conflict, Hikaru frowned slightly.

The battle between the two flocks was far more intense than he had imagined.

In just a short time away, the ground was littered with Pidgey and Spearow—both injured and unconscious.

As for the leaders of the two flocks, they seemed to have realized that their respective forces' attacks were futile.

Now, the battle had devolved into a duel between the two Master-level Pokémon.

Due to the power gap, the Pidgeot was clearly at a disadvantage.

Each time Brave Bird clashed with Brave Bird, the Fearow came out on top.

---

Even though both flying Pokémon had ruffled feathers and battered bodies, it was clear that the Pidgeot had sustained more severe injuries.

One of its wings hung limp, bending unnaturally as it struggled to stay in flight.

If this were an official competition, the battle would've been called off to prevent permanent injury.

But here, such mercy didn't exist.

Seeing the Fearow still in good fighting condition, Hikaru patted Lucario on the shoulder. "Go ahead, Lucario."

The opponent had just finished an intense battle.

Its energy and condition were far from ideal.

This was the perfect opportunity for Lucario to test its abilities.

"Lucario!"

Clenching its fists, Lucario's body ignited with red flames of energy.

Faced with such an opponent, it immediately activated Kaio-ken for a fighting chance.

With a light Moon Step, Lucario darted forward.

The sudden arrival of Latias and Lucario caught both leaders off guard.

Standing on Latias's back, Hikaru quickly used his Aura to communicate his intentions to the Pidgeot.

The Pidgeot hesitated for a moment but then retreated.

Had it been alone, its pride would've pushed it to fight to the bitter end against the Fearow.

But behind it stood its flock of Pidgey—and even unhatched Pidgey eggs waiting to be born.

---

The Fearow let out a sharp screech, warily eyeing the surging power emanating from Lucario.

"Screee!"

"Aura Sphere!"

As for the Fearow, Hikaru showed no mercy.

Leaping forward, Lucario drew its hands back to its waist, its gaze steely and unwavering.

This opponent was far stronger than the ones it had faced during the National High School League.

Moreover, its previous battle against the Slowking had left it deeply frustrated.

This time, Lucario wanted a satisfying fight.

Its eyes glimmered with determination.

The memory of Charizard's Mega Evolution against the Tyranitar still burned vividly in its mind.

If possible, it too wanted to test its limits—to see how strong it had become.

In an instant, a glowing red-tinged Aura Sphere formed in Lucario's hands and launched toward the Fearow.

---

"Screee?!"

What Lucario didn't expect, however, was the Fearow's reaction.

The moment it saw the Aura Sphere being unleashed, its expression changed dramatically—as if recalling some traumatic memory.

With a panicked cry, it abruptly turned tail and fled, completely ignoring its flock of Spearow.

The Spearow, left dumbfounded by their leader's sudden retreat, hesitated for a moment before scattering in confusion.

---

"Lucario?"

Lucario hovered in mid-air, momentarily stunned.

With the use of Moon Step and Kaio-ken, it had managed to stay aloft briefly.

Hikaru had planned to enhance Lucario's aerial capabilities further with Fairy Wings, ensuring it wouldn't be at a disadvantage in future air battles.

But the Fearow's abrupt flight left even Hikaru scratching his head.

Soon, a theory formed in his mind.

---

"Lucario?" (Was it afraid of me?)

Lucario returned to Hikaru's side, confused and slightly disappointed.

"It probably encountered a Pokémon like you in the past," Hikaru speculated.

"Lucario…" (Alright…)

"Don't worry, Lucario. You'll get another chance."

As a fellow Aura user, Hikaru understood Lucario's frustration.

The poor Pokémon had been itching for a proper fight.

"Lucario." (Okay.)

---

Behind them, the Pidgeot stared at Lucario with a complicated expression.

It knew exactly why the Fearow had fled.

Over a decade ago, during a similar disturbance, a human had brought a Pokémon like this Lucario to resolve its battle with the Fearow…

---

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