[Pidgeot’s POV]

“...This battle is going to be tough, so if you ever feel the need you can always ask for strength. Now, move ahead and choose wisely…"

Those were the last words I heard and my mind did a backflip. This was the moment, we had proved ourselves worthy for strength and skills. We have reached our optimum limit and Ash has given us the choice to become more powerful, or stay with what we have. Of course choosing more power has its own disadvantages, we will need to train harder in order to master the new power. But getting this chance is a matter of pride on its own.

Greninja and I were given to choose any Jewel upto five percent of power. While Pikachu can only choose to increase the power of the Jewel of Energy to a maximum of ten percent. But I don’t see the need to give Charizard more power. He is far ahead of any legendary pokemon in terms of strength, and I believe he has more room for improvements. If he is to choose the Jewel of Energy, that would multiply his strength by powers of tens. He would be invincible, though I doubt he has any weaknesses even now.

Anyway, back to the situation. So, we have to make our choices. More or enough. While my brain was debating for the two, Greninja moved forward. Everyone’s eyes focused on him as he stood in front of Ash, who had a serious yet proud expression. He had a slight smile that told us that he was ready to hear Greninja’s choice.

“I want to master the power of the Jewel of Space.” Greninja spoke, his voice sounded like he had a move in mind that he wanted to try out, a really unique move. 

“The Jewel of Space, so is there any specific reason for that? You made your choice very quick, I take that you had this in mind for a long time and wanted this opportunity to gain it.” Ash asked, he was really eager to know what was in Greninja’s mind.

Greninja nodded, “Yes, the Jewel of Space grants us the power to travel through warps, I want to merge that skill with my Shadow sneak and Double team. Apart from that, I want to try it on Moving targets like the opponent’s attacks. If I can teleport their own attacks towards them it will be a great advantage to us. But I would first like to test it on a small scale and see if I can actually do what I am thinking.” He replied. I was honestly shocked, he had this in mind. This sounds so amazing. I mean if he is able to learn it, then he shall be able evade the most accurate of attacks easily.

“That sounds like a very planned out thinking. I’m sure you can pull it off. I approve your choice, We shall run the preliminary test today after noon. You may take rest and be battle ready at 3 pm.” Ash told him, Greninja nodded and stood back. He then looked at us for answers, “Alright, anyone else? It’s fine if you can’t make it right now. I know it’s a serious decision. Greninja had this thought in his mind for a long time so he was able to make it quick.” I was so nervous at this point. Come on Pidgeot, think something. You are one of his original team when he started, I am sure Ash will not be mad if you say something stupid.

Ash then looked at me, “Pidgeot? I see you have something in mind. Do you wanna share?” 

I was taken aback by his sudden call. “Uh… I.. Don’t know, I mean I have recently recovered from my wing injury from Kanto, so I’m not sure about making any choice right now.” I replied hesitantly. 

Ash smiled at me, “That’s Okay Pidge, You have three days to choose. Take your time, I won’t be angry even if you choose nothing.”

I nodded sincerely and huffed out some air, which I had been holding subconsciously. But wait! Did Ash just give me a nickname? Woah, that’s a first. He never calls his pokemon with a short nickname. But it does sound good.

Charizard moved forward this time, and my mind went back to thinking why he doesn’t need more power. Just look at him, he is huge, he can sync with Ash, he has also absorbed the armour he was given, he …. 

I was cut short by his words. “I will try the Jewels later if the offer will be available for a little longer. For now, I want to go Gigantamax in my Mega form, while being in - Sync.” He rolled out the words like they were nothing.

“You must be kidding..” Pikachu said sarcastically. Charizard just turned his head slightly and looked at him, “I’m serious.” He said.

“Charizard, that’s a rather difficult request you have put. We will need to research before we can confirm the existence of a Dynamax Mega Pokemon.” Ash said, his words made sense, a dynamax mega has not yet been recorded. “But you not only want to go Gigantamax Mega, but also in sync with me. First we need to see if you can mega evolve in sync with me. And if you can go dynamax in sync as well. If that goes well, we may proceed for the merging.” Ash explained.

“I will choose to go all out with the Jewel of Energy and train more.” Pikachu squeaked. I looked at him, he was quite cheerful at his choice. I sighed softly, I was the only one who couldn’t choose anything today. Even Charizard made a unique choice.

“Okay, I don’t see anything surprising in that. Well then, you all have given me your word. You may go back to whatever you are doing. I shall head out and drop Serena and Leaf at Ms. Yvonne’s house. You can join if you want.” He told us, Pikachu came forward. “Is Eva going too?” he asked. Ash nodded. Pikachu’s eyes widened when he realised he hadn’t met her for so long. He’s surely dead, I’m telling. He dashed out quickly as he muttered terrified words. Ash just laughed.

We all turned back and were heading out of the room. I was the last to leave, but Ash stopped me before I could get out. “Do you have a moment, Pidge?” I stopped and looked at him. He looked concerned. I feared that he was observing me the whole time and had figured something was wrong. Alright, time to face some serious shit.

I gave a signal to the others to go ahead, and I turned back. Slowly making my way towards Ash, I thought of the most awkward of things and then denied them because it’s Ash we are talking about! He would never do that! I stood right in front of Ash as he stroked my neck feathers, I was getting nervous every second and Ash just stood there without saying a word.

“I… mmm..” he started but then stopped in the middle, this made me even more nervous. He pulled his hand back down. I was getting anxious so I bent a little to touch his head with my beak. I let out a soft chirp. “I have a favor for you, but I’m not sure if I should make you do this… It’s kind of dangerous.” He said, he looked down the whole time. While, I on the other hand was a little confused. What was it that Ash wants me to do?

“What is it Ash? Tell me. I would do anything if it means to protect you or help you in any way.” I asked. He let out a soft sigh, and lifted his head.

“I… want you to..” he started, I could feel the nervousness rising in my blood vessels, “..be the leader of the Air Force. Of course I could make my Rayquaza lead them, but I need someone smart and quick to be there before the whole flock.” Time literally stopped for me. Ash wants me to take rayquaza’s place as the leader of the Air Force! I couldn’t be any happier!

“But It comes with an equal danger. You will be the front most and will be damaged more than anyone. And I don’t want to lose any of my Pokemon in this battle. I would rather have no pokemon get hurt, but that can’t happen. So, let me be selfish for once and promise me that you will stay alive no matter what.” He was so sad at that moment that I couldn’t help but hesitate a bit. 

“It’s okay, if yo-” 

“I will do it!”

“Really?”

“Yes! And I promise you, I’ll stay alive till the end, Because we never give up until it’s over!” I said it with all my determination and courage, I had no fear for anything anymore. I am given the task to lead the whole flock, so I will fulfill that duty with all I’ve got.

“Thank you Pidgeot.” He spoke softly as he looked at me.

“And I have decided I want the Jewel of Time.”

“Why is that?”

“If I can channel it’s power through my body theni can reverse the effects of the damage I take or make my movements faster.”

An assuring smile crept up on his face, “Now that’s the leader I need!”

To be continued...

Hey guys, sorry for updating a week late. There had been some problem so I couldn't get time to write. I hope you enjoyed today's chapter. I hope next week won't be a delay (for the book welcome to the GAME).

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