" Aerodactyl... Prehistoric Pokemon.... Oh!"

Dora and Oak looked up. " What is it?" Dora asked.

Gary grinned and waved a paper. " There's been another sighting of an Aerodactyl!"

" That's great, my boy! Where was it?"

Gary furrowed his brows. " Well that's just the thing Grandpa. It says it was seen in Grandpa Canyon, but that can't be."

" Why not?" Dora asked

Gary faced her. " Because I was there at the time!"

Gary picked up the telephone and punched Ash's number in it. " Please answer, please answer....."

Ash's voice came loud and clear. " Hiya Gary! What's up?"

Gary sighed. " Look, Ash, I need to know something."

" Hit me with it."

" That day in Grandpa Canyon..."

" Uh huh."

" Officer Jenny claimed that we saw an Aerodactyl because of Jigglypuff...."

" Sure."

" Is it true?" Gary asked.

Ash's end went blank.

" Ash?"

At last, there was a weak, " what makes you say that?"

Gary rolled his eyes. " Because it says here that there was another sighting that day, at that exact Canyon!"

Ash cursed under his breath.

" So it's true?"

Ash remained quiet.

" Who is it?" Misty asked on Ash's end.

" Gary. Apparently someone filed a report about " You know who.""

Misty gasped. " You mean...."

She lowered her breath. " Ivy?"

Ash shook his head. " No! Not.... Y-V-I. The Aero."

Misty gasped. " Did you do it?"

" I didn't. Did you?"

" Nuh uh!"

" Maybe Brock?"

" What did I do?" Brock asked as his voice became louder.

" Brock, did you tell anyone about the Prehistoric Pokemon?"

" No."

" Oh."

" Why?"

" Nothing. Just.... Gary found out."

Gary sighed as Ash's vague answers started to frustrate him. "Ash, I need a straight answer. Was that Aerodactyl sighting real or not?"

On the other end, Ash groaned. "Look, Gary, I wasn't supposed to tell anyone, okay? But yeah... it's real. The Aerodactyl is still out there."

Gary's eyes widened in surprise. "So why didn't you report it to Officer Jenny or something?"

Ash hesitated. " I did, Gary. She was there and saw it. But it's dangerous, Gary! That thing nearly dropped me to my death! Charizard had to catch me mid-air, and trust me, that wasn't fun. I didn't want anyone else getting hurt."

Gary ran a hand through his hair. "So, what now? Someone filed a report, and now there's going to be people looking for it."

"I know, I know!" Ash said, sounding stressed. "But listen, Gary, you can't go there. That place is dangerous. The whole area is crawling with prehistoric Pokémon, and the Aerodactyl... it's not exactly friendly."

Misty chimed in on Ash's end. "Yeah, no kidding. That thing almost dropped Ash like a sack of potatoes!"

Ash groaned again. "Thanks, Misty. Really needed that reminder."

Gary clenched his jaw. "So what, I'm just supposed to sit back while this thing roams around freely? It's a prehistoric Pokémon! This could be huge for research!"

"I get that," Ash replied. "But it's not worth risking your life for. Trust me, I've been there."

Gary fell silent for a moment, staring at the report in his hand. "You're really telling me not to go?"

"I'm telling you that it's dangerous," Ash said firmly. "And that Aerodactyl is nothing like the other Pokémon we've seen. It's wild, unpredictable, and... angry."

Gary sighed deeply, feeling torn between his instincts as a researcher and his concern for safety. "Fine, Ash. I won't go."

"Good," Ash said with relief in his voice. "Just... be careful, okay?"

"Yeah, you too," Gary replied, though he couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't the end of it.

Gary put the phone down with a frustrated sigh, running his hand through his hair. "Ash has seen an Aerodactyl, alright," he muttered. "But he's not giving me any straight answers."

Professor Oak, who had been listening to the conversation, raised an eyebrow. "Wait a minute, Ash has seen an Aerodactyl? And he didn't report this?"

Gary nodded, crossing his arms. "Yeah, he did. He said it nearly dropped him from the sky, and Charizard had to catch him. But I need answers, and all I'm getting is this runaround."

Oak rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Let me try speaking with Ash. Maybe I can get through to him."

Gary watched as Professor Oak took the phone and dialed Ash's number again. After a few rings, Ash picked up.

"Hello, Professor Oak!" Ash's voice came through, cheerful but a little breathless, as if he'd been running. "How are things in the Sinnoh Region?"

"Hello, Ash, my boy," Oak said warmly, but he quickly shifted to a more serious tone. "I heard from Gary that you had an encounter with an Aerodactyl. I need to know more about this."

Ash went silent for a moment. "Uh... Aerodactyl? Oh, right. That. Well... y'know, it was just one of those things, Professor. Nothing too serious."

Oak frowned. "Ash, this is important. If there's a live Aerodactyl out there, we need to take this seriously. Where did you see it, and when? You must have more details."

Ash's response was even vaguer than before. "Oh, well, y'know, it was a while ago. And, um, I wasn't really paying attention to the location. Just... somewhere near Grandpa Canyon, I think? But really, Professor, it's no big deal."

Professor Oak sighed in frustration. "Ash, we can't overlook something like this. You need to give us specifics, or we won't be able to study it properly."

There was an awkward pause on the other end of the line before Ash replied, "Look, Professor, all I know is that it's dangerous, and I wouldn't recommend going after it. That's all."

Gary shook his head as he overheard the conversation. "Even with you, he's being vague," he muttered.

Professor Oak hung up the phone, clearly disappointed. "I'm afraid Ash isn't willing to give us much more information. It seems like he's trying to protect us, but I have to admit, it's frustrating not having the full story."

Gary clenched his fists. "I'm not giving up on this. I'm going to find that Aerodactyl. I just... need to be prepared."

Oak nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I understand, Gary. But please, proceed with caution. We can't take any unnecessary risks, especially with a prehistoric Pokémon as volatile as an Aerodactyl."

When Gary arrived at Grandpa Canyon, he spotted Ash, Misty, Brock, and Pikachu standing by the edge of the rocky terrain, their expressions serious. Ash was looking determined as usual, waving his arms as if rallying his team for a big task. Pikachu sat on his shoulder, equally focused.

"Come on, guys!" Ash was saying, his voice full of energy. "We have to protect Aerodactyl, even if he almost killed me last time!"

Gary raised an eyebrow, but stayed quiet for now, listening from a distance.

Misty crossed her arms, looking skeptical. "Hmmm... last time, it emerged from that cave-in spot, which we covered with rocks." She glanced around as if expecting the prehistoric Pokémon to burst out at any second.

"Yeah, I suppose you're right," Ash admitted, rubbing the back of his head. "But if it's back, we'll have to act fast. Brock, get Geodude ready."

Brock nodded, reaching for his Poké Ball. "Geodude, we need you!" he called out, tossing the ball into the air. A moment later, Geodude emerged, its rocky arms flexing in the sunlight, ready for action.

Gary, still standing a little way off, finally decided to make his presence known. "Ash!" he called out, his voice echoing through the canyon. "What are you doing here?"

Ash turned, looking surprised but quickly grinned when he saw Gary approaching. "Gary! I didn't expect to see you here. What's up?"

Gary walked over, frowning. "You weren't exactly giving me straight answers earlier, so I came to find out for myself. What's this about protecting Aerodactyl? You told me it was too dangerous!"

Ash scratched his head sheepishly. "Well, yeah, Aerodactyl is dangerous, but it's not its fault! It's just trying to survive like any other Pokémon. We have to make sure it doesn't get hurt—or captured by people who don't understand it."

Misty nodded, though she seemed a bit hesitant. "Ash has a point. Aerodactyl may be dangerous, but it's also a living Pokémon. We don't want it falling into the wrong hands."

Gary sighed, glancing at the cave-in spot Misty had mentioned earlier. "I get that, but you can't just handle everything by yourself, Ash. You don't even know if Aerodactyl is still here."

"Well," Brock chimed in, "that's why we brought Geodude. If there's any movement underground, he'll sense it."

Ash grinned at Gary. "See? We've got this covered!"

Gary looked at his old rival and friend, feeling that familiar mix of frustration and admiration. "You're still as reckless as ever, Ash. But fine—if you're this determined, I'll help. Just... try not to get yourself killed again."

Ash's grin widened. "I knew I could count on you, Gary!"

Gary helped Ash down as they slid down the dirt.

" Where is it?" Gary asked.

Ash sighed and started to walk. " Pikachu, let's do this." He muttered. 

" Piika.. CHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!"

" PIKACHU WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Misty yelled. 

" THIS IS HOW WE GOT ITS ATTENTION LAST TIME"! Ash yelled back.

Brock sighed. " Well, it's sure waking me up!"

Gary nodded. " Yeah!"

As Pikachu's thunderous attack echoed through the canyon, the ground beneath them rumbled. Gary's eyes widened, his instincts kicking in. "Ash, you sure about this?!"

Before Ash could answer, a powerful roar pierced the air, and Aerodactyl erupted from the cave-in spot, its massive wings flapping as it soared into the sky. Dust and debris flew everywhere as the prehistoric Pokémon bared its fangs, looking down at the group below.

Ash barely had time to react before Aerodactyl dove down, snatching him up with its powerful claws.

"Ash!" Misty screamed, reaching out in vain.

"Great," Gary muttered, watching as Aerodactyl flew higher, Ash held tightly in its grip.

But Ash was quick to act. Even in Aerodactyl's grasp, he managed to wriggle one arm free and reach for a Poké Ball. "Charizard, I choose you!" he shouted, throwing the ball into the air.

Charizard burst out in a flash of light, immediately soaring after Aerodactyl. Pikachu, sensing the urgency, leaped from Ash's shoulder and landed on Charizard's back, ready for action.

"Pikachu! Thunderbolt, now!" Ash called from above, still held tightly by Aerodactyl.

"Pika-CHUUU!" Pikachu unleashed a fierce Thunderbolt from Charizard's back, striking Aerodactyl directly. The prehistoric Pokémon roared in pain, its grip on Ash loosening.

Gary, watching from below, clenched his fists. "Hang in there, Ash!"

Misty looked nervous but stayed focused. "Ash has to get free before that thing flies too high!"

With a final jolt from Pikachu, Aerodactyl let out a final screech and released Ash. For a moment, it seemed like Ash was falling, but Charizard dove down, catching Ash on its back just in time.

Gary let out a sigh of relief as Charizard circled back, keeping a safe distance from the now-angry Aerodactyl. Ash grinned as he sat firmly on Charizard's back, Pikachu by his side.

"Thanks, Charizard!" Ash called, patting the fire dragon's neck.

Aerodactyl, now furious, turned its attention to Charizard and the group below, circling for another attack.

Gary gritted his teeth. "We've got to end this before someone really gets hurt!"

Ash took a deep breath as Charizard hovered in the air, keeping a cautious distance from Aerodactyl. Pikachu, perched on Charizard's back, kept its eyes focused on the looming prehistoric Pokémon. Aerodactyl let out a deep, rumbling growl as it flapped its massive wings, glaring at the trio.

"Ash!" Misty yelled from below, her voice filled with concern. "What are you doing?! Get out of there before it attacks again!"

Brock stood next to her, squinting up at the sky. "Ash knows what he's doing, I think..."

Gary, on the other hand, wasn't as convinced. "He's trying to talk to it? That Aerodactyl nearly crushed him last time!"

But up in the sky, Ash remained calm, even in the face of Aerodactyl's hostility. He raised his hands slowly, signaling to Charizard to stay steady. Charizard growled, keeping a close eye on the ancient Pokémon, but trusted Ash enough to hold its position.

"Aerodactyl," Ash called out, his voice firm but calm. "I'm not here to hurt you! I know we didn't start off on the best terms last time... and yeah, you almost dropped me from the sky back then." He let out a nervous chuckle but quickly refocused, speaking louder so Aerodactyl could hear him clearly. "But I'm a Pokémon Trainer. And I believe in the bond between humans and Pokémon."

Aerodactyl's eyes narrowed, its sharp gaze locking onto Ash. It let out a screech, but Ash didn't flinch. He kept his hands raised, a gesture of peace.

"I know you're strong," Ash continued. "You're a Pokémon from an ancient time, a survivor. You've lived through so much, and you've had to fight to protect yourself. But I'm not your enemy. I've spent my whole life working to understand Pokémon like you."

Pikachu gave a supportive "Pika!" from Charizard's back, its electric cheeks sparking just slightly in case of an emergency. Ash smiled, encouraged by his partner's faith in him.

"I've met so many Pokémon who were scared, confused, or angry when I first encountered them," Ash said, his tone softening as he spoke. "But every time, I learned something. I learned that even the toughest, wildest Pokémon want the same thing we all want—peace, trust, and respect."

Aerodactyl growled again, but it didn't attack. It seemed to be listening, its eyes watching Ash intently. Charizard huffed but stayed in place, ready to act if needed.

"I'm on a journey to become a Pokémon Master," Ash went on, his voice now filled with passion. "And I've realized that being a Pokémon Master isn't just about catching and battling. It's about understanding, about forming bonds with Pokémon from all walks of life, from all different places—even from different times."

Aerodactyl flapped its wings harder, sending gusts of wind swirling around them. Ash gripped Charizard's neck to keep his balance but didn't waver.

"I don't want to fight you, Aerodactyl," Ash said, his eyes shining with determination. "I want to help you. I want to show you that humans and Pokémon can be friends, that we can work together. You don't have to see us as enemies."

Aerodactyl let out a softer growl this time, its piercing gaze slightly less hostile. Ash took a deep breath, knowing he was getting through.

"Remember last time?" Ash said, his voice steady. "You were angry, scared, but Charizard and I didn't give up. Charizard saved me that day. We showed you that not all humans want to hurt Pokémon. We want to protect you."

Charizard roared in agreement, its wings beating in rhythm with Aerodactyl's. Ash smiled down at his fire-type partner. "You see, Charizard is a lot like you, Aerodactyl. He's strong, independent, and proud. But he also knows that strength comes from trust and friendship."

Aerodactyl hovered in place, seemingly considering Ash's words. It let out a lower, more thoughtful growl, its eyes flickering between Ash and Charizard. Ash could see the tension in its posture easing, just slightly.

"I know it's hard to trust humans," Ash continued. "Especially after everything you've been through. But I'm not like other people you've encountered. I've dedicated my life to learning from Pokémon, to understanding them. And I know that you're not just a wild creature—you're a Pokémon with thoughts, feelings, and desires of your own."

Aerodactyl shifted in the air, its massive wings gliding through the sky with less urgency. It wasn't attacking anymore, but it still seemed cautious.

Ash took a deep breath and leaned forward on Charizard's back. "I want to help protect you, Aerodactyl. Just like you've survived all this time, you deserve a chance to live in peace, without fear of being chased or hurt. Let us help you."

Aerodactyl's eyes softened, and for the first time since emerging from the cave, it let out a soft, almost gentle cry. Ash smiled, feeling a connection forming between them.

"We can work together," Ash said, his voice filled with hope. "Just like I've worked with all the Pokémon I've met on my journey. You don't have to be alone anymore."

Charizard let out a rumbling roar of agreement, and Pikachu gave another encouraging "Pika!"

Aerodactyl, still watching Ash closely, let out a softer cry. It wasn't an aggressive roar—it was a sound of understanding, of recognition. Slowly, it began to circle lower, descending towards the ground where Misty, Brock, and Gary watched in awe.

Gary blinked in disbelief. "Is he really... talking to it?"

Misty smiled, shaking her head. "That's Ash for you. He always finds a way to connect with Pokémon, no matter how dangerous they seem."

Brock nodded. "It's one of his greatest strengths."

As Aerodactyl landed gently on the ground, Ash and Charizard followed, touching down a few feet away. Ash slid off Charizard's back and walked towards Aerodactyl, his hands still raised in a gesture of peace.

Aerodactyl watched him closely but didn't move to attack. Instead, it gave a low, rumbling cry, as if acknowledging Ash's words.

Ash smiled and reached out a hand. "Thank you, Aerodactyl. For trusting me."

Aerodactyl let out a final, softer growl before turning and flying back towards its cave, its wings slicing through the air as it disappeared into the distance.

Ash stood there, watching it go, a feeling of accomplishment washing over him. He knew that Aerodactyl wasn't just a wild Pokémon—it was a creature that had lived through time, and now it knew it didn't have to be alone.

Gary walked up to Ash, shaking his head in amazement. "I don't believe it... You actually talked it down."

Ash grinned, rubbing the back of his head. "Well, it wasn't easy. But I think Aerodactyl understands now."

Misty and Brock joined them, smiling at their friend's success.

Brock crossed his arms. "You really have a way with Pokémon, Ash."

Ash laughed. "It's all about trust. That's what being a Pokémon Trainer is all about."