Chapter 189: Aerodactyl
A Shadow in the Depths
A sudden gust of wind howled through the cave, carrying with it an eerie, chilling presence.
Misty shuddered, instinctively stepping closer to Ash.
"What was that?!" she whispered, fear evident in her voice.
A moment ago, a powerful shockwave had rippled through the cavern, sending a cloud of dust and debris swirling through the air.
Now, as the dust settled—
A dark silhouette began to emerge from the depths of the cave.
Brock narrowed his eyes, trying to make out the figure.
It was massive, its wings spread wide, casting a menacing shadow against the dimly lit rock walls.
Even though its features were still obscured, its sheer size and the distinct shape of its wings left little doubt.
Ash clenched his fists.
"Could it be… Aerodactyl?"
His heart pounded.
Even though he had never seen one in person, there was no mistaking it.
This was the legendary Fossil Pokémon, the ancient ruler of the skies.
"Pika…!"
Pikachu tensed, dropping into a battle stance.
The small Electric-type Pokémon could sense the overwhelming presence of the creature before them.
The red pouches on Pikachu's cheeks began to spark, sending crackling arcs of electricity through the air.
Aerodactyl was revealing itself—
And it was not happy.
---
The Ancient Predator Appears
"ROOOOAARR!!"
A thunderous roar echoed through the cavern as Aerodactyl burst forward from the shadows.
With a mighty flap of its wings, it sent a violent gust of wind sweeping through the cave, kicking up loose rocks and dirt.
The Fossil Pokémon glided effortlessly, its fierce, predatory eyes scanning its surroundings.
Aerodactyl
Type: Rock/Flying
Category: Fossil Pokémon
Ability: Pressure (Oppressive Presence)
Hidden Ability: Unnerve
Strength: Gym Leader Level
Brock's eyes widened as he analyzed the massive Pokémon.
"A Gym Leader-level Aerodactyl… and it has Pressure as its ability!"
Ash's pupils shrank slightly.
"Pressure…"
In the real world, Pressure wasn't just a game mechanic that increased PP consumption.
No—
It was an ability that forced an opponent to burn through twice the usual energy for every attack they used!
That meant—
Every move Pikachu used against it would drain twice the normal stamina.
"This isn't good," Ash muttered under his breath.
---
Aerodactyl's Challenge
Aerodactyl came to a hovering stop, about ten meters away from them.
Its piercing gaze locked onto Pikachu.
Ash felt a shiver run down his spine.
"It knows Pikachu attacked it earlier," he realized.
The Thunderbolt that had lit up the cave a few moments ago—
It had provoked Aerodactyl's wrath.
And now, the ancient predator had one thing in mind.
Revenge.
"ROAR!!"
Aerodactyl let out another deafening cry, the sheer force of it sending tremors through the cave floor.
Without warning, a pinkish-purple energy flickered around its body.
Ash's eyes widened.
"That's Psychic energy…!"
In an instant—
Aerodactyl vanished.
One moment, it was hovering ten meters away—
The next, it was right in front of Pikachu!
"Teleport?!" Misty gasped.
No—
Not Teleport.
It had used Extreme Speed, combined with the unrefined aura of Psychic energy, to close the distance almost instantly!
"Pikachu, dodge!!"
But Aerodactyl was already lunging forward, its massive jaws glowing with Dark energy.
It was going for Crunch—
And if that attack landed, Pikachu wouldn't stand a chance!
---
Clash of Lightning and Stone
"Pikachu! Thunderbolt!!"
Ash's command rang out in the cave.
"Pika…CHUUU!!"
A blinding bolt of electricity erupted from Pikachu's body, streaking toward Aerodactyl.
The cave flashed white, the bright light momentarily blinding Misty and Brock.
The Thunderbolt struck its target—
But—
Aerodactyl barely flinched!
It twisted its body mid-air, dodging the worst of the attack.
And then—
It lunged again.
"Quick Attack, now!!"
With lightning-fast reflexes, Pikachu pushed off the ground and dashed sideways, barely avoiding Aerodactyl's massive fangs.
The Fossil Pokémon skidded to a stop, turning its head sharply.
For the first time—
Its eyes held a flicker of surprise.
Pikachu was fast.
Faster than it had expected.
But Aerodactyl was not done.
With a mighty flap of its wings, it shot forward again—
Determined to make Pikachu its next meal.
---
A Battle for Survival
"Misty, Brock! Get back and send out your Pokémon!"
Ash's voice snapped them into action.
Misty hurriedly took a few steps back, pulling out a Poké Ball.
"Go, Starmie!"
A flash of light—
And Starmie appeared, its core gem pulsating.
Brock followed suit.
"Onix, let's go!"
The ground trembled as the giant Rock Snake Pokémon emerged, letting out a deep growl.
Misty clutched her Poké Ball tightly, worry in her eyes.
"Ash, be careful!"
Ash didn't look back.
He simply raised a thumb over his shoulder and smirked.
"Don't worry. I got this."
His gaze remained locked on Aerodactyl.
This wasn't just a battle—
It was a test of survival.
And he would prove—
That Pikachu was more than capable of standing up to the ancient predator of the skies.
To Be Continued...