Reunion with Old Allies

Rei walked through the dense forest, the sunlight barely making its way through the thick canopy above. He was heading toward familiar territory—the domains of Tropius, the Lotad Clan, and the Oddish Clan.

As he stepped into their clearing, three groups of Pokémon turned their heads toward him.

Tropius, towering above the others, blinked in surprise. The Lotad Clan and the Oddish Clan stared, their little bodies trembling with shock.

"It's… him!" one Oddish squeaked.

"He's back!" a Lotad gawked.

Ludicolo and Vileplume, the respective leaders of the Lotad and Oddish Clans, pushed their way forward. Their expressions were a mix of awe and deep regret.

"I can't believe it…" Ludicolo muttered, slapping his forehead. "Why—WHY didn't I send one of my clan members with him?!"

Vileplume groaned, clutching its petals. "This is the worst decision we've ever made! Look at how strong he's become!"

Tropius, who had always been the silent observer, let out a deep sigh. "You two should have known better. The opportunity was right in front of you."

Rei smirked. "Well, too late for regrets."

Still, he wasn't heartless. He reached into his bag and pulled out several colorful Pokéblocks. "Here, try these."

The moment he tossed the treats into the air, Ludicolo, Vileplume, and Tropius all lunged forward like starved Pokémon.

The second the Pokéblocks touched their tongues, their eyes widened.

A deep silence.

Then—

"WHAT IS THIS?!" Ludicolo shouted, shaking its entire body in excitement.

"THIS IS THE BEST THING I'VE EVER TASTED!" Vileplume practically cried, holding its petals in bliss.

Even Tropius, normally composed, let out a pleased rumble. "This… This is divine."

Rei simply chuckled. "I'll drop by with more if I feel like it."

And with that, he leaped onto Staraptor's back, soaring into the sky, leaving three dazed Pokémon still savoring the lingering taste in their mouths.

---

Riding high in the sky, Rei and Staraptor soared above the towering cliffs, approaching a familiar but hostile land—Staraptor's birthplace.

As they descended, sharp cries echoed through the canyon. Starly and Staravia scattered, alarmed at the sight of the returning warrior.

At the highest peak, watching with sharp, calculating eyes, stood the new Staraptor leader—the very one who had tried to kill Staraptor when he was just an egg.

The leader's feathers bristled as he spread his wings. "You dare return?"

The air grew tense. Staraptor's talons tightened. This wasn't just a visit—this was a confrontation long overdue.

"I return not as weak helpless egg" Staraptor growled, "but as your better."

Gasps rippled through the flock.

The leader scoffed. "Arrogant. You should've stayed gone."

He lunged—swift and merciless.

But Staraptor was faster.

In an instant, he sidestepped, talons raking across the leader's side, sending feathers flying.

A blur of movement. A violent clash in the sky.

Every strike, every counter—Staraptor dominated. The leader, once feared, was being dismantled before the entire flock.

Then, with a final sky-shattering impact, Staraptor slammed the leader down onto the canyon floor, beak inches from his throat.

Silence.

The flock trembled. The leader coughed, struggling beneath the weight of defeat.

Before the finishing blow—

"Enough!"

A voice filled with love. From it he sense it's connection with his blood. That was his mother.

Staraptor's mother stepped forward, her sharp eyes locking onto her son. "No killing. Not here."

A long pause.

Then, with deliberate slowness, Staraptor stepped back.

The leader gasped for air, barely able to rise. His wings shook, his body battered.

He knew.

Everyone knew.

He was no longer fit to lead.

The flock turned toward Staraptor.

Without a word, Staraptor lifted his wings and took off. Rei followed, tossing Pokéblocks onto the ground as a final message.

They weren't here for revenge.

They were here to show the difference between the weak and the strong. And they left leaving the confused starly clan.