Chapter 163: The Clashing Flocks of Pidgeot and Fearow
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"Is it because the World Tree has fallen into slumber?"
This thought flashed through Hikaru's mind, becoming increasingly certain.
Over a decade ago, there had been a similar outbreak of chaos here. At the time, it was resolved by a certain Aura Guardian.
Was that also due to the World Tree?
Unfortunately, Mew was still asleep, and with his current Aura abilities, Hikaru couldn't perceive events from so long ago.
"Let's keep flying, Latias," Hikaru said softly.
For now, he couldn't resolve the situation below.
Or rather, only by addressing the root cause could the problem be truly eradicated.
"Hmm!" Latias cried out in agreement, soaring toward the center of the region.
The closer they got to the center, the more severe these phenomena became.
Lucario would occasionally issue warnings, prompting Latias to take detours.
Among these incidents, Hikaru even witnessed a battle between two Master-level Pokémon: a Pidgeot and a Fearow.
Both were evenly matched, resulting in a fierce and relentless clash. Their subordinates, the Pidgey and Spearow flocks, numbered in the hundreds. Shadows periodically plummeted from the sky, evidence of the brutal confrontation.
The shrill cries of birds, scattered feathers, and splashes of blood stained the air. These signs of carnage accompanied the ongoing battle.
Swift attacks, Wing Attacks, Hurricanes…
A myriad of moves were unleashed in succession.
The ground below was riddled with deep craters, and the surrounding trees lay scattered and broken.
The intensity of the battle was undeniable.
"Why are they fighting like this?" Latias asked, her voice tinged with sorrow.
Earlier, witnessing the battle between the Raticate and Bulbasaur clans on the outskirts of Qinling, Latias had already felt uneasy.
Though Latias hadn't participated in many battles herself, following Hikaru had given her insight into how Pokémon battles worked in the human world.
In most cases, battles were decided by a clear winner and loser. Once one side was deemed unable to continue, the battle would end immediately, with the victor declared.
There was little risk of injury or death, and disputes were effectively resolved.
This system seemed ideal.
But why, in the wild, must battles be so ruthless and life-threatening?
Latias turned her puzzled gaze to Hikaru, hoping for an answer.
The fierce battle continued. Hikaru could feel it through his Aura.
Latias wanted desperately to intervene on behalf of the Pidgeot flock, which was at a disadvantage.
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Pokémon: Pidgeot
Ability: Keen Eye
Gender: Female
Talent: Master
Strength: Level 53
Moves: Quick Attack, Sunny Day, Wing Attack, Hurricane, Peck, Aerial Ace, Steel Wing, Brave Bird...
From a level standpoint, the Pidgey and Spearow flocks were evenly matched.
However, there was a notable gap in the strength of their leaders.
The Pidgeot was Level 53.
Meanwhile, the Fearow was Level 57.
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Pokémon: Fearow
Ability: Sniper
Gender: Male
Talent: Lord
Strength: Level 57
Moves: Aerial Ace, Agility, Peck, Aerial Ace, Mirror Move...
With its Sniper ability and Mirror Move, the Fearow relentlessly clashed with the Pidgeot in Brave Bird attacks.
Each collision created shockwaves that toppled trees and stirred up massive gusts in the forest.
This wasn't a controlled battle like in competitions. It was a true life-and-death struggle.
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Hikaru didn't immediately explain but instead chose to ask a question.
"Latias, do you know why they're fighting?"
Latias froze, then shook her head. "I don't know."
Having grown up in her clan, she had never experienced the harshness of the wild.
As Latias matured, she treated her time in Alto Mare as a carefree adventure.
Thinking about it differently, how could a legendary Pokémon ever worry about survival?
Hikaru turned to Latias and explained slowly.
"They're fighting for a simple reason—to survive and ensure the continuation of their species."
"This is unavoidable. If my guess is correct, similar battles are happening all over this forest right now."
"Survival?" Latias was puzzled.
"Yes."
The explanation was simple, though Hikaru's speculation might not be entirely accurate.
After all, Pidgeot and Fearow were natural enemies.
Hikaru thought for a moment before directing Latias to land.
Once they reached the forest floor, Latias instinctively transformed into her human form.
The forest was eerily silent.
The Pidgeot and Fearow appeared to be the dominant leaders of this area.
Hikaru instructed Lucario to lead the way, and soon they encountered another clash.
This time, unlike the battle between Pidgeot and Fearow, it was between two of the same species: two Ariados.
The Ariados circled a fruit tree, warily eyeing each other.
In the wild, fruit trees were a primary food source for many Pokémon.
The tree before them bore a modest supply of Oran Berries—ordinary berries used to restore stamina.
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"Ariados..."
"Ariados!"
Unlike the rivalry-driven battle between Pidgeot and Fearow, the clash between these two Ariados confirmed Hikaru's earlier suspicion.
From a cautious standoff, the Ariados escalated to firing Poison Sting at one another, quickly engaging in a full-fledged fight.
"See that, Latias?" Hikaru asked.
Latias nodded, watching the two Ariados clash.
She still didn't understand why two of the same kind would fight.
"That tree holds their food for the coming days. If they were to share it, it wouldn't be enough for both. So, they fight."
"In the wild, survival is the priority. The winner claims the tree, while the loser must find food elsewhere."
"Think about it, Latias. What happens to the losing Ariados if it doesn't find food in the next few days?"
Latias hesitated, her gaze shifting to the struggling Ariados that was losing ground.
"It would… die?"
"Exactly. The shortage of food forces them to fight, even at the risk of injury."
Such occurrences were rare in nature.
Pokémon, unlike ordinary animals, possessed intelligence. Generally, unless involving natural enemies, they avoided unnecessary conflict.
But now, even members of the same species were fighting.
This signaled that the food shortage had persisted for some time.
"So, Latias, who do you think we should help?" Hikaru turned to Latias, then glanced at Lucario. "Lucario, you can weigh in too."
At this point, one of the Ariados, significantly weaker, had been defeated.
Dragging its injured body—missing a leg—it retreated into the forest.
The victorious Ariados, though covered in wounds, climbed the Oran Berry tree like a triumphant general.
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