What If Ash was in Pokemon Horizons?

Fiery Galarian Moltres

After fleeing from Galarian Moltres in the Galar Mine, Liko and Roy head to Motostoke's Pokemon Center to treat Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Captain Pikachu.

Friede and Ash walk in.

Ash: Man, that battle with Moltres was tough, I still can't believe we escaped when we did.

Friede: Well Amethio did help.

Ash: Yeah, say do you think people would've wanted to see that? Would they be upset that they didn't?

Friede: Guess we'll never know.

Friede notices that Charizard is hurt too, so he has Nurse Joy treat the Flame Pokemon as well, which she gladly complies too.

After all their Pokemon are healed up, the group heads outside to the benches. Their Pokemon snack on berries.

Friede: Moltres was so strong....

Ash: I know...

Liko: Well that sounds fun.

Ash: Oh it is! It's always exciting when you find a tough opponent!

Roy: I agree!

Just then, Dot calls Friede to tell him about the information she gathered on Galarian Moltres, having been asked by Friede to investigate earlier. She tells the group about its physical features and how Pokemon who approach it end up lethargic.

Dot goes on by saying that the Legendary Pokemon resembles Kantonian Moltres, but not much is known about it, and it's unstoppable when it gets mad.

Friede: That's something we know all too well...

Dot hangs up.

Friede: Well since Moltres has one of those ancient Poke Balls, we should go after it.

Ash: Makes sense to me! I've been itching for another battle with it!

Roy: But there's no way we can beat it when it's mad!

Liko: Maybe there's another emotion other than anger in it.

Ash: Yeah, maybe your Hattena can help-

Roy: Maybe a Flamthrower could do the trick!

Liko: Kabu said winning isn't the only path for a trainer.

Ash: Yeah, we shouldn't defeat it, we should calm it.

As the group ponders how to calm Moltres, Fuecoco and Wattrel start squabbling over a Grepa Berry. Roy tries to break them up, but to no avail. The Grepa Berry they are fighting over lands in front of a napping Sprigatito. When Fuecoco dives to get it, Sprigatito ends the quarrel by calming both of Roy's Pokemon down with its relaxing scent, giving the group an idea.

The group arrives at the entrance to the Galar Mine, where Friede reassures Liko and Roy to relax and be ready for anything since the Explorers may still be inside, Ash sugguests that Team Rocket could've returned as well. As they enter the mine, they see the damage done from Moltres' Fiery Wrath, the kids being informed by Friede to make a run for it if the Malevolent Pokemon does that same attack again, Ash being an exception. Just thinking about Moltres' Fiery Wrath makes Roy nervous, but decides not let it get to him or Fuecoco. Sprigatito notices Liko thinking about how badly Moltres must be suffering. Hearing Moltres' cry from deep within the mine, Friede knows its anger hasn't cooled quite yet.

As the group comes out of the entrance tunnel, Moltres is right there waiting for them. Friede immediately sends Cap and Charizard into battle, Ash brings out Pikachu and his Quaxly. Friede and Roy plan to draw Moltres' attention, having both Charizard and Fuecoco use Flamethrower. Moltres avoids the attack, and Liko and Sprigatito get to work building up a lot of relaxing scent for the Legendary Pokemon. When Moltres charges up for Air Slash, Cap and Pikachu jump in front of Liko and blocks it with a Thunder Punch and Iron Tail combo. With that, Liko commands Sprigatito to use Leafage, the Grass Cat Pokemon mixing the attack with its aromatic scent to launch it at Moltres. However, the Malevolent Pokemon flaps its wings to deflect the attack each time. Friede gets the idea of having Sprigatito ride Charizard to get closer. Sprigatito hops on Charizard as they take flight. Charizard circles around Moltres and uses Flamethrower. Fuecoco backs up Charizard with its own Flamethrower, which lands a hit on the Malevolent Pokemon and gives Liko and Sprigatito the opportunity to use Leafage again. However, Moltres blows off the attacks with a massive Hurricane that blows all of its attackers back.