Ash's Pikachu

## Personality

Pikachu is Ash's best friend. Pikachu has always been there for Ash and also takes a leadership position for the team. He is curious, smart and friendly, but shares Ash's fondness for battling. One of his most noticeable features is his determination and unwillingness to give up whenever a situation gets tough. He is shown to be responsible with younger Pokémon, particularly Misty's Togepi, who he is often forced to shepherd out of danger by putting himself in it. Although stubborn at times, he obeys Ash's commands in battle and rarely leaves his side. He is also a constant target for Team Rocket. They try to capture him, but on the few occasions that they do, their plans are always thwarted by Ash and his friends. Even after getting out of their traps, avoiding capture, or that he wasn't part of their schemes, Pikachu also thwarts his enemies by attacking or getting rid of them using his Electric-type attacks, like his signature attack, Thunderbolt. He is very swift in battles as well. He can also imitate some Pokémon by making their face shapes.

Like his master, Pikachu shares Ash's love for science and technology; even if he cannot understand most of it. Pikachu might be oblivious to the concept of love when Dawn's Buneary tried to flirt with him.

Pikachu has close friendships with Ash's Pokémon that he had or has, with Ash's traveling companions and their Pokémon as well also some of their Pokémon are his best friends, other than his trainer.

In some episodes, Pikachu has a strong rivalry with other trainers' Raichu which is Pikachu's evolved form, who is much stronger than the latter and also responsible for injuring Pikachu in every first battle with the exception of both Volkner and Tierno's Raichu who appears as a calm, serious and a friendly Pokémon. In Sun and Moon series during the pancake race, it showed Pikachu wanted to defeat an Alolan Raichu. The prime example is when Lt. Surge's Raichu manages to overpower Pikachu with its abilities and also injures it in the process. This also carries to Sho's Raichu who also overpowers all of Pikachu's abilities such as his Iron Tail and Volt Tackle. Despite their overpowered prowess, Pikachu is able to withstand against them by using its speed and its tactics in battling in order to defeat them.

During the time when Pikachu was injured in each of the first battles against the trainer's Raichu, he was given the chance to evolve into a Raichu using a Thunder Stone but Pikachu often refuses. This trait is later shared by his best friend, Dawn's Piplup who also given the chance to evolve, but also refuses as he has an Everstone to prevent it.

## Relationships

### Ash

They are each other's best friend; even though they had a rough start at first, they are nearly inseparable as their friendship for each other is very strong. They always have each others back no matter what and they would do anything to protect each other from danger. A lot of people see that they're perfect partners. At times, Pikachu and Ash do butt heads but they don't stay mad at each other for long. Pikachu has helped Ash break free from someone's control a few times in their adventures. Also, when he would be the victim of someone's control, Pikachu would be given the strength and encouragement to break from it through the power of his bond with Ash as he would never give up on him no matter how powerful the control was on him, although it has worked a few times but there have been other times that the hold would be too powerful for him to snap out of the control that has been placed on him.

## Biography

### **Kanto and Orange Islands**

Pikachu was Ash's Starter Pokémon, given to him by Professor Oak. Ash showed up late to pick his first Pokémon, so he got stuck with Pikachu. Though he detested Ash at first when Ash demonstrated his willingness to sacrifice himself for Pikachu they quickly became friends. Pikachu and Ash came across the Team Rocket trio of Jessie, James, and Meowth while at a Pokémon Center. After defeating Team Rocket for the first time Pikachu ended up being targeted by them, who decided to follow him and Ash, from time to time, as they saw how powerful he is. Pikachu became close friends with Misty and Brock. He was also good friends with a Caterpie, who quickly evolves into Metapod then quickly evolves again into Butterfree, and a Pidgeotto, who later evolves into Pidgeot, as they were the first two Pokémon that Ash caught, who he later released to be with their own kind. Pikachu became best friends with a Bulbasaur, Charmander, who later evolves into Charmeleon then quickly evolves into Charizard, and Squirtle, the Kanto starters. Pikachu also became best friends with Misty's Togepi, as he helps Misty take care of it also he keeps it out of trouble from time to time. He is also good friends with a Krabby, who later evolves into Kingler, Primeape, who quickly left to train with someone else to become stronger, Muk and with a herd of Tauros as they're all the other Pokémon Ash caught through his journey in Kanto. In one of Pikachu's Gym Battle, he was given the training to increase the strength of the electric sacs in his cheeks in order to beat the first Gym Leader, Brock. After his defeat in his battle against Lt. Surge's and his Raichu, he was given a choice to evolve but refused so he can prove he's strong without evolving. Pikachu had been in five out of the eight of Ash's Kanto gym battles and put a good effort in the Indigo League, during which Ash ended in the top sixteen when he lost to Ritchie.

After the league was over, Pikachu, Ash, Misty and Brock went to the Orange Islands to get something for Professor Oak, which was the GS Ball, from Professor Ivy. When Brock decided to stay with Prof. Ivy, Pikachu found a new close friend in Tracey when another one of Team Rocket's scheme failed and landed them in one of the Islands. Pikachu was delighted when Ash decided to take a detour to check out the Orange Islands, after finding out that the Orange Islands also have a league to compete in, with Misty and Tracey coming with them. They traveled through the islands with their new friend, Lapras, whom Ash rescued from some boys who were abusing it also from Team Rocket. He released it as well when they were going back to Pallet Town, traveling from one island to another. At one point Team Rocket's members, Butch and Cassidy used a Pokémon to turn him against Ash along with other Pokémon as well. However, they were foiled when Ash got Pikachu to attack him while standing on the control box that set him and the others free. Later on, he befriended a Snorlax that was causing trouble at one of the Islands they visited.
OI032 14
Pikachu with his Trainer and friends after winning the Orange League.

Pikachu was in three out of the four of the Orange Islands gym battles and was able to help Ash win the Orange League after defeating Drake. Pikachu was surprised to see Brock back in Pallet Town along with Ash and Misty. He battled against Gary's Umbreon later on, who was still an Eevee at the time, in a battle that he lost.

### **Johto**

Pikachu accompanied Ash to Johto, after hearing about it from Professor Oak, along with Misty and Brock as Tracey stayed behind to become Professor Oak's assistant. Pikachu had his longtime friends for a while on this adventure until Charizard left to train in Charicific Valley but it returned to help out in one of the gym battles and in the league. Squirtle went back to lead its gang again but came back to help out in the league also it stayed until the league was over. Bulbasaur went to Professor Oak's lab to keep the peace there although it came back to help out in the league. Pikachu came across some new best friends in Chikorita, who later evolves into Bayleef, Cyndaquil and Totodile the Johto starters. Pikachu gets another best friend in Phanpy after a rough start, a Pokémon Ash first raised as an egg. Also, Pikachu became good friends with a Heracross and a Noctowl, who were also caught by Ash through their journey in Johto.

Pikachu was taken over to Mt. Quena after Team Rocket captured him. However, Pikachu escaped after a crash landing. Pikachu stuck with all the clones and Mewtwo until Mewtwo submitted himself to save all the clones, Pikachu and Meowth. He witnessed the beginning of Mewtwo's torture and then got dragged off to the jail cell with everyone protecting Mewtwo where he reunites with Ash and the rest of their friends. After the explosion that freed them, Pikachu, Ash, Misty, Brock, and Meowth rushed over to Mewtwo, who are still bearing the pain from the machines. After Mewtwo said that he will be destroyed if the machines are not destroyed, Mewtwo uses all his power, but that only overheated the machines. Pikachu and Pikatwo used thunderbolt on one of the machines, it exploded and the pink ball of torture disappeared, dropping the limp and tortured Mewtwo on the ground. Pikachu with all the other Pokémon helped Ash and Meowth convince Mewtwo into not erasing their memories of their encounter. After Mewtwo erased all Team Rockets memories, except Jessie, James, and Meowth, of it, Pikachu, Ash, Brock, Misty and the Team Rocket trio part ways from Mewtwo.

Pikachu has been in all of Ash's Johto gym battles and was able to help a lot in the Johto League Silver Conference; however, Ash ended in the top eight when they lost to Harrison. Pikachu was disappointed when Misty and Brock had to go back home but decided to go with Ash to a new region, Hoenn. Ash decided to bring Pikachu while all his other Pokémon friends from Johto were left in the care of Professor Oak.

### **Hoenn and Battle Frontier**

While on the boat to Hoenn, Pikachu was stolen by Team Rocket again while he and Ash were sleeping. However, Pikachu ended up getting separated with Meowth in a city where they meet some wild Pokémon. Pikachu helped settle a feud that was going on between some of them. When Team Rocket tried to steal him again, Ash got there to save him but ended up in a giant magnet they had set to trap him, but they were stopped once again and Pikachu was safe. However, the next day, Pikachu ended up getting sick from being exposed to the magnet.

Once Pikachu and Ash arrived in Littleroot Town, Ash called Professor Birch for help due to not having a Pokémon Center. While getting to the lab, Professor Birch explained that Pikachu had an Electric build up which was very common for Electric-Type Pokémon to get. Once they got to Professor Birch's lab, they tried to get the extra Electricity out of Pikachu system but it was proven too powerful which caused an explosion and Pikachu ended up leaving due to being confused from the fever. Pikachu kept wandering but was found by Ash. He fell off the cliff while still being confused, although he was saved by Ash in the nick of time. They were then pulled up by Professor Birch and a new trainer named May, however, while Ash was climbing Pikachu bit Ash in the arm, but calmed down after realizing who he had just bitten. Team Rocket showed up which resulted in them helping Pikachu get rid of his extra electricity, but he collapsed after sending them blasting off again. Pikachu got some rest and felt a lot of better with Ash being by his side till he got up.

Pikachu ended up getting a new close friend in May also he became best friends with her starter Pokémon Torchic, who later evolves into Combusken then later evolves again into Blaziken, after May decided to travel with Ash. Pikachu got another close friend in Max, May's little brother, and was happy to be reunited with Brock. Pikachu became best friends with Ash Hoenn starter Pokémon Treecko, who later evolves into Grovyle then later evolves again into Sceptile, and Brock Hoenn starter Pokémon Mudkip, who later evolves into Marshtomp. Pikachu became good friends with a Taillow, who later evolves into Swellow, Corphish, Torkoal and a Snorunt, who later evolves into Glalie, as their the other Pokémon Ash caught in their Hoenn journey.

Pikachu and everyone ended up meeting Team Magma and Team Aqua where they encountered them doing some bad stuff. They tried to stop their plans or watched to see what they were up to although there been times they got away along with them succeeding at what they came for. Pikachu ended up seeing Misty again while helping her and everyone else out to foil a plot to overthrow a kingdom. Pikachu had to say goodbye to his longtime friend Togetic, evolved from Misty's Togepi, when it decided to stay and protect the kingdom they just saved before having to say goodbye to Misty who had to return to Kanto.

When another one of Team Rocket's plan failed again as their robot blew up and because of it, Pikachu ended up getting amnesia from the explosion when he landed. Team Rocket used it to their advantage and they convinced him that they're his friends. However, Ash and everyone arrived but Pikachu couldn't remember them as Meowth tells him that they're bad guys, although Ash tried to tell Pikachu that it wasn't true which made Pikachu question if he was telling the truth. But turned away from Ash and his friends, due to Meowth telling him that Ash a liar, which shows that Team Rocket has fully turned Pikachu against his friends. Pikachu got his memory back from either the explosion from the balloon, after trying to make their escape with Ash climbing up to get his best friend back, or when Ash protected him when they were falling from the sky and fell into a river.[4]

Pikachu ended up getting possessed, due to Groudon asking for his help, from the Blue Orb that Team Magma had, which involved him and everyone else in Team Magma and Team Aqua's final operation. They were foiled with everyone helping out along with Lance, the champion of Kanto, and a little help from Team Rocket. Pikachu ended up being free of the Orb's control after they were stopped.

Pikachu was in seven out of the eight of Ash's Hoenn gym battles and he gave everything he had in the Hoenn League Championships but Ash ended up in the top eight again after losing to Tyson. After the league was over, Pikachu said goodbye to his close friends but ended up meeting Scott, the owner of Kanto Battle Frontier, while on their way home and he offered Ash a chance to compete which he said yes to. Pikachu got to reunite with his friends and then left with Ash, May, Max and Misty, who needed to head back to Cerulean City as their first destination was close to Misty's hometown. Pikachu was pretty happy when three of Ash's Pokémon from Hoenn were coming along for this journey while the other two stayed at the lab. Before they left, Pikachu best friend Phanpy caught up with them as it decided it wanted to travel again much to his happiness, who later evolves into Donphan, then Pikachu became even happier when Brock caught up to them just before everyone was leaving Pallet Town.

Pikachu got a new friend in Aipom, who's been following Ash also she was the only Pokémon Ash caught in their Battle Frontier journey. Pikachu was in three out of the seven of the Frontier battles that Ash had, as he helped Ash win Battle Frontier after defeating Brandon. After saying goodbye to May, Max, and Brock again, they went home and met up with Gary again. He battled against Gary's Electivire and was defeated. Ash and Pikachu left for Sinnoh the next day, with Ash leaving his Pokémon at the lab but Aipom snuck aboard the boat they were on and Ash let her stay with them.

### Sinnoh

When they arrived, Team Rocket tried to steal him again while Ash was talking to Professor Oak on the phone. However, Meowth used Fury Swipes on Wobbuffet, who returned the attack back using Counter, after they had a fallout, which resulted in the balloon blowing up along with Pikachu falling into the forest somewhere and Team Rocket blasting off again.

Pikachu was found by a new Trainer named Dawn and her partner Piplup. After Dawn tried to catch him and seeing that he belongs to someone else, Pikachu was found by Team Rocket but could't hold them off on his own due to not being with Ash. However, Pikachu was aided by Dawn and her Piplup when they both decided to protect him. After successful defeating Team Rocket, Pikachu collapsed from exhaustion then Dawn brought him to a Pokémon Center so he can recover. Pikachu, after making a full recovery at the Pokémon Center, continued his search for Ash with Dawn, who decided to help him look for his trainer, and her Piplup accompany him in his search.

While looking for Ash, Pikachu, Dawn, and Piplup ended being found by Team Rocket again as they tried to steal him again. However, Pikachu was saved when Ash arrived and they were reunited at last. Pikachu was happy to get a new close friend in a Starly, who later evolves into Staravia then later evolves again into Staraptor, as Ash caught him to help find him. After everything was resolved, they went to Professor Rowan's lab where Ash got his new clothes from his Mom. He was happy that Brock was back for their new adventure but was even happier when Dawn decided to travel with them thus getting a new close friend in Dawn while forming an unbreakable friendship with her Piplup. Before they headed out, Piakchu and Ash battled in a 3 on 3 battle against Paul, the trainer Ash and Brock met earlier, but their battle ended in a draw.

Pikachu ended up getting two new best friends in one of the starter Pokémon that Ash caught, a Turtwig, who later evolves into Grotle then later evolves again into Torterra, and with the first Pokémon Dawn ever caught, a Buneary, who also has a crush on him. At one point, Pikachu gets another best friend in the starter Pokémon that Paul had, a Chimchar, who later evolves into Monferno then later evolves again into Infernape, which he abandoned after it didn't meet his standard and was very happy when Ash decided to take it in. Pikachu has a close friendship with a Buizel, who used to be Dawn before she traded to Ash for Aipom, who later evolves into Ambipom. Also, Pikachu became good friends with a Gligar, who later evolves into Gliscor, and a Gible, who was also caught by Ash in their journey in Sinnoh.

In one battle with a trainer and his Raichu, Pikachu got injured pretty badly and while he was recovering Ash brought out the Thunder Stone he had kept since their battle with Lt. Surge. Ash told everyone his reasons for keeping it all this time and left Pikachu to decide if he wants to evolve or not. When everyone went to check up on him, Pikachu was gone with the stone missing as well leading everyone to think he evolved but they found him training while seeing he chose not to evolve once again. Once the training was done, they challenged the trainer and his Raichu to a rematch and won this time around.

Pikachu got to see his friend May again at some point in their journey when she came to Sinnoh for a big Pokémon Contest she, Dawn and Ash were going to be taking part in but had to say goodbye to her when the contest was over. There have been a couple of times he got to see Gary who helped them out and he with Ash, helped him out in return as well. Pikachu along with everyone encountered Team Galactic a few times before they got involved in their final operation which they put a stopped to with a lot of help from his trainer, friends, Team Rocket, Looker, Cynthia, the Sinnoh region champion, and the Legendary Lake Guardians.

Pikachu was in four out of eight of Ash's Sinnoh gym battles. Before the League got underway, Pikachu got to see his best friend Cyndaquil evolve into Quilava, when Ash decided to put a team of old and new for this Pokémon League competition. Pikachu did amazing in the Sinnoh League Tournament but Ash ended up in the top four after losing to Tobias. After the league was over, Pikachu had to say goodbye to Dawn and his best friend Piplup, who didn't want to say goodbye to anyone at all. After saying goodbye to Brock, they went back to Pallet Town where Ash's mother and all of his friends awaited them.

Pikachu came with Ash on a trip to Unova, but when they got there, they were ambushed by Team Rocket once again. However, during the confrontation, Zekrom appeared in a storm cloud, accidentally cancelling out Pikachu's Electric attacks, that was not known to Ash until he had his first battle with a rookie trainer name Trip.

Pikachu regained his Electric attacks after Zekrom appeared again and he stayed with Ash when he decided to travel around Unova. While walking and seeing the different Pokémon, Pikachu meets Iris, after Ash mistook her for a Pokémon. Pikachu became close friends with Iris and Cilan along with forming a strong friendship with Iris's Axew and Cilan's Pansage. Along with getting new best friends in Oshawott, Tepig, who later evolves into Pignite, and Snivy, the Unova starters Ash caught. Pikachu gets some new good friends in a Pidove, who later evolves into Tranquill then later evolves again into Unfezant, Scraggy, Sewaddle, who quickly evolves into Swadloon then later evolves into Leavanny, Palpitoad, Roggenrola, who later evolves into Boldore, and Krokorok, who was following them since it was a Sandile as it wanted to battle Pikachu then later evolves into Krookodile, as their the other Pokémon Ash caught during their Unova journey. Pikachu was a big help in five out of eight of Ash's Unova gym battles.

After Ash won all his badges, Pikachu and Ash got to see Cynthia again then they both befriended the Mythical Pokémon Meloetta, a Pokémon Ash helped while they were in Virbank City also its being haunted by Team Rocket, after it got injured along with following them, due to taking a liking to Ash. Pikachu got to see his friends Dawn and Piplup again while preparing for a tournament they were all going to enter in. After the tournament was over and Dawn left to go to Johto, they got involved in Team Rocket's operation, Tempest. Pikachu and Ash ended up getting captured by Team Rocket as hostages so Meloetta would cooperate with them. However, Pikachu and Ash were able to get free from the cage they were trapped in then he was able to help free Meloetta when he used a powerful Electro Ball attack, thus putting an end to Team Rocket's plans with a lot of help from his trainer, Cilan, Cynthia, Iris, and Ridley, Meloetta's friend. When the crisis ended, they went to the Unova League where Pikachu put a good show but lost during the quarterfinals against Cameron, thus putting Ash in the top eight.

After the league was over, Pikachu along with his Trainer and friends went to see the White Ruins of Reshiram. While going there, they met N and then met up with Looker again before meeting Team Plasma, who were working on the Pokémon control device. During their first encounter with Team Plasma, Pikachu fell victim to their unperfected Pokémon control device, which was made during one of their experiments, but he was able to hear his Ash's voice thus setting him free from it. Pikachu along with his friends meet up with N again, who decided to travel with him for a while. While in Virbank City, they came across a fair for his and Ash's home region, Kanto. During the festival, Pikachu and Ash remembered one of their longtime friend Charizard. Pikachu got to see Charizard again when Ash asked Professor Oak to send it so they could see it. After witnessing a battle between Ash and Iris, Pikachu was happy when Ash decided to let Charizard be in his party for full-time again.

When N left the group, after finding out about his past with Team Plasma, they made their way to the white ruins where they met back up with N again. However, Pikachu, Ash, and N fell into a hole when his trainer tried to reason with him when he grabbed the light stone containing a sleeping Reshiram from Cedric Juniper. Pikachu, Ash with his other Pokémon and N were able to get out of their predicament to help defend off Team Plasma after Cedric, Cilan, Iris, and Looker got captured by them. Due to not liking to go into his Poké Ball, Pikachu was put under Team Plasma control again, after Ash got his other Pokémon to safety when he called them back into their Poké Ball, despite Ash trying to get him away before the device hit him. Despite Ash efforts to get through to his best friend, Pikachu was completely under their control and knocked out his own trainer and best friend unconscious with one of his own attacks. However, Pikachu was set free when N made a deal with them to undo their control over him in exchange for the light stone which they agree to do. After being set free, Pikachu looked at his unconscious trainer then realized what happen but he passed out from exhaustion. Regaining consciousness, Pikachu and Ash saw N's foster sisters show up as they both came to rescue N. Pikachu with his friends witness Reshiram awaken from the light stone right before being placed under Team Plasma control, during which Looker, Iris, Cilan and Cedric were able to get free from the bands they were in.

When Team Plasma noticed them still trying to get in their way, Pikachu was about to be under their control again but Ash stepped in to protect him with Meowth helping him out as well. When Ash decided to destroy the device on his own with Jessie and James coming with him to draw their attention away from him, Pikachu was told by Ash to stay with Looker, Meowth, N and his fosters sisters so he wouldn't be controlled again. Not caring if he gets controlled again, Pikachu came out of hiding to help Ash when he saw him trouble with Cilan, Iris and Meowth helping out as well. Pikachu fired an Electro Ball to destroy the device but was hit by it again. However, Pikachu used his own electricity from the attack to help him fight off the device's control. Through Iris, Cilan, Axew and Ash's encouragement, Pikachu was able to keep resisting much to the surprise of Team Plasma. Pikachu used his Thunderbolt on Reshiram, who was in the way of the device, to wake it up but he got hit by the device again. However, Pikachu kept going with Ash and Iris encouraging him not to give up while saying he's got to stay strong. Pikachu was able to destroy the device with Reshiram's help thus setting all the Pokémon free which put an end to Team Plasma once and for all.

With their adventures in Unova done, they decided to take a detour to the Decolore Islands with Iris and Cilan coming along with them back to Kanto. They met up with Professor Oak, who was looking to catch a Pokémon. Although he did offer the plane ride back, they all declined to keep exploring. They met Alexa, a journalist from Kalos, there. Once they got to Kanto, he had to say goodbye to Axew, Cilan and Iris before heading back to Pallet Town with Ash and Alexa. Pikachu got to see his friends again in the lab then decided to head to Kalos with Ash and Alexa the next day.

### Kalos

Once they arrived in Kalos, they had their hearts set on a Gym Battle but couldn't right then. Pikachu got new close friends in Clemont and Bonnie, Clemont's little sister. Pikachu also got two new best friends in the starter Pokémon Ash caught in Froakie, who later evolves into Frogadier then later evolves again into Greninja, and a Dedenne, who Clemont caught for Bonnie to take care of until she old enough to be a trainer. Pikachu gets another close friend in Serena, who knew Ash back when they were children, along with getting new close friends in a Fletchling, who later evolves into Fletchinder then evolves again later into Talonflame, Hawlucha, Goomy, who later evolves into Sliggoo then quickly evolves into Goodra, and Noibat, who later evolves into Noivern, as their the other Pokémon that Ash caught in their Kalos journey. Pikachu also became best friends with Clemont and Serena's starter Pokémon, Chespin and Fennekin, who later evolves into Braixen.

Pikachu served as the leader of all of the Pikachu celebrities in the movie created by the Pikachu director, Frank who is very fond of all the wild Pikachu from the Pikachu village including Ash's. Pikachu plays the role as Super Pikachu which was also dubbed by Ash on the movie. Pikachu's stunt double when it flies down on the ground was Hawlucha who also wears a Super Pikachu costume. After watching Frank's movie creation, Pikachu was amazed about the movie he had created as well as the bloopers they have in behind the scenes.[10]

At one point they met a mysterious Pokémon, nicknamed Squishy by Bonnie, who was being haunted by Team Flare and they ended up meeting them in person. Pikachu was in five out of eight of Ash's Kalos gym battles and gave a superb display in the Kalos League but Ash ended up runner-up this time after losing to Alain.

Shortly after Team Flare and Lysandre began their assault on the city, Pikachu and Ash were hit by Celosia's Drapion's Confuse Ray. After Ash lost consciousness from the Confuse Ray effects, Pikachu tried to fight off the Confuse Ray while protecting an unconscious Ash from Team Flare but he also lost consciousness from it as well. Pikachu was then captured then hung up in the air with restraints while still out unconscious at the time along with Ash and the rest of his Pokémon at the top of Prism Tower. Pikachu, Talonflame, Goodra, Hawlucha and Noivern were being used by Lysandre as hostages for their friends, Ash and Greninja. Regaining consciousness just after Ash did, Pikachu looked in horror of the destruction caused by Lysandre plans along with seeing the Zygarde under their control. Pikachu and Ash then witnessed Squishy transform into Zygarde, also during that time is when his friends regained consciousness, which stunned him that Squishy was a Zygarde this whole time.

Despite not knowing the truth about Squishy sooner, Pikachu helps Ash defend it when Lysandre tells him and his friends about how Squishy will be under their control as well. Pikachu became worried as he can only watch in shock for his friends when Lysandre used the mini version of the Mega Evolution Energy Wave machine on Greninja and Ash so he can control them. However, Pikachu was able to save Ash by calling out to him which got through to him also it got through to Greninja as well, just before both of them were about to give in to Lysandre's control, much to his relief. Then they both used Bond Phenomenon to break free from their restraints also thanks to Alain's Charizard, Pikachu along with his friends/teammates were set free and were ready to battle.

After Team Flare's evil ambitions were finally put to an end, Pikachu and the rest of Ash's Pokémon received Honor of Kalos medals for their heroic efforts against Team Flare.

Before heading back to Kanto, Pikachu had to say goodbye to his friends before saying goodbye to Serena, Clemont and Bonnie. Pikachu and Ash arrived back at night with Ash opening the door to his house and telling his mother that he's home.

### Alola

Like the previous regions, Pikachu was the only Pokémon that Ash brought with him to the Alola region. The two friends went on vacation there, while having a great time riding on a Sharpedo. After they got chased by Bewear, Pikachu and Ash ended up at the Pokémon school and when Kiawe got into a fight with the members of Team Skull, they rushed to the scene to help him finish off Team Skull's Zubat with Thunderbolt.

To finish the battle, Pikachu and Ash witnessed Kiawe and his Turtonator use their Z-Move Inferno Overdrive. Pikachu was happy when Ash decided to stay so he can go to the Pokémon School after Ash received a Z-Ring of his own along with seeing all the excitement in Alola. Pikachu became close friends with Kiawe, Lana, Lillie, Mallow and Sophocles, who are Ash's classmates. While having lunch, Pikachu and Ash were challenged to a battle by Tapu Koko. In the midst of the battle, Tapu Koko taught Pikachu and Ash how to use their Z-Crystal, Electrium Z, and the move Gigavolt Havoc before the Guardian Deity flew away.[16]

Pikachu ended up getting new best friends in the first three Pokémon Ash's caught, two being starter Pokémon Rowlet and Litten, who later evolves into Torracat, while the other one being Rockruff, who later evolves into Dusk Form Lycanroc, that Pikachu ended up bonding really well with. Also, Pikachu became close friends with Poipole, an Ultra Beast, and even became good friends with a Meltan, who was a new Pokémon species that Ash and his classmates found when it came to the Pokémon School. Pikachu gets five other best friends in Ash's classmates partners, Kiawe's Alolan Marowak, Lana's starter Pokémon Popplio, who later evolves into Brionne then later evolves again into Primarina, Lillie's Alolan Vulpix, nicknamed Snowy, Mallow's Bounsweet, who later evolves into Steenee then later evolves again into Tsareena, and Sophocles' Togedemaru. Also, Pikachu gets two other close friends in two of Ash's classmates other partners, Kiawe's Turtonator and Lana's Eevee, nicknamed Sandy.

Pikachu and Rowlet were used in the Verdant Cavern Trial Challenge and the pair made quick work of Yungoos and Gumshoos. As they went up against the Totem Gumshoos, they find it to be quite a strong opponent as it took out Rowlet with Fling as the Grass Quill Pokémon tried to defend Pikachu. Using Pikachu's speed and Totem Gumshoos' Sand Attack; they were able to beat the Totem Pokémon earning Ash the Normalium Z-Crystal.

When Ash and his classmates had to switch partners for a class assessment, Pikachu was temporary with Lillie while Snowy went with Ash. Pikachu enjoyed his time at Lillie house as she played with the wild Pokémon at the playground at her place. Pikachu and Lillie worked together in a battle against her butler, Hobbes. After winning the battle, Pikachu jumped into Lillie's arms in happiness that they won the battle. Although he had to return to Ash, Pikachu was happy that he formed a friendship with Lillie.

Pikachu saw Misty and Brock again for an extracurricular activity where he also got to see his friends at Professor Oak's lab. Pikachu got to battle Misty at the Cerulean Gym where he was victorious against her Mega Gyarados by using Gigavolt Havoc.

Pikachu forms a close friendship with a Cosmog, nicknamed Nebby, who Ash decided to take care off after having a dream with him where he promises Solgaleo and Lunala that he would take care of it until they return it to its proper home.

Pikachu with Ash, Gladion and Lillie went to Aether Paradise where they meet up with Lusamine, Lillie and Gladion's mother, to stop Faba from hurting Nebby, after he kidnapped it. Although Nebby was safe it evolved into a Cosmoem, much to everyone's shock and confusion. Then an Ultra Beast came out of the Ultra Wormhole, as the energy from Nebby's evolution was strong enough to open it. Pikachu was stunned when the Ultra Beast took Lusamine back through the Ultra Wormhole.

Pikachu came to Poni Island, where the Altar of the Sunne lied, with his friends to not only help rescue Lusamine but also to go look for Solgaleo, who can help them as it can both make and pass through Ultra Wormholes. Meeting up with the Tapu Guardians, Pikachu was surprised when they explained that they were the ones that brought Nebby to Melemele Island for Ash to find and take care of. Pikachu was amazed when Nebby evolved into to the Legendary Pokémon Solgaleo, and then got on its back so it can get ready to go through an Ultra Wormhole to rescue Lusamine. Thanks to Ash using Solgaleo's signature Z-Move, after Ash got his Z-Ring upgraded into a Z-Power Ring, Pikachu and everyone else ase able to go through an Ultra Wormhole to the dimension, where Lusamine was kept hostage.

Pikachu, with Ash and others, travel through the Ultra Wormhole and entered Ultra Deep Sea. They found Lusamine fused with Nihilego and tries to persuade her into returning to the Pokémon world.[23] Once they got her cornered, Pikachu and Ash performed a new Z-Move, 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt, which freed Lusamine from the Ultra Beast's mind-control.

Pikachu later attended Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet's wedding ceremony. Also, Pikachu and his teammates join the Ultra Guardians to help lost Ultra Beast find their way home and to protect Alola.[25] Sometime later, Pikachu helped Ash and his classmates complete their first Ultra Guardian mission and helped the Ultra Beast return to its proper home.

Pikachu, with Ash and others, encountered Ilima and were enthralled by his performance when he dived into the water along with his Eevee. Ash and Ilima decided to battle but they were interrupted by Team Skull Grunts. They witnessed Ilima battle against Team Skull Grunts and were amazed by the Z-move used by Ilima and Eevee through Eevium Z.[27] Later, Pikachu helped the Ultra Guardians in their second mission to help the Ultra Beast return to its home.

During Ash's stay in Ula'ula Island, Pikachu was later challenged by Jessie's Mimikyu for a rematch as part of a Pre-Trail battle set up by the Island Kahuna of Ula'ula Island, Nanu. During the battle, Pikachu was almost finish and capture by Team Rocket when Mimikyu performed its Z-Move, Let's Snuggle Forever. But unfortunately for them, Pikachu shielded itself with its newly learned move, Electroweb. Pikachu and Ash finished the battle by performing their Z-Move, 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt, and defeated Mimikyu once again, thus clearing the Thrifty Megamart trial.

After coming back from Ula'ula Island, Pikachu helps Ash and his classmates complete two more Ultra Guardian missions as they help Ultra Beasts return to their homes.

Pikachu was later used in a practice battle with Kiawe's Marowak. But when they tried to perform their Z-Moves, the strange phenomenon that's been affecting the adults in Alola absorbed their Z-Power, making them weak and invulnerable. During an Ultra Guardians mission at the Altar of the Sunne in Poni Island, Marowak combined its Z-Power with Marowak, Lana's Popplio, and Gladion's Lycanroc to power up Faba's machine to clear the skies.

During the battle against Necrozma, Pikachu and Silvally teamed up to save Nebby and Lunala from Team Rocket's electric net. After Necrozma fused with Nebby and escaped through the Ultra Wormhole, Pikachu and the Ultra Guardians take Lunala to the underground base where it is being treated for its wounds. However, Lunala was miraculously healed when Ash, Kiawe, Lana, and Gladion inadvertently combined their Z-Power through their Z-Rings.

After travelling through the Ultra Wormhole, the Ultra Guardians enter a strange dimension that used to be the home of Ash's Poipole. As they search for Necrozma, they are attacked by wild Poipole, but Ash's Poipole stopped them and told them they're not bad guys. Just then, an old and weak Naganadel comes out and the Ultra Guardians rush over to help it, much to Gladion's dismay. After nursing Naganadel, Silvally, along with the other Pokémon, listened to its story about Necrozma's connection with the Blinding One, Ash's Poipole, and their homeworld. They learned that the reason why Necrozma possessed Nebby and Lunala wasthate it wanted a huge amount of Ultra Aura to restore its Ultra form and replenish Poipole's world due to the lack of its light. They also learn that Necrozma is actually the Blinding One the legends spoke about. Suddenly, the gang hears a crash outside and see Lunala still fighting with Necrozma. Gladion and Silvally attempt to defeat Necrozma, but they were immediately stopped by Ash and his classmates. They tell Gladion that if he drives Necrozma away, Naganadel, Poipole and its homeworld will die from the lack of light. Ash and the gang decide that the best way to save Nebby, help Necrozma, and replenish Poipole's world is to transfer their Z-Power. Together, Ash, Gladion, Kiawe, and Lana fired their Z-Moves at Necrozma.

But unfortunately for them, their attempt was unsuccessful. Instead of freeing Nebby, the Z-Moves only increased Necrozma's power and made it stronger. Necrozma goes to attack everyone but is held off by Lunala. The Ultra Guardians learned from Professor Burnet that according to legend, Solgaleo, Lunala, and the people and Pokémon of Alola shared their Z-Power with the Blinding One when it lost its light. So, the Ultra Guardians as well as with the combined Z-Power of everyone in Alola as well as the Team Rocket trio, the Tapu Guardians, and the Island Kahunas, Necrozma gained enough light to free Nebby from its grasp. But despite their successful attempt, Necrozma became angry at their interference and attacked the Ultra Guardians in a blind rage. Hala, Olivia, and Nanu save the Ultra Guardians by transferring their Z-Power to Necrozma. But Necrozma wasn't giving up just yet. Necrozma then goes after Nebby and Lunala again, only to be held off by Gladion and Silvally. With Necrozma distracted, Lunala gave Gladion the Lunalium Z and Nebby recovers. Just as Necrozma was about to attack again, Ash and Gladion combined Nebby and Lunala's Z-Moves to help Necrozma provide enough Ultra Aura to return into its heroic Ultra form. Necrozma then uses its power to restore Poipole's homeworld to its previous majesty and disappears just as the solar eclipse ended. As they go to leave, the Ultra Guardians bid a tearful farewell to Poipole and returned back to Alola, while also witnessing Necrozma appearing above them in the sky.

Later, Pikachu easily befriended a messy-haired Eevee that came from across the ocean. Pikachu played with his new friend until he, Rowlet, Torracat, and Lycanroc had to head back to Ash with the rest of their friends as they also needed to head back to their trainers. While eating berries at the market place with four of his best friends, teammates and Trainer, Pikachu noticed Lana walking by and notifies Ash then was informed that one of his other best friends, Popplio, went missing. Pikachu with Torracat, Lycanroc, minus Rowlet due to being asleep in Ash's backpack, and Ash accompany Lana in her search for their missing friend. After meeting up with Sophocles, Mallow and Lillie with their Pokémon, Pikachu witness Kiawe, who also meets up with everyone, fly through the air to look for Popplio. Pikachu informs Rowlet, who woke up form his nap, about the situation and witness his friend join the search by also looking for their friend through the air. Finding Popplio at the beach battling Team Skull, Pikachu became filled with joy in seeing his friend Eevee again. After Ash told Team Skull that they weren't giving Eevee to either of them due to them not treating him right, Pikachu was about to battle Team Skull but stepped aside when Popplio wants to battle them as she wanted to protect their friend Eevee. Pikachu witness Popplio and Eevee, who wanted to help, teamwork in defeating Team Skull then praises his friend for his efforts. After Kiawe arrived at their location, Pikachu was with his friends, Eevee, who would later join them as one of Lana's Pokémon and would receive a nickname from her as well, and Popplio, when they explain to Kiawe about their new friend then witness Lana praises his friends for their teamwork in defeating Team Skull. Also, Pikachu became very good friends with the Mythical Pokémon Shaymin that Mallow found and decided to take care of it for a while. Pikachu participated in two out of four of the Island Grand Trail battles that Ash had.

Ash used Pikachu in a battle against Guzma's Golisopod, in which was called off due to its ability. When Mallow was working at Forest Pokémon Café to help Oranguru serve hungry Pokémon, Pikachu and Ash helped out as extra waiters in Aina's Kitchen. Due to the countless customers who had come to dine, both of them were worn out as a result when Mallow returned. Also, Pikachu and his friends were excited that their Trainers all have Z-Rings.