On his tenth birthday, Satoshi oversleeps and instead of the Pokémon he had hoped for, receives a stubborn Pikachu! After an awkward beginning, Satoshi and Pikachu grow into close companions and true partners. When they spot the Legendary Pokémon Houou soaring, they decide to chase it together, following the Rainbow Wing it leaves behind.
Makoto and Souji accompany Satoshi on his quest. During the journey, he rescues a stray Hitokage, nurtures a Pokémon from Caterpie to Butterfree before setting it free to follow its own path, and encounters the enigmatic Mythical Pokémon Marshadow. As they approach their objective, the haughty Cross—former trainer of Hitokage—blocks their path! Will Satoshi and Pikachu overcome this formidable Trainer and fulfill their promise to reach Houou, or will the adventure end here to keep the flame alive in their hearts always?
