Passing through the verdant green grasslands, Ash and his friends finally arrived at the site of the third Johto Gym: Goldenrod City.
Just as the travel brochures described, it was the Johto Region's largest metropolis a thriving, prosperous mega-city. Standing amidst the towering buildings, Ash almost felt as if he had traveled back in time to the high-tech, steel-clad cities of his previous world.
"Molly, you can come down now!" Before they entered the city limits, Ash lifted Molly down from Houndoom's back.
As promised, Ash had asked Professor Hale for permission to take Molly along on his journey. Her trip would last until Ash finished his Johto adventure, concluding after the Silver Conference. At that time, Professor Hale would meet them to take Molly home.
Although they were initially worried about a young child handling the rigors of life on the road, Brock and Misty both supported Ash's decision. With Brock's expert care, they were confident Molly would stay healthy and strong.
However, since she was still just a child, she couldn't trek long distances on foot like Ash and the others. To solve this, Ash had her ride on Houndoom. The Dark-type Pokémon was more than large enough to carry her comfortably.
Furthermore, Ash had Houndoom wear the Macho Brace that Charizard had once used, ensuring it was training its physique every step of the way. If it wanted to be able to thrash Legendary Pokémon like Charizard did, it had to persist with rigorous training.
"Molly, hold my hand. There are a lot of people here, so don't get lost!" Ash took Molly's small hand in his. With his Aura Power, he wasn't truly worried about losing track of her, but he wanted her to feel safe.
"I know, big brother Ash!" the little girl replied with a sweet, radiant smile.
"The first thing to do in a big city is shop!" Misty declared, unable to contain herself as she stared at the dazzling array of goods in the glass storefronts.
"The first thing to do in a big city is find a beautiful lady for a date!" Brock was already lost in a trance, his eyes following every passing "big sister."
Ash couldn't help but rub his forehead. "Everyone, we finally reached the city. Shouldn't we find a good place to stay and have a nice meal first?"
That was a fair point. Molly gripped Ash's hand, giggling. These two older companions were certainly interesting.
The trio's pockets were well-lined at the moment. The Pokémon League had rewarded Ash handsomely in both cash and rare items for resolving the crisis at The Crystal Tower.
Additionally, Professor Oak and Professor Hale had personally sponsored a significant amount of travel funds, which naturally included Molly's living expenses.
Since they were in the big city, they sought out a high-end hotel and treated themselves to a feast.
Once they were full, Misty went off to browse the shops though she mostly enjoyed looking and rarely spent much money while Brock went off to try his luck with the local women. Ash could only hope he'd return without any bruises on his face.
Brock was also responsible for procuring supplies for their continued journey, and with a young girl added to the party, there was even more to buy. Having Brock around truly saved Ash a great deal of trouble.
Ash and Molly eventually found the Goldenrod Gym, only to discover a tragic reality...
The Gym was closed for the day!
"Brother Ash, what do we do?" Molly sat on Houndoom's back, looking a bit dejected.
Ash ruffled her hair. "Don't worry, the Gym won't be closed forever. Is there anywhere you want to go play?"
Molly tilted her head, thinking. "Brother, I saw a kid earlier holding a Clefairy Doll. Can I have one too?"
At her age, she had absolutely no resistance to cute plushies. It seemed that because the Goldenrod Gym Leader always kept a Clefairy by her side, a trend had started,
making Clefairy Dolls immensely popular among the local children. The dolls sold in Goldenrod City were becoming increasingly exquisite and lifelike.
"Of course you can!" Ash wasn't about to refuse such a simple request.
He took her to the Goldenrod Department Store and bought a small Clefairy Doll that was the perfect size for her to hug.
"Thank you, Ash! Oh?"
Just as Molly turned around with her new doll, her eyes lit up. She saw a real, living Clefairy walking right past them.
"Clefairy!" Molly cried out, chasing after it.
"Pika!" Pikachu called out a warning. Ash turned just in time to see Molly running off.
"Molly!" Ash moved quickly, catching up to her in an instant. He placed a hand on her head and chided her gently, "You can't leave my side, remember?"
Molly giggled and pointed forward. "Brother Ash, look! A real Clefairy!"
It was indeed a real Clefairy, and it belonged to a trainer. A young woman with pink hair scooped the Clefairy into her arms and turned to Ash and Molly with an apologetic expression. "I'm so sorry! My Clefairy is a bit too energetic!"
"Big sister, can I play with Clefairy for a bit?" Molly asked eagerly. It was clear she adored the Pokémon.
Seeing the Clefairy Doll clutched in Molly's arms, the woman nodded immediately. "Of course, but be gentle!"
"Hello, my name is Ash, and this is my sister, Molly. If I'm not mistaken, you must be the Goldenrod Gym Leader, Whitney," Ash said, introducing himself.
Whitney looked at Ash. "That's right, I'm Whitney!"
"Sister Whitney, my brother Ash came here to challenge the Gym. Why is it closed?" Molly asked, still refusing to let go of the Clefairy.
"It's just bad timing; today is the Gym's scheduled day off!" Whitney pinched Molly's cheek playfully. "Ash, Molly, since you're free, why don't we go play at Moomoo Farm?"
"Moomoo Farm?"
"Molly, Miltank milk is very nutritious. Children who grow up drinking it become healthy and strong!" Ash explained.
"Exactly! Ash, you know your stuff! How about I treat you both to some fresh Miltank milk today?" It was obvious Whitney had taken a liking to Molly, and Miltank milk was indeed beneficial for children.
Since Whitney was so insistent and Molly seemed eager, Ash didn't refuse. Riding on Houndoom, Molly followed Whitney to the outskirts of the city. Compared to the concrete and steel of the bustling metropolis, the open farm seemed to help Molly relax even more.
"So these are Miltank? They're so cute!" Molly noticed the dozens of Miltank grazing in the pasture.
"What a lovely little girl! Come, drink as much as you like, it's delicious!" The elderly owner of the farm brought over a large glass of milk.
In addition to milk, they were treated to cheese, pudding, ice cream, and a whole range of dairy products. It was a paradise for the young girl.
Misty and Brock had truly missed out...
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