The three, still shaken, finally escaped the Ursaring's territory and leaned against a tree trunk by the roadside, catching their breath.
"That was way too dangerous," Misty said, clutching her chest. Her face was still somewhat pale. "I never expected Ursaring to be so aggressive this time of year."
Brock wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"But thanks to them, Team Rocket is probably still wandering around in the forest right now."
Thinking back on what had happened was enough to send chills down their spines.
While they had been resting in the forest, Team Rocket had taken advantage of the opportunity and used a specially designed net to capture the Pokémon they had let out for some fresh air.
Just as Ash was preparing to rescue them with Pikachu and Quilava, a group of Ursaring suddenly appeared. By sheer coincidence, they scared Team Rocket away, allowing the captured Pokémon to escape and return on their own.
Unfortunately, the Ursaring weren't finished causing trouble and immediately turned their attention toward Ash and his friends.
At the critical moment, Ash used his Aura powers. Not only did he locate the safest route out of the forest, but he also cleverly guided Team Rocket into an area where a large number of Ursaring were gathered.
Only after leaving the forest did they notice the warning sign at the entrance:
"Ursaring Mating Season. Do Not Enter."
"No wonder they were so aggressive," Ash said helplessly. "We just happened to arrive at the worst possible time."
After a brief rest, they continued toward Goldenrod City.
Before long, another sign appeared beside the road.
"Why is there another warning sign here?" Ash asked curiously as they approached.
Brock read the text aloud.
"Area with frequent Haunter sightings. Trainers are advised to travel with Psychic-type Pokémon. So there are a lot of Ghost-type Pokémon around here."
"G-Ghost-types?"
Misty's voice immediately began trembling, and she instinctively moved closer to Ash.
"Does that mean this area is haunted?"
As if responding to her fears, several Murkrow suddenly flew across the treetops, letting out eerie cries that startled all three of them.
"The sign says Psychic-type Pokémon can help avoid trouble," Brock said as he looked at his companions. "Do any of us have Psychic-type Pokémon?"
Ash thought for a moment.
"My newly caught Noctowl is a Psychic/Flying type, and Misty's Psyduck is also a Psychic type."
"What's that goofy duck going to do?" Misty pouted, clearly lacking confidence in Psyduck.
"Don't say that," Ash said gently. "Psyduck is just a little unusual. If you train it properly, it'll definitely become one of your strongest partners."
Just then, rustling sounds came from the bushes behind them.
A huge pair of eyes and a small head with prominent front teeth slowly emerged from the undergrowth.
"Ahhh!"
Misty and Brock both cried out and jumped backward.
Ash, however, remained completely calm.
His Aura had already informed him that this wasn't some supernatural creature.
It was simply a Pokémon.
"That doesn't look like a Haunter at all..."
Misty cautiously stretched out a hand, attempting to touch the little head.
To her surprise, it suddenly opened its mouth and pretended to bite her finger.
Startled, she immediately pulled her hand back.
"Alright, alright," Ash said with a laugh as he parted the bushes.
"This isn't a ghost at all."
As Ash brushed aside the bushes, the Pokémon's full appearance was finally revealed.
The little head they had seen earlier was actually its tail!
The Pokémon had a giraffe-like neck, long and slender. Its yellow fur was decorated with brown spots, and its pink nose twitched occasionally.
"Calling my partner something like that is a bit rude, don't you think?"
A clear voice suddenly came from behind them.
Everyone turned around and saw a girl about Ash's age standing a short distance away.
She wore her hair in a neat ponytail, and a friendly smile graced her face.
Ash stepped forward and said sincerely,
"I'm very sorry. My friends didn't recognize your Girafarig. If they caused any misunderstanding, I'd like to apologize on their behalf."
"It's alright." The girl waved her hand dismissively before curiously studying Ash. "But I'm surprised you actually recognized a Girafarig."
"I've read about it in the Pokédex." Ash smiled as he introduced himself. "I'm Ash from Pallet Town. These are my traveling companions, Misty and Brock."
"Nice to meet you. My name is Cherry, and I'm Girafarig's Trainer."
The girl gently stroked Girafarig's long neck.
"So? Isn't my partner adorable?"
"Now that I'm looking at it more carefully... it actually is pretty cute," Misty admitted somewhat embarrassedly.
"You're all Trainers, right?" Cherry asked. "Do any of you have Psychic-type Pokémon?"
"We do," Brock replied, still glancing nervously at Girafarig's tail. "Though that tail really is a little scary."
"So Girafarig can also protect people from Ghost-type Pokémon?" Misty asked.
"Of course." Cherry nodded. "Everyone in our village has their own Psychic-type Pokémon companion."
"This couldn't be..." Ash suddenly realized. "The famous Psychic Village?"
Cherry's eyes widened in surprise.
"Huh? How do you know about our village?"
"I've heard about it before. There's a village in Johto that's famous for Psychic-type Pokémon."
Ash explained.
Brock opened his travel guide and quickly found a passage describing the village. The information matched Ash's explanation almost perfectly.
At Cherry's invitation, the trio followed her toward the village.
Along the way, they saw Psychic-type Pokémon in front of nearly every house.
Abra, Kadabra, and Mr. Mime.
Some sat quietly in meditation, while others played with children, creating a harmonious and peaceful scene.
While visiting Cherry's home, she shared her dream with them.
"I want to become the first Psychic-type specialist from Len Town to win the Pokémon League Championship!"
Feeling the determination in her voice, Ash took the initiative.
"How about having a warm-up battle?"
Just as Cherry was about to agree, her Girafarig suddenly began swishing its tail anxiously.
Without waiting for its Trainer's command, it turned and dashed outside.
"Girafarig! Where are you going?"
Cherry hurriedly called after it.
Ash immediately sensed that something was wrong.
"Cherry, Girafarig must have sensed something. Let's follow it and see what's happening!"
The four of them quickly chased after Girafarig through the village, a growing sense of unease filling their hearts.
From deep within the forest ahead came faint, strange noises.
It sounded as though some unknown danger was waiting for them...
...
RedX43's Note:
➤ Want More? Get up to +25 Extra Chapters on Patreon!
➤ [email protected]/RedX43
➤ +200 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter Drop!
➤ Consider giving a review or leave some comments, it help boost the story!
➤ Thanks for reading! 🙌