Chapter 322 - 321: Meeting and Wild Suicune and Reaching New Bark Town

Chapter 322: Chapter 321: Meeting and Wild Suicune and Reaching New Bark Town

The morning sun shone brightly as Ash and his harem made their way from Pallet Town toward Viridian City. From there, they would take Route 26, the main path leading into the Johto region.

The group walked together at a comfortable pace, the atmosphere light and full of excitement for the new adventures ahead.

Ash walked in the center, Pikachu perched happily on his shoulder while Eevee trotted beside him. Togepi was being gently carried by Sabrina. The girls surrounded him, chatting animatedly and taking turns linking arms with their beloved man.

Misty was the first to hug Ash’s arm tightly. "This feels just like old times, but better! I can’t wait to see what Water-types Johto has to offer."

Ash smiled down at her. "Same here. It’s going to be fun traveling together again."

Sabrina walked gracefully on his other side, occasionally leaning her head against his shoulder. "The Psychic-types there intrigue me. I wonder if we’ll meet any interesting ones."

Giselle, walking close behind, spoke softly while gently holding Ash’s free hand. "Master, I’m really happy to be on this journey with you. It feels special."

Ash squeezed her hand warmly. "I’m happy you’re all here with me."

The conversation soon turned to what kind of Pokémon each girl hoped to catch in Johto.

Misty was the first to answer with enthusiasm. "I definitely want a Wooper and a Marill! They’re so cute and perfect for my team."

Sabrina thought for a moment before replying calmly. "I’m interested in Xatu and Girafarig. Their abilities seem quite unique."

Giselle smiled shyly. "I think I’ll look for Dark and Fire-types. Houndoom and Slugma sound like strong additions to my team."

Daisy giggled. "I want Ledyba and Ledian! They’re just so adorable. I can already imagine them flying around me."

Erika spoke gently, her voice full of warmth. "I’m hoping to find new Grass-types like Hoppip and Sunflora. They would fit perfectly with my style."

Melody, walking with a bounce in her step, declared brightly, "I really want a Chikorita as my first Pokémon! I saw one in a picture once and fell in love with how cute it is."

The girls turned to Melody with curiosity.

Misty asked, "Wait, you don’t have any Pokémon yet?"

Melody rubbed the back of her head with a sheepish smile. "I never really had the opportunity to own one before. I was always on Shamouti Island helping with the festival and legend stuff. But now that I’m traveling with my man and all of you, I finally get to have my own starter!"

Ash nodded supportively. "Don’t worry, Melody. I’ll talk to Professor Elm when we reach New Bark Town. Maybe he can arrange a starter for you. If not, we’ll all help you catch a wild Chikorita. Sound good?"

Melody’s eyes sparkled as she threw herself against Ash’s side for a big hug. "Thank you, Ash! You’re the best!"

The atmosphere among the group became warm and jovial. The girls took turns walking close to Ash, hugging his arm, holding his hand, or leaning against him as they walked.

Erika rested her head on his shoulder for a while, whispering how happy she was to be traveling with him. Daisy teased him playfully about becoming the "Johto Champion" while Giselle called him "Master" softly whenever she wanted his attention, making him smile every time.

Misty laughed as she watched them. "Look at us we’re like one big happy traveling family already!"

Sabrina smiled softly. "It does feel right. Being together like this."

While everyone was enjoying the peaceful walk and conversation, Togepi suddenly let out an excited cry and jumped from Sabrina’s arms. The little Pokémon toddled quickly toward the forest edge near the center of the route.

"Togi! Togepi!" it called out.

Pikachu and Eevee immediately perked up and followed after their little friend. "Pika-pi!"

"Eevee!"

Ash blinked in surprise. "Hey! Where are they going?"

The entire group hurried after the three Pokémon, laughing as they followed them deeper toward the forest center.

The journey had only just begun, but it was already full of life, love, and unexpected little adventures.

Ash and his harem quickly chased after their Pokémon as Togepi toddled excitedly ahead, with Pikachu and Eevee following close behind. The group laughed as they ran through the forest path, the girls calling out playfully to the little ones.

"Togepi, slow down!" Misty shouted with a laugh.

Giselle called softly, "Master, they’re heading toward the lake!"

They emerged from the trees to find a beautiful, serene lake nestled in the heart of the forest. In the center of the water stood a flat, rock-like platform. On it stood a majestic Pokémon that took everyone’s breath away.

It was a sleek, graceful, blue-and-white four-legged wolf-like creature. Its large, flowing purple mane shimmered like the Northern Lights. A light-blue hexagonal crest with pointed tips sat on its forehead like elegant horns. Its body was a bright watery blue with white diamond-shaped patches on its legs and back, and two long, white streamer-like tails waved gracefully behind it.

The girls stopped in awe.

"Wow..." Misty whispered, eyes wide. "It’s so beautiful..."

Sabrina’s voice was soft with wonder. "Such a pure and powerful aura..."

Erika clasped her hands together. "It looks like a living embodiment of nature..."

Melody grinned. "I’ve never seen anything like it!"

Daisy tilted her head. "What kind of Pokémon is that?"

Giselle stayed close to Ash, holding his arm. "Master... it’s looking right at you."

The majestic Pokémon Suicune gazed directly at Ash. It seemed to sense something special about him, perhaps the lingering aura of the Rainbow Wing or his pure heart. After a long, meaningful moment, Suicune nodded gracefully, then leaped with incredible elegance toward the far side of the lake and disappeared into the forest.

The girls turned to Ash with collective curiosity.

Misty was the first to speak. "Ash, what was that?! It looked so majestic!"

Sabrina looked at him expectantly. "You seemed to recognize it."

Ash smiled warmly. "That was Suicune. One of the legendary Pokémon of Johto, known as the Pokémon of the Northern Winds. It’s said to purify polluted water and run like the wind."

Misty’s eyes sparkled with pure joy. "Suicune?! The legendary Water-type?! That’s always been one of my dream Pokémon! I can’t believe we actually saw it!"

The girls laughed fondly at Misty’s excitement. Melody teased her gently, "Look at you, all starry-eyed~"

Misty pouted cutely. "Hey! Don’t tease me, sisters! Suicune is my dream Pokémon. If you keep teasing me, I’ll tease you a hundred times more in the future!"

The group burst into laughter, the atmosphere light and joyful as they continued walking. Giselle picked up the mischievous Togepi, who had returned to them, and carried her in her arms. Pikachu and Eevee ran back to Ash’s side, looking proud of their little adventure.

As they reached the top of a gentle slope, a large sign came into view:

Welcome to New Bark Town

In the distance, they could see the peaceful coastal town with its modern buildings and beautiful scenery.

Ash smiled at his companions. "We made it. First stop New Bark Town."

The girls gathered around him, hugging his arms and shoulders as they walked the final stretch. Misty leaned against him. "This is going to be amazing."

Sabrina nodded. "A new region, new challenges, and all of us together."

Giselle looked up at him lovingly. "Master, I’m really excited."

They reached the Pokémon Center, where the local Nurse Joy greeted them warmly. "Welcome to New Bark Town Pokémon Center! How can I help you today?"

Ash handed over his new Pokédex. "I’d like to register for the Johto League Silver Conference, please." He then gently took Giselle’s Pokédex as well and handed it over too.

Giselle blinked in surprise. "Master? Why are you registering me?"

Ash turned to her with a bright, sincere smile. "Because I want you to compete in the Johto League with me. We’ll battle together, side by side."

Giselle’s cheeks flushed deeply. She looked at him with pure affection and turned to Nurse Joy. "Yes, please register me for the Silver Conference as well."

Nurse Joy smiled kindly as she processed both Pokédexes. "All done! You are now officially registered for the Johto League Silver Conference."

Ash thanked her and asked for directions to Professor Elm’s laboratory. After receiving clear instructions, the group left the Pokémon Center, hearts full and ready for the next step of their Johto adventure.