Chapter 323 - 322: Melody’s First Pokémon

Chapter 323: Chapter 322: Melody’s First Pokémon

After leaving the Pokémon Center, Ash and his wives made their way through the peaceful streets of New Bark Town toward Professor Elm’s laboratory.

The town had a calm, coastal charm with gentle sea breezes and modern yet cozy buildings. The group walked together, chatting excitedly about their new adventure in Johto.

When they arrived at the laboratory, they found a large, modern building with glass windows and various Pokémon-related equipment visible inside.

Professor Elm was standing at a large desk, completely absorbed in his research. He was a relatively young man with messy brown hair, wearing a white lab coat over a blue shirt and brown pants. His glasses sat slightly crooked on his face as he muttered to himself while scribbling notes furiously.

Ash cleared his throat politely. "Excuse me, Professor Elm?"

The professor didn’t even look up, still deeply focused on his work. Ash let out a small "tch" sound of mild annoyance while his girls giggled softly behind him.

Misty whispered with a grin, "He’s just like Professor Oak when he gets into research mode."

Sabrina smiled faintly. "Should we try again?"

Ash decided to take matters into his own hands. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he used his Master-level Psychic powers. A soft blue glow enveloped Professor Elm as he was gently lifted into the air, still holding his notes.

"W-What?! Whoa !" Professor Elm suddenly realized he was floating and let out a loud, panicked scream. "Aaaahhh! What’s happening?! Am I flying?! Help!"

The girls couldn’t hold back their laughter anymore. Melody covered her mouth, trying not to laugh too hard. Giselle giggled softly while holding Ash’s arm. "Master, you’re so playful sometimes."

After a few seconds of the professor’s comical flailing, Ash gently lowered him back to the ground. Professor Elm stumbled a bit, adjusting his glasses and looking around wildly until his eyes landed on the group.

Ash stepped forward with a friendly smile. "Sorry about that, Professor. I’m Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town. These are my wives Misty, Sabrina, Giselle, Daisy, Erika, and Melody. We came to see you for a favor."

Professor Elm blinked a few times, still recovering from the sudden levitation. "Ash Ketchum...? Oh! The one who became kanto pokemon league champion and completed the Kanto and Orange Islands challenges? I’ve heard a lot about you from Professor Oak!"

He then launched into an enthusiastic speech. "Your achievements are remarkable! The way you handled Team Rocket, your battles with legendary Pokémon, your "

Ash raised his hands with a chuckle. "Thank you, Professor, but we can talk about that later. I actually came here for a favor. Melody here doesn’t have a Pokémon yet, and she really wants a Chikorita as her starter. Is it possible for you to arrange one for her?"

Professor Elm thought deeply, rubbing his chin. "Hmm... I only have the three standard starters ready for new trainers right now Cyndaquil, Totodile, and Chikorita. I don’t have any extras at the moment."

Melody sighed softly, looking a little disappointed but trying to stay positive. "It’s okay... I understand."

Ash placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and turned back to Professor Elm. "If that’s the case, could you arrange one from the breeding center? In exchange, I can help you with some valuable data about a new phenomenon occurring in the Galar region."

Professor Elm’s eyes lit up with intense scientific curiosity. "A new phenomenon in Galar?! What kind of phenomenon? Is it related to Dynamax? Or something entirely new? How does it work? Tell me everything!"

Ash smiled calmly. "I’ll give you the details, but I need that Chikorita first. And I’ll share the information with both you and Professor Oak."

The mention of sharing with Professor Oak seemed to ignite a fiery determination in Elm.

His eyes burned with excitement as he suddenly turned and started running toward another part of the lab.

"Professor Elm?" Ash called out. "Where are you going?"

Elm shouted back without stopping, "Just wait here! I’ll be right back!"

The girls looked at each other in amusement as the professor disappeared deeper into the laboratory. Misty laughed. "He really is a lot like Professor Oak when something catches his interest."

Sabrina nodded. "Scientists can be quite... passionate."

Giselle leaned against Ash’s side. "Master, do you think he’ll be able to get a Chikorita for Melody?"

Ash smiled and wrapped an arm around her. "I’m sure he will. We’ll make sure Melody gets her first Pokémon today."

Melody looked at Ash with sparkling eyes. "Thank you, Ash. This means a lot to me."

The group waited patiently, chatting warmly among themselves as they anticipated Professor Elm’s return and the continuation of their Johto adventure.

While Professor Elm was gone, Ash and his group waited comfortably inside the laboratory.

Ash decided to make a video call to Professor Oak using the lab’s communication system. The screen lit up, and Professor Oak’s face appeared with a surprised but pleased expression.

"Ash! Where are you right now?" Professor Oak asked.

"We’re at Professor Elm’s laboratory in New Bark Town," Ash replied with a smile.

Professor Oak raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing there so soon?"

Ash explained calmly, "Melody doesn’t have a Pokémon yet. She really wants a Chikorita as her starter. I came to ask Professor Elm if he could help arrange one for her."

Professor Oak chuckled. "If you had asked me, I could have arranged something from my lab. But I understand."

Ash continued, "I’m also planning to share some scientific data about the Dynamax and Gigantamax phenomenon from the Galar region with both of you."

Professor Oak’s eyes widened with intense curiosity. "Dynamax and Gigantamax?! How did you come across that data? What kind of discoveries have you made? Tell me everything!"

Before Ash could respond, they heard rapid footsteps. Professor Elm came running back into the room, breathing heavily, holding a Poké Ball in his hands.

"Professor Oak!" Elm greeted his colleague on the screen. "Good to see you!"

He then turned to Ash with an excited grin. "I found one! But it’s not an ordinary Chikorita.

This one is Shiny!"

The girls gasped in surprise.

Misty’s eyes went wide. "A Shiny Chikorita?! Those are incredibly rare!"

Sabrina looked impressed. "A miracle indeed."

Giselle held Ash’s arm a little tighter. "Master... that’s amazing."

Melody looked stunned but hopeful.

Ash tilted his head curiously. "Professor Elm, why are you giving me such a rare Pokémon? I only asked for a normal Chikorita."

Professor Elm’s expression became more serious. "This little one needs someone special. He was born different a beautiful shiny green with golden accents instead of the usual colors. His own herd rejected him because he looked different. The other Chikorita were cruel to him, pushing him away and leaving him alone and heartbroken. He’s been sad and lonely for a long time. I believe a kind and strong trainer like you can give him the love and acceptance he deserves."

The girls’ hearts softened immediately.

Melody stepped forward with gentle determination. "I want him. I’ll take good care of him."

Ash smiled and handed her the Poké Ball. "Go on, Melody. Meet your new partner."

With renewed anticipation, Melody released the Pokémon. In a flash of light, a small, shiny Chikorita appeared. His leaf was a vibrant golden-green, and his body had a beautiful, rare sheen. The moment he saw so many people, he became frightened, curling up and trembling slightly.

Melody immediately knelt down to his level, speaking softly and kindly. "Hey there, little one... You’re so beautiful. I love your shiny color. It makes you special and unique. I’m Melody, and I’d really love for you to travel with me. I’ll take good care of you, protect you, and be your friend. Will you join me on this journey?"

The Shiny Chikorita looked up at her with big, teary eyes. Hearing her warm, sincere words, he let out a small cry and jumped into her arms, hugging her tightly as tears of happiness fell.

Melody hugged him back gently, smiling brightly. "Welcome to the family, Chikorita."

Ash watched the heartfelt scene with a warm smile. While the professors were excitedly discussing the upcoming data, he discreetly used the system shop to purchase detailed scientific information on Dynamax and Gigantamax. He handed a copy to Professor Elm and mailed the rest to Professor Oak.

After giving the two professors some space to discuss the new phenomenon, Ash and his girls said their goodbyes.

"Thank you for everything, Professor Elm," Ash said. "We’ll stay in touch."

Professor Elm waved excitedly. "Safe travels! And thank you for the data!"

With that, Ash and his harem left the laboratory and resumed their journey through New Bark Town, now with Melody’s new Shiny Chikorita happily riding on her shoulder.

The group walked together, chatting happily about the new addition to their team. Melody looked overjoyed as she gently petted her new partner.

"Thank you, Ash... everyone," she said softly.

"This means the world to me."

Ash smiled. "We’re a family. We look out for each other."

The Johto journey continued with even more warmth and excitement than before.