Chapter 347 - 345: Misty Teaches a Crybaby

Chapter 347: Chapter 345: Misty Teaches a Crybaby

After a restful stay in Pallet Town, Ash and his harem returned to Violet City through the Teleporter. The morning air was crisp, and the group gathered near the Pokémon Center to discuss their next move.

Ash looked over the map and spoke with quiet determination. "We’ve got the Zephyr Badge. Next stop should be Azalea Town. That’s where the second Gym is."

The girls nodded in agreement. Misty stretched her arms above her head. "Azalea, huh? I’ve heard it’s a quiet little town surrounded by forests. Should be nice."

Sabrina offered a small smile. "As long as we keep moving forward, I’m content."

Daisy adjusted her bag. "I’m looking forward to seeing new Pokémon along the way."

Giselle, Erika, and Melody voiced their agreement as well. With their course decided, the group left Violet City behind and began traveling south.

After several hours of walking, the path opened onto a breathtaking view. A wide, crystal-clear lake stretched out before them, its surface reflecting the soft blue of the sky and the green of the surrounding hills. A small lakeside town nestled along the shore, its wooden houses and quiet docks creating a peaceful, almost dreamlike atmosphere.

The girls slowed to a stop, taking in the scenery.

Misty’s eyes sparkled. "Wow... this place is beautiful."

Sabrina’s expression softened. "The water feels calm here. It’s soothing."

Daisy clasped her hands together. "It looks like something out of a painting."

Giselle smiled quietly. "A perfect place to rest for a while."

Erika closed her eyes and breathed in the fresh air. "The nature here is very gentle."

Melody grinned and playfully nudged Ash’s arm. "Hey, Ash... with a view like this, don’t you think we should get a Lakeview mansion someday? Something big enough for all of us?"

The other girls laughed lightly at the joke, expecting Ash to brush it off or tease her back. Instead, Ash answered without the slightest hesitation.

"Sure."

The single word hung in the air. All six girls turned to stare at him.

Misty blinked. "Wait... did you just say yes?"

Sabrina raised an eyebrow, a rare look of surprise on her face. "You’re serious?"

Daisy laughed in disbelief. "Ash, that was a joke!"

Giselle’s cheeks turned pink. "Master... you don’t have to say things like that so easily."

Erika covered her mouth with a hand, eyes wide. Melody simply stared, her playful expression replaced by genuine shock.

Ash met their gazes calmly. "I meant it. If that’s something you all want, I’ll make it happen. I’ll do anything for my girls."

For a moment there was silence. Then the girls moved almost as one. Soft kisses landed on his cheeks, his forehead, and the corner of his lips each one filled with affection and a touch of overwhelmed happiness.

Misty pulled back with a bright smile. "You’re too much sometimes, you know that?"

Sabrina’s voice was quiet but warm. "We don’t take those words lightly."

Daisy laughed softly. "Well... now we have something to look forward to."

The group settled near the shore to rest, spreading a blanket on the soft grass. The lake lapped gently against the bank while a light breeze carried the scent of water and wildflowers. For a while they simply enjoyed the peace talking quietly, sharing snacks, and watching the sunlight dance across the water.

It was Misty who first noticed the small figure near the reeds.

"Hey... look over there."

A Marill stood at the water’s edge, its round blue body marked by a distinctive pink bow tied neatly around its tail. The little Pokémon seemed nervous, glancing around as if searching for someone.

Misty stood and motioned for the others. "It’s wearing a bow. Someone must have trained it. Marill, come here, little one."

She approached slowly, her voice soft and gentle. The Marill tensed at the sight of the group and took a hesitant step back, clearly frightened by the number of people.

Misty knelt down and opened her arms. "It’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you. You’re safe."

After a moment of hesitation, the Marill allowed itself to be picked up. Misty held it carefully against her chest, stroking its head and speaking in a calm, soothing tone. The little Pokémon gradually relaxed, its earlier fear melting away under her gentle care.

Suddenly, a young girl came running from the direction of the town. Her eyes were wide with panic as she spotted Misty holding the Marill.

"Give her back!" the girl cried, rushing forward and reaching out to grab Misty’s dress.

Ash stepped in smoothly, catching the girl’s wrist with a firm but careful grip before she could pull. The other girls moved closer as well, forming a protective but non-threatening circle.

"Easy," Ash said calmly. "My friend is only trying to calm the Pokémon. It was frightened."

The girl struggled for a second before realizing she was outnumbered. She looked up at the group with a mixture of anger and worry.

Ash released her wrist and offered a polite smile. "I’m Ash Ketchum. These are my wives Misty, Sabrina, Daisy, Giselle, Erika, and Melody. We were just resting by the lake when we found the Marill."

The girl hesitated, still breathing hard. After a moment she straightened and answered in a quieter voice.

"...My name is Wilhomena."

Wilhomena’s expression softened as she looked at the Marill still nestled safely in Misty’s arms. She let out a quiet sigh.

"Her name is Marill... but everyone calls her a crybaby," Wilhomena admitted. "She’s always been extremely timid. She gets frightened by almost everything loud noises, unfamiliar Pokémon, even other people. Because of that, she’s never been able to form real bonds with any other Pokémon. I’ve tried everything, but she still hides behind me whenever something happens. I’m... worried about her future."

Misty gently stroked the little blue Pokémon’s head. Marill let out a soft, uncertain sound, but did not pull away.

"I can help her," Misty said firmly.

Wilhomena’s eyes widened. "Really? You would do that?"

Misty nodded with a confident smile. "Of course. I’m a Water-type Gym Leader. Helping Water Pokémon grow stronger not just in battle, but in heart is part of my duty. Leave it to me."

Wilhomena looked between Misty and the rest of the group, then smiled with genuine relief. "In that case... please stay at my lake house while you help her. There’s plenty of space, and the environment is peaceful. It might make the training easier."

The girls exchanged glances. Daisy smiled.

"A lakeside house sounds lovely."

Sabrina gave a small nod. "A calm place would be ideal for this kind of work."

Giselle, Erika, and Melody all voiced their agreement. Ash simply smiled and nodded. "We accept. Thank you."

Wilhomena called for her driver. A short while later a sleek black limousine pulled up along the shore. The group climbed in, and the vehicle began gliding smoothly along the lakeside road. Through the windows they watched the scenery unfold crystal water, tall trees, and elegant houses nestled among the greenery.

When the limousine finally stopped, the girls stepped out and froze in quiet awe.

Wilhomena’s lake house was a beautiful two-story wooden mansion with large glass windows, a wide balcony overlooking the water, and a private dock stretching into the lake. Soft lights glowed along the path leading to the entrance.

Ash stood silently for a moment, taking in the view. In his heart he made a quiet promise. One day... I’ll build a place just like this for all of them. A vacation home where we can rest together whenever we want.

The front door opened as they approached. An elderly butler in a neat uniform bowed politely.

"Welcome, Miss Wilhomena. And welcome to our guests."

He guided them inside. The interior was elegant yet comfortable polished wooden floors, soft furniture, and large windows that filled every room with natural light. After a short tour and a light meal, Misty wasted no time beginning her work with Marill.

Training started gently. Misty sat with the little Pokémon by the water’s edge, speaking softly and encouraging it to approach the lake at its own pace. When Marill hesitated, Misty simply waited, never forcing it. Ash and the other girls joined in whenever they could.

Sabrina used her calm presence to help settle Marill’s nerves. Daisy offered patient encouragement. Giselle practiced slow, non-threatening movements so the Pokémon would not startle. Erika created a peaceful atmosphere with soft Grass-type energy, while Melody’s bright energy slowly taught Marill that not all excitement was frightening. Ash stayed close, offering quiet support and occasionally letting Pikachu and Eevee interact with Marill in the gentlest way possible.

Days passed in a comfortable rhythm.

Morning training sessions by the lake, quiet afternoons in the garden, and peaceful evenings watching the sunset together. Little by little, Marill began to change. It stopped hiding behind Misty at every small sound. It started approaching the other Pokémon on its own. One afternoon it even played a short game of chase with Poliwag and Totodile without running away.

By the time several days had passed, the once-timid Marill had become noticeably more confident and socially at ease. It still had a gentle nature, but the constant fear had faded.

On the morning of their departure, the group gathered at the front of the lake house. Marill stood close to Misty, its eyes already glistening with tears.

Misty knelt down and placed a hand on its head. "Hey... none of that. You’ve worked hard these past few days. You need to show your strong side now, okay? Be brave. Your trainer believes in you and so do I."

Marill sniffled, then gave a small, determined nod. It rubbed its head against Misty’s hand one last time before stepping back toward Wilhomena.

Ash turned to their hostess and bowed his head slightly. "Thank you for your hospitality, Wilhomena. We won’t forget your kindness."

The girls each offered their own sincere thanks. Wilhomena smiled warmly, holding Marill close.

"No... thank you. All of you. Especially you, Misty. You’ve given her something I couldn’t."

With final waves and quiet goodbyes, Ash and his harem left the beautiful lake house behind and resumed their journey.

The road to Azalea Town stretched ahead bringing with it the next Gym battle for Ash and Giselle, and the long-awaited delivery of the GS Ball.