Celebi: Voice of the Forest [Pokemon 4Ever Novel] 20th anniversary book

Lake of Life

Ash and the others continued on into the forest, searching for the Lake of Life. Celebi lay panting in Sam's arms.

"We gotta find the way out," Ash said. "Which way to the village?" Slowly, mist started to form around the ground as they walked deeper into the forest.

"This is getting bad," Brock said quietly as he looked at the weak fairy. He carried Misty on his back since she hurt her leg.

Soon, a thick fog had surrounded them. It wasn't clear which way to go.

"We can't help it. We better keep moving forward. If we stop now, we might be too late," Ash said, solemnly. They began to think. How are they gonna get out of this mist?

Then from the mists, two bear-like Pokemon appeared in their path.

"It's an Ursaring," Sam said, gesturing to the very tall bear with a circle on its stomach. A small fuzzy bear cub, a Teddiursa, stood at its side. They stare at Ash and Sam.

"What are they doing?" Brock whispered.

"I think they're telling us to follow them," Misty said.

"Should we?" Ash questioned.

Sam nodded. "Yeah."

The humans quickly followed the silent bearlike Pokemon through the mysterious forest. After they had walked a long way, a Stantler approached the Ursaring. Ursaring stepped back and the deer-like Stantler became the guide. The thick fog made it possible to know where they were going. But they had to trust their Pokemon guide. After several more miles, a little Furret took over for the Stantler. It ran ahead of the group but it popped in and out of the tall grass, always checking that the group was still following.

Finally, after many hours of walking, Ash could see a clearing ahead. Then through the fog, a beautiful still wilderness lake appeared.

"Hey, do you think this could be The Lake of Life that Diana's grandmother was talking about?" Brock asked softly.

Sam stared at Celebi as she opened up her eyes. She seemed nearly unconscious as Sam walked into the lake. He cradled the little fairy in his arms and continued walking until the water was up to his chest. At first, It didn't seem to affect Celebi. It looked as though the sweet fairy might just slip away.

"Hey, Sam, look," Ash whispered in awe.

On the other side of the shore, all of the Pokemon of the forest had gathered, hundreds of different kinds stood quietly side by side. They watched in hope as Celebi began to feel the power of the water. Suddenly, she used her last bit of energy to push herself out of Sam's arms and disappear into the deep waters. Everything was completely still. It was as if the world was waiting to see if Celebi would ever return.

Everyone began to wait, and then something began to glow. Out of the lake, a circle of green light rose to the surface. It started moving around in the waters and circled Sam.

"Look, guys, Celebi's swimming," Misty spoke.

"And it's glowing," Ash replied.

"This must be the Lake of Life. Hey, that's it!" Brock said with hope. "The water must have brought Celebi back to life."

As if on cue, Celebi exploded from the water. She soared into the sky filling the air with the joyous ring of her playful sound. Ash and Sam laughed as Celebi darted around them. The Pokemon of the forest watched happily as Ash and Sam. dove into the water with Celebi. They followed the fairy deep into the water where they were surrounded by strange and beautiful Water Pokemon. But Ash and Sam could not stay underwater as long as Celebi. Soon they were struggling to reach the surface for air.

Celebi raced after them and surrounded them with a white glowing outline. When they hit the surface of the water, they kept going. Ash and Sam were flying above the lake with Celebi. Ash couldn't believe it. What an incredible feeling. Down below, they could see Misty and Brock smiling and waving. Ash had never been so wonderful. Celebi flew down to Misty who was sitting on the shore's age. With a tap of her magic, Celebi healed Misty's leg.

"Hey. My knee's better," Misty said, amazed. "Thanks, Celebi!"

"There's the village over there," Ash said, seeing the small peak of the village. He knew that they were getting closer.

For the rest of the day, Celebi led Ash and his friends on an amazing tour of the forest that ended at a tree with the red, ripe, sweet berries any of them had ever tasted.

"Awesome! These are really good," Ash exclaimed.

"Yeah? Ah, you're right," Sam agreed as he tasted one.

"Mmm, they're tasty," Brock responded.

"They're delicious," Misty said as she popped a handful in her mouth.

Ash started to pick a few berries and put them in his pocket. "I'm gonna keep some for later. Thanks for taking us here, Celebi."

"Yeah," Sam said before he handed Celebi a berry. "Have some, Celebi."

Celebi took one berry and bit into it. She let out squeals of joy and trills as she flew around. As the day came to an end, Ash, Sam and Celebi climbed into the tree and watched the sunset.