A New Journey - Ash Ketchum {2}

Chapter 72 - The Bug Stops Here

On their ways to Ecruteak City, Emma and her friends, including their new member, Molly, found themselves passing through a beautiful national park, when they spotted a crowd on the path in front of a stand with a tent.

"Hey, what's that?" Emma asked. "Don't know, let's go check this out," Ash said and they walked closer. An employee was waving to the people that walked by, "Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! There's not much time left! The Bug Pokémon Catching Contest is about to begin! Come one, come all! Sign up now at the registration tent!"

"Does the winner get some kind of prize?" Emma asked. The employee smiled, "Sure. They get a Sun Stone, and keep whatever Bug Pokémon they catch." Misty made a face, "Keep one? No thanks."

Molly looked up at her in confusion, "You don't want a Bug Pokémon, Misty?" she asked. "She's not big on bugs," Brock explained. "I am!" Ash said as he and Emma smiled, "Me, too. Let's sign in. Thanks, sir."

"Good luck," the employee told them as they walked to get in the line. As they did a familiar Chikorita heard and spotted them. "You two are gonna have a lot of competition," Misty told Ash and Emma.

"I can't believe it!" Emma and her friends looked over and saw the new trainer they met before Casey, who ran closer to them, "Hi, guys!"

"Casey!" Misty said as they smiled at the young girl. "It's you!" Ash said. "Are you guys gonna sign up and try to win a new bug Pokémon?" Casey asked. "Yeah," Emma said, "Well, me and Ash are."

"So am I," Casey said. "Your Chikorita's looking really strong," Brock said as they watched Casey's Chikorita greeting the Pikachu. "Since the last time I saw you, we've been on a winning streak, just like my favorite baseball team, the good ol' Electabuzz!" Casey said.

"Sounds like you're still a big fan," Misty said. "I sure am," Casey said, "I'll even sing you their new fight song for this season." She was about to but then spotted Molly, "Oh, hey there." Molly looked a little surprised but then smiled, "Hey."

"Oh right!" Ash said, "Casey, this is Molly, she's family, like a little sister to me. Molly, this is Casey, she a new trainer that we met here at the Johto region." Molly waved to her lightly, "Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too, Molly!" Casey said with a smile. "Better to get into line, let's go," Emma said and they walked to the line up. "Who you going to use, guys?" Misty asked. "I'll go with Pikachu," Ash said. "And I'll be with Chikorita," Casey said.

"I think maybe I'll use Ursaring," Emma said. "Are you sure it's a good idea?" Misty asked. "I think it's a good idea," Brock agreed with a smile and a nod, "It will help Ursaring be more opened to its new trainer."

"Yeah, go for it, Emma," Ash said with a smile. Emma smiled and looked at her Pikachu, "You'll be helping Brock and Misty look after Togepi and Molly, okay, Pikachu?" Her female partner nodded in agreement with a smile, "Pika-chu."

...................

In the morning, Emma, Ash, Casey, and the other participants in the Bug Pokémon Hunt were getting ready to start as the official explained all the rules, "These are the rules of the big Bug Pokémon Contest. Trainers are only allowed to use one Pokémon each. And to catch a bug Pokémon during the contest, you must use one of these special Park Balls. Only one Park Ball is issued to each trainer. Catch one bug Pokémon at a time, and when you think you have a winner, keep it. When time's up, the judging committee will decide the winner. Now, let the Bug Catching Contest, begin!"

Emma, Ash, Casey, and the others started to ran off, and everyone splitted up. Ash and Emma exchanged a nod. "Good luck," Ash said. "You, too," Emma said and walked away with her Ursaring.