1. Ash's Story (Part 10: Galar)

Chapter 14

As we sit down for breakfast the next morning, chaos ensues as our food mysteriously vanishes, leaving us in a state of bewilderment. "What's happening here?" Alice questions, perplexed by the sudden disappearance of our meals.

As I glance at my empty plate, I notice a Sobble attempting to pilfer my food, but it seems scared and retreats into a corner upon being discovered.

"A Sobble!" Alice exclaims in surprise at the unexpected guest.

However, the situation takes an unexpected turn when Sobble begins to shed tears. Strangely, we find ourselves inexplicably tearing up alongside Sobble. "Why are we crying?" I wonder aloud, bewildered by the shared emotional response.

"Could it be because of Sobble?" Elena suggests, prompting us to look around, only to find that Sobble has vanished without a trace, leaving us puzzled by the bizarre and emotional encounter.

Determined to find Sobble, we initiate a search, enquiring with Nurse Joy to see if she's spotted the elusive Pokémon. With knowledge that Sobble becomes invisible in water, we focus our search around the fountain.

Alice takes the lead, attempting to establish rapport with Sobble. "We're not upset that you ate our breakfast. If you join us, we can all eat together," she offers, hoping to coax a response from the shy Pokémon. However, Sobble remains unresponsive.

Frustrated by the lack of progress, I decide to take a chance and toss a Poké Ball towards the fountain. Much to our surprise, the Poké Ball captures something. "No way... was it really right there?" Helen gasps in disbelief as we realize that Sobble had been there all along, invisible in the water, and now captured inside the Poké Ball.

Sobble: The Water Lizard Pokemon: Water Type. When scared, this Pokémon cries. Its tears pack the chemical punch of 100 onions, and attackers won't be able to resist weeping.

After releasing Sobble from the Poké Ball, it appears surprised and attempts to cry once more, prompting Helen's exasperated remark, "Again? Why does it have to pack the chemical punch of 100 onions?"

Realizing the need to comfort Sobble, Alice suggests, "We need a Pokémon that can help us soothe it..."

"Audino! I need your help!" I call out, summoning Audino to the scene. Audino immediately responds by embracing Sobble, calming its distress. Gradually, Sobble ceases crying and finds solace in Audino's comforting embrace.

"Sobble, we're sorry that we captured you against your will," I express apologetically. "If you'd like to join our team, you're more than welcome. But if you prefer to leave, you can tell us."

Touched by our sincerity, Sobble expresses a desire to join our team, although we need to prevent it from crying again. Understanding its wish, we accept Sobble's decision while ensuring its emotional comfort and happiness within our team.

Upon arriving at the Pokémon Nursery on Route 5, we encounter an establishment similar to other Day Cares, offering services for Pokémon breeding and care. However, our attention is immediately drawn to two newly hatched Pokémon right before us.

The breeder proudly informs us, "Both of them are Toxels, and they're siblings. Would you like to raise them? They're quite shocking Pokémon."

Surprised and intrigued, we gaze at the two peacefully sleeping Toxels. "Are you offering us these Pokémon?" I inquire, seeking clarification.

"Absolutely, I believe you'll be excellent caretakers for them," the lady replies warmly, sensing our willingness to provide a nurturing environment. Without hesitation, both Alice and I decide to capture the two Toxels, eager to welcome them into our team and provide them with a loving home.