A New Journey - Ash Ketchum {2}

Chapter 85 - UnBEARable

As Emma, Ash, Molly, Brock, and Misty made their way through the dense forest towards Olivine City, the air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth. Sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor.

Misty's eyes darted nervously from tree to tree as they walked, her hand unconsciously tightening on the strap of her backpack. The forest seemed to close in around them, the thick foliage creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that set her on edge. "This place is giving me the creeps. Are you sure it's safe?"

"Not perfectly," Brock admitted, glancing up to the trees as they all stopped.

"What do you mean by that?" Ash asked.

Brock looked at Ash, Emma, Molly and Misty. "I read in the guidebook that some pretty scary Pokémon like to hang out in the woods here."

Misty frowned worriedly. "Do you think there are any Bug Pokémon around?" As soon as she finished the question, a Spinarak slid down in front of her, startling her. "Get away!"

Molly pouted as the Bug Pokémon disappeared up the trees. Emma couldn't help but giggle as Misty yelped, stumbling backward and nearly tripping over her own feet. "Misty, it's just a Spinarak!" she said, trying to stifle her laughter. "It's more scared of you than you are of it!"

Molly smiled as she looked up at Emma. She wrapped her little arms around her. "Can you let Ariados out?!"

Emma gazed down at Molly, her heartwarming at the little girl's enthusiasm. "Sure!" She reached for the Poké Ball clipped to her belt and tossed it into the air. In a flash of light, her Ariados burst forth, landing gracefully on the ground before them. "Having a Bug Pokémon like Ariados around, will sure be handy. And hey, we got my Ursaring too." She looked at Misty. "So, whatever this scary Pokémon is, we'll be safe with Ariados and Ursaring around."

Misty swallowed hard, still eyeing the trees warily. "I just hope they don't decide to jump out at us," she muttered under her breath as they started to walk again.

Ash and Emma smiled as Molly skipped forward with Ariados skittered beside her.

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

The sun was setting, painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange, pink, and gold. The forest canopy filtered the fading light, creating a mesmerizing dance of shadows and color on the forest floor. As the group continued their journey, the air grew cooler, and a gentle breeze rustled through the leaves.

The older kids noticed Molly starting to slow down, her little legs growing tired from the day's long trek, so Ariados carried her on its back in a gentle embrace, the spider Pokémon moving carefully to keep Molly safe and comfortable. She giggled, clinging to its silky body as they navigated through the underbrush.

"Well, we've been walking all day with no problem," Brock pointed out.

"Yeah, we've been lucky, but it's getting dark," Ash said. "I guess we'd better start looking for a place to set up camp for the night."

Misty frowned, nervous. "We can't spend the night here, Ash. It's way too scary."

Emma smiled softly as she looked at the redhead girl. "It's scarier to travel in the night more, Mist."

Misty sighed, crossing her arms. "You're right. But I still don't like it."

"Oh! Look!" Molly called in front of them and pointed her little finger toward the clearing.

A small cabin stood nestled among the trees, its wooden structure weathered but charming. "Let's check it out," Emma suggested and they nodded.

They walked toward the cabin and Ash knocked on the door before trying to open it, which he did. "Anybody home? We need a place to stay," he said.