1.Ash's Story (Part 2: Johto)

Chapter 23: Dancing Water

The deeper path through Ilex Forest bends downward after Nurse Joy's outpost, following the sound of water we cannot see through the fog. The trees grow wider here, their roots twisting above the ground like sleeping Onix tails, and every step makes damp leaves shift under our shoes.

Lillie's new Oddish walks close to Chikorita, staying in the shade whenever the path opens too much. Chikorita pretends she is not guiding it, but every time Oddish hesitates near a bright patch of light, Chikorita moves just enough to block the worst of it with her leaf.

Pikachu notices too and gives me a knowing look from my shoulder.

"I am not saying anything," I whisper.

Chikorita snaps her head toward me anyway. Her meaning comes through sharp and embarrassed: "Good. Keep not saying anything."

Lillie covers a small laugh with her hand, while Oddish looks between us like it does not understand why the larger Grass-type is suddenly annoyed. Kris walks behind them with Parasee the Paras at her side, carefully watching how both small Pokémon react to the forest floor.

"Oddish avoids direct light, and Parasee keeps choosing soft fungal patches," Kris says quietly. "This part of the forest has enough moisture for both of them."

East studies the trees ahead. "And enough roots to trip anyone who stops paying attention."

Ethan glances down at Exbo, then checks the Egg case in his arms. "After yesterday, I'm paying attention to everything. This forest steals bags, hides Pokémon, and makes Team Rocket look even worse than usual."

Reisa walks beside Croconaw and Marill, smiling as Marill hops over a root and lands neatly on the other side. "Maybe the forest just wants us to slow down."

A splash answers from somewhere ahead.

Marill immediately perks up. Croconaw straightens too, though he tries to look dignified about it. Reisa smiles at both of them and hurries toward the sound, with the rest of us following carefully.

The fog parts around a hidden pond tucked between old trees. Water lilies drift across the surface, thin reeds tremble along the edge, and the pond reflects the forest canopy in broken green shapes. Small ripples keep appearing where something moves under the water.

Lillie steps beside me and lowers her voice. "This feels like the right place to rest."

"It also feels like the right place for someone to splash us," I answer.

Pikachu's ears twitch. His meaning comes through amused and cautious: "Something is waiting."

Ethan sets the Egg case down on a dry cloth near the roots. "If we're stopping, I want to try fishing. Kurt gave us Lure Balls, and I haven't had a good chance to test how they feel in a real water encounter."

Reisa brightens. "I was going to ask the same thing."

Lillie smiles and reaches into her bag. "Then we can all try together."

East does not take a rod at first. He walks around the pond, checking the bank and the trees above it. "I'll watch the path and make sure nothing comes from behind us."

Kris kneels near the water with Parasee, studying small mushrooms near the reeds. "I'll observe from here. If anything unusual is hiding around the pond, Parasee might notice it before we do."

We settle into place. Reisa casts first, and Marill claps happily beside her. Lillie casts next, her line landing near a patch of lily pads. Ethan takes longer, checking his knot twice before sending the hook into deeper water.

I hold one of my Lure Balls in my palm and roll it gently between my fingers. The blue and red design feels tied to the water itself, like it is meant for this kind of quiet patience rather than quick action.