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

Chapter 34: Sunlit Contest

We reached National Park with the Pokéathlon Dome still glowing in my memory.

The wide paths opened into green lawns, tall trees, and flowerbeds bright enough to make the morning feel warmer than it really was. After three days of medals, badges, crowds, and cheering, the park sounded calmer at first, but the signs near the entrance told a different story.

Lillie stopped in front of one of the signs. "Since today is Tuesday, that means there is going to be a Bug-Catching Contest this afternoon."

"Bug-Catching Contest sounds fun," I said, looking out across the grass. Trainers were already gathering near the registration area, and several Bug-type Pokémon darted between trees as if they knew everyone had come to look for them. "Since we are still here, how about we do some training first?"

Everyone agreed, and we moved toward a quieter sunny field away from the growing contest crowd.

Pikachu stretched on a low stone wall while Togetic floated beside Lillie, scattering little sparks of happiness that made Marill clap in Reisa's arms. Ethan sent out Exbo and Aibo, Kris opened her notebook, and East immediately checked where the paths curved in case the training needed space.

Lillie released Oddish into the grass, and Oddish shook its leaves with a happy little cry.

Oddish's meaning came through gently: "Sun feels good. Feet feel stronger. I want to grow."

Lillie knelt beside it. "Then let's train slowly. We do not need to rush."

Oddish practiced moving through the grass while Bayleef guided it with gentle vine taps. At first, Oddish stumbled whenever the sunlight shifted through the leaves, but the more it moved, the stronger its steps became. Reisa watched quietly, listening to the rhythm of Oddish's little feet.

"That feels like a dance trying to happen," Reisa said.

Oddish paused at her voice, then spun clumsily in place.

Lillie laughed softly. "Maybe it wants to dance."

A bright glow suddenly wrapped around Oddish's body.

Lillie gasped and reached out, but she did not stop it. The glow stretched upward. Oddish's small leaves changed into a larger flower bud, and when the light faded, Gloom stood in the sunny grass.

The scent that drifted from Gloom was stronger than Oddish's had ever been. Gloom looked down shyly, as if afraid everyone would step away.

Gloom's meaning came through nervous and tender: "I changed. Smell is strong. Will Lillie still like me?"

Lillie moved closer immediately and hugged Gloom without hesitation. "Of course I still like you. You are still you."

Pokédex Entry Updated — Ash and Lillie's Shared Johto Record

Gloom — Weed Pokémon — Grass/Poison. Evolved from Oddish. Its stronger scent can be difficult nearby, but the same scent can protect, guide, and support growth when understood with care.

Reisa watched the hug with shining eyes. "It really is not only scent. It is feeling."

A soft rustle came from the flowers near her feet. Another Oddish peeked out, drawn by Reisa's voice and the gentle rhythm she had been humming under her breath.

Reisa froze, careful not to scare it. "Hello there."

The wild Oddish stepped closer, swaying lightly as Reisa hummed again. Its little body matched the rhythm, and Marill clapped along as if encouraging it.

Ash and Lillie heard the Oddish's meaning clearly as it looked up at Reisa: "Sound is warm. I want to dance near her."

"It wants to stay near your music," Lillie said.