A New Journey - Ash Ketchum {2}

Chapter 81 - Houndoom's Special Delivery!

As the group trekked along the winding mountain path, the crisp autumn air filled their lungs, invigorating their senses. Towering peaks stretched towards the heavens, their snow-capped summits disappearing into wispy clouds. The vibrant hues of changing leaves painted the mountainsides in a breathtaking tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds.

Emma's female Pikachu scampered ahead, her ears twitching with excitement at the new sights and smells. Togepi chirped happily from Emma's arms, its tiny hands waving in delight at the colorful foliage. Ash's Pikachu rode on his shoulder, tail swishing as he took in the view.

"That's a really beautiful sight, isn't it, guys?" Brock asked. "The scenery around here is picture-perfect."

"It's like a postcard," Misty chimed in, her eyes sparkling as she gazed out at the sprawling landscape.

"Yeah, and it's so quiet and peaceful here too," Ash agreed. He stole a glance at Emma, who was lost in her thoughts, her expression softening as she watched the leaves flutter down like whispered secrets.

As they admire the scenery, a sudden movement caught Molly's eye. She tugged on Emma's sleeve, pointing excitedly. "Look, look! What's that?"

The group turned to follow her gaze, and there, bounding along a narrow ridge. Its midnight-black fur gleamed in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, and atop its back was a weathered leather satchel, secured snugly around its muscular frame.

Ash pulled out his Dexter as Emma said, "That looks like a Houndour."

Houndoom, the Dark Pokémon. The evolved form of Houndour. Houndoom's eerie howl is said to cause those who hear it to shudder in fear.

Ash smiled. "Guess a scary Pokémon needs a scary howl."

Emma smiled. "Woah, you're telling me my Houndour could be like that one day?"

Brock stepped closer, a curious glint in his eyes. "Actually, Houndoom can be pretty fierce when it wants to be, but it also has a loyal side. It protects its friends with everything it has."

They watched Houndoom disappeared between the trees, and they continued on their way.

**

As they walked up the hill, the path began to steepen, and the air grew cooler. The laughter of the group echoed off the rocks, a lightheartedness that contrasted with the mystery of the Houndoom they had just spotted. Emma felt a warm flutter in her chest as she caught Ash's eye.

Misty smiled, catching everyone's attention. "We must be up pretty high. My ears just popped."

"Mine too!" Molly exclaimed, her small voice filled with wonder, clutching a small leaf she had picked up along the way.

"Yeah, we've been climbing quite a while," Brock said with a chuckle.

"I can't wait to see what the view is like at the top," Ash said.

"Maybe we can find a nice spot to rest soon," Emma suggested, looking around for a suitable place.

They suddenly heard a familiar laughing sound, and they all paused. "What that..." Emma trailed off. They saw the familiar Meowth air balloon lifting up between the trees.

"Prepare for trouble. Today we will triumph!"

"And make it double, with your-umph and my-umph!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all peoples within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extend our reach to the stars above."