A New Journey - Ash Ketchum {2}

Chapter 83 - From Ghost to Ghost

As the first light of dawn began to creep through the window, Emma stirred from her light slumber. She blinked slowly, taking in the scene before her. Ash was still sitting on the edge of Molly's bed, his back against the headboard, with the little girl curled up contentedly in his arms. He had dozed off too, his head tilted slightly to one side.

The soft golden glow of early morning light bathed the room in a warm, ethereal ambiance. Dust motes danced lazily in the sunbeams, creating a dreamy atmosphere. Outside, the world was beginning to wake up. The faint chirping of Pidgey and Spearow could be heard in the distance, their melodious songs a gentle alarm clock for the sleeping travelers.

Emma sat up quietly, careful not to disturb the peaceful tableau before her. She watched as Ash's chest rose and fell with slow, steady breaths, his face relaxed in sleep. Molly was nestled against him, her small hands clutching his shirt, a contented smile on her face.

The sight made Emma's heart swell with affection. She walked quietly to the bathroom and changed into her clothes. She brushed her teeth and splashed some cool water on her face, trying to fully wake up. As she patted her face dry with a soft towel, she couldn't help but smile, thinking about the scene she had just witnessed.

When she returned to the room, she reached to her camera in her backpack. Emma gently lifted her camera, focusing the lens on Ash and Molly. The soft click of the shutter captured the tender moment forever.

As she lowered the camera, Ash's eyes fluttered open. He blinked sleepily, then smiled when he saw Emma.

"Morning," he whispered, careful not to wake Molly.

"Good morning," Emma replied softly. "How did you sleep?"

Ash chuckled quietly. "Not bad, considering. My arm's a bit numb though."

Emma grinned. "I'm not surprised. You've been Molly's pillow all night."

As Emma and Ash exchanged quiet words, a soft rustling sound came from the adjoining room. The door connecting the two spaces slowly creaked open, revealing a bleary-eyed Misty and a yawning Brock.

"Good morning," Misty mumbled, rubbing her eyes as she padded into the room. Her orange hair was tousled from sleep, sticking up in odd angles. Brock followed close behind, his usual spiky hair slightly flattened on one side.

"Morning," Brock added, his voice still thick with sleep. He blinked a few times, taking in the scene before him - Ash cradling Molly, and Emma standing nearby with her camera.

The commotion, soft as it was, was enough to stir Molly from her slumber. She shifted in Ash's arms, her small fists rubbing her eyes as she yawned cutely.

"Morning, sleepyhead," Emma said softly.

Molly blinked up at Ash, then turned her gaze to Emma. "I had a good dream about Ash's story," she said softly. "But then it turned bad, and then my papa showed up and helped me, and everything was okay!"

Emma, Ash, Brock and Misty smiled. "That's a relief," Brock said.

"Alright, let's get you ready for today," Ash said, gently easing Molly off his lap and onto her feet. She wobbled slightly but quickly regained her balance, a bright smile spreading across her face.

Misty stretched her arms overhead, shaking off the last remnants of sleep. "Let's get something to eat with the Pokémon and then head to the Gym."

Ash smirked as he got off of the bed. "The Fog Badge is gonna be mine today." Emma laughed lightly and shook her head.

**

After getting the Pokémon and having breakfast, Emma and her friends were on their way to Ecruteak Gym to meet up with Morty for Ash's Gym battle.