A New Journey - Ash Ketchum {2}

Chapter 86 - Moving Pictures

Emma, Ash, Molly, Brock and Misty continued their path towards Olivine City to Ash's fifth gym battle. Ominous clouds rolled in, blotting out the sun and casting eerie shadows across the landscape.

"The sky's getting dark," Misty pointed out as they all glanced up to the sky. "You think it's gonna rain?"

"Sure looks like it," Ash said. They paused when they heard camera shutter clicking.

Emma's Pikachu's ears perked up, swiveling towards the sound. The group froze, exchanging wary glances.

"Did you guys hear that?" Emma whispered, her hand instinctively moving to shield little Molly.

Ash nodded, his own Pikachu tensing on his shoulder. "Yeah, it sounded like..."

"A camera," Brock finished. They followed the noise to the bushes and peered over to see a familiar looking kid was taking pictures of a pair of Bellossom dancing together, behind a bush.

Emma, Ash, Misty and Brock smiled as they moved forward with Molly, who was holding onto Ash's hand. "Hey, is that our old friend Todd?" Ash asked.

Todd turned to them and grinned, lowering his camera. "Hey, guys! It's been a while!" He got up and walked closer to them.

He and Ash high fived each other. "How you been?" Ash asked.

"Oh you know, taking pictures of Pokémon," Todd answered with a chuckle. "So, how about you guys? How's it been since the last time I saw you?"

Emma stepped forward, her voice brightening. "We're on our way to Olivine City for Ash's fifth gym battle!"

"Wow, that's awesome!" Todd said. "Way the go, Ash! I'm sure you'll win."

Ash beamed at the encouragement, his confidence swelling. "Thanks, Todd! I'm ready for whatever they throw at me."

Todd noticed Molly, who was still holding Ash's hand in her little one. "Hello."

"Hey," Molly answered a little shyly.

"This is Molly," Ash answered, gesturing to her. "I guess you can say she's my foster sister."

Todd knelt down to Molly's level, his camera dangling from his neck. "Hi, Molly! It's really nice to meet you." He held out his hand. "My name's Todd, I traveled with your brother and friends for a little bit."

Molly's eyes widened as she peered at Todd, her small fingers reaching out to take his hand. "Do you take pictures of Pokémon?" she asked, curiosity sparkling in her bright eyes.

"Yep! I love capturing their special moments," Todd replied, smiling warmly at her enthusiasm. "What about you? Do you like Pokémon?"

Molly nodded vigorously. "I love Pokémon! Especially Pikachu and Togepi!" The Pikachus smiled while Togepi wobbled happily in Emma's arms.

Todd laughed. "That's great to hear. It looks like you are having a great time."

Todd stood straight as Molly asked, "Can I see pictures you took of Pokémon?"

"Of course!" Todd answered. He rummaged through his bag. He pulled out a small album, flipping it open to reveal glossy photos of Pokémon in various settings—playing in fields, swimming in lakes, and even a snapshot of a Snorlax sleeping soundly on a sunny patch of grass.

Molly gasped, her eyes widening with delight. "Wow! They look so happy!"

"I got almost all the Pokémon in this album," Todd said, "Now what I really want in my album is a shot of an Articuno!"

"An Articuno?" they all asked together in surprise.

Emma, Ash, and Misty exchanged excited glances at Todd's mention of Articuno. Emma's eyes lit up as she recalled their incredible adventure.