A New Journey - Ash Ketchum {2}

Chapter 96 - Control Freak!

Emma and her friends were out in a lush, sun-dappled meadow, taking a well-deserved break. The air was filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers and the gentle rustling of leaves in the warm breeze. Fluffy white clouds drifted lazily across the azure sky, occasionally casting fleeting shadows over the vibrant green grass.

Brock had released his Golbat not long ago, and the large bat Pokémon was now soaring gracefully above them, its wings cutting through the air with barely a sound. Its keen eyes scanned the landscape below, occasionally letting out a soft chirp as it spotted something interesting.

Seated on a checkered picnic blanket spread out beneath the shade of a sprawling oak tree, Brock was carefully pouring Pokémon food into abowl.

Emma sat cross-legged on the blanket, her back resting against the rough bark of the tree. Her female Pikachu was curled up in her lap, eyes half-closed in contentment as Emma gently stroked her fur. Togepi was sleeping against her. Nearby, Ash's male Pikachu was playfully running off with Molly chasing him.

Ash himself was sprawled out on his back, his hat pulled low over his eyes to shield them from the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves above. His hands were laced behind his head, and a peaceful smile played on his lips as he dozed lightly.

Misty sat at the edge of the blanket, her legs dangling over the side.

As Brock finished preparing the Pokémon food, he called out to his flying companion. "Golbat! Come on down, it's time to eat!"

Golbat heard its trainer's call and began to descend in wide, lazy circles. As it neared the ground, a gust of wind from its wings rustled the picnic blanket and ruffled everyone's hair.

Its large eyes gleamed with excitement at the sight of the bowl Brock had prepared, filled to the brim with specially formulated Pokémon food. The bat Pokémon's long, purple tongue darted out, lapping up the nutritious pellets with gusto.

Molly, her cheeks flushed from the chase, plopped down on the blanket with a giggle that rang out like tinkling bells. Ash's Pikachu, still full of playful energy, bounded over and leapt onto her shoulder in one fluid motion. The young girl's eyes sparkled with delight as she reached up to scratch behind the electric mouse's ears, eliciting a contented "Chaa" from the Pokémon.

As the group settled in to enjoy their peaceful afternoon, Golbat suddenly froze mid-bite. Its ears twitched, rotating like satellite dishes as they picked up some imperceptible sound. Without warning, the bat Pokémon spread its impressive wings and took to the sky, leaving behind a confused Brock and a half-eaten bowl of food.

"Golbat! Where are you going?" Brock called out, confusion evident in his voice. He scrambled to his feet, nearly knocking over the bowl of Pokémon food in his haste.

Emma quickly scooped up her drowsy Pikachu and Togepi, while Ash jerked awake, his hat tumbling off his head. Misty was already on her feet, pointing in the direction Golbat had flown.

"Come on, we have to follow it!" she urged, her voice tinged with worry and curiosity.

The group hastily packed up their belongings, Molly clutching Ash's Pikachu to her chest as they set off at a run. They weaved through the tall grass, following the blue blur of Golbat's form as it led them away from the peaceful meadow.

After several minutes of breathless pursuit, they crested a small hill and found themselves overlooking a bustling archaeological dig site. Tents dotted the landscape, and people in khaki clothes scurried about, carrying tools and examining artifacts.

Golbat circled overhead, letting out urgent cries. Brock's eyes scanned the site, trying to understand what had drawn his Pokémon's attention so suddenly. Then he saw her – a woman lying motionless on the ground near one of the excavation pits.