A New Journey - Ash Ketchum {2}

Chapter 98 - The Heartbreak of Brock

After their heartfelt goodbye with Jack and his Smeargle, Emma and her friends resumed their journey through the Johto region. The winding path took them through lush forests and rolling hills as they made their way toward Olivine City.

The day had been long, and as the afternoon sun began its descent toward the horizon, Emma noticed Molly's steps becoming slower, the little girl's usual boundless energy waning with each passing mile.

"Maybe we should find somewhere to stop for the night," Misty suggested, noting how the shadows had grown longer around them. "It's getting dark pretty fast."

Molly's small hand found Ash's, her blue eyes wide with uncertainty as she gazed into the woods. "I'm tired," she admitted quietly, a rare confession from the usually spirited child.

Ash gave Molly's hand a gentle squeeze, offering her a reassuring smile. "I know, me too. But we'll take a rest for the night soon."

As they crested the next hill, the forest opened up to reveal a small town nestled in the valley below. Lights were beginning to flicker on in windows as dusk settled over the quaint buildings.

"Finally," Emma sighed with relief, her female Pikachu chirping happily on her shoulder. "Civilization."

Emma adjusted Togepi in her arms, the egg Pokémon trilling contentedly despite the long day's journey.

They made their way down the hillside path and into the town proper, where modest shops lined a central cobblestone street. A few locals strolled along the sidewalks, giving the travelers curious glances as they passed.

Brock pulled out their guidebook, flipping through the pages with practiced ease as they walked. His brow furrowed in concentration as he studied the maps and information.

Misty peered over his shoulder impatiently. "Did you figure out where the Pokémon Center is yet, Brock?"

"Not yet," he replied, turning another page with a puzzled expression. "That's strange. This town should be marked on our map, but I can't seem to find it."

Ash spotted a young woman with long brown hair walking toward them, a basket of fresh bread tucked under her arm. The delicious aroma wafted toward them, making his stomach growl audibly.

"Excuse me," Ash called, approaching her with a friendly wave. "Could you tell us where the Pokémon Center is?"

The woman tilted her head slightly, her expression puzzled. "Pokémon Center?"

Before she could elaborate, Brock suddenly materialized between them, his guidebook forgotten as he dropped to one knee before the startled woman. His eyes had transformed into their familiar lovestruck crescents.

"Forget the Pokémon Center," he declared passionately, seizing her free hand in both of his. "I'm Brock. I'm new in town, and I'm free for dinner tonight. You look hungry. Pick a place, any place at all."

The woman blinked at him in surprise, her mouth opening and closing without producing sound. Her wide eyes darted between Brock's face and his hands clasping hers, clearly unsure how to respond to this unexpected proposition.

With practiced efficiency, Misty stepped forward and grabbed Brock firmly by the ear. He yelped in pain as she began dragging him backward.

"I think she has reservations about dinner," Misty quipped dryly, hauling the love-struck teen away from the bewildered local.

The woman adjusted her basket of bread, her expression softening into apologetic politeness. "I'm sorry, but unfortunately, there isn't a Pokémon Center here. There's one about ten miles away in the next town."