Chapter 19
That evening, we're gathered around the campfire at Brooklet Hill, preparing a delightful curry for dinner together. However, Lana, feeling mischievous, decides to regale us with a chilling tale.
"In this very hill," she begins, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "those who wander in mysteriously succumb to an inexplicable slumber. They drift off without a hint and, when they finally awaken..."
A sudden, blood-curdling scream pierces the air, causing everyone to startle, though I, Lillie, and Trenor remain composed, immune to the terrors of such tales.
"...they rise, mere skin and bones, as though deprived of sustenance for an eternity," Lana concludes, her voice trailing off ominously.
"It's gotta be just a rumor," Kiawe asserts.
"That's impossible," Selene counters, her voice tinged with skepticism.
"Oh, come on, Lana. It's just another one of your old jokes," Mallow chimes in, trying to diffuse the tension with a hint of humor.
"Yeah, old jokes, all right," Lana responds. Suddenly, the grass rustles, eliciting fear among the group. However, relief washes over them as it turns out to be only the three Rockruffs emerging after playing in the underbrush.
As the savory aroma of the curry fills the air, everyone gathers around to savor the meal. Kiawe notices a sizable portion left, prompting Lillie to explain that she underestimated how much the rice would expand during cooking.
As we engage in conversation, Mallow raises concern about the impending darkness and asks Sophocles if he will be okay. In response, Sophocles retrieves a Lampent-shaped lamp and calls out his trusty Charjabug to power it up, ensuring a steady source of light for the night ahead.
However, upon completing our training nearby, Lillie, Trenor, and I return to the campsite, only to find everyone looking emaciated, resembling mere skins and bones. Alarmed and puzzled, I inquire, "What's happened to you guys? What's going on?"
"What... happened..." they all groan in hunger, their voices reflecting a profound emptiness as if they haven't eaten for eternity. Trenor's voice quivers slightly as he asks, "Hey, Brother, Lillie... do you think the story... is real?"
Recognizing their desperate need for nourishment, we swiftly set about preparing seven generous portions of curry rice for them. Lillie offers, "Hey, guys, there are seconds if you want more."
Their eyes light up with gratitude, and they eagerly request seconds. We work tirelessly, ensuring they have their fill until gradually, they begin to regain their normal appearance, no longer resembling mere shadows of themselves.
"Okay, let's review what we know," Kiawe initiates. "We all experienced suddenly falling asleep without any logical explanation, correct?"
"When Nate and I woke up, we were ravenous, more famished than we've ever been," Rosa adds.
As everyone affirms the consistency of their experiences, I interject, "It's odd, though. Lillie, Trenor, and I weren't affected by this at all. We didn't experience any of these strange sensations."
"Hold on. I remember seeing something just before I fell asleep," Sophocles interjects. "It wasn't clear, but it resembled an umbrella."
"Wait a minute," I murmur, connecting the dots. "First, you fall asleep, then you wake up feeling incredibly hungry..."
"So it was all true," Lana murmurs with a tinge of disbelief. "My story..."
"Your story... about the eerie occurrences in the forest?" Mallow seeks clarification, trying to piece together the unfolding events.
"Are we all going to end up nothing but skin and bones?" Sophocles voices his concern, a note of panic evident in his tone.
"That was just Lana's old joke," Kiawe reassures, attempting to dispel the escalating worry.
"But we all did fall asleep," Lana interjects, her voice reflecting uncertainty.
"Listen, we were just having a great time, and it tired us out," Kiawe explains. "We had our delicious curry dinner, so tonight, let's just focus on getting a good night's sleep." He tries to calm the nerves by redirecting the focus toward a restful night ahead.
As we glance over, we notice a Pokémon beside Kiawe, prompting me to gasp, "It's a Morelull!"
Suddenly, the Pokémon becomes startled and releases a flurry of Spores. Lillie lets out a gasp, exclaiming, "It's using Spore!"
Trenor, Lillie, and I act swiftly, using our Worry Seeds on ourselves in an attempt to prevent falling asleep. However, we witness the others succumbing to drowsiness as the Morelull employs Mega Drain, sapping their energies.
"I recognize that move... it's Giga Drain..." I gasp in realization, comprehending the dire situation as the Morelull continues to drain everyone's vitality. As everyone gradually wakes up once more, their hunger returns.
"I understand now. You're the one absorbing the energy of other Pokémon," I remark, observing the scene while Lillie and Trenor attend to preparing meals for the others. "You're quite adorable, you know."
However, the Morelull appears to be a bit disoriented, spinning around dizzily. In a panicked state, it attempts to attach itself to Kiawe, siphoning his energy. Then, noticing Lillie's Clefairy doll, the Morelull makes a move to absorb its energy, only to realize it's just a toy, leaving it disappointed and confused.
The Morelull's fearful reaction catches me off guard as it mutters, "Please don't hurt me, lord Arceus..."
It's a curious moment of realization. Could it be that the Morelull refrains from absorbing my energy because it recognizes me as Arceus? Pokémon are known for their innate ability to sense and perceive extraordinary entities, and if the Morelull perceives me in that light, it might explain its reluctance to absorb my energy. With a reassuring chuckle, I address the apprehensive Morelull, saying, "There's no need to be frightened of me. You're safe."
Extending my hand, I observe the Morelull hesitating for a moment before tentatively attaching itself to my arm. Gently, I continue, "If it's the energy you seek... you're welcome to take as much as you need from me."
As Lillie prepares a plate of curry for me, I allow the Morelull to absorb some of my energy while I consume the meal simultaneously. Given Arceus's immense reservoir of energy, the exchange feels abundant, far surpassing what others could offer. As I finish one plate, the Morelull seems overwhelmed, already feeling quite full from the substantial amount of energy it absorbed.
Nate, in a muttered comment, remarks, "Well, that's Ash for you..."
Kiawe, agreeing with a nonchalant tone, adds, "Nothing he does surprises me anymore..."
As the Morelull reaches its limit and becomes replete with energy, it rushes off eagerly towards its companions, leading us in pursuit. Following the illuminated pathway created by the group of Morelull, we eventually arrive at an ancient tree, where the Morelull gather around a particular spot.
With the transfer of energy, the tree radiates a newfound vitality, manifesting in the form of delicate flowers blooming across its branches. The evolution and the blossoming of these flowers signify the harmony and connection between the Pokémon and the tree, showcasing a mutually beneficial relationship where the Morelull support the tree's growth while evolving themselves.
With a sense of honor, I take the opportunity to capture the Morelull, acknowledging its significance in the intricate balance of nature and the restoration of the tree's vitality.
Morelull: The Illuminating Pokemon: Grass and Fairy Type. It scatters its shining spores around itself. Even though they're dangerous, nighttime tours of forests where Morelull live are popular.
Returning to the camp, it's evident that Lillie and Trenor are now feeling hungry due to all their efforts throughout the day. Realizing this, we decide to prepare a meal for ourselves while the others have already fallen asleep.
As we engage in training with Popplio, our exercises lead to creating bubbles that envelop our heads. Selene observes and jests, "Now you all resemble Dewpider."
"Indeed, that's spot on," Lillie comments while holding the bubble-formed balloon. Suddenly, amidst our amusement, a popping sound interrupts the moment. We turn our attention to find a Dewpider nearby, visibly distressed and struggling without the characteristic water bubble atop its head, making it difficult for the Pokémon to breathe.
"Oh no!" Reacting swiftly, Lillie and I rush to aid the distressed Dewpider. Jumping into the water, we create water helmets, allowing us to breathe underwater.
"Are you okay, Dewpider?" Lillie asks with concern as the Dewpider starts to regain consciousness.
However, upon waking, the Dewpider appears to blush before swiftly swimming away. It becomes evident that the Dewpider is feeling jealous, particularly of Snowy and Pikachu, who are close to Lillie. In its jealousy, the Dewpider tries to attack them with Bubble attacks, initiating a conflict. I intervene, urgently shouting, "Stop it! Everyone, cease!" Trying to diffuse the tension and prevent further conflict.
After calming the situation with Dewpider and ensuring its well-being, we bid it a farewell. Assuring our friends that Dewpider is alright now, everyone seems intrigued by our ability to breathe underwater using the water helmets.
Upon their requests, we ask Popplio to create water helmets for the others as well. As everyone marvels at their newfound ability to breathe underwater, the same Dewpider reappears, prompting curiosity among us.
Unexpectedly, Zoroark, inquisitive about the water bubble, accidentally pops it. This unforeseen event leaves us surprised and momentarily breathless, halting our underwater exploration abruptly.
As Dewpider tries to attack Zoroark after its water bubble is accidentally popped, there's a swift call for action to get it back into the water. However, Dewpider manages to create another bubble on its own.
Lillie, recognizing the misunderstanding, addresses Dewpider, saying, "Dewpider, I'm sorry about that. Zoroark didn't mean any harm."
The Dewpider blushes again and affectionately nuzzles Lillie, exhibiting signs of fondness towards her. Trenor speculates, "Do you think Dewpider likes Lillie because she's wearing that helmet?"
"It's possible," I respond, considering the connection. However, when Lillie intentionally pops the bubble balloon this time, the Dewpider becomes confused and agitated, launching attacks randomly in its confusion, targeting anything in sight.
"Stop, Dewpider!" I urgently call out, attempting to halt the confusion-driven attacks. However, amidst the chaos, Dewpider's attack inadvertently strikes Surskit, provoking the usually calm Pokémon, now visibly angered and retaliating against Dewpider.
The situation escalates as Surskit, driven by its anger, attempts to counterattack Dewpider in retaliation for being struck accidentally. Lillie yells, "Dewpider! Watch out!"
In the heat of the confrontation, Dewpider swiftly dodges Surskit's initial attack before eventually enduring the following strike. Responding with resilience, Dewpider executes Mirror Coat, countering Surskit's assault and reflecting the attack back at it. The intense exchange triggers a significant evolution in Surskit, transforming it into Masquerain, however, Masquerain just flees, and to thank us, Dewpider decides to join our team.
Dewpider: The Water Bubble Pokemon: Water and Bug Type. When two Dewpider meet, they display their water bubbles to each other. Then the one with the smaller bubble gets out of the other's way.
And while we're also doing some training, Pikipek also evolves into Trumbeak, it has become stronger and we're happy for him.
Trumbeak: The Bugle Beak Pokemon: Normal and Flying Type. Evolve from Pikipek at LV:14. It eats berries and stores their seeds in its beak. When it encounters enemies or prey, it fires off all the seeds in a burst.
Here is a new chapter, this chapter is still in Brooklet Hill as we have some new Pokemon for Ash and Lillie to capture. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be the Royal Avenue.
Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:
Charizard, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Rattata (Alolan), Pikachu, Raichu (Alolan), Vulpix (Alolan), Meowth (Alolan), Grimer (Alolan), Lapras, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Steelix (Crystal), Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Togekiss, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Zoroark, Hydreigon, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Rowlet, Litten, Popplio, Trumbeak, Yungoos, Grubbin, Crabrawler, Oricorio, Cutiefly, Rockruff x3, Wishiwashi, Mareanie, Mudbray, Dewpider, Fomantis, Morelull, Magearna (Shiny), Kleavor