Chapter 48 Goopool Swamp Part 2
As they venture deeper into the swamp, the thick mist clings to their skin, and the eerie silence is occasionally broken by distant, unidentifiable sounds. Suddenly, they spot a Pokémon assembling itself using fungus. Ash furrows his brow in confusion. "Why are there so many crazy Pokémon inside this swamp?"
Delia chuckles softly. "Well, because this place is spooky and mysterious, of course. What you're seeing is a Slibloo, a Pokémon that consists entirely of fungus."
Ash, intrigued, decides to act. "Then maybe Wraphro can help me out." He sends out his Pokémon, and Gina's eyes widen in admiration.
"You've caught a Wraphro? I'm proud of you, Ash," Gina says, clearly impressed.
Ash smiles but remains focused. "We can talk about it later. Wraphro, use Phantom Grip!"
Wraphro extends its spectral hands, grabbing hold of Slibloo with an eerie grip. Seizing the opportunity, Ash throws a Pokéball, successfully capturing the strange Pokémon. As the battle concludes, Wraphro begins to glow, evolving into a new, more powerful form—Pharobe.
Pharobe: The Mummy Pokémon. Ghost type. Evolved from Wraphro at LV:32. Pharobe were once the loyal servants to ancient Rikotoan desert kings and queens, and now they are regarded as the kings of the pyramids.
Slibloo: The Congregate Pokémon. Poison type. Slibloo are said to be a collective being of fungus gathered together. Even if struck apart, it can reform with ease.
"You know, Pharobe is one of my favorite Pokémon," Gina comments, her tone filled with admiration. "And believe me, it's really helpful—they truly were servants in the past."
Ash nods thoughtfully, appreciating the historical connection. "I see."
As they move forward, the water gradually becomes clearer, sparkling under the faint light filtering through the trees. Ash, puzzled by the sudden change, remarks, "Strange, how come this area is so clean? When we entered the swamp, there was a lot of dirt, and it wasn't exactly the best-smelling place either."
Alice looks around thoughtfully. "I guess it must be the work of that Pokémon." She points ahead, where they see a creature resembling a Kappa near the water's edge.
"That's a Kapplash," Delia explains. "It's known for bringing clean water."
Ash prepares to send out Roobeo, but Gina interjects, "Are you sure that's a good idea? Kapplash is a Water and Psychic type, and Roobeo is Fighting and Ground. You're at a disadvantage."
Ash grins confidently. "Don't worry. I don't care about type advantages."
To everyone's surprise, Roobeo uses Grass Knot and Payback, moves that catch the Kapplash off guard. After a tough battle, Roobeo emerges victorious and begins to glow, evolving into a larger, more powerful form—Roobeop.
Roobeop: The Kickboxing Pokémon. Fighting and Ground type. Evolved from Roobeo at LV:32. Kickboxing masters among Fighting-type Pokémon, Roobeop wander Rikoto searching for an appropriate Roobeo to train as their apprentice.
Kapplash: The Kappa Pokémon. Water and Psychic type. Once thought to be malicious river demons, Kapplash are actually benevolent Pokémon that bring clean water. Many people offer them cucumbers as tokens of appreciation.
After the battle, Gina shakes her head in amazement. "You know, Mother, I'm curious how he won the Alola League..."
Delia smiles, though her expression darkens with a touch of melancholy. "Well, he likes to think outside the box, just like Red..." Her thoughts drift to her husband, and the smile fades into a frown.
Gina suggests that they take a break and go fishing to catch some food. As they cast their lines into the water, Ash suddenly feels a tug and reels in his catch, only to find a fish composed entirely of bones. He stares at it in surprise. "What is this fish?"
Gina takes a closer look and chuckles. "Oh, that's a Skeledeep. I don't think you can eat it. They're ghosts that possess fish bones."
Intrigued, Ash decides to capture the eerie Pokémon. He tosses a Lure Ball, and with a successful click, Skeledeep is added to his team.
Skeledeep: The Fishbone Pokémon. Water and Ghost type. Skeledeep are mainly found in deep water, occasionally surfacing. Because of their appearance, the few times they've been spotted, people have mistaken them for human skeletons.
Despite the unusual catch, they still manage to fish out other Pokémon that can be used as food. However, when they return to their table, they find it in complete disarray—a mess they hadn't expected.
"Ash, did you do this?" Alice asks, her voice tinged with suspicion as she surveys the messy table.
"No, I was fishing with you guys..." Ash replies, shaking his head. "I didn't even go near the table."
Gina, looking around, spots the culprit and points. "I think it must be that Pokémon." Lying on the ground, laughing uncontrollably, is a mischievous-looking troll-like Pokémon. "Trollow, huh? No wonder it's a mess," Delia sighs.
"It should be taught a lesson," Ash says firmly as he sends out Skrabble.
"Use Shatter Gem," Ash commands, handing Skrabble a Steel Gem to power up the attack. Trollow, too caught up in its laughter, doesn't notice the incoming attack and is swiftly defeated. After the battle, Skrabble begins to glow, evolving into Jeweltal.
Jeweltal: The Scarab Pokémon. Bug and Rock type. Evolved from Skrabble at LV:32. Ancient Rikotoan Desert Pharaohs would train Jeweltal to sit atop their crowns, displaying their nobility and protecting them from would-be assassins.
Trollow: The Troll Pokémon. Dark and Fairy type. Trollow often sneaks into human residences, moves objects around, and then hides in a corner to watch as the owners express confusion over the state of their homes.
"So it was just in his nature... I'm glad we stopped him," Ash says, relieved.
After enjoying their dinner, Gina suggests, "Why don't we go to my house? It's located near the graveyard."
Alice hesitates, concern in her voice. "Why would you live there? What if there are ghosts haunting us?"
Gina smiles reassuringly. "Don't worry, with me around, they're friendly." With that, they make their way toward the Spooky Cavern.
As they step inside Gina's house, Ash and Alice are immediately greeted by the sight of numerous Napkid and Skreech lurking in the shadows. The eerie presence of these Ghost-type Pokémon sends a chill down Ash's spine. "Napkid and Skreech? Why are you staying in such a house?" Ash asks, turning to Gina.
Gina smiles reassuringly. "Don't worry about them. They're harmless, but just don't make them cry. Skreech has a move called Ghastly Wail, and it'll hurt our ears if they start crying."
Ash and Alice nod in understanding, quickly sending out their own Ghost-type Pokémon to play with the spectral inhabitants. As they do, one of the Skreech takes a particular liking to Ash, who decides to befriend it. The Skreech eagerly joins Ash's team.
Skreech: The Banshee Pokémon. Ghost type. Skreech's cry is so loud that it can shatter windows. They often cry until they get what they want.
After settling the Pokémon, Ash suddenly realizes something. "Where's Mother?" he asks, looking around.
Gina, unfazed, responds, "Oh, she's probably outside. You see, the real reason I stay at this place is because every day, Dad's soul visits here, and he talks to us quite often."
Ash's eyes widen in shock. Without a second thought, he rushes outside, followed closely by Alice, Pikachu, Gina, and the ghost Pokémon.
As they rush outside, Ash and the others see Delia talking to a spirit hovering near a grave. Delia turns to Ash, her voice gentle. "Here he is, Ash. Come here and meet your father."
Ash sprints toward the grave, his heart pounding. When he reaches it, he sees the spirit of Red, his father, who has an expression of both sadness and joy as he looks at his son. "Ash..."
Tears well up in Ash's eyes as he stares at his father. "Dad, is that really you?" His voice trembles. "Why did you have to go? I missed you so much..."
Red's spirit gazes at Ash with deep sorrow. "I missed you too. If only I had been more careful... you wouldn't have had to suffer."
Red then turns his attention to Alice, floating closer. "You must be Alice. It's good to see Valerie and Wulfric's daughter has grown up to be so beautiful."
Alice blushes slightly, flattered by the compliment. "I'm really flattered, Mr. Ketchum..."
Ash, still emotional, looks back at his father. "Dad, I have so much to tell you... Team Rocket is gone. You can rest in peace now."
Red smiles, a hint of relief in his eyes. "I've heard about it. Thank you, Ash, for avenging me. You really have a pure heart... I'm proud of what you've become. The only regret I have is not being there to see it."
"I know," Ash sighs, the weight of those words sinking in.
Red glances at Delia, who nods back to him. Then, turning to Ash, he says, "Ash, can you do me a favor?"
"Anything, Dad. What can I do for you?" Ash asks earnestly.
Red's spirit brightens slightly. "As you can see, I have three presents for you. The first one is for becoming a trainer, the second is for winning the Alola League, and the third is for when you came to this region. Promise me you'll take care of them."
As he speaks, three gravestones crack open, revealing three Dusk Balls that emerge from within. Ash looks at the Dusk Balls, a mix of emotions washing over him, and he nods firmly. "I will, Dad."
Delia gazes up at the night sky, where a full moon casts its silvery glow over the land. She smiles softly, her eyes reflecting the moonlight. "This is the 150th full moon since you perished... Red, the time has come."
Red nods, understanding. "Thank you, Delia."
Ash, Alice, and Gina watch in confusion, but what happens next leaves them utterly stunned. Delia suddenly transforms back into her true form—Arceus—and lets out a powerful roar. An empty shell of Arceus materializes before them, and Red's spirit floats into it. Once the process is complete, Red emerges, fully restored as a human, and Delia returns to her human form as well.
"Dad?" Ash gasps, unable to believe his eyes. Gina and Alice are equally shocked. "You're... alive again..."
Red smiles warmly and pulls Ash into a tight hug. Delia and Gina join in, sharing a heartfelt family embrace. As the hug ends, Delia's eyes fill with tears of joy, and she cheers, "I did it... I finally revived you..."
Red, deeply moved, kisses Delia, causing her to blush slightly. "Thank you, Delia."
Gina, still amazed, asks, "But how did you do it?"
Delia explains, "Well, I had never done it before, but back in the Hall of Origin, I found a record that detailed how to revive a dead person as a Pokémon like me. To become an Arceus, the gravestone had to be placed in a secluded location, away from others, and it needed to be bathed in the light of the full moon. Different Pokémon require different conditions, but for Arceus, it takes 150 full moons."
Red adds, "So I waited here for 150 months, and I'm glad my patience has paid off. Gina, thank you for staying by my side during all those months."
Gina smiles warmly. "It was no problem at all. I can't wait to share this incredible news with Elena, Wade, Mark, and Insey."
Red looks puzzled. "Who are Mark and Insey?"
Delia gently explains, "Mark and Insey are our adopted children. Mark is from Hoenn; he had a near-death experience because of his birth parents. Insey is from Kanto; she was framed by her parents and banished to Pallet Town."
"I see," Red says, absorbing the information. Then he turns to Ash, a warm smile on his face. "Why don't you open the gifts I gave you?"
Ash nods eagerly and opens the Dusk Balls. Three Ghost-type Pokémon emerge, each one unique and intriguing.
Scrow: The Scarecrow Pokémon. Ghost and Grass type. Legends say that Scrow are abandoned scarecrows inhabited by lost souls. They have found their new purpose in protecting crops from bird Pokémon.
Gaslit: The Will-o-Wisp Pokémon. Ghost and Fire type. Gaslit are said to be the spirits of those who perished in fires. Their burning bodies can shine so brightly that they can blind foes.
Dozand: The Sandman Pokémon. Ghost and Ground type. While Dozand look and act as if they are awake, they are actually in a permanent sleep. They can navigate in the real world while only seeing their dreams.
"Wow, these are so cool. Thanks, Dad," Ash says, his excitement clear.
Red smiles, his eyes full of affection. "It's no big deal."
With that, the family returns to the cabin, ready to enjoy their first true family time together.
The next day, the group finally leaves the Goopool Swamp behind and makes their way to Route 10. As they step onto the coastal path, Alice breathes a sigh of relief, her eyes brightening at the sight of the vast ocean. "At least, there's the ocean again."
Gina smiles, sharing in Alice's relief. "Route 10 is full of ocean. I'm sure you're going to love it."
Ash, turning to his father, asks, "So, Dad, what are you and Mom going to do?"
Red replies, "Delia and I will head back to our castle first. We'll catch up with you in Coralite Town. How does that sound?"
Ash nods with a smile. "Sounds good. Dad, Mom, I'll see you soon."
With that, the couple waves goodbye and leaves, while Ash, Alice, and Gina prepare their surfboards, ready to continue their journey along the beautiful coastline.
Surprise, I decide to make Ash's father revived in the end. And you didn't see that coming, right? But anyways. I hope you like this chapter.
New Pokemon/Evolution: Pharobe, Slibloo, Roobeop, Kapplash, Skeledeep, Jeweltal, Trollow, Skreech, Scrow, Gaslit, Dozand
Goopool Swamp:
Haunted House: Gravole:30% (LV:30~32), Snooze:30% (LV:30~32), Skreech:25% (LV:30~32), Napkid:15% (LV:30~32)