Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon. It belongs to Nintendo and Game Freak.
Hi all,
Here's the next chapter. Ash journeys across the floor to reach Azalea Town.
Chapter 6
Ash travelled through the labyrinthine paths of the landfill. Towering mountains of discarded machinery loomed on either side, their jagged silhouettes etched against the pallid sky like the teeth of some monstrous beast. Blitz hovered silently ahead, his single eye constantly scanning for threats.
Every muscle in Ash's body was taut with tension, his senses hyper-alert to the slightest sound or movement. The weight of his mum's illness pressed heavily on his mind, urging him to maintain a brisk pace. Yet he knew that haste could be deadly in this treacherous landscape. A moment's inattention could mean stumbling into the path of a wild Pokemon.
As they neared the western edge of the landfill, Ash's steps slowed. Ahead lay the pit, a massive depression in the earth that served as both a graveyard for discarded vehicles and a hunting ground for the Steelix that called it home. On several occasions, he had scavenged for valuable parts around its edges, but it wasn't something he did lightly.
He could hear the sounds of human activity before he reached the edge.
"Bloody hell," Ash muttered, crouching behind a mound of twisted metal. "I'd forgotten that it's garbage day."
Garbage was landfilled on the first floor every month. It always piqued the interest of scavengers such as himself, and there was competition to find the best new items.
A scene of controlled chaos unfolded. Massive trucks reversed towards the edge of the pit. The cacophony of metal striking metal filled the air as cars were unceremoniously landfilled into the pit.
It was the Steelix that truly commanded attention. The colossal Steel-types, their segmented bodies easily the length of three trucks, writhed in agitation as they watched the crew at work. As another wave of vehicles cascaded into their territory, the largest of the Steelix let out a roar of defiance.
Several figures emerged from the trucks, their stance betraying a wary confidence that spoke of experience with such encounters. With practised motions, they reached for pokeballs at their belts. In a series of flashes, an array of Fire-type Pokemon materialised.
Ash's eyes widened as he took in the assembled team. Most of the Pokemon were unfamiliar to him, but among them stood a Blaziken. The sight of such a rare and powerful Pokemon made Ash burn with envy. He had previously seen the Pokemon in a magazine and had always wanted to own one.
He still wasn't sure if his team would consist entirely of Steel-type Pokemon or if he would mix other types in there as well. Nothing prevented him from doing so, but he wouldn't receive the same benefits as the Pokemon who shared his affinity. He assumed there were plenty of Steel-type Pokemon out there with a second typing to compensate for their weaknesses. All four Steel-type Pokemon he encountered on the first floor possessed them.
Ash was pulled from his thoughts as the trainers barked out commands. Their Pokemon sprang into action, charging forward to engage the enraged Steelix. Flames erupted across the battlefield as the Fire-types unleashed their attacks, leaving scorch marks along the Steelix's hides.
For a moment, it seemed the trainers had the upper hand. But then the largest Steelix's tail lashed out with lightning speed, taking one of the smaller Fire-types by surprise and sending it flying into a pile of crushed cars. The Pokemon struggled to its feet, clearly shaken.
The other Steelix were emboldened by their leader's attack and pressed their advantage. One demonstrated impressive agility, coiling its body and leaping upward, its massive jaws snapping shut just inches from a flying Fire-type. The Pokemon retaliated with a powerful strike, which sent it crashing back to the ground.
The Blaziken moved with incredible speed and grace, its powerful legs propelling it across the battlefield. It unleashed a devastating kick that sent one of the smaller Steelix reeling backwards. For a moment, the Steel-type writhed in pain. But then its eyes narrowed, and it slammed its tail into the ground, kicking up a cloud of sand and debris that momentarily obscured the battlefield.
Ash watched in awe as the largest Steelix reared up, towering over the trucks. With a sound like tearing metal, it brought its full weight down on the nearest truck. The vehicle crumpled like paper beneath the Steelix's mass, its frame twisting and buckling. The driver, who had foolishly remained in the cab, leapt clear at the last second, rolling across the ground before scrambling to his feet and fleeing in terror.
"I am coming back to catch this Steelix at some point," Ash breathed.
Despite their type advantage, the sheer number and ferocity of the Steelix were beginning to overwhelm the Fire-Types. One by one, the Pokemon began to show signs of fatigue, their movements becoming slower and less coordinated. Even the Blaziken, for all its power and skill, was panting heavily as it dodged another crushing attack from a Steelix.
The sight of their Pokemon's struggles seemed to shake the resolve of the trainers. Ever since the Steelix gained the ascendancy, they hadn't participated in the fight. Perhaps they were intimidated and didn't want to get too close to the behemoths. One by one, they recalled their battered partners, the flashes of red light a stark contrast to the chaos around them. They abandoned their vehicles, sprinting away from the pit and leaving the remaining Pokemon to struggle by themselves.
The Steelix, sensing victory, redoubled their assault on the abandoned trucks. Metal shrieked and glass shattered as they tore into the vehicles, venting their fury on the inanimate intruders.
"Bloody hell," Ash whispered, his heart pounding in his chest. "What I wouldn't give for that kind of power."
But there was no time for daydreaming. The chaos below presented an opportunity— he might be able to slip past unnoticed while they were distracted.
"Right then," Ash said. "We'll descend into the pit. If we're quick enough, we can get to the other side before the Steelix finishes their fight."
Blitz beeped softly in acknowledgement.
Ash began his descent into the pit, his footsteps careful and measured on the uneven terrain. The cacophony of battle continued to rage in the distance, a symphony of screeching metal and thunderous roars. Every instinct told him to turn and look, to continue watching the incredible display of power, but he dared not stop.
Blitz hovered silently beside him, its single eye darting back and forth, ever vigilant. They weaved through the labyrinth of crushed vehicles, using the twisted metal husks as cover.
As they neared the halfway point of the pit, Ash felt a sudden shift in the atmosphere. A strange energy pulsed through the air, barely perceptible but undeniably present. He paused, his brow furrowing in concentration as he tried to pinpoint its source.
Blitz, however, needed no such deliberation. With an excited bleep, the Magnemite suddenly shot off, diving between the wrecked cars with surprising speed.
"Blitz!" Ash hissed, his eyes widening in alarm. "Get back here!"
But his command fell on deaf ears. The Magnemite continued its frantic search, completely ignoring Ash's increasingly urgent whispers. Cursing under his breath, Ash had no choice but to follow, acutely aware that every second spent in this dangerous place increased their chances of discovery.
He found Blitz hovering near a carefully constructed barrier of cars, its eye fixed on something hidden behind the makeshift wall. As Ash approached, the energy he'd sensed earlier grew stronger, pulsing with an almost tangible rhythm.
Ash pushed aside a crumpled door panel, and his breath caught in his throat. There, hidden from view, lay the massive form of a dead Steelix. Its metallic hide, once gleaming and impenetrable, was now dull and lifeless. But the air around it shimmered with energy, rising from the corpse in barely visible waves.
"Bloody hell," Ash whispered, his mind racing as he processed the sight before him. "This is why they were so agitated. It's a prime cultivating resource."
He'd heard tales of such things but had never seen one himself. Pokemon weren't like cultivators; they couldn't absorb energy into themselves on their own. They either borrowed energy from their trainer or relied on other resources to level up and grow stronger.
And the most potent of these resources? The energy that dissipated from the bodies of high-level Pokemon upon their deaths. When they died, their bodies released all their accumulated energy into the environment, a process that could take weeks or even months, depending on how much energy they contained.
Blitz spun in excited circles around the Steelix's head, clearly eager to begin absorbing the energy. As a fellow Steel-type, it stood to benefit greatly from this windfall. Ash couldn't even begin to imagine what level Blitz might reach if it absorbed all of it.
For a moment, Ash was sorely tempted. The power contained within this single Steelix could catapult Blitz's strength to unimaginable heights. But reality quickly reasserted itself, and he shook his head with a grimace.
"We don't have the time or means to take it," he said softly to Blitz. "We need to get out of here and make it to Azalea Town. Mum's counting on us."
Blitz's eye dimmed slightly, a clear sign of disappointment, but it dutifully returned to Ash's side. They turned to leave, but suddenly Ash felt a strange sensation deep within his core. The Steelium Core began to spin rapidly.
To his astonishment, he felt the energy from the Steelix being drawn into his core. Ash gasped as an excerpt from the cultivation book surfaced in his mind. He wanted to smack himself for forgetting such a crucial detail.
"The Steelium Core has the ability to absorb and store Steel-type energy!"
Although this stored energy couldn't benefit him personally, he could use it to empower his Pokemon.
Even with this knowledge, Ash was reluctant to linger. The pit was far too dangerous to remain in any longer than absolutely necessary. But as if responding to his thoughts, the core began to spin even faster. Energy rushed into his body at an astonishing rate, far quicker than he would have believed possible.
Before Ash could fully process what was happening, he realised he had absorbed all of the Steelix's residual energy. Blitz spun around him in excitement.
Just as Ash was about to marvel at this unexpected turn of events, he noticed something that made his blood run cold. The sounds of battle, which had been a constant backdrop to their journey across the pit, had suddenly ceased.
"Time to go," Ash said urgently. "Now, Blitz!"
Without waiting for a response, Ash broke into a run. Blitz zoomed alongside him as they raced towards the far side of the pit. They weaved through the maze of wrecked vehicles with desperate speed, all thoughts of stealth abandoned in the face of their pressing need to escape.
Ash's lungs burned, and his legs ached, but he pushed on relentlessly. The edge of the pit loomed tantalisingly close, promising safety if they could just reach it in time.
Behind them, they heard the first ominous rumbles of the returning Steelix. The ground beneath Ash's feet began to tremble.
With a final burst of speed, Ash and Blitz cleared the last obstacle and scrambled up the slope at the pit's edge. They didn't stop running until they had put a considerable distance between themselves and the landfill, the sounds of the Steelix fading into the distance.
Only then did Ash allow himself to slow down, his chest heaving as he gulped in great lungfuls of air. He leaned against a rusted signpost, his mind whirling with the implications of what had just transpired.
They had escaped by the skin of their teeth, but they had also gained an unexpected game-changing advantage.
"Blitz, we're going to change it up," Ash said, straightening up. "Instead of leading the way, you're going to rest on my backpack and focus on cultivating to raise your level."
Without hesitation, Blitz zipped over and settled onto Ash's backpack.
Ash grappled with the unfamiliar task of releasing the energy stored in his core. It was a strange sensation, like trying to pour water from a vessel he couldn't see or touch. But after a few attempts, he felt something click into place.
A small, satisfied smile played across Ash's lips as he sensed the energy beginning to flow from his core to Blitz. He was careful to regulate the stream, ensuring it emerged as a steady trickle rather than a torrent. Overwhelming Blitz with too much power at once could be dangerous, potentially causing more harm than good.
With that problem being solved, Ash set off once more. As he approached the perimeter of the landfill, he encountered the weathered chain link fence that marked its boundary. He scaled the fence, his fingers finding purchase in the rusted metal links. He paused at the top, casting a final glance back at the familiar territory before dropping down on the other side.
The moment his feet touched the ground, Ash felt a palpable shift in his surroundings. Gone was the twisted landscape of scrap and salvage he knew so well. Before him stretched a desolate wasteland, its barren expanse leaving him feeling disconcertingly exposed. He was acutely aware that anyone searching for him would have a clear line of sight.
Squinting against the sun, Ash's gaze was drawn to a distant, sinuous line cutting across the horizon. The river snaked its way through the parched earth like a silver ribbon. It represented both a lifeline and an obstacle in his path to Azalea Town.
Ash retrieved his map from his pocket. He studied it intently, his finger tracing their route as he committed key details to memory. Satisfied with his bearings, he folded the map and tucked it securely away.
He broke into a steady jog, slightly altering his course to head for a toll bridge that he could use to cross the river. It would cost him a small fee, but it was preferable to wading through the vast river teeming with Pokemon.
Ash crossed the river without incident and continued his journey to Azalea Town. He could tell by the sun's position that, unless something unexpected happened, he'd get to his destination before dark.
The trek to the river had been largely uneventful, save for a heart-pounding encounter with a Sandshrew. The Ground-type Pokemon had given chase, forcing Ash into a frantic sprint. Fortunately, the Sandshrew's low-level and sluggish pace had worked in Ash's favour. Blitz had been eager for a scrap, but Ash had refused. With Sandshrew's immunity to Electric attacks, Blitz would have lost his best weapon.
Hours of relentless jogging brought Ash to the edge of a small, marshy swamp. Beyond its murky expanse lay Azalea Town. Ash hesitated, eyeing the unfamiliar environment with trepidation. After thinking it over, he chose to pause Blitz's training for now. They needed to stay focused while dealing with this challenge.
Cautiously, Ash entered the swamp, each step carefully placed to avoid hidden waterholes that could swallow him whole. The air was thick with the scent of stagnant water, decaying vegetation, and noxious gases.
Halfway through the swamp, Ash's vigilance was shattered by a sudden, wet impact on his arm. His eyes widened in horror as he watched the sticky substance rapidly eat through his jacket. With frantic movements, he shrugged off his jacket and threw it to the ground.
Blitz, ever alert, had already spotted the assailant. A crackling Thunder Shock lit up the gloom, revealing their attacker—a Gulpin. Its gelatinous body absorbed the electric attack with minimal effect.
Before Ash could fully process the situation, another glob of corrosive spit whistled past his ear from a different direction. The chilling realisation dawned on him—they were surrounded.
Without a second thought, he broke into a run, all caution abandoned in the face of this new threat. Blitz zoomed behind him, providing cover as best it could.
As Ash tore through the swamp, he could feel the weight of numerous eyes upon him. The sensation of being watched from all sides was maddening, but he forced himself to focus solely on escape. His feet splashed through hidden pools and sank into soft mud, but he pressed on, heedless of the danger beneath each step.
Ash burst from the swamp but continued to sprint for several minutes. His lungs burned, but fear drove him onwards until he was certain he'd put enough distance between himself and the nightmare behind him.
Finally, he slowed to a stop, doubling over with his hands on his knees as he fought to catch his breath. Cautiously, he turned to look back, half-expecting to see a horde of gelatinous pursuers. To his immense relief, the marshy expanse lay still and silent, with no sign of the creatures that had so nearly overwhelmed him.
"That was my best jacket," Ash sighed, a note of genuine regret in his voice despite the absurdity of lamenting a piece of clothing after such a narrow escape. He shuddered involuntarily, his mind conjuring vivid images of what might have been if that corrosive spit had made contact with his skin instead of his jacket.
Pushing the grim thoughts aside, Ash turned his gaze towards his destination. In the distance, a small forest rose from the barren landscape, a welcome sight after the desolate wasteland and treacherous swamp. Nestled within those trees lay Azalea Town—his goal was finally within reach.
As they drew nearer, signs of civilisation began to appear. A road materialised, running parallel to the tree line. He spotted a smaller road branching off from the main one, winding its way into the forest.
Ash followed the road and entered the forest. The dense canopy above provided a welcome respite from the sun, dappling the path with shifting shadows. As he walked, the soft crunch of gravel beneath his feet was accompanied by the gentle rustling of leaves and distant bird calls.
Suddenly, a peculiar sight caught Ash's attention. A Slowpoke was leisurely crossing the road, its vacant expression betraying no sense of urgency or awareness of its surroundings. Blitz, ever-vigilant, prepared for battle, its magnets spinning with anticipation. But the Slowpoke paid them no heed, continuing its unhurried trek across the path as if they weren't even there.
"Stand down, Blitz," Ash murmured.
Ash returned Blitz to his mind palace as they neared the town's outskirts. Blitz didn't mind because he got to continue his training from before. Ash hadn't realised his Pokemon could cultivate energy from within his mind palace, but it made things more convenient.
Azalea Town was a stark contrast to the desolate landscapes Ash had traversed. While it was in noticeably better condition than Oldale Town, the signs of struggle were still evident. The town sprawled before him, easily three times the size of Oldale, with an open market visible towards its centre.
Despite its size, an eerie silence blanketed the town, broken only by the occasional grunt or yawn from the numerous Slowpoke lounging about. Ash frowned, his unease growing. This was supposed to be the hub of trade on the first floor, yet it bore all the hallmarks of abandonment.
"Oi, you there!" a gruff voice called out, startling Ash from his observations.
An old man had appeared seemingly out of nowhere; his weathered face creased with suspicion. "What's your business here?"
"I need antibiotics," Ash explained. "My mum's sick."
The old man's expression softened slightly. He introduced himself as Kurt. Ash returned the courtesy.
"Are antibiotics available here?" Ash asked.
"In the general store, but it's closed."
Kurt's eyes narrowed as he studied Ash carefully. After a brief pause, he motioned for Ash to follow him, setting off at a brisk pace.
The old man led him to the community board. He was about to ask what was going on when he spotted the paper pinned to the board. His and his mum's pictures were prominently displayed, accompanied by a hefty one thousand pokedollar bounty for information on them.
"Dammit," he muttered, berating himself for his naivety. Of course, the red-uniformed people would have come here.
"Best come with me, lad," Kurt said. "My house isn't far."
As they walked, Kurt explained in hushed tones that the town's residents were staying indoors due to the presence of Team Magma, who were investigating the Slowpoke Well.
"Team Magma?" Ash asked. "Do they wear red uniforms?"
Kurt nodded grimly. "Aye, that's them."
"Are they some kind of organisation?"
"They are a bunch of criminals. Everyone is afraid of them."
Ash frowned. Considering Courtney's disposition, it shouldn't surprise him that she was involved with criminals. It only made it even more dangerous for him and his mum. He became anxious as he thought about her alone, with only Aron to protect her.
Kurt noticed his expression. "Don't worry, lad. I'm not going to turn you over to them."
"I'm not worried about that," Ash said. "What's so special about this well?"
Kurt held up a hand. "Hold on, lad. Too many eyes and ears about. Wait till we're inside."
He turned to look at a house on the street. Ash followed his gaze and noticed a curtain twitch. They kept walking until they came to a house that stood out from the others, its condition noticeably better than most. When they entered, a young girl greeted them enthusiastically.
"Grandpa!" she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up before turning curiously to Ash.
"Maizie, this is Ash," Kurt said, his voice warm as he introduced his granddaughter. "Ash, meet Maizie."
Ash smiled. "Hello."
Maizie nodded shyly.
Kurt ushered Ash into a small sitting room. The furniture was worn but well-cared for, and the walls were lined with shelves holding an assortment of strange, colourful spheres.
Kurt leaned back in his chair, his weathered face etched with concern. "We're in a bit of a pickle, lad. The town's going through a water drought. The Slowpoke Well has dried up."
"Slowpoke Well?"
"Aye," Kurt nodded. "It's a reservoir in a cave just outside town. When it rains, water seeps through the cracks and fills it up. For some reason, our town gets an abnormal amount of rain compared to the rest of the floor. But something's caused the reservoir to dry up, and we haven't had rain in two weeks. We rely on that water, you see. The river's too polluted to drink safely."
Ash listened intently as Kurt continued, "The townsfolk investigated but couldn't find the cause. When Team Magma got wind of it, they were keen to explore the well themselves. They've been down there for a while and haven't come out yet."
Ash mulled over the information but quickly decided it wasn't his concern. His mum's health was his priority. "I really need those antibiotics. Is there any chance I could meet the general store owner?"
Kurt nodded, rising from his chair. "I'll fetch him for you. Stay put; it's safer here."
As the door closed behind Kurt, silence filled the room. Searching for a topic of conversation, Ash's gaze landed on the colourful spheres lining the shelves.
"What are these for?" he asked, gesturing towards them.
Maizie's face lit up. "Those are apricorns. They're used to make pokeballs. It's how they were made before technology improved them. Grandpa's probably one of only a few people left who knows how to make pokeballs this way."
"Really?"
"Yep! Each colour makes a different type of ball. The red ones make Level Balls, which are great for catching weaker Pokemon."
As Maizie explained further, Ash felt his interest growing. The handcrafted pokeballs could be incredibly useful.
"Do you think your grandfather might be willing to make some for me?" Ash asked, an idea forming in his mind. "They would make a great collector's item."
"Oh, I'm sure he would! Grandpa loves making pokeballs. He always says it's a dying art that needs to be preserved."
While he waited for Kurt to return with the store owner, he continued to chat with Maizie, learning more about the various apricorns and their uses.
Kurt returned, accompanied by a tall, thin man with greying hair and round spectacles.
"Ash, this is Mr. Tanaka, the general store owner," Kurt said.
Mr Tanaka sighed. "I'm afraid I have some bad news, young man. Team Magma robbed my store and cleaned out my entire stock. I won't be able to replenish it until the traders return to town."
Ash felt a surge of anger course through him. Team Magma seemed determined to thwart him at every turn, even if they weren't doing so on purpose. He began pacing the room, his mind racing as he tried to formulate a plan.
He paused mid-stride as something occurred to him. "Mr. Tanaka, where is Team Magma keeping the stolen stock?"
The store owner shrugged helplessly. "I can't say for certain, but if I had to guess, probably outside the cave. Their jeeps are parked there, and they're guarding the entrance."
Ash nodded. "Right. I'm heading to the cave to scope out the situation."
Kurt's eyes widened. "Are you mad, lad? That's far too dangerous. Team Magma isn't to be trifled with."
"I don't have a choice," Ash replied firmly. "My mum needs those antibiotics, and I'm not leaving without them."
Mr. Tanaka wrung his hands nervously. "But what can you possibly do against them? They're a large, organised group with powerful Pokemon."
"I'm not planning on confronting them directly. I just need to have a look at what I'm dealing with."
Kurt exchanged a worried glance with Mr. Tanaka before turning back to Ash. "I can see there's no talking you out of this."
"Not when my mum's life is on the line."
Ash, crouched behind a tree at the town's edge, peered intently through binoculars at the cave entrance. Several jeeps were parked along the road, their interiors stuffed with the stolen items. Two sentries stood guard at the cave's mouth. Above, a pair of Zubats patrolled the skies in lazy circles.
Ash had already surveyed the area and devised a plan. Upon returning to Kurt's residence, he enquired about the availability of tools and machine parts. To his relief, Kurt's shed was a treasure trove of components, a result of his profession. Moreover, the man had amassed an impressive collection of salvaged items from the nearby landfill, providing Ash with the resources needed for his plan.
He needed a distraction—something to draw away the guards and the Pokemon long enough for him to search the vehicles for the antibiotics.
"Alright, Blitz," Ash whispered, releasing the Magnemite from his mind palace. "Time to put our skills to the test."
Working quickly and quietly, Ash used the wire cutters to strip some copper wire. He fashioned a crude antenna, connecting it to a small electronic device he'd grabbed from Kurt's shed. With Blitz's help, he created a makeshift signal disruptor.
"Here's the plan," Ash murmured to Blitz. "We're going to use this to interfere with their radio communications. When they try to investigate, that's our chance to slip in."
Blitz beeped softly in understanding.
Ash activated the device, and almost immediately, he saw the guards react. They fiddled with their earpieces, faces contorted in confusion.
"Now, Blitz," Ash whispered. "Create a distraction over there. Nothing too flashy, just enough to draw their attention."
Blitz zoomed off, keeping low to avoid detection. Moments later, Ash saw small arcs of electricity dancing between the trees. The guards noticed too, their postures tensing.
"Check it out," one of them called to the Zubats. "It could be the source of the interference."
The guards ran after the flying Pokemon as they flew towards Blitz' position.
Ash seized his chance. Keeping low, he darted from his hiding spot towards the nearest jeep. After seeing it was filled with food, he moved on to the next one. It was the third jeep that looked the most promising.
Ash manipulated the liquid metal on his fingertip to create a crude key. He inserted it into the vehicle's lock. As he encountered resistance, he focused intently, willing the metal to shift and conform to the lock's internal mechanism. The key morphed subtly, bypassing each pin with a soft click. After a few tense moments, the key settled fully into place.
Ash twisted the key. The locks disengaged with a satisfying pop.
"Bloody hell, it actually worked," Ash murmured.
He had practised with other locks but its effectiveness still surprised him.
Ash yanked the car door open and dove inside. His hands moved frantically, rifling through boxes and bags strewn across the back seat.
"Come on, come on," he muttered, his voice tight with anxiety. Suddenly, his fingers brushed against a cool, plastic surface. Ash's heart leapt as he pulled out a white medical kit.
He unlatched the kit and scanned its contents. His eyes darted from label to label until—there! Nestled among various medicines was a bottle of antibiotics. A wave of relief washed over him as he snatched the bottle, quickly stuffing it into his pocket.
Just then, he heard shouts in the distance. The guards were returning.
Ash relocked the car and sprinted for the cover of the trees. He didn't stop running until he was well out of sight. When he felt safe enough to slow down, he turned around. No one was following him. Blitz appeared a moment later.
Ash pulled out the bottle of antibiotics, feeling a wave of relief. "We did it, Blitz. Let's go back to Kurt's house."
They'd outsmarted Team Magma, if only for a moment. It was a small victory, but an important one. With the antibiotics secured, he was one step closer to saving his mum.
So, what do you think? In the next chapter, Ash returns to his mother and continues exploring the floor.
Patrons get access to advanced chapters for all of my stories. Read my profile for information on how to join if you are interested.
Thanks for reading.