Hi guys, I hope you like this chapter, I know it left this fic a while ago but now I found time for myself to write again.
Chapter 5. Prey of my curiosity
The next morning, Chloe stepped out of her house, dressed in her research outfit. She had taken Ash's advice to heart and made sure to wear suitable attire for their upcoming expedition to the murky forest. As she locked the door behind her, doubts still lingered in her mind, questioning whether joining Ash and Goh on this journey was the right decision.
Her footsteps echoed on the quiet street as she made her way to the bus station se she can go to the meeting point at Professor Oak's lab. She couldn't shake off the lingering thoughts about Ash's playful comment from the previous day. It added another layer of complexity to her decision to join the expedition.
"What am I getting myself into? A murky forest sounds daunting, to say the least. But Ash seemed so confident about it. I hope I can handle whatever comes our way." Chloe muttered to herself while walking to the bus station that will take her to pallet town.
When Chloe arrived at the bus station, she spotted Goh already waiting there, his eyes fixed on the approaching bus. As she approached him, a friendly smile spread across Goh's face, mingled with a hint of surprise. "Chloe, you made it! I didn't expect you to be so early." Goh exclaimed.
"I wanted to make sure I didn't miss the bus. After all it's a long trip to Unova." She replied while sitting on the bench next to him.
Goh's surprise was evident, and he couldn't help but inquire about Chloe's decision to join their expedition.
"I must admit, I was a little surprised when Ash mentioned that you were coming along. What made you change your mind?" Goh exclaimed knowing very well how Chloe don't this very often.
Chloe's face flushed slightly, her voice tinged with a mix of determination and a hint of vulnerability.
"It took some thinking, but I realized that this journey is an opportunity for growth" She replied trying to convince him. Goh knew she wasn't telling the whole truth, but he just accepted it.
"That's fair enough, Chloe. I think this journey will bring you countless new experiences and help you uncover your hidden potential." Goh replied with confidence.
Chloe's gaze shifted towards the approaching bus, her anxiety growing with each passing moment.
As the bus pulled up to the station, its doors opening with a loud hiss, Chloe and Goh boarded, finding seats together. Chloe knew this was the beginning of this trip, a difficult one.
As the bus rolled on, carrying Chloe and Goh closer to Pallet town, Chloe's mind continued to wander. She couldn't help but feel a growing curiosity about Ash and the adventures he had experienced. The more she thought about it, the more she wanted to know about his journey.
Chloe turned to Goh, her eyes filled with intrigue.
"Goh, can you tell me more about Ash's adventures? I'm really curious about the places he's been and the challenges he's faced." Chloe asked her childhood friend
Goh smiled, happy to share his knowledge and experiences.
"Sure, Chloe! Ash has been on some incredible journeys. He's traveled across various regions, competed in Pokémon battles, and formed deep bonds with his Pokémon along the way. It's always exciting to hear him talk about his encounters with legendary Pokémon and the friends he's made." Goh explained her.
Chloe listened intently; her interest piqued by Goh's words. She could sense the admiration and respect he had for Ash, and it only fueled her curiosity further.
"You think Ash its someone could lead us through this research's?" Chloe asked him
"Absolutely! Ash has this incredible ability to connect with Pokémon and bring out the best in them. He's always eager to learn and improve, and he never backs down from a challenge. I've learned a lot from him, both as a trainer and as a friend." Goh explained why he admired his partner.
Chloe found herself captivated by Goh's words. The way he spoke about Ash revealed a deep bond between them, a camaraderie forged through shared experiences and mutual respect.
"It's clear that Ash has made a significant impact on your journey as well. I'm grateful to be a part of this team and have the chance to learn from both of you." Chloe stated.
Goh smiled warmly, appreciating Chloe's sentiment.
"And we're glad to have you, Chloe. Your skills, knowledge will undoubtedly contribute to our research. Plus, it's always more enjoyable to embark on an adventure with friends." Goh exclaimed.
As the bus continued its journey through the picturesque countryside, Chloe found herself gazing out of the window, taking in the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape. The rolling hills, lush greenery, and vibrant wildflowers seemed to echo the sense of possibility and adventure that filled her heart.
With each passing mile, Chloe's initial doubts about joining the expedition began to fade. This journey through the Unova region was an opportunity for her to break free from her comfort zone and embrace the unknown.
"Maybe Ash was onto something. Stepping out of my comfort zone might lead me to amazing experiences and opportunities for growth. I owe it to myself to give it a chance" Chloe muttered to herself.
The bus finally came to a stop, and the group disembarked, greeted by the crisp air and the scent of nature. Chloe took a deep breath, savoring the freshness and allowing it to energize her.
As Chloe and Goh arrived in Pallet Town, they were immediately struck by the town's charming simplicity. The quaint houses lined the streets, and the scent of blooming flowers filled the air. It was a stark contrast to the bustling cities they had visited before, and Chloe couldn't help but appreciate the tranquil atmosphere.
Following Goh's lead, they made their way to Professor Oak's lab, eager to begin their research and further explore the world of Pokémon. The lab stood nestled in the top of a hill, its white walls gleaming in the sunlight. Chloe couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as they approached the building.
Upon entering the lab, they were greeted by Tracey, Professor Oak's cheerful and knowledgeable assistant. Tracey's eyes lit up with excitement as he saw the group.
"Welcome to the Pallet Town Pokémon Lab! I'm Tracey, Professor Oak's assistant. It's great to have you all here. Professor Oak is eagerly awaiting your arrival." Tracey told hem with a warm smile.
Chloe smiled warmly, appreciating Tracey's friendly demeanor.
"Thank you, Tracey. We're excited to be here and contribute to the research efforts. Professor Oak's work is renowned, and we're honored to have this opportunity." Chloe stated with a respect and courtesy.
"Its my pleasure, now if you can follow me, I will guide with Ash and Professor Oak who are in the ranch" Tracey told them.
They followed Tracey through the lab's corridors, passing by shelves filled with books, research papers, and various Pokémon-related equipment. The air was filled with an air of intellectual curiosity and dedication to the study of Pokémon.
As Chloe, Goh, and Tracey stepped out of the lab, they were greeted by an unexpected sight. The area surrounding the lab was teeming with Pokémon, creating an atmosphere of excitement and wonder. Pokémon of various shapes, sizes, and colors dotted the landscape, engaging in playful interactions and displaying their unique characteristics.
Among the multitude of Pokémon, a large group of Tauros caught their attention. The majestic Pokémon, known for their strength and wild nature, were energetically charging through the fields, their hooves pounding against the earth. Their powerful presence was awe-inspiring, and Chloe couldn't help but be captivated by the sight.
"Tracey, this is incredible! How did all these Pokemon from different regions end up here in Pallet Town?" Chloe asked amazed of the population of the ranch. Tracey smiled warmly, happy to answer.
"All of these Pokémon belong to Ash. He's caught them during his travels to different regions."
Chloe's jaw dropped in astonishment as Tracey's statement sank in. She turned to Goh, seeking confirmation.
"Goh, did you hear that? Tracey just said that all these Pokemon around here are from Ash! But how is that possible? Chloe exclaimed in shock.
Goh nodded, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"That's right, Chloe. Ash's journey as a Pokemon trainer has taken him far and wide, to various regions and countless adventures. Along the way, he's formed deep bonds with Pokemon from different places, capturing their spirits and bringing them back to his hometown." Goh explained her since he knew this since he met him.
Chloe was impressed. She had always known Ash was a talented trainer, but she had no idea he had caught so many different Pokémon.
Suddenly, a loud flapping of wings could be heard, and Chloe's heart skipped a beat as a massive Charizard landed in front of them. Chloe's eyes widened with fear at the sight of the huge dragon-like Pokémon.
As the dust settled, Chloe realized that Ash was perched atop Charizard's back, a wide grin on his face. Despite her initial fear, she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief knowing that Ash was in control of the situation.
Ash: "Hey, Chloe! Sorry for the surprise entrance. Meet Charizard, my loyal partner and one of my strongest Pokémon."
Chloe's fear began to subside as she listened to Ash's calm and friendly voice. She mustered up the courage to respond, albeit a little hesitantly.
Chloe: "H-Hello, Charizard. Nice to meet you."
Charizard let out a deep, rumbling growl in response, its eyes meeting Chloe's briefly before turning back to Ash.
Chloe was still stunned by the sight of Ash and Charizard. She had never seen anything like it before. She gathered her wits and stammered, "Y-you ride Charizard? That's... incredible!"
Ash grinned, "Yeah, Charizard and I have been through a lot together. He's one of my oldest and strongest Pokémon."
"I guess you picked up what Professor Oak asked you," Tracey asked Ash.
Ash grinned and proudly held up a bag containing a cluster of mysterious berries.
"Yeah, I got these rare berries that he asked for," Ash exclaimed, excitement evident in his voice. "I have to say, I've never seen this type of berry before. They must be something special."
Chloe leaned in to get a closer look at the berries, but she couldn't since Ash didn't let her to see it.
"Professor Oak told me that a contact of his specifically asked for a batch of these berries to create a formula for an experiment," Tracey informed Ash, his eyes filled with intrigue. "That's why he asked Professor Cherise to send you to deliver them."
Ash's curiosity was piqued. He had always been eager to assist in any research or experiment related to Pokémon.
"An experiment? That sounds interesting! I wonder what kind of formula they're working on and how these berries play a part in it." Ash exclaimed.
Chloe listened attentively, her interest growing as she realized the impact their delivery could have on ongoing research.
"All right guys I'm ready so we leave for the airport, both pf you are ready?" He asked the pair. "I'm ready as always, I hope I can catch more of the Unovan Pokemon, I need to keep extending my rooster" Goh replied with confidence.
Meanwhile, Chloe couldn't shake off the underlying anxiety she felt about the mission. While she wanted to appear confident and capable, a small voice of doubt whispered in the back of her mind. She took a deep breath, "I'm ready too."
"All right then let's go guys" Ash exclaimed with Pikachu.
Four hours later, the trio found themselves aboard the airplane, soaring through the skies en route to Nimbasa City in the Unova region. Chloe's initial excitement was overshadowed by her growing anxiety as the plane started to encounter turbulence. The sudden jolts and shaking sent waves of fear coursing through her, but she was determined to maintain a brave facade.
Chloe clasped her hands tightly in her lap, her knuckles turning white as the turbulence continued. She cast furtive glances at Ash and Goh, both seemingly unfazed by the erratic movement of the aircraft.
Ash noticed Chloe's unease and gently placed a hand on her shoulder, offering reassurance.
"Hey, Chloe, it's okay. Turbulence is just a normal part of flying. The plane's built to handle it. We're perfectly safe." Ash told her.
Chloe opened her eyes, finding solace in Ash's comforting presence. His words began to soothe her frayed nerves, even if only slightly.
"I know, but it's hard not to feel scared" She replied still shaking on nervousness.
"You know, you can grab my hand if you're really scared," Ash teased Chloe playfully, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Chloe rolled her eyes, determined to maintain her composure.
"Don't be ridiculous, Ash. I don't need to hold anyone's hand. I can handle this."
But just as the words left her lips, another sharp jolt of turbulence shook the plane. Chloe's heart leaped into her throat, and her bravado vanished in an instant. Without thinking, she let out a startled scream and tightly gripped Ash's hand, her fingers digging into his palm.
"Okay, maybe I could use a little support right now!" Chloe replied in terror.
Ash's playful smirk faded, replaced with genuine concern as he squeezed Chloe's hand reassuringly.
"It's okay, girl. After flying in the back of a Lugia while battling a lot of giant Pokémon, this is fun," Ash reassured Chloe, his voice tinged with excitement. He couldn't help but reminisce about his past adventures, his eyes shining with the thrill of those exhilarating moments.
Chloe glanced at Ash, momentarily forgetting her fear as she listened to his words. The image of Ash riding on the back of a legendary Lugia while facing off against colossal Pokémon captivated her imagination. It was a stark contrast to her own current experience, which seemed minor in comparison.
Meanwhile, Goh glance at them he just rolled his eyes and tried to sleep again.
As Chloe stirred from her light slumber, she found herself in a dimly lit cabin. Most of the passengers were fast asleep, their soft snores creating a peaceful ambiance. Her gaze shifted to her hand, which was still firmly held by Ash's. A gentle blush crept onto her cheeks as she realized he had kept his promise and continued to hold her hand.
Chloe couldn't help but feel a warm surge of gratitude and fondness for Ash. In that quiet moment, she realized that his actions spoke louder than words. He had stayed true to his word, providing her with a source of comfort and reassurance throughout the flight. It was a simple gesture, yet it held great significance to her.
She gently pulled her hand away, not wanting to disturb his sleep.
"He did what he said, he still held my hand so I could calm myself. It's little acts like these that make me realize how much he cares." She said to herself, she was so confused at that moment, she really thought there was something more between each other.
As the plane touched down on the runway, Chloe, Ash, and Goh eagerly made their way off the aircraft. Stepping onto the solid ground, they were greeted by the vibrant energy of Nimbasa City. Ash couldn't contain his excitement as he spread his arms wide, presenting the bustling metropolis to his companions.
"All right, guys! Welcome to Nimbasa City," Ash exclaimed with a wide grin. "This place is incredible!"
hloe and Goh stood in awe, their eyes wide as they took in the sprawling cityscape. The streets were adorned with bright lights, casting a mesmerizing glow over the bustling shops, amusement parks, and towering buildings that surrounded them.
"Wow, Ash, I never imagined Nimbasa City would be this impressive" Chloe explained while looking around the city.
"You're right, Chloe! This place is amazing! It's a perfect hub for Pokémon research. I can't wait to start capturing all the unique Pokémon species that thrive in this city." Goh exclaimed.
As they ventured further into the heart of Nimbasa City, they were greeted by the lively sounds of laughter, music, and the whirring of amusement park rides. The aroma of delicious food wafted through the air and a lot of people chatting while shopping.
"Alright, guys, according to Tracey, we should first find one of Professor Juniper's assistants to get instructions," Ash reminded them, his excitement bubbling over. "Great, but how are we going to find them? This place is huge!" Goh exclaimed, scanning the bustling city streets.
Chloe's eyes darted across the vibrant cityscape until they landed on a large, imposing building on the other side of the street. "Well, if my father worked here, he'd probably be in that big building over there," she suggested, pointing towards the towering lab.
Ash's face lit up with enthusiasm at Chloe's suggestion. "Hey, that's a great idea! Let's head over there and ask for directions.
Upon reaching the entrance of the lab, they were greeted by a friendly assistant who welcomed them inside. The interior was a hive of activity, with scientists and researchers bustling about, engrossed in their work.
"Excuse me, we're looking for one of Professor Juniper's assistants. We were told they could provide us with some instructions." Chloe explained him.
The assistant smiled warmly. "You're in the right place! Professor Juniper's lab is a hub of research and knowledge. Let me guide you to one of her assistants."
With the assistant's guidance, they navigated through the lab's corridors until they reached a spacious room where several assistants were busy with their tasks. One of them, a young researcher named Emma, greeted them with a friendly smile.
"Hello there! How can I assist you today? Are you in need of Professor Juniper's guidance?"
Ash nodded eagerly. "That's right! We're here to carry out a research assignment for Professor Oak, about these berries he asked us to deliver."
"Oh, yeah," Emma confirmed with a nod. "Professor Juniper informed us about your arrival and the delivery. These berries are essential for Professor Maple's research on a potential new species of Pokémon. She believes that the serum derived from these berries might hold the key to unlocking the genetic potential of this mysterious Pokémon."
The trio listened intently, their eyes widening with excitement. The prospect of encountering a completely new species of Pokémon was exhilarating, especially for Goh, whose ambition was to catch every known Pokémon.
Goh's voice filled with awe and enthusiasm. "A new species? That's huge news! Meeting and capturing Pokémon that have never been seen before is what drives me on my journey. I can't wait to witness the discovery of this potential new Pokémon firsthand."
"All right kids you should deliver the berries to Professor Maple who is in cientifc outpost in the Lush Forest outside of the city and route 9, you should find him and deliver the berries to him" Emma explained their objective.
"No problem, Miss Emma, consider it done. Let's go, guys," Ash promised the assistant before leaving the laboratory. The other two also left to follow him.
"Alright, Ash. So where are we supposed to go now?" Goh asked for directions, since he had already been in the region and logically should know the roads or the fastest routes. Both of them waited for Ash's response, but to their dismay, they received a different kind of answer. "Honestly, I have no idea," Ash said, laughing shamelessly. His companions fell to the ground upon hearing this. How could it be that he had no idea where to go?
"Hey, how are we supposed to complete the mission if we can't find Professor Maple?" Chloe said angrily. "Don't worry, Chloe, he told us he's on Route 9. I don't know exactly where, but I guess we'll have to find out. So let's go," Ash said with full confidence.
"Well, I suppose it'll be an interesting journey," Goh exclaimed, agreeing with Ash's plan. On the other hand, Chloe didn't feel secure about that mentality; she always liked to have a plan for what she did and didn't like improvising.
Ash noticed the girl's insecurity and wanted to reassure her that everything would be fine on this mission. "Hey... don't worry. I know this area; we'll avoid dangerous places and find the professor without any problems. Trust me."
Despite her doubts, Chloe felt a little more at ease hearing Ash's confident words. What really reassured her was looking into his eyes and seeing his warm smile. It was the kind of smile that sometimes annoyed her but also made her feel safe. "Alright, I suppose you should know more than anyone about this," she conceded.
"Very well, then let's head to Route 9. Let's go!" Ash exclaimed excitedly, his enthusiasm contagious. He immediately took off running towards the east exit of the city, Goh following close behind him.
Chloe, still a bit hesitant but now more confident in their journey, took a deep breath and followed after them. She couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness about the unknown adventure ahead.
The city's vibrant energy gradually faded as they approached the outskirts, and the path to Route 9 became clearer. The landscape began to change, with the urban environment giving way to more natural surroundings. Trees lined the path, and the sound of distant Pokémon filled the air.
"So, what do we know about Professor Maple?" Goh asked, breaking the silence as they walked.
"Well, to be honest, I hadn't heard of him before, or at least I haven't seen him in the regions I've visited," Ash replied without hesitation. "According to the extranet, this professor is one of the most renowned anthropologist researchers."
"So, what does he do?" Goh asked, not knowing what his title meant.
"They're researchers who explore ancient ruins and search for rare Pokémon to study, Goh," Chloe responded, a bit annoyed by her childhood friend's ignorance.
"Then I guess he travels a lot. He must have seen many rare Pokémon," Ash exclaimed excitedly.
"Yes, it seems he's from a place in the region of... Torren," Chloe said, sharing what she found on the Extranet.
"No idea, I've never heard of that place," Ash admitted.
"Guys, hold on, my Rotom Dex is receiving a signal. I think it's a message," Goh exclaimed, grabbing his friends' attention. When he opened the message, it was an email.
"I think it's from Professor Maple, but how did he get my email?" Goh asked, confused.
"Maybe Miss Emma sent it to him so he could find us," Chloe responded logically.
"Well, open the email. It must be important," Ash urged him.
When Goh opened the email, it contained a short message and a location.
"We were informed of your arrival to deliver the compound created by Emma. We need it to be able to attract it. Hurry before it moves to another location."
Along with the email, there was a link marking the professor's position and where they needed to go.
"Well, at least now we know where to go. According to this, he's 10 miles from where we are now," Chloe said.
"We have to leave the path and head into the hills over here," Goh said, explaining their route.
"Well, let's not waste time. We need to hurry to get back before nightfall. So, let's go!" Ash exclaimed excitedly, along with Pikachu.
"I guess this is what Ash likes. I hope it's worth it. I have to stop looking into his eyes, he's going to realize he really makes me nervous," Chloe thought before following the two into the vegetation.
Well, guys, many people, including myself, thought I wouldn't continue this, but if there are still people interested in this fic, I hope you liked it. Please comment; it helps me keep writing.