Chapter 31: Unspoken Feelings
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Two days had passed since they left Poké Tech School, and Ash and his team were settling into a steady rhythm on the road. Days were packed with training, occasional wild Pokémon battles, and lots of focus on building teamwork. Each of his Pokémon was learning new moves and techniques, and Ash felt a growing sense of pride seeing their steady improvement and determination.
As they paused by a quiet pond for lunch, the group fell into light conversation. Brock, looking a little embarrassed and jealous, grumbled, "I still can't believe you kissed Giselle… and got away with it."
Hearing this, Misty's face darkened, and she turned to Ash, her voice tinged with accusation. "Why did you even have to kiss her? Just because she's pretty?"
Ash smirked, a mischievous glint in his eye. "What can I say? She was pretty."
At this, Misty huffed, standing up abruptly and kicking a small stone into the pond. "Fine! I'll go catch some Pokémon," she muttered before marching off into the nearby woods.
Brock raised an eyebrow, watching her go. "What's her deal?" he asked.
Ash chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't worry. You stay here; I'll go make sure she doesn't get lost."
Brock nodded, and Ash headed into the trees, following Misty's trail. After a short walk, he spotted her crouched by a small puddle, talking to an Oddish.
"Can you believe him?" she murmured to Oddish. "Kissing her, and then saying she's pretty like it's no big deal? I mean… I'm pretty too, right?"
Oddish tilted its head and let out a soft "Oddish!" in agreement. Misty's face brightened. "See? I am pretty! He should be paying attention to me, not… some random girl."
As Misty continued her chat, a rustle from the bushes caught Ash's attention. Suddenly, a green vine shot toward Misty. Ash reacted instantly. "Pikachu, Iron Tail—now!"
Pikachu's tail glowed silver as it sliced through the vine, deflecting the attack. Misty spun around, eyes wide with surprise, as she saw Ash and Pikachu standing protectively behind her.
"Stop hiding and come out," Ash called firmly.
A low growl rumbled from the brush, and the leaves parted to reveal an angry Bulbasaur, standing protectively in front of the little Oddish. The Bulbasaur eyed Ash and Pikachu warily, its vines coiling back, ready to defend its friend.
Ash took a step forward, keeping a close eye on the Bulbasaur. "Looks like we've got a bit of a misunderstanding here."
Ash and Pikachu remained on guard, ready for any sudden moves. But before things escalated, Misty stepped forward, holding out her hands in a calming gesture. "Wait, Bulbasaur, you've got it wrong! I wasn't trying to hurt Oddish!" she said gently.
Oddish chimed in with a soft "Oddish, Oddish!" as if trying to reassure its friend. Bulbasaur relaxed a little, giving Misty one last cautious look before turning and disappearing into the trees with Oddish in tow.
Ash turned to Misty, stepping closer. "You really need to watch your surroundings a bit more," he said, half amused and half concerned.
Misty blushed and replied quietly, "Yeah, you're right. Sorry about that."
Ash grinned, a playful glint in his eyes. "But hey, if you wanted my attention, you could've just asked."
Misty's cheeks flushed even deeper. "Wait… you heard all that?"
Ash just smirked, and Misty fumbled for words. "I-I mean, I wasn't… It's not like I meant…"
Ash chuckled, reaching over to gently pinch her cheek. "Misty, Misty… you're adorable, you know that?"
She tried to stammer a response, still flustered. "Even… even cuter than Giselle?"
Ash met her gaze, his expression softening. "Yeah, way cuter than Giselle."
A small, triumphant smile crept onto Misty's face, but it was short-lived as Ash added with a teasing smirk, "So, you're jealous, huh?"
Her face turned beet red, and she playfully swatted him on the arm.
As Misty folded her arms, she huffed, "I am not jealous over some... some dumb girl."
Ash pretended to look disappointed, placing a hand over his heart. "Oh, and here I was just about to kiss you to make you feel a little less jealous."
Misty's face turned an even deeper shade of red. She pouted, mumbling, "You're just making fun of me," and turned to walk away. But before she could take a step, Ash gently caught her hand, pulling her back toward him.
He leaned in and pressed his lips softly to hers. Misty's eyes widened in surprise, but she soon melted into the kiss, responding just as sweetly.
Meanwhile, Pikachu, who had been watching quietly from the ground, let out a small "Pika…" and sighed, as if wondering if his trainer was turning into a bit of a playboy.
After the kiss, Misty stood there, cheeks still flushed, trying to gather her words. But Ash only grinned, saying with a wink, "There. That should make things better." He turned to leave, adding, "Come on, let's catch up to Brock," as she trailed behind him, still bright red.
When they reached Brock, who was sitting by the pond waiting, he glanced up at the two of them. Noticing Misty's flustered expression, he asked, "What took you guys so long? And… Misty, are you okay? You look a bit… red."
Ash smirked, putting an arm around Misty's shoulder. "Oh, Misty just got a little flustered after a wild Bulbasaur attacked her."
Misty, still too embarrassed to look directly at Ash, nodded. "Y-yeah… that's all."
Brock shrugged, chuckling. "Well, let's get going, then."
As the trio set off down the path, Misty finally managed a small, shy smile, glancing at Ash with a new sparkle in her eye.
As they walked along the path, Brock noticed Ash glancing down at his Arc Dex. "Hey, Ash, what are you looking for in there?" he asked.
Ash looked up with a grin. "The map shows there's a small, hidden village nearby."
Misty, now more composed, tilted her head. "A hidden village? Why go there?"
Ash shrugged. "Thought we might find some new Pokémon to catch."
Brock nodded, intrigued. "Alright, where is it, exactly?"
Ash pointed toward the edge of the forest. "It should be just over that way."
Following Ash's lead, they soon arrived at a steep valley, where a single, weathered wooden bridge swayed in the wind. Ash looked at the map, then at the bridge. "The village should be just on the other side of this bridge."
Misty took a step back, eyeing the rickety structure with visible discomfort. "We're supposed to cross that thing? It looks like it's one good gust away from falling apart!"
Brock shared her concern, nodding. "Yeah, I don't know, Ash. That bridge doesn't look too safe."
Ash flashed a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I've got this." Without further explanation, he focused, extending his psychic powers, and, in an instant, he lifted himself, Misty, and Brock into the air, floating them safely over the valley.
When they landed on the other side, Brock was wide-eyed, staring at Ash in disbelief. "What was that?! You have psychic powers?"
Ash grinned modestly. "Yeah, guess you could say that."
Brock's shock turned to amazement. "Just like the Gym Leader from Saffron City? That's incredible!" Then, looking to Misty, he asked, "Wait, why aren't you surprised?"
Misty shrugged. "I saw him do this back in Viridian Forest, but I never thought to ask."
Before they could talk further, Ash interrupted, glancing toward the trees. "Come on, the village should be close."
After a short walk, they finally arrived at a clearing, where a small, rustic cabin stood by a serene pond surrounded by lush trees. Around the pond, various Pokémon were playing and relaxing: Pidgey splashed in the water, Caterpie munched on leaves, and even a few rare Pokémon like Vulpix and Clefairy were gathered near the cabin.
Amidst the Pokémon, a person was sitting on the grass, gently feeding the Pokémon from a basket of berries
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