NOVEL WEB Chapter 11: Chapter 11: Sudden Thunder!
Robert leaned against a large oak tree, savoring the peaceful moment as he took a sip of tea. His nearly empty food box rested beside him, the remnants of his meal a reminder of his love for the cuisine from his past life.
"Even though I've lived in the Elf World for over a decade, I still prefer the flavors of my previous life. The food here is delicious, and some even have special effects, but nothing beats the taste of what I grew up with."
His words were met with satisfied sighs from the two small creatures lying on the grass. Charmander and Pidgey, having just finished off all the energy blocks in the food box, lay sprawled out, their bellies full, basking in the warm afternoon sun.
Robert chuckled at their content expressions before stretching out, deciding to take a short nap. He figured he would rest a bit and then search for a good campsite for the night.
A Sudden Disruption
Time passed lazily, the warm sun lulling them into relaxation. But just as Robert was about to drift into slumber, a loud rumble echoed from within the Evergreen Forest, startling him awake.
"Huh? What was that?"
Robert sat up immediately, scanning his surroundings. Seeing no immediate danger, he exhaled in relief. Charmander and Pidgey, equally startled, quickly scrambled to his side, looking up at him with wide, questioning eyes.
"I don't know," Robert muttered. "Maybe—"
Before he could finish his sentence, another deafening boom resounded through the sky. A flash of lightning streaked across the heavens, and in an instant, the once bright and sunny sky darkened, giving way to a light drizzle. Robert's stomach sank.
"Damn, this isn't good."
He quickly packed up the picnic supplies, stuffing the tablecloth into his backpack. Without wasting another second, he returned Charmander and Pidgey to their Poké Balls and sprinted toward the forest, searching for shelter from the impending storm.
A Look Into the Past
While Robert sought shelter, let's rewind time to another trainer's journey—Ash Ketchum, who had just left Professor Oak's laboratory and arrived at Viridian Forest.
As expected, Ash, the destined protagonist of the Elf World, had received his first Pokémon from Professor Oak—Pikachu. However, Pikachu was far from the obedient companion Ash had hoped for. The little electric mouse refused to listen and displayed a strong dislike for its new trainer. Ash had no choice but to tie Pikachu up and drag him along.
Things only worsened when Ash inadvertently angered a Spearow. What started as a minor annoyance quickly escalated into a full-fledged disaster. The enraged Spearow called for reinforcements, and within moments, Ash found himself being pursued by an entire flock.
As he ran for his life, the storm above raged on.
Present Moment: Ash's Reckless Thunder
A few kilometers away from where Robert had taken shelter, a boy in a red and white cap lay sprawled out on the ground, his body covered in scorch marks. In front of him, Pikachu trembled violently, its small body still crackling with leftover electricity.
Anyone who witnessed the scene could tell that both had just barely survived a fierce encounter. The cause? Their own reckless actions.
In a desperate bid to escape the attacking Spearow flock, Pikachu had drawn energy from the storm clouds above, accidentally activating the powerful move Thunder. While the move effectively wiped out the flock, it also electrocuted both Ash and Pikachu, leaving them barely conscious on the muddy path.
The rain continued to pour, soaking the pair as they lay there in exhaustion.
Seeking Shelter
Meanwhile, Robert's search for refuge led him to a small cave nestled between two towering trees. The drizzle had quickly escalated into a full-blown downpour, making it clear that finding proper shelter was a necessity, not a choice.
"Looks like I'll be spending the night here," Robert murmured, brushing rainwater from his hair.
After ensuring the cave was empty of any lurking Pokémon or wild creatures, he set up a small campsite inside. He removed his thick coat from his backpack and wrapped it around himself for warmth. Outside, the rain intensified, the roaring thunder echoing through the forest.
Robert stared at the storm in contemplation.
"It was perfectly clear earlier," he mused. "Could this sudden storm be…?"
A memory surfaced in his mind—an event from the Elf World's history. If he was right, then this storm was no ordinary weather phenomenon. This was the legendary moment when Ash and Pikachu first forged their bond, a connection so powerful that it attracted the presence of the mythical Pokémon, Ho-Oh.
If that were the case, then the thunder and lightning weren't just natural occurrences. They were signs of destiny unfolding.
The Legend of Ho-Oh
The Phoenix King, Ho-Oh, was a Pokémon that rarely revealed itself to humans. However, when it did, it was always in moments of great significance. Legends spoke of Ho-Oh's ability to grant unseen blessings to those it deemed worthy, and its feathers were said to bring eternal happiness to those who possessed them.
Robert's eyes narrowed as he considered the implications.
"Is Ho-Oh watching over Ash?" he wondered aloud. "Or did Ash and Pikachu's bond somehow summon it here?"
His thoughts were interrupted by another deafening boom of thunder, followed by a golden light streaking through the stormy sky. Robert's breath hitched as he caught sight of the radiant figure soaring above the clouds.
It was unmistakable.
Ho-Oh had appeared.
A New Beginning
Back on the muddy path, Ash slowly lifted his head, his vision blurry from the pain. Pikachu, despite its exhaustion, also struggled to its feet. As they gazed up at the sky, the golden bird flew above them, leaving behind a trail of shimmering light.
Ash's heart pounded. Even in his dazed state, he understood that what he was witnessing was something extraordinary.
"Pikachu… do you see that?" he whispered.
Pikachu let out a weak but determined "Pika…" before collapsing into Ash's arms. Despite their battered state, both trainer and Pokémon found renewed determination in their hearts.
Meanwhile, watching from his cave, Robert sighed, shaking his head with a small smile.
"Well, that certainly confirms it," he said to himself. "Ash's journey is just beginning."
The storm continued, but now, Robert knew its purpose. It wasn't a disaster—it was a sign.
A sign that a legend was unfolding.
The Journey Continues
As the night deepened, the storm slowly began to fade. The skies cleared, and the stars peeked out once more. Ash, now filled with new resolve, picked up Pikachu and trudged forward, his adventure truly beginning.
Back in his cave, Robert settled in for the night, knowing that he, too, had a long journey ahead. With a final glance at the sky, he closed his eyes, letting the rhythmic sound of raindrops lull him into sleep.
Tomorrow, new challenges awaited. But for now, under the glow of the stars, everything felt just right.
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End of Chapter 11: Sudden Thunder!
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