The road south from Palm Hills stretched onward beneath a bright afternoon sky. Ash and his companions walked with renewed energy after their heartfelt farewell to Madam Catherine and the now-happier Snubbull. Pikachu rode proudly on Ash's shoulder, while Eevee trotted beside Giselle, occasionally leaping at floating leaves.
The group's bonds felt even stronger after helping resolve the pampered Fairy-type's troubles.
"Jessie's probably already planning her next contest move," Misty said with a laugh, adjusting her backpack. "I bet she's dramatic about it."
Sabrina walked gracefully beside Ash, her hand occasionally brushing his. "Her growth has been remarkable. I can sense her determination even from here."
Daisy hummed a cheerful tune, while Giselle reviewed her notes. Ericka ever the gentle soul scanned the roadside for wild Pokémon, her caring nature shining through. Melody bounced ahead energetically. "Violet City, here we come! No more fancy mansions for a while!"
The scenery gradually shifted from upscale estates to open fields and then denser woodland as they approached the next city.
The path widened, and soon the group spotted the bustling outlines of buildings ahead.
Upon arriving at the city's edge, Ash suddenly stopped. "Hey, look over there!"
He pointed toward a cluster of thick bushes near the park entrance. Something small was poking out a pair of delicate antlers tipped with a faint glow, followed by wide, curious eyes.
The group gathered carefully. Ericka's face lit up with immediate compassion. "It's a baby Pokémon! Poor thing looks scared."
Giselle quickly pulled out her Pokédex, aiming it at the bush. The device beeped:
"Stantler, the Big Horn Pokémon. Normal-type. Its antlers contain a mysterious substance that emits a scent capable of creating powerful illusions. Stantler live in herds and are fiercely protective of their young."
"A Stantler calf," Giselle noted, After checking her pokedex.
"They're not super common around here. Look at those antler already starting to show the glow."
Ericka knelt slowly, pulling a few fresh berries from her bag. "Hey there, little one… It's okay. We're friends. Are you hungry?" She held out the food with an open palm, her voice soft and soothing, the same gentle tone that had helped Snubbull earlier.
The baby Stantler hesitated, sniffing the air. It took a tentative step forward but remained wary. Suddenly, a pleasant, sweet scent wafted from its small antlers, making the surroundings feel dreamlike and calm. The group felt a wave of tranquility wash over them.
But the calm shattered in an instant.
A thunderous rumble of hooves erupted from the treeline. A full herd of adult Stantler charged forward, eyes fierce and antlers glowing brightly. Illusory scents filled the air, amplifying the sense of threat.
"Run!" Ash shouted, grabbing Ericka's hand and pulling her back. Pikachu sparked defensively on his shoulder. The girls moved quickly, retreating down the path. Sabrina's eyes narrowed she and Ash both sensed something unnatural through their psychic and aura connections but survival came first.
The herd pursued them briefly before halting once the group was far enough away.
Panting, the baby Stantler retreated deeper into the bushes, vanishing from sight.
Ericka looked back with deep concern. "Its front leg… I saw it limping when it moved. We can't just leave it injured like that."
Ash nodded firmly. "You're right. Let's search for it once things calm down."
The group began carefully combing the area, calling out softly. Before long, the wail of a police siren cut through the air. Officer Jenny arrived on her motorcycle, Growlithe at her side, looking alert.
"You kids alright? We've had multiple reports of Stantler disturbances near the city limits," she said, scanning the group.
Ash explained what they'd seen. Officer Jenny ushered them toward her office in the city center. "Come on, let's get a proper report filed. These herds have been terrorizing the town for days."
Inside the station, Jenny laid out maps and incident logs. "They charge through streets, knock over market stalls, scare trainers and citizens. It's becoming a real problem."
Ash crossed his arms, skeptical. "It doesn't add up. Herds are protective, sure, but this feels… orchestrated. There's more going on here."
Jenny raised an eyebrow but listened.
Suddenly, panicked shouts echoed from outside. A group of city trainers burst into the station, disheveled and out of breath.
"We tried to round up the Stantler in the central park for a research project!" one gasped. "The whole herd went crazy and chased us halfway across town!"
Before anyone could respond, a familiar sweet scent drifted through the open windows. Hooves thundered again. The Stantler herd charged into the city streets, their forms shimmering with illusory power.
Officer Jenny quickly herded Misty, Melody, Giselle, Daisy, and Sabrina into the safety of the station. "Everyone inside, now!"
But Ash and Ericka stayed outside, standing firm. "Ash! Ericka!" Misty called urgently from the doorway. "Get in here!"
Melody added, "It's too dangerous don't be heroes!"
Ash waved them off calmly, his aura flaring subtly. "We've got this. Stay back."
The herd barreled straight toward them, looking solid and menacing. Ericka stood resolute beside Ash, heart racing but trusting her instincts. As the Stantler reached them… they passed harmlessly right through their bodies.
Ash and Ericka remained completely unharmed. Gasps of amazement came from inside the station. Sabrina smiled knowingly, her psychic insight confirming what she and Ash had already detected.
"Illusions," Ash said quietly. "The whole stampede was fake."
The false images began to dissolve, revealing the smaller, real group of Stantler that had been projecting the massive herd using their antlers. Ericka spotted the injured baby one limping at the rear.
She approached slowly, kneeling. "Little one… I can heal that wound. You don't have to be afraid anymore."
With Ash's reassuring presence, they gently guided the calf back to the police station. Inside, using Jenny's medical supplies, Ericka carefully cleaned the injured front leg and wrapped it in a clean bandage. The baby Stantler relaxed visibly under her tender care, leaning into her touch.
"How did you two figure it out so quickly?" Giselle asked, fascinated.
Ash grinned. "Sabrina and I sensed the psychic distortions in the illusions right away. Ericka noticed they were phasing straight through buildings and poles real Pokémon can't do that."
Ericka smiled warmly as she finished. "There. All better now."
The baby Stantler gazed up at her with pure admiration. It let out a soft, contented cry and curled up comfortably in her lap, drifting into a peaceful sleep.
Giselle leaned closer. "Ericka… are you going to catch it?"
Ericka stroked its soft fur gently. "I'd love to be its trainer… but it deserves to go home with its herd if that's what it wants. I won't force it."
The next morning, the group returned to the forest outskirts. Ericka released the now-bandaged baby Stantler, kneeling to say goodbye. "You're free to go back to your family, little one."
But the calf hesitated, nudging her hand affectionately and refusing to leave her side. It pressed close, clearly having formed a deep bond.
Ash smiled softly. "Looks like someone doesn't want to say goodbye."
Misty nodded. "If we find its mother, we can make sure everything's okay."
Ericka's eyes brightened with hope. "That would be wonderful."
Ash closed his eyes, channeling his aura. A soft blue glow surrounded him as he reached out to the forest. "There two adult Stantler on the outskirts. They're searching frantically. Must be the parents."
He led the way confidently. Soon, they spotted the pair: a strong male and a protective female Stantler pacing anxiously near the treeline.
The parents froze when they saw their calf with humans. Their antlers glowed threateningly, ready to unleash another wave of illusions.
"Easy," Ash said calmly, projecting soothing aura waves. The aggression eased as the adults sensed his honest intentions and kind heart.
Ericka gently nudged the baby forward. "Go on… your parents are waiting for you."
But the little Stantler refused, pressing even closer to Ericka. The bond was undeniable.
At that moment, a system message appeared in Ash's vision:
Mission: Convince the parent Stantler pair, catch them, and add them to your and Giselle's teams so the family can stay together.
Reward: Silk Scarf (boosts Normal-type moves by 20%) ×3
Ash explained carefully to the parents through aura projections and words. "Your calf wants to stay with Ericka. She'll care for it deeply. But we don't want to break your family apart. What if you both joined us too? Giselle and I can catch you, and you'll all travel together stronger, safer, and united."
The parents hesitated, exchanging worried glances. After a few tense moments, they nodded in acceptance.
Ash turned to Giselle. "Ready? I'll handle the father you take the mother."
Giselle nodded determinedly, Poké Ball in hand. "Let's give them a good home."
The captures were smooth and respectful.
Both adults entered their balls with flashes of light. Ash and Giselle released them immediately so the family could reunite properly.
Ericka knelt once more, looking into the baby's eyes. "Do you truly want to be my Pokémon?"
The calf nodded enthusiastically, nuzzling her cheek.
With a warm, joyful smile, Ericka tossed a Poké Ball. It shook once, twice, then clicked shut. "Welcome to the team, Stantler!"
The family of three Stantler gathered happily. The parents nuzzled their calf affectionately, and all three turned to their new trainers with gratitude. Ash received the three Silk Scarves through the system elegant, shimmering accessories that would enhance Normal-type moves significantly.
With the emotional reunion complete and no further complications, the group packed up.
The Stantler family walked alongside them contentedly as they resumed their journey toward Violet City. Laughter and excited conversation filled the air once more.
Ericka walked proudly with her new partner trotting beside her, the baby occasionally glancing up at her with adoration. Pikachu cheered from Ash's shoulder. "Pika-pi!"
Ash looked ahead with determination.
"Another friend, another victory. Violet City is waiting and our next gym challenge too!"
The road stretched before them, full of promise, new bonds, and endless adventures in the Johto region.