Chapter 169: Street Performance
After leaving Donphan Valley, Ash's group got lost again.
"Didn't you say we'd be in a City soon? Why are we still wandering in the forest?" Misty asked weakly.
"Well... wait a moment, let me study the map. This forest seems to be called the Forest of Telekinesis."
Brock awkwardly lowered his head to study the map.
"Ah, I can't walk anymore, Ash, let's set up camp here tonight!" Misty suggested.
"Camping is fine, but this place is Gastly's territory. Misty, are you sure you want to stay here?"
Ash had just discovered that there seemed to be many Ghost-type Pokémon in this forest, and the forest's magnetic field was also problematic, often producing thick fog.
"Gastly... Gastly? Them? So there are many Ghost Pokémon here?"
A chill shot from Misty's feet straight to the top of her head. She wasn't afraid of Ghost Pokémon she could see, but for those hidden around, fear was an instinct.
"That's right, Pikachu, use Thunderbolt."
As Pikachu unleashed its move, Gastly, Haunter, Gengar, and others hidden around were all shocked out, and Ash's group was practically surrounded by them.
After being shocked, those Gastly also fled the scene in a hurry.
After Gastly and the others fled, rustling sounds came from the bushes beside Ash's group.
The sudden sound made Misty quickly dart behind Ash. "Ash, there's more over there!"
"Gastly and the others have all run off. What's behind those bushes is Gary," Ash said helplessly.
"Really?"
Misty cautiously peered out towards the bushes.
The next second, Gary, with a one-legged owl, appeared in front of the three. Gary said calmly, "Ash, it really is you!"
"Gary, you haven't reached Violet City yet?" Ash asked indifferently.
"There's still plenty of time, no rush. But you guys, Ash, you haven't gotten lost again, have you?" Gary asked, stifling a laugh.
It seemed like every time he met Ash, Ash's group was either lost or about to get lost.
"No, it's just that we're missing a Hoothoot that can lead us out of this forest."
Saying that, Ash pointed to the red-eyed owl at Gary's feet.
"Hoothoot? Then you'll probably have to stay here for a night. The shop that rents Hoothoot only has one half-baked one left."
"Half-baked is fine, as long as it can use the Miracle Eye move, it's no problem."
If he were alone, Ash could just fly out of this Ghost forest, but unfortunately, Misty and Brock were with him. The Gastly population in the forest clearly treated people entering the forest as objects of mischief. Without Hoothoot's Miracle Eye to break their illusions, and with the forest's special magnetic field, it was very easy to get lost.
"Then you guys go check it out yourselves. The rental shop is over there. I'm going to continue catching Pokémon."
Gary pointed Ash's group in a direction.
Following the direction Gary pointed, Ash's group quickly found the Granny who rented Hoothoot.
Hmm... this Granny was quite 'confident'.
She had a full head of white hair and a face full of wrinkles, yet she still called herself a beautiful girl.
After renting the last half-baked Hoothoot, Ash's group spent half a day finally getting out of the forest.
After returning Hoothoot, Misty suddenly asked, "Ash, are you really not going to catch another Gastly?"
"Not for now."
After catching Gimmighoul, Ash was indeed less obsessed with Gastly. Anyway, until the Gastly destined for him appeared, he basically had no plans to catch one. Of course, if a Gastly or something actively came to him, he would still take it.
After leaving the Forest of Telekinesis, Ash's group arrived at a small City called East Gate Town.
"There must be many beautiful ladies in this town!"
Brock looked excitedly, clenching his fists, his squinted eyes becoming spirited.
"Here we go again!"
Ash and the others could only feel speechless about this.
Upon entering the City, Ash's group noticed Trainers everywhere directing their Pokémon to perform.
Misty said, "It's so lively here! It seems like some event is being held!"
"Please wait!"
At this moment, a girl in a pink dress, holding a stack of flyers, stopped Ash's group.
"Pokémon Performance Contest?"
The three looked at the content on the flyer, a bit confused.
"That's right, the annual Pokémon Performance Contest will be held tomorrow at Pedestrian Park. Please be sure to come and watch!" the girl explained enthusiastically.
"Now that you mention it, I seem to recall that East Gate Town is famous for its street performances," Brock said thoughtfully.
"That sounds pretty interesting, Ash, let's go watch!"
"Alright!"
Ash actually had some preparation for Pokémon performances. Now, being able to watch others' performances, he might be able to learn some tricks, which could potentially be useful for the Grand Festival when they reach the Hoenn region.
The group quickly walked towards the so-called Pedestrian Park. Before they even entered the park, they heard intense applause and cheers.
People gathered in groups of three or five to join the fun in the park. The entire park was surrounded by several circles, and within each circle, people were directing Pokémon performances, such as: Mankey dancing awkwardly, Alakazam using Telekinesis to bend spoons, Oddish stepping on Voltorb, and so on.
"Wow! Their performances are all so interesting! Oh, by the way, Ash, didn't you say that when you get to the Hoenn region, you want to participate in the Grand Festival, which focuses on performances? How about you sign up for this performance Contest too?" Misty suggested.
She had never seen Ash's Pokémon perform before! Hmm... except for Jigglypuff. When Jigglypuff started singing, it was a lullaby, and she couldn't listen to a complete song without falling asleep.
"This is a form of street performance, which is very different from a Grand Festival. However, their performance styles can certainly be learned from."
Ash still didn't want to participate in small local competitions. Besides, he hadn't brought any Pokémon that enjoyed performing.
As for Pikachu, he's a battle actor, so he doesn't count.
Ash looked at the two Pokémon constantly jumping not far away. "That's Bellossom! They look very active. Let's go take a look."
"Wow, how cute!"
"Their movements are so fluid and beautiful."
Brock and Misty both exclaimed sincerely.
"Ladies and gentlemen, next up is the main event: Leaping Moon!" Bellossom's Trainer shouted loudly to the audience.
And the two Bellossom then moved a distance apart, with one running towards the other...
In short, it was a half-finished performance. In the end, Bellossom even landed precisely in Ash's arms, much to Eevee's disdain.
Ash's group exchanged names with Bellossom's Trainer. It turned out that Bellossom's Trainer was named Bailey, and the two Bellossom were named Belle and Bella respectively.
Finally, the few of them found a secluded spot.
"I'm really sorry, I can only thank you this way. Please don't be shy." Baileylooked at Ash a bit apologetically.
"Bailey, are you going to participate in tomorrow's performance Contest?" Misty asked.
Bailey said with some disappointment, "I was planning to, but as you just saw, the final performance..."
"It must have developed a complex from a previous training session, right? Otherwise, the performance should have been successful," Ash asked tentatively.
He could clearly see that the Bellossom that jumped up hesitated noticeably when it was doing the backflip, and then failed.
Bailey nodded. "Yes, ever since the first failed jump, Bella hasn't been able to control its movements in the air."
And the two Bellossom lowered their heads in shame.
Loving Book So Far Check Out 80+ Chapters In Advanced At Pa Treon:
patreon.com/FicTonic1