After the delightful encounter with Clefairy, Ash and his friends faced another, more chaotic incident.
A large horde of Zubats, drawn by the delicious aroma of their campfire meal, invaded their space.
Unlike the kind-hearted Clefairy, the Zubats were irritable and assertive, their aggressive screeches echoing through the cave as they lunged toward Ash and the others in search of food.
Ash quickly sprang into action. "Pikachu, Beedrill, Pidgeotto! We've got Zubats to fend off!"
His confidence had grown, and he felt ready to take on the challenge.
It didn't take long for them to engage the swarm of Zubats—that number was over twenty, but Ash and his Pokémon worked seamlessly together.
Pikachu unleashed a thunderbolt, while Beedrill and Pidgeotto utilized their speed and agility to dodge and strike.
The battle was chaotic but effective. Despite the Zubats' numbers, Ash's team quickly weakened them, forcing a retreat.
In the chaos, one unfortunate Zubat collided with a rock and fainted, tumbling close to the trainers' campsite.
Brock looked at the unconscious Zubat with concern. "We can't just leave it here. It might be scared and all alone," he proposed.
While Ash was prepared to move on without it, Misty seemed indifferent. Brock, however, felt a tug at his heartstrings and gently checked the Zubat's condition.
Once the Zubat regained consciousness, it seemed dazed and disoriented, unable to see through its echolocation.
The realization of being left behind by its companions, combined with the uncertainty of its surroundings, sent it into a panic.
"Hey there, little one," Brock said soothingly, kneeling down to meet the Zubat's level.
He pulled out some Pokémon food, a gesture of goodwill aimed at showing the Zubat that they meant no harm.
Slowly, as it sensed the kindness enveloping the camp, Zubat began to relax.
Brock's patience paid off; after consuming some food, the Zubat seemed more at ease. After a few minutes, Brock proposed to catch it, and with a thoughtful pause, Zubat finally agreed.
"I did it! I caught my first Pokémon!" Brock exclaimed, joy lighting up his face.
Meanwhile, Misty contemplated the reality that she hadn't caught any Pokémon yet, her ambitions still lingering in the air.
The remainder of their time in Mt. Moon unfolded peacefully, with no more incident interrupting their evening.
They spent a restful night and rose early the next day, ready to continue their journey.
As they ventured out of the cave, the blinding sun greeted them warmly. For Ash and his friends, it felt like freedom after spending so much time underground.
Just beyond the mouth of Mt. Moon lay Route 4, leading towards Cerulean City, where they could see rolling fields and the vibrant greenery of Kanto.
Interestingly, the route was bustling with Pokémon. Ash spotted familiar faces, including Pidgeys, Spearows, and Rattatas, all residents of this vibrant ecosystem.
Occasionally, Ash encountered unique species like Paras, and he marveled at how they contrasted with the encounters they had just faced.
"This route is bustling with life!"
Ash noted, excitement bubbling within him. But while he was eager to reach Cerulean City, he urged his friends to pick up the pace.
"Misty, let's hurry to Cerulean City! We can hit the Pokémon Center and rest up," Ash suggested.
He had no reservations about the challenges awaiting them since he believed that with Pikachu and his Pokémon by his side, he would easily navigate through Gym challenges.
Misty, however, hesitated, unlike before when they'd rushed to Pewter City. "I, um…," she stammered, wrestling with an internal conflict.
Ash probed gently, "What's on your mind? I know you're from Cerulean City, and Brock told me all about the Gym."
"What?! You know about the Gym?"
Misty's surprise was evident as she turned to see Brock nodding in confirmation. He had indeed shared this in passing during their time at the Pokémon Center.
"Yeah! You're the youngest of the four sisters at the Cerulean Gym, right?" Ash said with a grin, trying to lighten her spirits.
A wave of embarrassment washed over Misty.
Before leaving, she had sworn that she would not return until she became a Water Pokémon master, and now the thought of stepping back into the Gym felt overwhelming.
"I don't want to go back. What will they say? They'll laugh at me for not achieving anything yet!" Misty's voice was filled with self-doubt.
"Misty…" Ash replied, trying to understand her concerns. "You've only just begun your journey! I don't think anyone, family or otherwise, would be upset to see you."
Brock intervened gently after observing Misty's distress. "It's important to face your family. They care about you more than you know. Family ties can be stronger than what we might think."
Ash, recalling bits of Misty's past, added, "Look, I know your sisters may not have treated you the best in the past, but they must care for you.
They'd be glad to see you." Despite his limited knowledge of Misty's familial dynamics, he sensed more than he could articulate.
Misty hesitated, her heart swirling with uncertainty, but the words registered deep within. Finally, she nodded in determination.
"Okay, I'll go back." Facing her fears felt necessary, and she resolved that this journey must be taken.
In their hearts, a collective warmth spread, bridging the distance they felt as friends and individuals.
With newfound resolve, they pressed on toward Cerulean City, guiding one another as they carved their paths through the challenges ahead.
_______________
Adios