"26, 27, 28… Besides Ash, someone else is missing!" After counting the children, the staff quickly realized something was wrong. Not only was Ash gone, but another person was missing as well.
"What??" Professor Oak frowned at the news. Losing one person was bad enough, but losing two was even more problematic. Splitting their already limited staff to search for two people was going to be a challenge.
It would also be dangerous if they encountered Spearow again or other aggressive Pokémon in the forest.
"Ah! It's Ser Lena! Ser Lena is missing too!" a girl exclaimed.
The children came from various places, so they didn't all know each other well. However, most had introduced themselves earlier during the trip, so they at least recognized names.
Unlike Gary and Ash, who were close friends and noticed each other's absence immediately, Ser Lena's disappearance only came to light when someone specifically mentioned it.
"Ser Lena? Oh, right! She's the girl from the Kalos Region! Professor, what should we do now?" one of the staff members asked.
"Here's the plan," Professor Oak began. "I'll stay here and look after the children. You two stay with me to help. The rest of you search for the missing children. I'll contact Officer Jenny and ask for additional help."
Professor Oak hadn't anticipated such an incident on the very first day of their trip, but there was no time to dwell on it. The most important thing now was finding the missing children.
"Understood!" The staff agreed with Professor Oak's instructions, recognizing that calling the police was the best course of action.
"Grandpa! I want to help too!" Gary said, stepping forward.
"No, Gary. I know you're worried about Ash, but the forest is dangerous. If you go, you'll also be at risk. Stay here with everyone. I'll make sure we find Ash and Ser Lena."
Professor Oak spoke firmly, his voice filled with care. Though Gary was his biological grandson, he had always treated Ash like family as well. The bond between Gary and Ash was something he had cherished watching grow over the years.
"Understood!" Gary clenched his fists in frustration but ultimately nodded.
As Professor Oak's gaze softened, Gary muttered under his breath, "Ash, you idiot… you're always causing trouble. You better come back safe."
---
In the Forest
"Everyone! Where are you?"
Deep in the jungle, a panicked voice rang out—it was Ser Lena. Her voice was shaky, filled with fear.
The earlier Spearow attack had left her tense, and now the sound of rustling bushes nearby made her even more frightened.
Rustle! Rustle! Rustle!
Hearing the noise, Ser Lena instinctively turned and tried to run. In her haste, she tripped and fell to the ground with a cry of pain. Fearfully, she looked toward the tall bushes, which seemed to move ominously.
"This is why I didn't want to come camping!" she whimpered, tears streaming down her face. "Mom, I want to go home…"
The bushes rustled again, and Ser Lena began trembling. But before her fear could overwhelm her, she suddenly heard a calm voice.
"Stop shouting. If you attract the Spearows again, you won't be able to escape."
Ser Lena froze at the sound of a human voice. She had been crying, but now she stopped abruptly. Hearing someone else nearby gave her a fleeting sense of security.
From the bushes emerged a boy—Ash.
Ser Lena recognized him immediately. During Professor Oak's earlier lesson on Pokémon, Ash and Gary had stood out for their knowledge, earning admiration from many of the children, including Ser Lena.
"Are you okay?" Ash asked, walking over to her.
Ash hadn't gotten lost because of panic during the Spearow attack. Instead, he had noticed that Ser Lena wasn't keeping up with the group, so he ran into the forest to find her.
"I… I think so," Ser Lena began to say, but winced in pain. "Ouch! My leg!"
"You're hurt?" Ash knelt down and examined her knee. It was scraped, but the injury wasn't serious. Taking out a handkerchief, he carefully bandaged her wound.
Ser Lena watched Ash silently, her fear momentarily replaced by curiosity.
"I'm sorry if I scared you," Ash said, looking up at her.
"N-no… it's okay. Thank you," she stammered, blushing slightly.
"Don't mention it. Come on, let's get moving." Ash stood and extended his hand to help her up.
"I… I can't. It hurts too much," Ser Lena said tearfully, trying to get up but failing.
Ash sighed. "You're such a crybaby. Fine, I'll carry you."
Without waiting for a reply, Ash turned around and crouched in front of her.
"Get on my back," he said, glancing back at her.
Ser Lena hesitated for a moment, staring at Ash's back, unsure of what to do.
"Hurry up! If the Spearows come back, we'll both be in trouble," Ash urged.
At the mention of Spearows, Ser Lena's face turned pale. She quickly climbed onto Ash's back, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Ash adjusted her weight and began walking. As he moved, Ser Lena rested her head against his shoulder, her earlier fear replaced by a sense of safety.
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