Chapter 138: Heading to Maiden Gorge

Although Yumachi Wharf had suffered significant damage, parts of it remained intact, allowing people to enter and exit.

Ash and his friends had no intention of staying in Rampurqi for long. After breakfast, they purchased S.S. Tickets to Maiden Gorge and waited at the pier for their departure.

"Thank you so much, Horsea..." Misty leaned against the slightly damaged railing, gazing down at Horsea, who was happily playing with Staryu and Starmie in the sea. After everything that had happened the previous day, she had decided to let Horsea stay in its Poké Ball. However, Horsea insisted on staying with her, so she welcomed it back to her team.

Meanwhile, Ash and Brock stood a few steps behind Misty, deep in conversation about the relationship between humans and Pokémon. What had transpired yesterday had given them a fresh perspective on the issue.

Brock strongly disliked those who disrupted the delicate balance between Pokémon and humans for their own selfish desires. History had proven time and again that such actions led to disaster for both sides.

Even more concerning was the potential wrath of Legendary Pokémon. If these powerful beings ever turned against humanity, it could spell the end of the human race. This was no exaggeration—it was a reality they had narrowly avoided in Rampurqi.

Fortunately, most Legendary Pokémon bore no hostility toward humans. In fact, they had saved humanity on multiple occasions. Marshadow's intervention yesterday was a clear example. Without its help, Rampurqi might have been wiped off the map.

Still, there was little Ash and Brock could do about these deep-rooted issues at the moment. They were just travelers. For now, they could only strive to be good role models and influence others through their actions.

Of course, the vast majority of humans had peaceful intentions. It was only a select few, driven by ambition, who sought to use Pokémon for world domination or destruction.

Arrival at Maiden Gorge

Maiden Gorge was located near a strait just south of Lavender Town. It had a small harbor, which—though not as bustling as some—was still active due to the area's famous legend.

The legend told of a young woman who had once lived there 2,000 years ago. She had fallen in love with a man who later left for war. She waited for him day after day, but he never returned. In her sorrow, she turned into stone, and her statue now stood at the harbor entrance.

This tragic tale had made Maiden Gorge one of the most famous tourist spots in the Kanto Region. Every year, a summer festival was held to commemorate the story, attracting visitors from far and wide.

The festival lasted for ten days, culminating in a grand dance competition on the final night.

Ash and his friends had chosen this destination primarily because it was on the way to Lavender Town. From there, they planned to head west toward Saffron City, where Ash would challenge the Saffron Gym.

"I see the harbor!" Misty exclaimed excitedly.

After hours at sea, their ship had finally reached Maiden Gorge's Harbor. Though traveling by boat had its charms, Misty was tired of the monotony and couldn't wait to set foot on land again.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu perched on Ash's shoulder, ears twitching in excitement as the harbor came into view.

An announcement echoed through the ship:

"The liaison ship from Rampurqi has arrived. All passengers, please disembark in an orderly fashion."

Following the crew's instructions, Ash and his friends lined up and made their way onto the pier.

The Bustling Streets of Maiden Gorge

A wide stone-paved street stretched from the harbor to the main town. Vendors lined both sides, selling trinkets, souvenirs, food, and Pokémon-related items. The street was crowded with tourists, many of whom had come for the festival.

"It looks like the festival has drawn a big crowd," Brock observed, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Then, his eyes landed on a beautiful young woman browsing a nearby stall.

His expression immediately changed.

With a dreamy smile, Brock prepared to approach her and profess his admiration—only for Ash's Poké Ball to pop open on its own.

"Ivysaur!"

Ivysaur appeared out of nowhere and stared Brock down, its piercing eyes full of suspicion.

Brock's face froze.

Misty and Ash exchanged amused glances as Brock quickly backed away from the woman, wearing an awkward smile.

Seeing that its job was done, Ivysaur allowed itself to be recalled into its Poké Ball.

Still, Brock couldn't help but glance back toward the woman—only to find that she had vanished.

That was odd. Had she left that quickly?

"Pika?" Pikachu, still perched on Ash's shoulder, also sensed something strange. It glanced around, tilting its head in confusion.

Meanwhile, not far away, the same mysterious woman reappeared, watching Ash's group with a peculiar smile. Strangely, none of the passersby seemed to notice her presence.

Exploring the Town

"Hey, Ash! After we check in at the Pokémon Center, let's go for a walk!" Misty suggested eagerly. The lively atmosphere made her want to explore the town with Ash.

"Sure!" Ash agreed. Then, his gaze shifted to Brock.

"What about you, Brock?"

"Huh? What?" Brock snapped out of his thoughts, clearly distracted.

Misty sighed and repeated her question.

"I'll come, but I'd like to walk around alone for a bit first," Brock replied after a moment.

Misty gave him a knowing smile. "Alright, but no funny business."

Brock simply chuckled, but deep down, he was determined to find the mysterious woman again.

After checking into the Pokémon Center, they dropped off their bags, took a short break, and then headed out.

Ash and Misty strolled through the festival together, accompanied by Pikachu, while Brock wandered off alone, keeping an eye out for his mystery girl.

A Fateful Encounter?

Brock wandered down the bustling streets, scanning the crowd.

"Where is she...?" he muttered.

There was something about that woman—something strange yet captivating. If he could meet her again, maybe it was fate?

Just as that thought crossed his mind, he froze in place.

There, standing in the crowd, was her.

The same woman.

She was watching him—smiling.

Brock's heart skipped a beat.

Before he could react, the woman turned away and walked into a narrow alleyway.

Without hesitation, Brock followed.

And just like that, the festival lights behind him faded—as if the town itself had disappeared.

The air turned eerily silent.

Something was definitely not right.