Chapter 54: Purchasing Items, the Soothe Bell!

Ash purchased a Heal Ball from the system store and skillfully captured the Elekid, whose sparking body had been causing quite a stir. "Wow, Ash, so you really wanted to capture this Elekid!" Brock remarked, watching the Heal Ball in Ash's hand finally stop shaking. "But it doesn't seem to be in a good state right now. Are you sure it's alright?" Ash examined the ball closely before nodding. "Yeah, you're right, Brock. Elekid's condition isn't great, but I've dealt with this before. Its erratic behavior is because of an excess of stored electricity in its body. Once we help it release that extra energy, it should stabilize." Misty tilted her head, intrigued. "That's really impressive, Ash. You've been paying attention in Professor Oak's classes, haven't you?" Ash chuckled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Let's just say traveling with Pikachu has taught me a thing or two about Electric-types." The group watched as Ash stored the Heal Ball on his belt but didn't immediately release Elekid. Instead, he opened the system shop again, scanning through the items with a determined look. He was searching for something specific—something to help soothe Elekid's agitated emotions once it was released. "Found it," Ash muttered, his eyes lighting up as he selected the item. On the screen, the shimmering icon of a Soothe Bell appeared. It was priced at an eye-watering 200,000 Poké Coins. Though expensive, Ash didn't hesitate. He'd earned a hefty balance from recent system rewards, and this was exactly the kind of situation that justified spending it. A moment later, Ash reached into his backpack and pretended to pull out the Soothe Bell. The small, silver bell gleamed faintly in the sunlight as Ash held it up. "The Soothe Bell," Ash explained, "is known for its calming properties. By ringing it gently, it produces a sound that relaxes Pokémon and helps ease their emotions." Brock's jaw dropped. "Ash, is that really a Soothe Bell? I remember seeing one in a Poké Mart once, but it was ridiculously expensive!" Ash gave a casual shrug, smirking. "Actually, I found this one discarded on the road. It was broken, but I tinkered with it a bit, and it works fine now." Misty raised an eyebrow skeptically but decided not to press the matter. "Well, if it works, it works. Let's see how Elekid reacts." With everyone watching curiously, Ash released Elekid from its Heal Ball. "Come on out, Elekid!" In a flash of light, the small Electric Pokémon emerged, sparks flying wildly from its horns. "Bzzt! Bzzzt!" Elekid's frustration was evident, and it was ready to release its pent-up energy on anything nearby. Ash quickly stepped forward, holding up the Soothe Bell. "Calm down, Elekid. It's okay," Ash said gently as he rang the bell. A soft, melodious chime filled the air. The sound was soothing, like a lullaby carried by a gentle breeze. Elekid's movements slowed, its sparks diminishing. The bell's calming effect extended to everyone in the group, even the surrounding forest seemed to grow quieter. "Wow, that sound is incredible," Misty said, visibly relaxing. "It really is," Brock agreed, his usual grin softening as he watched Elekid begin to settle down. "Pika, Pikachu!" Pikachu exclaimed, nodding enthusiastically. "Squirtle!" Squirtle added, looking thoroughly at peace. Elekid scratched its head sheepishly, looking around at the group as if to apologize for its earlier outburst. "Bzzt... bzzt..." it muttered, bowing slightly toward Ash and the others. "Don't worry about it, Elekid," Ash said with a smile. "You've had a rough time, but we'll help you out." Ash crouched down to meet Elekid's gaze. "Let's head to the mountains. There should be some Ground-type Pokémon there who can help you safely discharge that extra electricity." "Bzzt!" Elekid nodded eagerly, its earlier tension replaced with a newfound trust in Ash. As the group prepared to move, Brock suddenly noticed something that triggered his dramatic side. "Ash! Misty! May!" he shouted, gesturing wildly. "You're all standing so close together! Why am I always left out? Why must I remain single while everyone else seems to find companionship? My dream of meeting a beautiful partner feels so out of reach!" Misty and May blushed furiously, quickly pulling away from Ash, who couldn't help but laugh at Brock's antics. "Alright, Brock, we get it. Let's keep moving," Ash said, shaking his head. The group began their journey toward the mountains, keeping an eye out for any Pokémon in need of help along the way. Their path led them through a dense forest where Pikachu suddenly froze, its ears twitching. "Pika-pi!" Pikachu pointed toward a nearby clearing. "What is it, Pikachu?" Ash asked, following its gaze. In the clearing, they found a Scyther with a deep gash on its side. The Bug-type Pokémon looked weak, its wings trembling as it tried to stand. "Scyther!" Brock exclaimed, rushing forward. "This is serious. We need to treat it right away." With practiced hands, Brock pulled out a first-aid kit from his backpack. He cleaned the wound, applied a potion, and carefully bandaged the injury while the others watched in admiration. "There you go, buddy," Brock said softly as Scyther gave a grateful nod before retreating into the forest. As evening approached, the group finally reached the mountain valley. The area was teeming with Ground-type Pokémon, including Geodude, Sandshrew, and Diglett. "Alright, Elekid, this is your chance," Ash said. "These Ground-types won't be affected by your electricity, so let it all out." Elekid stepped forward, its body sparking furiously as it prepared to release the excess energy. With a loud cry, it discharged a massive burst of electricity into the valley, lighting up the area like a thunderstorm. The Ground-type Pokémon remained unbothered, continuing their activities as if nothing had happened. By the time Elekid's energy levels returned to normal, the sun was setting. The group cheered, proud of their teamwork and Elekid's resilience. "Great job, Elekid!" Ash said, patting the Pokémon on the head. Pikachu joined in with an enthusiastic cheer. "Pika-pika!" "Bzzt!" Elekid grinned, clearly feeling much better. -------------- T/N: Access 30 Chapters in Advance on my P@treon: [email protected]/PokePals