Chapter 32: The Summer Festival of Maiden Gorge

Chapter 32: The Summer Festival of Maiden Strait

On the surface of the sea, Ash and Brock, who had surfaced just before Xia You, had already found several planks of wood and lashed them together to create a makeshift floating platform.

Seeing Xia You and the others surfacing, they hurriedly reached out to pull them from the water.

"We're finally saved!"

James lay flat on his back on the planks, soaked to the bone. Looking up at the blue sky and white clouds, he felt as if he had just taken a stroll along the Sanzu River.

Xia You also removed his diving mask, untied the rope to release Meowth, and recalled Magikarp into its Poké Ball.

Under the warm sun, the surrounding waters were calm and peaceful. Debris from the St. Anne drifted everywhere, yet aside from them, not a single soul could be seen.

After scanning the horizon with his squinting eyes, Brock said disappointedly, "It looks like everyone who escaped on the lifeboats has already left this area."

"So, what do we do now?" As soon as Ash spoke, he noticed Misty sitting on the ground with her back to the group, her face flushed with two bright patches of crimson.

"Strange, Misty, what's wrong?"

Misty quickly stood up and shook her head.

"It's nothing. I just swallowed some seawater earlier and feel a bit unwell."

She tried to force herself to remain calm, but her gaze couldn't help but drift back and forth between the respirator in Xia You's hand and the corner of his mouth. For a moment, her face turned even redder.

Walking up to Xia You, she cast aside her usual vivacity and tsundere attitude, whispering softly, "Thank you so much for earlier."

Xia You naturally understood what she meant.

However, the situation had been urgent at the time; he hadn't had the luxury to think about anything else. Saving people was, of course, the priority.

"Don't worry about it." Xia You gave a light cough, feeling as though he were being overly defensive by not saying more. He turned his head toward Ash. "Ash, release your Pidgeotto. Have it circle around to see if there are any passing ships or any islands nearby."

Ash released Pidgeotto and gave it instructions. The bird circled above their heads twice, seemingly finding its direction, before flapping its wings and flying into the distance.

It wasn't long before Pidgeotto returned. It seemed to have made a discovery, landing on Ash's shoulder and gesturing incessantly with its wings.

As a Pokémon capable of human speech, Meowth acted as the translator.

"It says there's a port town not far ahead!"

Hearing the word "port," everyone's spirits lifted. They directed their Water-type Pokémon to swim toward the town...

***

Maiden Strait, a small port town located between Viridian City and Cerulean City.

Though small, the town was quite prosperous. Not only was it densely populated, but because it possessed a natural deep-water harbor and sat at a major transportation junction, many ships passed through daily, making it very lively.

As they paddled into the harbor and stepped onto the fine sand, the Team Rocket trio instantly regained their composure.

They produced two roses from seemingly nowhere and stood back-to-back.

Gently sniffing the fragrance of the roses, Jessie let out a cold snort. "Since we've arrived here, it's time to say our goodbyes!"

"That's right!" James said stylishly, a rose held in his mouth. "While we appreciate you saving us, we won't show any mercy the next time we meet!"

"That's right, meow~"

With that, amidst a burst of arrogant laughter, they turned and ran toward a large rock by the seaside, disappearing from sight.

"I really can't stand them!" Misty sighed. "But I don't have the energy to deal with them right now. I'm soaking wet and it feels terrible. I want nothing more than to take a long, hot bath and have a wonderful sleep!"

In truth, it wasn't just Misty; even Xia You was exhausted after the ordeal.

"Then let's hurry to the Pokémon Center to rest."

Xia You tightened his backpack and was about to walk forward when a strange sensation suddenly rose in his heart. He turned to look at a small pier in the distance, where a woman in a white dress with long, pinkish-purple hair was standing quietly.

A gentle breeze blew, lifting a strand of her hair and revealing a profile that was exquisite and beautiful.

Yet, for some reason, a faint sense of sorrow seemed to linger around her for a long time.

Beside him, Brock also seemed to have spotted the woman. His eyes turned into hearts, and he couldn't help but let out a cry of admiration.

"What a beautiful woman!"

Hearing the voice, Ash and Misty looked into the distance, but they saw nothing.

"What are you looking at?" Misty asked curiously. "There's nothing there!"

Xia You blinked, and in just a momentary lapse, the woman's figure had vanished!

Continuing on, once the group reached the Pokémon Center and checked in, Xia You learned their exact location from Nurse Joy.

Maiden Strait?

The soul of a beautiful woman and Gastly...

Recalling the plot from the anime, Xia You couldn't help but smile. It turned out they had arrived here without even realizing it.

"By the way," Nurse Joy said with a smile, "you've arrived at the perfect time. This town is currently holding its summer festival. There are grand parades, bonfire parties, and plenty of snacks. If you can, please don't miss it~"

As a girl, Misty, and with his youthful spirit, Ash, were naturally eager for such an event. However, since their physical strength had reached its limit, they discussed a meeting time and then returned to their respective rooms to rest.

As public buildings providing free food and lodging, the accommodations in Pokémon Centers varied by region.

In Maiden Strait, because the town was small, the Pokémon Center was not very large. The boys' dormitory was merely a clean, small room with two bunk beds.

To Xia You, however, the white sheets at this moment seemed to possess a powerful magic, making him want to collapse onto them immediately.

Despite this, he fought back his drowsiness, took a quick shower, threw his clothes into the dryer, and finally collapsed onto the bed, falling into a deep sleep.

As the sun began to set, he woke up from his slumber with bleary eyes at dusk.

Seeing that Ash and Brock were still snoring loudly, he shook them awake and then knocked on Misty's door. The group reunited and left the Pokémon Center together.

By now, the entire town was completely enveloped in the festive atmosphere.

Countless people in elaborate costumes followed various floats through the streets. Amidst the laughter and joy, whether they were local residents or travelers like Xia You, everyone's mood was lifted by the celebration.

(End of Chapter)