Unnatural

Laaa-La

A few minutes After the Events of Chapter 10 (We All Have Our Missions)

Following Ash

The younger Ketchum twin had finished searching the second waterfall with his Pokémon and was now making his way over to the back of the cavern. As promised, he had been cautious when searching the pool and had kept to the edge and the shallows, while his Dewott checking within the water. It had found the underwater tunnel that Red had mentioned and was able to get close to where it had been, but from what Ash could discern from his Pokémon's explanation the tunnel was too small for even it to fit through.

Ash, excited to share the news with his brother, walked quickly over to the last waterfall, but stopped when he saw Red's Pokémon standing around the pool's edge. They seemed to be waiting for someone...and not him. "...Where is Red?"

Red's Pokémon looked up when they noticed him approaching.

"Hey, guys. Where's my brother? Where are Snorlax and Venusaur? With him, I'm assuming." Ash said as he looked around for his twin.

Red's Pokémon nodded, while Pikachu pointed towards a dark tunnel behind them. "Pik pich pii."

"How long ago did he leave? Where does that tunnel lead?"

"I'm assuming to the summit, or close to the summit. Is that correct?" Silver asked, coming up from behind Ash. He was directing the question towards Red's Pokémon, but the question had caught everyone's attention. "He was right when he guessed we would be finishing searching around the same time."

Red's Pokémon nodded again as his Pikachu began signing. "We didn't see when he left, but I do remember that tunnel. Silver is right, it does lead towards the summit." He paused as Ash translated. "I don't know if he may be on his way back or if he may wait for us, but...we were just deciding whether or not one of us should go up and see him."

"That could be an idea..." Ash noted, trailing off as he looked at the tunnel. "Maybe we could give him a minute before going after him?"

"That sounds like a good idea to me." Silver glanced at his watch and pursed his lips. "While we wait, we can set up camp. Do you mind the sound of the waterfalls, or would you like to stay in the first cavern?"

"It's a bit loud in here. I'd say we stay in the other cavern. Plus, if anything happens, we can run out and make our way to the Pokémon Center."

"Then it is decided." Silver slipped his backpack off one of his shoulders and rummaged inside for something. "We've got tarps, sleeping bags, and cushions for sleeping on and small tents. I can head into the first cavern and start--"

"You don't need to do that. Let's all head over together." Ash glanced at the tunnel again and walked over to the entrance. "How long is this tunnel?"

Red's Pikachu ran up to his side and pushed on his shin to stop him. "Piik!"

"Huh? Do you hear Red coming back?"

Pikachu's ears twitched as he listened for his friend. It didn't seem like he heard anything right away. "Pi...chu. Pika." He turned on his heels and dashed into the dark with Espeon on his tail, using flash.

"Hey! Guys, wait for u—Pikachu?" Ash's Pikachu hopped from his shoulder and motioned for him to wait. "They're going to get Red themselves?"

Pikachu nodded and took off after them.

"B-Buddy!?" Ash began running after Pikachu, but Silver hastily grabbed his arm and stopped him. "What are you doing?"

"Let them go after your brother. They can travel faster without us."