"Master… where are we?"
In the middle of a desolate wilderness—
Red led Ash and Gary forward with difficulty.
"Relax. According to the map, we just need about five more hours to reach Saffron City."
"Five hours?!"
Both Ash and Gary immediately looked like they were about to collapse.
Red glanced at the surroundings helplessly.
Originally—
To save time, he had let Gary drive his sports car toward Saffron City.
But unfortunately—
Perhaps because the car had been sitting in the garage too long—
It broke down halfway.
Even though technology in the Pokémon world was advanced—
Due to the presence of wild Pokémon—
The wilderness remained largely undeveloped.
After waiting a long time—
They didn't see a single passerby.
Left with no choice—
Red led them on foot.
After all—
Among Ash's group, the only Flying-type Pokémon they had was Pidgeotto.
As they walked—
Red muttered to himself:
"Next time I travel, I definitely need a Tropius."
"Master, why Tropius?"
Ash asked curiously.
Red explained while walking:
"Tropius can learn Fly, Rock Smash, Strength, and Secret Power."
"Other than not being able to dive, it's basically all-purpose."
"And it grows bananas on its neck—so you won't starve."
"A must-have for wilderness travel."
Ash and Gary nodded seriously.
"That actually sounds super convenient."
"Alright, enough talking—keep moving."
Red was already planning internally—
It was time to expand his Pokémon roster.
At that moment—
Ash tossed aside a sour fruit he had picked.
"Got it, Master."
They continued walking—
For several hours through the mountains.
Gary, despite recent training—
Had once been a pampered rich kid.
He was the first to give in.
"Master… can we rest for a bit?"
Ash grinned.
"Heh, Gary, without strong stamina, you can't become a strong trainer!"
Gary wanted to retort—
But then he noticed:
Ash was climbing mountains effortlessly—
With a 20+ kg Pikachu on his shoulder.
Gary chose silence.
Red couldn't help but think:
The physical strength of a "True Pallet Town native" is no joke…
But something felt wrong.
Despite walking for so long—
They hadn't made progress.
Red looked at the map, frowning.
"What's going on…?"
"Why does it feel like we're going in circles?"
Gary, sitting on a rock, also noticed something.
"Master… have you realized the fog is getting thicker?"
At that moment—
Ash spotted something.
A sour fruit—
With clear bite marks.
The same fruit he had thrown away three hours ago.
A chill ran down his spine.
"Are we… trapped in a ghost loop?!"
Ash nervously looked around as the fog thickened.
Red also realized something was off.
His hand slowly moved toward his Poké Ball.
The fog grew denser—
Almost completely obscuring vision.
"Who's there?! Show yourself!"
Since they were in the wild—
Red didn't bother holding back.
He immediately sent out his strongest Pokémon.
"Go—Tyranitar!"
"Use Sandstorm! Blow this fog away!"
Tyranitar roared —
Sand and rocks surged violently.
Even in the forest—
The sandstorm remained overwhelming.
"Please… stop!"
A voice suddenly called out.
Red frowned—
But still signaled Tyranitar to stop.
He gestured for Ash and Gary to come closer.
Ash whispered nervously:
"Master… in a place like this… could it really be a ghost?"
Red stared in the direction of the voice.
"I don't care who you are."
"Step out now."
"Or I attack."
"O-Okay… please don't attack… I'm coming out…"
Without the sandstorm—
They could clearly hear—
It was a woman's voice.
Through the thick fog—
A figure slowly emerged.
A woman—
Wearing a kimono.
Exquisitely beautiful.
"I'm sorry…"
"This forest is often covered in fog."
"Why don't I guide you to my master's estate to rest before continuing your journey?"
She leaned lightly against a tree—
Holding a lantern.
Her expression was anxious—
With tears glistening in her eyes.
At that moment—
Everyone present couldn't help but think:
How can someone be this beautiful…?
Gary was the first to notice something was wrong.
"Master… her appearance here is too strange."
"Should we retreat?"
But to Gary's surprise—
Red nodded.
"Then we'll trouble you."
"If not for you, we might've been stuck here much longer."
Ash also blushed—a rare sight.
"Y-Yeah! You can't refuse an invitation from such a beautiful girl!"
Just as Gary wanted to object—
Red turned his head.
His eyes were completely clear.
He made a quiet gesture:
Shh.
Gary froze.
He didn't understand—
But chose to trust his Master.
Walking beside the woman—
Red asked:
"Miss, what should we call you?"
She giggled softly.
"You are guests."
"Just call me… Xiao Hu."
"Xiao Hu… what a fitting name."
Red smiled.
But in his heart, he added silently:
Fitting… for what you really are.
Under Red 's Viridian Power—
Her true form was already revealed.
There was no beautiful woman.
Only—
A grinning skeleton speaking before him.
Yet—
The voice remained that of a shy young girl.
The contrast—
Was enough to make one's scalp tingle.
"Is she being controlled by psychic power…?"
Red 's back felt slightly cold.
Even in death, no peace…
Let's see what's really hidden behind this fox tail.
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