Pokemon : Rewind

"What did Suicune actually give you Ash?" Brock wondered aloud, his voice tinged with amazement as the scene before them unfolded.

"That's… a Z Pure Crystal!" Ash exclaimed, his eyes widening as he recognized the glowing form taking shape in front of Suicune.

"A Z Pure Crystal?!" Misty echoed, her gaze darting to the Z-Ring on Ash's wrist. The golden band held a slot for Z Crystals, and the object forming before them was unmistakably meant for it.

As the light surrounding Suicune intensified, the crystalline shape became clearer—a prism glinting in deep blue hues, streaked with black patterns resembling droplets of water.

The majestic Suicune stood motionless, its regal presence adding weight to the moment. 

With a gentle nod of its head, the prismatic crystal floated toward Ash, guided by an unseen force.

"A Waterium-Z…" Ash murmured in awe, his voice barely audible.

The Z Crystal hovered in front of him, glowing faintly.

"Is this for me?" Ash asked hesitantly, his voice filled with wonder as he reached out.

Suicune's gaze met his, silent but deliberate. Without hesitation, Ash extended his hand, and as his fingers closed around the crystal, its glow flared briefly, then settled into a calm shimmer.

Misty and Brock watched, their expressions mirroring Ash's astonishment.

"Suicune… it must have been waiting for you," Brock surmised, his voice steady but filled with reverence.

As if in acknowledgment, Suicune lifted its head high, releasing a melodic cry that echoed through the forest. 

Then, in a fluid motion, it turned and disappeared into the lingering mist, leaving the group in stunned silence.

---

The dense fog that had shrouded the forest began to dissipate, thinning rapidly as though retreating alongside Suicune.

"Is it… gone?" Misty asked, blinking at the now-clear surroundings.

Ash turned, gazing back toward the spot where Suicune had stood. For a fleeting moment, he thought he saw its silhouette watching them from afar, but when he blinked, it was gone.

"We should head back," Ash said, tucking the Waterium-Z safely into his backpack.

With a final glance at the serene pond, the trio began their journey out of the forest.

---

Back at Professor Elm's Laboratory, the group recounted their encounter with Suicune in vivid detail.

"Suicune?!" Professor Elm exclaimed, nearly spilling his tea. His eyes sparkled with both amazement and regret. 

"What a remarkable encounter! Oh, what a shame I couldn't witness it myself!"

The professor shook his head ruefully. "Suicune, one of the Three Legendary Beasts, alongside Raikou and Entei… They're said to embody the will of Ho-Oh, resurrected after the fire that consumed the Brass Tower. And you actually met it…"

Professor Elm trailed off, momentarily lost in thought.

"Professor, is it unusual for Suicune to reveal itself?" Misty asked, intrigued.

"Extremely," Elm replied, nodding. "Legends say Suicune purifies waters and is a symbol of the North Wind, but it rarely interacts with humans unless there's a purpose. The fact that it appeared before you, Ash, and even entrusted you with a Waterium-Z, is extraordinary."

Ash glanced at the Z Crystal in his hand, its blue surface glinting faintly in the light. "I don't understand why it chose me," he admitted.

"Perhaps Suicune saw something in you," Brock suggested. "Your bond with Pikachu, your strength as a Trainer—it must have sensed your potential."

Professor Elm smiled. "Whatever the reason, it's a momentous event. Thank you for sharing this with me."

After a brief pause, the professor stood abruptly. "Ah, where are my manners? I need to properly thank you all for investigating the fog."

"Professor, there's no need for that!" Ash said quickly. "We didn't really do anything. Suicune was the one who cleared the fog."

"True, but you ventured into the unknown when no one else would," Elm countered, his tone firm. "That bravery deserves recognition."

Before Ash could protest further, the professor disappeared into another room. Moments later, he returned, holding three small boxes in his hands.

"These are for you," Elm said, handing one box to each of them.

Ash, Misty, and Brock opened their boxes to reveal glittering treasures:

A Metal Coat

A King's Rock

A Dragon Scale

"These items are incredibly rare," Elm explained, gesturing to each one. "The Metal Coat enhances Steel-type moves and evolves Pokémon like Onix into Steelix. The King's Rock can cause opponents to flinch in battle and is also used to evolve certain Pokémon. And the Dragon Scale… well, it's key to evolving Seadra into Kingdra."

The trio stared at the items in awe.

"This is too much, Professor," Misty protested.

"Nonsense!" Elm replied, waving a dismissive hand. "They'll serve you far better than they would sitting in my lab."

Ash, Misty, and Brock exchanged glances before bowing their heads in gratitude.

"Thank you, Professor Elm," they said in unison.

Elm smiled warmly. "You've earned it. Now, go forth and make the most of these gifts. And who knows? Perhaps you'll encounter Suicune again."

As the trio prepared to leave, Ash glanced at the Waterium-Z once more, its soft glow a reminder of the encounter that had just unfolded.

"This is just the beginning," he thought, his resolve strengthening.

With treasures in hand and new adventures ahead, Ash, Misty, and Brock left the lab, ready to face whatever the Johto Region had in store.

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