1.Ash's Story (Part 2: Johto)

Chapter 41: Dancing Daylight

"We're here, Ecruteak City," Reisa breathed beside me, her voice lowering as the old roofs and distant towers rose beyond the road. "Just look at the towers over there. They really are something."

"I agree," Lillie said warmly, holding her bag close while she looked toward the old city. "I can't wait to go there."

The city felt different from Goldenrod, National Park, and the rougher roads behind us. Ecruteak was quieter, but the quiet did not feel empty. It felt like every street had a memory beneath it, every old building holding back a story until someone respectful enough came near.

Ethan stepped ahead with Polibo's Poké Ball in his hand, smiling like he was trying not to look too nervous. "So, Gym first? Morty is supposed to be strong, right?"

"Eventually," I said, glancing toward the towers again before turning back to the road ahead. "But first, I think we should visit the Kimono Dance Theater."

Lillie looked at me with surprise, then smiled. "That sounds lovely. A city like this should be understood before we run straight into a battle."

East nodded once, already studying the streets like they were routes instead of roads. "Better to learn the layout now. Gym, theater, Pokémon Center, tower path."

Kris pulled out one of her notes and looked between the old houses. "Ecruteak is full of history. The theater might tell us things a map wouldn't."

Before any of us could choose a direction, something small and brown darted from between two buildings. It moved so fast that Pikachu lifted his ears, and Umbreon stepped quietly in front of Lillie without needing a command.

"Eevee?" Lillie whispered, startled by the sudden arrival.

The Eevee skidded near my shoes, looked up at all of us with wide eyes, then bounded behind my leg as though I was already part of its hiding place.

Pikachu's meaning reached me clearly through his alert posture and soft spark. "It is scared, but it is playing too. Don't attack it."

"I know," I said gently, lowering my hand. "We're not going to hurt you."

A girl in a kimono ran around the corner, breathing hard as she stopped near us. "There you are! I was looking everywhere!"

The Eevee peeked around my leg, then lowered its ears with a guilty little sound.

Eevee's meaning came through softly, playful but embarrassed. "I only wanted to see the road. I did not mean to worry her."

"Your friend didn't give us any trouble," I said, smiling at the girl. "It looks like Eevee just wanted a short adventure."

The girl's shoulders relaxed. "That's good. Sometimes Eevee can get a little naughty, but I'm glad nothing happened. I'm Sakura."

"I'm Ash," I said, introducing everyone as Pikachu climbed onto my shoulder and watched Sakura's Eevee with bright curiosity. "This is Lillie, Reisa, East, Ethan, and Kris."

Sakura bowed politely, then looked at Lillie with warm interest when Umbreon stepped back beside her. "You have an Umbreon. It's beautiful."

"Thank you," Lillie said, touching Umbreon's head with gentle pride. "He evolved recently, during a very dark night."

Umbreon's meaning came through calm and steady. "Darkness is not frightening when I can stand beside her."

Lillie's eyes softened, and I knew she had heard it too. She knelt and hugged Umbreon around the neck, while Sakura watched with the kind of wonder that made me think she loved Eevee more than she knew how to explain.