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

Chapter 51: Secret Medicine

Lapras carried us close enough for the dock workers to wave us in, and the smell of salt, medicine, and sun-warmed wood reached us before my shoes touched the pier. Shade jumped down first, clutching the little pouch Jasmine had given him like it weighed more than a full bag of stones. Once everyone was ashore, Espeon stepped down beside Lillie, Lanturn returned to its Poké Ball, and I thanked Lapras before returning her to hers.

"We need to go straight to the pharmacy," Shade said quickly. "Mom is trying to stay calm, but Amphy looked so weak when we left."

Pikachu leaned forward from my shoulder and gave a tight, worried cry.

Pikachu's eyes narrowed. "Let's hurry. Amphy needs that medicine."

"We know, buddy," I said, reaching up to steady him. "We're not wasting any time."

East looked from the dock road to the buildings ahead and pointed toward the center of town.

"Shortest path should be that way," East said. "The pharmacy is near the main street. We can cross before the ferry crowd blocks the road."

"Then we move," Ethan said, already walking after Shade.

The pharmacy stood ahead with a simple sign, and Shade didn't wait for anyone to open the door for him.

Inside, the room smelled sharp and clean. Shelves of jars, packets, and little medicine bottles lined the wall, and an older man behind the counter looked up as all of us hurried in.

"May I help you?" the man asked.

Shade stepped forward before I could explain. "Excuse me, but we need the SecretPotion for the Lighthouse Ampharos."

The pharmacist's eyes moved over Pikachu, Togetic, and the rest of us. "Your Pokémon appear to be fine. Is something the matter?"

"It is not for us," Shade said, his voice tightening. "It is for my mom's Ampharos. Amphy at the Olivine Lighthouse is sick."

The man's expression changed at once. "The Lighthouse Pokémon is in trouble?"

"Yes," Lillie said softly. "Jasmine stayed with Amphy, but she said this medicine was the best chance."

The pharmacist turned without another question and opened a locked cabinet behind him. He took out a small bottle wrapped in cloth and set it on the counter with both hands, careful not to knock it against the wood.

"This ought to do the trick," he said. "My SecretPotion is a tad too strong for ordinary cases. I only offer it in an emergency."

Shade accepted the bottle carefully. "Thank you very much, sir."

"Make sure it reaches Amphy safely," the pharmacist said. "Do not spill it, and do not give it to any Pokémon that does not truly need it."

Shade bowed so quickly that his hair fell forward. "I will."

For a moment, none of us spoke. Shade looked toward the door, then back at us. "The ferry is leaving soon. I can take it back faster than waiting for everyone to finish in Cianwood. Mom needs this now."

"You should go," I said. "Tell Jasmine we got here safely."

Lillie stepped closer and touched Shade's arm. "And tell her we will come back after we finish what we need to do here."

Shade nodded. "Thank you. All of you."

Pikachu lifted one paw and called after him as Shade ran for the door.

Pikachu rose on his toes and pointed his tail toward the harbor. "Run, Shade! Get it back to Amphy!"

Shade glanced over his shoulder, not understanding the words but understanding the feeling anyway. "I will, Pikachu!"