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

Chapter 53: Storm Discipline

Cianwood's morning started with Reisa opening her ribbon case again.

The fourth ribbon sat beside the other three, blue and coral catching the Pokémon Center light. Reisa looked at it like she still expected it to disappear. Corsola stood proudly beside her breakfast plate, while Pikachu shared my seat, Togetic hovered near Lillie, and Espeon rested beneath the table.

"It is still there," Ethan said, leaning over with a grin. "I checked three times for you."

Reisa closed the case with a sheepish smile. "I know. I just wanted to see it once more before we move on."

Lillie stirred her tea. "You earned it. You are allowed to enjoy that."

Azumarill nodded beside Reisa's chair. "We're ready whenever Reisa is."

I translated, and Reisa reached down to rub Azumarill's head. "I know. Breakfast first."

Lanturn blinked its antenna lights from the floor. "I want to see where we go today."

"Apparently everybody is ready except us," I said after translating.

Smeargle had already painted a map for East. The Pokémon Center, Contest Hall, and dock were marked with quick shapes, and a thick line pointed toward the Gym.

Smeargle tapped the line with its painted tail. "East keeps checking this road, so I marked it bigger."

East watched the gesture rather than the words. "That should be the Gym route."

I translated Smeargle's explanation, and East gave a small nod. "That explains the extra paint."

"We should find the Gym next," East said. "If Chuck is available, Ash and Ethan can both challenge him before we decide where to go after Cianwood."

Ethan pushed back his chair. "Now that sounds like a plan."

Kris packed her notes carefully. "Chuck uses Fighting types. After yesterday's Contest, today is going to feel much less graceful."

"Fighting can have its own rhythm," Reisa said.

"Sure," Ethan replied. "Usually a much louder one."

Exbo hopped down beside him and pawed at the floor. "I'm ready for loud."

Ethan caught the eager movement without understanding the sentence. "You look ready too, Exbo."

Togetic floated toward the window and pointed down the road. "Can we go now? I want to see the Gym!"

Lillie laughed. "Togetic is getting impatient. We should finish eating."

Espeon lifted its head from beneath the table. "I'm staying near Lillie when the punching starts."

Lillie smiled down. "That is probably sensible."

We left the Pokémon Center after breakfast and followed East's route toward the docks. A crowd had gathered near an open space by the water, where a huge man and a Poliwrath were training.

The man spread his arms. "Again, Poliwrath! Give it everything!"

Poliwrath rushed forward, caught the man in a grappling hold, and threw him in a clean arc through the air. He struck the sand hard enough that Lillie gasped.

I ran forward before thinking. "Sir, are you all right?"

Lillie knelt near him. "What were you thinking, taking a Submission like that?"

The man sat up with a huge grin. "That was perfect!"

Poliwrath flexed proudly, and the man sprang to his feet like being thrown had only woken him up.