Ash's Story (Part 5: Modern Sinnoh)

Chapter 12: Sparks and Stone

Route 204 did not stay quiet for long after we left Jubilife behind.

The grass north of the city was bright, and flowers moved along the path whenever the wind passed through them. After Looker's warning, Team Galactic's threats, and the way Ponyta had joined Dawn, I wanted the next stretch of road to feel simple. Sinnoh did not seem interested in simple.

Dawn walked with Piplup at one side, Buneary at the other, and Ponyta keeping just close enough to trust her. Ponyta still watched the bushes when they rustled, but she no longer flinched from Dawn's hands. That was progress, and Dawn knew it.

Ponyta's meaning came warm but careful. "The road is new. The girl waits. I can walk."

Dawn smiled softly. "You're doing great, Ponyta."

Piplup puffed himself up like he deserved credit for the entire thing. Buneary hopped in front of him, and he nearly bumped into her. Dawn laughed before she could stop herself, and that laugh made the road feel lighter for exactly one moment.

Then a blue-and-white blur shot from the grass, grabbed an Oran Berry from Dawn's open bag, and darted up a tree.

Dawn froze with her hand halfway to her bag. "Hey!"

The Pokémon perched on a branch with the berry in its paws. Its cheeks sparked, and its long tail twitched so fast that it almost blurred. It looked proud, hungry, and completely certain that the entire route existed for its personal amusement.

"Pachirisu," Daniel said. "A very energetic one."

"That is one word for it," Gladion muttered.

Pachirisu stuffed the berry into its mouth, then jumped to another branch and sent tiny sparks into the air like it was celebrating a victory. Piplup shouted up at it, furious. Pachirisu chirped back, completely unbothered.

Dawn put both hands on her hips. "That was my berry."

Pachirisu's meaning came in a bright, hungry burst. "Found food. Fast paws win. More?"

I tried not to laugh. "I think it is asking for more."

Dawn looked offended. "It stole the first one."

Pachirisu leapt down, landed on Ponyta's back for half a second, then sprang away before Ponyta could react. Ponyta snorted, flames lifting, but Dawn quickly raised a hand.

"Easy, Ponyta. It is just playing."

Pachirisu darted around us, leaving little sparks wherever its paws touched the ground. It was not attacking exactly, but it was making itself impossible to ignore. Buneary tried to block it, Piplup chased it, and Ponyta circled wide to keep Dawn safe.

Dawn watched the chaos with growing determination. "If that Pachirisu has that much energy, then maybe it just needs the right place to put it."

Lillie smiled. "You are thinking about catching it."

"I am thinking about trying," Dawn said. "Piplup, Bubble Beam!"

Piplup fired a stream of bubbles toward the tree. Pachirisu jumped between them, spun through the air, and landed with sparks dancing along its cheeks. The little Pokémon looked delighted that someone had finally made the game interesting.

Dawn pointed forward with more confidence. "Buneary, Dizzy Punch!"

Buneary sprang forward, ears trailing behind her. Pachirisu slipped under the punch and released a small burst of electricity. Buneary skidded back, shaking off the shock, but she did not fall.

"Ponyta, keep it from running into the deeper grass," Dawn called.

Ponyta moved with careful speed, flames bright enough to guide but not burn. Pachirisu hesitated when the fire blocked the path, and that gave Dawn the opening she needed.