Ash's Story (Part 5: Modern Sinnoh)

Chapter 34: Solaceon Stage

Kenny was waiting outside the Solaceon Pokémon Center the next morning with Breloom already stretching beside him under the pale morning sun.

Turtwig stood in front of me, feet planted, eyes narrowed at the small patch of grass we were using for practice. After everything that happened in Solaceon Ruins, I thought a quiet training session might help everyone breathe again before the next bright stage.

Kenny folded his arms with the confidence of someone who had already decided he was the teacher. "Energy Ball is not only about making light. The shape has to hold before you throw it."

Turtwig inhaled and gathered green energy near his mouth. The glow trembled, swelled too quickly, and burst before it formed cleanly in the air. The blast tossed Turtwig backward into my arms.

"Turtwig!" I said, catching him before he hit the ground.

Turtwig blinked up at me, embarrassed far more than actually hurt.

Turtwig's meaning came stubborn and small. "I know the seed. I do not know the sphere."

"Then we start with the sphere," I said gently.

Kenny nodded, more serious than usual. "Breloom, show them slowly."

Breloom raised both arms. Green light formed between them, spinning until it became a smooth ball instead of a wild burst. Turtwig watched closely, and even Dawn leaned forward with Buneary in her arms.

Lillie smiled. "That is useful for appeals too. Shape first, power second."

Dawn's grip tightened around Buneary. "Shape first, power second."

She repeated it like she needed the words for herself. Hearthome still sat behind her eyes, no matter how brightly she tried to smile.

Kenny noticed too, but he covered concern with teasing because that seemed easier for him.

"Pay attention, Dee-Dee," he said. "You might learn something before the Contest."

Dawn's cheeks flared pink. "I told you not to call me that."

Buneary kicked one foot in agreement.

Kenny only grinned, but his Prinplup tapped his leg as if warning him not to push too far. I had the feeling Prinplup understood Dawn's mood better than Kenny wanted to admit.

Turtwig tried Energy Ball again. This time, the glow lasted longer before popping into harmless sparks. It was not ready, but it was closer.

"Good," I said. "We will keep working on it."

Turtwig nodded, determined instead of ashamed.

Kenny looked toward the Contest Hall. "Then we should get ready. Solaceon Contest waits for no one."

Dawn stood a little straighter. "Good. I am ready this time."

Buneary looked up at her with trust, but her ears twitched with the same nervousness Dawn tried to hide.

Before we packed up, Dawn tried her appeal once on the grass. Buneary spun, Ice Beam spreading under her feet in a clean circle. The surface glittered beautifully, and for a moment Dawn's smile came back with real excitement.

"See?" Dawn said quickly. "This looks much better than Hearthome."

"It is beautiful," Lillie said carefully.

Dawn heard the careful part. "But?"

Lillie did not look away. "Make sure Buneary stays at the center of it. The ice should help people see her, not replace her."