Ash's Story (Part 5: Modern Sinnoh)

Chapter 56: Newmoon Warning

Route 218 opened west of Jubilife with bright water beside the road and Canalave City waiting across the channel. After Fuego Ironworks and Valley Windworks, the sea air should have felt clean, but I still kept thinking about the crystal fragment Looker had taken away.

Team Rocket interrupted that thought by popping out of a fake roadside crate.

Jessie and James shouted their motto with more confidence than their hiding place deserved, and Meowth aimed a grabber arm at Pikachu. Gabite bit the arm before it reached my shoulder, Vespiquen sent her swarm forward, and Team Rocket went blasting off before the rest of us even finished sighing.

Dawn lowered Piplup with a tired look. "That was almost too quick."

Piplup's meaning came proudly. "Fast trouble deserves faster humiliation."

A wild Glameow watched from a fence near the shoreline. She had seen the whole thing without moving, tail curled like she was judging everyone. When a smaller Wingull tumbled near the water after Team Rocket's smoke cleared, Glameow sprang down, hooked it by the scarf with sharp claws, and pulled it back from the waves.

I crouched, keeping my hands open. "Come to think of it, Lillie, we still haven't met a Glameow for our own record, right?"

Lillie nodded softly. "We should ask first."

Glameow flicked her tail, then stepped closer to Pikachu and Gabite like she wanted to inspect whether our team was worthy of her. Her meaning came elegant and difficult. "You are loud. You are useful. I may tolerate travel."

I smiled. "That sounds like a yes."

The Poké Ball clicked after one proud tap from her paw.

Pokédex Entry Updated — Ash and Lillie's Shared Sinnoh Record

Glameow, the Catty Pokémon. Normal Type. It claws if displeased and purrs when affectionate, and its fickle nature is popular with many people.

We trained near the shore before crossing the water. West-Sea Shellos and East-Sea Shellos moved through the wet sand together, reacting differently to every wave and stone. When rough water surged around a group of small Pokémon trapped under a pier, both Shellos pushed forward without waiting for commands.

Their bodies glowed at the same time.

West-Sea Gastrodon rose from the light, heavier and steadier in the water. East-Sea Gastrodon formed beside it, stronger on the soaked ground and ready to brace the pier. Together they calmed the mud, pushed the smaller Pokémon to safety, and helped us prepare for the Surf crossing toward Canalave.

Pokédex Entry Updated — Ash and Lillie's Shared Sinnoh Record

Gastrodon, West Sea Form, the Sea Slug Pokémon. Water and Ground Type. It eats beach sand for nourishment, and fierce battles may happen when it meets a Gastrodon of another color.

Pokédex Entry Updated — Ash and Lillie's Shared Sinnoh Record

Gastrodon, East Sea Form, the Sea Slug Pokémon. Water and Ground Type. It is found more often on land than at sea and is more active when the weather is cloudy or rainy.

Vespiquen guided Combee above the shore while Gastrodon steadied the crossing. When another loose Team Rocket drone sparked from the rocks, Vespiquen's eyes sharpened.

"Vespiquen, Attack Order!" I called.

Combee and battle-light swarmed together, striking the drone in a precise pattern until it fell harmlessly into the sand.