Ash's Story (Part 5: Modern Sinnoh)

Chapter 63: Hall of One Partner

The forest beyond Squallville felt quieter than the town, but not safer. Wind still dragged snow through the trees, and the river beside the path moved under a thin skin of ice that cracked whenever the current bent too hard.

We stopped near a spring where clear water spilled over stones before joining the river. Dawn knelt beside it with her bottle, smiling as if fresh water was the best prize the snowy route could offer.

"At least this part of the forest is peaceful," Dawn said.

Pikachu's ears twitched on my shoulder.

Pikachu's meaning sparked with warning. "Peaceful things can still break."

The trees exploded with a metallic roar.

A wild Aggron crashed through the brush, silver armor scraped by branches and eyes wild with pain or fear. Dawn spun around too fast on the icy stones. Her boot slipped, the bottle flew from her hand, and she fell backward into the river.

"Dawn!" I shouted, sprinting toward the riverbank.

Mamoswine burst from his Poké Ball before anyone finished reaching for one. He plunged after her, heavy feet cracking the ice at the river's edge, and lowered his tusks so Dawn could grab on before the current pulled her under the bend.

The Aggron roared again, but its rage did not seem aimed. It struck trees, stones, anything near it, like something had driven it into panic and left it there.

Tox's voice cut through the chaos. "Dawn first. Hypothermia risk begins now."

Lillie sent out Bastiodon to block Aggron's path while Gladion's Lucario and Absol moved toward the trees. Daniel watched the broken branches and frowned.

"This does not look like a normal territory charge," Daniel said. "Something pushed it here."

Team Rocket answered him with a net launcher from the opposite bank.

"Prepare for trouble in the frozen wild!" Jessie shouted from behind a tree.

"And make it double, with captures compiled!" James added, looking less proud of the rhyme than usual.

Meowth pointed toward Mamoswine and Aggron. "Two big prizes in one icy mess!"

Mamoswine lifted Dawn out of the river and placed her on the snowy bank with surprising care. She coughed once, soaked and shaking, but her eyes stayed focused on him.

"Mamoswine," Dawn said, teeth chattering, "I need you to listen to me."

Mamoswine turned his broad head toward her.

His meaning came heavy and sincere. "You fell. I pulled. I am still listening."

Dawn's face softened even through the cold. "Then help me stop them without hurting Aggron more."

Mamoswine stamped once, ready to obey her.

Team Rocket fired another net, this time toward Aggron. Bastiodon blocked part of it, but the net tangled across Aggron's shoulder and made it panic harder.

"Staraptor, cut the net!" I called.

Staraptor sliced downward, tearing through the upper ropes. Lillie ordered Bastiodon to brace, and Mamoswine charged from the side with Ice Fang glowing around his tusks. He did not slam Aggron recklessly. He struck the frozen net anchors and broke them free.

Aggron staggered, suddenly able to move again.

Dawn stood with a blanket around her shoulders after Tox forced it onto her. "Mamoswine, Ancient Power around the ground, not at Aggron!"