Ash's Story (Part 5: Modern Sinnoh)

Chapter 72: Festival Lessons

The road to Lilypad Town did not stay quiet for long. After the Battle Tower, I thought we might get one normal morning where everyone could simply walk, eat, and talk about Dawn's next Contest. Instead, Pikachu suddenly lifted his ears and pointed toward a narrow space between two old buildings.

A Marill was wedged there, kicking its little feet while its tail bounced helplessly against the wall. Piplup hurried forward with Pikachu, and the two of them grabbed Marill's paws.

"Careful," Dawn called, kneeling beside them. "If you pull too hard, you might hurt it."

Pikachu and Piplup pulled together, but Marill only squeaked louder. Then Marill puffed up its cheeks and blasted Water Gun against the wall behind it. The pressure popped it free, sending Pikachu, Piplup, and Marill rolling across the road in a wet pile.

Pikachu's meaning came through a sputtering shake. "The rescue worked, but the rescue attacked back."

I laughed despite myself and helped them up. "That still counts."

"There you are!" a girl shouted, running toward Marill with panic and relief mixed together. "Now how did you manage to get here?"

Dawn held Piplup close while he grumbled at his soaked feathers. "Does this Marill belong to you?"

"It sure does," the girl said, scooping Marill into her arms. "It just disappeared. I'm Lyra. Hi!"

We introduced ourselves, and Lyra's eyes widened almost at once.

"Wait, you are Ash Ketchum?" she asked. "The Ash who defeated Lance?"

I rubbed the back of my head. "That was a while ago, but yeah."

Lyra brightened so fast that Marill almost slipped from her arms. "Then you have to see the Johto Festival! It is right here in the village."

Gladion looked toward the colorful banners hanging across the road. "A Johto Festival in Sinnoh?"

Lyra nodded proudly. "My family and I are helping with one of the stands. We brought food, games, starter exhibits, everything!"

The decorations reminded me of Twinleaf's festival, but the feeling was different. There were Johto-style lanterns, wooden charms, Apricorn displays, and little stage signs painted with Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile. It felt like a piece of an old journey had been carried into Sinnoh and set down in front of us.

The festival was not only a set of stands. It felt like Johto had opened a memory book in the middle of Sinnoh. One booth showed Apricorn Balls beside ordinary Poké Balls. Another sold Rage Candy Bars and little wooden Slowpoke charms. A group of children chased each other with paper masks shaped like Hoothoot and Sentret.

Dawn slowed near a display of Contest ribbons from Johto. "So many people build their journeys differently," she said. "Sometimes I forget that when I am only thinking about my next Ribbon."

Kris heard her and smiled. "That is what festivals are good for. They remind you that a journey is not only the next official win."

Barry would have argued with that if he were still traveling with us, but he had stayed behind after Palmer's battle. Without him shouting about speed, the day felt gentler, even with Lyra pulling us from booth to booth.

Before Lyra could show us her stand, another girl rushed through the crowd. "Lyra, where have you run off to? We were worried about you!"

Lyra winced. "Sorry, Kris. Marill was missing until they found it."

The girl froze when she saw us. Her eyes went wide, and then her whole face lit up with recognition.

"Ash! Lillie!" Kris shouted. "Long time no see!"