Ash's Story (Part 6: Unova)

Chapter 21: Harbor Chase

The ship smoke still clung to Virbank's skyline when we returned from Pokéstar Studios, and the harbor smelled like salt, fuel, and metal warmed by the afternoon sun.

The Mask Badge felt heavier in my pocket than something that small should have felt. It was not a Gym Badge, and it was not a Ribbon, but the movie had still pulled old things out of me.

Alice walked close enough that our shoulders almost touched. She did not ask if I was all right, because she already knew the answer would be incomplete.

Pikachu sat on my shoulder with his ears lowered, and his meaning brushed quietly against me. "Do not answer memories just because they shout."

I let out a slow breath and kept walking. "I know, buddy."

Golly glanced back at me once, then toward the harbor streets. She was watching exits, strangers, cameras, and any place where trouble could hide behind normal noise.

Eve walked beside Alice with one hand near her Poké Balls. She did not crowd her sister, but she stayed ready to move if anyone pushed Alice into another nightmare.

Iris stretched her arms and grinned toward the ships. "Virbank still smells weird, but at least it feels alive again."

Cilan gave the harbor a thoughtful look. "A city with poison music, studio lights, and sea wind has a very unusual flavor. It is sharp, but not without charm."

Before I could answer, shouting cut across the street ahead of us.

Roxie stood near the industrial side of the harbor with her guitar case slung over her shoulder. Hugh was beside her, stiff with anger, and three Team Plasma grunts blocked the road.

Roxie narrowed her eyes and asked, "So, are you guys Team Plasma, then?"

One grunt lifted his chin like the question made him proud. "That's right! We're Team Plasma! Two years ago, we were betrayed by the man we respected as our king and hero!"

My feet stopped before I could force them forward.

For one heartbeat, Virbank's harbor vanished. I saw white walls, false kindness, Pokémon locked behind words like salvation, and people kneeling to a name I never wanted.

Alice's fingers closed around my wrist, not hard enough to trap me, only enough to bring me back before my face answered for me.

The grunt kept talking. "So our conquest of the Unova region ended in failure! However, we'll never give up! We will persevere! We already have another plan in motion."

Me. They still meant me. They still twisted me into something they could hate, worship, or use, depending on what helped them breathe through their own lies.

Hugh exploded before I could. "Shut it! You guys are the worst! You talk about saving Pokémon, but you're just Pokémon thieves! Don't think I'll ever forgive you!"

One grunt scoffed and pointed at Hugh. "In the ranch, we got chased by Lillipup."

Another grunt muttered, "And now we're getting involved in trouble. This kinda stinks."

The third grunt grinned at us. "Well, it's okay, isn't it? If we steal their Pokémon, everything gets easier. Okay, kids, when you're ready, give it your best shot!"

Roxie's voice turned flat and dangerous. "You're not stealing anyone's Pokémon in my city."

Hugh already had his Poké Ball in his hand. "I'll crush you and your new plans! I can never forgive Team Plasma!"

I stepped forward, and Alice stepped with me. "And we're not going to let Team Plasma keep pretending theft is rescue."

Iris looked between me and the grunts, her expression sharpening. She did not know every reason my voice had gone colder, but she knew enough to stop teasing.