Ash's Story (Part 6: Unova)

Chapter 65: Bridge Song

Route 12 opened in front of us with tall grass, open fields, and the kind of restless movement that made Bug-type Pokémon impossible to ignore.

The air felt lighter than Lacunosa, but the old woman's story still followed me. Giant Chasm. Meteorite. A Pokémon that froze everything around it. Even sunlight could not fully push that tale away.

Pikachu sat on my shoulder and watched a group of Combee drift between flowers. His meaning came soft but alert. "Bright flowers. Hidden wings. Road breathing again."

"Yeah," I said. "This place feels alive."

A Sewaddle peeked from a leaf, then hurried away when Axew leaned forward from Iris's hair. Farther off, a Heracross shook a tree while a Pinsir tested its horns against a fallen branch.

I smiled despite myself. "Insey would love this route."

Golly glanced up from checking the map. "Bug-type density is high enough that he would probably call this a training paradise."

Cilan spread his arms like he was presenting a dish. "Route 12 has a crunchy woodland texture with a bright floral finish. A delightful path after such a chilling folktale."

Eve looked at the grass where something rustled too close to Deerling. "Delightful until something jumps out."

The Xtransceiver rang before anything could jump out.

Everyone stopped in the morning light.

I looked at the screen and saw Yancy's name.

Reisa, who had stayed with us after the Junior Cup, immediately leaned closer. "Again?"

Alice smiled faintly. "Answer before Reisa invents the whole conversation."

I sighed and accepted the call. "Hi, Yancy."

Yancy's voice came through cheerful and bright. "Ash! I bought a Soda Pop from this vending machine the other day. Guess what! I got an extra as a bonus. It was great, wasn't it? Have you ever gotten a bonus before?"

I thought about vending machines, prizes, strange gifts, and Legendary Pokémon choosing proof-of-bond Poké Balls. "I have had bonuses before, but not from a vending machine."

Yancy laughed. "I would have shared it with you if we had been together then."

"That would have been nice," I said.

Behind me, Iris whispered, "He is really getting used to this."

Yancy continued before I could react. "The stars last night were so beautiful. Did you see them by any chance, Ash? I saw lots of shooting stars too. I made so many wishes."

"What did you wish for?" I asked.

Yancy giggled nervously. "Ahaha! I cannot tell you that."

"Do not worry about it," I said. "Some secrets are meant to stay safe."

Her voice softened for a moment. "I was using the Dowsing Machine the other day and found something really awesome. I gave it to my dad, and he was really pleased. I am glad you told me about the Dowsing Machine."

Then she coughed hard enough to worry me.

I straightened. "Are you okay?"

"Sorry," Yancy said, her voice weaker. "I think I caught a cold. I will stay home and rest for now. But seeing your face should help me recover sooner, Ash. Ahaha. Talk to you soon."

The call ended before I could answer.

Golly looked at me. "She said she is sick. Did you tell her to rest?"