1.Ash's Story (Part 2: Johto)

Chapter 7: Apple Bridge

Route 30 began with the sound of Ethan's new Running Shoes hitting the dirt too quickly.

He had promised Kris he would not sprint ahead. He had promised East he would watch the road. He had promised Exbo he would not make his nervous starter chase him before breakfast. The problem was that Ethan's feet seemed to think promises were suggestions.

"Ethan," Kris said without looking up from her map, "you are doing the thing again."

Ethan stopped mid-step and nearly tipped forward. "I am walking fast."

"You are bouncing," East corrected from the front of the group.

Exbo hurried beside Ethan's ankle, trying to keep up while pretending he was not worried. His meaning came to Lillie and me in a tiny warm flicker: "Trainer fast. Feet scary. Still follow."

I repeated only the safe part with a smile. "Exbo is keeping up, but slow down for him."

Ethan looked down, guilt cutting through his excitement. "Right. Sorry, buddy."

Exbo pressed his nose against Ethan's shoe, and Ethan finally walked at a normal pace.

Chikorita stayed close to my side, still very convinced that Lillie's place near me was a matter that required constant supervision. Every time Lillie shifted Togepi in her arms, Chikorita glanced over like she expected a secret attack.

Lillie noticed and smiled patiently. "I promise I am not trying to take your spot."

Chikorita lifted her leaf with pride. Her meaning reached us clearly: "Spot already guarded."

Aipom snickered from a branch overhead, which earned her a warning glance from Pikachu. Sentret stood on its tail every few minutes to check behind us. Heracross had to be redirected away from three different trees because sap had become its entire idea of route navigation. Shiny Hoothoot watched from the higher branches, while East's Hoothoot rode on his shoulder, calm and alert.

Route 30 was greener than the road behind us, with apple trees scattered beyond the path and bridges crossing narrow dips where small streams cut through the land. The air smelled sweet, and Reisa slowed without realizing it. After the snow, the orchard scent felt almost unreal, like Johto had turned the page too quickly and expected us to keep up.

"This route has a rounder rhythm," she said softly. "Route 29 was all first steps and sudden danger. This feels like work happening quietly."

East pointed ahead. "Someone is working."

His tone made everyone slow down before the bridge.

A girl stood at the edge of a wooden bridge, a whistle hanging around her neck. Several Ledyba hovered around her in a neat cluster, their small wings flashing under the morning light. On the far side of the bridge, apple trees stretched up the slope in careful rows.

The girl waved warmly when she saw us approaching together. "Travelers? Wait there a second. The bridge is narrow, and the Ledyba are helping with crossings today."

Ethan blinked. "Helping with crossings?"

The girl blew the whistle in a quick, bright pattern. The Ledyba formed two lines along the bridge railing, their little bodies steadying the air while we crossed. They did not carry us. They guided our steps, blocked weak boards, and fluttered beside anyone who moved too close to the edge.

Lillie looked delighted. "They are so careful."

Arielle smiled proudly. "That is because they train together every day. I am Arielle. My family grows apples here, and the Ledyba help with pollination, crossings, and orchard work."