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

Chapter 7: Apple Bridge

Route 30 began with Ethan's new Running Shoes hitting the dirt much too quickly. He had promised Kris he would not sprint ahead and promised Exbo he would not make his starter chase him before breakfast. Ethan's feet apparently disagreed.

"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 without showing any worry. The flame on Exbo's back flickered warmly. "I will follow, but your new shoes are making breakfast feel like a race."

I smiled at Ethan. "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 matched the little Fire-type's pace. Kris lowered her map just enough to look satisfied.

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

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

Chikorita lifted her leaf with pride. "That place is already guarded, so nobody needs to worry about it."

Aipom snickered from a branch overhead, earning a warning glance from Pikachu. Sentret stood on its tail every few minutes to check behind us. Heracross needed redirecting from three trees because sap had become his entire idea of route navigation. Shiny Hoothoot watched from higher branches, East's Hoothoot rode on his shoulder, and Marill walked beside Reisa.

Route 30 was greener than the road behind us, with apple trees scattered beyond the path and wooden bridges crossing narrow streams. The air smelled sweet, and Reisa slowed without realizing it.

"This route has a softer rhythm," she said. "Route 29 felt like everything was rushing at us. Here it sounds like people are already busy somewhere."

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 with a whistle hanging around her neck. Several Ledyba hovered around her in a neat cluster, their little wings flashing in the morning light. On the far side, apple trees climbed the slope in careful rows.

The girl waved when she saw us. "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 a quick, bright pattern. The Ledyba formed two lines along the railings, fluttering beside weak boards and guiding us toward the safest steps.

Lillie looked delighted as she crossed with Togepi. "They are so careful."

The girl smiled proudly. "They train together every day. I am Arielle. My family grows apples here, and the Ledyba help with pollination, crossings, and orchard work."

One Ledyba hovered near Togepi, keeping a respectful distance from the baby. Togepi reached out with both hands. "The red star is friendly. I think it wants to say hello without getting too close."

The Ledyba spun once in the air and answered with a shy trill. "The little one is very round and very curious."

Lillie laughed softly. "Togepi says hello too."