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

Chapter 21: Trading Shadows

Azalea Town still felt damp after Slowking's rain. Since Bugsy handed me the Hive Badge, cautious smiles had started returning to the streets.

Lillie walked beside me with Togepi in her arms and Pikachu near my shoulder. Furret, Chikorita, Quilava, and Pineco were still outside, while Exbo walked beside Ethan as he admired his badge case.

Kris wrote notes about Azalea's recovery. Reisa opened a Poké Ball and released Croconaw, who landed beside her with a pleased rumble before matching her stride.

At the forest edge, I recalled Furret, Chikorita, Quilava, and Pineco to rest. Ethan recalled Exbo too. East studied the fog until a familiar voice came through the brush.

"Tell me, sis. Is it true that Team Rocket has returned?" Silver asked from beyond the brush.

I stopped at once and raised my hand. Lillie understood before anyone else spoke, and everyone lowered behind thick shrubs. Reisa guided Croconaw down beside her.

Silver stood in a narrow clearing with his stolen Croconaw tense at his side. Across from them, Ariel stood with Umbreon beside her.

"I already defeated the grunts at Azalea Town," Ariel said. "I assume you met some Team Rocket grunts while training."

Silver grunted and folded his arms. "I hate the weak. Pokémon, Trainers, everyone. Team Rocket thinks it is strong in a group, but alone, every grunt is weak."

The stolen Croconaw dragged his tail once through the damp soil and curled it close. "If I'm weak, he'll leave me behind. I won't give him a reason."

Lillie's fingers tightened around Togepi. Ethan shifted like he wanted to step out, but East caught his sleeve before he exposed us.

Umbreon stepped forward silently. Sneasel slipped from the trees behind Silver and watched Ariel.

"You keep treating Croconaw like he'll be worthless the moment he loses," Ariel said.

"I don't need a lecture from you," Silver snapped back.

Sneasel darted away from Umbreon and tried to vanish behind Silver's legs, but Ariel's command came instantly.

"Umbreon, use Pursuit now," Ariel commanded.

Umbreon surged across the grass and struck Sneasel before he could slip behind Silver.

Sneasel skidded across the clearing and landed in a crouch. Silver narrowed his eyes, but Ariel only watched him with quiet disappointment.

Silver clenched his fist. "You think that proves something?"

"I think you're making Croconaw afraid to lose in front of you," Ariel said quietly.

Silver turned away from her, and his stolen Croconaw followed after one last glance at Umbreon. "I'm not joining Team Rocket, and I'm not joining anyone who talks like them."

Ariel sighed after he passed the tree line. "Still as stubborn as ever."

She turned in the opposite direction, and Umbreon followed her into the fog. For a moment, none of us moved. Even Pikachu stayed quiet.

Ethan finally stepped out from behind the shrubs. "So Ariel is related to Silver?"

"Looks like it," Reisa said while brushing leaves from her sleeve. "And neither of them wants anything to do with Team Rocket."

Kris stared in the direction Silver had taken. "They weren't angry for the same reason."

Lillie watched the empty path. "Ariel was angry at Team Rocket. Silver sounded angry at anyone he thinks is weak."