Ash's Story (Part 5: Modern Sinnoh)

Chapter 7: Jubilife Tricks

Jubilife City rose ahead of us with tall buildings, busy streets, and glowing signs that made Dawn slow down before we even reached the first crosswalk.

After the forests and hidden villages of Route 202, the city felt like another world. People hurried between shops, Trainers checked maps on corners, and screens above the streets flashed news about Contests, Gyms, and new Pokétch apps.

Dawn looked everywhere at once. Buneary stayed close to her leg, shy but curious, while Piplup marched like he had personally escorted everyone into the city.

Lillie walked beside me with Bidoof and Kricketot near her feet. Kricketot clicked softly whenever the traffic sounds became too loud, turning the city noise into a rhythm only he understood.

Tox had Croagunk beside him, and the Poison-type watched every passing person with the same blank face. Somehow, that made people step around him without needing to be told.

The city's first impression was not only size. Jubilife felt organized in a way the routes did not. Signs pointed toward the Trainers' School, the Pokétch Company, the Pokémon Center, and the Contest Hall.

The Contest Hall sign made Dawn stop longer than all the others. Her excitement and worry mixed so clearly that even Buneary looked up at her.

"You are staring," Tox said gently.

"I am studying," Dawn answered quickly. "There is a difference."

Piplup's meaning came proud and defensive. "Dawn studies stage. Stage fears Dawn soon."

I kept my smile small so Dawn would not ask what he said.

The city made Dawn nervous in a different way from wild Pokémon. A wild Pokémon could run away, but a city had crowds that noticed mistakes. Every time another Coordinator passed with a polished Poké Ball case, Dawn adjusted her bag and checked Buneary's ribbon-shaped fur.

Lillie noticed and slowed her pace. "You do not have to look ready every second."

Dawn gave a small laugh. "I know. I just want to feel ready before everyone else can tell I am not."

"You already protected Pikachu and caught Buneary," I said. "That counts for more than looking calm."

Dawn looked embarrassed, but Buneary stepped closer to her shoes. That small movement seemed to help more than anything I could say.

Lucas spotted us near the main road and waved. "Hey, guys! How many Pokémon have you caught already?"

Dawn brightened immediately. "Look, Lucas!"

She sent out Buneary, and the little Pokémon covered her face with her ear fur while peeking at Lucas.

Tox tapped Croagunk's Poké Ball. "I also caught someone."

Croagunk appeared beside him, staring at Lucas without blinking.

Lucas stared back, then laughed nervously. "Whoa, both of you already have another Pokémon with you. That is faster than I expected."

Dawn placed one hand on her hip. "I told you I was going to start strong."

Lucas pointed toward a nearby building. "In Jubilife City, there is the Trainers' School. Barry went there earlier, so you might find him if he has not already run somewhere else."

"Who is Barry?" Lillie asked after Lucas finished giving directions.

Dawn sighed, but there was affection under it. "Barry is our neighbor. We have been friends since we were little, though he is always rushing and threatening fines."