Ash's Story (Part 5: Modern Sinnoh)

Chapter 35: Milk and Rain

Route 210 greeted us with a roadblock that looked softer than most.

A group of Psyduck stood across the northern path, each one holding its head and swaying in place. None of them looked angry. They looked miserable, and that made forcing our way through feel completely wrong.

Dawn leaned forward with worry. "Poor things. They look like their headaches are terrible."

Tox watched them with a doctor's frown already forming. "If they are blocking the whole road, there may be a bigger reason. We should not push them."

Lillie checked the map on her Pokétch. "There is another stop nearby. Café Cabin should be close."

"Then we rest there first," I said. "Maybe someone knows what is happening."

The cabin came into view between the trees, but it was not the quiet traveler stop I expected. Bright signs hung near the door, and the windows were full of warm light, lace curtains, and customers waiting for trays of food.

Dawn blinked. "Is this a maid café?"

Three girls hurried toward us before anyone could answer. They introduced themselves as Autumn, Spring, and Summer, each wearing a café uniform with matching ribbons and very different expressions. Spring was cheerful, Summer looked energetic, and Autumn looked like she wanted to be somewhere else.

When we asked about Moomoo Milk, Spring clapped her hands happily. "Then you should meet our Miltank in the barn."

Spring's two Miltank and Summer's Miltank trotted into the barn with familiar ease. They moved into the clean milking stalls without fear, tails swaying, while the maids spoke gently to them and checked that everything was comfortable.

Everyone sent out Pokémon to enjoy the fresh milk afterward. Pikachu held his cup carefully with both paws, Manaphy leaned over mine with wide eyes, and Happiny tried to lift her cup like it was a medical tool.

Tox's attention shifted to the fourth Miltank standing away from the others.

She did not step forward. Her ears drooped, and every time Autumn looked at her, the Miltank turned her face away as if she expected disappointment before it arrived.

Tox lowered himself slowly near her. "What happened to her?"

Autumn crossed her arms. "Her name is Ilta. I just got her, but she will not listen to anything I say. The truth is, Ilta is one selfish Miltank, and she is not cute anyway. I was planning to release her."

The barn went very quiet.

Tox stood up, and even Croagunk looked sharper beside him. "That is wrong. Giving up your Miltank without getting to know her helps neither of you."

Autumn flinched, but Tox did not soften the truth away.

"If Ilta does not trust you, there is a reason," Tox continued. "I think I can help, but only if you stop treating her like a failed tool."

Summer ran in before Autumn could answer. "We have a ton of customers. Spring, we need you."

Autumn looked trapped between the barn and the café. "But Ilta—"

Tox glanced at Gladion and Daniel. "We can stay here with Autumn and the Miltank."

Lillie nodded. "Dawn and I can help in the café."

"In fact, I can help too," I said, looking toward the rush of customers.

Spring hesitated. "But we do not have any male clothes for the café."

Lillie's smile became dangerous. "Do not worry. He will not mind, right, Scarlett?"

Dawn's eyes lit up despite everything that had been weighing on her. "Oh yeah. Scarlett Ketchura!"