Ash's Story (Part 6: Unova)

Chapter 36: Passion Lights

The next day, Nimbasa City felt different from the way it had after the Ghost Train.

The lights were bright again, the subway announcements sounded normal, and people moved through the streets like yesterday had only been a frightening rumor. I knew better. The rails under the city had carried stolen Pokémon, and Team Rocket had almost turned another safe place into a trap.

Pikachu rode on my shoulder with his ears still alert. His meaning came quietly against my cheek. "Bright city. Still watch."

"I am watching," I whispered back.

Alice walked beside me, close enough that our hands brushed whenever the crowd tightened. She did not look nervous, but her eyes kept checking every alley, every station entrance, and every rooftop sign that could hide a camera or a person.

Cilan looked determined to restore the city's flavor. "Nimbasa is more than yesterday's danger. It has stages, stadiums, the Musical Theater, amusement lights, and a Ferris Wheel that gives the whole city a sweet finish."

Iris crossed her arms. "You make sightseeing sound like a meal again."

Eve glanced at Alice before looking at me. "Sightseeing is fine as long as nobody forgets Team Rocket nearly stole everyone's Pokémon yesterday."

Golly nodded firmly. "Enjoyment and vigilance can coexist. That is the proper balance."

Near Gear Station, Nate and Rosa waved to us from beside a bright city map. Rosa looked proud, while Nate looked like he had already been dragged through three different plans before breakfast.

"It feels like a lot happened since the Battle Club Tournament," Nate said.

"Other than Team Rocket stealing half the Center's vault and almost taking our Pokémon, we are still standing," I said.

Rosa winced. "That sounds less fine than fine."

Alice gave a small shrug. "It was not fine, but we recovered the Pokémon."

"So did you get the Gym Badge yet?" I asked.

Rosa smiled and touched her badge case. "I got it yesterday. Elesa is quite strong."

Nate nodded with admiration. "Rosa battled better than she admits."

Rosa blushed, then pointed toward Gear Station. "I heard that in Gear Station, you can have Pokémon battles in the subway. I want to test my skills there."

"We just met the Subway Bosses yesterday," Alice said. "The Team Rocket problem affected the Battle Subway badly."

Cilan straightened immediately. "Then a proper friendly battle may help return the rails to their intended taste."

Gear Station was busier than yesterday, but the staff moved with focused confidence. Ingo and Emmet stood near a training platform, speaking with Depot Agents and checking the repaired signal boards.

Ingo turned when he saw us. "You have returned. Is this a request for battle?"

Rosa stepped forward with both hands clenched. "Yes! I want to challenge the Subway Bosses, but maybe not at full power yet."

Emmet smiled sharply. "A two-on-two battle will be fine. Safe platform. Clear rules. Verrry good."

Rosa turned to me with sudden brightness. "This is an a-MAZ-ing opportunity! How about we battle together, Ash?"

I blinked. "You want me as your partner?"

"Let's become the best partners ever and surpass the Subway Bosses," Rosa said, already pulling me toward the platform. "So I will have you challenge the Subway Bosses with me, then!"