Ash's Story (Part 6: Unova)

Chapter 67: Blades of Route 9

Opelucid City rose ahead of us like stone, glass, and Dragon pride built into one place.

After the Village of Dragons, the city felt less like a separate destination and more like the other side of the same heartbeat. The roads were sharper, the buildings taller, and every banner near the gates seemed to remind travelers that Drayden's city did not soften itself for anyone.

Pikachu sat on my shoulder and watched the streets with bright eyes. His meaning came low and ready. "Dragon city. Strong walls. Big battle waiting."

I touched his paw gently. "Not yet. First, Opelucid Academy."

Alice looked toward the academy district with a small smile. "You sound like you are trying not to think about the Gym."

"I am thinking about it," I said. "I am just not walking straight into it before seeing old friends."

Golly nodded in approval. "That is a surprisingly responsible sequence."

Eve glanced at her. "You make that sound like he usually fails basic scheduling."

Golly did not blink. "He often improvises with explosions nearby."

Iris walked beside us with Haxorus still not there yet, because Fraxure was at her side instead of riding in her hair now. That change alone made the road feel strange. He looked taller, sharper, and prouder, but every time he glanced up at Iris, I could still see Axew inside the new shape.

Fraxure's meaning came across as excited but nervous. "New city. Old teacher. Bigger tusks still learning."

Iris smiled down at him. "We are both still learning."

Hydreigon drifted behind her like a storm cloud that had agreed to follow walking rules. Dragonite eyed the city like he wanted to challenge every statue. Lapras rested in her Poké Ball, Emolga perched on Hydreigon's back despite the side heads watching her suspiciously, and Excadrill pretended not to care about any of it.

We reached Opelucid Academy shortly after entering the city.

The building carried Drayden's spirit in a different form. It was strict, old, and polished, with training fields beside classroom wings and Dragon carvings near the main entrance. Students crossed the courtyard in uniforms, some carrying books, others carrying Poké Balls with the seriousness of future Trainers who thought posture could become power.

A familiar woman stood near the entrance, speaking with two students.

Alice recognized her first. "Ms. Sakura."

I looked again and smiled. "It really is her."

We hurried forward, and Sakura turned with surprise that became warmth.

"Oh my," she said. "It has been a while."

"It has," I said. "Does that mean Drandon and Lucine are here too?"

"Of course," Sakura said. "Though I asked them to run an errand at Route 9's Shopping Mall Nine. If you are not in a hurry, we can go together to find them."

Iris waved both hands. "Ms. Sakura! You still teach here?"

Sakura laughed softly. "Iris, I remember you running down these halls with Axew on your head and mud on your shoes. I would be very surprised if you forgot this academy."

Iris flinched while everyone looked at her.

"You were a troublesome student?" Reisa asked with immediate delight.

Iris puffed her cheeks. "I was energetic."

Sakura gave her a teacher's smile. "Energetic enough that Drayden once let you act as Gym Leader in his place, and you frightened half the challengers before remembering the paperwork."