The road beyond Mt. Moon felt wider than it had any right to.
Sunlight stretched across the path in long bands, warming stone that had been cold for days. Ash walked with an easier rhythm now, not faster, just steadier. The mountain sat behind them, quiet again, as if it had never shifted or swallowed sound.
Charizard walked at his side.
Not close enough to brush shoulders. Close enough to be felt.
Ash didn't look over. He didn't need to. The weight of those steps matched his own, heavy and deliberate. When the road dipped, Charizard slowed. When it leveled, it matched pace again. It was a small thing, but Ash felt it settle somewhere deep.
They stopped near a bend where the ground softened into grass. Ash set his pack down and knelt, opening it carefully.
"Alright," he said. "Quick check."
Rattata hopped out first, alert, sniffing the air. The bandage on its paw had held. Sandshrew followed, cautious, claws digging lightly into the soil as if testing it. Metapod remained in its ball. Pidgey stayed with Maya, feathers fluffed against the breeze.
Maya crouched beside Ash, notebook already open. "Ground type," she said, nodding at Sandshrew. "Likes stable terrain. After caves, open ground helps them reset."
Ash glanced at Sandshrew. "So… not too much training today?"
"Not battle training," Maya replied. "Movement. Let it dig a little. Get used to your voice."
Ash nodded. He stepped back, giving Sandshrew space. "Easy," he said. "Just move around."
Sandshrew hesitated, then began scraping at the dirt, slow and deliberate. It stopped once, glanced up at Ash, then continued.
Ash smiled faintly. "Guess that's a good sign."
Maya smiled back. "It didn't bolt. That's better than good."
They spent time like that. No commands shouted. No pressure. Rattata ran short sprints, stopping when Ash raised a hand. Pidgey fluttered from rock to rock, testing its wing without lifting fully.
Maya watched closely. "Don't rush Pidgey," she said. "If it flies too soon, it'll compensate wrong. Let it decide."
Ash lowered his hand. "Got it."
Charizard stood a little apart, watching. When Sandshrew dug too close to loose ground, Charizard shifted, blocking the edge without stepping forward. Sandshrew adjusted instinctively.
Ash noticed.
"Thanks," he said quietly, not sure if Charizard cared about the words. The tail flame flickered once and steadied.
They packed up again by midday. The road curved gently, revealing distant rooftops and a glint of water beyond them.
"Cerulean," Maya said, shading her eyes. "That should be it."
Ash exhaled. "Feels… closer than I thought."
"That's how it works," Maya replied. "You focus on the next step, not the distance."
They walked on.
As the city drew nearer, Ash adjusted his cap and checked his Poké Balls, one by one. He paused when his hand hovered near Charizard's ball, then moved on without touching it.
Maya noticed. She didn't comment.
The sound of water grew louder. Fountains. Canals. Life.
Charizard lifted its head, wings shifting slightly at the breeze carrying moisture and unfamiliar scents. It didn't stop walking.
Ash smiled to himself.
The road ahead was open again.
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T/N:
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