Chapter 42: BridgeTown
The early morning sun cast a warm glow over Vermilion City as Ethan stood outside the Pokémon Center, adjusting his bag.
Sylveon stretched beside him, its ribbons lazily swaying in the breeze. The city bustled with activity, but Ethan's mind was already focused on his next destination.
"Alright, Sylveon," Ethan said, kneeling to pat its head. "It's time to move on."
Sylveon chirped happily, nudging him with its ribbon before they began walking toward the city gates.
A loud honk echoed from the road behind him, making Ethan stop. He turned around, startled, as a sleek red convertible skidded to a stop in front of the Pokémon Center.
The car's polished exterior gleamed in the sunlight, and standing up in the backseat, a group of cheerleaders waved pom-poms and cheered enthusiastically.
"It's the one and only… Gary Oak!"
Gary leapt out of the car with a flourish, his trademark grin plastered across his face. The cheerleaders erupted into a chorus of chants:
"Gary! Gary! He's our guy! Winning battles, reaching the sky!"
Ethan raised an eyebrow, half-amused and half-bewildered as Gary sauntered over, his hands in his pockets. "Well, well, if it isn't the trainer everyone's whispering about. How's it going, Ethan?"
"Gary," Ethan said flatly, though there was a small smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "What brings you here?"
Gary leaned casually against his car, the cheerleaders continuing their cheers in the background. "I just got to Vermilion City, obviously. Figured I'd scope out the gym and maybe snag another badge. But then I heard some chatter about a trainer with a Sylveon."
His gaze shifted to Sylveon, who tilted its head curiously before giving Gary a dismissive look and hopping onto Ethan's shoulder.
Gary raised an eyebrow. "So that's it, huh? Can't say I've ever seen one before."
Ethan nodded. "Yeah, Sylveon's been getting a lot of attention lately."
Gary crossed his arms, smirking. "You know, I've got an Eevee back at the lab. Maybe I'll evolve it into one of those someday—if it's cool enough for me, that is."
Sylveon gave a huff, clearly unimpressed, while Ethan chuckled. "Good luck with that."
Gary straightened up, glancing toward the gym in the distance. "Anyway, I've got business to take care of here. Gym leader battles don't win themselves, you know."
"Didn't you just say you were scoping it out?" Ethan asked, an amused grin forming.
Gary waved dismissively. "Details. You've got your plans; I've got mine. Speaking of which, where are you headed?"
"Bridgetown," Ethan replied. "I missed it earlier in my journey, so I'm doubling back."
Gary raised an eyebrow, his smirk returning. "Going backward? Bold move. Most trainers would just press on, but I guess you're not most trainers, are you?"
Ethan shrugged. "I like to finish what I start."
Gary laughed, motioning to his car. "Well, don't let me hold you up. The road's waiting, and so is my next badge. Just don't fall too far behind, alright?"
The cheerleaders immediately erupted into another chant:
"Gary Oak, he's the best! Beats the rest, aces the test!"
Ethan sighed, shaking his head. "Sure, Gary. Whatever you say."
Gary gave a mock salute before hopping back into his car. "See you around, Ethan. And don't let that Sylveon of yours outshine you too much!"
With a rev of the engine, the car sped off, the cheerleaders waving their pom-poms out the back. Ethan and Sylveon watched them go, the faint chants still audible in the distance.
"Well, that was something," Ethan muttered, adjusting his bag again.
Sylveon nodded, wrapping a ribbon around Ethan's arm as if to say, Let's get moving.
Ethan took a deep breath, stepping onto the road leading out of Vermilion City.
The road to Bridgetown stretched before Ethan, the sun casting long shadows across the dirt path. With Sylveon trotting beside him, its ribbons swaying gently, Ethan found himself lost in thought.
"Maybe I should get a bike," he mused aloud, glancing at Sylveon, who gave him an amused look.
Ethan sighed. "Walking everywhere is fine, but it's slow. And don't give me that look—I know you enjoy the strolls."
Sylveon flicked a ribbon playfully, teasing him.
"Fine," Ethan chuckled. "We'll stick to walking for now. But if I see a good deal in Bridgetown, I might just get one."
The journey was peaceful, with only the occasional rustle of wild Pokémon in the bushes. Ethan occasionally stopped to take in the scenery or check his map, ensuring he was on the right path. As the hours passed and the sun began to set, the lively streets of Bridgetown came into view.
The town was bustling with activity. Merchants hawked their goods, trainers exchanged stories, and children played with their Pokémon in the square. Ethan immediately spotted the Pokémon Center and decided to stop by for a quick rest.
The doors slid open, and he stepped inside, greeted by the familiar hum of activity. Trainers chatted excitedly, while Nurse Joy attended to Pokémon at the counter. As Ethan approached, a familiar voice called out.
"Ethan!"
Turning, Ethan saw Ash waving enthusiastically. Beside him stood Brock and Misty, both smiling warmly.
"Hey," Ethan greeted, walking over. Sylveon followed, instantly drawing their attention.
"Wow, it's Sylveon!" Misty exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. "It's even more beautiful in person!"
Brock nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I've read about Sylveon in the news recently. The only one of its kind, right?"
Ethan gave a small nod, unsurprised. Sylveon had been the talk of the Pokémon world ever since Professor Oak shared the documentation.
"It must've taken some serious training to evolve Eevee into this," Brock said, giving Ethan an appraising look. "You've come a long way since our gym battle."
"Thanks," Ethan replied simply. He appreciated Brock's acknowledgment but wasn't one for excessive praise.
Ash, meanwhile, was staring at Sylveon with wide eyes. "It's so cool! And those ribbons—are they part of its attacks? Or are they just for show?"
Sylveon gave Ash a sideways glance, as if sizing him up, before turning its head with an air of playful pride.
Misty, however, was already pulling out her Pokedex. "Sylveon, can I take a selfie with you? Please?"
Sylveon looked up at Ethan, clearly reluctant.
"It's just a quick photo," Ethan said with a smirk. "Think of it as good PR."
Sylveon sighed dramatically but complied, stepping closer to Misty.
Misty grinned and took several selfies, each with Sylveon looking either mildly exasperated or charmingly graceful. "Perfect! These are going straight online!"
Brock chuckled. "You've got a fan for life, Sylveon."
Sylveon flicked a ribbon at him, as if to say, I already know.
Ash, however, was still caught up in his usual antics. "Hey, Misty! Let me get a photo with Sylveon too!"
Misty rolled her eyes. "Sylveon's had enough pictures for now. You'll have to wait your turn."
Ash pouted but didn't press the issue.
As the group continued chatting, Ethan couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and mild exhaustion.
Eventually, Ethan excused himself to check into a room at the Pokémon Center to rest.