NOVEL NEXT Chapter 47: SS Anne
Ethan adjusted the straps of his backpack as he began his trek back to Vermilion City. The forest path ahead was serene, with dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves and the occasional cry of wild Pokémon adding life to the atmosphere.
As he walked, the familiar sound of laughter and chatter reached his ears. Turning a bend, he saw two girls—Green and Pink, the duo he had met before. Green's confident strides and lively gestures contrasted with Pink's softer demeanor and cheerful smile.
"Hey, Ethan!" Green called out, waving enthusiastically.
Ethan nodded in acknowledgment. "Green, Pink. Didn't expect to see you two here."
Pink adjusted her sunhat with a bright grin. "We were exploring the area and decided to head back to Vermilion City. What about you?"
"Same," Ethan replied. "I've got some things to take care of back there."
"Nice timing, then!" Green said, falling into step beside him. "Traveling's always more fun with company, don't you think?"
Ethan smirked but didn't comment.
As they walked, Green reached for a Pokéball on her belt. "By the way, meet my partner!" With a flourish, she released a Bulbasaur, its confident stance mirroring her personality.
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Bulbasaur, huh? Solid choice."
Pink giggled. "And here's mine!" She tossed her own Pokéball, revealing a cheerful Charmander, its tail flame flickering brightly.
"That's cute," Ethan remarked, nodding approvingly. "Since we're sharing, might as well." He pulled out a Pokéball and released his Bulbasaur.
The moment Ethan's Bulbasaur materialized, the atmosphere shifted. His Bulbasaur immediately turned its head away from him with a dramatic pout, its tiny vine swiping at a nearby flower in irritation.
Green's Bulbasaur approached Ethan's, attempting to console it with a friendly pat of its vine, but Ethan's Bulbasaur remained unmoved, its expression stubbornly grumpy.
Pink stifled a laugh. "Your Bulbasaur has... quite the personality."
"Tell me about it," Ethan muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
Green crouched down, studying Ethan's Bulbasaur. "What did you do to this poor guy? He looks like he's been wronged by the universe."
Ethan crossed his arms. "Let's just say it has a knack for making my life difficult."
His Bulbasaur glared at him, its vine smacking the ground in defiance.
Charmander approached, offering a curious sniff, but even it recoiled slightly at the sheer force of Bulbasaur's grumpiness.
Pink giggled. "I think your Bulbasaur's determined to win the 'Most Dramatic Pokémon' award."
"Right," Ethan said dryly, bending down to meet Bulbasaur's stubborn gaze. "Look, can you just... not cause a scene?"
Bulbasaur responded by turning away even further, its pout intensifying.
Green's Bulbasaur tried again, this time nudging Ethan's Bulbasaur with its head. The effort was met with complete indifference.
Sighing, Ethan returned Bulbasaur to its Pokéball. "Hopeless," he muttered.
Green laughed. "I think I like your Bulbasaur more than mine. It's got character."
Pink nodded enthusiastically. "Definitely entertaining!"
As the group resumed their journey, Green's eyes wandered to the Pokémon walking beside Ethan. "Wait a minute..." Her gaze sharpened as she studied the elegant Fairy-type. "That's a Sylveon, isn't it?"
Pink gasped, her excitement bubbling over. "No way! Is that the Sylveon? The one trending all over the internet?"
Ethan glanced at Sylveon, who met his gaze with a knowing look. "Yeah, that's my Sylveon," Ethan admitted casually.
Green's jaw dropped. "You're the trainer? Do you know how famous Sylveon is right now? It's all anyone's talking about!"
Pink clasped her hands together, her eyes sparkling. "Sylveon is so beautiful! Can I take a picture?"
Ethan raised an eyebrow, but before he could answer, Sylveon gave a reluctant nod, positioning itself elegantly.
As Pink snapped photos, Green grinned. "You're more interesting than I thought, Ethan. First, the most stubborn Bulbasaur I've ever seen, and now this. What's next?"
"Hopefully nothing as troublesome as that Bulbasaur," Ethan muttered.
The group's banter continued as they neared Vermilion City, their laughter echoing through the forest.
By the time they reached the city, the bustling streets and salty sea breeze welcomed them.
"Well," Ethan said, pausing at the city's entrance, "this is where we split."
Green raised an eyebrow. "You're not staying?"
Ethan shook his head. "Got plans."
Pink smiled warmly. "It was fun traveling with you. Take care!"
"You too," Ethan replied, his usual smirk softening.
As Green and Pink disappeared into the city, Ethan turned his focus toward the harbor. The SS Anne loomed in the distance, its grandeur calling to him.
As Ethan approached the docks, a familiar trio caught his eye. Ash, Misty, and Brock stood by a food stall, chatting animatedly.
"Ethan!" Ash called, waving him over.
"What are you doing here?" Ethan asked as he approached.
"Heading to the SS Anne," Ash replied with a grin. "I can't wait to see what's inside!"
Their conversation was interrupted by two sharply dressed individuals in glasses. The duo approached, their movements precise and professional.
"Excuse us," one of them said, addressing Ash. "We have something for you."
The man handed Ash an envelope, its golden trim gleaming in the sunlight.
"For me?" Ash asked, his eyes wide.
The second individual turned to Ethan, presenting him with a similar envelope. "And one for you as well."
Ethan accepted the envelope, his eyebrows raising. "What's this about?"
"An invitation to board the SS Anne," the first man explained. "Compliments of our sponsors."
Without another word, the two men tipped their hats and walked away.
Ash held up his ticket, grinning from ear to ear. "This is going to be awesome!"
Ethan studied his own ticket, his smirk returning. "Looks like I've got my plans sorted."