The Hermonia family car continued north toward Ecruteak City.
Outside the window, the scenery slowly changed.
The forests became denser.
Old shrines appeared beside the road.
Even the air felt...older.
Ethan glanced down at the map on his Pokégear.
"Route 37 is coming up."
He looked around the car.
"Does anyone want to stop?"
Falkner folded his arms.
"Depends."
"What Pokémon are here?"
Bugsy leaned forward from his seat.
"If there are Bug-types, I'm in."
Whitney grinned.
"If there are cute Pokémon, I'm in."
Lyra laughed.
"That's basically every route."
Ethan looked back at his Pokégear.
"From what I remember, there are Growlithe, Vulpix, Pidgeotto, Hoothoot, and a few others depending on the time of day."
"There are also three Apricorn trees near the route."
Erika smiled.
"I wouldn't mind collecting a few Apricorns."
Kitsu looked out the window.
"...I think we should stop."
Everyone turned toward her.
She shrugged.
"After everything with Manda..."
"...I just want a peaceful route for once."
Silence.
Whitney nodded immediately.
"I support that."
Bugsy chuckled.
"Knowing us, that's exactly why something's about to happen."
Ethan sighed.
"...Please don't jinx it."
The car rounded the final bend.
In the distance...
The rooftops of Ecruteak City came into view.
And towering over the ancient city...
The silhouette of the Burned Tower stood against the afternoon sky.
The Hermonia family car came to a stop beside Route 37.
For once...
There wasn't a Gym waiting for them.
No tournament.
No poachers.
Just a peaceful route famous for its wild Pokémon and the three Apricorn trees that grew nearby.
Everyone climbed out of the car.
"This is going to be relaxing."
Bugsy stretched before tossing a Poké Ball.
"Come on out, Larvesta!"
"Larva!"
The little Fire/Bug Pokémon happily bounced into a nearby bush.
Then...
It started eating.
Crunch.
Crunch.
Crunch.
Leaves disappeared at an alarming speed.
Branches followed.
Within only a few minutes, the entire bush had vanished.
Only the stump remained.
Bugsy blinked.
"...You know, I really need to start bringing extra food."
Larvesta looked up innocently.
"Larva?"
Whitney pointed at the empty patch of ground.
"...It ate the whole thing."
Falkner ignored the ecological disaster unfolding behind him.
He released his own team.
"Croconaw."
"Fearow."
"Pidgeotto."
The three Pokémon spread out to patrol the route, keeping an eye out for anything unusual.
Meanwhile...
Ethan walked through the tall grass.
A rustle caught his attention.
Out stepped a Growlithe.
The small Fire-type watched him cautiously, its tail wagging ever so slightly.
Ethan smiled.
"Growlithe..."
It was a fantastic Pokémon.
Loyal.
Powerful.
And with enough training, it could become an incredible Arcanine.
His hand drifted toward a Wind Ball...
...before stopping.
"'I already have eight Pokémon.'"
"'Every capture from now on has to be a decision.'"
"'Not just because I can.'"
The Growlithe tilted its head.
Seeing Ethan make no move to battle, it barked once before happily trotting back into the grass.
Ethan smiled.
"Maybe another time."
Not every meeting needed to end with a capture.
Elsewhere...
Erika stood beneath the three famous Apricorn trees.
Red.
Blue.
Black.
The ripe Apricorns had already fallen onto the ground.
Delta Bulbasaur happily bounced from one to another, using its vines to gather them into a neat pile.
"Thank you."
Erika smiled as she picked them up one by one.
"These will make wonderful Poké Balls."
Sabrina stood quietly nearby, reading another book while keeping Erika company.
Then...
Plop.
Something soft landed on Sabrina's head.
She slowly lowered her book.
A tiny Ledyba was clinging to her hair.
It blinked twice.
Sabrina blinked once.
The Ledyba waved one tiny arm.
"..."
"..."
Without changing expression—
Flash.
Sabrina teleported.
The Ledyba gave a surprised squeak as both of them vanished.
A second later...
Flash.
Sabrina reappeared three meters away.
The Ledyba was no longer on her head.
Instead...
It was sitting exactly where she had been standing, looking completely confused.
It looked left.
Then right.
"...Ledy?"
From behind a tree, Whitney burst into laughter.
"I can't believe you teleported because a Ledyba landed on you!"
Sabrina calmly adjusted her hair.
"It startled me."
Erika covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
"...That's fair."
With the twins...
Kitsu glanced toward the Growlithe Ethan had been watching.
"You aren't going to catch it?"
Ethan kept his eyes on the Fire-type.
"I'm thinking about it."
He wasn't going to deny it.
Growlithe was a good Pokémon, and he could already imagine how powerful it could become.
But with eight Pokémon already registered to him, adding another meant making an actual decision about his team.
Kitsu shrugged.
"I'm looking for a Vulpix."
Ethan turned toward her.
"You already have Ember."
Kitsu gave him an incredulous look.
"So?"
"Ember is a Flareon."
"Yes."
"And Vulpix is also a Fire-type."
"Yes."
Ethan stared at her.
Kitsu crossed her arms.
"What's your point?"
"You already have a Fire-type."
Kitsu sighed.
"Hey, both Flareon and Vulpix are Fire-types, but they're completely different."
Ethan raised an eyebrow.
"That's your argument?"
"Yes."
She pointed toward the grass.
"Ember is a close-range fighter. Vulpix can use different techniques, has a completely different body, different abilities, and can eventually evolve into Ninetales."
She paused.
"And besides..."
Kitsu grinned.
"I want one."
Ethan couldn't argue with that logic.
"Fair enough."
Kitsu immediately turned back toward the tall grass.
"Now help me find one."
Ethan sighed.
"You're seriously going to make me search for your Vulpix?"
"You're my twin."
"So?"
"You have to help me."
Ethan stared at her for several seconds.
"...I hate that this argument works."
Kitsu smiled.
"Good."
Both twins disappeared deeper into the grass.
Neither noticed the pair of crimson eyes watching them from between the trees.
"...Vulpix?"
Kitsu pushed another patch of tall grass aside.
"Nothing."
Ethan followed behind her, occasionally checking the surrounding area.
"You know, Vulpix aren't exactly guaranteed to walk up to you."
"I know."
"Then why are you searching like you're looking for a lost sock?"
Kitsu ignored him.
"Vulpix!"
Nothing.
She moved to another patch.
"Vulpix!"
Still nothing.
Ethan sighed.
"You know, screaming its name probably isn't going to make a wild Pokémon appear."
Kitsu looked at him.
"It worked in the show's."
"...That's not how this works."
"How do you know?"
"I've been dealing with Pokémon for thirteen years."
"So have I."
"You spent most of those years trying to feed Pokémon."
"...That's irrelevant."
Ethan snorted.
Then something rustled behind them.
Both twins froze.
Kitsu slowly turned around.
A pair of crimson eyes stared back through the grass.
Kitsu's face immediately lit up.
"Vulpix!"
The Pokémon stepped out.
Its six tails swayed gently behind it.
Kitsu's eyes practically sparkled.
"Found you!"
The Vulpix immediately took a step backward.
Kitsu stopped.
"Oh."
Ethan raised a hand.
"Don't rush it."
Kitsu nodded.
She slowly crouched down.
"Hey."
Vulpix watched her carefully.
"I'm not going to hurt you."
The little Fire-type's ears twitched.
Ethan remained several steps behind, watching.
"'She's actually being careful.'"
Vulpix took another step forward.
Kitsu smiled.
"That's it."
Then—
Growlithe barked from somewhere nearby.
Vulpix immediately spun around.
Its fur stood on end.
"Vul!"
Ethan looked toward the sound.
The Growlithe from earlier had apparently followed them.
It stood at the edge of the grass, staring at Vulpix.
Kitsu blinked.
"...Are you kidding me?"
Growlithe barked again.
Vulpix responded with a sharp cry.
Ethan looked between the two Fire-types.
"'Well, this could get interesting.'"
Kitsu slowly stood.
She reached for one of her Poké Balls.
"Okay."
She looked at Vulpix.
"If you want to be caught..."
Her grip tightened.
"...I'm going to earn it."
Vulpix lowered its stance.
Its tails spread behind it.
Kitsu grinned.
"Ember!"
A familiar Flareon burst from its Poké Ball.
"Flare!"
Ethan stepped back.
"You're using Ember?"
Kitsu glanced at him.
"Of course."
"Against another Fire-type?"
"Exactly."
Ethan blinked.
Then he smiled.
"'She's thinking about type matchups differently.'"
Kitsu pointed forward.
"Ember, don't attack it directly."
Flareon's ears perked up.
"Use Ember around it!"
A stream of small flames shot across the ground, surrounding Vulpix without actually hitting it.
Vulpix looked around nervously.
Kitsu lowered her hand.
"Now!"
Flareon rushed forward.
Vulpix reacted immediately.
It jumped backward, avoiding the tackle.
Kitsu's grin widened.
"Good!"
Ethan watched the battle carefully.
The Vulpix was fast.
Very fast.
And unlike Growlithe...
It wasn't fighting recklessly.
It was watching Kitsu.
Studying her commands.
Waiting for an opening.
Ethan's expression changed.
"'This one has potential.'"
Kitsu seemed to realize the same thing.
"Vulpix!"
The wild Pokémon looked directly at her.
Kitsu held up a Wind Ball.
"Do you want to come with me?"
Vulpix stared at the ball.
Then at Flareon.
Then back at Kitsu.
For a few seconds...
Nobody moved.
Finally—
Vulpix took a step forward.
Kitsu smiled.
"Okay."
She threw the Wind Ball.
Tick.
The ball opened in a flash of light.
Vulpix disappeared inside.
The ball landed in the grass.
Tick.
Kitsu held her breath.
Tick.
Ethan leaned forward.
Tick.
The ball stopped.
Click.
Kitsu's face exploded into a grin.
"YES!"
She immediately ran over and picked it up.
"I got a Vulpix!"
Ethan laughed.
"Congratulations."
Kitsu held the Wind Ball against her chest.
"Meet the newest member of my team."
Flareon barked proudly.
"Flare!"
Kitsu looked down at the ball.
"Welcome to the family."
From behind them, Ethan heard a familiar voice.
"Did someone say Vulpix?"
Kitsu froze.
She slowly turned around.
Whitney stood several meters away.
Her eyes were locked onto the Poké Ball in Kitsu's hand.
"...Oh no."
Kitsu immediately hugged the ball tighter.
"Mine."
Whitney's eyes immediately locked onto the Poké Ball.
"Come on, let me see it!"
She reached toward it.
Kitsu immediately pulled the Poké Ball against her chest.
"No!"
Whitney tried again.
"Just one look!"
Kitsu took a step backward.
"Absolutely not."
Whitney pouted.
"But I want to see the Vulpix!"
Kitsu narrowed her eyes.
Then she made a noise that sounded suspiciously like a Meowth.
"Hiss!"
Whitney froze.
Kitsu hugged the Poké Ball tighter.
"Tamamo is mine."
Ethan stared at his sister.
'She already named it.'
He looked at the Poké Ball.
Then at Kitsu.
Then back at the Poké Ball.
'That was fast.'
Whitney blinked.
"Tamamo?"
Kitsu nodded proudly.
"Tamamo."
"Why Tamamo?"
Kitsu smiled.
"Because she's a Vulpix."
Whitney stared at her.
"...That explains absolutely nothing."
Ethan shrugged.
"I think she's referencing Tamamo-no-Mae."
Kitsu pointed at him.
"Exactly."
Whitney's expression changed.
"Oh."
She looked at the Poké Ball again.
"...That's actually a really good name."
Kitsu's grip loosened slightly.
"Thank you."
Whitney immediately reached for it again.
"Can I still see her?"
"No!"
"You just said it was a good name!"
"That doesn't mean you get to steal my Pokémon!"
"I'm not stealing her!"
Whitney paused.
"...Probably."
Kitsu's eyes narrowed.
"Whitney."
"Fine, fine!"
Whitney raised both hands.
"I won't touch the Poké Ball."
Kitsu relaxed.
Whitney smiled.
"Can you at least let her out?"
Kitsu hesitated.
She looked down at Tamamo's Poké Ball.
Then smiled.
"Okay."
She pressed the button.
"Come on out, Tamamo."
A burst of white light appeared.
The newly captured Vulpix emerged onto the grass.
"Vul!"
Tamamo looked around.
Then she noticed Kitsu.
Her six tails wagged.
Kitsu immediately crouched down.
"Welcome to the team."
Tamamo walked over and rubbed her head against Kitsu's hand.
Whitney's expression melted.
"Awwww..."
Ethan laughed.
"Careful. You're about to start another collection."
Whitney looked at him.
"I already have a collection."
"What collection?"
"Pokémon I want."
Ethan sighed.
"Of course you do."
From behind them, Bugsy's voice suddenly called out.
"Guys!"
Everyone turned.
Bugsy was standing beside the completely destroyed bush.
Larvesta sat proudly at his feet.
Bugsy pointed toward the forest.
"Something ate the rest of the vegetation."
Ethan stared at Larvesta.
"...You ate the entire bush."
"Larva!"
Bugsy shook his head.
"No, apparently something else did."
Ethan looked at the empty ground.
Then at Larvesta.
Then back at Bugsy.
"...Bugsy."
"Yeah?"
"There's literally a leaf stuck to its face."
Larvesta froze.
Everyone stared.
"...Larva."
Kitsu burst out laughing.
"You're terrible at lying!"
Bugsy sighed.
"Fine. Larvesta ate the bush."
Whitney looked at the remains.
"That's impressive."
Ethan nodded.
"Terrifying, but impressive."
Larvesta proudly puffed out its chest.
"Larva!"
Sabrina then looked toward Ethan.
"Ethan, did you catch a Growlithe?"
Ethan blinked.
He looked down.
The same Growlithe from earlier was sitting beside his leg, its tail wagging.
"...Oh."
Growlithe looked up at him.
"Growlithe!"
Ethan stared at it.
Then at the Poké Ball on his belt.
Then back at Growlithe.
"I didn't catch you."
Growlithe tilted its head.
Ethan crouched down.
"You followed me?"
Growlithe happily barked.
Kitsu looked over.
"So it chose you."
Ethan scratched Growlithe behind the ear.
"Apparently."
He paused.
Then looked at his Poké Balls again.
Eight Pokémon.
His carry limit was seven.
But his Pokémon weren't just numbers on a registry. He had to actually decide which ones would travel with him.
Ethan smiled.
"Alright."
He took out a Wind Ball.
"If you're really interested in coming with me..."
Growlithe's tail started wagging faster.
"...then let's see if you can handle being part of the team."
Growlithe barked.
"Grow!"
Ethan tossed the Wind Ball.
Tick.
A flash of light swallowed Growlithe.
The ball landed in the grass.
Tick.
Everyone watched.
Tick.
Kitsu leaned forward.
Tick.
Click.
Ethan walked over and picked it up.
He looked at the Wind Ball for a moment.
Then grinned.
"Welcome to the team."
Kitsu smiled.
"So, what's his name?"
Ethan froze.
"...I haven't thought that far."
Kitsu immediately pointed at him.
"You better not take three months like you did with Scizor."
Ethan frowned.
"I was considering his personality."
"You called him Scizor."
"...That's his species."
Whitney laughed.
"He's got a point."
Ethan sighed.
"Fine. I'll think about it."
Sabrina smiled faintly.
"At least you finally decided."
Ethan looked at the Wind Ball.
"Yeah."
He had a feeling this Growlithe had decided for him long before he realized it.
The Wind Ball suddenly vanished in a flash of light.
Falkner watched it disappear.
"Let me guess. It went back to the Hermonia Estate?"
Ethan nodded.
"Yup. My carry limit is only seven."
Kitsu looked at him.
"So now you have nine Pokémon registered."
Ethan sighed.
"Don't remind me."
Whitney tilted her head.
"Where does the extra one go?"
"Back home. The estate has habitats specifically designed for different Pokémon."
Sabrina nodded.
"That makes sense."
Ethan glanced toward the direction of the estate.
"I'll see him again when we get back."
Meanwhile, at the Hermonia Estate...
Asagi was walking through one of the gardens when a flash of light appeared nearby.
A Wind Ball materialized in midair.
Asagi blinked.
"...Huh?"
The ball dropped onto the grass.
Click.
A Growlithe appeared.
The little Fire-type looked around in confusion before noticing Asagi.
"Growlithe?"
Asagi's face immediately softened.
"Oh."
She walked over and knelt down in front of him.
"Ethan's new catch?"
Growlithe sniffed her hand cautiously.
Asagi waited patiently.
After a moment, Growlithe stepped closer.
She gently scratched the top of his head.
"Welcome to the family, little one."
Growlithe's tail began wagging.
Asagi laughed.
"You're going to fit in just fine."
She stood and offered her hand.
"Come on. Let me show you where the other Fire-types stay."
Growlithe followed her immediately.
Asagi glanced back at him with an amused smile.
"You're going to like it."
She led him deeper into the estate.
Beyond the garden was a large enclosed habitat filled with warm stone, heated pools, patches of volcanic rock, and several areas where Fire-type Pokémon could train safely.
Growlithe's ears immediately perked up.
His eyes widened.
"Grow!"
Asagi chuckled.
"Yeah. I had a feeling you'd like this."
From inside the habitat, several Pokémon noticed the newcomer.
A Flareon lifted its head.
A Magmar looked over from beside the heated rocks.
And from farther inside, another Pokémon gave a loud cry.
Growlithe's tail wagged furiously.
Asagi smiled.
"Go ahead."
Growlithe happily ran into his new home.
Asagi watched him disappear into the habitat.
"Another one for the family."
She paused.
Then glanced toward the direction Ethan had gone.
"...That boy really does keep bringing Pokémon home."
She laughed softly.
"I wonder what he'll come back with next."
To be continue
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