226. Still Familiar

"Don't you want to play with me?" 

The Devileon's piercing gaze seemed to root little girl in place. Her expression remained calm, but her tone carried a hint of regret. Slowly, she began to back away, her form fading into the forest's shadowy depths. 

Misty shuddered as she watched the scene unfold. Something about little girl felt profoundly unsettling. "Ash, what was that?" she asked, her voice tinged with unease. 

"It's nothing! Let's go back!" Ash replied, shaking his head slightly. Without waiting for further discussion, he turned and began walking away. Misty hesitated only for a moment before hurrying to catch up. 

When they returned to the camp, Brock had already finished preparing dinner. Ash quietly released his other Pokémon, letting them enjoy their meal alongside him. The group ate in relative silence, packed up their things, and retired to their tents for the night. 

Unbeknownst to them, a pair of unseen eyes watched their every move. 

"Hee hee, I definitely want you to be my friends." 

The eerie voice echoed faintly through the forest, then faded into the stillness of the night. 

---

**The Next Day** 

Early the next morning, the group packed their bags and set out once more. Their next destination, Saffron City, was finally within reach. After walking for about two hours, the sprawling cityscape came into view. 

Saffron City was unlike any other place in the Kanto Region. Strategically positioned at Kanto's heart, it connected to Cerulean City, Celadon City, Vermilion City, and Lavender Town. It was also the region's largest and busiest metropolis, boasting modern advancements and iconic landmarks. 

The Silph Co. headquarters stood proudly in the city's center, a testament to technological innovation in the Pokémon world. Renowned for their cutting-edge developments, Silph Co. had even drawn the attention of Team Rocket, who infamously took over the company during the events of the games. 

Saffron City also housed the maglev train station, which bridged the Kanto and Johto Regions. Fans of the Pokémon Gold and Silver games would remember the thrill of obtaining a ticket to traverse the two regions, earning badges and facing new challenges. These games, with their expansive plotlines and the climactic battle against the mysterious trainer on Mt. Silver, remained unforgettable. 

As they drew closer, Misty's excitement bubbled over. "Finally! Saffron City! It's been such a long journey." 

The trip had been filled with danger and wonder alike, from the harrowing events aboard the St. Anne to countless unforgettable encounters. 

"Yeah! I feel like I've grown a lot from all these experiences," Brock added with a satisfied nod. 

Misty's thoughts drifted back to the previous night. "But what about that little girl we saw? That whole situation was so strange." 

The conversation quickly turned to the mysterious encounter. Misty couldn't shake the eerie feeling from the forest. How could the girl have been so far from the city at that hour? 

Brock, hearing about it for the first time, raised an eyebrow. "Little girl? Who's that?" 

"Oh, just someone we saw last night," Misty replied distractedly. "She was in the forest but disappeared so suddenly..." 

Engrossed in recounting the events, Misty paid little attention to her surroundings.

A figure in sportswear dashed past the group, but as he overheard their conversation, he abruptly stopped and turned back. 

"Travelers ahead, wait a moment," he called out. 

Hearing the voice, the group paused, and Misty's story was cut short. Turning around, they saw a man in a peaked cap and sportswear, his back facing them. 

"Uncle, is something wrong?" Misty asked, eyeing the man cautiously. 

"You mentioned seeing little girl just now?" the man asked, turning his head slightly. His sharp gaze beneath the cap made the group uneasy. 

"Yes... Is there a problem?" Misty stammered, taken aback by his intense demeanor. "Is little girl your child?" 

The man hesitated for a moment before responding, his tone grave. "No... I just want to warn you: leave this place immediately." 

"What? But Ash is here to challenge the gym! We can't just leave!" Misty protested. 

"Challenge the gym? You mean Sabrina's Gym?" the man asked, his eyes narrowing as they landed on Ash. The young Trainer's eager expression only deepened the man's disappointment. 

"Is there a problem with challenging her?" Ash asked, tilting his head slightly, puzzled by the man's reaction. 

The man shook his head. "You're no match for Sabrina. I'm advising you to leave Saffron City while you still can." 

"Uncle, do you know Sabrina well?" Ash pressed, his curiosity piqued by the man's warning. 

The man faltered for a moment, his puzzled expression betraying a mix of emotions. 

"I've met people like you before," Ash began, his tone steady. "People who tell me I'm not strong enough to beat a Gym Leader. But usually, they're proud when they talk about the Gym Leader, proud of their strength." 

Ash's voice sharpened slightly as he added, "But you... you seem afraid of Sabrina. Why?" 

The man flinched, his silence speaking volumes. 

Misty and Brock exchanged glances, the tension thick in the air. 

Ash continued, unrelenting. "There was someone I met before who acted this way—scared of facing their own children. Uncle, is that what's going on here? Are you afraid of Sabrina?" 

Brock tensed at Ash's words, his own thoughts drifting to his father. The scenario was all too familiar. Could this man be like his dad, too? 

The man said nothing, his silence heavier than any words.