The return of a legend

Sycamore's discovery

The sun was low in the sky when a blue Jeep pulled up to the Pokèmon Center, rolling smoothly to a stop. Professor Sycamore stepped out of it, breathing in the Alolan air with a smile as he gathered his belongings. Alola was always so lovely this time of year, warm but not too warm. It wasn't quite tourist season yet, not like the summer was, but just enough for the streets to be pleasantly filled. An older couple walked by the Center, waving at Sycamore as their Lillipup trotted along happily in front of them. He waved back, entering the Pokèmon Center.

Nurse Joy smiled as he walked in. "Professor Sycamore!"

"Hello! I understand you've got a Pokèmon for me to look at?"

Nurse Joy nodded, walking towards the back with Sycamore on her heels. "Yes, back here. This Greninja washed up a few days ago, and we've been trying to find its trainer with no luck. Officer Jenny has been doing her best, but there's just so many possibilities. We were hoping you might be able to help us narrow it down."

"Well, lead me to it and I'll certainly try my best. What can you tell me about it? How has it been?"

"Well, it was completely exhausted when it first arrived. Obviously you know, but Greninja aren't meant for long distance swimming, especially in rough conditions. But it didn't want to rest. It keeps trying to leave, although we've told it several times it must get better first. It's quite determined, but its stubbornness has kept it from getting better. It's been a little frightened since it first got here, so I've tried to keep visitors away from it."

Sycamore chuckled. "Determination seems to be a trait many Greninja share. But it does remind me of one in particular, one I've known for a very long time. It took several trainers before it finally decided on one, somebody who could take it to the stars above. They're both very amazing, and it's incredible watching them together."

Nurse Joy opened the door to one of the inpatient rooms, beckoning Professor Sycamore in. It took a few seconds to find the Greninja, sitting on the counter instead of on the gurney, but Sycamore recognized it almost instantly. "Well, I'll be. Hello, Greninja. I thought you were supposed to be back in Kalos."

Greninja waved to Professor Sycamore, hopping down from the counters with a grace that was almost supernatural. 

"You know this Greninja?" Nurse Joy asked, looking relieved. 

"Indeed. This is the Greninja I was talking about. It traveled with many trainers in the Kalos League as a Froakie before it chose Ash. I'm surprised you're not with him already. Have you seen Ash any time recently? He's a boy with a red hat and a Pikachu. Last I heard, he was attending the Pokèmon School here."

"Why, yes. I think I saw him heading to the battlefield earlier. I got busy with a patient, and I really only got a glimpse, but it's hard to miss that hat of his. It was odd, though. He would normally be in school about this time. He may not be there anymore."

"Has he been here much?"

"Quite a lot. He was there in the initial crowd when news first broke of Greninja washing up, and he stayed here for hours just waiting to see if I'd be able to let him get anywhere near. He's visited almost every day, and I know Professor Kukui has come to get him twice. I don't think he's been sleeping well, though. He looked very tired the last time I saw him."

"Hmm. Well, in that case, is there any chance you can release Greninja to me? I'm the professor that looked after it before Ash arrived, and I've been meaning to pay him a visit."

Nurse Joy nodded. "Of course. You'll have to sign some paperwork since you're not the trainer, but it shouldn't take long." She walked out of the room, leaving Sycamore and Greninja alone.