Ash's Story (Part 5: Modern Sinnoh)

Chapter 27: Wayward Time

Professor Berlitz found us before Cycling Road did.

We had just checked the bicycles again outside Eterna City, ready to finally leave after Old Chateau's static and the haunted recipe, when Dawn froze so suddenly that Piplup almost bumped into her leg.

"Dad?" Dawn asked. "What are you doing here?"

Professor Berlitz smiled warmly as he approached, his travel coat dusty from the road. "Dawn, Tox, long time no see."

Tox adjusted his glasses, but his expression softened more than his voice did. "Father. You came personally?"

"I came at Professor Rowan's request," Professor Berlitz said. "And because two of my children are traveling through Sinnoh with a group that seems unable to avoid dangerous situations."

Dawn grinned before Tox could answer seriously. "I won my first Ribbon, Dad! The Floaroma Ribbon! And I am heading to Hearthome for the next Contest."

Professor Berlitz listened as Dawn showed him the Ribbon. He listened just as carefully when I told him about my two Sinnoh Ribbons, Lillie's Forest Badge, the Grand Underground, Team Galactic's Eterna Building, and everything that had happened since we left Eterna Forest the first time.

He looked proud and worried at the same time. "Then this should help Dawn train more evenly."

He handed Dawn a device and a small case.

"An Exp. Share?" Dawn gasped with delight.

"It will help your team grow while you train," Professor Berlitz said. "But do not mistake shared growth for easy growth. Your partners still need guidance, and growth still needs purpose."

Piplup puffed out his chest.

Piplup's meaning came brightly. "Shared glory is acceptable when I lead it."

Tox gave his sister a quiet look. "Father is saying not to make the device do the thinking for you."

"I know that," Dawn said, hugging the case anyway. "But it still helps."

Professor Berlitz smiled, then turned toward Cycling Road. "Be careful downhill. Once you commit to the road, returning to Eterna is not simple unless you fly back. Keep control of your speed."

Gladion glanced at Buizel, then at our bikes. "That warning sounds useful for more than bicycles."

Buizel pretended not to hear him, but his tails twitched like he understood perfectly.

Professor Berlitz placed one hand briefly on Tox's shoulder before leaving. "Take care of your sister, and remember to take care of yourself as well."

Tox looked away first. "I will keep the group from ignoring obvious injuries."

Dawn laughed. "That is his way of saying he missed you."

Tox did not deny it quickly enough.

Before leaving, Professor Berlitz also checked Tox's medical bag and quietly added fresh bandages, antiseptic packets, and a small diagnostic light. Tox tried to act like the extra supplies were only practical, but I saw how carefully he placed them in the safest pocket.

Professor Berlitz then looked at Dawn's team and reminded her that Contest training still counted as real training. Ponyta needed stamina, Pachirisu needed control, Buneary needed timing, and Piplup needed to understand that leadership did not mean shouting louder than everyone else.

Piplup objected immediately, but Professor Berlitz only smiled like he had expected that.

Cycling Road was fast in a way battles were not.