In the Shadow of Loss, Strength Unshaken

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As Friday dawned in Kalos, the air buzzed with a mix of excitement and melancholy. Grace and Serena were bustling about their home, packing their bags for the journey to Kanto for the funeral the next day. The mood was tinged with a sense of urgency, knowing how important this trip was.

"I can't believe we're finally going to see Ash again," Serena said, carefully folding a shirt and tucking it into her suitcase. "I hope he's doing okay."

"I know. It's going to be tough for him," Grace replied, zipping up her own bag. "But being together as friends might help him feel less alone."

"Professor Sycamore suggested we leave together, right?" Serena confirmed, glancing at the clock. "Our flight is at 2 PM."

"Exactly! We'll have a little time after lunch to get to the lab and then head to the airport," Grace said, feeling a spark of hope amidst the sadness.

Once their bags were packed for their three-day stay, they sat down for a quick lunch, the two of them sharing memories and laughter over their favourite dishes. Afterward, they hopped into the car with Professor Sycamore, the excitement palpable as they made their way to his lab.

As they arrived at the airport, the energy shifted. The trio boarded the plane, and after a four-hour journey filled with anticipation, they landed in Kanto. The moment they stepped outside the airport, a familiar face greeted them.

"Hey there, Professor!" they all called out in unison, a wave of nostalgia washing over them.

"Greetings, everyone! Did you have a good flight?" Professor Oak asked, waving back enthusiastically.

"Very smooth!" Grace replied as they piled their bags into the car, excitement bubbling over for the journey ahead.

Meanwhile, in a dimly lit abandoned building, the atmosphere was tense. "Is the machine ready?" a shadowy figure asked, his voice low and menacing.

"Yes, sir. Once activated, they won't be able to summon their Pokémon," the technician replied, his eyes darting nervously.

"What's the total range of the machine?" the figure inquired.

"Twenty meters. We need to bring it in close and activate it fast," the technician said, glancing at the array of machinery around them. "Only foreign Poké Balls, not linked to our system, will be affected."

"Very good. Let us prepare for the festival tomorrow," the man with the sinister smile said, a gleam of malice in his eyes.

Back at the lab, Oak welcomed his guests. "So, you'll be staying here. I've prepared two guest rooms—one for Professor Sycamore and another for you two," he said, gesturing to Grace and Serena.

"Thank you, Professor!" Serena smiled, feeling at home amidst the familiar surroundings.

"So, Professor, have you been in contact with Ash?" Sycamore asked, concern creeping into his voice.

"I have, yes," Oak replied, a hint of sadness in his tone. "It's tough for him. Even though he hides it, I can see he's hurting. He's still training with his Pokémon, pushing himself to his limits."

"Does he have anyone to talk to?" Serena asked, worry etched on her face.

"I'm afraid I'm the only one," Oak admitted. "He spends most of his time with his Pokémon; he values them as family. Maybe you could try to talk with him?" he suggested.

"I'd love to," Serena replied, determination shining in her eyes. "But I don't want to push him if he's not ready."

"Just be mindful. If he prefers to be alone, respect that," Oak advised gently.

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