Pokemon University

Chapter 4

Liko woke up the next morning feeling much more rested than the day before. She went through her morning routine quickly, the excitement of today's field trip building inside her. After finishing her routine, she went and wait for the city bus.

Once on the bus, Liko put in one of her Bluetooth earbuds, letting her favorite songs. A few minutes into the trip, she overheard a group of people in the seats behind her talking about something that caught her attention: Ash Ketchum. She turned down her music.

The conversation continued, and she could hardly believe her ears. Apparently, a group of adventurers had discovered a grave that they believed belonged to Ash Ketchum, with his iconic hat resting on a small T-shaped cross. Liko felt her heart drop, and an hollow feeling filled her chest. Ash... was gone?

She quickly searched the internet. Sure enough, the news confirmed it. The authorities, having investigated the site, had deemed the grave legitimate. The hat matched Ash's, and although no one had check the grave itself, everyone seemed convinced it was his final resting place. The news left her feeling strangely numb, unsure of how to process it all.

When she arrived at the university, she walked into the classroom with a heavy heart, only to see her classmates also absorbed in their phones, whispering to each other about Ash Ketchum. Roy, her friend, approached her, concerning.

"Did you hear the news?" he asked softly.

She nodded. "Yeah, I did."

Roy looked at her carefully. "Are... are you okay? I know how much he meant to you."

Liko tried to smile but could only manage a small nod. "I'm fine," she replied.

Just then, Professor Satoshi entered the room, quickly grabbing everyone's attention. He began discussing the details of the field trip, but one of the students hesitated and asked, "Professor, did you... did you hear about Ash Ketchum?"

Professor Satoshi blinked in surprise, his expression shifting as he pulled out his phone. His face went blank as he read the news, but he quickly recomposed himself. "Yes... I see," he said slowly, then cleared his throat, attempting to move forward with his lesson.

He told the students to head outside and board the bus for the trip to Pewter City's Museum. Though excited for the field trip, the students seemed to hesitate, muttering among themselves. One raised his hand and asked, "Professor, can't we take Tropius instead of the bus?"

Professor Satoshi paused, then shook his head. "There was an incident a few years ago. A trainer flew his Charizard too high and fast, and it collided with a plane. Ever since, the law requires Pokémon to stay low and within limited distances when flying. So, for safety, we'll be taking the bus."

Though disappointed, the students shuffled out of the room. Only Liko stayed behind, watching the professor. Before she realized what she was doing, she stepped forward and hugged him, holding onto him tightly as she finally let her tears fall.

Professor Satoshi was taken aback, but he gently wrapped an arm around her, patting her back comforting. They stood like that for a few moments until Liko regained her composure, pulling back and wiping her tears.

"Sorry," she whispered.

"It's alright, Liko," he replied.

She managed a small smile, and he returned it, reminding her to head out so they wouldn't keep the others waiting. Together, they walked to the bus, and Professor Satoshi did a quick headcount. He signaled the driver, a student stands up, "Wait, where's Grey?"

"He won't be joining us today," Professor Satoshi explained. "He's helping out at a Pokémon charity as part of his disciplinary assignment."

Some students laughed