Ash Ketchum: Journeys

Chapter 7

A few days after their intense battle with Leon, Ash and Serena were busy cleaning the new lab, sorting through stacks of books and equipment. The Rotom Phone on the counter suddenly lit up, buzzing with an incoming call.

Ash grabbed it, glancing at the screen in surprise. "It's... Cynthia?"

Serena's eyes widened. "Cynthia? The Champion of Sinnoh? You know her?"

Ash nodded, though he looked equally puzzled. "Yeah, we met once during a tournament, but... I wonder why she's calling now."

He tapped to answer, and Cynthia's familiar, calm expression appeared on the screen. She smiled warmly. "Hello, Ash. I heard about your accomplishment—congratulations on becoming the Champion of Alola."

Ash grinned, feeling a little flustered. "Thanks, Cynthia!"

Her expression grew serious. "I actually have a request. Could you come to the Sinnoh Region and meet me at Professor Rowan's Lab?"

Ash exchanged a curious glance with Serena, then nodded. "Of course! We'll head over right away."

Cynthia smiled. "Perfect. I look forward to seeing you both."

As the call ended, Ash and Serena quickly finished up their work and began making plans to travel to Sinnoh, eager to find out what Cynthia wanted to discuss.

A few days later, Ash and Serena finally arrived in Sandgem Town. As they walked toward Professor Rowan's Lab, they spotted Cynthia waiting for them outside. But to their surprise, another familiar face stood beside her—Dawn, with her ever-enthusiastic Piplup perched on her shoulder.

"Dawn!" Ash called out, grinning as he approached.

Dawn waved back, Piplup echoing her excitement with a cheerful "Pip-piplup!" She and Ash exchanged a high five, catching up with bright smiles.

Serena watched the lively greeting, feeling a slight twinge of jealousy at their easygoing friendship. But her expression softened as Ash turned to her.

"Dawn, I'd like you to meet Serena," he said, introducing them. "She's a great friend and an amazing Trainer."

Dawn's eyes lit up as she recognized Serena's name. "Wait—you're the Serena? I've heard all about you! You won the Grand Festival on your first try, and you're one of the Legendary Top Coordinators!"

Serena blushed, feeling both flattered and a little surprised. "Thank you, Dawn," she replied, smiling. "I've heard a lot about you too."

They shook hands warmly as Piplup gave an approving chirp, and Cynthia watched, pleased to see everyone getting along.

Cynthia cleared her throat, gathering everyone's attention. "Thank you all for coming. I asked you here because Professor Rowan has an important matter to discuss."

They stepped inside the lab, where Professor Rowan greeted them warmly. "Ash, Serena, Dawn—welcome. I'm glad you could make it."

Ash, always eager to jump into action, quickly asked, "So, Professor, what's the problem?"

Professor Rowan nodded, his expression serious. "To understand, we must look back into Sinnoh's history. Long ago, before it was known as Sinnoh, this land was called the Hisui Region. It was a place where people from other regions settled, forming Jubilife Village and establishing the Galaxy Expedition Team. Their mission was to explore and befriend Pokémon, which were still largely unfamiliar to many."

He paused, his gaze steady. "Beyond the Galaxy Expedition Team, Hisui was home to two clans—the Diamond Clan and the Pearl Clan. These clans were often at odds, as each worshiped a different deity. The Diamond Clan believed in Dialga, the deity of time, while the Pearl Clan revered Palkia, the deity of space."