Professor Satoshi suddenly appeared in the hotel lobby, calling for the students to gather. They did so, though a bunch of whispers about the grave incident still going on. Just then, one student asks, "Professor, did you see the news about Ash's grave?"
Satoshi paused, then said with a hint of sarcasm, "I didn't, actually, but if everyone's more interested in news reports than a museum trip, we can always spend the day glued to the screen." His answered silenced the student. He reminded everyone that the bus was waiting, and it'd be leaving in a few minutes. The students hurried outside, leaving only Liko in the lobby with Satoshi.
Catching her uncertain expression, Satoshi asked, "Is something wrong, Liko?"
She quickly shook her head, brushing it off with a forced smile, then followed the others onto the bus. Taking a seat, she looked out the window, deep in thought. Images from last night—of Satoshi on Charizard, flying away into the night went through her mind. She feel guilt for not telling anyone, wondering if Satoshi could truly be involved in the incident. If he was, she thought, revealing him would likely mean the end of her new life. She also hated herself for thinking selfishly.
After a short ride, they arrived at the Pewter City Museum. The grand entrance is ahead, its wide steps with many visitors. Excitement replaced sleepiness in the students, and as Professor Satoshi stepped off the bus, he asked if they were ready. They responded with an exciting "Yes!"
Inside, Satoshi checked in with the front desk and handed each student a "School Trip" badge to wear. "Once you're done putting those on, you're free to explore. Just be back at the lobby by 5:30," he said.
Liko, putting her badge, was immediately drawn to a room with a sign above it is reading "Heroes of Pokémon." She stepped inside, captivated by the displays of historic trainers' belongings: faded clothes, Poké Balls, and a collection of hats, each attached to plaques describing the hero's achievements. As she approached one of the exhibits, she was surprised to see a mannequin dressed in an old but iconic outfit.
The placard below read: "The first adventure, Red, the legendary trainer who stopped Team Rocket's operations at Lavender Town and freed the captive Pokémon. He went on to capture Mewtwo, Mew, and the legendary birds but mysteriously disappeared, inspiring countless trainers since."
Liko studied the worn outfit, its fabric faded and frayed from battles, and noticed signs of careful stitching. Someone had clearly patched it up before it was displayed here, as if to preserve every bit of its history.
Moving on, she noticed an array of hats displayed in a line. Liko immediately recognized them—they were Ash Ketchum's, one from each region he had journeyed through, all except the one from Kanto. Curious, she leaned closer to read the description.
"These hats belonged to Ash Ketchum, known as the 'Chosen One' by Arceus. Alongside his Pikachu, he saved regions from threats posed by teams such as Rocket, Aqua, Plasma, and more. Ash encountered numerous Legendary Pokémon before his untimely death at Mt. Silver."
Liko felt sadness and looked away, but her gaze returned to the missing Kanto hat. That empty spot seemed to draw her in, reminding her of what she'd seen last night. She couldn't ignore what might be a dark truth, even if it meant sacrificing her dreams. She would have to confront Satoshi about it or find a way to reveal what she knew.
As she left the Heroes room, Roy spotted her and waved her over. He and several classmates were surrounding around a display case holding a Pokédex. "Check this out, Liko! It says this was the very first Pokédex, created by Professor Oak and given to Red. He was the first to completing it!"
Roy tapped on the display, and a recorded voice began describing a Pokémon entry: "Kirlia—the cheerful spirit of its Trainer gives it energy for its psychokinetic power. It spins and dances when happy."
Liko smiled at the entry, feeling the reassuring weight of Kirlia's Poké Ball in her pocket.
YOU ARE READING
Pokemon University
Hayran KurguTen years have passed since Ash Ketchum became the Pokémon World Champion, but like the legendary Champion Red before him, he vanished without a trace. No one has seen him since, leaving the world to speculate on his fate. Now, in a quiet university...
