Ash's Story (Part 5: Modern Sinnoh)

Chapter 1: New Dawn Over Sinnoh

Dawn's POV

Today was finally the day I would go to Professor Rowan's lab and begin my journey. I had been waiting for it since my brothers, Lucas and Tox, started moving toward their own dreams before me.

It was not only them, either. My friends were already stepping forward, and Ash had three Ribbon Cups already. I was happy for him, but I refused to stay behind forever.

I sat up before the sunlight finished touching my window. My bag waited near the door, packed since yesterday, because I was not going to let my first journey begin with panic.

"Dawn! Are you up?" Mom called warmly, opening the door before Glameow slipped around her feet with graceful little steps.

"Good morning, Mom," I said, smiling as Glameow stretched beside my bed.

"I had a feeling you woke up early today," Mom said, looking at my packed room with the kind of smile that saw everything.

"I'm finally getting my starter Pokémon," I said, kneeling so Glameow could rub against my hand. "After that, I'm going to start my journey for real."

Mom's eyes softened, but she did not tease me. She knew how long I had waited for this day, and she knew how badly I wanted to prove myself.

At breakfast, I tried to eat like a calm future Top Coordinator. My fork still tapped the plate too fast, and Glameow watched me like she knew I was pretending.

"So where are Dad, Lucas, and Tox?" I asked, glancing toward the empty chairs.

"Tox is still working through his studies," Mom said. "Your father and Lucas are already at Professor Rowan's lab in Sandgem Town."

"That makes sense," I said, though my stomach twisted a little. "Lucas always gets to be there first."

"He also worked hard to earn Professor Rowan's trust," Mom said. "You will have your own beginning today."

I looked toward my backpack by the door. "I packed everything yesterday. Clothes, supplies, notebook, seals, and enough ideas for my first Contest appeal."

Mom laughed softly, and Glameow flicked her tail as if she approved. "Have you decided which Pokémon you want to choose?"

"Not yet," I admitted, feeling my cheeks warm. "They're all so cute. I know any of them could become an amazing partner."

"Cute is a fine start," Mom said gently. "But a partner is more than a look on stage."

"I know," I said, holding my cup with both hands. "If I want to become a Top Coordinator like you and Ash, I have to be smart, too."

"Then first you must become a good Trainer," Mom said. "And a caring Breeder in your own way. Winning Coordinators learn how their Pokémon feel before they ever ask them to shine."

Her words stayed with me, because they sounded simple and impossible at the same time. I wanted the stage, but I wanted the bond even more.

"You're right, Mom," I said. "That's what I'll do."

"That reminds me," Mom said, as if she had only just remembered. "Barry came calling for you a little while ago. I don't know what it was about, but he said it was an emergency."

Barry and emergencies were usually the same thing. He was Lucas's good friend, but his idea of urgency usually involved running, shouting, and threatening impossible fines.

I tried to leave with one huge suitcase because a Coordinator needed choices. Mom looked at it once, sighed, and helped me move everything important into my backpack.