Ash's Story (Part 5: Modern Sinnoh)

Chapter 55: Ironworks Rescue

We left Hearthome City with the Relic Badge still feeling new in my badge case.

Fantina's Gym was behind us, Canalave City was ahead of us, and the road west should have felt simple. It did not. Every time I thought about Canalave Library, I remembered Cyrus standing in Celestic Ruins and speaking about the world like every person and Pokémon inside it was a mistake he meant to erase.

Gabite walked at my other side, taller than Gible had been and much more aware of how much space he took. That did not stop him from trying to test my backpack strap with his teeth.

Gabite's meaning came proud and serious. "Bigger jaws. Same friend. Bag still suspicious."

Pikachu leaned down from my shoulder. His meaning came with patient warning. "Suspicious bags are not food."

Cynthia found us before we reached the edge of the city.

She came down the street quickly, her coat moving behind her and her expression sharper than usual. When she saw us, relief crossed her face so clearly that even Gabite stopped chewing my backpack strap for a moment.

"I'm so glad to see you," Cynthia said. "You are not very easy to track down. My grandmother told me what happened in Celestic Town."

I looked down for a second. "We're sorry both orbs were stolen."

Cynthia shook her head. "Do not apologize for protecting the ruins. You helped my family and my home. That matters."

Lillie held the empty Old Charm wrapping in her bag. "Team Galactic is not harmless anymore. You know you are part of Team Alpha too, right? You cannot treat them like eccentric people in strange clothes."

Cynthia's smile faded. "I know. I thought they were only talking about a new universe, acting strange, gathering followers. I was wrong."

Daniel adjusted his glasses. "Cyrus did not speak like a man seeking attention. He spoke like someone reducing the world into parts he believes he can rearrange."

Tox folded his arms. "And his people hurt civilians to buy time. That is not philosophy. That is harm."

Cynthia nodded once. "That is why I want you to visit Canalave Library when you reach the city. There are ancient books there about Sinnoh's oldest legends. They may help you understand what Team Galactic wants, and they may help with your Pokédex work too."

Dawn tilted her head after Cynthia smiled again too quickly. "You changed topics very fast."

Cynthia laughed softly, but the sound was tired. "Sometimes the next useful thing is the only thing keeping worry from swallowing the day."

That answer felt more honest than the smile. Cynthia gave us directions, told us to be careful, and left as quickly as she had arrived.

Pikachu's meaning came quietly against my cheek. "Champion worried. Still walking."

I nodded. "Then we walk too."

We had barely cleared Hearthome's outer path when my phone rang. Mom's face appeared, but her voice was not the gentle voice she used when asking whether I had eaten enough.

"Ash, listen carefully," Mom said. "Looker was found out by Team Galactic near Fuego Ironworks. He and several staff members may be imprisoned inside."

I stopped walking. "Looker was captured?"

Mom nodded. "Your father's contacts sent the warning through the safest channel they had. If you are close enough, help him, but do not rush in blindly."

Gladion already looked toward the northern road. "Fuego Ironworks is near Floaroma Meadow. We can reach it before turning west."

Lillie looked at me, and I could see the decision already forming in her eyes.