Pokemon Heroes: Sinnoh Saga [Book 1]

Chapter 39: Hearthome City, Home Is Where the Heart Is

"Hearthome City was beautiful. Though almost as big as Jubilife City, it wasn't as crowded, and the buildings weren't as tall. It was all the charms of a big city with the homey feeling of a small town. It was a fusion of what we grew up with and knew two what we loved about Jubilife City. After Anthony left us at the Pokémon Centre, making sure that we were all checked in before leaving, each of us spent the day apart running different errands. Niya spent the day with her Aunt Fantina and her older cousin, Drasna. Alyssandra spent the day with her Pokémon and her sister, who dropped by as a surprise to watch Alyssandra's next tournament. Jeremy spent the day in Amity Square, enjoying his Pokémon's company. And I spent the day with Professor Rowan's grandchildren, Lucas and Dawn."

The group waited by the phone as they began to call home. It was a simple ritual but when they couldn't do it for long periods of time, they had grown to miss it. The group had been unable to call their family since arriving at the Accardi Sinnoh Ranch.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Professor Rowan picked up on Sam's line and everyone happily greeted one another. "So, how have you been since we last spoke?" asked Professor Rowan, "I understand you were at the Accardi Sinnoh Ranch several days ago, and now you're in Hearthome City. Did you find Mt. Coronet enjoyable?"

Everyone looked at each other, remembering their...interesting travels through the cursed mountain. "It was interesting," said Sam.

"We got separated, again," added Niya bluntly; knowing Sam was trying to hide that from Professor Rowan.

"We wouldn't have if Sam didn't decide to battle Richard inside of a precariously dangerous cave," smirked Jeremy, which only prompted Sam to look away in embarrassment.

Professor Rowan chuckled heartily. "Your grandfather would've done the same thing," he smiled, looking nostalgic, then with another laugh he continued, "Actually he did do that once. In Mt. Moon—caused a cave in too, almost had us killed. All because some kid insulted the way he raised his Charizard."

Sam hung his head once more in embarrassment. It ran in the family, there was no escape. Although, that his grandfather had done the exact same thing for similar reasons made him feel a bit better.

Suddenly, the memories of Mt. Coronet came back to Sam, and he remembered Professor Yarrow. "Oh!" said Sam, suddenly remembering the man, "I have a question, Professor Rowan."

"Yes?" asked the Professor, as if anticipating this—although, often when they spoke with the aged Professor, they did often ask questions.

"We met someone in Mt. Coronet," started Sam, "He was a Pokémon Professor, from Sin U. He said his name was Professor Yarrow. Do you know him?"

Professor Rowan's face suddenly lit up as he heard the name, and it shone like he was seeing an old friend for the first time in years. "Professor Silas Yarrow?" asked Professor Rowan, "Oh yes, I've met him before. He's the University's Director of Pokémonthropology and Anthropology. Ah yes, that's just like him, going to Mt. Coronet to do his studies hands-on. Yarrow was always the hands-on kind of man."

A sudden relief passed over Sam as he realized that Professor Yarrow was who he said he was, and that he was actually a Professor at Sinnoh U.

"His theories involve Legendary Pokémon and the ancient peoples of Sinnoh right?" asked Niya, "He told us he was there searching for a way to the Spear Pillar."

Rowan laughed. "Ah yes," he said as if remembering something someone told him long ago, "Those were his theories. The man never stopped working on his studies, always talked about them. He wasn't as mad as Alexios, but he was definitely obsessed. He was a riot though, very well loved amongst the scientific community. You've made a good friend in him. Why do you ask all of these questions though?"