FFN decided to not work 5 days ago. If you haven't read the previous chapter yet, it would be best to go back and read it first. You should favorite/follow just in case something like what happened on chapter 19 happens again if you're interested in reading more of this fic as I upload.
This chapter title is based on the song from Skillet.
To all of you who read, follow, favorite, and review this story, thank you all! Your interest in this story fuels my motivation. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
The roar of the crowd transformed into a cacophony of cheers and gasps as Cynthia, with a calm nod, accepted Paul's challenge. Disbelief and shock crackled through the stands, an electric current almost audible even over the deafening cheers. Akari, however, remained glued by the stone tablet as she eyed the start of the battle with a focused gaze. Unlike the stunned crowd, Cynthia's acceptance was instantaneous, devoid of hesitation. It was as if Paul's challenge itself, not the prospect of battle, held her complete attention.
"Six-on-six work for you?" Paul asked, his voice strained with a barely leashed anticipation as they stood centre stage on the battlefield.
Cynthia's reply was a serene smile and a simple, "Absolutely." The crowd, however, erupted once more, this time with jeers aimed at Paul. "Full team advantage against the Champion? You must be delusional! You couldn't even beat one of hers, no matter how many Pokémon you throw at her!" the taunts echoed through the clearing.
Unfazed by the jeering throng, Cynthia tossed a Poké Ball with a flourish, a playful grin blossoming on her face. "Let the dance begin, shall we? Garchomp, take the field!"
A burst of blinding light erupted from the Poké Ball, revealing a magnificent Garchomp. Its sleek, dark blue scales were matte as the sunlight sunk into its depth, almost obscuring its immense size. Towering over most people, Garchomp's only splashes of colour were the gold adorning its nose and belly, a band of vibrant red climbing its abdomen and jawline, and the glint of white from the razor-sharp spikes lining its body and where hands normally would be.
Akari's keen eyes spotted a key detail – unlike her own Gible, Garchomp lacked the small notch on its fin. This Garchomp was a female, a fact that Akari made note of.
Paul met Cynthia's confident gaze with a steely glint in his own eyes. "Chimchar, stand by for battle!" Paul countered, hurling his own Pokeball. A fiery blur erupted as Chimchar emerged, its tail ablaze as it was ready to fight. The crowd, however, responded with renewed jeers. "Fire against a Dragon/Ground type? What is he thinking?" the exasperated shouts echoed through, questioning Paul's strategy.
"The stage is yours, Paul," Cynthia declared with a gracious gesture, allowing him the first move.
Paul seized the initiative with a sharp nod. "Chimchar, Fire Spin!" The fiery chimp unleashed a swirling vortex of flames that rocketed towards Garchomp. The colossal Dragon Pokémon stood its ground, rearing an arm to deflect the attack with its imposing fin.
The flames snaked around Garchomp's arm, momentarily adhering before engulfing the entire creature in a swirling inferno. Unfazed, Cynthia's voice rang out, clear and decisive. "Brick Break!"
Garchomp rocketed forward with explosive speed, a blazing comet cutting through the flames. With a powerful heave, she raised her other arm, the fin glowing with a faint internal light, and slammed it down onto the hapless Chimchar. The impact was brutal, sending the Fire-type Pokémon crashing to the ground with a whimper. Not a single twitch remained.
Garchomp, still engulfed in flames, crossed her arms in a dominant stance and then snapped them outwards in a swift motion. A powerful gust of wind erupted, extinguishing the Fire Spin in a dramatic flourish.
Paul, his face grim, recalled Chimchar to its Poké Ball with a flick of his wrist. "You should be ashamed," he muttered towards the Poké Ball, his voice laced with a bitter disappointment that sent shivers down Akari's spine.
Cynthia's brow furrowed slightly at Paul's harsh words, and Ash clenched his teeth, his own frustration simmering just beneath the surface. Akari, however, remained rooted in confusion. While Chimchar's defeat stung, she couldn't help but wonder what Paul had truly expected. After all, in her mind, there was little chance her own Monferno would have fared any better against such a formidable opponent.
Paul then retrieved the next Pokeball from his belt and hurled it forward. "Weavile, stand by for battle!" he called out as the Pokémon materialised in a flash. The sleek, dark type crouched low, its muscles tensed and ready for action, one claw poised close to the ground.
"Weavile is a clever choice against Garchomp. Well done," Cynthia remarked. Though she praised him, Paul's face showed he felt differently about it.
"Ice Spinner!" Paul commanded. Weavile shot forward at the directive, a blur of motion as it dashed towards its target. With a sudden leap, it spun gracefully into the air, its arms outstretched as ice crystals coalesced around its claws. Spinning faster and faster, the ice encased Weavile, hurtling towards Garchomp with pinpoint accuracy.
Garchomp, unfazed, simply lifted her arm, using her fin to deflect the attack. The Ice Spinner collided with the fin, but to no avail; the dragon-type Pokémon remained unmoved by the assault. As the momentum of the Ice Spinner waned, Weavile found itself clinging ineffectively to Garchomp's fin, only to be forcefully flung into the air by the powerful dragon.
"Dragon Rush!" Cynthia's command echoed across the battlefield as Garchomp leaped into action, a purple aura enveloping its form. With a thunderous crash, Garchomp slammed into Weavile mid-air, sending the agile Pokémon hurtling to the ground, unconscious and defeated.
Paul's face remained a mask of stoicism as he silently recalled Weavile to its Poké Ball. The crushing defeat didn't even elicit a flicker of frustration. With a determined glint in his eye, he snatched another Poké Ball from his belt and hurled it with a practised flick of his wrist. "Murkrow, stand by for battle!" he barked, his voice firm and unwavering.
A flash of light erupted, revealing a sleek Murkrow. Its inky black feathers ruffled in the sudden burst of energy as it materialised onto the battlefield. The crow Pokémon let out a sharp caw, its wings beating vigorously as it surveyed its opponent, the mighty Garchomp. Paul wasted no time. "Feather Dance!" he commanded. Murkrow acknowledged the order with a curt nod, its wings blurring as it unleashed a flurry of shimmering feathers. These descended like a glittering snowfall, blanketing the arena in a mesmerising display.
Unfazed by the ethereal spectacle, Garchomp launched herself with a powerful leap. She soared high above Murkrow and the cascading feathers, her powerful fins propelling her through the air with impressive agility. Just as it seemed Garchomp had successfully navigated the manoeuvre, Murkrow, with one final, forceful beat of its wings, sent the feathers swirling in a sudden explosion. Garchomp, caught off guard by the unexpected shift in tactics, could only react with a startled bank backward, momentarily losing sight of her nimble opponent.
Seizing this fleeting opportunity, Murkrow, now a black blur against the shimmering backdrop, darted around Garchomp with incredible speed and materialised behind the larger Pokémon. "Sky Attack!" Paul barked, a hint of confidence in his voice. Murkrow's body erupted in a blinding white aura, its wings beating with ferocious speed as it propelled itself towards Garchomp like a feathery missile.
Cynthia, however, remained unfazed. "Giga Impact!" she countered, her voice calm yet firm. Garchomp spun around swiftly, a swirling sphere of energy coalescing in front of her maw. With a deafening roar, Garchomp met Murkrow's Sky Attack head-on, her Giga Impact a devastating counter. The clash was a brutal display of power – Murkrow offered little resistance as Garchomp ploughed through the attack, sending the crow Pokémon hurtling towards the ground with a sickening thud. It lay motionless, its form still, defeated.
Paul, with a practised flick of his wrist, recalled his Pokémon. As he lowered his arm, a confident smirk, almost predatory, spread across his face. A low chuckle escaped his lips, a sound that sent shivers down the spines of some onlookers.
"Torterra, standby for battle!" Paul declared with a grin. He tossed his Poké Ball, and in a flash of light, the hulking form of Torterra materialised onto the battlefield. The giant tortoise landed with a heavy thud that sent tremors through the arena floor.
"Giga Drain!" Paul commanded, his voice sharp. Torterra let out a powerful bellow as the earthen spikes on its back pulsed with a vibrant green glow. Three ethereal tendrils erupted from the spikes, each as thick as a tree trunk, and lashed out towards Garchomp with surprising speed. They wrapped around the Dragon-type Pokémon, syphoning away its energy visibly.
"Giga Impact is a powerful move, indeed," Paul stated, his voice laced with a hint of smugness. "But it also leaves Garchomp vulnerable for a short time afterwards."
"Frenzy Plant!" Paul called out, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. Torterra heeded the command instantly. Raising its massive front legs, it slammed them down onto the battlefield with earth-shattering force. The impact triggered a violent eruption – thick, spiked vines erupted from the ground in a swirling vortex, all aimed directly at Garchomp. The attack landed with a resounding crash, sending plumes of dust exploding into the air and obscuring the battlefield momentarily.
When the dust finally cleared, the crowd gasped in unison. Garchomp, though battered and visibly drained from Giga Drain, stood defiant. She held her forearms crossed, the powerful fins held off the onslaught of vines, preventing them from inflicting further damage. Paul, his face etched with disbelief, could only let out a gasp as Garchomp, with a mighty shove, effortlessly pushed back the entire Frenzy Plant attack.
"Dragon Rush!" Cynthia commanded, her voice calm and collected as ever. Garchomp wasted no time. Enveloped in a swirling purple aura, she propelled herself forward with incredible speed, slamming into the unsuspecting Torterra with the force of a speeding train. The giant tortoise Pokémon didn't stand a chance. It was sent flying back with a grisly thud, its massive form crashing to the ground motionless.
Paul, his eyes squeezed shut for a fleeting moment, silently recalled his Pokémon with a practised flick of his wrist. As he lowered his arm, the Poké Ball containing Torterra clicked shut with a finality that echoed in the tense silence.
"I forfeit," Paul declared, his voice low but firm. There was no shame in his tone, just a quiet acceptance of the situation.
Cynthia, ever the gracious victor, simply nodded in understanding. "That's fine," she said, her gaze briefly meeting Paul's before she turned to her own Pokémon. "Good job, Garchomp. You were magnificent." She returned Garchomp to its Poké Ball with a gentle smile.
A jeering voice cut through the momentary silence. "I told you he'd be embarrassed! What a loser!" A child in the crowd piped up, eliciting a wave of snickers from others. Akari, brow furrowed in disapproval, scanned the stands. These were just children, she thought, completely missing the point of Paul's calculated sacrifice.
Suddenly, a familiar voice boomed from the stands. "Knock it off!" Ash called out, his voice laced with a hint of anger. He turned his attention towards Paul, who stood alone on the battlefield. Akari, recognizing Ash, couldn't help but be drawn towards the commotion. She descended the stairs, her curiosity piqued, until she stood beside Ash, her eyes fixed on the scene unfolding below.
"That was a great battle, Paul," he said, his voice sincere.
Paul shot Ash a sidelong glance. He didn't respond to the compliment and turned his gaze towards Cynthia, his voice firm with resolve.
"Well," Paul said, "I'll work on it and try again." His gaze met Cynthia's, a silent promise hanging heavy in the air.
"I'll look forward to it, Paul," Cynthia replied with a warm smile, genuinely pleased that her challenger hadn't let defeat extinguish his passion. Paul, in a rare display of respect, offered a curt bow of his head towards Cynthia.
"Good Bye," he said simply, his voice devoid of its usual bravado. With that, he turned and began to walk away, his steps heavy with the weight of his loss.
Ash quickly noticed the direction Paul was headed and voiced his confusion, his brow creased as he called out, "Hey! Wait a minute! That's not the way to the Pokémon Center!"
Paul, however, continued walking, seemingly oblivious to Ash's shouts.
"Hold it, Paul!" Cynthia boomed with a sternness that instantly stopped Paul in his tracks.
"Bringing injured Pokémon to a Pokémon Center is a Trainer's first responsibility." she reminded him, her voice leaving no room for argument.
"Right." he muttered, his voice barely audible.
With the situation diffused, Cynthia took charge. "Alright," she announced, her voice regaining its usual calmness, "let's head to the Pokémon Center."
A collective nod of agreement went around the group. Even Paul, albeit reluctantly, fell into step beside Cynthia. Akari, Dawn, and Brock followed closely behind to continue their conversation.
••• ••• •••
Upon reaching the Pokémon Center, the group was greeted by apologetic staff. It turned out the Center was experiencing an unexpected influx of patients, leaving the Nurses swamped. However, Cynthia, ever resourceful, offered a solution. "If you wouldn't mind providing a private room," she suggested, "I'm more than capable of tending to our Pokémon myself."
The staff, relieved at the prospect of some assistance, readily agreed. Soon, the group found themselves settled in a spacious room, a sense of relief washing over them as Cynthia began her ministrations.
"There," Cynthia announced with a gentle smile as Chimchar finally drifted off to sleep, the last of the group to be treated. "Your Chimchar seems to be doing much better now."
Paul, his initial apprehension replaced with gratitude, offered a sincere, "Thank you very much."
It was clear Cynthia possessed not just exceptional battling prowess, but also a deep understanding of Pokémon care. Cynthia returned the smile. "Your Pokémon are a credit to you," she remarked, her voice genuine. "They battled valiantly today. I was particularly impressed with your Torterra – it's a truly remarkable Pokémon."
A flicker of pride crossed Paul's face as he glanced at his loyal companion. "Torterra was actually my very first Pokémon," he revealed.
Dawn's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, that's incredible!" she exclaimed.
Brock leaned forward with curiosity. "So you raised it from a Turtwig all the way to a Torterra?" he asked.
Paul nodded, a hint of nostalgia softening his features. "Exactly," he confirmed. "We've journeyed together through the Hoenn, Johto, and Kanto Leagues." A brief pause followed, then he added quietly, "We haven't managed to win any of them yet, but..." He trailed off, leaving his sentence unfinished, the unspoken determination hanging heavy in the air. It was during those journeys, he continued, his voice regaining its usual strength, "that is also where I caught Weavile and Murkrow."
"What about Chimchar?" Ash inquired, his curiosity piqued about the Fire-type Pokémon's origin on Paul's team.
"Picked him up on the way back to Sinnoh," Paul replied curtly.
"Since you've competed in three Regional Competitions, you must be an Ace Trainer, right?" Akari asked Paul. He nodded in confirmation.
Cynthia offered another compliment. "You've made significant progress with Chimchar in such a short time. It's clear you two have been working hard together."
Paul scoffed. "Doesn't matter. Garchomp still took Chimchar down in one hit." Akari couldn't help but frown at his harsh tone. In her eyes, Chimchar had performed just as well as any of his other Pokémon, and she didn't understand why he singled it out for such criticism.
Ash picked up on the negativity as well. "Until Giga Impact," he challenged, "it didn't seem to matter how many Pokémon fainted."
"What's your point?" Paul shot back, clearly missing Ash's underlying message.
"How do you think your Pokémon felt about that?" Ash continued, gesturing towards the row of slumbering creatures. "Didn't it occur to you? Winning like that is a hollow victory, a win for you only."
Paul scoffed, dismissive of the notion. "Give me a break. A win is a win."
"Absolutely not!" Ash countered, his voice rising with conviction. "The only true victory is one you achieve alongside your Pokémon, as a team!" The air crackled with the intensity of Ash's belief, a stark contrast to Paul's dismissive attitude.
"Why do you treat your Pokémon like that?" Ash challenged, his voice laced with concern rather than accusation. Paul's dismissive attitude towards his Pokémon, particularly Chimchar, clearly bothered him.
"Because they get weak if they're coddled," Paul countered, finally revealing the reasoning behind his harsh approach. "Look at Chimchar – a perfect example. Spoiled rotten, doesn't push itself nearly enough."
Ash, from what Akari gathered, was a firm believer in the power of mutual support between trainer and Pokémon, and he vehemently disagreed. "That's completely wrong! Pokémon thrive on encouragement and support! It's a two-way street – you take care of them, and they'll give their all for you in return!"
Paul scoffed once more, the sound dripping with disdain. "Pathetic."
Akari shifted uncomfortably, the tension in the room growing thick. Ash, visibly fuming, clenched his fists.
"Look," Ash began, his voice tight with controlled anger, "it's not just about winning. It's about the bond you share with your Pokémon. A strong trainer and their Pokémon fight together as a team, that's what makes a true victory!" Pikachu, perched on Ash's shoulder, chirped in agreement, a spark of electricity crackling on its cheeks.
Paul, ever stubborn, remained unfazed. "Fine," he conceded with a roll of his eyes. "Do whatever you want with your Pokémon. I'll become stronger my own way."
Cynthia, who had been observing the exchange with a thoughtful expression, decided to intervene. "If your goal is truly to get stronger, Paul," she said, her voice calm yet firm, "then there's something I'd like to show you all."
••• ••• •••
Cynthia led the group back to the stone tablet, its weathered surface etched with ancient writing. Placing a hand reverently upon the cool rock, she turned to address them all.
"These words are quite fascinating," she began, her voice filled with a hint of awe. "Listen closely as I translate them for you."
Her gaze fell upon the inscription, and she began to read aloud: "'When every life meets another life, something will be born.'"
As Cynthia's voice echoed through the stillness, the others reacted in various ways. Ash, Dawn, and Brock murmured thoughtfully amongst themselves, clearly pondering the poem's deeper meaning. Paul, however, stood with his arms crossed, a picture of indifference. Akari, however, recognized the inscription. She had read it before, and a flicker of curiosity sparked in her eyes. The poem's title, "Friend," only heightened her intrigue. Where was Cynthia leading this conversation?
Cynthia lowered her gaze from the tablet and turned back to the group. "When I was young," she confessed, her voice taking on a softer tone, "I was consumed by the single-minded pursuit of strength. Winning battles was all that mattered, and I trained my Pokémon relentlessly."
A hint of wistfulness coloured her features as she continued. "Then, one day, I discovered a crucial truth. Even Pokémon of the same species possess unique personalities. Each one is an individual, deserving of respect and understanding. It was a revelation that changed me forever. From that moment on, I vowed to get to know each and every one of my Pokémon, to truly understand their strengths and weaknesses, their hopes and dreams."
Cynthia paused, letting her words sink in. A gentle smile graced her lips as she resumed her explanation. "And then, as I encountered more and more Pokémon, learning about their diverse ways of life, a new feeling blossomed within me. It dawned on me that meeting a new Pokémon wasn't so different from meeting a new person. Each encounter held the potential for connection."
Cynthia's gaze swept across the group, her eyes lingering on each face. "I firmly believe that because of our meeting today," she declared, her voice ringing with conviction, "something powerful has been ignited within each of us. A spark, a seed of potential waiting to bloom. Something that will undoubtedly make us stronger, but in ways unique to each of us."
She turned back towards the stone tablet, her eyes drawn to the etched image of the legendary Pokémon of Time and Space. A wistful smile touched her lips as she spoke again. "For me," she began, "my desire to learn about Pokémon has spawned a dream." Her voice softened as she continued, "That someday, I'll meet the legendary Dialga and Palkia."
Akari's focus narrowed on Cynthia at the mention of the legendary Pokémon. Memories of Volo and his obsessive pursuit flickered at the edge of her mind. While a flicker of doubt lingered – was Cynthia's desire truly pure? – it was quickly overshadowed by a burgeoning idea. This, she decided, was a thought to be explored later.
Cynthia's gaze drifted upwards, her eyes fixed on the vast expanse of the sky. "Perhaps then," she mused aloud, "I might be able to travel back to the very source, to the origin of all Pokémon themself."
A collective gasp rippled through the group. Brock was the first to voice his awe. "Wow! Imagine meeting Dialga and Palkia," he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Dawn and Ash chimed in, their voices filled with a similar sense of wonder.
Paul, however, remained impassive. While Cynthia's words seemed to resonate with the others, they appeared to have little impact on him. Akari couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. Surely, she thought, even Paul could have found something of value in Cynthia's speech – a lesson to consider, a spark of inspiration. But perhaps, she mused, some lessons are best learned the hard way.
With Cynthia's speech concluded, the group turned their attention back to the Pokémon Center. The day's events had been both challenging and enlightening, and they all knew that a good night's rest would be well-deserved.
••• ••• •••
As the group approached the Pokémon Center, the calm atmosphere was shattered by the frantic cry of Nurse Joy piercing the air.
"Come back, that's not your Chimchar!" Rounding a corner, they were met with a sight that sent a jolt of adrenaline through them. Team Rocket, unmistakable in their white uniforms, were scurrying away with a struggling Chimchar clutched in James's arms.
"Team Rocket?" Dawn gasped, disbelief colouring her voice.
Without hesitation, Paul surged forward in a blur of purposeful movement, his eyes blazing with determination. The others were quick to follow, their own sense of urgency propelling them after him.
"Wait!" Ash yelled, his voice laced with urgency. He wasn't about to let Team Rocket get away with this Pokémon theft.
James, burdened by the sleeping Chimchar, glanced back over his shoulder. "Twerp!" he yelped, his voice laced with annoyance.
Meowth, keeping a watchful eye out for any pursuers, chimed in with a question. "And the Champion?" he asked, a hint of apprehension creeping into his voice as he spotted Cynthia striding purposefully alongside the group.
"We made it!" Jessie declared triumphantly, a glint of relief in her eyes. With a coordinated leap, the trio of villains plunged into a nearby thicket, effectively disappearing from sight.
A moment later, a large object erupted from the bushes with a surprising burst of speed. As it ascended into the sky, the group finally got a clear view: a giant hot air balloon, its bulbous shape unmistakably crafted to resemble Meowth. The sight was both comical and impressive, a testament to Team Rocket's eccentric tastes in getaway vehicles.
"Sorry, twerps, but we gotta blast off!" James guffawed, clutching the still-sleeping Chimchar a little tighter.
"That's right, twerps! Chimchar belongs to Team Rocket now!" Meowth gloated, his voice booming from the Meowth-shaped balloon. He gestured theatrically at the sleeping Pokémon in James's arms.
Suddenly, a tiny groan escaped Chimchar, followed by a yawn. Its eyes blinked open, momentarily confused by the unfamiliar surroundings.
"Ah, good morning, sleepyhead!" Jessie cooed, leaning over James's shoulder to get a closer look at Chimchar. Her voice dripped with a sweetness that was completely at odds with her villainous intentions.
"Welcome to the winning team, little guy," James added, already picturing Chimchar clad in a miniature Team Rocket uniform, wreaking havoc alongside them.
"Bringing chaos at a breakneck pace!" Jessie belted out, launching into their signature motto with a flourish.
"Dashing hope and putting fear in its place!" James chimed in, his voice echoing through the open sky.
"We're Team Rocket, and we're in-" Meowth began his usual introduction, only to be abruptly cut off. A sudden and unexpected burst of flame erupted from Chimchar's tiny hands, catching Team Rocket completely off guard. The searing flames singed their hair and clothes, leaving them sputtering and coughing in a cloud of smoke. Their triumphant boast hung heavy in the suddenly quiet air, replaced by the surprised squawks of a bewildered Meowth and the frustrated groans of Jessie and James.
"Alright, Staravia, let's-!" Ash yelled, already reaching for his Poké Ball. But before he could fully unleash his flying-type Pokémon, a blur of red rocketed past him. Paul, ever the decisive trainer, had already taken action.
"Ursaring, Standby!" Paul roared, flinging a Poké Ball with practised ease. With a flash of red light, his powerful Ursaring materialised on the battlefield, its massive form a formidable sight.
"Hyper Beam!" Paul commanded without hesitation. Ursaring roared in response, focusing its energy before unleashing a devastating beam of pure power. The blinding light sliced through the air, aimed directly at the hot air balloon.
Team Rocket, still reeling from Chimchar's surprise flamethrower attack, barely had time to react. A collective yelp escaped their lips as the Hyper Beam slammed into the balloon, sending it shuddering violently. Chimchar, momentarily forgotten in the chaos, took advantage of the situation. With a nimble leap, it hopped out of James's grasp, dropping from the hot air balloon. With a deafening bang, the balloon erupted in a massive explosion, sending Jessie, James, Meowth, and Wobbuffet flying through the air.
"We're blasting off again!" Team Rocket cried as they flew into the horizon, becoming a twinkle in the sky.
Unfortunately, Chimchar's descent wasn't cushioned by a friendly tree branch. It landed with a soft thud on the hard dirt, a whimper escaping its lips. Paul rushed to his Pokémon's side, but the words that tumbled from his mouth sent a surge of anger coursing through Akari's veins.
"Look," he began, his voice harsh, "I don't care if you were already injured. Getting captured by a bunch of amateurs like that – useless!" The final word hung heavy in the air, a cruel and dismissive label for a Pokémon who had just displayed remarkable bravery.
Ash couldn't contain his outrage as he walked up to Paul. "How can you be so cruel?" he exclaimed, his voice laced with righteous anger.
Dawn, too, joined the fray. "Chimchar was asleep when Team Rocket grabbed it!" she pointed out, her voice laced with frustration. "Can't you see that?"
Akari, unable to contain herself any longer, chimed in. "And not only that," she pointed out, her voice sharp, "but Chimchar managed to escape on its own! You're completely ignoring that accomplishment while highlighting a single mistake!"
Cynthia, sensing the rising tension, stepped forward to diffuse the situation. "Alright, everyone, that's enough," she said calmly, her voice a soothing balm. "The most important thing right now is that Chimchar is safe."
With gentle steps, Cynthia approached the shaken Pokémon and knelt down, placing a hand on its head with a reassuring touch. "Everything is alright now, isn't it, Chimchar?" she murmured softly, her voice filled with warmth and empathy.
Dawn spoke up first. "You're absolutely right, Cynthia," she said, her voice laced with relief. Brock and Ash offered their own murmurs of agreement, the tension from the encounter with Team Rocket slowly dissipating. Akari, though silent, gave a small, resolute nod, her earlier anger replaced by a quiet determination.
Cynthia turned her gaze towards Paul, her expression firm yet gentle. "Paul," she began, "it would be wise to spend the night at the Pokémon Center. Your Pokémon, particularly Chimchar, likely needs time to recover from the ordeal." She paused, then added with a knowing smile, "Besides, you wouldn't want to hinder your own progress towards becoming stronger, would you?"
Paul, for a moment, seemed to contemplate denying it. But the exhaustion evident in his eyes betrayed his initial defiance. "I understand." he finally conceded, his voice gruff but lacking its usual hostility.
••• ••• •••
Leaving Paul behind at the Pokémon Center with his recuperating Pokémon, the others found themselves drawn towards a commotion near a flickering television. As they approached, snatches of a news report piqued Cynthia's interest, and she quickened her pace, the others following suit.
"Big news flash!" boomed a voice from the television, capturing their attention.
The reporter on the screen stood in front of a backdrop showcasing the ancient ruins of Celestic Town. A close-up shot revealed a round orb, gleaming with an ethereal glow.
"Here at the ancient ruins of Celestic Town," the reporter continued, her voice filled with excitement, "the Lustrous Orb, said to be linked to the legendary Pokémon Palkia, has been discovered!"
"The Lustrous Orb?" Ash echoed, a flicker of curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Is that like the Adamant Orb?"
Cynthia remained glued to the screen, her brow furrowed in concentration. A murmur escaped her lips, barely audible over the reporter's voice, "They finally found it..."
"The Lustrous Orb is said to be the counterpart to the magnificent Adamant Orb," the reporter explained, "which is currently on exhibit in Eterna City. Both orbs are believed to possess the power to amplify the strength of their respective Legendaries – the Lustrous Orb for Palkia, and the Adamant Orb for Dialga."
She leaned closer to the camera, his voice dropping to a dramatic whisper. "With this discovery, scientists hope to unlock the secrets of the legendary Sinnoh region, shedding light on the mysteries of space and time itself!"
A glint of determination flickered in Cynthia's eyes as she turned to address the group. "I know precisely where my journey leads me next," she declared, her voice ringing with purpose.
Dawn quickly pieced together the connection. "It's Celestic Town, isn't it?" she inquired, her gaze flitting between Cynthia and the image of the Lustrous Orb glowing on the television screen.
"Indeed," Cynthia confirmed, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
Ash, his competitive spirit ignited, felt compelled to speak his mind. "Cynthia," he began, his voice filled with a mixture of determination and respect, "I may not have fully understood what you were saying back at the stone tablet, but one thing's for sure – my love for Pokémon burns just as brightly as yours!" He clenched his fist for emphasis, and Pikachu, perched on his shoulder, mirrored the gesture with a determined chirp.
Cynthia's smile widened. "That, Ash," she replied, her voice warm, "is all you truly need to know. That passion, that unwavering bond with your Pokémon – that's the foundation on which true strength is built."
Ash nodded vigorously, his eyes gleaming with newfound resolve. "Right!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with conviction.
"Then," Cynthia continued, her gaze sweeping over the group, "be safe on your travels. May your journeys be filled with wonder and discovery." With that, she turned and began to walk away.
Akari, however, hesitated. A silent question lingered in her eyes. Sensing her unspoken desire for a private conversation, Cynthia glanced back, a knowing smile gracing her lips. As Akari fell into step beside her, heading towards the exit of the Pokémon Center, a silent understanding passed between them.
The moment they stepped out of the Pokémon Center's automatic doors, Akari pivoted on her heel to face Cynthia. The hustle and bustle of the town faded into the background as her gaze locked with the Champion's.
"Cynthia," she began, her voice pitched low, "I understand you're eager to reach Celestic Town and get a glimpse of the newly discovered Lustrous Orb."
Cynthia's brow furrowed slightly. "Indeed," she replied, her curiosity piqued. "Though I suspect it will be some time before I can get close enough to examine it properly. Scientists tend to be quite possessive of their latest discoveries."
A hint of understanding shined in Akari's eyes. "Well, then," she continued, a smile playing on her lips, "perhaps a slight detour might be in order. I possess some information, unconfirmed mind you, but a feeling gnaws at me that you might find it particularly interesting. It possibly concerns the legendary Dialga and Palkia, and the location...well, it's not far from here."
Cynthia's posture shifted, her interest fully captured. She regarded Akari with raw intensity. "Intriguing," she murmured, a single eyebrow raised in surprise. "Tell me more. This detour," she added, a hint of interest creeping into her voice, "could prove to be most beneficial."
Akari, emboldened by Cynthia's keen interest, took a deep breath. Turning towards the direction of her destination, she asked with a newfound confidence. "Have you ever heard of Alamos Town?"
Tune in next time for the Volume 1 Finale
Dreams Never End: Chapter 21 - No Plan B
Next chapter will be on the 20th, Thursday.