Sinnoh, Sandgem Town.
While EliteProfessor RowanPalmer was working overtime, discussing new competitions with Lance, Mikuri, and others,
SinnohChampionCynthia was slacking off.
It was because Palmer lost the SinnohChampion Challenge not long ago, and this was their bet.
It shouldn't be called slacking off; rather, she was researching ancient history and myths with Professor Professor Rowan.
This was Cynthia's interest.
After Team Galactic was exposed and Cyrus disappeared, the Sinnoh region entered a period of calm.
Only Pokémon Hunters and other illegal activities needed to be cleared out.
However, these matters were handled by Pokémon investigators, Rangers, police, and the International Police, so Cynthia didn't need to be dispatched.
It was impossible to throw out a trump card right away.
Cynthia was there to consult Professor Professor Rowan.
While others were on vacation, playing games, and shopping, she was researching ancient history and myths; there was truly no one else like her.
Noon.
A form-fitting, knee-length black trench coat, black long boots, and Cynthia's slender long legs complemented each other perfectly.
A ray of sunlight streamed through the window into the hall, making Cynthia's cascade of golden hair shimmer brightly,
and also clearly illuminating the contours of her face: a gentle, oval-shaped face with fair skin,
a pair of silver-grey irises, a high nose bridge, unadorned light pink lips, and exquisite features that were beyond reproach.
Even without a smile on her lips, a faint hint of a smile could be felt on her face.
The white shirt she wore underneath and the black and gold jewelry on her body further highlighted her elegance and composure.
She was not only a Champion but also a great beauty.
Music played, and Cynthia's phone rang. Seeing 'Sister' displayed on the screen, Cynthia smiled sweetly.
This was a rare caller.
If it wasn't for something important, Roland wouldn't call her.
Cynthia still remembered what Roland told her before she set off: "Sister, I will definitely surpass you!"
She had great ambition, and Cynthia supported her.
Thinking of Steven, who went off to mine...
"I want to retire too."
Cynthia answered the video call.
"Little Roland, where are you?"
Roland on the other end of the screen looked very similar to Cynthia, except her golden hair was tied in a high ponytail.
Hearing the address "Little Roland," Roland instantly blushed from her neck to her ears.
"Don't call me Little Roland! I'm on Iron Island right now."
Iron Island... A thoughtful expression appeared in Cynthia's eyes.
"Did you encounter any difficulties?"
Cynthia's eyes sharpened, and she immediately stood up, took out a Poké Ball, and looked ready to rush to Iron Island.
Seeing Cynthia's reaction, Roland quickly said:
"Sit down! I'm on Iron Island researching ruins and training; more specifically, Lucario is training with Mr. Riley."
Roland turned the camera to show Riley, who was wearing a hat and had his eyes closed, and two Lucario.
At this moment, one person and two Lucario were all sitting cross-legged, meditating with their eyes closed. Seeing this, Cynthia sat down.
As an Aura Pokémon, Lucario chooses its Trainer.
In Cynthia's opinion, Trainers who own Lucario generally have no issues with their character.
Roland looked apologetic and explained, "Lucario is training, and I'm tied up researching the ruins on Iron Island.
But I promised Li Wei something—that's Lien's grandson, you still remember him, right?"
Li Wei... Hearing Roland mention that name, Cynthia quickly remembered.
A slightly immature yet handsome face appeared in Cynthia's mind.
Hmm, he's quite handsome.
She was thinking of Li Wei when he was 13 or 14 years old.
He must be about four or five years younger than her.
Cynthia hadn't seen Li Wei in four or five years. Traveling, becoming Champion, the Team Galactic incident, plus other Champion duties—
as the SinnohChampion, Cynthia was lucky to steal even half a day of leisure.
Cynthia nodded: "Of course I remember. What did you promise him?"
Roland said helplessly, "This is a long story; it starts with a Feebas."
"It's fine, I have time. Tell me."
Because of Roland's strong-willed personality, she was always unwilling to trouble Cynthia, so the two sisters rarely chatted.
It wasn't that Cynthia couldn't contact Roland, but that Roland wouldn't tell her everything.
The two only chatted longer when they talked about Pokémon and ancient history. This time, Cynthia actually hoped Roland would make it a long story.
...
"So that's it, a Feebas afraid of humans, and even Mr. Qinglv suggested relying on the help of Feebas or Milotic."
Cynthia summarized in one sentence.
Even Qinglv couldn't do anything about the Feebas.
This really piqued Cynthia's interest.
Roland nodded: "I have Milotic, right? So Li Wei asked me for help.
I thought the Feebas was too pitiful, so I readily agreed. Who would have thought I'd be tied up now?"
The ruins on Iron Island are related to the Spatial and Temporal Deities; currently, there's a team analyzing ancient texts and history.
Roland is both a researcher and a bodyguard there.
Roland is also a genius; she won the Sinnoh region's Lily of the Valley Conference in her debut year.
However, she no longer challenges the League and has switched to researching ancient history and myths.
"You can rest assured and stay on Iron Island for training; I'll take care of the Feebas matter."
Roland's voice grew softer and softer: "I'm really sorry... You're so busy, and I'm still troubling you."
Am I busy?
Thinking of that pile of ancient documents...
Yes, very busy!
Cynthia smiled with narrowed eyes, raising her index finger, "Then promise me one thing, as an exchange, okay?"
"Tell me."
"Come home for dinner this New Year!"
"Alright, I know!"
"Be a good girl, Little Roland."
"I told you not to call me Little Roland! I'll send you the address; thank you for making the trip."
After hanging up the phone, Roland quickly sent the Breeding Center's address to Cynthia.
Cynthia quickly found Professor Professor Rowan, who had a big beard, looked difficult to get along with, but was actually a very good person.
"Professor Professor Rowan, I need to leave for a bit."
"Is there some emergency?"
"There's a Feebas that might have been abused by humans, and treatment might require Milotic."
Even a good person like Professor Professor Rowan couldn't remain calm upon hearing about Pokémon abuse.
"You go quickly."
"Okay, then I'll set off."
"Come out, Garchomp."
"GAAARRR!!!"
Its entire body was covered in sharp, deep blue scales, with red and yellow on its chest and abdomen.
Its wings were on its forearms, resembling a shark's pectoral fins, and it had a dorsal fin like a shark on its back.
When Garchomp flew, it looked like a supersonic jet.
Because Cynthia's Garchomp was female, its dorsal fin had no notch.
Cynthia's eyes sharpened, "To Jubilife City."
"GAAARRR!!!"
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