"Yes, that Pokémon's name is Azelf. It's one of Sinnoh's Legendary Pokémon..."
As always, he was happy to meet his future Sinnoh companion, Dawn, and patiently answered her questions. But the girl, Dawn, seemed to be a "social butterfly" and, as they chatted, he realized she was full of questions, constantly asking "why?" If he weren't a patient person and if she weren't his future travel companion, he might not have answered all her questions.
"I can't believe you're a trainer from Kanto. That sounds so far away!" Dawn said, cupping her chin with her finger and tilting her head as she spoke to Ash.
"It's not bad, it only took half a day!"
That amount of time was nothing to him. In his previous life, a single internship field trip by bus took the same amount of time. He was simply used to it.
As they talked, Ash and Dawn slowly walked toward Professor Rowan's lab, getting to know each other and becoming more familiar with one another. Dawn even grew bold enough to hug Pikachu and Aipom on Ash's shoulders. However, her enthusiastic squeezing caused great distress to the two Pokémon. Aipom was forced to retreat into its Poké Ball, leaving Pikachu to face Dawn alone. Luckily, Dawn knew when to stop, and after a few more pats on Pikachu's head, she let go of the electric mouse, much to Piplup's jealous dismay.
"Staravia~"
Suddenly, a cry caught Dawn's attention. She looked up and saw a strong Staravia carrying a small, orange-skinned monkey.
"It's a Chimchar! It looks like it got caught and brought back!" Dawn and Piplup both looked happy. "That's good. Professor won't have to worry about Chimchar anymore!"
The captured Chimchar met Dawn's gaze and let out an awkward smile while scratching its head. Ash, who had watched the anime, couldn't help but smile at the scene.
After seeing Chimchar, they quickened their pace and soon arrived at Professor Rowan's lab. Dawn, still holding Piplup, looked around and saw that the mess caused by Chimchar and the other Pokémon had already been cleaned up. It seemed the researchers had tidied up quickly after they left, and the lab looked exactly as it had when she first arrived.
"Dawn, Piplup, it seems you made it back safely!"
An imposing, white-haired old man with a serious expression walked towards them, exuding an aura of authority. This was the Professor Rowan that Professor Oak had mentioned. He was the regional professor in Sinnoh responsible for giving out starter Pokémon to new trainers and specialized in the research of Pokémon evolution. Due to his field of study, he was even the teacher of Professor Sycamore, who specialized in Mega Evolution! He was supposedly older than Professor Oak and was said to be his senior. But despite his strict appearance, Professor Rowan was, like most Pokémon professors, a kind and patient scholar.
"Yes, Professor! Thanks to Piplup's hard work, it defeated all those Ariados, and I was able to get back here safely!"
Dawn knelt down and patted Piplup on its round head after hearing Professor Rowan's question.
"Piplup~"
Piplup was also very happy to be praised. It placed its fins on its hips and proudly puffed out its chest. Professor Rowan nodded in satisfaction.
But Dawn's next words shocked him. "Oh, and Professor, I also saw the legendary Azelf in the lake back there!"
"Is that so?" Professor Rowan's calm expression changed. "It seems your bond with your Pokémon has been officially recognized!"
He looked at Dawn, who had a good relationship with Piplup, and understood what had happened. Then, he noticed Ash and Pikachu standing behind her.
"Young man, are you...?"
"Hello, Professor Rowan. I'm Ash from Pallet Town!"
"Pika Pika~"
Ash and Pikachu introduced themselves and bowed to Professor Rowan.
"Ah, Ash! Professor Oak mentioned you yesterday. I didn't expect you to arrive so soon!" Professor Rowan clearly remembered who Ash was and nodded repeatedly. "However, could you wait a moment with the Pokédex? I need to select a starter Pokémon for this new trainer first!"
"Of course, Professor Rowan!"
Soon, Professor Rowan showed Dawn her starter Pokémon: the Water-type Piplup, the Fire-type Chimchar, and the Grass-type Turtwig. Among the three, only Piplup and Chimchar seemed excited, as if they couldn't wait to leave the lab. Turtwig, on the other hand, was very calm and had a placid expression, as if nothing could affect it.
"So, new trainer Dawn, what's your choice?" Professor Rowan asked gently.
"I've already decided!" Dawn confidently walked in front of Piplup, knelt down, and said, "Piplup, we're going to be a great team, right?"
"Piplup~"
Piplup confidently puffed out its chest and took a step forward, as if responding to Dawn's words.
The unchosen Chimchar stood in place, looking disappointed, while the already calm Turtwig's expression remained unchanged, as if nothing had happened. After Dawn chose Piplup, Professor Rowan gave her Piplup's Poké Ball, along with five free Poké Balls and a Pokédex.
With all that done, Professor Rowan took Ash's Pokédex and used the lab's machine to activate it. During this time, Ash didn't waste a moment. He continued to plan out his journey through Sinnoh. Currently, he had Pikachu, Pidgeot, Scyther, and Aipom with him. He had sent Charizard back to the Charicific Valley to continue training and temporarily left Sceptile at Professor Oak's lab, planning to have it transferred over later.
"Ash, do you have any plans for the future?"
Just then, Dawn walked over to him.
"Of course, my plan is to challenge the Sinnoh League. It's been my goal all along!"
"Pika~ (Same here!)"
Ash and Pikachu both clenched their fists, excited for the journey ahead.
"And my first goal is Oreburgh City, which has the closest Gym to Sandgem Town!" Ash said, looking at Dawn. "But to get there, we'll have to pass through Jubilife City!"
Dawn's goal was to become a Coordinator, so he specifically mentioned the city to see her reaction. As he expected, she smiled and said, "In that case, how about we travel together? My dream is to become an excellent Pokémon Coordinator, so Jubilife City is also my destination!"
"Of course! It'll be great to travel with you, Dawn!"
Ash extended his right hand with a smile and shook Dawn's delicate hand.
"Please take care of me, Ash! I'm still a new trainer!"
Both the young man and the young woman couldn't help but smile happily. Although things didn't happen exactly like in the original story, the fated companions still found their way to each other. The only difference was that because he had defeated the Team Rocket trio early, Dawn's bike wasn't destroyed.
After Ash got his Pokédex back, the two officially began their journey together.