The Legend of Celestic Town
Cynthia repeated Aoki's words. "The legend of Celestic Town?"
Aoki nodded in confirmation. "Yes, I know Celestic Town has ancient legends, and I'm particularly interested in them."
Cynthia fell silent, considering his words. Many of Sinnoh's oldest myths traced back to Celestic Town, but after so much time, few remembered their origins.
For Aoki, this being his first visit to Sinnoh, to already know of Celestic Town's legends suggested deep research into the region. Perhaps while studying Sinnoh's strongest Trainers, he had stumbled upon the town's myths along the way.
If Aoki knew Cynthia's thoughts, he would have been speechless. But neither spoke further.
After a moment of silence, Cynthia stood. "Come with me."
Modern Celestic Town differed greatly from its past. When the Pokémon League first explored Sinnoh, the town had been isolated, its sacred sites restricted to outsiders. Only the town's chosen were permitted entry.
But as the League established itself in Sinnoh, Celestic Town was compelled to cooperate. Over time, its people realized the secrets they guarded held little significance to the wider world—or so they thought.
Some core truths remained known only to Celestic's direct descendants, and the League respected that. Gradually, the town opened further, its people venturing out to learn of the outside world. Through this exchange, Celestic slowly integrated with Sinnoh.
Yet even now, the town held a unique place in the region's history.
After Cynthia's exceptional talent emerged, she received strong backing from the Sinnoh League.
Leading Aoki, she guided him up a small hillside behind her home. Wild Pokémon roamed freely here, but upon seeing Cynthia, they did not attack. A few even approached her, greeting her warmly.
Aoki noted their impressive strength—any one of them would spark a frenzy if taken outside Celestic. The town's heritage ran deep.
They arrived at a crumbling shrine, its wooden frame weathered by time. Cynthia didn't pause. Inside, she pressed a hidden switch on a stone carving, causing the rear wall to tremble before sliding open.
The mechanism, ancient yet functional, revealed a passage beyond. Dim light spilled from glowing orbs embedded in the walls, illuminating the way.
Gesturing for Aoki to follow, Cynthia stepped inside. The wall sealed shut behind them.
"You're correct," she said. "Many of Sinnoh's legends began here. The myths of Celestic Town are tied to what lies within this cave."
As the strongest of Celestic's current generation, she knew its secrets intimately.
Aoki hesitated. "If these are secrets outsiders shouldn't know, you don't have to show me. I don't want to put you in a difficult position."
Cynthia didn't turn. "Celestic once guarded many secrets. But no longer."
Her voice was steady. "Our ancestors bore this knowledge alone for generations. The weight was too great. When the League arrived, our former elder shared the truth with them—though it cost him his position."
She exhaled. "But because of that choice, our people no longer live under such strain. The League keeps our secrets, but they are no longer ours alone to carry."
She glanced back. "I brought you here because I believe you can bear this knowledge. But if you'd rather turn back, now is the time."
Aoki understood. Some truths were burdensome when kept by one, but shared, their weight lessened. The League's highest ranks already knew Celestic's history. To him, it might not even seem extraordinary.
And if the sky fell? Well, taller Trainers could hold it up.
He followed her deeper.
Along the passage, faded murals and inscriptions lined the walls. Cynthia allowed him time to study them.
"These record the lives of Celestic's ancestors," she explained.
Most depicted daily life—hunting, rituals, the passing of seasons. But then, Aoki stopped.
One image stood out. A small, indistinct mark, barely visible, yet unmistakable in shape.
He pointed. "Is this… an Unown?"
Cynthia's eyes flickered with surprise. But she nodded.
"Yes. That is an Unown."