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Sinnoh Region – Celestic Town, Inside the Historic Laboratory
Samuel sat at a cluttered desk, eyes scanning over a pile of ancient documents.
The cryptic symbols sprawled across the parchment looked nonsensical to most, but to him, they might as well have been plain speech.
His eyes moved smoothly, his expression calm, but focused.
Suddenly, a calm, mechanical female voice echoed in his mind.
[Congratulations, host. You have mastered all ancient characters.]
[Skill System initializing… loading process will take one week.]
[Please wait patiently.]
Sam's eyes widened.
"Yes! The system... It's finally working!" he blurted out, startled and thrilled at once.
His hand accidentally hit the water glass with his elbow.
With a loud crash, it toppled off the desk and shattered on the floor.
Everyone nearby looked over at the sound.
"Sam, are you alright?" a worried voice called.
One of the older researchers stepped forward, a kind expression on her weathered face.
Dressed in a long white lab coat, with her brown hair tied back neatly, she gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
It was none other than Professor Carolina, the esteemed scholar of Celestic Town—and grandmother of Sinnoh's Champion, Cynthia.
"I told you not to overwork yourself," she said with a sigh.
"You've been pulling all-nighters again, haven't you?"
"There's no use deciphering text if you're going to collapse before you publish it."
Though her words carried a hint of scolding, her voice was full of genuine concern.
Eighteen years ago, Professor Carolina had adopted the two-year-old Sam when he mysteriously appeared in the Sinnoh Region—alone, confused, and very much out of place.
She never pressed too hard about his origins.
Instead, she raised him like family and nurtured his talents with care and patience.
"I'm fine, Grandma," Sam replied quickly, brushing the broken glass aside with a handkerchief.
A faint flush colored his cheeks—he couldn't help the excitement.
After all, his long-awaited System had just awakened.
Carolina narrowed her eyes, unconvinced by his answer, but chose not to press the matter.
She placed a stack of documents on the desk and gently nudged him aside.
"You've done enough lately. The research on the Sea God from the Hoenn Region has made real progress thanks to you."
She gave him a small smile.
"We're in the final stages now. Let the others handle the wrap-up."
Sam hesitated. "But—"
"No buts. Go rest."
Her tone left no room for argument.
She turned to another researcher and handed off the compiled documents.
Then, with a softer voice, she added, "Also, if I'm not mistaken, that granddaughter of mine should be back from Lily of the Valley Island by now."
Sam blinked.
"Cynthia?"
Carolina chuckled knowingly.
"Yes, that little girl. You two rarely get time together lately. Take the chance to catch up."
As if on cue, a low, familiar growl echoed from outside the lab.
Professor Carolina's eyes lit up.
"Speak of the Devil. That should be her."
Without waiting, she took Sam by the wrist and led him toward the entrance of the lab.
Not long after, Sam followed Professor Carolina out of the laboratory, sunlight warming his face as he stepped into the gentle breeze of Celestic Town.
The sound of rushing wind made him glance up—something was descending rapidly from the sky.
A blur of dark blue tore through the air. It was sleek, sharp, and powerful.
The Pokémon's shark-like shape and blade-like wings made its identity unmistakable.
Garchomp, the Dragon/Ground-type pseudo-legendary of the Sinnoh Region.
The moment it touched down, the wind kicked up in a swirl of dust and leaves.
With practiced ease, a figure leapt down from Garchomp's back, landing light as a feather.
She had long, golden hair that danced in the breeze and wore an elegant black coat that flared with her movement.
Her striking gray eyes softened as soon as they landed on the two waiting figures.
"Grandmother!"
Cynthia beamed, rushing toward them.
"Little girl, you're finally back," Professor Carolina greeted with a knowing smile, her voice warm with affection.
Cynthia gave a playful hum of agreement and tapped the Poké Ball at her hip, recalling Garchomp in a flash of red light.
She offered a quick hug to her grandmother, then turned her attention to the one standing beside her.
Without hesitation, she slipped her hand around Sam's arm, leaning in close like it was the most natural thing in the world.
"Sam~" she whispered, her voice soft and sweet in his ear.
Professor Carolina smiled approvingly, clearly amused.
"You two haven't seen each other in a while," she said.
"You must have a lot to talk about. I'll head back to the lab and leave you be."
With a final glance and a gentle nod, she turned and walked back inside.
The moment she was gone, Cynthia tightened her grip on Sam's arm, her body pressing gently into his side.
Her voice dropped to an intimate murmur.
"It's been almost a month," she said, brushing her hair behind her ear.
"Did you miss me?"
Sam turned to face her fully.
Her scent was as familiar as it was calming—sweet like sakura leaves after spring rain.
He met her eyes with a fond smile.
"Of course I did," he said, his tone gentle but certain.
Cynthia's eyes sparkled.
The two had grown up side by side in Celestic Town, inseparable since childhood.
They were partners in more than just research and battle—they were childhood sweethearts, as close as two hearts could be.
Their engagement had been celebrated quietly just a few weeks ago, witnessed by Professor Carolina and a few close friends.
To the world, Cynthia was the fierce and graceful Champion of the Sinnoh League—imposing, intelligent, revered.
But in this moment, with the person she loved most, she was just a girl deeply in love.
"Hmph~ not even a little hesitation?" she teased.
Then, before Sam could answer, she rose onto her toes and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek—soft, warm, and full of affection.
A light blush crept up his face. Cynthia grinned, clearly pleased with the effect.
"Let's go," she said, tugging his hand.
"You can tell me everything over tea. I want to know what you've been working on. Don't even try to hide anything."
Sam nodded, matching her stride.
"Only if you promise to tell me how your trip to the Battle Frontier went."
As the two walked off down the stone path, past the traditional houses and blooming flowers of Celestic Town, it felt as though the world had quieted just for them.
Even in a region as vast and unpredictable as Sinnoh, this little town still held its quiet magic—and for Sam and Cynthia, it was home.