Ash and Cynthia didn't leave the Sinnoh region immediately.
Instead, they headed to Cynthia's private countryside villa.
Recently, the Pokémon Leagues across all regions had jointly opened the official distribution channels for Mega Evolution Stones and Key Stones through their headquarters.
According to the profit-sharing agreement between Ash and the League, Ash alone would receive 30% of the revenue.
With this cut, Ash no longer had to worry about Poké Coins.
To be honest, he had more Poké Coins now than he could ever spend in a lifetime.
But that wasn't the only thing on his mind—
It was time for Mewtwo to undergo its awakening.
Mewtwo's awakening—the transformation into a new form—didn't require a Mega Stone.
Like Rayquaza or Kyurem, Mewtwo could change forms through its own power.
Rayquaza evolved using an organ within its body.
Kyurem can fuse with either Reshiram or Zekrom using DNA Splicers to become Black Kyurem or White Kyurem, respectively.
As for Mewtwo, its evolution required a complete awakening of the energy inside its body.
Fortunately, Ash happened to have just the thing—a Card that could help.
An Attribute Enhancement Card.
After much thought, Ash had decided to use this card on Mewtwo, helping it awaken and unlock its ability to transform—into either Mega Mewtwo X or Mega Mewtwo Y.
Mega Mewtwo X specialized in physical power, but its energy-based attacks were formidable as well.
Mega Mewtwo Y leaned toward psychic and energy attacks, though its physical prowess was nothing to scoff at either.
__
"By the way, Ash, since you're heading to Unova, it just so happens that Caitlin is nearby," Cynthia said as she drove toward her villa. "When she heard you were here, she brought a friend along. You all can head to Unova together."
From outside the villa, the cheerful, bell-like voices of two girls echoed through the air.
Caitlin's friend?
Ash couldn't help but wonder.
Who could it be?
Curious, Ash got out of the car and followed Cynthia into the courtyard.
...
At that moment, inside the villa's garden—
Caitlin's long, golden hair spilled loosely over her shoulders. She wasn't using her psychic powers to keep it in place, so it draped freely around her.
Luckily, the refined heiress was lounging in a hanging basket chair, her cascading hair caught safely inside the seat so it wouldn't touch the ground.
Beside her was another identical chair.
Lying in it was another girl.
This one had long, straight black hair, and a tall, elegant frame.
A silver spoon floated in the air beside her, gently glowing with a faint blue psychic aura.
She had psychic powers, too.
Just like Caitlin.
"Sabrina, you really need to make more friends," Caitlin's languid voice floated from her chair. "That's why I brought you here to meet Cynthia. And today, I'm introducing you to someone very special. We'll be heading to Unova together."
So that mysterious girl with the long black hair was none other than Sabrina.
Ever since she regained her clarity and consciousness years ago, Sabrina had resigned from her role as a Saffron City Gym Leader and began her own journey.
In Unova, she met Caitlin.
Both gifted with powerful psychic abilities, they formed a deep, mutual understanding—and became close friends.
However, Sabrina had always shown a distinct reluctance toward interacting with men.
Even Caitlin found herself helpless in that regard.
That's why she had brought Sabrina here today—to meet Ash.
They were both from Kanto, after all. Maybe, just maybe, Sabrina wouldn't reject him.
__
Hearing that Caitlin was about to introduce her to someone new, Sabrina sighed inwardly.
It wasn't that she disliked men…
It was just that, all these years, she couldn't forget that boy—
The boy who helped her regain herself.
The boy who made her laugh using a Haunter.
Even now, he was probably still chasing his dreams somewhere out there...
Just as Sabrina was about to decline politely, the garden gate creaked open.
She instinctively tried to get up and walk away—
But then came a familiar voice:
"Sabrina? What are you doing here?"
"Pika!" Pikachu called out with surprise.
Sabrina's body froze.
That voice… and that Pikachu…
It was him.
….
Ash was stunned too.
He hadn't expected to run into her of all people here.
Talk about fate!
"Huh? Ash, you and Sabrina know each other?" Cynthia asked, stepping into the garden behind him.
Caitlin, still lounging on her swing, tilted her head in interest.
Ash nodded as he casually picked a nearby hanging chair to sit in. Pikachu leapt into the seat beside him.
"Yeah, after Sabrina recovered, I always wondered where she'd gone. Looks like she started traveling in Unova?"
Ash asked with a mix of surprise and curiosity.
The four quickly got into conversation.
And during that time, Caitlin noticed something strange.
In just ten minutes of chatting—
Sabrina had looked at Ash twenty-five times.
Cynthia? She'd glanced at him eight or nine times as well.
Wait a minute...
Caitlin suddenly grew curious about Ash.
She still remembered when they had first met—at a villa much like this one.
Back then, Ash had left a decent, if average impression.
But now… things felt different.
Cynthia clearly treated him differently than before.
And Sabrina—normally cold and distant toward men—was acting completely out of character.
Even Caitlin, who'd rarely interacted with any boy in her life, couldn't help but feel curious.
And curiosity… often marks the beginning of something more.
__
In the end, the four of them decided to fly to Unova together tomorrow afternoon.
Cynthia, who didn't have any urgent duties at the Sinnoh League, was happy to tag along. She figured it was a good time to drop by and visit Professor Juniper anyway.
With the flight booked, it was time for dinner.
And now, all three girls turned to stare at Ash.
Ash immediately felt the oppressive weight of this world's cruelty.
No way... I have to cook again? I'm supposed to be traveling! Someone else should cook while I'm in Unova!
What's that? Why not just eat out with all those Poke Coins?
Ash waved that idea off.
Eating in restaurants lacked soul.
Nothing could compare to enjoying a meal outdoors, surrounded by nature and Pokémon.
That was the real dream!
Hotels and restaurants? You could eat there anytime.
But this trip to Unova—Ash had several major goals to accomplish.
First up: That adorably stubborn Snivy. No way he was letting her slip by—he absolutely loved that Snivy.
Next, there was Victini, waiting for him in Eindoak Town, hoping he'd return to save it.
And then…
He had to track down the strongest Dragon of the land—Kyurem.
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T/N:
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