"Ah, Ash—it's you," Cynthia's gentle voice ca through the video call, her warm expression lighting up the screen. "Calling at this ti... is there sothing going on?"
On screen, she was sitting elegantly at a table, sipping coffee with that sa composed grace that always made her stand out.
"Pikachu!"
Pikachu chirped cheerfully, waving at Cynthia.
"It's been a while, Cynthia. I just arrived in Celestic Town. After helping Dawn with the Celestic Contest, I plan to visit the Historical Research Center here. You're probably nearby too, right?"
"You made it here already?" Cynthia blinked in surprise, then smiled. "The Celestic Contest, huh? When it's over, stop by my place for a bit. I'll show you around town—this is my hotown, after all."
She nodded with warm enthusiasm.
Ever since that fateful eting in the ancient ruins, Cynthia had developed a deep impression of Ash—a young man with a profound interest in the Sinnoh region's space-ti myths, and a remarkable kindness toward Pokémon. That mutual passion for history and empathy had created a subtle connection between them.
Their decision to exchange Pokétch contacts back then had said it all.
"Alright then, it's settled. See you tomorrow afternoon."
"Tomorrow afternoon," Cynthia echoed with a soft smile.
The call ended.
"…Cynthia really hasn't changed—still as gentle as ever."
Ash murmured with a smile. But just then, an elderly voice piped up behind Cynthia.
It was her grandmother—Professor Carolina—who had been standing behind her, arms crossed and wearing an amused, slightly suspicious expression.
Carolina, of course, knew her granddaughter better than anyone.
She knew Cynthia rarely got close to any Trainer whose strength didn't match or exceed her own. That proud distance likely stemd from Carolina's own legacy of strength and knowledge. Yet just now, she'd watched her cool, composed granddaughter laughing and chatting with a young man.
It made the old professor... curious.
"Ahem. Cynthia, that boy just now—who is he?" Carolina asked, narrowing her eyes.
Startled, Cynthia let out a small "Ah!"—she hadn't even realized her grandmother had entered the room. Being at ho had put her guard down.
"Oh, he's the one I ntioned to you before—the Trainer who's passionate about researching the Sinnoh space-ti legends. He's currently taking on the Sinnoh League, but he's using only the Pokémon he's newly caught in this region. His forr team, from what I've seen, is strong enough to rival even the Elite Four."
Cynthia spoke almost instinctively, without hesitation.
Carolina's eyebrows lifted. Now that was interesting. Her granddaughter had just rattled off a whole string of details. Normally, Cynthia would keep things vague. But this ti? Not at all. Hmm…
Of course, Carolina was probably overthinking it. Cynthia had simply found soone who not only matched her scholarly interest but also wielded considerable strength as a Trainer.
Still… curious.
—
As ti passed, the Celestic Town Pokémon Contest—known as the Celestic Contest —officially began!
The usual trio of judges returned, joined by the ever-energetic hostess, Vivian ridian, who gave her usual lively speech to kick off the event.
The first contestant to take the stage? None other than Miss Lila, a close friend and longti rival of Dawn's mother, Johanna!
Lila wasn't just a top-tier Contest Coordinator—she was also a famous Pokémon Stylist. That flashy cape Wallace wears? Lila designed it.
Dawn had t Lila while registering for the contest, and after getting in touch with her mother, she'd learned sothing wild— Lila had actually been Johanna's rival more than ten years ago.
Talk about pressure.
Lila sent out her Cherrim, and with just one Sunny Day followed by Magical Leaf, she elegantly displayed Cherrim's grace and charm, earning glowing reviews from all three judges.
More contestants followed one after another…
And finally—it was Dawn's turn!
"Buneary, take the stage with a dazzling bounce!"
"Mi! Mi!"
Buneary leapt high into the air, performing an elegant mid-air spin. Its rotations were sharp, rhythmic, and full of flair.
Just as it reached its peak height, Dawn shouted, "Ice Beam!"
The Ice Beam struck the center of the arena, forming a raised icy ridge. Buneary landed gracefully on the ice, using it to glide downward as if skating on a glistening ramp.
"Now, Dizzy Punch—spin style!"
Buneary launched into a rapid spin, accelerating faster and faster, until—
It lost control!
The ice made its footing unstable, and the spinning beca too intense.
Dawn gasped and instinctively rushed forward—arms outstretched—and managed to catch Buneary just in ti!
Perfect save.
"Excellent!" Vivian called out. "After reviewing all the performances, the eight Coordinators moving on to the second round are—these talented Trainers!"
Both Dawn and Lila had made it!
In the battle rounds, they each faced and defeated their next two opponents.
And so, the final round arrived—Dawn vs. Lila.
"Dawn, looks like it's just the two of us on the final stage," Lila said fondly, eyes full of nostalgia and warmth. "It's been over ten years since I last competed, but don't go easy on ."
She couldn't help but be a little sentintal—after all, Dawn was Johanna's daughter.
"Yes, ma'am—I'll give it my all!"
"Ambipom, center stage!"
"Delcatty, let's shine!"
The battle began.
"Ambipom, Swift!"
"Delcatty, Substitute!"
Ambipom's twin tails whipped into motion, unleashing a flurry of golden stars toward Delcatty—only for the illusionary decoy to take the hit.
The real Delcatty had already slipped behind Ambipom using the distraction, coiling around its tails before launching a Shock Wave attack!
Ambipom took a direct hit—worse yet, the contact with Delcatty's body triggered Cute Charm!
It was now infatuated.
Lila's strategy was brilliant—sleek, graceful, and built on chanics.
But Dawn wasn't a rookie anymore.
This was a contest of style, timing, and luck.
Delcatty's Cute Charm ability gave it a 30% chance to infatuate any opposing Pokémon of the opposite gender upon physical contact. Infatuated Pokémon sotis failed to act altogether. It was a gamble.
But this ti, luck was on Dawn's side.
With the clock ticking down to the final second, Ambipom managed to land the decisive move, swinging the score just barely above Lila's.
Dawn won!
Victory in Celestic Town was hers!
And when added to her previous ribbon from the Wallace Cup, this beca her fourth Contest Ribbon—just one more to go before qualifying for the Grand Festival!
—
After the Celestic Contest wrapped up, Ash excitedly pulled Dawn and Anabel aside.
"Co on—you two have to et soone."
Following the coordinates on his Pokétch, Ash led them through a few twists and turns, eventually arriving at a large park near the edge of town.
There, standing by the gate, waiting for them with a smile—
Was Cynthia.
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