As Ash laughed and interacted with his Pokémon on the sun-drenched grassy field, Delia's eyes began to mist over.
Her son… had grown up.
Ash was no longer the boy who used to run around Pallet Town chasing Butterfree. He was now a powerful Pokémon Trainer in his own right.
A true Trainer.
Though he had yet to win a major League Championship, Ash had competed in multiple regional Leagues, made a name for himself, and was already earning enough money to live comfortably.
Delia felt proud—proud beyond words.
Ash was no longer her little boy… but he was still her son.
Turning quietly, Delia made her way back to the hotel suite Ash had rented out. She was going to cook for him—prepare his favorite dishes, snacks, and fruit. She remembered every flavor he liked.
No matter how far a child journeys, a mother always worries.
No matter how strong he gets, he's still her Ash.
__
As Delia left, Misty and May exchanged a glance, then silently followed her.
Dawn and Anabel looked at each other for a second before trailing behind as well.
Elesa, still lingering nearby, glanced around awkwardly. Staying would seem intrusive, but following felt out of place too.
Thankfully, Lucy noticed her dilemma and quickly pulled her aside for a private chat, sparing her the awkwardness.
Meanwhile, Brock was busy giving Ash's Pokémon a health check, using his expertise as a Pokémon Breeder.
And Gary? As a Pokémon Researcher, checking on a Pokémon's condition was child's play to him.
Tyson stood off to the side with a gentle smile, chatting casually with Ash about the past year.
It turned out Tyson had been invited by the Hoenn League for a special project. He was now on a journey of spiritual training, with the aim of one day challenging the Hoenn Elite Four.
"But enough about me," Tyson said with a grin. "This is your time, Ash. We're all counting on you to go the distance at the Sinnoh League."
Ash chuckled, "Of course."
After the chatter died down, Brock and Gary wrapped up their checks, and Ash pulled out his Pokédex to go through each of his Pokémon's current levels and stats.
He needed to decide who'd enter early and who'd be saved for later rounds.
But no matter what, he planned to always include one high-level powerhouse on standby—just in case.
__
A short while later, Delia returned, pushing a massive cart filled with food—snacks, pastries, even bread made especially for Pokémon.
Time flowed on, and in the blink of an eye, three days had passed.
By now, practically everyone who was supposed to arrive on Lily of the Valley Island had made it.
Ash used his aura to scan the surroundings. He picked up on many unfamiliar presences—people who weren't from Sinnoh but were sticking close to League officials.
They must be representatives from other regional Pokémon Leagues.
Still, strangely enough, Ash hadn't sensed Darkrai's Trainer—Tobias.
That guy… was nowhere to be found.
The registration deadline had passed. Every Trainer who had planned to participate had already signed up.
__
At dawn, the call went out: all participants were to report to the League stadium.
The atmosphere on the island erupted with energy. The arena was packed with people—shoulder to shoulder, wall to wall. Fireworks exploded overhead. Drums thundered in the distance.
The Trainers marched into the arena and gathered at the center of the battlefield.
All eyes turned upward toward the colossal screen overhead.
There, a young man was shown sprinting forward, holding the sacred flame torch high.
He ran straight through the crowd of Trainers, never breaking stride—then hurled the torch skyward toward the ceremonial brazier!
FWOOOSH!
The flames ignited.
The sacred fire roared to life.
And with that, the Sinnoh League Lily of the Valley Conference had officially begun.
__
This year, the judges' panel was absolutely packed.
At the center: Sinnoh League officials, flanked by none other than Champion Cynthia herself.
To her right sat:
Lance, the Dragon Master and Champion of Kanto.
The Kanto League Chairman.
To her left:
Wallace, Champion of Hoenn and Coordinating legend.
The Hoenn League Director.
Further down:
Alder, Champion of Unova.
The Unova League Director.
And finally:
Diantha, the celebrity Champion of Kalos.
The Kalos League representative.
…..
"Wow! Can you believe this lineup?" one spectator gasped.
"This year's Sinnoh League actually gathered all the regional Champions in one place!"
"I see Lance! Lance the Dragon Tamer!"
"Wallace, the top Coordinator in the world!"
"Diantha! The movie star Champion herself!"
On the panel, Alder looked slightly conflicted.
He glanced at Cynthia.
Then at Diantha.
And back again.
Who should he try chatting up first?
Ultimately, he turned toward Cynthia.
"Uh, Miss Cynthia, I—"
He didn't get far.
Cynthia remained absolutely still. She wasn't even listening.
Her eyes were locked on the battlefield.
More specifically… on Ash.
With his height, commanding aura, and enhanced charisma, Ash stood out like a shining beacon among the other Trainers.
Pikachu perched confidently on his shoulder. Their bond unmistakable.
__
In the stands, Misty, May, Anabel, and Dawn sat in a circle around one person: Delia.
Two on each side—forming a complete ring.
Brock and Lucy sat off to the side.
Tyson and Gary didn't take seats. They stood along the walkway, keeping watch.
Ash scanned the crowd and the competition area.
Paul. Conway. Barry. Nando…
Familiar faces, one after another.
And then—he saw him.
Grayish blue hair. Red cape.
Tobias.
Ash narrowed his eyes. Tobias seemed to sense his gaze and turned toward him.
Their eyes locked.
Tobias gave him a slight nod.
Ash returned the gesture—calm and composed.
"This guy… might be my biggest obstacle."
Tobias studied Ash carefully.
He hadn't just brought Legendary Pokémon this time—he had a mission.
To win the Sinnoh League.
Challenge Cynthia.
And take the Champion's seat.
Ash turned his gaze elsewhere but immediately sensed another sharp presence locking onto him.
Paul.
The air grew electric.
And then—
The announcer's voice echoed across the stadium, booming with enthusiasm and fire.
Suddenly, the sky burst open with fireworks.
Dozens of brilliant streaks lit the horizon.
A sea of color roared overhead.
The Lily of the Valley Conference—had officially begun!
--------------
T/N:
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