Ash's relationship with Sabrina was always difficult to put into words. If you didn't acknowledge it, it felt unnatural. But if you did, there was always an odd sense of strangeness to it.
That evening, more than a dozen helicopters descended into Grampa Canyon. The crests engraved on the aircraft made it clear to everyone present: the three great families had arrived.
"Dad!" Sabrina shouted joyfully upon spotting her parents.
Although her family had distanced themselves from her due to her past, she understood they had been helpless at the time—especially when she was sent off to Saffron City.
"Grandpa, Grandpa!"
"Grandpa Skye!"
Ash and Gary hurried forward to greet Professor Oak and Skye Draconis, whom they hadn't seen in a long while. Skye's condition looked much better now, perhaps thanks to the presence of his genius grandson, Ash.
"Ash, it's been too long. How have you been recently?" Skye said warmly.
The discovery in Grampa Canyon had not only brought enormous prestige to the Draconis family but also further solidified Ash's cooperative relationship with them.
This time, the Draconis family had a direct stake in the matter, which pleased Skye immensely. Even Mugino, Sabrina's father, expressed admiration for Ash—though he didn't forget to hint that Ash should treat Sabrina well. The remark left Ash at a loss for words.
After some discussion, the fossil hunters reluctantly departed. They understood now that Grampa Canyon had already been claimed as private territory. With three major families involved, no one wanted to risk offense. Besides, compensation had already been offered, and Pokémon fossils could be excavated in other locations.
The families hadn't come empty-handed. Along with Skye, Professor Oak, and Mugino, they had brought in large engineering teams. After all, Ash had warned them earlier that the real excavation would begin two thousand meters underground. This was a massive undertaking. If things went smoothly, they might finish in a matter of days. If not, it could take much longer.
"Ash, do you know the precise location?" Professor Oak asked once the lights were set up.
"Yes. About two thousand meters down, there's a vast cavern. My readings show strong life signals there—very stable ones."
He paused, his tone serious. "From my analysis, these ancient Pokémon are in a state of suspended animation. Because of the unique geography here, they've survived for centuries. But when digging, you must proceed cautiously. If we wake them too abruptly, their primal instincts could be triggered—and casualties would be unavoidable."
The engineering teams listened attentively. Ash led them to an open area, pointed out where to dig, and reminded them of the dangers. The workers treated him with deep respect—not only because of his family ties, but because he was a recognized Champion-level Trainer.
"Ash is right. You must proceed carefully," Professor Oak added with pride. He was pleased by Ash's maturity and cautiousness—traits Gary still lacked at his age.
Ash wasn't exaggerating. He still remembered, from past experience, when an Aerodactyl had awakened and nearly carried him off. If not for Charizard's intervention, things might have ended very badly.
The excavation began with the rumble of machinery. At first, progress was steady. But once they reached within five hundred meters, they slowed their pace to avoid any accidents.
While waiting in the massive engineering tent, Ash introduced the people most important to him.
"Grandpa, this is Cynthia, my fiancée. And this is Suzie, a skilled Breeder—though her work with medicine isn't quite at Brock's level yet, she's catching up quickly. And this," he smiled, "is my girlfriend, Sabrina."
It was the first time Ash openly introduced Sabrina as his girlfriend, largely because her father was present. Out of respect, Sabrina didn't deny it.
"Haha, Ash, you seem to be quite the ladies' man," Mugino teased, giving Ash a knowing look that made him uneasy.
"Yes, they're all remarkable young women. You'll have to treat them well, Ash," Skye added bluntly, leaving Cynthia, Suzie, and Sabrina blushing.
Just then, the captain of the engineering team entered. "Professor, we're nearing the cavern. According to our instruments, it's about three hundred meters below."
"Understood," Professor Oak said. "Have everyone proceed cautiously. And set up defensive perimeters—we can't risk any surprises."
When it came to ancient Pokémon, Ash didn't hold much personal interest—even with something as rare as an Aerodactyl.
In his eyes, Charizard suited him far better. What he didn't know, however, was whether the little Charmander he had raised long ago would ever return to him.
At this very moment, Ash had no idea that his old Charmander had already evolved into a Charizard, reaching the level of a pseudo-Champion.
After achieving this strength, Charizard had originally planned to seek Ash out once it broke through to full Champion level. But Ash's recent rise to fame had changed everything.
The news of his accomplishments had spread everywhere, echoing across regions. Even Charizard, far away, had heard of Ash's deeds.
...
TN:
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