Chapter - 26

Jordan POV –

After that shocking revelation that I was somehow related to one of the strongest champions of all time, I went back to my room. According to Mom, they would meet us directly at the Sinnoh League.

I had also ensured all my pokemons were Physically and Mentally healthy. And I saw all of them resting or playing, I also joined my pokemons in a ball game.

Jordan: "Hey, I am also joining."

As I said my pokemons that were playing with an Earth ball were throwing at each other while throwing as fast as possible. According to the rules, anyone that gets hit goes out and you can't use attacks like Hyper beam or anything that destroys the ball.

Jordan: "Here you go, I hope you like…"

We continued to play the game for a while, and after an hour I got tired and went to the pokemons that were sleeping near a lake and I got on top of Torterra and slept under his tree.

Torterra: "So How was the Game?"

Jordan: "Eh, got tired after an hour now only Lucario and Garchomp are playing."

Torterra: "Those 2 battle Manicas huh?" 

Jordan: "Really that's coming from you?"

As we talked a while later we both fell asleep and soon we both got a quick nap and I went to the rocky area to see Agron walking towards me.

Jordan: "Hey, Agron."

Agron: "Jordan, hey I was thinking of an idea…"

Jordan: "Sure, let's hear it bud."

As time went on I spent time with Mom and my pokemons. And I even got a call from Dad that he would meet us directly at the Sinnoh league. And Mom had booked us a fairy to Lily of the Valley Island. Where mom had some fun and a break from the lab.

Turns out mom has been working on the absorption of elements during evolution. She rarely takes a break, mom had also met some of her friends from her time in school and soon after reaching the island the first thing we did was collect our luggage and then go to the nearby Pokemon center to register for the Sinnoh league.

After reaching the Pokemon center Mom went to the Poke-mart while I went to Nurse Joy, who was at the reception.

Jordan: "Good morning, Nurse Joy."

Nurse Joy: "Good morning, here to register."

Jordan: "Yes, here are my badges and Pokédex"

I said as I gave her my Badge case and Pokédex. 

Nurse Joy: "Thank you, now give me a minute."

As Nurse Joy used the computer and typed something, her eyes widened a bit.

Nurse Joy: your Jordan Smith?

Jordan: that's right.

I asked a bit confused then nurse Joy said that since I have gotten all 8 advanced Gym badges of all main gyms, I do not have to participate in the preliminary as this is a perk of getting all 8 advanced pilar gym badges. And I can participate directly in the Top 64.

Jordan: "Wait I never heard of such a thing?"

Nurse Joy: "That's because you're the 5th person in the past century to get all 8 advanced gym battles in a year."

Jordan: "I see, now would there be a hotel or somewhere for trainers and their families to stay during the conference." 

Nurse Joy nodded and told me about the villa and I could stay there till the end of the Sinnoh league. After getting the keys, I took my and mom's bag to the villa and I made sure to message Mom the Villa number. After that, I relaxed in the villa for a while.

Ash Ketchum POV –

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting golden hues across the endless waves as the cruise ship approached Sinnoh's shores. Ten-year-old Ash Ketchum stood at the railing, his cap turned backward, and his eyes bright with anticipation. He'd heard about his cousin Jordan for years, a prodigy among trainers, but now he was finally going to meet him.

"Two months to go until my journey starts!" Ash muttered to himself, gripping the railing. "And I get to meet someone who's already done it all. Eight badges at 11… wow."

"Ash, come back here before you fall overboard!" Delia Ketchum called her tone a mix of amusement and worry. She sat at a table nearby, a sunhat shading her face from the brilliant afternoon light. "You'll have plenty of time to see the sights when we get to Sinnoh."

Red Ketchum, Ash's father, chuckled as he leaned back in his chair. His sharp eyes and lean build hinted at his days as a legendary trainer, though his demeanor now was far more relaxed. "Let him be, Delia. He's just excited to meet Jordan."

"Excited is an understatement," Delia replied with a smile. "Ash hasn't stopped talking about this since we left Pallet Town."

Ash turned back, grinning. "Can you blame me? Jordan's amazing! Eight badges and he's only a year older than me. Do you think he'll show me some battle techniques, Dad?"

Red smirked. "He might if you ask nicely. Just don't let his size intimidate you."

"Size?" Ash asked, tilting his head. "What do you mean?"

Delia chuckled softly. "You'll see. Jordan's… well, he's grown quite a bit since the last time I saw him."

"'Quite a bit' is putting it lightly," Red muttered under his breath. "That kid's built like a Machoke."

Arrival in Sinnoh: First Impressions

The cruise ship docked smoothly at Sinnoh's harbor, and Ash bolted off the gangplank as soon as it was safe to do so. The crisp air carried the scent of pine forests and distant mountains, a stark contrast to the coastal breeze of Pallet Town. The family boarded a shuttle bound for the Sinnoh League stadium, the towering structure visible even from miles away.

Ash's excitement grew with each passing moment. He peppered his parents with questions about Jordan's journey, his battles, and his Pokémon. "What's his strongest Pokémon? Does he have a Charizard? Or maybe a Dragonite?"

"You'll find out soon enough," Red said with a teasing grin.

Inside the Sinnoh League

The League's waiting area buzzed with activity. Trainers and their families mingled, some discussing strategies while others simply soaked in the atmosphere. Ash's eyes darted around, taking in the sights, but they stopped abruptly when he spotted a towering figure surrounded by an impressive group of Pokémon.

Jordan Smith stood near a group of young trainers, casually talking to them while stroking the head of a massive Aggron. At 11 years old, Jordan looked years older—tall, broad-shouldered, and radiating confidence. His hair, wild and dark, framed a face that was both serious and approachable. His presence was commanding, but it was his Pokémon that truly captured Ash's attention.

Aggron's metallic body glinted under the lights, Bastiodon stood firm like an immovable wall, and Salamence stretched its wings with an air of regal dominance. Beside them, Torterra loomed like a living mountain, its canopy of trees swaying gently with its movements.

"That's him," Delia said softly, a hint of pride in her voice. "That's Jordan."

Ash felt a lump in his throat. "He's… huge! Are you sure he's 11?"

Red smirked. "Told you not to let his size intimidate you."

Jordan turned at the sound of his aunt's voice, his stern expression melting into a genuine smile. "Aunt Delia! Uncle Red!" He approached them, his stride confident yet relaxed. Up close, Ash could see the faint scars on Jordan's hands—evidence of years spent training and battling.

"And you must be Ash," Jordan said, his voice deep for his age but warm. He extended a hand, and Ash took it, feeling the strength in his cousin's grip.

"Y-yeah," Ash stammered, grinning up at him. "You're… amazing!"

Jordan chuckled. "Thanks. I've heard a lot about you too. Starting your journey soon, huh?"

"In two months!" Ash said excitedly. "Maybe you can teach me some stuff?"

Jordan's Pokémon towered over Ash, and yet they were surprisingly gentle as he approached them.

"Go ahead," Jordan encouraged. "They don't bite."

Ash hesitated before reaching out to Aggron, whose metallic Armor felt cool and smooth under his hand. "It's like touching a living rock!" he exclaimed.

Jordan laughed. "Agron's been with me since he was a Lairon. He's one of my best."

Bastiodon's gaze was steady and calm, exuding an almost paternal presence. Salamence, however, was another story. The dragon's piercing eyes met Ash's, and for a moment, Ash felt like he was being evaluated. But when Salamence leaned down and allowed Ash to touch its scales, he couldn't help but grin.

"This is so cool!" Ash said, running his hand along Salamence's neck. "Do you think I could have a dragon too someday?"

"With the right training," Jordan said. "But dragons aren't easy to handle. You'll need a lot of patience."

Torterra, with its massive size and serene demeanor, felt like the elder of the group. Ash marveled at the small forest growing on its back. "You started with him?" he asked.

"Yeah," Jordan said, a hint of pride in his voice. "Turtwig was my first Pokémon. We've been through everything together."

While Ash was busy with Jordan's Pokémon, Delia and Red sat with Jordan's parents, Lily and James, in a quiet corner of the lounge.

"You must be so proud of him," Delia said to her sister. "He's accomplished so much at such a young age."

Lily smiled, though there was a trace of exhaustion in her expression. "Proud doesn't even begin to cover it. But it hasn't been easy. Jordan puts so much pressure on himself. Sometimes I worry he's pushing too hard."

"Sounds familiar," Red said, glancing at Ash. "He reminds me a little of myself when I was younger. Though I didn't have half his discipline."

"And half his size," James joked, earning a laugh from the group.

"What's his secret?" Red asked, curious. "His Pokémon are enormous, even by normal standards."

"It's a combination of things," Lily explained. "Jordan's very particular about their diets and training regimens. He researches everything—what they eat, how they exercise, even their sleep patterns. He's always looking for ways to help them grow stronger."

"He's going to be a legend someday," Delia said softly.

Later, Jordan and Ash sat together in the stands overlooking the battlefield. Ash bombarded his cousin with questions, and Jordan answered each one patiently.

"What's the most important thing about training?" Ash asked.

"Trust," Jordan said without hesitation. "You have to trust your Pokémon, and they have to trust you. Without that, no amount of training will matter."

"Is that why your Pokémon are so big?" Ash asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

Jordan chuckled. "Maybe. But it's also a lot of hard work. You'll see when you start your journey—it's not just about battles. It's about the bond you build with your team."

As the day came to an end, Ash felt a newfound sense of determination. Meeting Jordan had been inspiring, and he couldn't wait to start his journey.

"You'll do great," Jordan said as they parted ways. "Just remember, it's not about being the best—it's about doing your best."

Ash nodded, his eyes shining with excitement. "Thanks, Jordan! I'll make you proud!"

As the Ketchum family boarded the shuttle back to their hotel, Ash turned to his parents. "I'm going to be just as good as Jordan someday. No, better!"

Red smiled, ruffling his son's hair. "I believe it, kiddo. Just remember, your journey is your own. Make it something you'll be proud of."

Ash grinned, his heart full of excitement for the adventure that awaited him.