10. Journey of the Sevestar

Chapter 1

Located between the Hoenn and Alola Regions lies the mysterious Sevestar Region. Though newly discovered, the region remains largely unknown to the general public. Only a select few are aware of its existence. What sets Sevestar apart is the unique mix of Pokémon from all over the world—Alolan, Galarian, Paldean, and even Legendary Pokémon are said to inhabit this land.

Recently, the Sevestar Region has opened its doors to the other nine regions for a special occasion—the long-awaited reveal of its Prince and Princess. These two figures, who are also the Champion and an Elite Four member, have kept their identities secret until now. The world is now rushing to the region, eager to witness their emergence.

A sleek ship, adorned with the emblem of Aether Paradise, cuts through the waves toward Sevestar. Onboard are Misty, Brock, May, Dawn, Cilan, Serena, Lillie, Goh, and Chloe. Each of them holds an invitation in hand, inviting them to attend the wedding of the Prince and Princess. The air inside the cabin is thick with confusion.

"We don't even know them personally," Dawn murmurs, frowning as she reads the letter again.

"Exactly," Brock agrees, leaning back against his chair. "Why would they invite us?"

May glances around the group. "Maybe they know someone we know? This whole thing seems too... mysterious."

Misty crosses her arms. "Or maybe it's a trap. We don't know who the Champion or the Elite Four are, and yet they're inviting us to their wedding?"

"Still," Serena says softly, gazing out the window as the island of Sevestar comes into view. "I think we all know why we're really here."

There's a pause, and everyone shares a glance. Unspoken but understood, they are all hoping to find a certain raven-haired boy—someone they haven't seen in five long years.

Back then, they (excluding Lillie), along with Tracy, Clemont, Bonnie, Iris, Mallow, Lana, Kiawe, and Sophocles, had traveled to Pallet Town. An incident had occurred—one that changed everything. The boy had lost his mother, and his mentor had fallen into a coma. Though the true culprits, Team Rocket, had escaped, the boy was unjustly blamed for the catastrophe. Labeled a criminal by his friends and community, he disappeared without a trace, leaving behind a storm of regret and guilt.

The moment his mentor awoke and learned the truth, he was furious. The boy—his savior—had been wrongly accused and ostracized. But by then, it was too late. The boy was gone, and despite their efforts, they never found him.

As the group steps off the ship and onto the port, they are immediately met with the hustle and bustle of Sevestar's Otem Town. The streets are lively, filled with the hum of people, colorful market stalls, and a gentle breeze from the nearby ocean.

Dawn looks around with wide eyes. "This place sure looks lively."

"I agree," Cilan adds, his voice filled with awe. "It truly is a spectacular place. The atmosphere feels... different."

Misty turns to Brock, who's studying a guidebook intently. "So where are we, Brock?"

Without looking up, Brock replies, "According to this guide, we've landed in Otem Town. It's not a big place, but it's important. The Prince and Princess's castle is here, as well as the Professor's Lab."

"This place has royalty?" Goh asks, his brow furrowing in surprise.

May grins, nudging Goh lightly. "It could be! Maybe the prince is really handsome."

Brock sighs dreamily. "And the princess... she might be the most beautiful woman in the world."

The rest of the group collectively sighs at Brock's usual antics, while Serena shakes her head with an amused smile.