Dan smiled, Ashley handed this tragic situation as well as one could. Dan had to admire her for that, he would have been a lot more bitter if he were in her position.
"I'm not strong enough to help you against a guy like this Dante, but one day I will be. I promise." Dan said to Dante.
..........(In Sinnoh)..........
Cynthia sat in her room, the Sinnoh Champion awaiting the first round of the Sinnoh League Conference to begin. However, her mind was focused on other matters that was killing the anticipation of the event. Soon however she heard a knock on the door taking her out of her thoughts.
"Come in." Cynthia said as Frontier Brain Palmer walked through the door, greeting her with a smile.
"Hello my dearest Champion, how was the trip to Alola?" Palmer asked, Cynthia couldn't help but smile back.
"Just fine, but a little short for my liking. Still got a responsibility to uphold." Cynthia explained before making a gesture to the seat in front of her desk, which Palmer soon sat in.
"So, not that I'm complaining, but what reason have you called me here for. I know it was more than just you enjoy seeing my dashing charm in person." Palmer said, causing Cynthia to chuckle before facing him with a stone cold expression.
"Indeed. Not to long after I left Alola, a fellow Battle Tree associate Dante tried to get in contact with me. However I was unable to to make contact back due to interference. Even if I had, I have my hands tied here. Dante usually doesn't try to contact me unless it is a matter of great importance. I suspect something is going on in Alola, something that I'd like to know about. Which brings me to you, I'd like you to go to Alola in my place and make contact with Dante, figure out what is going on. Can I trust you to do that?" Cynthia asked as Palmer smirked.
"Of course my dear, I have a free schedule." Palmer said as Cynthia nodded.
"Thank you, though there is something else you should know. There is another matter in Alola that concerns me, have you heard of the Aether Foundation?" Cynthia asked, causing Palmer to raise an eyebrow.
"That organization that takes care of injured Pokemon, I've heard of them." Palmer said.
"Yes, that's their claim, but I suspect their intentions aren't as pure as they lead people to believe. In my time in Alola I did a little investigation into the Aether Foundation and everything about their work seems incredibly suspicious. I'd like you to do some investigation in my place, I promise to come aid you as soon as I can. Are you willing to do that for me?" Cynthia asked.
"Naturally. You have a good head on your shoulders. If you think something's wrong then it probably is. Though I do have a condition. My son and his friends expressed interest to travel overseas, I'd like to take them with me. Could be a good bonding experience." Palmer said as Cynthia replied with a nod.
"Sure, you're strong enough and I trust your judgement. I wish you good luck." Cynthia said as Palmer nodded and left the room.