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"Charizard, use Blast Burn!" Ash threw the Poké Ball forward with determination.
"ROOOAR!"
Charizard emerged with a thunderous roar. Although Charizard appeared relatively small compared to the massive tank before it, the Fire and Flying-type showed absolutely no fear as it faced down the menacing armored vehicle.
Flames flickered intensely in Charizard's eyes, and the fire on its tail blazed even brighter. Within moments, its entire body became engulfed in scorching flames that radiated tremendous heat.
BOOM! CRASH!
Charizard slammed its fist into the ground with devastating force, and searing flames erupted across the surrounding area. The bottom of the charging tank suddenly cracked open, and a massive pillar of fire blasted upward from beneath it.
WHOOOM!
The explosive power of Blast Burn launched the entire tank high into the air.
As it soared skyward, the anguished cries of Team Rocket's members echoed from inside the metal container.
Despite being protected by the tank's armor, the extreme temperature proved unbearable for them. Finally, the vehicle produced a spectacular explosion in mid-air.
"Looks like we're blasting off again!" The singed trio was sent flying through the sky by the explosion's force.
Watching Ash from behind, Delia's eyes filled with profound pride and relief.
After several minutes, the crisis had been completely resolved. Ash sent out Squirtle to extinguish the remaining fires. Seeing this, Misty and Brock also released their Water-type Pokémon to help douse the flames burning around the area.
Before long, other members of the circus arrived at the scene, and the group returned to the circus grounds together.
"Thank you all so much! Thanks to your help, the Mr. Mime has been saved, and it's even regained its confidence. I truly don't know how to properly express my gratitude!"
Upon arriving back at the circus, Stella expressed her heartfelt thanks to everyone present.
"You're too kind, really. If you want to thank us, then just try not to be quite so strict with your Mr. Mime from now on," Brock responded quickly after hearing her words. This time, he had personally experienced just how demanding Stella could be during training.
"Thank you so much, Mr. Brock!" Stella also offered her sincere appreciation after hearing his gentle advice.
"Well then, we should be saying goodbye!" At that moment, Ash spoke up as well. Although their group of three had temporarily become a group of four with Delia joining them, she would be returning to Pallet Town with them.
"Brock, are you sure you're willing to leave? Miss Stella seems to have developed quite a good impression of you!" Misty looked at Brock walking alongside them and spoke with barely concealed amusement in her voice.
"Uh... forget it... just forget it! I really can't handle Miss Stella's temperament anymore," Brock said, scratching his head in embarrassment after hearing Misty's teasing.
Although Stella was certainly beautiful, and after this incident she would probably be less strict with her Pokémon, Brock still felt somewhat intimidated by her intensity.
"Ha ha ha!"
Ash and Misty couldn't help but burst into laughter upon hearing this confession. Brock felt even more helpless listening to their amusement. For the first time in his life, he had found a girl's personality truly overwhelming, though he probably wouldn't learn his lesson anytime soon.
"Um... Ash, that little one has been following us!" At that moment, Delia suddenly spoke up. She hadn't joined the conversation between the three young trainers because she'd noticed something else.
"Huh?" Ash and Misty stopped walking when they heard her observation. All three of them turned to look behind them and spotted a Mr. Mime standing a short distance away, appearing hesitant while nervously rubbing its hands together.
"It's that Mr. Mime! We really owe it our thanks this time," Misty couldn't help but comment upon seeing it.
Moreover, they recognized this as the same Mr. Mime that Stella had attempted to catch earlier but had failed to capture. Clearly, it hadn't wandered far from the area.
When Delia had grown worried about Ash and decided to follow after him, this Mr. Mime had coincidentally begun following as well, which was how Delia had encountered it.
"Do you want to come with us?"
Ash studied the Pokémon thoughtfully, realizing the situation had developed differently than expected. This Mr. Mime had still ended up meeting his mother—it seemed like some kind of special destiny was at work.
Since he was usually away from home on his journey, his mother spent a lot of time alone at the house. If she took in this Mr. Mime, it could not only keep her company but also help with various household tasks and chores.
Delia and the others were somewhat surprised when they heard Ash's suggestion. The Mr. Mime was also momentarily startled by Ash's words. It glanced at Delia, then nodded with hopeful anticipation.
"What do you think, Mom? Would you like to take this Pokémon in?" Ash turned to Delia and asked gently.
"It's clearly a kind-hearted Pokémon with a strong sense of justice! It would be wonderful to have another good companion at home!" Delia was pleasantly surprised and nodded thoughtfully after considering Ash's suggestion.
"Here!" Upon seeing her agreement, Ash took out a Poké Ball and handed it to Delia. Without hesitation, Delia accepted the Poké Ball from her son.
"Come here, little one!" Delia called out warmly, holding up the Poké Ball.
The Mr. Mime showed no fear whatsoever and ran over happily with excitement. Delia took the Poké Ball and gently tossed it forward, successfully capturing the Mr. Mime inside. There was very little struggle, and the capture was completed quickly.
"Yes! I caught a Mimey!" Delia held up the Poké Ball excitedly and struck the same victorious pose that Ash often used.
"Mimey?"
"That's the new name I've given this little one. Isn't it adorable?" After explaining, Delia winked mischievously like a young girl would.
"Ah, yes, it is!"
"What kind of attitude is that, young man?"
"Okay, okay! Let's head home quickly! I'm getting hungry, Mom!"
"Alright then, I'll make all your favorite foods tonight." After successfully catching Mr. Mime, the group headed back toward Pallet Town in a cheerful, lighthearted atmosphere.
Following all these adventures, darkness had already fallen by the time they returned to Pallet Town. It was just about dinnertime, and Delia began preparing the evening meal.
Brock had originally planned to help in the kitchen, but to everyone's surprise, Mr. Mime took the initiative by putting on an apron and began assisting with remarkable skill and efficiency. If they hadn't witnessed Delia capturing it with a Poké Ball, they might have genuinely wondered if someone was wearing a Mr. Mime costume again.
Regardless of its origins, Delia became even more delighted when she discovered that Mr. Mime possessed such exceptional housekeeping talents.
Ash felt very happy seeing Delia's joyful expression. Returning home after such a long absence filled him with a wonderful sense of warmth and belonging.
After enjoying the delicious dinner prepared by both Delia and Mr. Mime, Misty and Brock settled into the guest accommodations. Although the house wasn't particularly large, there were still spare rooms available for visitors. Meanwhile, Mr. Mime conscientiously went off to wash the dishes without being asked.
"Mom! I'm going to visit Professor Oak!" Although it was already nighttime, Ash had no intention of waiting until the next morning.
"Alright, dear. Just don't stay out too late, and please give Professor Oak my regards!"
Delia didn't object, understanding perfectly well that her son couldn't wait to see all the Pokémon he'd left in the Professor's care.
"I will!"